The Berts fell to two goals in the last 15 minutes of the match against a strong Edinburgh United side at Gardiners Park this afternoon. With a number of absentees, including manager Ross Kinnell, it fell to his assistant Allan Moody to take the reins against opposition who had thrashed the Berts 5-1 this time last season.
It was the visitors who created the early chances and had a goal chalked off for offside on 8 minutes and then a shot wide in the 14th minute.
The Berts then had a spell of pressure with Lee Celentano having a shot blocked and then Craig McGuire shooting just wide. Then the Edinburgh keeper fell on the ball as his momentum took him out of the penalty area on the left flank. The Berts failed to take the quick free-kick and Gregg Robertson's shot went over the bar.
Lochgelly maintained some of the pressure with Colin Jeffrey forcing the Edinburgh keeper into a save and Celentano having his shot blocked by the keeper a minute later. In the 41st minute good play by John McDiarmid created an opportunity for Robertson, who again saw his shot go over the bar. The half finished with McGuire, this time, having a shot saved.
The second half began with the Berts making a change with Lee Reddington coming on for Willie Telford, who had been suffering with injury during the week.
Chris Galloway
In the 47th minute, the Edinburgh number 8 Lumbert had a shot which was well saved by Berts keeper Chris Galloway.
Skipper Andy Barratt's return and first start of the season came to an end after 55 minutes when he was replaced by new signing Chris Hughes with Barratt hopefully suffering no reaction to the injury that had affected his pre-season preparations.
A minute later a shot from outside the box forced Galloway into a fine save with the Edinburgh striker failing to convert the rebound and shot over the bar from close range. A moment later another effort from the visitors went just over the bar too.
It was Robertson's turn to head over from a Hughes free kick before Galloway was in action again with a great save to prevent the visitors taking the lead.
The visitors did take the lead, however in the 75th minute when the Edinburgh number 10 was put through and slotted home.
In the 78th minute Jeffrey then had an effort go just wide. Moments later the third Berts' substitution of the afternoon saw James Davies replaced by Steven Donaldson, who himself had been struggling with a virus in the week.
But a minute later the visitors took a 2-0 lead when the number 11 was put through and also made no mistake with a fine finish.
All in all, the better team won on the day. Edinburgh United looked a strong outfit and provided a stiff test for the Berts on a sunny afternoon in Lochgelly, following on from Wednesday's game with Glenrothes.
Next up for Berts is Tuesday evening's game against amateur side Eastvale at Gardiners Park. Lochgelly will be hoping to get back on the goal trail in their pre-season preparations for the new season.
