Arniston Rangers 1 Newburgh 2 Deserved Burgh Off The Mark With Well Earned Win The Burgh travelled to Arniston with the strongest available line up that’s been available all season, with a determination to get the season up and running – and that is, thankfully, what they got. The home side got off to the better of the early chances, but – unlike last week – Burgh avoided any early goals with keeper David Chalmers in good form again stopping a chance from Moore in the 6th minute. Miller also had a chance for the hosts in the 18th minute with a header from a corner hitting the bar and going over. But the midfield held firm, supported the defence and had a hand in providing the opening goal for Newburgh in the 24th minute for Kellar Harris. It was almost a carbon copy of Kellar’s goal at Dalkeith on the opening day, with the exception it was a cross from the left wing by Michael Perrie, and not the injured Jamie Gay, which presented the Burgh no.11 with the gift to knock home from close range. Moments later the visitors could, and probably should have, doubled their lead when Josh Doyle rose the highest to head just over a cross from Andrew Cameron on the left. Chalmers and the defence, including debutant Connell White at right back at the last minute due to injury to Harris Mitchell, held firm and prevented Arniston getting on the scoresheet. Kellar Harris nearly made it 2-0 just before half time when from close range he poked the ball under the body of home keeper McQueen and there was debate whether the ball had crossed the line before being hacked clear. The ref was unconvinced and waved play on. Burgh did get their second in the 55th minute when Rory Marshall picked the ball up about 10 yards outside the Arniston area and taking a couple of steps with the ball and unleashing an unstoppable shot into the top left and corner for a brilliant strike. It was the sort of goal you just know Rory has in him, and it was great reward for a dominating performance in the middle of the park. There was concern when Burgh lost both attacking options of Perrie and Harris to injuries midway through the second half, and there was a flurry of yellow cards as the home side were getting frustrated with the way the game was going whilst the visitors were desperate to hold onto their lead. As the game approached the 96th minute, the clean sheet went out the window when defender Struan Grieve was adjudged to have committed a foul. Keeper Chalmers kept up his impressive display to dive to his left to save the spot kick, but Stephen Anderson was quickest to the loose ball to knock home a consolation with almost the last kick of the game. It was a much-deserved performance and win for the Burgh. There’s still so much to do, but the team deserve the results of their work. The club have had an extremely difficult 2022 on and off the park, but this will give a vital tonic that better times are ahead. Across the pitch were great performances with Chalmers, Doyle and Cameron particularly impressive and solid at the back. For me personally, the stand out performance came from Calum Anderson in the defensive midfield role (as well as Davie Byrne) who I thought were outstanding and for me he would be my Man of the Match. Of course, a mention for Rory’s goal too and Perrie’s pin-point cross for Kellar’s goal too. A very encouraging display from the whole squad – well done, enjoy your evening and keep it up! https://www.newburghjfc.com/.../match.../1-10665634/report
