Scottish League One: Three things we learned as Peterhead usher in new era
It was another dramatic week in the third tier as all 10 teams returned to league business…
Kelty return to winning ways as Robertson’s tenure gets off to a bad start
Kelty Hearts 3-0 Peterhead
Peterhead marked the beginning of the David Robertson era with a defeat as Kelty Hearts ran out comfortable winners at New Central Park.
Thomas O’Ware was first on the scoresheet for the Maroon Machine a minute after the restart with both teams having entered the break goalless. The hosts’ doubled their advantage with seven minutes remaining as Nicky Low slotted home the spot-kick, while Andrew McDonald reduced the visitors to ten-men.
Alfredo Agyeman compounded an afternoon to forget for the Blue Toon as he sealed the points for the home side in the final minute of normal time.
The victory for John Potter’s charges gives them their first win since October and strengthens the gap between second-bottom Clyde to 11 points.
Former Aberdeen and Rangers defender Robertson was announced as Jim McInally’s successor on Monday, marking 15 years since he last managed in Scotland with Montrose. The 54-year-old was recently the manager of I-League Indian club Real Kashmir for five years.
His first home match in charge will be against Clyde in a couple of weeks’ time, a game which could have a massive impact on both team’s future as a League One club.
Whereas, a trip to Queen of the South awaits Kelty after their participation in the Fourth Round of the SPFL Trust Trophy next weekend.
Kelty Hearts manager, John Potter said: “We started the game really well, which is something we have spoken about the past few weeks. I think throughout the whole 90 minutes we were the better team in moving the ball around and creating chances. So, I’m delighted with the performance.”
Peterhead manager, David Robertson said: “After being away for a long time, I did want to come back into this environment. It happened quicker than I thought it would. We are in a tough spot, but there are enough points there to put a run together. It’s important we get a couple of weeks to work on players. The reaction from the players has been great in the time we’ve had them.”
League leaders falter as they share the spoils with Queen’s
Dunfermline Athletic 1-1 Queen of the South
Dunfermline’s lead at the top of the summit was reduced to five points as they rescued a draw with Queen of the South at East End Park.
Ruari Paton broke the deadlock for the Doonhamers seconds before the interval until Nikolay Todorov hauled the Pars level in the 67th minute, which ultimately avoided a first home defeat since May.
Despite maintaining their strong position at the top of the table, James McPake’s men have won three of their last six league matches and will view the result as two points dropped.
However, the visitors, in light of their inconsistent form of late, will view it as a positive result. Although, they remain seventh, the Dumfries club are aiming to manoeuvre their way into the promotion picture and find themselves five points below fourth-place Montrose.
With both teams involved in the Challenge Cup next week, they aren’t back in league action until a fortnight’s time when Dunfermline visit Airdrieonians and Queen’s welcome Kelty Hearts to Palmerston.
Dunfermline Athletic manager, James McPake said: “We are disappointed to come away without the three points, but I think we have to give huge credit to Willie [Gibson] and Queen of the South. In term of the game, to be brutally honest, I think a draw is a fair result, we weren’t at our best today, we know that, but sometimes the opposition come and give you problems.”
Queen of the South player-manager, Willie Gibson said: “You sometimes don’t get what you deserve out of football and that was it in a nutshell today. We were perfect all over the park and on another day, would’ve probably came away with all three, but a point against the team sitting top of the league, it wasn’t a bad result.”
Falkirk slip up yet again as Diamonds stretch unbeaten run
Falkirk 1-1 Airdrieonians
Airdrieonians extended their unbeaten run to five matches as a Callum Smith equaliser snatched a point against fellow promotion hopefuls Falkirk at The Falkirk Stadium.
Kai Kennedy broke the deadlock for the Bairns after 26 minutes and they were holding onto their slender lead when Smith brought the visitors back on level terms with 12 minutes remaining.
The result, coupled with Edinburgh’s 2-0 victory over Clyde, meant Falkirk have conceded second-spot and slipped to third. The Bairns are three games unbeaten in the league, however, they haven’t enjoyed back-to-back wins since October, which if not remedied quickly, could cost them in the long run.
Meanwhile, Rhys McCabe’s Diamonds maintain their unbeaten run and look to have put their winless streak firmly behind them. The North Lanarkshire side remain sixth as they continue their attempt to climb back into the top four for the first time since October.
Airdrie will welcome Dunfermline to the Excelsior Stadium after their two week break, while Falkirk are on the road to Alloa.
Falkirk manager, John McGlynn said: “It was certainly two points dropped. Our performance was very good overall and in the opening half hour we dominated. Ourselves and Airdrie are both two good attacking-minded footballing teams, so there were always going to be chances. We should’ve been further ahead, but we didn’t find that important second goal. We’ve been doing that for weeks now- creating opportunities and not taking them, that will have to change.”
Airdrieonians player-manager, Rhys McCabe said: “I think overall, in terms of chances created throughout the game, we had the better, but coming away from home against a team who have been on good form, it keeps that unbeaten run going. I’m not too happy, but we will have to settle for it.”
Results:
Clyde 0-2 Edinburgh
Montrose 0-0 Alloa Athletic
Scottish League One Table: As It Stands