Another Three Solid Points For Gowfers

On Sunday, Carnoustie made the return trip to Westfield Park, Denny, to meet host club Dunipace Juniors in the final of the George Hunter Trophy.

Manager Ian Flaherty made several changes to the side that had triumphed over a St Johnstone XI the previous day. ‘Chipper’ Whyte was between the sticks from the start, Sean Muhsin moved forward to midfield and Steven Cook took over the vacated right-back spot. Dougie Craig and James Collier were also on from the start with Gary Bollan and Jon Kelly dropping to the bench where they were joined by George O’Boyle, spare goalkeeper John McCafferty and local lad Scott Robertson. Daryn Smith was unavailable.

With just three minutes gone, Carnoustie had a chance to take the lead, but Collier shot wide of Cowan’s right-hand post.

Next minute, the Gowfers had another half-chance after Muhsin picked out Conway on the left. Cutting inside, he spotted Cowan off his line and tried to chip the ball home, but the ‘keeper scrambled back in time to take the catch.

Carnoustie continued to press and were rewarded with the opening goal in five minutes. A long clearance from Whyte reached CONWAY, who controlled the ball well before slipping it past the advancing ‘keeper into the net.

In nine minutes, Dunipace won a free kick on the left, but S.McCafferty put the ball straight to Whyte.

Three minutes later, Muhsin was threatening to break clear when he was hauled down by Graham McMillan. Conway dinked the resultant free kick over the wall, but Cowan took it cleanly.

Dunipace came more into the game, but in 28 minutes Carnoustie had a chance to increase their lead. Abbot played a great ball through to Collier, but he delayed too long and Pincombe was able to put in a tackle and clear the danger.

In 34 minutes, Cook took the ball forward and picked out Steele, but before he could get off a shot he was fouled by Gary McMillan. Scott’s free kick rebounded off the defensive wall and STEELE was quickest to react, thumping the ball low into the back of the net, giving Cowan no chance.

Three minutes later, the Gowfers came close to adding to their tally after Steele was fouled by Smith 30 yards out. Cook’s free kick picked out Wilkie, who headed narrowly over the top.

In 41 minutes, Voigt took a pass from Muhsin on his chest and as the ball dropped to the ground he fired in a shot, but Cowan brought off a fine save.

Half Time : Dunipace Juniors 0 Carnoustie Panmure 2

Whyte, Scott and Collier were replaced by J.McCafferty, Robertson and Kelly at the interval.

Within a minute of the restart, Carnoustie almost went three up when Cook linked well with Muhsin, who sent in a good cross, but Voigt’s head-flick flashed just wide of Cowan’s left upright.

In 51 minutes, Cowan kept Dunipace in touch with a brilliant save from a Conway free kick, tipping the ball over at the expense of a fruitless corner.

Four minutes later, Steele made a good run up the right and sent in a low hard cross, but the ‘keeper got down to make the save before Kelly could get the necessary touch.

Carnoustie again came close in 67 minutes when Voigt got his head to a Conway corner, but powered the ball just wide with the ‘keeper beaten.

In 69 minutes, Conway, who had to go off to work, was replaced by O’Boyle.

Next minute Dunipace were awarded an indirect free kick just inside the edge of the box after a Muir shot struck Cook and was deflected back towards ‘keeper McCafferty., who picked the ball up. The referee rather harshly decided it was a pass back and penalised the Gowfers. S.McCafferty took the kick but J. McCafferty brought off a great save, turning he ball rough the post for a corner.

In 75 minutes, Robertson was adjudged to have fouled Muir inside the box and the referee immediately pointed to the spot. McILLUFF stepped up and fired the ball past J.McCafferty to give Dunipace a lifeline.

The home side’s joy, however, was short-lived as just two minutes later a Voigt cross was deflected out to STEELE, who took a touch before driving an unsaveable shot between the post and the ‘keeper to restore the Gowfers’ two goal lead.

In 82 minutes, Kelly almost made it 4-1 when he jinked his way through then flicked the ball goal wards only to see Toner deflect it past for a corner. Muhsin’s flag kick picked out Wilkie, who headed just wide.

There were no further chances at either end and the referee’s final whistle brought with it Carnoustie’s first silverware of the season.

Line-Ups:

Dunipace Juniors : Cowan, Toner, Pincombe, Graham McMillan, Gary McMillan, Smith, McIlluff, Cairney, Muir, S.McCafferty, Fox

Substitutes – Renny, Shaw, Cullen, Adam, Strachan (GK)

Carnoustie Panmure : Whyte (McCafferty 46), Cook, Scott (Roberston 46), Craig, Wilkie, Abbot, Steele, Muhsin, Collier (Kelly 46), Voigt, Conway (O’Boyle 69).

Substitute Not Used – Bollan

Match Report Courtesy Of Guide & Gazette Newspaper (Friday July 27th)

Click here to view photos from the game.