Following the previous away win at Carlisle we saw the return of Shay McCartan and the introduction of Kiwi U-17 international Cameron Howieson. Howieson had finally received his international clearance after his move from Mosgiel in New Zealand and McCartan was back after scoring for Norn Iron in the U-19 Euro qualifiers.
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| Jack Errington - set up the winner |
The game was only minutes old when Adam Evans released McCartan down the right. He beat his man easily and slotted under the keeper into the back of the net to give the Clarets an early lead. The visitors could have had an instant reply as they were awarded a free kick just outside the box, but Josh Cook got across well to tip over the bar.
We were playing some good stuff with debutant Howieson showing well. On the quarter hour mark we could have extended our lead as a right wing cross found Archie Love. His shot though, cleared the bar.
It was a minor setback for us though and five minutes later we did get the 2nd. It was McCartan once more, as we saw some neat interplay between Howieson, Charlie Holt, and Love. Alex Mullin was put in on the left wing and his cross was clipped home by the Ulsterman to get his 7th of the season.
We were in control. PNE were a strong side and, physically, capable of dominating. They were certainly not scared of putting a firm foot in – but we were showing well. However, in the 35th minute they got a foothold. A corner from the left wing hung on the breeze and found its way into the back of the net. It may have gone straight in. It may have been helped over by a bustling PNE player. It wasn’t clear how, but the visitors had pulled it back to 2-1.
McCartan nearly claimed his hat-trick immediately as the PNE keeper allowed a shot to squirm through his grasp, but he recovered in time to smother on the line. Aryn Williams was also booked for a slightly cynical challenge on the retreat. The half drew to a close with one goal in it and we were forced to make a change as U-16 full back Holt succumbed to the effects of a firm challenge. Jack Errington took the field in his place, slotting into the unfamiliar left back role.
The 2nd half was minutes old and PNE drew level. It was a poor goal to concede and sadly an individual error, as Cook misjudged a swirling cross and palmed the ball into the back of the net.
Love could have given us the lead with a sharp free kick, but the keeper held well. Howieson was then booked for blocking a goal kick. The dead ball was allowed to be taken outside the box but, hey, why let logic get in the way of a refereeing decision.
We did manage to take the lead on the 70th minute mark and it was due mainly to the 1st year centre half filling in at left back. Errington ran onto a ball up the left wing and clipped it over the first challenge. He then rode the second challenge and cut into the box. Looking up he fired over a firm cross and Evans rose at the front post to glance into the top corner.
Gilchrist came on for Howieson and PNE had an effort deflected wide by the solid Tom Anderson, but the game ended with a fair result. The lads played well today and certainly deserved a win against the top of the league.
Team:- Josh Cook, Aryn Williams, Charlie Holt (Jack Errington) Tom Anderson, Alex Coleman, Adam Evans, Alex Mullin, Steven Hewitt, Archie Love, Cameron Howieson (Jason Gilchrist) Shay McCartan.
Subs not use; Callum Jakovlevs, Jordan Scott.