saints grab crucial win

Tayport................................0

In Wednesday evening’s north Fife derby, hosts St. Andrews United claimed the Super League points.

But visiting Tayport were left deeply frustrated by the referee’s decision to award Saints a 55th minute penalty kick.

‘Port defender Clark Kay looked to have made a good tackle inside the box, playing the ball to safety, only for the match official to point to the spot to the disbelief of the Tayport contingent.

United’s Paddy Deane was unperturbed by all the fuss and he calmly stroked home the spot kick, which proved to be the match-winning goal.

Other than that counter, there had been little to separate the sides, and little in the way of opportunities for either team.

Tayport had started the game in positive fashion.

Midfielder Scott Finlay had a shot blocked then won a corner when he fired the ball towards the near post.

Alan Tulleth and Clark Kay both saw free kicks saved by ‘keeper Darren Clarkson during the opening spell, but St Andrews then began to assert themselves.

However, the closest they came to a goal during the first half was a Ricky Patrick volley which flew over the bar towards half-time.

While Tayport came out in determined mood after the break, it was United who gained the upper hand, thanks to striker Deane’s conversion.

In response, Tayport’s Alan Tulleth was just over with a free kick, but the visitors were unable to create anything clear-cut.

At the other end, Saints came close to a second goal when Deane found fellow striker Barry Sibanda, whose effort was deflected wide for a corner. The miss was not crucial though, as St. Andrews comfortably held on to claim the local bragging rights.