South League    

 Dundonald       0  

 Edinburgh Utd 2                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   
 
 
Dundonald and Edinburgh both knew that whoever won this game would go on to win promotion and be league champions. Suspensions and injury's forced the home side into a few changes which was not ideal for a game of this importance. There was only fifteen seconds gone when Dundonald found themselves one down when a long forward pass saw both central defenders leave the ball for each other. The Edinburgh striker ran in between  them, goalkeeper Lennox saved the shot with his feet but the ball was forced over the line. Lennox then produced

another fine save, from a free kick, to prevent his team going further behind. On loan striker Steven Bathgate had a strong penalty claim turned away when he was pushed inside the box as he was about to shoot. Dundonald were lucky to go further behind when they lost possession in midfield but the Edinburgh player saw his shot rebounded off the post. The home side had another penalty claim when Wallace found space inside the box his goal bound shot seemed to hit the defenders hand but the ref again said no. Edinburgh did increase their lead when a corner into the box allowed their player a free header which he made no mistake with. Dundonald needed a goal before half time to keep them in this game and Lally had a great opportunity but shot wide striking partner Bathgate also a good chance, after he was played in by Duffy, but his shot went over.

Dundonald started the second half with the wind at their backs but never really put Edinburgh under any real pressure and a Duffy free kick was the only save the visitors keeper had to make. As the game drew to close Dundonald were reduced to nine men when first Carr was given a straight red card then Wallace was given his second yellow.

This was a poor home performance by Dundonald and it looks likely that they will not win the league but the management team will have to install some confidence and belief into this side if they are to win their remaining games and gain promotion.

 
 
Picture by George Wallace Photography

Edinburgh United Promoted

Dundonald Bluebell v Edinburgh United - Saturday 22 March 2014

Dundonald Bluebell and Edinburgh United faced each other in this crucial match which would go a long way to decide who would be promoted or finish champions of the McBookie.com South Division of the East Region.

Edinburgh fielded a strong side and although Dundonald had new loan signing Stephen Bathgate up front,  were hit by suspensions and injuries.

United went into the match with "points in the bag" and bookmakers favourites to lift the title and it took them less than 20 seconds to open the scoring. Indecision in the Bluebell defence and opportunism from Hunter saw the striker fire the opener before most of the good crowd had even settled down to watch.

This signalled a period of domination from the visitors who were coping better with the conditions. Home goalkeeper Lennox was a busy man and made a terrific save from Murray to keep the home side in it.

Dundonald finally got into the game and had a reasonable penalty claim turned down when the Kelty loanee Bathgate, looked to be in on goal. However, Edinburgh were always dangerous and with Inglis prominent in midfield, created a number of chances before Fisher hit the upright with a fine effort midway through the half. Inevitably, United added a second when Hunter headed a his own second from a Stewart corner after 25 minutes. Edinburgh threatened to run riot and the home side were hanging on as they struggled to contain the dangerous Edinburgh frontmen, Hunter and Paterson.

Half time Dundonald Bluebell 0 Edinburgh United 2

The home team had the benefit of the wind and slope in the second half but struggled to get the better of the well drilled United defence. However, a well struck Duffy free kick brought away keeper Inglis into action on the hour mark.

Just when it looked like Dundonald's change of formation might bring them back into the game indiscipline cost them and Carr was red carded. Five minutes later, Wallace also saw red for a crude tackle and the home team were down to 9 men and any chance of a fight back was over.

Edinburgh were totally dominant now and Inglis in midfield began to spray passes around at will. United passed up chances for Gordon, Paterson and Fisher.  As the minutes ticked away United's Paterson produced a terrific run before shooting wide when it looked easier to score.

It would be unfair to single any United player out on a day when they performed brilliantly as a team - as for Dundonald Laird gained pass marks on the day but they were always second best.

Congratulations to Edinburgh on promotion and a point in 2 weeks time at Whitburn will see them crowned Champions. It's still mathematically possible for Dundonald to catch the capital men should they lose at Whitburn but they must win each of their remaining fixtures - a tall order. Perhaps promotion is a more reasonable aspiration now but they will have to improve their discipline.

Edinburgh United will be a good addition to the McBookie.com Premier League if they can keep this squad together and continue to improve.

Result  Dundonald Bluebell 0, Edinburgh United 2


Gordon Baird - Neutral Reporter