Two superb strikes enough to see off league rivals Rosyth.

Saturday 8th October 2011.

Kingdom Caledonian League.

Cupar Hearts welcomed league rivals Rosyth Civil Service for a 2nd time this season and were keen to get revenge over their recent defeat. Rosyth threatened straight from the kick off and enjoyed large periods of possession throughout the half. On 10 minutes a good pass by John Little for Hearts found Stuart Beveridge but his drive across the box had no takers. At the other end Greg Curry for Rosyth had a shot just off target before Thomas Lambie had a wild shot well wide. The visitors should have taken the lead when Lee Wilson missed an excellent opportunity. A free kick was sent in by Thomas Lambie after a foul by Stuart Beveridge and Lee Wilson fired wide from close range. Then Rosyth had a penalty claim on 33 minutes when Wilson was brought down but the referee waved play on. With 8 minutes of the half to go Hearts broke the deadlock and in style. An excellent Iain O’Leary run and cross was met by Iain Boylan on the volley and he smashed the ball into the net for a superb finish. Cupar increased their lead 5 minutes before the break with another great goal after hard work from Iain O’Leary. He did well to earn a corner and the ball fell to Stuart Nicoll who blasted the ball home for goal number 2.

It was an even start to the second period with both sides missing chances. First, Lee Wilson had a 30 yard free kick fired straight at the keeper then Thomas Lambie had a shot off target. Iain Boylan for Hearts had a good shot well saved by David Shephard in the visiting goal then Iain O’Leary saw his low drive go wide. Rosyth soon took control of the game and it was no surprise when they pulled a goal back on 70 minutes. The ball was sent into the box and with Hearts failing to clear Callum Perry stabbed the ball over the line. This fired up the visitors who went in search of an equaliser. Lee Wilson had a snapshot go wide before Stuart Nicoll’s effort at the other end was just too high. A good move for the visitors saw Garry Penman square to Fraser Arnot and his shot rattled the cross bar. Cupar introduced substitutes Michael Reilly and Stephen Kane for John Little and Stuart Beveridge respectfully. Moments later Barry Sibanda was through on goal but was forced wide and his final shot hit the side netting. Cupar’s Steven McEwan pulled off an excellent save with minutes to go when he tipped the ball onto the crossbar after Alex Perry fired in a net bound shot. That would be the last of the chances and so Hearts picked up all 3 points with Rosyth questioning how they didn’t take something from the game.

Hearts: McEwan, Halley, McInroy, Fraser, Crawford, O’Leary, Boylan, Nicoll, Little, Sibanda and Beveridge. Subs: Reilly, Kane and McShane.