Top of the table clash sees the points shared.

Saturday 29th October 2011.

Kingdom Caledonian League.

It was a top of the table clash when Cupar Hearts welcomed Leven United to Duffus Park. Both teams had a 100% league record heading into the match and so 3 points would open a gap at the top. As expected it was an even start to the game with both sides matching each other with pace and skill. Leven had a corner sent in on 9 minutes but Grant Fraser was on hand to clear the danger. Then Barry Sibanda had a half chance after a good Iain Boylan cross but the keeper saved easily. Another good cross this time by Barry Sibanda gave Stuart Beveridge a good chance but he was unlucky to hit the side netting. On 22 minutes a long throw by Stuart Beveridge found Grant Fraser and he did well to win a corner but Hearts couldn’t capitalise. One minute later Iain O’Leary just headed wide then Iain Boylan’s long range effort went the wrong side of the post. Moments later Leven broke forward but excellent defending by Charles Anderson ensured that the sides went into the break all square.

Cupar Hearts started the second half with a strong claim for a penalty after 5 minutes when there appeared to be a handball in the box but the referee waved on. An excellent run by Iain O’Leary set up Barry Sibanda but his effort was deflected out. Leven’s number 8 had 2 chances, his first shot went high over then his long range effort was saved. Hearts continued to press and a good move down the right produced the opening goal on the hour mark. Stuart Beveridge sent in a perfectly placed cross and Barry Sibanda was on hand to fire in from close range to the roar of the home support. Leven didn’t take this lightly and upped their game in search of an equaliser. Keeper Steven McEwan was called into action and made an excellent save to stop the visitors.

Then another great Stuart Beveridge cross went begging when there was no one in the area to finish. Moments later Iain O’Leary fired wide from a corner then at the other end Steven McEwan made a good save with his feet when the Leven forward shot from close range. Another save this time a punch out fell to Leven’s number 9 but his effort sailed high over the bar. The visitors kept the pressure on and it would finally pay off with 10 minutes remaining. Poor defending by Hearts saw the ball kicked out and from the resulting corner John Dixon at the back post found the net to level the scores. Both teams had chances in the closing minutes but neither side could find the target and a draw looked like a fair result. At the final whistle the spoils were shared and the teams remain equal on points at the top of the table.

Ceres Butchers meat tray winner was L. Hampstead.

Hearts: McEwan, Anderson, Fraser, McInroy, Gilfillan, O’Leary, Boylan, Beveridge, Nicoll, Reilly, Sibanda, Simpson, Halley, McShane and Kane.