On the back of two close defeats, the pressure was on for Lochore to record their first win of the season. A home game to Preston Athletic was an opportunity but with the visitors finishing last season strongly, it was always going to be a tough match.

Lochore were missing club captain Scott Small to suspension and goalkeeper Declan Morgan who was working away. The player availability made a horrific turn for the worst in the warm up when highly rated youngster Tyler Dickson, who signed permanently from East Fife last month, fell awkwardly and broke his collar bone. We wish Tyler a speedy recovery and hope to see him back on the pitch as soon as possible!

The match started with Preston on top for the first 10 mins - enjoying most of the possession without creating any chances. Lochore grew into the game with some good hold up play from Logan Donaldson and Gregg Page, winning fouls which gave Lochore the opportunity to put lots of balls into the box. With an obvious height advantage, this seemed like an opportunity for the Welfare.

Lochore grew into the game and took advantage of that height advantage on the 29th minute when Lucas Reilly whipped in a fantastic pin-point free kick to the back post where ETHAN ANDERSON rose the highest to head the ball into the opposite corner. The goal may have been slighty against the run of play but gave Lochore a foothold to take control of the game.

Preston had a chance when Nicky Reid played a nice flicked through ball into the box for Jack Gillan, who powered a volley on target, only for Lochore's step-in trialist keeper to parry well.

Preston were strong down the left hand side with Yrick Gallentes and Nicky Reid putting causing some trouble with nice link up play and strong a strong work ethic. Preston capitalised on a mistake in the 37th minute when Lochore failed to clear their lines, with NICKY REID showing great footwork and managing to sneak a shot through the Lochore defence into the bottom right corner to equalise.

Lochore had a cracking chance when the ball was worked through to Gregg Page who unleashed a powerful dipping volley from 20 yards, with it cracking the crossbar and staying in play.

Half-Time - 1-1 and the game wide open - both teams looking to get the next goal in the second half.

The second half started stuffy and stop-start - with both teams not creating much early on. Preston enjoyed a little bit more of the ball but it never amounted to much as Lochore stifled them and looked to get in behind.

With both teams defending well and limiting each others chances, it was going to take a moment of magic to create the winner. That came in the 59th minute when Calum Murray, who was playing further up the pitch than he usually does, turned into prime Lionel Messi on the left hand side of the box, with a brilliant double fake cross and cruyff turn and then a left foot perfectly-hung cross at the back post for MICHAEL WATT to header home, beating Gallentes to the ball.

The goal kicked Lochore on, with more chances coming later in the half. Midfielder Jude Black was through on goal down the left hand side but couldn't quite open his body enough to curl it round the keeper, with Sean Cusick arguing he should have squared it!

Lochore were defending resolutely from Preston's advances, however in times they could have cleared the ball better, allowing Preston to prolong attacks.

In a mix-up at the back, the Preston Athletic keeper got caught on the ball by Logan Donaldson, who would argue that he was pulled back by the keeper. The ball eventually fell to Gregg Page around 15 yards out who had an open goal in sight but his shot clipped the post, rolling to safety.

Preston Athletic had a chance to equalise late on when some nice wing play down the right led to a dinked cross into the middle for Jack Gillan who headed over from around 8 yards out. That was their opportunity of the half and the Preston player will be frustrated with himself for not hitting the target.

Lochore finished strong as they managed the game into injury time, with Logan Donaldson, Sean Cusick and Ru Allan doing well to run down time at a corner flag and Brandon Callaghan running his heart out to block defenders long passes and put them under pressure.

The full time whistle brought a deserved victory and some relief to Lochore who got their first points on the board.

Man of the Match was ETHAN ANDERSON for his goal and strong defensive performance.

Lochore's next match is away to Easthouses Lily on Saturday 9th August.

Attendance: 95