Lochore could go into this match with some confidence, on the back of two league wins in a row! Luncarty had only managed two points from their opening matches so far so were looking to record their first win of the season.

It was a sweltering day and the ground was rock hard - great for the supporters but more difficult for the players. Lochore seen two changes in their starting 11 from their win last week against Easthouses. Lucas Reilly dropped to the bench with Illness and Gregg Page was attending a wedding. New loan signing Raymond 'Mando' Reddington started up front with alongside Sean Cusick, both having been promoted to a starting position.

A minute's silence was held for former Luncarty player Michael Dott, who had sadly passed away earlier in the week only having been in his mid-forties. He had been a stalwart amongst the top perth sides, playing for Luncarty, Kinnoull and Bankfoot and had more recently been a coach at Jeanfield Swifts. The minutes silence was ahered to impeccably by players and supporters alike, showing respect for the man who was taken too soon.

The match started relatively fast paced and it didn't take long for Lochore to put the pressure on. Luncarty were a youthful team - energetic but smaller in stature on average. Lochore broke the deadlock early on when a long throw by Ethan Anderson on the left hand side was flicked on by Michael Watt, with RAYMOND REDDINGTON getting the slightest of final touches to claim the goal. 1-0 Lochore, off to a great start.

The pressure from Lochore continued in the first half, with a number of chances just not quite managing to find the back of the net, mainly down to some heroics from the Luncarty keeper. First up Jude Black had a great chance after a cut back from Reddington in the box. Whilst Black was able to get it on target, the keeper was able to stretch out his long reach and push it round the post. Next to have a go was Calum Murray, who acrobatically flicked the ball at decent pace into the top corner from only 10 yards out - again the keeper equal to it, making a brilliant one handed save. Sean Cusick also met a ball cleanly from the corner at the back post and powered a header towards the roof of the net but the Octopus-like goalkeeper was again able to push past the post.

The 2nd goal did eventually arrive in the shape of a header from a set play. Logan Donaldson flighted a high ball from the right hand side to the back post area, where it was met by MICHAEL WATT, who lifted his header over the keeper and towards goal, with the Luncarty defence failing to clear, it ended up in the back of the net.

Luncarty failed to create much in the first half but did have a threat of a very long throw, although the Lochore defence did manage to deal with them all relatively well.

Half time and Luncarty could feel lucky to only be 2-0 down, with Lochore feeling they should have had at least 3 goals in that half, if not more.

The first period of the second half seen the game turn into a cagey affair, with neither team playing much football. Lochore had lost their handle on the game and were forcing things up the pitch without much composure.

Neither team created many chances and Lochore started to defend a bit deeper. Luncarty were starting to create a few more attacking opportunities but nothing clear cut. Both teams made substitutes and Luncarty really started to grow into the game. It was on 75 mins when the Luncarty right winger done well to win the ball and then put a cross into the box in a dangerous area. Lochore keeper Dylan Fleming came to catch the ball but collided with the Luncarty forward. The ball fell to Jack Johnsons feet and he finished into an empty net. Lochore felt that their keeper had been fouled - maybe one for VAR or the match highlights!

Luncarty continued to put pressure on - with a large amount of long throws into the box - again defended relatively well by Lochore but it was only a matter of time before one would come off. That exact thing happened in the 85th min when RANNOCH RAMSAY headed home from a long through, only a few yards away from goal.

In the final minutes Lochore made a spirited push to find a winner and thought they had one when the ball fell to Sean Cusick 8 yards out with only the keeper to beat. Excitement took over and Cusick flashed it wide, missing the opportunity to take all 3 points for the home team.

Final whistle: 2-2 and Lochore would be frustrated with their second half performance, having been so firmly in control up until half time. The result puts Lochore in 4th place with 7 points from 5 games. Luncarty are in 14th place with 3 points from 5 games. Its going to a wide open league this year with everyone able to beat each other. Next up Lochore take on Tynecastle at home on Saturday 23rd August.

Lochore Welfare F.C.

Lochore Welfare FC

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