Kinross 2
Fjordhus Reivers 2
MEN’S EAST DIVISION ONE
FOLLOWING a festive break, Reivers reunited for the bus trip to Kinross and an encounter which is always well contested.
Unfortunately, last year’s habits were not forgotten and the visitors soon leaked an avoidable goal.
A hungrier Kinross continued to be faster to the ball, while Reivers were unable to retain possession with any composure and soon conceded a second goal via a penalty corner.
Any counter attacking failed to penetrate the home rearguard, which looked solid and well organised.
Captain Jonathan Fletcher had firm but encouraging words for his players at the interval, urging them to raise their game.
And it worked. The Borderers upped the ball speed and passing accuracy, forcing their opponents to defend the whole width of the pitch.
Inevitably, holes began to appear in the Fife outfit’s defence which eventually bore fruit when the ball was worked to the back post for Gareth Roberts to sweep home past a sprawling keeper.
This had the hosts rocking as they found it hard to maintain the pace with which they had started the match, allowing the Reivers front runners more space and time.
The equaliser came with Spencer Pitman exploiting cracks in the Kinross defence to net with ease.
There were a tense last few minutes as Reivers pushed for the winner, but were unable to convert pressure into points.
Young Reiver Robbie Lawler, in his men’s league debut, was not overawed by the sometimes physical nature of the game and contributed well in many areas.
Fjordhus Reivers: S. Young, P. Cairns, D. Johnstone, C. Stockdale, P. Conkie, G. Lofthouse, J. Fletcher, J. Bure, C. D. Stockdale, G. Roberts, S. Pitman, R. Lawler.