Lochar hit six to go top

LOCHAR Thistle moved into top spot in the South of Scotland League following a 6-0 victory away to Nithsdale Wanderers last Saturday.

From the off Lochar played with a high tempo and fast intensity and were a constant threat to the hosts.

In a blistering first half Thistle rattled in five goals. The first came after 13 minutes when Kyle Braid volleyed home at the second attempt after his first effort was well saved by the Dale keeper.

The lead was doubled on 17 minutes when Braid split the defence to release Craig McKeand down the right, the full back laying his cross on a plate for Scott Milligan to side foot home.

Straight from the Nithsdale kick off Lochar pressed with Lewis Todd and Milligan forcing an error which ended with Milligan releasing Todd who calmly slotted home.

Lochar were in a rampant mood and made it four on 25 minutes with McKeand again at the forefront, Greig Corbett found the big full back marauding down the right and his inviting cross was dummied by Milligan, which left Finlay Kennedy the chance to fire home.

The fifth goal came on 38 minutes when Dev Nicholson’s cross from the right was partially cleared, with Kennedy taking full advantage to head into the net.

The second half started with the visitors again on the offensive. And the sixth goal came on 50 minutes when Todd’s ball was well controlled by Milligan who rifled past the keeper into the top corner of the net.

In a rare Nithsdale attack on 75 minutes, assistant manager Sam Warren, in goals as a result of Konar Pietsch being unavailable, made a superb diving save to keep his clean sheet in tact.

Victory means Thistle are currently ahead of Stranraer Reserves on goal difference, although, the young Blues have a game in hand.

Their attention now turns to defending the Alba Cup. They head to Raydale Park, Gretna on Friday night to face Lochmaben.

Elsewhere, Abbey Vale’s league match at home to Dalbeattie was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch.

The New Abbey side are due to be at home again this Saturday as they entertain Stranraer Reserves in the first round of the Cree Lodge Cup.