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A Callum Duncan hat-trick and two Cole Anderson penalties secured maximum points for Locos from an extraordinary game at Princess Royal Park. Duncan’s third early in the second half appeared to have ended the contest but was in fact the first of four goals scored in an incredible 8 minute spell.
There was good news for Locos before the game with Anderson, Lloyd Robertson and Josh Buchan all returning to the starting lineup. However, top scorer Ethan Cairns was unavailable. The opening half hour was a fairly tepid affair. Home goalkeeper Keith Robertshaw got down well to deny Jay Halliday but for the most part when either side got into a good position, the final pass was lacking. When Locos got that right, it was Anderson who found Duncan and he finished low past Robertshaw. Five minutes later Locos doubled their lead. Paul Campbell showed good strength to shake of the attentions of a defender and surged forward before finding Duncan, whose first time shot went in off the post.
Halliday fired over before half time but Duncan sealed his treble just after the restart, firing into the top corner after being picked out by Anderson once more. Locos appeared to be cruising but just a few minutes later Vale pulled a goal back out of the blue. Zack Ellis couldn’t hold Max Stewart’s free kick and Jaydan Bradford was on hand to slot home. Almost immediately, Anderson restored the 3 goal advantage, finishing low to Robertshaw’s left from the spot after he had been brought down by a clumsy challenge from Dem Yunus. Once again though, the hosts replied instantly as Stewart Gray finished smartly from the edge of the box.
At this point the two teams were trading attacks and it felt as though a goal would come with each one. Ellis saved well from Gray before Robertshaw reacted well to keep out an Anderson effort at the near post. As the game began to settle a little, Brody Alberts headed home a corner from the right to once again give his team hope. Anderson’s second penalty of the afternoon gave Locos breathing space once more, this time going to the other side of the goal with his spot kick after he had once again been fouled by Yunus.
With time ticking down Alberts was again on target as a deep cross from the left found it’s way to him at the far post. Locos had to defend a couple of corners in stoppage time but saw the game out to record a seventh Breedon Highland League victory of the seaon and extended their unbeaten run in the competition to 12 matches.
Locos will feel they merited this win but Dean Donaldson will be concerned that, for the second consecutive game, they allowed the opposition back into the game having seeming been in control. He will also be disappointed with the goals conceded and will be looking for improvements as his side face a tough Scottish Gas Scottish Cup tie against Lochee United next week.
