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Two late Huntly strikes ensured the points were shared at Christie Park. Locos had got themselves in a strong position through Ethan Cairns’ superb first half brace but a draw was no more than the home side deserved from an entertaining game in blustery conditions.
Cole Donaldson was added to the injury list and was replaced by Paul Campbell in the starting lineup. Huntly made a bright start but it was home goalkeeper Lenny Wilson who was first called into action, tipping Daniel Agnew’s fierce drive over the bar. Zack Ellis then made a similar save at the other end. The swirling wind was causing some problems but Cairns gave Locos the lead nine minutes from the break with a superb solo effort. Picking the ball up in his own half, he drove into the penalty area before finishing emphatically. The second came just a few minutes later. Campbell was picked out behind the defence and slipped the ball to Cairns, who showed neat footwork to beat a defender before curling past Wilson right-footed.
Cairns’ brace gave Locos a boost in an otherwise even contest and Huntly looked to get themselves back into the game after the break. They’d put a number of efforts narrowly off target before Ellis produce a fine save to keep out a Sam McLean free kick. At the other end, Locos had opportunities to kill the game off and again it was Cairns giving the home defence a torrid time. Twice he borke into the penalty area down the left. Wilson blocked his attempt on the first occasion, while on the second he cut back for Campbell who couldn’t keep his shot down.
Those missed opportunities would cost Locos. As the final ten minutes approached, a Huntly corner wasn’t cleared. Ellis reacted superbly to keep out one effort but couldn’t prevent Andy Hunter nodding in from close range. The home side sensed an opportunity to get something from the game and the leveller came in stoppage time from another corner, on this occasion it was Owen Morris lashing home.
It was a frustrating end to the game for Locos and Dean Donaldson will be disappointed that his team could hang on to their advantage. He won’t be happy with the manner of the goals conceded either, but the result was a fair reflection of the game and Locos hold on to second place in the table and remain unbeaten since the opening day.
Locos are on the road again next week when face Deveronvale at Princess Royal Park.
