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Locos bounced back from midweek defeat to secure victory at Harlaw Park. A goal in each half from Jay Halliday and Logan Johnstone leaves the Railwaymen with three wins from the opening four matches of the season. With Cole Anderson only fit enough for the bench, the only change to the starting eleven from Wednesday’s reverse at Brechin was the return of Nathan Meres from suspension.
Clach were also looking to get back on track having dropped their first points of the season during the week, but it was Locos who started the fastest with veteran stopper Joe Mallin called upon to deny both Aidan Wilson and Blair Smith in the opening stages. Halliday also brought a save from Mallin before opening the scoring on 38 minutes. Johnstone did well to find Greg Mitchell and his cross was perfect for Halliday to nod home.
Smith curled an effort just off target on the verge of half time and with Allan MacPhee’s tame shot straight at Zack Ellis the best the Lillywhites could muster in the opening 45 minutes, Locos will have been disappointed not to be further ahead going into the break.
Ellis had to be alert to keep out James Anderson early in the second half as the visitors applied some pressure. After Mallin had again saved from Wilson, that pressure was eased as Locos extended their lead. Meres ball from the right evaded everybody in the six yard box but Johnstone arrived at the far post to fire home his second goal in as many home games.
With more than half an hour remaining, Clach went looking for a way back into it but with the game stretched, it was Locos who looked more likely to add to the scoring. Logan Johnstone’s fierce drive was beaten away well by Mallin and Wilson saw another shot just off target. Locos were grateful to Ellis though, who prevented Clachnacuddin getting a glimmer of hope 12 minutes from time, saving from MacPhee who had broken clear of the defence.
This was another assured display and Dean Donaldson was pleased with the performance. “I think the boys from start to finish were at it” the gaffer said. “First half we created four or five really good chances that we really need to do better with. Second half, against the wind, they had a couple of spells but I think we were still dominating the game.”
Next week we make the short trip to Aberdeen to face in-form Banks o’ Dee before beginning our defence of the Aberdeenshire Cup away at Formartine United on 21st August.
