Kelso United
Saturday 5th May
Hawick Royal Albert 1 Kelso United 2
United completed their league programme with a fine win over a vastly improved Hawick side. Two strikes by top scorer Des Burnett sealed victory in a hard fought Borders derby at a sunny Albert Park.
The visitors took the lead after only 7 minutes when Aaron Swailes latched onto a long ball from the back, the young striker headed the ball past Hawick manager Lawrie Dunn and was bearing down on goal only to upended by the experienced defender. Referee John Weir had no hesitation pointing to the penalty spot and booking Dunn in the process. Des Burnett duly dispatched the penalty passed the diving Andy Jack.
Hawick came more into the game midway through the first half and a Lawrie Dunn header just went over the bar from a corner on the right this was followed by good work down the left by Danny May who crossed for Andy Noble at the back post but the winger’s effort went wide.
On the half hour mark Albert keeper Andy Jack was at full stretch to tip over a Des Burnett shot after some good midfield play from Liam Wallace and Damien McNulty.
The home side were awarded a penalty in the 33rd minute when United defender bundled over Danny May on the right side of the box. Up stepped Kris O’Neill to take the spot kick but United keeper got down well to his right to save the penalty.
Another chance fell the visitor’s way four minutes later when a long kick from the keeper was headed on by Des Burnett into the path of Jamie Swailes whose left foot shot hit the legs of Andy Jack and was cleared.
The second half was only gone three minutes when again Hawick keeper Andy Jack had to be alert and this time he managed to get a hand to a Jordan Lauder drive deflecting the ball onto the crossbar and away.
Hawick equalised in the 53rd minute a corner on the right by Jay Paterek was squared to the 18 yard line where Kris O’Neill dummied and let the ball through for Andy Noble who unleashed a powerful right foot shot which hit the back of the net before David Simmonds moved.
Jordan Lauder then had a couple of chances for United when he waltzed through four tackles inside the Hawick box but his shot went past the right hand post, this was followed by a strong run down the left but again his strike went wide.
United collected the points with six minutes to go, a good shot from Chris Tait at the edge of the box was parried by the home keeper and Des Burnett was first to react forcing the ball over the line from 4 yards out.
Kelso team: D Simmonds, S Tait, G Mabon, S Harker ( M Lockhart 54), D McNulty, J Swailes ( C Webb 56),C Tait, A Swailes, D Burnett, L Wallace, J Lauder
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Wednesday 2nd May
Kelso United 2 Peebles Rovers 0
Top scorer Des Burnett added a double to his tally and secured the points for United at Woodside Park on Wednesday night. The Tweedsiders were always in control of the game and should have had more goals than the two but a catalogue of missed chances always gave the visitors a chance of coming back into the contest.
The home team got off to a flyer and were in front in the 2nd minute when a long ball from defence by Stuart Harker found Des Burnett just inside the Rovers half, the striker outpaced defender Craig Nesbit and neatly tucked a shot beyond keeper John Nesbit.
Five minutes later and Jamie Swailes picked up the ball in midfield and drove forward before unleashing a fierce shot which went just over the bar.
It was midway through the half before Rovers had an effort on goal when Barry Gordon had a shot but his effort was well saved by David Simmonds in the United goal.
The home team went further in front just before the half hour mark when a good ball down the right channel by Jamie Swailes found Des Burnett and the no 9 made no mistake blasting a right foot shot home from 8 yards.
The second half started at a pedestrian pace and it was the 70th minute before a chance was created, good play between Liam Wallace and Des Burnett saw the former have a good shot saved by the visitor’s keeper. Five minutes later Des Burnett should have had his hat trick when he was through one on one with the keeper but his shot hit James Nesbit leg and went behind.
The Rovers keeper was lucky not to be sent off with ten minutes to go when he upended Aaron Swailes outside the penalty box but referee Evan Cairns decided it was only a yellow.
Des Burnett had another chance with five minutes to go when Chris Tait squared a ball from the right into the path of the striker but again with just the keeper to beat blasted well over the bar.
Peebles might have had a late consolation goal when Greig Shortreed missed from six yards after a scramble in the United box.
Kelso team : D Simmonds, S Tait, D Richardson ( G Mabon 65), S Harker , D McNulty , J Swailes , C Tait , A Swailes , D Burnett, L Wallace ( M Lockhart 83), J Lauder
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Saturday 28th April
Eyemouth United 3 Kelso United 2
Although the season is drawing to a close this was hard fought encounter with both teams creating plenty chances in front of goal. The first half produced five goals and with defences tightened there were no more goals in the second half but it still kept the sizeable crowd entertained.
The visitor’s struck first in the 6th minute when Chris Black swung a high ball in from the left touchline which trialist Eyemouth keeper Adam Stobart punched weakly to the penalty spot where Kelso United’s top scorer Des Burnett pounced to shoot home.
The Kelso lead only lasted two minutes when a long ball was played down the middle Eyemouth saw striker Steven Shennon drift behind the visitors back line to produce a good lob from the edge of the box over keeper David Simmonds and into the net.
It was the Black – Burnett combination which almost produced a goal in the 19th minute when again Chris Black crossed for Des Burnett who chested the ball down and shot but this time Stobart was equal to the challenge and saved well.
A corner from the left saw home defender Graham Windrum out jump the Kelso defence but he skewed his header wide of the post.
The visitor’s went ahead again in the 28th minute and again it was Chris Black on the left who crossed into the box and a great glancing header by Des Burnett gave the home keeper no chance from six yards.
Two goals in two minutes shortly after put the home side in the driving seat. The first was a shot from Ross Aichison at the edge of the box which Kelso keeper David Simmonds managed to get a right hand to and deflect the ball onto the post with the ball back on the six yard line Josh Hebdon was first to react and score easily.
This was followed by a corner on the right which was headed out by the Kelso defence only to see a hard shot from Steven Shennon coming straight back and Jonny Simpson stuck out a leg and put the ball beyond Simmonds.
The visitor’s came back strongly and before half time they had a couple of chances to even things. Good work down the right by a combination of Chris Tait, Aaron Swailes and Liam Wallace saw the latter cross for Des Burnett in the box but this time the striker miskicked the ball and the opportunity was gone. Then a minute later Jordan Lauder swung in a cross from the left Damien McNulty ran into the box unmarked but the midfielder put his header wide.
Ten minutes after the restart the Fishermen were awarded a penalty when a combination of Steven Tait and Chris Black brought down Steven Shennon in the box. James Wilson stepped up to take the penalty but his weak effort trundled past the right hand post.
Midway through the half Kelso had strong claims for a penalty when Ross Aichison handled the ball when lying on the ground trying to clear from a corner however this was evened out ten minutes later when referee Alan Hogg failed to see that a Steven Shennon header was a yard over the line from a Jonny Simpson cross before Chris Black cleared.
Kelso team: D Simmonds, C Tait, C Black( L Hill 85), D Richardson, S Tait ( S Harker 68), D McNulty, A Swailes, J Swailes, D Burnett, L Wallace ( G Mabon 72), J Lauder
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Saturday 14th April
Heriot-Watt University 4 Kelso United 1
United’s travel sickness continued as they were beaten by a well drilled University team. Having not won an away game since September Kelso never looked like adding to their tally at Riccarton and floundered against the top of the table league side, perhaps they should have been taking some tips from Hearts who were putting in some last minute preparations for their semi- final Scottish cup on the next pitch.
The game started slowly and it was ten minutes before there was an attempt on goal when student striker Ewan Watson struck over from a tight angle. United keeper Gary McBride went into the referee’s book shortly after when he picked up the ball outside the box when a David Richardson back header fell short and the no1 was lucky to escape with just a yellow. Watt’s Ricky Nelson blasted the ball over from the resultant free kick.
The home team were awarded a penalty in the 18th minute when a cross from the right wing was swung into the box, referee Keith Maskell adjudged that United defender Steven Tait pushed Watt’s Sean Muhsin when both were rising to head the ball. Gary McBride made a tremendous save diving to his right to stop the Muhsin spot kick.
The University side went ahead two minutes later when Ewan Watson hit a right foot shot which Gary McBride managed to get a hand to however winger Erik Thomson was first to react and slotted the ball into the net.
The student’s should have made it two on the half hour when substitute Derek Paterson outpaced the visitor’s defence and was through on the keeper but McBride was equal to the task thwarting the striker.
Ten minutes before half time the University side did get their second goal when Derek Paterson turned defender Stuart Harker and drove forward into the box before slipping the ball past the advancing keeper.
The home side wrapped the game up with a three minute spell just after the restart of the game. They got their third goal when a free kick was awarded at the edge of the box when United’s Chris Tait fouled winger Michael Webster. Erik Thomson curled a lovely right foot shot round the wall and found the top right corner of the net.
Goal number four came shortly after when Sean Muhsin eventually scored after Gary McBride made a great double save firstly from Brendan Napier shot and then from an Erik Thomson effort.
Midway through the second half and again McBride was called into action saving from Michael Connor following some good play from Ricky Burke and Erik Thomson.
United’s only real attack ended in a goal eight minutes from time when a ball from midfield found substitute Liam Hill who laid an inch perfect pass into the path of Des Burnett and the striker made no mistake firing past the home keeper Craig Saunders.
United team: G McBride , S Tait ( C Webb 52), D Richardson , S Harker , D McNulty , C Tait , G Mabon , A Swailes , D Burnett , L Wallace , J Lauder ( L Hill 75)
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Saturday 7th April
Kelso United 5 Berwick Rangers Reserves 1
Jordan Lauder was the hat trick hero for United as the home team went on to record their best win of the season. The left winger was instrumental in most of the Kelso attacks and tormented the Berwick defence all afternoon.
A smiling United manager Prof Blaikie commented ‘ We have a good squad of players and this result shows what the boys can do, Kelso should be further up the league however we lack a bit of consistency and the game last week against Easthouses compared to this performance is like night and day’.
The game started at a fast pace and after five minutes the first chance went the visitor’s way when striker Sam Young laid the ball across the penalty area but midfielder Shaun Hill scuffed his shot.
United went ahead in the 13th minute when a ball from midfield was played through to Aaron Swailes at the edge of the box as the young striker drove forward towards goal he was upended by Berwick keeper Connor Wood and referee Gavin Thomson pointed straight to the spot. The Berwick keeper almost redeemed himself getting a hand to the Jordan Lauder penalty but the power of the shot took the ball into the net.
Midway through the first half Berwick had a big shout for a penalty when visitor’s Sam Young and United full back David Richardson went for a 50 -50 ball in the box and with both players in a heap the referee waved his arms to continue play.
Rangers equalised shortly after this incident when right full back Kevin Martin picked up the ball in his own half and ran unchallenged to the edge of box and then curled a shot with the outside of his right foot beyond the diving Gary McBride in the United goal.
It remained all square until five minutes before half time when United were awarded another penalty this time it was left full back Andrew Renton who tripped up winger Jordan Lauder in the box. Jordan Lauder placed the ball well beyond the keeper with this penalty and the home team went into the dressing room in front.
United increased their advantage with seven minutes gone in the second half, a corner from the left hand side by Jordan Lauder was met by a terrific header from Jamie Swailes on the penalty spot the ball hitting the underside of the bar before crossing the line.
The home team had their tails up now and kept coming forward and it was no surprise when they claimed their fourth goal. After a good run by Liam Wallace down the right the midfielder crossed the ball along the six yard box where both Liam Hill and Jordan Lauder were waiting the latter getting the final touch at the back post to put the ball into the net and claim his hat trick.
A combination of first Steven Tait and then Gary McBride foiled Sam Young getting a goal back for the visitors the United keeper eventually having to save from point blank range.
It was goal number five in the 70th minute when again United pressed down the left and Jordan Lauder swung a cross into the box United youngster Liam Hill and Berwick keeper both went for the ball and as the two clashed the ball broke to Liam Wallace who calmly side footed into the empty goal.
It could have been six with eight minutes to go but Connor Wood made a terrific save to thwart a shot from substitute Jamie Milner the keeper somehow managing to divert the ball over the bar.
The visitor’s did have a late rally when a free kick from Shaun Hill was tipped over by Gary McBride and then Sam Young headed wide from a Michael Robinson corner but it was all too little too late.
United team: G McBride, S Tait, D Richardson, S Harker, D McNulty, J Swailes, A Swailes ( C Webb 82), C Tait ( J Milner 78), L Hill ( G Mabon 72), L Wallace, J Lauder
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Saturday 31st March
Kelso United 1 Easthouses Lily 2
In a game which was not for the connoisseurs of football United paid the price for squandering some gilt edged chances in the first half and were eventually beaten by Easthouses who played almost the whole match with ten men.
The home team got off to a flyer and after five minutes were ahead when Jordan Lauder forced the visitors defence into a mistake and the big front man fed the ball to strike partner Des Burnett who was bundled over in the box by Lily full back Ross Cameron. Referee Gianluca Marini pointed to the spot and then brought out the red card to send off Cameron. Burnett duly dispatched the penalty past the diving Lily keeper Bryan Young.
Kelso keeper Gary McBride had to make a couple of good saves when he dived left to put a Scott Borthwick shot round the post and then was at full stretch again to keep out a Paul Walkinshaw pile driver.
Good work down the right by Chris Black and then Des Burnett set up Jamie Swailes who struck a sweet right foot shot from 20 yards only to be denied by the visitor’s keeper diving to his right.
Midway through the half United playmaker Liam Wallace laid the ball into the path of Chris Black who shot straight at the keeper.
A long cross from the left touchline by Kelso full back David Richardson found Jordan Lauder unmarked at the back post but the striker missed the target with his header.
Minutes before half time United had another chance when Liam Wallace ran down the right then crossed into the six yard box where Jordan Lauder was lurking however the front man fluffed his effort in front of goal.
On the hour mark a cross from Chris Black hit the top of the bar and the ball was cleared by the visiting defence.
Lily drew level in the 68th minute when a hopeful long ball from the left touchline by James Currie into the United box saw everybody static except Lily's John Vagrie who ran from deep to head the ball past keeper McBride.
Frustration was beginning to get at the United player’s and with two minutes remaining United were down to ten men when Chris Black was sent off for his second bookable offence when fouling winger John Vagrie, his second dismissal in three games.
United misery was complete following the sending off when Vagrie took off down the right wing and swung a cross into the box where midfielder Euan Smith was running in and placed a right foot shot into the net to give the visitor’s the three points.
Kelso team: G McBride, C Black ,D Richardson , S Harker , J Waldie , D McNulty , C Webb ( J Milner 70), J Swailes , D Burnett , L Wallace, J Lauder ( L Hill 85)
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Saturday 24th March
Peebles Rovers 1 Kelso United 1
Kelso grabbed a late goal to draw level in this typical border derby. Peebles started the brighter from kick off, winning 3 corners in the first 5 mins, all successfully cleared by Kelso. Kelso were under the cosh when a through ball from Nicky Cairns split the Kelso defence & Craig Edgar was through on goal only to be upended by the Kelso keeper Simmonds. Ref Hanlon immediately pointed to the penalty spot & yellow carded Simmonds, much to the surprise of the Peebles bench. Peebles captain Cairns duly dispatched the penalty into the net to give peebles an 8th minute lead. Peebles continued to press until Kelso had their first chance on the half hour. A great ball from midfield into Lockhart who was free in the box, but his first touch took the ball away from him. Kelso were enjoying a good spell with Burnett blazing over from a Richardson ball & then Tait fired wide from 35 yards, but it was Peebles that went into the break in the lead. Whatever was said at halftime by Kelso manager Prof Blaikie seemed to work as Kelso looked a different team. Kelso dominated the first 10 minutes with Lockhart, Webb & Waldie all coming close. Then in the 56th minute the Peebles striker Edgar headed for goal only for the Kelso keeeper to brilliantly tip the ball over the bar. Kelso continued to dominate & look for the equalising goal, Tait & Lockhart both with efforts over the bar. The clock was ticking & Kelso went for broke, bringing on 3 young subs to give them an energy boost.
With 2 minutes to go it paid off as Swailes won the ball in the middle of the park, played it out wide to Burnett who drove into the box & cut it across goal for Liam Hill coming in between 2 Peebles defenders to slam the ball into the net. It was the young 17 year old striker's first goal for the club & secured a much deserved point for Kelso.
Peebles Rovers- John Nisbet, Dale Urey, David Knox, Raymond Fleming, Scott Joyce, Greig Young, Nicky Cairns, Greig Shortreed, Craig Edgar, Peter Conaghan, Scott Watson, Ronald Fleming, Dale Mccall, James Martin
Kelso United- David Simmonds, John Waldie, David Richardson, Stuart Harker, Jamie Swailes, Callum Webb, Chris Tait, Derek Burnett, Liam Wallace, Mark Lockhart, Jamie Milner, Aaron Swailes, Liam Hill
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Saturday 17th March
Kelso United 3 Preston Athletic 3
United were two minutes away from beating top of the table Preston Athletic however a penalty for the visitors in the last throes of the game gave them the equaliser to salvage a point at Woodside Park.
In what was far from a dirty game young referee Peter Stuart managed to show eleven yellow cards and send off three players; Steven Tait and Chris Black for United and Frazer Henderson for Preston.
United got off to a flyer and were two goals up in the first 12 minutes. The first came in the seventh minute when Chris Black took a long throw from the right touchline which was headed on at the near post by Mark Lockhart and Des Burnett was first to the ball to knock beyond Ross Gilpin in the Preston goal. The second when a searching cross from the right was headed on by Des Burnett to Liam Wallace whose effort was parried by the visitors keeper but the ball broke to United full back David Richardson who bundled in from 2 yards.
Midway through the first half Preston got a goal back when a free kick from 30 yards out by Steven McCormack sped into the corner net with David Simmonds in the United goal well beaten.
Preston put pressure on the United defence for the rest of the half and hit the woodwork twice when striker Frazer Henderson hit the post with a right foot shot and winger Sean Martin hit the outside of the up right.
The visitors went level seven minutes after the restart when a good run down the right wing by Frazer Henderson caught the United defence and his pin point cross was easily knocked home by Phil Hobbins inside the six yard box.
United came back and after 64 minutes went back in front when Des Burnett outstripped Athletic full back Kevin Fettes down the left and crossed in to the penalty box where Mark Lockhart dummied to let the ball through for Liam Wallace who made no mistake from six yards.
Five minutes later and both teams were down to ten men when both Steven Tait and Preston’s Frazer Henderson were dismissed the referee showing both a second yellow card following an on going spat which saw the pair getting booked in the first half.
United keeper Simmonds had to make a couple of good saves when he stuck out a hand to save from Phil Hobbins when through on goal and then flung himself to the right to stop a Steven McCormack shot.
Then with two minutes left Damien McNulty fouled Preston midfielder Greg McColl in the box and the referee pointed straight to the spot. After dusting himself down McColl then blasted the penalty beyond Simmonds to make it 3-3.
In the dying embers of the game Chris Black was then dismissed receiving his second yellow card of the game after disputing a touch line decision
Kelso team: D Simmonds, D Richardson, C Black, S Harker, S Tait, D McNulty, C Tait, J Swailes, D Burnett, L Wallace, M Lockhart ( C Webb 78)
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Saturday 10th March
Craigroyston 3 Kelso United 0
Manager Prof Blaikie had to make a last minute change when Jamie Swailes failed a fitness test before kick off and with leading scorer Des Burnett ruled out through injury it was already going to be an uphill struggle for the visitors and so it proved to be.
The home side had the United team rocking from the start and after some early pressure scored in the 8th minute when a ball from the left touchline was headed on by striker Errol Douglas at the near post and midfielder Andrew Milligan had the simple task of side footing past United keeper David Simmonds.
Craigroyston increased their advantage just after the quarter hour mark when Craigie full back Keiren Dodd launched a ball from the right hand side just inside the half way line into the United box and lanky no 9 Errol Douglas took advantage of his height advantage over Kelso full back John McCutcheon to place a header beyond the on looking United keeper.
The only significant half chance United had in the first half came with 5 minutes remaining when Stuart Harker latched on to a cross ball but his shot was blocked by the home defence.
The Tweedsider’s started with purpose in the second half and with ten minutes gone after the restart a good strike by Jordan Lauder was parried by Craigroyston keeper Stuart Addison the ball falling to Mark Lockhart who passed to Callum Webb but the youngster miskicked and the chance was lost.
United were down to ten men when Craigie skipper Michael Stewart fouled Jordan Lauder on the left touchline however the big Kelso wide man took exception to the challenge and the red mist descended kicking out at the defender giving referee Billy Cooper no alternative but to give him his marching orders.
United had claims for not one but two penalties when firstly Craigroyston defender Martin Wallace seemed to bundle over Liam Wallace in the box and the blond midfielder was involved again when the home keeper wrapped himself onto the legs of the Kelso player however the referee turned down both appeals.
Midway through the second half the home team went further ahead when a speculative 25yard shot from Craigie winger Jamie Stewart flew into the top right hand corner of the net with United keeper Simmonds motionless.
Some good work between the home side substitutes Robbie Simpson and Martin Laidlaw saw the former through on goal but managed to scoop his shot over the bar from 6 yards.
Kelso could have had a consolation goal in the final minutes when Steven Tait swung in a cross which was knocked on by Liam Wallace to Mark Lockhart but the striker miscued his shot and went wide of the target.
Kelso team: D Simmonds , J McCutcheon ( D Richardson 24), C Black , S Harker ,D McNulty ,L Wallace ,C Webb( J Milner 71) , C Tait , M Lockhart , S Tait , J Lauder
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Saturday 3rd March
Kelso United 0 Vale of Leithen 0 aet (King Cup, Vale of Leithen won 5-4 on penalties)
United exited the King Cup but put up a spirited display against their Premier League opponents narrowly going down 5-4 in the penalty shoot out.
The visitors started the stronger in the first half and saw a half chance just go over the bar when striker Wayne Sproule latched onto a ball from the back, this was followed by a shot that went wide from Andy Martin.
However it was the home side who should have gone in front in the 35th minute. A long throw in from Chris Black was headed on by Stuart Harker at the near post into the path of Des Burnett who was unmarked from 8 yards out but the no 9 managed to screw his shot wide of the post.
James Binnie had the ball in the net five minutes later for the visitors but was ruled offside by referee Colin Whyte.
United repeated their near miss just before half time when Calum Webb took a corner from the right which was headed on to find Des Burnett but under pressure from the Vale defence the striker blasted wide.
Vale had their best chance of the game three minutes into the second half when a ball from the right into the box was dropped by United keeper David Simmonds to the feet of Ross Gaylor but the midfielder hooked his shot past the right hand post.
Chances were few and far between with both defences well on top and the only sight of goal in the latter period was a shot from visitors Wayne Sproule which cleared the bar.
Into extra time and again both teams struggled to break down the defences , good work between Des Burnett and Liam Wallace ended when Vale keeper Craig Weir did well to cover a shot from Wallace and later Jamie Swailes shot just wide of the target following a good surging run.
So to penalties -Vale scored first through Wayne Sproule which was matched by Stuart Harker, Jordan Hall then scored for the visitors but Mark Lockhart’s penalty was saved by the keeper. Steven Radzynski and Jamie Lauder then slotted home penalties which was matched by Jordan Lauder and Des Burnett. Vale full back Steven Sproule then had his penalty saved by David Simmonds and Jamie Swailes scored for Kelso to make it all square. It was now sudden death Andy Martin then converted for Vale but unfortunately for United Chris Tait put his penalty wide and this secured victory for the visitors.
Kelso team: D Simmonds, J McCutcheon, C Black , S Harker , L Wallace (M Lockhart 105), D McNulty , C Webb ( J Milner 83), C Tait , D Burnett , J Swailes , J Lauder
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Saturday 25th February
Kelso United 2 Eyemouth United 1
United got back to winning ways on Saturday, despite playing well in recent weeks the Tweedsider’s have not had the rub of the green but a gritty display against Eyemouth put this to right. It was all smiles at the end of the match for both the players and coaching staff who could enjoy the club annual dinner later that evening.
The home team started well and had the Fishermen stretched from the off and after 8 minutes they set up their first chance when Jordan Lauder sprinted down the left and crossed into the box where Jamie Swailes failed to connect but the ball broke to Des Burnett who drove narrowly wide.
Eyemouth responded when a terrific shot from 30 yards by Stuart Coyle who rattled the crossbar with Kelso keeper David Simmonds beaten.
Jordan Lauder then headed over from a Des Burnett cross but Eyemouth had a better chance when full back Richard Baxendale’s header cleared the crossbar when unchallenged from a corner.
Following ten minutes of pressure Kelso got the breakthrough in the 35th minute. A long ball from the back was headed by Des Burnett to Jordan Lauder who returned the ball back to Burnett and the striker made no mistake blasting into the net from ten yards.
The home team nearly went two up five minutes later when Damien McNulty picked up the ball at the edge of the box from a Chris Black free kick however the midfielders shot went inches over the bar.
The second period had only gone four minutes when the visitors got their goal. A searching high cross ball from midfield was placed into the box which the home defence only partially cleared and Jonny Simpson was first to react to put the ball beyond Simmonds from 6 yards.
Kelso went ahead again within five minutes of the equaliser when a long ball from the back from Chris Black saw Jonathan Gall the visitor’s keeper and Des Burnett clash on the penalty spot the striker getting to the ball first and knocking the ball back for Callum Webb to fire a low shot into the corner of the net.
Eyemouth tried hard to get the equaliser when after some good pressure on the home defence Stuart Coyle blasted wide and in the closing stages Sean Simpson had a left foot shot just go wide having been set up by Richard Baxendale, however the home defence stood firm to see out the match and see Kelso record their first win of 2012.
Kelso Team: D Simmonds, J McCutcheon ( G Mabon 82), C Black , S Harker, S Tait ( M Lockhart 80) , D McNulty ,C Webb ,J Swailes ,D Burnett, C Tait ,J Lauder ( J Milner 87)
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Saturday 18th February
Gala Fairydean 3 Kelso United 1
Defensive mistakes cost United dear on the new 3G surface at Gala on Saturday. Although scoring first Kelso let slip a great start and in the end were well defeated by their Border neighbours.
Gala had the first glimpse of goal after 11 minutes when a long shot from almost the right touchline by Jay Wilson had United keeper David Simmonds scrambling across goal.
It was the visitors who took the lead after 14 minutes when Jamie Swailes picked up the ball from just outside the box and thundered a shot past the diving Gala keeper Elliot Turnbull to place the ball just inside the right hand post.
United almost made it two five minutes later when Jordan Lauder whipped in a free kick from the right where Jamie Swailes was inches away from making contact to the ball at the back post.
Fairydean had a chance midway through the half when Jack Hay set up Rob Hewitson who fired a shot from six yards only to be denied by Simmonds.
On the half hour mark Gala got the equaliser when a cross from the left by Jack Hay was missed by a couple of United defenders and the keeper the ball squirming through to Grant Gass who had the easy task to head home.
It only took the home team four more minutes to go in the lead when the United defence again failed to clear a free kick on the left and Rob Hewitson was first to react to the loose ball and knock into the net.
After the break Simmonds was called into action to save shots from Rob Hewitson and Jack Hay.
Only a flying fingertip save from Fairydean keeper Elliot Turnbull prevented United equalising when a free kick from Jordan Lauder was heading for the top right hand corner of the net.
In the 70th minute again United had a chance to equalise when Steven Tait was left unchallenged in the box from a John McCutcheon free kick but the big defender could only get a weak header on goal which was easily collected by the Gala keeper.
Fairydean wrapped up the points in the 77th minute when Jack Hay fired in a free kick from 20 yards beating the despairing Simmonds.
Kelso team: D Simmonds, J McCutcheon ( J Milner 82), C Black, S Harker, S Tait, D McNulty, C Webb ( G Mabon 60), J Swailes ( M Lockhart 80), D Burnett, L Wallace, J Lauder.
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Saturday 11th February
Ormiston 2 Kelso United 0
Ormiston seem to hold some strange effect over the Tweedsiders as the home team have only accumulated ten points in the league so far and six of these have come from home and away defeats of United. Kelso matched the home side in midfield endeavour but missed the cutting edge in front of goal with top striker Des Burnett missing.
On a heavy pitch Ormiston and United went toe to toe for the first 15 minutes without much creation for either team. It was the 17th minute before there was an effort on goal when a corner from the right by Ormiston’s Craig Dowie was swung into the box and Ian Adams rose to head the ball against the crossbar.
Midway through the first half the home side took the lead. Steven Tait fouled Jason Young on the left hand touchline and from the subsequent free kick United initially cleared to the right hand side of the box only for Kyle Auld to pick up the ball and cross into the penalty area where central defender Stewart Fisher headed unchallenged to put the ball past United keeper Simmonds.
A minute later the home side should have been down to ten men. Ormiston striker Jason Young was running down the right wing when he was accidentally tripped by United full back Garry Mabon, the home striker reacted badly to the challenge and ran ten yards to grip Mabon round the throat. However referee Alan Hogg thought the offence only warranted a yellow card saying it was not violent conduct.
Ormiston went further ahead just before the half hour mark when a corner from the right was miscued out of defence by Garry Mabon to home winger Craig Downie who was lurking at the right hand side of the penalty box. The number 11 put in a shot come cross at pace and the ball flew into the top corner of the net with keeper Simmonds well beaten.
United’s only direct shot on goal in the first half came two minutes before the break when striker Jordan Lauder fired the ball from twenty yards which home keeper Scott Dowie spilled but gathered at second attempt with Jamie Milner bearing down.
United could have been three down seven minutes after the restart when Jordan Lauder pulled down Jason Young in the box however from the resultant penalty United keeper Simmonds made a tremendous diving save to his right to stop the Kyle Auld spot kick.
On the hour mark United came close when a ball from the back was picked up by Chris Black who found Jamie Swailes at the left edge of the box but the midfielder’s effort just flew wide of the post.
Five minutes later former United keeper Dowie had to be at his best to push a Jamie Swailes snap shot from just inside the box over the bar.
With time running out Swailes tried his luck again from distance following some good play from Liam Wallace but again his shot was just wide of goal.
Kelso team: D Simmonds, J McCutcheon, G Mabon ( J Swailes 50), S Harker, S Tait, D McNulty, J Milner ( C Black 50), C Tait, J Lauder, L Wallace, C Webb
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Saturday 21st January
Easthouses Lily 2 Kelso United 2
Despite having the majority of the game United could only muster a draw at windswept Easthouses. Disappointed Kelso manager Prof Blaikie was philosophical after the game knowing that his team were the better outfit but failing to take advantage ‘ we should have won this match being 2-1 up and the home team down to ten men but the players seem to lose concentration once in the lead’.
The visitors started on the front foot and the first chance fell to United midfielder Chris Tait who fired a shot from just outside the box but Lily keeper Bryan Young was alert and saved diving to his right. United were awarded a free kick 25 yards out and Jordan Lauder’s effort saw the East houses at full stretch to tip over the bar.
Lily’s first effort on goal came after 20 minutes when Stuart Harker was adjudged to handle the ball 30 yards out and from the resultant free kick Easthouses’s full back Jamie Shields whizzed the ball just over the bar.
The home side went in front halfway through the first half when United defender Steven Tait pulled down Euan Smith in the box and referee Jim McCunnie pointed to the spot. The penalty was duly dispatched by Craig Stupart with a fierce right foot shot.
On the half hour mark United created a couple of efforts when Stuart Harker flung in a cross to the back post where Calum Webb just failed to make contact and then a cross from Liam Wallace saw Jordan Lauder out jump the home defence but the big strikers headed effort struck the outside of the post with the keeper beaten.
United equalised a minute from the break when they caught Easthouses with a quick counter attack. Following an attack by the home side the United defence cleared to Calum Webb galloping up the left wing, the winger then squared the ball to striker Jamie Milner who coolly chipped the out rushing home keeper from 20 yards and saw the ball settle in the right hand corner of the net.
United continued to dominate and went in front just two minutes after the restart. A free kick was awarded 22 yards out when Calum Webb was upended, Jordan Lauder stepped up to take the kick and his effort struck the crossbar the rebound fell to the head of Stuart Harker and the big defender made no mistake beating the home keeper.
Ten minutes into the second half and Lily were down to ten men. Initially Graeme Young was booked for a challenge on Steven Tait but after exchanging words with the referee Jim McCunnie produced the red card.
The home side drew level in the 56th minute when Gary Mabon failed to clear and Craig Stupart pounced to whip in a cross from the right wing into the edge of the box where Daniel Watson found himself in acres of space and plant a shot just inside the left hand post.
United had a big claim for a penalty with ten minutes remaining when Calum Webb nipped in to collect the ball in front of the diving Bryan Young in the home goal. The keeper seemed to upend the winger but the referee had other ideas booking Webb for diving.
A frantic last couple of minutes almost saw United clinch it when Des Burnett who had come on minutes earlier broke down the left crossed for Jordan Lauder whose header was parried by the keeper to Liam Wallace and the blond midfielder could only shake his head in disbelief when his shot was cleared off the line.
United team: D Simmonds, J McCutcheon, G Mabon, S Harker, S Tait, D McNulty, C Webb D Burnett 82), C Tait ( C Black 80), J Lauder, L Wallace, J Milner ( M Lockhart 80)
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Saturday 3rd December
Kelso United 0 Ormiston 1
The worst defeat since I became manager of United was how Prof Blaikie described the match after Kelso were beaten at home by bottom of the league club Ormiston. Blaikie continued to say that there was no passion or commitment from his team and it was a very lacklustre performance, when teams come to Kelso they expect a hard game but this was embarrasing.
It was the visitors who started the better and United keeper Simmonds was called into action after 3 minutes when he had to save a shot from winger Brian McEwan this was followed by a Kyle Auld shot which went wide of the Kelso goal.
The game had gone 15 minutes before Kelso had an effort on goal when a Des Burnett shot was cleared by the visitors defence. Chris Black then tried a shot from 40 yards which went well wide.
On the half hour mark a snap shot from Ormiston’s Scott McCarry had the United keeper scrambling across goal and Simmond’s was called into action again to save from Craig Downie.
United’s best chance of the game came two minutes before the interval. A corner on the left by Chris Black was flicked on by Des Burnett at the near post into Mark Lockhart whose effort was well saved by former United no1 Scott Dowie.
After the break Des Burnett had a couple of headers which went wide one from a Black free kick and the second from a Jamie Swailes cross.
Ormiston took the lead on the hour when a long ball from the left touchline found Scott McCarry in acres of space in the United box and before the home defence reacted the visitor’s midfielder had slotted the ball beyond Simmonds into the corner of the net.
Ten minutes later things could have been worse for United when right winger Sean Miller out stripped the home defence but shot straight at the home keeper.
United tried to muster an effort in the last ten minutes and a Des Burnett shot was saved by Dowie at the near post but it was the visitors who came closest when substitute Laurence Tulloch sent through Craig Downie the strikers effort hitting the top of the bar before being cleared.
Kelso Team: D Simmonds, G Mabon, C Ferguson( S Angus 58), S Harker, S Tait, D McNulty, C Black, J Swailes, D Burnett, L Wallace, M Lockhart( C Webb 58)
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Saturday 26th November
Coldstream 5 Kelso United 2
Coldstream striker John Crawford made it past 30 goals for the season with a four goal tally against Kelso United at a blustery Home Park. Defensive mistakes by the visitors and lethal finishing by Crawford had the Streamers in command in front of a good home crowd
It was Kelso who started on the front foot and should have went ahead in the 10th minute when Damien McNulty sent Mark Lockhart through on goal and with only the Coldstream keeper Mark Walters to beat the United striker’s shot weakly, his effort striking the keepers legs the ball before rebounded to Liam Wallace who shot wide.
Coldstream went ahead in the 17th minute when Craig Heugh robbed Kelso defender Craig Ferguson down the right side, after scampering down the wing the no 10 crossed for John Crawford whose shot got a slight deflection off a United defender and looped over Gary McBride hitting the underside of the bar before going in the net.
On the half hour mark the home side increased their lead when Michael Allan crossed a waist high ball at pace from the right which should have been cut out by Steven Tait but the defender was not sure whether to head or kick the ball in the end doing neither and the ball went straight through to John Crawford who calmly placed a right foot shot past the United keeper.
Coldstream went three up eight minutes before the break and it was that man Crawford again when he managed to scramble the ball into the net following some good work down the left by Adam Turner.
United had a chance in the last minute of the half when a Steven Tait header just went wide from a free kick.
The wind which was in Coldstream’s favour in the first half was now helping the visitor’s and United went close five minutes after the restart when a snap shot from Damien McNulty was pushed out by the home keeper into the path of Mark Lockhart but the United man failed to take advantage.
The Streamers increased their lead nine minutes into the half when a corner from the left from Kristian Neill was completely missed by Calum Webb defending the front post and Adam Turner was on hand to poke the ball home.
United eventually got a goal on the hour mark when Chris Black swung in a corner from the left and Steven Tait out muscled the home defence to head into the net.
Only two minutes later Coldstream made it five and Crawford got his fourth goal when a mistake this time by Stuart Harker on the left let in Adam Turner who crossed for Crawford to fire past Gary McBride.
United managed to get a goal back when again from a Chris Black corner Mark Lockhart managed to get in front of the defence and put the ball beyond Mark Walters.
Kelso team : G McBride, C Ferguson, G Mabon, S Tait, S Harker, D McNulty, C Black, J Swailes ( J Milner 77), M Lockhart, L Wallace, C Webb
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Saturday 19th November
Kelso United 4 Duns 2
A second half hat-trick from Mark Lockhart sealed a home win in this eventful encounter at Woodside Park with Duns ending the game with nine men and Kelso ten. United being awarded three penalties in what proved to be typical blood and thunder border derby.
The game started quietly enough and Duns were the more industrious of the two teams in the opening ten minutes and nearly went ahead in the 11th minute when a free kick from James Robertson hit the crossbar with a good dipping shot which United keeper Gary McBride could only watch, the rebound cleared by the home defence.
It took Kelso midway through the first half before they had a chance on goal when Damien McNulty rifled a shot from inside the box and it took a tremendous save from Duns keeper Scott Lumsden diving to his right to thwart the midfielder, this was closely followed by a shot from United’s Stuart Harker which defender Dougie Brydon managed to clear.
Steven Tait had to produce a last ditch tackle on James Brydon when the Duns winger was bearing down on goal and a minute later a good cross from James Robertson found visitor’s Des Chisholm unmarked in the box but his header was well off target.
A terrible kick out from Duns keeper Scott Lumsden went straight to United striker Mark Lockhart at the edge of the box but the big no1 made up for his mistake by saving Lockhart’s right foot effort on goal.
On the stroke of half time United were awarded a penalty when Chris Black was upended when through on goal. Italian referee Gianluca Manini decided it was right full back Mark Weatherburn who was the culprit although it was perm any one from three as Dougie Brydon and Steven McHoul were also in the mix. Weatherburn was shown the red card for being the last defender and was still pleading his innocence when making his way to the dressing room.
The subsequent penalty was taken by Chris Black but his effort was well saved by Scott Lumsden.
The second half had only gone three minutes when the visitors took the lead after some missed tackles and ricochets in the United box the ball ended up at the feet of Des Chisholm whose effort sneaked inside the right hand post.
The home side were level were level ten minutes later when United’s Liam Wallace burst through from midfield into the visitor’s box only to brought down by Gary Renton who got booked in the process. Mark Lockhart took over the spot kicks and dispatched the ball well beyond the Duns keeper.
Within a minute United had another penalty and Gary Renton’s afternoon of football finished when Chris Black broke into the box from the left and tried a shot towards goal only to see the Duns defender stick out a hand which referee Manini spotted. This saw Renton receive his second yellow card and thus was joining Weatherburn in the changing room.
Mark Lockhart stepped up again to take the penalty and put United in front.
On the hour mark United went further ahead when a good break down the left by Chris Black found Mark Lockhart who in turn laid the ball for Calum Webb to power a right foot shot into the net.
Duns responded and got a goal back when a corner on the left from James Robertson was met by James Brydon at the near post and the winger’s header flew past United keeper Gary McBride and into the net.
United eventually sealed victory with five minutes left when a free kick from Gary Mabon found Stuart Harker at the back post and the defenders header back across goal was pounced upon by Mark Lockhart to complete his hat-trick.
In the last minute of normal time Sean Angus received his second yellow card and was sent for an early shower.
Kelso team: G McBride, J McCutcheon ( G Mabon 45), S Angus, S Tait, S Harker, D McNulty, C Black ( J Milner 80), J Swailes, M Lockhart, L Wallace, C Webb ( C Ferguson 86)
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Saturday 12th November
Preston Athletic 2 Kelso United 1
A spirited second half display from United had the league leaders rocking but the home side eventually came out on top in this intriguing encounter at Pennypitt Park.
Preston had the advantage of the slope at the Prestonpans ground in the first half and had United under the cosh from the kick off. The early pressure paid off when the home team went ahead in the 8th minute full back Craig Scott swung in a dangerous cross into the box at pace which found the head of Kevin Cairnie and the winger’s header sped past the helpless Gary McBride in the United goal.
It was midway through the first half before United created a chance when some good interplay between Damien McNulty and Liam Wallace resulted in a shot from Chris Tait which just went over the bar.
A foul by Chris Tait on substitute Craig Innes gave Preston a free kick at the edge of the box and Gary McBride had to look lively to save the free kick from Bryan Wilson.
Having scored the week before from a free kick Des Burnett tried his luck again from 25 yards out and his right food effort had Preston keeper scrambling to save at his near post.
The home side tried to replicate their goal with three minutes remaining of the first half when Craig Scott whipped in a cross for Kevin Cairnie but this time the forward’s header went wide.
United now had the advantage of the slope after the break and with five minutes of the half gone Calum Webb swung in a corner from the right and Stuart Harker rose above the defence to place a powerful header towards the goal and was only denied by a tremendous save from Preston keeper Thomson diving to his right.
A free kick on the right from John McCutcheon found the head of Steven Tait but the defenders effort went over the bar.
United eventually got their equaliser with ten minutes to go when a long ball from the back was headed on by Chris Black into the path of Des Burnett who beat the offside trap and placed the ball past the advancing home keeper.
United were now looking for a winner but were caught with a sucker punch when an attack broke down at the edge of Preston box, the home side broke quickly up the left wing with Sean Martin in full flight and the midfielder found Bryan Wilson in support to put a right foot shot round McBride and into the net.
Kelso team : G McBride, J McCutcheon, S Angus, S Tait, S Harker, D McNulty, C Webb ( J Milner 65), C Tait ( C Ferguson 72), D Burnett, G Mabon ( C Black), L Wallace
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Saturday 5th November
Kelso United 2 Craigroyston 4
It was the 5th of November and United started like a rocket scoring two goals in the first five minutes but unfortunately it turned to a damp squib after conceding three second half goals giving Craigroyston their first away win of the season
The game was only a minute old when Chris Tait tried a speculative shot on goal from 20 yards which Craigie keeper Stuart Addison seemed to have covered but as he went to pick up the ball it went straight through his legs and into the net, much to the embarrassment of the no1.
It got even better in the 5th minute when Kelso were awarded a free kick from 35 yards out. Des Burnett stepped up and hit a screamer which hit the underside of the bar before going over the line this time the keeper had no chance of saving the strikers effort.
The visitors tried to get back in the game but United were matching them and it was the 34th minute before Craigroyston had a sight of goal. A cross into the box by striker Stephen Mullen found Sean Fallon unmarked but the winger’s header went straight into the arms of David Simmonds in the United goal.
The visitor’s got a goal back just before the half time whistle when Chris Black taking an age to clear the ball was robbed by Stephen Mullen on the bye line, the striker whipped in a cross to the back post and Steven Finlayson out jumped John McCutcheon to put his header in the back of the net.
The goal before half time seemed to give Craigroyston the kick start they needed and were a different team in the second half. Their pressure nearly paid off ten minutes after the restart when Fallon found Mullen in the box but Simmonds made a smart save to United.
The visitors levelled in the 58th minute when a quick break by Sean Fallon and Kenny Manson set up Stephen Mullen who blasted the ball past the United keeper.
Two minutes later and Craigie were in front. A free kick floated into the box was headed against the bar by Paul Russell, and after Stephen Mullen did the same, defender Keith Harper was on hand to dive and head the rebound into the net.
. United’s miserable second half continued when Craigroyston got their fourth goal in the 72nd minute. A good run down the right by Sean Fallon opened up the home defence and his pin point cross found substitute Steven Malin to head beyond the keeper and into the net.
The United heads were down now and although the home team huffed and puffed there was no real threat on the Craigie goal and the visitors held out comfortably until the end
Kelso Team : D Simmonds, J McCutcheon, C Black( L Wallace 60), D McNulty, S Harker, J Swailes, C Webb ( C Ferguson 70), C Tait, D Burnett, M Lockhart, J Milner ( G Mabon 65)
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Saturday 22nd October
Kelso United 4 Coldstream 5
The Woodside crowd were thoroughly entertained on Saturday watching this nine goal thriller between the local rivals with the away team taking the points. A ten minute four goal blitz midway through the first half by Coldstream proved too much for United and eventually sealed the fate of the game.
Coldstream started well and the first effort on goal came with just three minutes gone when Adam Turner tested United keeper David Simmonds with a powerful shot.
There were strong claims for a penalty from not only from the United players but also the home supporter’s in the 15th minute when Des Burnett broke down the left and squared in the box for Calum Webb but before the ball reached the winger Streamers full back Daniel Cornish knocked the ball away with his hand but to everybody’s amazement Falkirk referee Paul Crosbie waved play on.
The home side took the lead five minutes later when Chris Black and Mark Lockhart combined well and the latter crossed to the back post where Des Burnett was lurking to put the ball in the net.
United’s lead only lasted a few seconds as Coldstream built up an attack from the restart a ball into the box was partially cleared by the Kelso defence to the edge of the box where the visitor’s Craig Heugh picked up the ball and fired a shot into the top left hand corner of the net.
The Streamers took the lead three minutes later when right winger Michael Allan beat both Chris Black and Mark Lockhart to sweep the ball into the penalty area and striker John Crawford was first to react to side foot a shot past the keeper.
The visitor’s made it three in the 29th minute when a long ball was launched from defence and Adam Turner got behind the Kelso back line managing to control the ball and send a powerful right foot shot beyond the diving Simmonds.
A minute later and United keeper Simmonds was picking the ball out the net again. After a good run down the right Michael Allan sent a searching cross into the box where Adam Turner headed on to John Crawford and the no 9 had no difficulty in sweeping the ball into the net.
The second half had gone four minutes when United started their revival, following some good interplay in midfield from Chris Tait and Damien McNulty the ball was sent to Jamie Swailes at the edge of the box and their fellow midfielder unleashed a terrific strike which settled in the bottom right hand corner of the net.
In the 70th minute Coldstream’s Josh McLeod picked up the ball in his own half as a Kelso attack broke down and ran 70 yards before shooting but Simmonds saved his effort , this was followed by a Crawford shot which was parried by Simmonds into the path of Adam Turner but his shot was cleared off the line by Chris Tait.
Five minutes later and United clawed the score back to 3-4. The ball was passed back to young keeper Kerr McLernon after trying to take a touch the Coldstream no1 was pounced upon and robbed by Des Burnett the United striker found Mark Lockhart whose shot struck the roof of the net from 20 yards.
United almost equalised in the 80th minute when the visitor’s defence failed to clear their lines Mark Lockhart and Des Burnett had efforts blocked before substitute Garry Mabon hit the post with his.
In the 82nd minute Coldstream made it five when a long ball from the back caught out central defender Stuart Harker and this let in John Crawford to score his hat rick with a clinical finish .
Back came Kelso within a minute when they were awarded a penalty when Martyn Tait handled a long throw in from Jamie Swailes in the box. Des Burnett stepped up and put the penalty beyond the Coldstream keeper.
Kelso could not get the equaliser they desperately wanted in the remaining few minutes and the final chance went to Coldstream when John Crawford saw his free kick go over the bar following a clash between Simmonds and Craig Heugh.
Kelso Team: D Simmonds, J McCutcheon, C Black, L Henderson (J Milner 62), S Harker, D McNulty, C Webb (G Mabon 67), C Tait, D Burnett, J Swailes, M Lockhart
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Saturday 15th October
Selkirk 2 Kelso United 0
Selkirk progressed to the 3rd round of the South of Scotland Challenge Cup with a victory over Kelso United at Yarrow Park on Saturday. The home team coming out on top with goals from defender Euan Pritchard and Jamie Gibson. This match could have been a high scoring affair if both team’s strikers had taken their chances as a number of scoring attempts were squandered throughout the game.
It was the home team that started the brighter and William Mercer headed over the bar following a quick corner between Daryl Burdett and Liam Hardie. This was followed by Daryl Burdett turning the Kelso defence and hitting a shot which hit the junction of the post and crossbar with keeper Simmonds beaten. The early pressure paid off for Selkirk and after 19 minutes went in front when a corner on the right was swung into the box by Johnny Watt and Euan Pritchard rose above the visitors defence to head beyond the United keeper.
The home team should have went two up in the 25th minute , a quick throw in from right back Lee Stephen found Johnny Watt who passed to Daryl Burdett in the box but the winger scuffed his shot in front of goal.
It took 35 minutes for Kelso to conjure up a scoring opportunity, a good ball from midfield saw Chris Tait bearing down on goal but his shot went wide of the target. At the other end a good run down the right by Ryan McManus placed a ball into the box but lanky striker William Mercer headed over.
The game had gone 7 minutes into the second half when Selkirk got their second goal, a through ball into the heart of the United defence saw Steven Tait attempt to clear the ball but it hit Jamie Gibson’s torso and the striker took full advantage controlling the ball and rounding David Simmonds before placing in the net. Tait’s afternoon got worse in 62nd minute when he was making his way to the dressing room after he had brought down Daryl Burdett at the left edge of the box and ref Paul Hanlon produced the red card for a flailing right arm from the defender in the clash.
The sending off seemed to give the visitor’s the spur they needed to get back in the game and came close two minutes later. A throw in down the right was picked up by Chris Tait and the midfielder crossed the ball to the front post where Calum Webb was unmarked but the United winger failed to connect with his header. United had another chance a minute later when a free kick from Stuart Harker found Des Burnett in the box the striker turning the home defence but skewed his left foot shot past the post.
Some good interplay at the edge of the box by the Selkirk midfield set up Jamie Gibson to have a shot which was goal bound but the Kelso keeper was alert and saved well. Selkirk substitute Romero Aguilera had a golden chance in the 76th minute when he received the ball from Daryl Burdett inside the six yard box but shot straight at the United keeper.
A long throw from Jamie Swailes into the home box was completely missed by the Selkirk defence and Kelso substitute Jamie Milner headed the ball straight into the arms of John Dodds from 4 yards. The game was getting stretched and Aguilera had a shot saved by keeper Simmonds.
In the last minute of the game following a good run by Kelso’s Garry Mabon down the left the midfielder fired in a cross into the six yard box and Jamie Milner got his head to the ball but somehow managed to put the ball over the bar.
Selkirk manager said he was just relieved to be in the next round of the cup and Prof Blaikie was upset at the defence losing two soft goals.
Kelso team: D Simmonds, J McCutcheon, C Black, S Tait, S Harker, D McNulty, C Webb ( J Milner 70),C Tait ( J Hogarth 77), D Burnett, J Swailes, M Lockhart ( G Mabon 70)
Selkirk Team: J Dodds, L Stephen, L Hardie ( B Milven 68), E Pritchard, J Higginbottom, R McManus, D Burdett, R Clapperton, J Gibson, J Watt, W Mercer ( R Aguilero 68)
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Saturday 8th October
Kelso United 2 Gala Fairydean 1
Peter Stuart was the name everyone was talking about after this local encounter at Woodside Park on Saturday. The young referee must have had a quiet Saturday night in filling in his report after brandishing his red card twice and yellow into double figures in what was far from a dirty game, Fairydean ending the game with nine players.
The two teams started cagily and the opening few minutes were bogged down in midfield with no one getting the upper hand however that changed when United struck in the 9th minute of the game. A long ball up the left was headed into the box by Jordan Lauder where Gala keeper Elliot Turnbull and Des Burnett clashed and as the two scrambled the ball broke to United’s Calum Webb to stroke a left foot shot into the net.
Kelso were beginning to dominate and on 20 minutes Turnbull had to come to the rescue for Gala when Des Burnett was released down the right by Calum Webb but the strikers shot was saved by the legs of the keeper. This was followed when a volley by Stuart Harker from a Jordan Lauder corner sailed over the bar.
Gala’s best effort of the first half came on the half hour mark when a cross from the right was met by defender Craig McBride the defenders powerful header was going in just under the bar but David Simmonds in the United goal did well to reach up and tip the ball over. Some good work in midfield by Gala pair Ross Glass and Geri Rossi set up a half chance for Alan Jackson but the no 7’s effort went wide of the post.
Five minutes from half time and Gala went down to ten men when Jay Wilson was shown a straight red for foul and abusive language after disagreeing with a decision made by referee Stuart.
This put Fairydean on the back foot and on the stroke of half time Des Burnett almost took advantage with a strong run down the right only to be thwarted by Elliot Turnbull once more.
Kelso started the second half brightly and Elliot Turnbull was called into action again to save a shot from Jordan Lauder. A cross into the box by Calum Webb was headed on by Jordan Lauder into the path of Des Burnett whose shot was well saved by the Gala keeper diving to his left side and pushing the ball round the post. From the resultant corner swung in by Lauder saw Jamie Swailes rise to rattle the crossbar with a header. United were pressing most of the time now and Greg Hay cleared off the line when Turnbull half saved a Burnett effort, the backspin on ball took it towards goal however the defender was on hand to knock clear.
United got their second goal on the hour mark when a ball from John McCutcheon on the right found Des Burnett in space through the middle and the striker finally beat Elliot Turnbull with a powerful shot from just inside the box.
Ten minutes left and Gala came back to make it 2-1 when the visitors were awarded a free kick just outside the box when Damien McNulty fouled Jack Hay. Substitute Billy Miller stepped up and fired the free kick into the net beating the United keeper and scoring his first goal for the Fairydean.
Five minutes to go and Gala had claims for a penalty when Steven Tait challenged Ross Glass in the box but the referee waved play on. With a couple of minutes left of the match Gala went down to nine men when Jack Hay was shown his second yellow card and thus was heading for the changing room.
Fairydean last throw of the dice was when a long ball from the left found Craig McBride at the back post but the tall defenders header went wide.
Fraser Lothian said he was disappointed with the result and put it down to the midfield being unable to supply the front players with enough ball in contrast Prof Blaikie was happy with the United performance and praised his players for the commitment shown through the game.
United Team: D Simmonds, J McCutcheon, S Angus, S Tait , S Harker, D McNulty, C Webb ( J Milner 83), C Tait ( M Lockhart 79), D Burnett, J Swailes, J Lauder
Gala Team: E Turnbull, G Hay, A Brown, P Young, C McBride, B Hunter (B Miller58), A Jackson (R Sclater 63), J Wilson, G Rossi (R Hewitson 75), J Hay, R Glass
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Saturday 1st October
Kelso United 2 Heriot Watt University 6
United’s unbeaten league record came to shuddering halt at Woodside Park on Saturday against a lively University side coached by the ex Hibs duo of Michael Renwick and Micky Weir.
It was always going to be a struggle for the home team missing three first team regulars Des Burnett, Damien McNulty and Chris Tait and so it proved to be.
Things started to go wrong for United as soon as the 2nd minute when the visitors scored their first goal, some neat interplay by midfielders Brendan Napier and Sean Mumsin released winger Chris Donnelly through on goal and the no 7 made no mistake side footing the ball past the helpless United keeper David Simmonds.
The home side almost equalised in the 12th minute when Stuart Harker swung a ball into the penalty box, Craig Ferguson rose above the defence to put a powerful header against the cross bar, the ball came back to Garry Mabon whose right foot shot was well saved by University keeper Craig Saunders at point blank range. The students went two up in the 25th minute when the Kelso defence failed to clear their lines and the visitor’s central defender Matt Travis managed to get between Steven Tait and keeper Simmonds to lob the ball into the net. Three minutes before the break and Heriot Watt went further ahead when Brendan Napier found Chris Donnelly down the right who crossed into the box and striker Michael Connor was first to react to bundle the ball over the line.
Midway through the second half and the visitors went four up. A free kick for Kelso just outside the box was blocked by the wall and the ball was sent quickly to winger Chris Donnelly who out stripped the defence and squared for Brendan Napier who had the simple task of slipping the ball past the out coming Simmonds.
United got one back with seven minutes remaining when a long ball from the back was headed on by Jordan Lauder who found debutant Calum Webb and the ex Berwick Rangers player put a thunderous shot into the top right corner of the net.
The University increased their lead again when they were awarded a free kick in the 87th minute just outside the box and substitute Jamie Brown stepped up to fire a shot which beat the diving United keeper inside his left hand post.
The goals were still raining in and this time it was United to score in the last minute of time when a Jamie Milner corner on the left was swung into the box and Mark Lockhart was on hand to guide the ball into the net.
Into injury time and Heriot Watt got their sixth goal when central defender Stuart Harker was deemed to have tripped Chris Donnelly in the box by ref David Doig. The penalty was duly dispatched by Sean Mullins
Kelso Team : D Simmonds, J McCutcheon ( C Webb 45), S Angus ( J Hogarth 75), S Tait, S Harker, M Lockhart, C Black, C Ferguson ( J Milner 68), G Mabon, J Swailes, J Lauder
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Saturday 24th September
Berwick Rangers Reserves 0 Kelso United 1
An injury time header from striker Des Burnett secured all three points for United at a breezy Shielfield Park on Saturday recording their first win at Berwick since the Reserves came back to the East of Scotland League.
The pitch was in immaculate condition and both teams went close in the opening five minutes a long range shot from Berwick left back Jamie Burstov just whistled over the bar and this was closely followed by a Damien McNulty shot which tested keeper Connor Wood. It was more or less tit for tat and a Darren Laverty shot was saved by United’s keeper David Simmonds this was followed by his opposite number Connor Wood pulling off two good saves from Des Burnett, the first a 20 yard shot which was goal bound then a looping header which was making for the top corner. On the half hour Steven Tait was United’s saviour when he managed to block efforts on goal from Liam Wallace and then Callum Hill. Berwick finished the stronger in the first half and a good through ball from Liam Wallace found Darren Laverty bearing down on goal but he blasted his effort over the bar.
The half time team rollicking by manager Prof Blaikie paid dividends and United went straight on the front foot at the start of the second half. A right foot shot from Jamie Swailes hit defender Peter Johnstone and the Berwick keeper could only look as the ball looped over him and the bar. A strong run down the left by Jordan Lauder had the home defence back pedalling and as he cut inside unleashed a shot which cannoned off the keeper’s legs and behind. Four minutes later and again Lauder had the defence stretched this time he picked out Mark Lockhart who in turn passed to Des Burnett whose hooked shot just went wide of the left hand post with the keeper beaten.
Midway through the second half and United keeper David Simmonds pulled off a tremendous save when a free kick from the right from Shaun Hill found Ross Cowan at the back post and the lanky defender must have thought he had scored but Simmonds managed to dive to his left and get his left hand to the ball to put round the post.
This spurred United back into action and in the 70th minute Des Burnett found himself through on goal with only the keeper to beat but the no 9 blasted his effort over the bar. United had the ball in the net ten minutes later but ref Alan Hogg ruled substitute Chris Black off side as he latched on to long ball from the back. Des Burnett must have thought it was not going to be his day when again he found himself one to one with the keeper after picking up the ball 25 yards out but this time the home keeper managed to get a leg to the shot and clear. In the last minute of the game Berwick defender Kevin Carter was sent off for his second bookable offence.
The game was a minute into extra time when United eventually got the goal they deserved. A free kick was awarded on the right hand side of the field fully 40 yards out, John McCutcheon launched a high ball to the back post and as they say you can’t keep a good striker down, Des Burnett rose above the defence to head past the Berwick keeper to clinch victory for the visitors.
Kelso Team: D Simmonds, J McCutcheon, S Angus, S Tait, S Harker, M Lockhart ( C Black 63), C Tait ( J Milner 82), D McNulty, D Burnett, J Swailes, J Lauder ( C Ferguson 75)
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Saturday 17th September
Duns 0 Kelso United 1
Duns hosted the Tweedsiders in the East of Scotland league for the first time in 35 years & it was the visitors that took all 3 points in this very dour affair.
Kelso almost took the lead in the 2nd minute as a through ball from Steven Tait found Des Burnett & his shot sneaked past the post. Kelso were looking the better side in the opening 15 mins with Steven Tait unlucky from a corner & Burnett failing to connect to a Sean Angus cross.
On 17 mins Duns countered into Kelso's penalty area & what looked like a great tackle from Sean Angus was deemed a foul & referee Scott Millar pointed to the spot. Andrew Douglas stepped up but the Duns midfielder's shot produced an excellent save from David Simmonds. The penalty miss seemed to spur Duns on more than anything as this time the post came to the Kelso rescue from a Mark Weatherburn shot & then the Duns striker had a free kick saved by Simmonds.
As the game approached the last 5 mins of the half an excellent ball played through by Steven Tait to Burnett & the big Kelso striker dispatched a left foot shot past keeper Lumsden to give Kelso the lead.
in the 2nd half Duns were starting to play good football & were unlucky not to equalise after some sloppy Kelso defending. Mark Weatherburn firing over from close range & then Simmonds saving a Lackenby free kick. Gary Mabon came off the bench to try & give the Kelso team a lift & he set up Burnett straight away but the ball flew wide of goal. 10 mins from time Duns defender Gary Renton lunged into Damien Mcnulty & the ref produced the red card. Kelso never took advantage of the extra man & Duns subsitute Steven Burns hit the post with 3 mins to go,
but Kelso held on to take the win this local derby.
Kelso United: David Simmonds, John Mccutcheon, Sean Angus, Stuart Harker, Steven Tait, Damien Mcnulty, Chris Black, Chris Tait (Gary Mabon), Derek Burnett, Jamie Swailes, Jordan Lauder.
Subs not used: Craig Ferguson, Jamie Milner, Jamie Hogarth, Gary Mcbride.
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Saturday 10th September
Kelso United 2 Preston Athletic 1
South Challenge Cup First round
Kelso welcomed league leaders Preston to Woodside Park for this difficult cup tie.
It was Kelso who started the brighter, Des Burnett having a header saved from a corner & missing the ball by a whisker from an Angus cross, but as per usual in this case it was the visitors who took the lead on 9 mins. Kelso conceded a free kick on the edge of the home box, Preston's Kevin Cairnie shot for goal & the ball took a wicked deflection off the wall & into the net as keeper Simmonds was left helpless. The goal spurred Kelso on & they enjoyed a spell with 1st Lauder & then Burnett testing the Preston keeper. The Kelso pressure paid off on 23mins when Chris Tait found the net from a corner to make it 1-1. This was the ex-Yetholm lad's 2nd goal in 2 games. Kelso kept the pressure up & within 4 mins of the equaliser they took the lead, an excellent through ball by Jamie Swailes was cleared by the Preston keeper only to cannon off Des Burnett & into the empty net to make it 2-1 Kelso. Kelso should have made it 3-1 from a corner but Stuart Harker was given a dubious offside as he headered into the net. With half time approaching Kelso keeper David Simmonds made sure Kelso went in with the lead, reacting brilliantly to an effort from Kevin Cairnie.
The 2nd half promised to be as good as the 1st for Kelso as they pressurised from the kick off, and it was Kelso who were involved in the first big incident for the referee. Jamie Swailes played the ball into the box & as Burnett was about to pull the trigger, he crumpled under a challenge from the Preston defender. The Kelso crowd screamed for a stonewall penalty but referee Paul Hanlon waved it away & booked the big Kelso striker for diving.
Kelso were enjoying most off the game & you felt it would be the home side that added to their advantage. That chance came when Burnett beat the keeper only to see his shot come back off the post then cleared from danger. Five minutes later the woodwork rescued Preston again, as Burnett's header came off the crossbar.
Kelso defended well in the last 5 mins as Preston looked for an equaliser but to no avail & it was Kelso who progressed through to meet Selkirk in the next round.
Kelso United: David Simmonds, Craig Ferguson (Gary Mabon 70min), Sean Angus, Stuart Harker, Steven Tait, Damien Mcnulty, Chris Black, Chris Tait, Derek Burnett, Jordan Lauder (Jamie Milner 83 mins).
Subs not used- Jamie Hogarth, John McCutcheon, Gary Mcbride
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Saturday 3rd September
Eyemouth 5 Kelso United 2
Alex Jack Cup Round 1
Kelso threw away a 2 goal lead against the fishermen at warner park. Kelso got going straight from kick off, 2 early free kicks causing problems in the Eyemouth goalmouth. Some great interplay by Lockhart & Black found Angus on the left, his pinpoint cross found Tait's diving header to make it 1-0 Kelso. Eyemouth had a couple of tame efforts before Lauder's shirt was tugged by the Eyemouth defender on the half hour & the ref pointed to the spot. Lauder picked himself up to slot the ball home & make it 2-0. Just when Kelso thought they were cruising, Mcbride was picking the ball out the net 5 mins later after Kelso failed to clear their lines & Aitchison made it 2-1. Just before half time J. Simpson brought Eyemouth level, once again Kelso failing to clear the ball away, leaving it 2-2 at the break. The equaliser had lifted Eyemouth & after the restart had Mcbride in action with a fine save. Black had a free kick & then a header both over the bar for Kelso as they pressed but it was Eyemouth who went in front on 67 mins when S Simpson put Eyemouth 3-2 up. After seeing 2 sent off last week Kelso saw themselves down to 10 men when a harsh red card was shown to Lockhart for a challenge on the keeper. Kelso welcomed back Gary Mabon for the last 15 mins who has been out injured for nearly 2 years. With the man advantage Eyemouth made it 4-2 on 72 mins when a long range effort from Coyle flew into the net & just a minute later won a freekick. Mcbride couldnt hold & the Eyemouth striker nipped in to make it 5-2. Kelso kept giving their all with Lauder having a good shift up front. Brown & Hogarth both came close in the last 10 mins but Eyemouth were sitting comfortable & held out to win 5-2.
United team: Mcbride, Ferguson, Angus, S Tait, Harker, Brown, C Tait, Lockhart, Lauder, Mcnulty, Black. Subs: Hogarth, Mabon, Laidler, Milner.
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Saturday 27th August
Vale of Leithen 2 Kelso United 1
Image Printers Cup
Having won 6-0 two weeks ago against United, Vale of Leithen side must have thought this was an easy game for them but it turned out to be a real ding dong encounter. Kelso unfortunately ended the game with nine men after referee Gianluca Marini, who had a nightmare of a game, sent off David Simmonds & John McCutcheon in the last two minutes for separate incidents.
The home side started the better and keeper David Simmonds was called into action to save at the feet of Steven Radzynski after 15 minutes. A minute later and Simmonds was called upon again to save a shot from David Anderson. The home side went in front six minutes from half time when a cross from the left to the back post saw striker John Ferguson and United’s Chris Black rise to head the ball but referee Marini adjudged that Black pushed the Vale no 9 and awarded a penalty to the home side. Scott Devlin duly dispatched the penalty giving the United keeper no chance. Kelso almost equalised from the kick off when John McCutcheon launched a long ball into the box and Jamie Swailes was unlucky to see his shot go over the bar.
Two minutes into the second half and the home side hit the post when a shot from Scott Devlin was saved by the United keeper but the ball broke to David Anderson whose shot deflected off Chris Black onto the woodwork and out. Kelso equalised on the hour mark with a fine passage of play down the right hand side. The play was started at the back when Stuart Harker played the ball to Des Burnett who passed to Damien McNulty who played the ball back to Burnett who then fired the ball across goal and Vale’s Grant McNicol stuck out a leg to deflect it into the net.
The home side went back in front with a good individual goal from winger Jordan Hall. The Vale man picked up the ball on the left hand side of the park and with pace and neat feet left two Kelso defenders in his wake before dispatching his shot into the corner of the net. United almost had an equaliser six minutes from time when a long header from the back saw Vale defender Grant McNicol ,the Vale keeper and Des Burnett all go for the ball at the edge of the box. The Kelso striker managed to get his foot to the ball first and saw the ball agonisingly bounce in the six yard box and over the bar.
Two minutes from the end United substitute Jamie Hogarth lost the ball down the right to David Anderson who then beat John McCutcheon only to be upended in the box by United keeper David Simmonds. The referee then pulled out the red card to send the no1 off. Scott Devlin stepped up to take the penalty but was well saved by Des Burnett who took the gloves, following Simmonds sending off, diving to his right.
Then in the last minute United full back John McCutcheon was sent packing when he kicked the ball away to pick up his second yellow card and see the visitors end the game with nine men.
Kelso team: D Simmonds, J McCutcheon, S Angus ( C Tait 40), S Tait( J Milner 85), S Harker, D McNulty, C Ferguson ( J Hogarth 75), M Lockhart, D Burnett, J Swailes, C Black
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Saturday 20th August
Kelso United 3 Leith Athletic 2
United saved their best performance for the last game of League Cup Qualifying group on Saturday with a good win against Premier League side Leith Athletic. It was a match with only pride at stake as both teams had no chance of reaching the next round of the cup.
Leith started the better of the two teams and after only 8 minutes United keeper David Simmonds had to dive to his right to prevent a Conor Scott shot from hitting the net after some hesitation in the Kelso defence. The game flitted from end to end without much penetration until the 21st minute when the visitors took the lead. A perfectly placed ball from midfield found striker Greig Tulloch who placed the ball back across the goal and hit the unfortunate full back Craig Ferguson on the shin, when under pressure from Leith winger Stephen Barrie, to knock the ball into his own net.
The game and Kelso came to life in the second half and United went close just after the break when a Chris Black header just went wide from a Jordan Lauder cross. The home team drew level in the 52nd minute when a good ball from Chris Black found Des Burnett in the middle who out muscled a couple of defenders and passed to Jamie Swailes who hit a right foot shot into the roof of the net. United now had their tails up and further chances from Burnett and Swailes were just off target. It was no surprise when United did go in front in the 70th minute. After a rampaging run by Jordan Lauder down the left the big winger then swung an inch perfect cross for Chris Black to run into the box and power a header past the helpless Leith keeper Matthew Banks. The no 7 then got promptly booked for his goal celebration for taking his top off.
Midway through the second half and United made it three , a long throw by Jamie Swailes was headed back out to him by the Leith defence who crossed into the box where he found Des Burnett to head into the bottom corner of the net. The visitors struck back five minutes later when substitute Daniel Simpson found the home defence sleeping and with space in the box headed past United keeper David Simmonds. The substitute almost scored again 2 minutes later when Simmonds had to dive to his left to stop a goal bound shot.
United held on grittily for the last ten minutes to pick up their first win of the season
Kelso Team: D Simmonds, C Ferguson, S Angus, S Harker, S Tait, M Lockhart, C Black( J Hogarth 71), D McNulty, D Burnett, J Swailes, J Lauder ( J Milner 83)
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Saturday 13th August 2011
Kelso United 1 Craigroyston 3
The match at Woodside Park on Saturday was to quote an old cliché a game of two halves with United dominant in the first half and the visitors getting much the better of play in the second.
The home side started brightly and with only three minutes gone United were one up with the Kelso front three all involved. A good run down the left by Jordan Lauder his pass found Des Burnett in the middle, the number 9 then placed the ball right for Chris Black whose shot deflected off Craigroyston fullback Andrew Milligan into the net.
The same combination of players almost made increased United’s lead on the quarter hour mark when again a run down the left by Jordan Lauder crossed for Des Burnett who in turn played the ball to Chris Black but this time the tall striker’s thunderous effort rattled off the crossbar with the keeper beaten.
United kept pressing and a Mark Lockhart shot just went over the bar following a free kick from 30 yards out.
Craigroyston’s only real goal effort in the first half was when Martin Laidlaw was played through on goal but the midfielder could not control the ball and his shot went wide.
The tables turned in the second half and six minutes after the restart the visitors drew level. After a good run down the left by winger Jamie Stewart he swung a high ball to the far post where Darren Lochart rose above the United defence to angle a header past United keeper David Simmonds.
On the hour mark Craigroyston took the lead through a great individual goal by their striker Ubong Umotong. The number 9 picked up the ball on the left side of the field and with pace and strength shrugged off the challenges of the United defence to place the ball in the left hand corner of the net.
The game was still in the balance until the 78th minute when the visitors were awarded a penalty. A loose ball in the box was being chased by Craig Ferguson and the visitors Martin Laidlaw away from goal ,there was a tangle of legs and the Craigroyston midfielder fell over. Nobody thought it was a penalty except for young referee Peter Stuart, who was handing out bookings like confetti, and striker Umotong made no mistake with the spot kick to give the visitors a two goal advantage.
Kelso Team : D Simmonds, J McCutcheon, S Angus, J Brown, S Harker, D McNulty, J Lauder, M Lockhart ( C Ferguson 72),D Burnett, J Swailes ( J Milner 30), C Black ( J Hogarth 82)
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Saturday 6th August 2011
Kelso United 1 Easthouses Lily 3
Kelso’s first game of the season ended in a home defeat to an enthusiastic Easthouses Lily team in a game played in continuous rain at Woodside Park on Saturday
The visitors started brightly and Kelso keeper David Simmonds was called into action early saving from Easthouses striker Kyle Boggie. This was followed by efforts from Lily’s Graeme Young & Ross Gaylor who both fired shots just off target. United’s best effort in the opening exchanges was from a Chris Black free kick which went over the bar.
Easthouses took the lead after 20 minutes when a neat ball from Craig Studart on the right found Ross Gaylor running through on goal and Gaylor made no mistake slipping the ball past advancing keeper Simmonds into the net. The visitors should have went two up four minutes later when Scott Borthwick set up Craig Studart in the box but somehow the right winger managed to skew the ball wide. Kelso were beginning to find their game in the second period of the first half and eventually the efforts paid off with an equaliser after 39 minutes when a long kick from keeper Simmonds was headed on by Des Burnett to Jamie Swailes breaking from midfield, the no10 struck a good right foot shot past Easthouses keeper Young diving to his left. The visitors struck back with a minute of the first half to go, when a free kick on the right was floated into the United box, keeper Simmonds palmed to full back James Currie who whipped a left foot cross into the six yard box and Graeme Young rose to head the ball into the net.
United almost got an equaliser two minutes after the restart a good run by Jordan Lauder on the left .The winger crossed into the danger area in front of goals and Jamie Swailes was denied by some last ditch defending by full back and keeper. Midway through the second half the visitors extended their lead when a ball from wide right was flicked on by the head of Kyle Boggie and Paul Walkingshaw was first to react in the box to knock the ball past the United keeper. Kelso kept going in the driving rain and Des Burnett was unlucky with a header which went past the post after again some good work down the left by Jordan Lauder.
Kelso Team: D Simmonds, J McCutcheon, S Angus (E Whittle 68),S Harker, J Brown, C Tait ( M Lockhart 75), C Black ( J Milner80), D McNulty, D Burnett, J Swailes, J Lauder.
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