Scarva Rangers Res 2 Moneyslane Res 4

TOP of the table Moneyslane Reserves condemned Scarva Rangers Reserves to their fourth league defeat of the season.

Rangers made a sluggish start to Saturday’s clash at Scarva Park and were a goal down after ten minutes but Noel Hamilton levelled matters with a beautifully executed free kick into the top corner of the visitors’ goal.

Moneyslane managed to hit the target for a second time to lead 2-1 at half-time.

A resilient Scarva Rangers Reserves side made a purposeful start to the second half. Alex Hammond flicked the ball precisely into the path of the onrushing Noel Hamilton, who controlled it and drove an unstoppable shot into the bottom corner of the net.

The hosts were on top and appeared strongly placed to go on and win the encounter, Alex Hammond only denied by an alert stop from the Moneyslane keeper.

The game turned on two penalty decisions from the match official, firstly to wave away Scarva claims for a penalty and then to award one to the visitors. Both decisions were greeted with deep dismay by the hosts.

Moneyslane slotted home their penalty to retake the lead and Scarva’s hopes of rescuing a point were dented by a dismissal and then holed below the water line by a fourth Moneyslane goal.

Hammond went close late in the game with a crisp strike that swept just wide of the target.

Player manager Freddie McKelvey said: “We made a slow start but the second half saw a much improved performance and we were very unlucky not to get at least a draw.”

Best for Scarva Rangers Reserves – Goalkeeper Stephen Craig made a number of impressive saves, while Ryan Dodds and Alex Hammond also produced eye catching displays.