Midlands League – 02/11/2024 @ Thomson Park
Match Report From Marten Kats
After the cup games at Dyce and Peterhead, it was a return to league action and Thomson Park for the ‘Chee started today. Visitors were Letham who are sat firmly in mid table.
The first real chance was for the visitors who got an early corner kick and had a shot from just outside the box that Jamie McCabe did well to save. Lochee slowly started to take more of the initiative after that, but without getting really dangerous. After 13 minutes, Bobby Linn was fouled and the referee pointed to the spot. He put it away well to give Lochee the lead.
After the goal, the game went back and forth with both sides creating chances but not coming close to scoring. After 28 minutes, Callum Moore had a good shot from distance but it just went wide. The visitors kept pushing for an equaliser and got dangerous a few times. They got the closest with a free kick from a dangerous position 37 minutes into the game, but it was saved by Jamie McCabe.
This was followed by another chance shortly after which went just over after a scramble. The hosts went into the break with a 1-0 lead, but the visitors will have gone into the dressing room feeling they could get something out of this game.
Early into the second half Jamie McCabe made another good save from a free kick as the visitors tried going for a quick equaliser. Ten minutes in, a clearance from the line by MacKenzie Lemon kept the ‘Chee in the lead. A chance by Callum Moore to extend the lead was well saved by the Letham goalkeeper, followed quickly by another good save by Jamie McCabe.
Ryan Paterson was then brought on after which Lochee showed more initiative. He scored an absolute screamer from a difficult angle to put the ‘Chee 2-0 up 28 minutes into the second half. A goal that was needed considering how strong the visitors had been.
After that, Lochee immediately pushed forward again and Bailey Steel scored to put us 3-0 up just 3 minutes later.
Suddenly everything seemed to be going right for Lochee as another four minutes later Kerr Hay scored the fourth goal. With 5 minutes left Lochee got another penalty, Kerr Hay put it away to score his second and Lochee’s 5th of the afternoon.
The game finished in a 5-0 win for Lochee United, a scoreline that Letham can feel hard done by as it could easily have been 1-1 with 20 minutes to go. They gave a good account of themselves and definitely improved compared to last season. An important win for the ‘Chee though in the end.
Jamie McCabe made some great saves to keep us in the game. Bobby Linn was again important in the build up. Ryan Paterson made a good impact when he came on. But my man of the match is Paul Lunan. He made some excellent clearances to prevent the equaliser, he was strong and reliable at the back.
The next game is on Wednesday night when we take on Dundee North End under the lights. As always, COME ON THE ‘CHEE!
