Sauchie Juniors - 0 Newtongrange Star - 2 Newtongrange have been a bogey side for Sauchie going back to the early 1970s and Saturday was to be no different. The visitors have a chance of winning the league along with Kelty, Bo’ness and, as always, Linlithgow, whilst Sauchie sit mid table and need the points to keep away from the relegation and play off zone.

Sauchie started this McBookie.com Superleague match in fine fettle with Gary Bonnes and Calum Hendrie putting pressure on the visiting defence. Conor Kelly was another livewire for the home side with Blair Tolmie and Davie Dunn busy keeping him under control and out of the danger area.

Star carried danger with Craig Thomson and Gary Cherry starting to get to grips in midfield. A Sean Jamieson cross from the right came to Chris King with his effort blocked by Graeme King as far as Matti King who fired through the ‘keeper and home in 11 minutes for the opener.

The home side continued to knock the ball around with passes going astray and good build ups were easily turned. A long clearance by Gary McCulloch was well shielded by Kelly allowing Hendrie a glimpse at goal and his blast at goal was turned over by Kieron Renton in spectacular form.

Thomson took control for the visitors and sent a tempting ball into the box with Jamieson just failing to get a touch allowing Darren Dolan to gather. Kris Renton needed to be watched and this was carried out by McCulloch and King as the top scoring striker looked for a glimpse of a chance.

Brian Morgan and David Morrison brought Sauchie forward through power and determination as they shrugged off challenge after challenge to get the ball forward and allowed Hendrie a space but he fired over the top.

The Star increased their lead in 35 minutes. Renton advanced as the home players appealed for offside and pulled Dolan from his charge to place between the ‘keeper and the post.

Alistair Burns entered the game for the first time in nearly 18 months to loud cheers from the home support, returning from injury. Darren Cummings and Grant Smith freshened up the Sauchie side as they looked to claw their way back.

Nitten introduced Jordan Cropley and he nearly had an instant impact when his well struck effort flew inched past the post. His next attempt, a cross-cum-shot, clipped the far post with Renton standing next to it, waiting to net.

Cummings, Ian Diack and Kelly all tried hard but the Star defence was efficient to clear danger.

Sauchie – D. Dolan, Ashe, S. Dolan, King, McCulloch (Cummings), Morgan, Diack, Morrison, Kelly, Hendrie (Burns) and Bonnes (Smith).