Laurencekirk West End 4–3 Kemnay AFC
Three-goal fightback ultimately goes unrewarded at Laurencekirk
Kemnay AFC produced a spirited fightback from three goals down at Laurencekirk on Saturday, but ultimately came away empty-handed after a dramatic 4–3 defeat.
The significant slope at Laurencekirk played its part in the contest, with the home side attacking downhill in the opening half and quickly making use of the advantage. Long balls over the top caused Kemnay problems from the outset, with the speed and positioning of Laurencekirk's number nine in particular stretching the defence.
The hosts capitalised after just three minutes. A soft foul gave Laurencekirk a free kick which was floated over the top, where an attacker managed to get his head to the ball and send it looping over Fernando and into the net.
Kemnay continued to find Laurencekirk's direct play difficult to deal with and the hosts doubled their advantage on 29 minutes. Another ball through released their number nine one-on-one with Fernando and he made no mistake with the finish.
Four minutes later it was 3–0, although this one was very much avoidable from a Kemnay perspective.
Nobody went to meet the ball around the edge of the penalty area, leaving the Laurencekirk striker with a remarkable amount of time and space. He was even able to do a couple of keepy-ups before bringing the ball under control, turning and getting his strike away to put the hosts three ahead.
At that stage Kemnay had given themselves a mountain to climb, but an important response arrived just before half-time.
Ryan played a good ball into Jacob Holloway, who collected it around the box before laying it off for Cameron Mann. Mann drove his finish into the far corner in the 43rd minute to reduce the deficit and give Kemnay something to take into the break.
Half-time: Laurencekirk West End 3–1 Kemnay AFC
The change of ends also meant Kemnay now had the opportunity to make the slope work in their favour.
They did exactly that.
Playing downhill allowed Kemnay to break forward with much greater speed and gave them the opportunity to make full use of the lightning pace of Saber Ibrahim up front.
The pressure paid off in the 62nd minute. A corner was delivered towards the back post and headed back across goal, where Saber was waiting to put it away and make it 3–2.
Only three minutes later, the comeback was complete.
Jake Blackwood picked the ball up outside the penalty area and unleashed a superb left-footed strike which flew into the net.
From 3–0 down after 33 minutes, Kemnay had fought all the way back to 3–3.
Unfortunately, having done all the hard work to get themselves level, Kemnay found themselves behind again in the 76th minute. Laurencekirk forced the ball into a dangerous area and Callum Forbes was unfortunate to turn it into his own net.
There was still time for one final opportunity.
Jakob Ghabosh was brought down inside the box, giving Kemnay a late penalty and the chance to make it 4–4. Joel Ingram stepped up, but his spot kick was saved.
It brought an end to a frustrating afternoon. Kemnay ultimately paid the price for allowing Laurencekirk to establish such a commanding early lead, but the fight shown to recover from 3–0 down and take the game all the way to the closing stages was a considerable positive to take from the performance.
Full-time: Laurencekirk West End 4–3 Kemnay AFC
⚽ Cameron Mann — 43'
⚽ Saber Ibrahim — 62'
⚽ Jake Blackwood — 65'
🎯 Assists: Callum Campbell & Jacob Holloway
⭐ Man of the Match: Cameron Mann
Kemnay AFC would like to thank our club partner Aberclean, our coaching team partner Semco Maritime, and today's featured player sponsors ShadowMark Tattoo, Lilibet Coaching, Marshalls Farm Shop and Steve Law for their continued support.
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