Queensferry went into Saturdays Edinburgh west league fixture knowing another victory would further cement there promotion push and put pressure on Balerno lying one place and two points above them whilst continuing to widen the gap with Craigshill Thistle who are still engaged in their impressive Scottish cup Campaign.

Weather conditions were not ideal as the players warmed up and a very strong gale was blowing across the park, referee Vivarini chose to let the game go ahead after a short discussion with both managers and captains. Queensferry used the wind to their advantage in the opening 15 minutes dominating possession and Burns was inches away from scoring when a miskick from the Seaforth keeper allowed him a clear sight on goal but the Seaforth number 4 did well to intercept and put the ball out for a corner. Queensferry continued to push with McAnulty, Burns, Gemmell and Dunnett all looking threatening. The opening goal came on 16 minutes, the ball fell kindly for Burns in the 18 yard box and he slotted the ball home to give The Ferry a deserved lead. This opening goal awoke Seaforth and they started to look dangerous on the attack however full backs K. Haldane and Miller were nullifying any dangerous balls on the wings and Jaimeson and Bann at centre half were controlling any balls coming through the middle. Seaforth nearly did grab a goal on 19 minutes when a free kick 20 yards from goal curled towards S.Haldane right post however he done well to claw the ball away and Bann cleared the remaining danger.

Queensferry’s Second goal came on 25 minutes when Graham Hobb picked up a pass from Burns he looked up and fired in a shot from 30 yards and with the wind behind the ball it flew into the top right hand corer of the net to double The Ferry’s lead. Seaforth didn’t let this deter them and they forced themselves back into the game when a long throw fell to their number 9 who outmuscled Jaimeson 10 yards from goal he turned well and placed his shot low into the right hand corner of the net. Queensferry had been given the wakeup call they needed and straight from Kick off Dunnett and McAnulty linked up well only for Dunnetts effort to sail over the bar. McAnulty was causing constant problems for the Seaforth defence and on 32 minutes he chased down a through ball and the keeper’s clearance ricocheted of his thigh and the loose ball fell 40 yards from goal to the feet of Danny Gemmell he looked up and superbly lifted the ball over the Stranded Seaforth keeper to give the Ferry a 3-1 lead.

HT: Seaforth 1 Queensferry Athletic 3

As the second half started the strong gale had not curtailed and Queensferry were now facing straight into it, Seaforth started to take advantage of this and the opening 20 minutes of the half were predominantly played within the Ferry half however Keeper Haldane and his back four held strong along with the midfield four all working hard to help their teammates. S.Haldane was called into action again as another powerful Seaforth free kick was beaten away and Bann blocked the rebound effort superbly and the ball spun out for a corner.

The lack of attacking options was frustrating the Ferry forward line and on 64 minutes a frustrated Burns was involved in an altercation which resulted in him receiving two quick yellow cards and he was ordered off leaving Queensferry to see out the remaining 25 minutes with 10 men. McGuiness returning after a 2 week absence was brought on with Redpath to help defend the league and this tactical switch seemed to allow Hobb licence to move forward and he was unlucky not to grab a goal when he saw his one on one effort narrowly go over the bar.

McAnulty also had a chance 18 yards from goal on 75 minutes but his effort sailed over the bar. Seaforth pushed hard for a way back into the game with 10 minutes remaining however were unable to create any clear cut chances and the addition of Gold and Shuggie late on helped Queensferry see out the game and grab another important 3 points.

FT: Queensferry 3 Seaforth Highlanders 1

Overall a vitally important three points and a superb team effort from all 15 players in the squad, defensively sound once again and dangerous on the attack with some superb finishing which made for a satisfying afternoon. Two big league fixtures against fellow promotion rivals Armadale and Balerno now which will no doubt prove a sterner test however confidence is high and everybody is focused and motivated to maintain our superb league form.