Hockey: Helensburgh sides beat Kelburne but lose to Dumfries

The second squad were looking for their first win of the season, and with captain James Steel absent, it was up to his deputy, young Logan Hill, to lead the side.

Following a slow start from both sides, winger Gavin Mackenzie intercepting a pass deep in the opposition’s half gave rise to Helensburgh's first chance on goal.

In a display of quick and accurate passing Mackenzie found Daniel Dooley who dragged it wide of the keeper for an easy goal.

Daniel Dooley scored the opener (Image: Gordon Black) It was an even game for the rest of the half with both teams struggling to gain any opportunities.

Eventually Kelburne managed to drive it into Helensburgh’s final quarter and a deliberate foot off David McGregor earned them a penalty corner (and McGregor a green card for a two-minute sin bin).

Kelburne looked all set to find the back of the net with their penalty corner routine, however, midfielder Mark Findlay denied their chances with a goal line save that bounced up and cleared away with a baseball-esque swing.

Helensburgh went into the break with a 1-0 lead.

Both teams went into the second half with renewed vigour. However, it wasn’t long before Kelburne managed to break through Helensburgh's defence.

While a great save from goalkeeper Craig Keith denied the first shot, a deliberate stick tackle by Gordon Caulfield meant Kelburne were gifted a penalty flick.

The experienced Kelburne striker slotted it home to level the game at 1-1.

Helensburgh were not to be disheartened as a quick ball from Richard Park to Harry Green meant the attack was on.

A slip from Green to Adam Carmichael at the back post created a prime scoring opportunity.

With the keeper bearing down on him Carmichael calmly slipped it across to Mackenzie for another Helensburgh goal.

Gavin Mackenzie scored (Image: Gordon Black) As Kelburne ramped up the pressure of their attacks, Helensburgh’s defence and goalkeeper were tested.

A poor pass by Findlay was intercepted by a Kelburne player leaving a 1v1 with the goalkeeper. The Kelburne striker put it past the keeper however in an act of redemption Findlay saved it off the line.

The Kelburne onslaught of attacks continued as the pressure rose. Helensburgh went down to 10 men after a yellow card was earned by a frustrated Dooley.

Helensburgh looked like they were struggling being down to 10 men, however, a long ball from Park found Carmichael standing at the top of Kelburne D.

A big touch around the last defender left a race for the ball between attacker and keeper. Luckily Carmichael had the legs and took the ball round the keeper for a well-deserved goal - putting Helensburgh up 3-1.

The game was all but over but Kelburne were pressing the Helensburgh side with all they had.

Helensburgh dispelled numerous attacks, however, could not hold them all off.

An explosive attack meant an experienced Kelburne striker slotted it home to claw the game back to 3-2. With seconds left in the match Kelburne pressed as hard as they could to use the numerical difference to their advantage, but Helensburgh stood strong and sighed relief as the final whistle blew for a 3-2 victory.

Man of the match Paul Moore (Image: Gordon Black) Helensburgh team: Craig Keith; David McGregor; Richard Park; Gordon Caulfield; Paul Moore (MoM); Mark Findlay; Gavin Mackenzie (1); Adam Carmichael (1); Harry Green; Daniel Dooley (1); Logan Hill (c); Alan Bowman. Thanks to Ian Bowyer for umpiring.

The third XI travelled down to Dumfries for a match against Dumfries second XI.

It was a very even game with both sides creating chances.

Captain Benji Jones had a wonderful first half keeping the scores at 0-0.

Helensburgh struggled to keep the Dumfries keeper as busy sadly, although debutant Josh Lethbridge did his best to try and score.

The second half went similar to the first, although Dumfries did manage to beat the wall that was Jones in the goal, giving them a 1-0 lead. Helensburgh tried to get back into the game with James Pettit and Thomas Harris both having chances but sadly it was not to be.

Helensburgh team: Benji Jones (c); Andy Richardson; Duncan Lemay; David O’Donnell; Daniel Robbie; Craig Robbie; Josh Lethbridge (MoM); Eddy O’Lone; Callum Court; James Pettit; Thomas Harris; Alex Stewart.