Lanark outshine Bellshill in six-goal thriller

In a chilly evening fixture, Lanark United U20s secured a great comeback win away to Bellshill Athletic.

Two penalties from Ross Steele as well as strikes from Douglas Steer and Kevin Talbot helped them get the win despite goals from Bellshill’s Kevin Gallagher and Ross Prentise.

This result at St Ambrose High School puts United just one point behind sixth-place Kirkintilloch Rob Roy in the Lowlands League Conference G.

The first chance fell to Lanark two minutes in as Talbot had a well-worked shot saved from just inside the area.

Then some good pressing led to the forward’s long-range strike which slammed off the outside of the post.

The hosts got their first major chance in the seventh minute. Connor Cowan showed outstanding skill to drive into the box and hit a fierce shot which forced a brilliant save from Eoin Wallace.

This gave Bellshill confidence as in the 13th minute Ben Muir took on two players and put a dangerous cross into the area. It reached forward Dean Vaughan whose close-range drive was cleared off the line.

Both sides were evenly matched in the early exchange until the home team were awarded a dangerous free kick.  Prentise stepped up and hit a powerful shot at Wallace’s goal. The Lanark number one managed to save the effort, but the ball rebounded to Gallagher who followed up brilliantly to make it 1-0 Bellshill Athletic.

The home team kept up the pressure with another floated delivery reaching Billy Mackay at the back post. His diving header was yet again blocked by United’s goalie. 

The visitors then had their best chance of the half when Steer found himself one-on-one with keeper Ryan Murray. The man between the sticks managed to get out of his goal in time to put him off as the Lanark man fired his left-footed shot just wide.

Immediately after that Steer took on three players with blistering pace and struck a shot which was met with a great diving stop to conclude the first half.

Lanark United were looking for a quick start after the break and they got it, winning a penalty in the 47th minute. With some good play in the area, they managed to force a foul from the opposition defence. Steele stepped up to take it and, with ice running through his veins, cooly slotted the ball past the keeper to make it 1-1.

Ten minutes later Talbot‘s brilliant solo run lead to a fabulous effort from range but his shot smashed off the crossbar.

Moments after the away team got the breakthrough, Steer latched onto a loose ball and fired his shot superbly past Murray to make it 2-1.

Bellshill Athletic were not giving up without a fight as straight from kick-off they went up the park and equalised. Cowan played a beautiful ball through to Prentise whose cool finish put the ball beyond Wallace. 

Both sides were evenly matched again until United were awarded another penalty. 

The ball was crossed in and a collision between the keeper and attacker saw the referee point to the spot again. Steele stepped up once more and perfectly found the bottom left corner.

Sandy Callan’s side piled on the pressure and added a fourth to their tally with Talbot converting with a lovely curling shot to find the bottom left corner with 15 minutes to go.

Bellshill Athletic Man of the Match: Ross Prentise

The midfielder showed great work rate all over the pitch for his team. He also contributed with a well taken goal and an assist.

Lanark United Man of the Match: Kevin Talbot

The number nine showed fine skill throughout the game, creating some great chances. He hit some fierce shots, and show frightening pace throughout the match. 

Bellshill Athletic Magic Moment: Instant equaliser

The home side’s equaliser straight after going a goal down showed great team spirit to get back into the game.

Lanark United Magic Moment: Quickfire double

Lanarks two goals in less than a minute to win the match proved they knew once they took the lead to get another to seal all three points.