A clinical Stoneyburn proved too much for a youthful Pumpherston side at Beechwood Park as they ran out 5-1 winners, writes Callum McCormack.
Goals from David Hendry, Callum Robertson and a double from Ryan Robertson gave the Fulshie a 4-0 lead at half-time.
An early second-half goal from Ben Magee gave Pumphy hope, before Euan Scott rounded off the scoring with a fine finish with five minutes remaining.
The hosts opened the scoring on four minutes as Hendry’s effort from distance found itself on target.
Stand-in keeper Rhys Burnett looked to have made an easy catch, only to see the ball slip out of his hands, over his shoulder and into the net.
Stoneyburn would further extend their lead on 18 minutes. Hendry found himself sandwiched between Burnett and a defender with the official pointing to the spot with Ryan Robertson dispatched from 12 yards.
If the first goal was potentially wind assisted, then the third definitely was as Robertson was as surprised as anyone when he doubled his account with an in-swinging corner that looped over Burnett before hitting the post and rolling over the line.
Before the half was out, there would be a fourth for the Fulshie as a long ball over the top from Gavin McQuillan allowed Callum Robertson to burst into the box before he coolly knocked the ball over Burnett.
It was not completely one way traffic, however.
Pumphy played good football in spells, with Magee often the focal point. His good feet allowed him to find the space to get his shot off as half-time approached, but his effort was wide.
As the second-half rolled around, he would get another chance and this time make no mistake as he created space, before driving the ball home.
It wouldn’t spark a comeback but Pumphy did go close to adding another on 77 minutes when Chris Rooney almost repeated Robertson’s corner-kick trick from the first-half but McQuillan was able to tip the ball to safety.
It was the Fulshie who would have the final say in the game as McQuillan’s kick out found the head of Lewis McKee.
His knockdown fell to Scott who slotted home from 12 yards out to complete the scoring and seal a fine win for the hosts.
Delighted Fulshie gaffer Steven Sharp said afterwards: “We just want to finish the season on a high. We want to keep building, we want to keep confidence going and we want to add the right players to take it forward.
“It’s all about getting as many points on the board between now and the end of the season, and let’s see how high we can finish up the league.”
His Pumphy counterpart Craig Martin admitted that he’s desperate to see the back of a challenging campaign, highlighted by the lack of a goalkeeper in the clash.
He said: “It’s just a case of seeing this season out and rebuilding for next season. It’s difficult for us. We’ve got a right young team.
“We’ve not got a goalie – it’s a stand-in – and the two centre-halves are young kids. But we were our own downfall with the first two goals. To come back from that is difficult.”
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