Carnoustie Panmure heading for an end of season title decider

It remains advantage Carnoustie Panmure in the battle to lift the Midlands League title – but only just.
Jamie Winter helped himself to a hat-trick during another weekend win for Carnoustie. Pic by Mark JohnsonJamie Winter helped himself to a hat-trick during another weekend win for Carnoustie. Pic by Mark Johnson
Jamie Winter helped himself to a hat-trick during another weekend win for Carnoustie. Pic by Mark Johnson

Phil McGuire’s side continue to do all that is asked of them as they refuse to buckle in the end of season run in.

It’s a straight two horse race between Panmure and Dundee East Craigie for the championship with Carnoustie currently holding top spot.

But that lead is on a knife edge, Carnoustie three points and two goals better off than East Craigie, but having played a game more.

On Saturday they gave their goal difference, which may prove crucial, a boost with a 6-1 win over Lochee Harp at Laing Park.

With just 11 minutes gone a Jamie Winter free-kick gave Panmure the advantage before Dale Reid’s strike, his 50th goal of the season, gave the hosts a handy cushion.

Panmure started the second-half lively and a deflected Winter effort put them three goals up before, again, Reid, got in on the act to make it 4-1.

Ryan Suttie found himself in the wrong place at the wrong time on 73 minutes when his header beat his own goalkeeper to give Lochee a lifeline.

Any hope of a Lochee fightback were soon extinguished when captain Ryan Roche headed in a fifth on 83 minutes.

Winter completed the scoring, and his hat-trick, when he converted from the penalty spot after being fouled himself.

Craigie play their game in hand at home to Tayport on Wednesday, May 4.

On May 7 Craigie host Dundee North End and Carnoustie go to Forfar West End for what will be a thrilling final day of the season.

Results: Arbroath Victoria 1 - 2 Lochee United, Blairgowrie Juniors 0 - 6 Tayport, Carnoustie Panmure 6 - 1 Lochee Harp, Coupar Angus 0 - 5 Kirriemuir Thistle, Dundee East Craigie 5 - 1 Brechin Victoria, Dundee North End 5 - 1 Scone Thistle, Dundee St. James 2 - 4 Dundee Downfield, Forfar United 1 - 0 Letham, Forfar West End 1 - 2 Broughty Athletic.

Fixtures for Saturday: Blairgowrie Juniors – Dundee Violet, Dundee Downfield – Dundee North End, Dundee St. James - Kirriemuir Thistle, Letham - Brechin Victoria, Lochee Harp - Forfar United, Lochee United - Scone Thistle.

All of Saturday’s games are scheduled to kick-off at 2.30pm.