I’d had this one marked for a while. I’ve seen both teams already this season and liked what they offered, so it made sense to come back. The game didn’t let me down. Two good sides, playing with purpose, and giving the GDSFC the kind of fixture that shows what this league can deliver.
See full roving reporter I Phone photos at https://www.flickr.com/gp/201870449@N04/FBj8cg08CY
Kelburne 2–1 Blantyre United — Championship | Match Report
Roving Reporter: Frank Sideline, Johnstone Sports Hub
Kelburne edged a top-end Championship clash with a late goal in a game that had quality from the first minute to the last. Both teams turned up ready for big clash, both teams played well, and both showed why they’re right at the sharp end of the table.
First Half
Blantyre started well — sharp on second balls, tidy in possession and full of early energy. Their pressure paid off around the 15-minute mark with the opener from a corner. A clean finish and fully earned after a strong start.
Kelburne answered quickly with the best move of the half: a break down the right, the wide player beating his man, cutting it back, and a top-corner finish that left the keeper with no chance.
From there the game settled into a proper contest. Football on the deck, honest challenges and good tempo. You could see moments of individual quality on both sides. The referee had an excellent half — calm, unobtrusive and letting the match flow.
Second Half
The pattern continued. Both sides probing without forcing it. Blantyre went closest midway through the half when they rattled the crossbar.
The atmosphere stayed friendly. Parents, coaches and players from both teams chatting away — exactly the tone you get in the GDSFC on a Sunday. The bright, low sun gave both keepers something extra to think about.
With ten minutes to go, Kelburne produced the decisive moment. A stunning strike, celebrated with real gusto because the players knew what it meant in the title race. Fine margins at this level, and Blantyre — who had played well — fell on the wrong side of one.
Full-Time: Kelburne 2–1 Blantyre United
A high-quality match, well refereed, played properly and decided by three excellent goals. A result that keeps the Championship wide open and shows exactly what this league can deliver when two strong sides meet head-on.
Referee man of match
Roving Reporter’s Note
Footy Focus was on the touchline for this one — a proper Match of the Day in the GDSFC.
What today’s result means (football context)
Blantyre United
• Stay top on 26 points
• But now have three more games played than Kelburne
• First defeat of the season
Kelburne AFC
• Move to 24 points
• Two points behind Blantyre
• Two games in hand
• Best goal difference in the division (+24)
Today’s result keeps Blantyre United top on 26 points, but Kelburne close the gap to two points with two games in hand and the best goal difference in the division. The title race now sits right between these two after a proper Championship-standard ninety minutes.
Footy Focus season 25/26 
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