Hares hold off Dunblane fightback to stay unbeaten

The home side looked to be cruising thanks to a Blair Munn hat-trick which put them three goals up.

But the visitors then pulled two goals back and it took a late Jamie Barclay goal to put the game to bed.

Dunblane made life difficult for Harestanes. They defended in depth, hitting on the break whenever possible.

Harestanes had plenty of the ball but had difficulties turning this into goals.

The first chance fell to McKinney, who produced a decent shot but the keeper pulled off a good save.

It took Harestanes until the 37th minute to open the scoring. A Dunblane defender headed the ball back to his keeper, the mercurial Munn nicked in behind him and struck the ball high into the net.

It remained 1-0 at the break but the Kirkintilloch side looked to have made the game safe when Munn added two more in the second half with fine finishes to complete his treble.

Harestanes were well on top but took the foot of the gas after making a number of a changes.

Midway through the second half Dunblane pulled one goal back and then grabbed a second five minutes later to set up a tense finish.

However Hares were able to relax when Barclay sealed victory by scoring a fourth with around seven minutes remaining.

Barclay worked a couple of one-twos with Malcolm McLean on the edge of the Dunblane box before tucking the ball under the keeper into the bottom corner to finish off a fine move.

The win leaves Hares five points ahead of St Pat’s after six wins and a draw from their opening seven games.

Local rivals Campsie Minerva are fourth, still with a 100 per cent record from four games (see opposite page).

Harestanes Tote: no winner - £50 rollover.