TWO goals apiece from Tarbert’s James Prentice and Nikki McDougall helped the team on their way to victory in their first home match of the year.
Decisive finishing in the first half on Saturday saw the West Loch Shores/Islay Frigate-sponsored side lead 4-1 at half-time.
Tarbert served their intentions straight from kick-off when captain Duncan MacDougall thumped a great effort against the crossbar. Soon after, a fine flick by Agosti found Prentice who clinically beat the Kings’ keeper. 1-0
Kings were useful going forward and levelled the scoring on 15 minutes. A shot deflected into the path of a Kings’ player, who dispatched the ball past John Martin. 1-1
The visitors had a good spell after their goal, putting pressure on from set-pieces. Laing blocked a goal-bound shot and Alan Miller made a timely interception.
Tarbert restored their lead on thirty minutes. MacDougall’s header over Kings’ defence enabled Nikki to lob the keeper, making it 2-1.
Soon after it was 3-1 when a ball over the top caused confusion with Prentice cashing in, rounding the keeper to score.
Martin kept his side two goals in front with a brave save. On the break, Dougie Guy’s fine pass saw Nikki cut inside and drill Tarbert’s fourth, just before half time.
Assistant manager Scott urged for a repeat second-half show; a request which got off to a good start when Guy’s fine run was rewarded with a goal, making it 5-1.
Kings kept going to the end but they only scored once despite having the majority of possession. Their number nine knocked one in with 25 minutes to play.
Prentice almost completed his hat-trick with two good efforts, as did McDougall, and young Ian Smith had a fine game at full-back before being replaced by James Smythe on 70 minutes.
Agosti and Guy made way for fresh legs late on with Keith Harris and AJ getting some action.
Referee Seymour sent off Kings’ number nine for dissent in the closing minutes of play, with Tarbert content to win and gain revenge for their defeat in Glasgow early in the season.
Tarbert: J Martin, I Smith, A Miller, P Laing, C Martin, D Ronald, D Guy, D MacDougall, N MacDougall, J Prentice, F Agosti. Subs: J Smythe, A Johnstone, K Harris, M Barrett.
This Saturday (February 23), Tarbert travel to Glasgow to play Shawlands ‘B’ on league duty. Victory would put Dougie Guy’s team up a place in the table.
