Cumbernauld Colts beaten by Caledonian Braves after early red card

A second-half finish from Andy Dowie was enough to give the visitors all three points in the North Lanarkshire derby Lowland League clash at Broadwood.

But the big talking point came after 17 minutes when captain Stephen O’Neill was shown a red card after kicking out at John Guthrie.

It was a huge frustration for manager James Orr after having James Grant sent off on Wednesday night against Kelty.

Despite being a man down, the Colts still performed well in the first half without really troubling Kieran Hughes in goal.

Goalscorer Dowie came closest in the opening 45 minutes as his header came back off the bar.

After the hour mark. Dowie did find the net.

A free-kick from David Sinclair skipped across the face of goal before the centre-back turned it home.

Colts had Jonathan Grier to thank after he denied Ross McNeil who was through one-on-one before a flying save to tip the ball over from distance.

Jack Smith also came close, curling just over as Cali Braves started to take advantage of their extra man.

The hosts stayed in the game but lacked that spark in the final third and never really tested the Braves ‘keeper.

Ricky Waddell’s side saw out the victory to go just one point behind Colts who will host Spartans on Friday night in a chance to make amends after a disappointing afternoon.