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South East Region Archive (1523)

Wednesday, 02 October 2013 00:00

Thomson masterclass earns Tynecastle victory

Written by Sascha Bolder

James Gillespie's HS

Tynecastle HS

Hamilton 40

Thomson 15, 28, 30, 32, 48

Senior Lothian Schools FA - West Division

Saughton 3G

27 September 2013

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Football is a team sport. If the performance of the team as a whole is poor, a single player is unlikely to be able to do anything about it. However, in a clash of two equally strong teams, a single player can often make the difference and win the match for his team if he catches a perfect day. Benn Thomson of Tynecastle High School’s senior team had the game of his life last Friday in the match against James Gillespie’s High School, when he scored all five goals in a 5-1 victory that was not as one sided as the score suggests. Both teams had not got off to an ideal start in the new season of the Lothian Senior West Division and were desperate to earn their first points.

At the beginning of the match, the two teams cancelled each other out and defended well so that there were not a lot of scoring chances. Both sides played the ball through midfield and had a couple of good combinations but were not able to deliver the penetrative pass that would confuse the other teams’ defence and create an opening.

After 15 minutes, Thomson grabbed his first goal of the match when he nodded home from within a packed six-yard box after a corner kick delivered by Craig Aitken from the right-hand side.

Only four minutes after having conceded the first goal, Gillespie’s had the opportunity to equalise. Mitchell Goodman broke through on the left wing and swung a cross into the box which landed next to the back post. However, James Hamilton wasn't able to connect and the ball was cleared. Also, Ben Smyth’s attempt from 18 yards after a corner kick didn't trouble Cameron Western in the Tynecastle goal.

Tynecastle went two up in the 28^th minute when Aitken passed the ball to Joe Hemmingway who was standing at the 18-yard line. Hemingway passed the ball on to Thomson who flicked the ball into the upper left corner from 20 yards.

Two minutes after that, Thomson scored again. After a long kick from hands by Cameron Western, the Tynecastle forward found himself dribbling towards the goal with three defenders in front of him. Somehow, Thomson managed to keep possession of the ball and was suddenly standing 20 yards away from the goal. Everybody expected him to pass the ball to one of his team mates who had raced clear on the wings but Thomson was confident enough to strike the ball into the left corner again.

If anyone was still unconvinced Thomson was having a perfect day, there was no doubt after the 32^nd minute. Hemmingway’s corner kick from the left-hand side found Thomson’s head and the Tynecastle forward had no trouble knocking it in from short distance.

Gillespie’s were down by four goals now although they had not necessarily been outclassed. In fact, Gillespie’s, too, had a couple of good opportunities. Eventually, they drew hope in the 40^th minute when Jordie Bell outsmarted Tynecastle’s defence with a fine ball which found Hamilton who was running towards the goal, clear of the defence. He managed to curve around Western and put the ball into the empty goal from the right-hand side of the box.

Half Time: James Gillespie's HS 1-4 Tynecastle HS

The goal seemed to encourage Gillespie’s to forget about the unfortunate first half and in fact, they started well in the second half and had a couple of good scoring chances. Thomson smashed the home team’s hopes of a comeback. Once again, Thomson jumped highest after a corner kick from the left in the 48^th minute and netted his fifth goal of the day.

Immediately after that, Thomson's match came to an end when he was substituted. A well earned rest.

In the following minutes, the match cooled down considerably and there were not a lot of chances anymore. Steven Nicolson could have scored another goal for Tynecastle after a through ball delivered from midfield in the 71th minute but goalkeeper Laurie Donaldson’s brilliant save prevented further damage.

Gillespie’s, too, had some more chances but the home team either missed their attempts or the drives were saved by Tynecastle’s goalkeeper Western.

In the end, Tynecastle’s victory was deserved but perhaps victory by a smaller margin would have been a fairer reflection. In a fairly balanced match, Benn Thomson’s made the difference and it won't be a match he will forget anytime soon.

Gillespie's now look forward to a baseement battle with Forrester, with neither team having registered a point to date. Tynecastle's next fixture is against Queensferry.

Full Time: James Gillespie's HS 1-5 Tynecastle HS

James Gillespie's HS

Tynecastle HS

1. Jed Corney

2. Ben Williams

4. Byron Muphkudzwa

5. John Jone

7. Brendan Ferry

8. James Hamilton

9. Mitchell Goodman

10. Jordie Bell

11. Evan McCulloch

12. Rory Barraclough

13. Max Allison

14. Sam Gallaway

15. Laurie Donaldson

16. Dany McGuire

17. Ben Smyth

1. Cameron Western

2. Craig McKay

3. Alan Downie

4. Daniel Harley

5. Calum Davidson

6. Aaron Martin

7. Steven Nicolson

8. Joe Hemmingway

9. Benn Thomson

10. Struan McCall

11. Kyle Fairgrieve

12. Steven Dick

15. Aidan Downs

16. Craig Aitken

James Hamilton scored a good goal and had a hand in a number of good pieces of attacking play, which on another day could have resulted in goals.

Benn Thomson was the man of the match because of his goals, no doubt, but Craig Aitken played very well, too, and created a number of chances due to his fine passing.

Frank Carstairs, teacher at James Gillespie's HS, said: "Tactically, we were not too bad but the other team just had more heart than we did and won more of the important challenges."

Mr. Connor, coach of Tynecastle, said: "The score did not reflect the closeness of the game. Of course, Benn's five goals were fantastic but the team as a whole played very well."

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Monday, 30 September 2013 15:50

Easthouses stun Hutchie with second half comeback

Written by Michael O'Brien

Easthouses FC

Hutchison Vale

Hutchison 50

Carter 65

Chalmers 35

U17's Scottish Youth FA Cup - Round 2

Mayfield Sports Complex

28th September 2013

Author: Michael O'Brien

The second round of the SYFA Challenge Cup drew together Easthouses and Hutchison Vale, two teams separated by a single point in the league. It is also to be a narrow margin that separated the sides on the day, with Easthouses defeating their visitors by two goals to one. The game looked like it could go either way for most of the ninety minutes. However, a spirited comeback by the home side in the second half was enough to see them progress to the next stage of the tournament.

It was Easthouses who looked the more likely of the two teams to open the scoring in the early stages. James Burns had the first shot on target when his speculative volleyed effort was caught well by Hutcison Vale keeper Chris Burt. Burt also did well to rush out and stop William Hutchison getting on the end of a Louis Norris ball for Easthouses not long after. Hutchison was to have another battle with the keeper however after picking up on a short Hutchison Vale pass back. Burt again came off his line to tackle well but with the ball falling to Robbie Carter on the edge of the box and the keeper off his line, Easthouses were presented with another chance to open the scoring. Carter’s shot however went over the bar.

Despite Easthouses having a number of goal scoring opportunities early on, it was Hutchison Vale who were playing the better football on the whole. Keeping the ball on the ground and making full use of the pitch, Vale continued to plug away and their efforts paid off on thirty-five minutes when Kieran Chalmers opened the scoring. Declanh Heron had a part to play in the goal as he skipped past an Easthouses defender on the left wing and delivered a cross deep into the box. Houses’ keeper MacFarlane managed to get a hand to the ball, only to set Chalmers up to score from six yards.

Hutchison Vale enjoyed a spell of possession after the opening goal and continued to press for another. Chances for Easthouses were few and far between towards the end of the first half due largely to a solid performance by Vale’s centre half pairing of Nick Tonner and Cameron Deal.

The last action of the opening fourty-five minutes was however to be a scoring opportunity for Easthouses. Louis Norris hit a free-kick which dipped over the wall and fell awkwardly for Vale’s keeper Chris Thomson, who had replaced Chris Burt early in the match. Thomson did well to recover the save as he pounced on the ball to keep Houses’ Robbie Carter from reaching it.

The scoreline at the end of the first half was perhaps fair, as Hutchison Vale had provided more of an attacking threat than their opponents so far. However, the home side were far from out of the game and caused Vale some problems of their own.

Half Time: Easthouses FC 0 – 1 Hutchison Vale

Easthouses started the second half much more positively than they began the match. The home side looked rather hesitant in attack for much of the first half, opting for a long ball approach as opposed to Hutchison Vale’s passing style. However, going a goal behind forced the team to take the game to Hutchie and they did so excellently.

Spreading the ball wide, Easthouses created a number of chances to draw level early into the second half and it was not long before they did so. Louis Norris’ did well with a run up the right wing before offloading the ball to Robbie Carter. Carter then attempted a cross which deflected off an Easthouses defender before falling at the feet of William Hutchison who did well to steer his shot round Vale’s keeper Thomson. Easthouses were right back in the game just five minutes after the restart and looked a much more confident side from then on.

Hutchison Vale however continued to threaten in attack and always looked dangerous on the break. Not long after Houses’ equaliser, the away side had a couple of golden opportunities to take the lead again, the first of which came for Connor Campbell. Brannon Bunce’s ball over the defence fell kindly for Campbell at the back post but he couldn’t manage to keep his shot down. Minutes later Owen Forrest had a glorious chance to head in from yards out but again saw his effort fly over the crossbar.

The match was finely poised and it made for an interesting spectacle as both sides searched for a goal that would put them ahead in the cup tie. That goal was to come on sixty-five minutes and it came for the home side who were now playing good football, keeping the ball on the deck and making good use of the wings. Hutchison Vale however were caught out in defence as a through ball bounced awkwardly on the edge of the box. Chris Thomson rushed out to deal with the danger but given how close the ball was to the eighteen-yard line, he opted to head the ball away as opposed to risking the catch. The attempted clearance found its way to Easthouses’ Carter who reacted well and powered his header into the back of the net.

Given the importance of the match, Easthouses could be forgiven for sitting back slightly and holding on to their lead for the last twenty minutes. However, they were in no mood to take their foot off the gas and continued to pile pressure on the Hutchison Vale defence. In particular, Hutchison had a chance to bury the game with a few minutes remaining but narrowly missed out on grabbing his second goal of the game. Substitute Lucas Mason’s ball from the left was well controlled by Hutchison initially but when presented with the chance to put the game to bed by beating the Vale keeper at his near post, he instead opted for power in his shot which ultimately saw the ball fly over the crossbar. After setting up Hutchison, Mason then had a chance of his own when he found himself one on one with Vale’s Burt. Choosing to poke the ball past the oncoming keeper instead of dribble round him, Mason’s shot went agonizingly wide of the goal.

Hutchison Vale twice almost made Easthouses pay for their missed chances but the away side couldn’t find the goal they needed to edge their way back into the match. Chalmer’s glanced a header just wide of the post and blasted a shot over the bar in the final few minutes, the latter of which chances turned out to be just about the last kick of the ball before the referee blew his whistle to signal full-time.

It is Easthouses then who progress to the next round of the SYFA Challenge Cup after a spirited second half comeback. Credit must be given to Hutchison Vale who played some good passing football throughout the game and also to the way in which the Easthouses defence managed to shut out the away side in the latter stages of the match.

Full Time: Easthouses FC 2 – 1 Hutchison Vale

Easthouses FC

Hutchison Vale

1. Kieran MacFarlane
2. John Weir
3.Euan Greig
4. Louis Norris
5. Stephen Woods
6. Cameron Hall
7. Michael MacFarlane
8. Robbie Carter
9. James Burns
10. Connor McCallion
11. Callum Bain
12. Grant Low
14. Lucas Mason
15. Christopher Ramage
16. William Hutchison

1. Chris Burt
3. Callum Fleming
4. Callum McDonald
5. Nick Tonner
6. Cameron Deal
7. Allan Petticrew
8. Ryan Hutchison
9. Kieran Chalmers
10. Connor Campbell
11. Declanh Heron
12. Brannon Bunce
14. Chris Thomson
15. Owen Forrest

Louis Norris was a key player for his team who performed his defensive duties well and looked dangerous when going forward, creating a number of chances for the home side.

Nick Tonner was solid in defence, the stand out player in the first half who won almost every header he challenged for.

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Monday, 30 September 2013 10:03

Cramond's cup shock thwarted by fine Merchi comeback

Written by Sascha Bolder

Cramond FC

North Merchiston FC

Wood 5

Brown 14

Mackay 20, 48

Gill 4

Anderson 39, 70, 87

Davidson 60

U15 Scottish Youth FA Cup - Round 2

Drumbrae

29 September 2013

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Cup ties follow their own rules. Quite often, the supposedly smaller team excels itself and manages to beat the bigger team. Also last Sunday, for a long time it seemed as if division three team Cramond FC could celebrate an unexpected win over division two team North Merchiston in the second round of the Scottish Youth FA Cup. In the end of a nine-goal thriller, however, Merchi sealed their place in the third round with a 5-4 victory.

Both teams had a decent start in their respective leagues and had also celebrated impressing away wins in the first round of the Scottish Cup with Cramond winning 4-7 over Penicuik Athletic YFC and North Merchiston’s 3-0 victory over Linlithgow Rose CFC Maroon. Now, Cramond wanted to prove they can also compete with a second division team and they started well, forcing two corners in the first two minutes.

However, it was Merchi that opened the scoring after four minutes on the clock. Dillon Anderson and Frank Gill played a wonderful one-two on the right wing which enabled Gill to enter the box. From there he passed back again to Anderson who took a shot from close range which could be parried by Cramond’s goalkeeper Sam Phillip. The rebound was converted by Gill who netted from short distance and dampened Cramond’s hopes of kicking Merchi out of the cup.

But only one minute after that, Cramond’s Dylan Wood cancelled out Gill’s opener for the visitors. Phillip had delivered a long kick from hands that bounced over the perplexed defenders of North Merchiston. Wood took advantage of this confusion and raced to the ball to lift it into the upper right corner of the goal.

In the minutes to follow, the game was rather balanced and both sides created a couple of scoring chances. Merchi were the slightly better team with respect to passing and technique while Cramond won more challenges and could cause serious problems for Merchi’s defence with high crosses delivered from midfield and sent into the path of Cramond’s forward Mark Mackay.

In the 14th minute, Cramond grabbed the third goal of the day. Ryan Brown put the hosts 2-1 ahead with a beautiful header from within a packed six-yard box after a corner kick from the left-hand side. Six minutes later, Cramond even went two up when Mackay stepped around Merchi’s goalkeeper Jude Mothersole and netted into the empty goal.

Being behind by two goals, North Merchiston went on the front foot and forced a couple of brilliant saves from Phillip with some drives from long distance. In the 34th minute, the away team had their best chance to reduce the deficit when Gill ran down the line on the right wing and could not be stopped by four opponents from entering the box. Gill passed the ball back to Anderson who was standing in the six-yard box but lifted the ball over the cross bar from close range.

Just before the interval, Merchi grabbed their second goal of the match when Anderson found himself unmarked ten yards from the goal and flicked the ball into the lower left corner.

Half Time: Cramond FC 3-2 North Merchiston FC

Eight minutes after the restart of the match, Merchi were awarded a corner kick from the right-hand side. Although it was not delivered badly, Cramond cleared it quite easily and initiated a counter attack. Brown got the ball in midfield and sent a long ball into the path of Mackay. Mothersole was uncertain whether to leave his goal or not which gave Mackay just the time he needed to reach the ball first and lift it over the goalkeeper to make it 4-2 and grab his second goal of the match.

The scoreline suggested that Cramond were in control, but the visitors were far from finished. In the 60th minute, Declan Davidson demonstrated his magnificent technique when he scored to make it 4-3. After a fine pass from midfield, Davidson found himself unmarked only nine yards from the goal. He sidestepped a Cramond defender and, having the ball lying in front of his right foot, he could have hammered it home. But rather than that, he looked up and saw Phillip leaving his goal. Therefore, he cleverly lifted the ball over the goalkeeper, scoring the goal of the match.

After that, North Merchiston took more and more control over the game and put Cramond under pressure as they went for an equaliser. Every other minute, the second division side created scoring chances and the home side had to limit themselves to counter attacks and occasional drives from long range.

Eventually, Merchi leveled the game in the 70th minute. A free kick delivered from midfield found Anderson who slammed the ball into the net with a sublime left-foot volley.

Only minutes before the final whistle, Cramond could have secured cup progress in return for their courageous performance but unfortunately, Brown’s shot after a free kick from midfield hit the left post.

The immediate counter attack saw North Merchiston score the winner in the 77th minute. Marc Marino outsmarted the Cramond defence with a pinpoint cross ball and again, Anderson found himself unmarked 16 yards from the goal from. The Merchi forward netted the winner with a brilliant lob over Phillip.

Overall, a bit unfortunate for Cramond who were on the edge of tripping the favourite but in the end, Merchi deservedly booked their place in the third round of the cup for they were fitter and more determined to win towards the end of the match.

Full Time: Cramond FC 4-5 North Merchiston

Cramond FC

North Merchiston

1. Sam Phillip

3. Connor Pearson

4. Fraser Rillay

5. David McLean

7. Owen Logan

8. Dylan Robertson

9. Mark Mackay

10. Callum Dixon

11. Dylan McGhee

12. Dylan Wood

14. Jordon Ohaigan

15. Ryan Brown

17. Ross Robertson

19. Jason Mackenzie

1. Jude Mothersole

3. Zach Murray

5. Brandon McGinn

7. Frank Gill

8. Calum Hope

12. Kerr Mackenzie

16. William Proudfoot

18. Marc Marino

19. Dillon Anderson

20. Declan Davidson

24. Max Gargaro

51. Callum Bryce

52. Evan Swan

53. Jamie Carlyle

54. Nicholas Robertson

Marc Mackay scored twice and caused a lot of trouble for Merchies's defence with his quickness and alertness.

Decland Davidson and Frank Gill played brilliant football together on the right wing, created a number of chances for their team mates and both of them scored goals which earned the team the victory in the end.

Scott Mackenzie, club secretary of Cramond FC, said: "It was a hard game and both teams would have deserved the win but, you know, that's football."

Hugo D'Ulisse, head coach of North Merchiston, said: "We organised ourselves better in the second half, played football and kept the ball on the ground. That was the key to winning the match in the end."

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Monday, 30 September 2013 01:59

Penicuik progress after away day win at Currie

Written by Robert Scrimgeour

Currie Boys

Penicuik Athletic

Bell	Bothomley Walker Wann Barclay

U14 Kenny McLean Cup

Currie Playing Fields

22 September 2013

Author: Robert Scrimgeour

Penicuik Athletic turned in a clinical display against Currie to advance to the next round of the U-14 Kenny McLean Cup. The two sides met each other two weeks previously in a closely contested encounter which finished 2-1 in Athletic's favour.

There was no shortage of commitment in this match either. Adam Walker and Jack Wann went close early on for the visitors but the deadlock was eventually broken five minutes before the half-time whistle through Walker. He received a pass from Jay Bothomley, steadying himself before firing past Preston in goal.

Walker doubled the advantage two minutes into the second half and Wann scored the third after a fine penetrating run through the middle. Currie were showing good attacking intent without seriously troubling Ben McInnes in goal.

Currie's first real opportunity of note came when Scott Borthwick fired just wide of the post from inside the area.

John Barclay scored Penicuik's fourth goal soon after but Currie pulled one back through Lewis Bell.

Full Time: Currie Boys 1-4 Penicuik Athletic

Currie Boys

Penicuik Athletic

2. Jaygor Nelson

3. Andrew Bruce

4. Josh Weir

5. Finlay Hunter

6. Kyle Mannion

7. Conor Heneghan

8. Joe Metiner

9. Lewis Bell

10. Scott Borthwick

11. Miller Stenhouse

13. Connor Preston

15. Rory Lewis

1. Ben McInness

2. Scott Brown

3. Fraser Davies

4. Connor Hisle

5. Daniel Glee

6. Matt Chandler

7. Jay Bothomley

8. Aaron Liddle

9. Adam Walker

10. Jack Wann

11. John Barclay

12. Dean Sime

14. Billy Smith

Lewis Bell showed real attacking intent that was an inspiration to his team mates even when they were trailing.

Adam Walker was hungry to score from the first whistle and could have possibly had a hat-trick.

Colin Campbell, Penicuik Coach said: "It was always going to be a sticky game having played Currie a few weeks ago and we won that game 2-1. Today was similar and I just thought we were a little more clinical up front and the defence played well so I'm delighted with the result. "

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Tuesday, 24 September 2013 11:59

Firrhill brush aside Portobello in Scottish Shield opener

Written by Sascha Bolder

Firrhill HS

Portobello HS

Clarke 29, 80

Pellorew 35

Macdonald 37, 41

Murrell 22

Grant 52

Seniors

Colinton Mains Drive

20 September 2013

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Author: Sascha Bolder

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Conceding a goal is never a good thing but it does not at all mean the match is lost already. In last Friday’s first round of the Scottish Schools FA Shield, Firrhill High School Seniors proved that a 0-1 deficit can still be turned into a glorious win. In a hard-fought game against Portobello High School, Firrhill finally won 5-2 and enters the second round.

Especially in the first half, the encounter between the two schools’ teams was a highlight not so much for football aesthetes but rather for lovers of the more rustic aspects of the game who like one-on-one battles as well as sliding tackles. Portobello seemed to get on better with that and they had a better start to the game than Firrhill, winning more duels and having more ball possession.

Also, Portobello had the first scoring chance when Jack Smith overran two Firrhill defenders of the left wing and delivered a back pass to Sam Murphy who took a shot from the 18 yard line which narrowly went past the right post.

It took Firrhill more than ten minutes to come into play and create their first chances. Consequently, their first opportunity resulted from a corner kick. Standing eight yards away from the goal, Gavin Birrell reached the ball with a header. Unfortunately, however, he was not able to put enough power on it so that Liam Randall had no trouble to hold it. This chance seemed to give Firrhill a bit more confidence and from now on they were slightly the better team although this did not necessarily result in a lot of scoring chances.

In fact, it was Portobello that had the next big chance in the 17th minute. Paul Kennedy sent the ball into the path of Kieran Grant who cleverly lifted the ball over Cameron Tulloch who was storming out of his goal but the ball went over the cross bar.

Only five minutes after that, Portobello had another chance and this time, they were more fortunate and eventually took the lead. Ryan Smith had run down the line on the right wing before passing the ball back to midfielder John Flemming who directly played the ball to Aaron Murrell who was standing in the box and had no trouble forcing it in.

But Firrhill was far from being shocked. In fact, Portobello’s lead did not give the away team self-confidence but seemed to lull them into a false sense of security. Firrhill got stronger and stronger and in the 29th minute, Ryan Clarke eventually equalised when he entered the box on the left wing, sidestepped a Portobello defender and flicked the ball into the right corner of the goal.

Six minutes later, Firrhill could even turn round the game when they capitalized on a weak goal kick. Allan Pellorew got the ball with no defender standing in front of him and did not leave Liam Randall a chance.

Portobello stood beside themselves now and even had to concede the third goal shortly after that. In the 37th minute, Jake Macdonald headed the ball into the net after a corner kick delivered by Allan Pellorew.

Half Time: Firrhill HS 3-1 Portobello HS

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Having scored three goals in eight minutes only, Firrhill was determined to immediately put Portobello under pressure again at the beginning of the second half. Only one minute after the restart, Firrhill scored the 4-1 when Ryan Clarke played a through ball to Jake Macdonald who curved around Portobello’s goalkeeper and scored his second goal of the match.

Considering how unfortunate the beginning of the second leg was for Portobello, they would have had all the reasons in the world to resign and accept their fate. However, they came back and created a couple of good chances after corner kicks and shots from long distance.

In the 52^nd minute, Portobello was finally rewarded for this effort when Kieran Grant lifted the ball over Firrhill’s goalkeeper Cameron Tulloch from a 14 yard distance. Grant’s ball hit the bottom edge of the cross bar from where it bounced behind the goal line.

In the following, the match was quite even with scoring chances on both sides. Had Portobello been a bit more fortunate, they would have made use of some of their good opportunities. Also, Firrhill could have extended their lead. However, Ryan Clarke’s shot from within the box in the 74^th minute came back off the post.

It was already deep into extra time when Firrhill finally decided the match. Nick Mortimer and William Kerr played a one-two on the right wing and entered the box before passing it back to Ryan Clarke who slammed it in from 6 yards.

Full Time: Firrhill HS 5-2 Portobello HS

Firrhill HS

Portobello HS

1. Cameron Tulloch

2. Murray McDermoll

3. Greg Benson

5. Gavin Birrell

6. Nick Mortimer

7. Jake Macdonald

8. Danny Brooke

9. Joe Turner-Law

10. Ryan Clarke

11. Allan Pellorew

12. William Kerr

14. Angus Luff

15. Lewis Ross

16. Adam Robertson

46. Sam Leslie

1. Liam Randall

2. Craig Logan

4. Robbie Martin

5. Connor Brian

6. Ryan Smith

7. John Flemming

8. Sam Murphy

9. Jack Smith

10. Kieran Grant

11. Aaron Murrell

12. Craig Swinney

14. Hugh Brown

15. Paul Kennedy

Nick Mortimer was a constant danger to Portobello's defence on the right wing and delivered a couple of excellent passes and crosses into the box.

Kieran Grant scored and had a number of other opportunities. Also, in the second half he could have been awarded a penalty kick when being tackled from behind in the box but he rather opted for fair play and stayed on his feet.

William Kerr, midfielder of Firrhill HS, said: "It was quite a hard game but we played well and deserved the win".

Chris Aitken, manager of the football team of Portobello HS, said: "I think we had a very slow start in the first half but we did quite well in the second half. In the end, the better team has won the match, to be honest".

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Tuesday, 24 September 2013 09:52

Longniddry Villa progress in Craig Gowans Cup

Written by Aaron McGinn

Edinburgh United	vs	Longniddry Villa

Craig Gowans Memorial Cup Rnd 1	Paties Road	21 September 2013

The pitch at Paties Road was in great condition on a beautiful afternoon in Edinburgh so conditions were ideal for playing football. This Under 17's Craig Gowans Memorial cup tie was an entertaining and open game played in the right spirit between Edinburgh United and their opponents from East Lothian, Longniddry Villa. Both teams enjoyed good periods during the game and the only surprise, given the chances created was that the game only provided 4 goals, although this was down to some very good goalkeeping. Edinburgh United started the game the brighter and more composed but without troubling the Longniddry defence. As the game progressed, Longniddry started to dominate possession and missed a number of very good chances to take the lead, mainly down to the efforts of Iwola in the United goal who had a fantastic game. Somewhat against the run of play, United took the lead after 30 minutes when their striker, Marshall managed to find space for himself and dispatch a clean finish behind Wishart in the Longniddry goal. Parity was restored within 5 minutes when Longniddry's, Soso finished powerfully following a corner. The score stayed this way until half time despite a great run from Longniddry's Campbell, who ran from his own half into the United box only to see his effort just clear the top of the crossbar. Half Time: Edinburgh United 1-1 Longniddry Villa Longniddry started the second half with more purpose but without creating the chances of the first half. Longniddry did miss a penalty after 60 minutes but eventually took the lead following another corner which was hit firmly by Young into the back of the net. Both teams kept pushing for another goal and Edinburgh were denied an equaliser by a great save from Blakely in the Longniddry goals. Longniddry then secured that all important third goal after 79 minutes when McSorley executed a lovely lob over the United keeper. To their great credit Edinburgh United kept going at Longniddry and were again unlucky not to score but a terrific block from Shanks in the Longniddry defence stopped a certain goal on the goal line. Overall a good cup tie, where both teams worked extremely hard in a game well handled by referee R. Menzies. Full Time: Edinburgh United 1-3 Longniddry Villa

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Monday, 23 September 2013 16:35

Classy Hearts come through tricky Spartans test

Written by Sascha Bolder

Heart of Midlothian FC

Spartans FC

Oliver 13

Carrick 21, 85, 90

King 73

Craigie 88

Atkinson 44

U20 SFA Youth Cup - R2

Tynecastle Stadium

22 September 2013

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Author: Sascha Bolder

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If a match ends 6-1, this speaks for itself, usually. A result like that suggests one team was highly superior to the other, leaving the opponent not the least chance to compete. However, this need not always be true. last Sunday’s match between Heart of Midlothian FC and Spartans FC in the second round of the SFA Youth Cup (Under 20’s) is a good example of that. Although it is true that the 200 fans at Tynecastle stadium saw a stunning 6-1 win of the home team, the final result hides the fact that for most of the match, Spartans kept the match fairly balanced. In the end, Hearts celebrated a deserved win due to their better fitness and more sophisticated technique but still, courageously fighting Spartans have no reason to be ashamed of their performance.

Right from the kick off, Hearts proved they would dominate the match completely. Immediately, they put Spartans’ defence under pressure with smart passes and constantly switching play from one angle to another. After three minutes already, Billy King had the first scoring chance when he attracted two defenders of Spartans with a dribbling before playing a one-two with Gary Oliver and unleashing a drive from 26 yards that narrowly drifted the wrong side of the post.

Throughout the initial stage of the match, Spartans had a tough time preventing Hearts from causing damage. Although Spartans fought courageously and kept tackling Hearts’ ball-carrying players with two defenders at the same time, their opponents always found space and openings to create a couple of good opportunities. However, all of their shots either missed the target or were parried by brilliant goalkeeper Blair Carswell.

Just when Spartans had begun to get a foothold in the game and Hearts had slowed down a bit, Gary Oliver put the home team in front in the 13^th minute. Spartans had a free kick 10 yards inside Hearts' half but rather than delivering a cross into the box, they played a short pass and lost the ball which gave Hearts the opportunity to start a counter attack. On the right wing, Sam Nicholson overran two Spartans’ defenders and entered the box before taking a shot. Though Blair Carswell could again prevent the goal at first, he was not able to keep hold of the ball which gave Gary Oliver the opportunity to force it into the bottom right corner from short distance.

After that, Hearts increased the pressure level again and besieged Spartans’ box, taking shots from various angles and distances. At that time, it was mainly the goalkeeper Carswell who held Spartans in the game for he parried not only Dale Carrick’s shot from outside the box but also three shots of Hearts’ best player Billy King.

However, in spite of Carswell’s amazing performance, he could not prevent Hearts from taking a 2-0 lead in the 21^st minute. Referee Simon MacLean had awarded Hearts a free kick from 22 yards and two Hearts players positioned themselves close to the ball as if planning to pass and stop the ball so that a third team mate could shoot. But rather than doing so, one of the three lifted the ball over Spartans’ surprised players who were standing in the wall. Again, it was Billy King who was waiting for the ball and shot from short distance but due to the difficult angle he was shooting from, Carswell was able to deflect the ball so that Hearts were awarded a corner kick. The pinpoint corner kick delivered from the right wing found the head of Dale Carrick who had no trouble putting it into the net.

So far, Spartans had not had any opportunity to score at all and Hearts dominated the match at will. But just one minute before half-time, Spartans came back into the match when Blair Atkinson scored the 2-1 against the run of play. After a through ball from midfield directed at Harvey McIntosh, Hearts’ goalkeeper Jack Hamilton left his goal to slide towards McIntosh and catch the ball but he spilled it so that it came to Atkinson who put it into the empty goal from outside the box.

Half Time: Heart of Midlothian FC 2-1 Spartans FC

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Despite Hearts’ dominance throughout the first leg of the match, Spartans’ goal was a warning to the home team and from now on, they played more carefully than before. Also, Spartans’ defence was more stable now and Hearts could not create chances as easily as before anymore. As a result of that, the match cooled down a bit and chances to score mainly came about from shots from outside the box.

Although Hearts were still dominant, Spartans remained being an unpleasant opponent, creating some chances after counter attacks every now and then. In the 56^th minute, Spartans’ Jamie Dishington could have equalised, but his shot from the right side of the box was blocked by a Hearts’ defender who slid into the ball before it hit the target.

It was not until the 73^rd minute that Hearts extended their lead. Left wing midfielder Billy King eventually decided the match when he entered the box and side-stepped three Spartans’ defenders before slamming it into the net.

Despite the fact, that Spartans had fought courageously in the second half, in the last five minutes of the match, Hearts benefitted from being fitter than their opponents and scored three more goals. In the 85^th minute, Billy King burst past two defenders on the left wing before delivering a cross ball into the box which could not be cleared properly by Spartans’ defence. The ball came to Dale Carrick who did not leave the goalkeeper any chance from 9 yards.

Three minutes after that, substitute Rhys Craigie scored the 5-1 with a strong and accurate shot into the upper left corner from the right edge of the box.

A sixth goal came when Carrick scored his third goal of the match in the 90^th minute, again after a cross ball from the left wing.

Overall, a deserved win for Heart of Midlothian although the final result of 6-1 is maybe two goals too high and does not reflect that Spartans were quite competitive throughout most of the second half.

Full Time: Heart of Midlothian FC 2-1 Spartans FC

Heart of Midlothian FC

Spartans FC

1. Jack Hamilton

2. Liam Smith

3. Jordan McGhee

4. Adam King

5. Elliot Ford

6. Angus Beith

7. Billy King

8. Sam Nicholson

9. Gary Oliver

10. Sean McKirdy

11. Dale Carrick

12. Robbie Buchanan

13. Jamie Sneddon

14. Rhys Craigie

15. Leon Jones

16. Ian Smith

1. Blair Carswell

2. Alex Imlah

3. Andrew Mair

4. Paul Dickson

5. Kris Buchanan

6. Scott Irving

7. Jordan Brown

8. Jamie Dishington

9. Blair Atkinson

10. Sean Stewart

11. Harvey McIntosh

12. Elliot Carruthers

14. Martin Lackie

15. Harry Oliff

16. Kyle Doig

17. Dylan Tait

Billy King scored an amazing goal and had an assist, apart from various other scoring opportunities. Also, he always knew when to dribble and when to pass the ball to a teammate standing in a better position.

Blair Carswell held his team in the game with a number of impressive saves.

Darren Murray, player development manager of Heart of Midlothian, said: "The type we played was pleasing to the eye. But I think Spartans were excellent, too, and a 6-1 defeat is pretty harsh on them."

Les Atkinson, head coach of Spartans, said: "I don't think the final result actually reflects how well we played. I am really pleased with how my boys played and I think playing against such a good team was good learning for us."

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Monday, 23 September 2013 14:23

Currie triumph in nine goal thriller

Written by Aaron McGinn

Longniddry Villa	vs	Currie Star FC

U19's SERYFL		21 September 2013

Saturday’s game between Longniddry Villa and Currie Star was Currie’s first game in 3 weeks against a team from their own division after playing two division 1 teams in cup competitions. The game on Saturday was a good advert for Division 2 as both teams tried to get the ball down and play. After only 8 minutes it was 2-2 with an own goal from Currie’s right back allowing Villa to take the lead and 2 quick goals from Currie shortly afterwards to turn the game around. Villa then equalised before Currie took the lead once again and Villa then scored to make it 3-3 at half time. Half Time: Longniddry Villa 3-3 Currie Star FC Currie then scored again 10 minutes into the second half and had further chances to increase the lead and also hit the post. Villa had a good spell midway in the half and scored with about 7 minutes to go. We then took one of our chances to take the lead with about 4 minutes to go. This was a really good game of football with hardly a bad tackle to be seen all afternoon. In the end it was a deserved win for us and hopefully gives the boys confidence for our next game. The scorers today were Liam Walker with 2 and Shaun Munro with a hat trick. Full Time: Longniddry Villa 4-5 Currie Star FC - Harry Lawrie Currie Star 19's coach.

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Monday, 23 September 2013 15:08

Dall hero for Spartans Xavi against Vale

Written by YFS Editor 2

Spartans Xavi	vs	Hutchison Vale

2004 ESSDA		22 September 2013

Hutchison Vale started this match against two of the division's strongest teams very well, without really troubling the Spartans keeper. Playing fast passing football forced Spartans to dig deep to keep on level terms. Midway through the first half, the impressive Finn Mcfarlane fed Aaron Cameron in the midfield area. ' Azza' slid an excellent pass between the Hutchie defenders into the path of Bailey Dall, who took a touch before dispatching into the Hutchie goal. Spartans were now on top and as the second half played out could have scored more. As it was Dall's first half strike was to be the winner in this competitive, high quality football match.

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Sunday, 22 September 2013 19:32

Tynecastle come from behind to see off Leith

Written by

Leith Athletic

Tynecastle FC

Prior

J. Henderson

D. Henderson

U16 South East Region YFL - Division 1

Meadowbank

22 September 2013

Author: Michael Ahari

Daryl Henderson’s late goal snatched a 2-1 victory over Leith Athletic at Meadowbank. Conal Prior’s goal had given Leith the lead but the home side were pegged back shortly before halftime when Jake Henderson poked home.

The win puts Tynecastle second in the league, but it was a game which lacked quality and cutting edge. Stephen Park of Tynecastle lamented the lack of flow in the game.

“It was a poor game. We’re not used to this surface, it’s very bouncy and the ball doesn’t stick. We’ll take it though.”

There was no doubting that Tynecastle’s defence would have been most relieved with the win after their shaky start. They were beaten by the first ball Leith played over the top, as Marco McBride brought it down in the box, the Tynecastle centre backs falsely claiming offside, and cut the ball back for Prior to nonchalantly back heel into the empty net.

Leith’s direct style of play was causing Tynecastle problems and, had it not been for keeper Kieran Green arriving at the edge of the box to save Prior’s effort, they could have been two down with just fifteen minutes on the clock.

But such was the scrappy nature of this game, Leith never built on their lead. It was no surprise then that they were punished by Tynecastle in the thirty fifth minute. Jake Henderson found himself in the perfect position to net when the ball bobbled away from team mate Jason Aitken.

The confidence Tynecastle gained from the equaliser was visible and they might have gone in to the break leading had Daniel Headspeath struck more powerfully at Aaron King’s goal.

Half Time: Leith Athletic 1-1 Tynecastle FC

Leith threatened to start the second half as they did the first after Jamie Chapman’s shot bounced just wide of goal. However, their play petered out as the half wore on.

Daniel Matthews, striding forward frequently from right back, opened up the opportunity for Daryl Henderson to strike but he shot straight at King.

The introduction of Dan Hanna was positive in an attacking sense for Tynecastle. The number eight’s well weighted pass set up Daryl Henderson who could not find a way past the Leith keeper.

However, with five minutes remaining, Tynecastle’s number seven was on hand to strike the ball into the empty goal after King struggled to punch the ball clear. The goal was perhaps fortunate for Tynecastle as a winner for either side seemed an unlikely possibility.

Leith’s Colin Scott was disappointed with the quality of Leith’s play. He commented: “It was a scrappy game with no flow; always stopping and starting.

“It’s frustrating because we know that in training we teach these boys to pass, it just doesn’t show in the games.”

Full Time: Leith Athletic 1-2 Tynecastle FC

Leith Athletic

Tynecastle FC

1. Aaron King

2. Ross Aitchison

3. Rory Pilbeam

4. Murray Scott

6. James Burt

7. Lee Thomson

8. Coll Reekie

9. Calum Smart

10. Ewan Stark

11. Jamie Chapman

14. Conal Prior

15. Calum Sandison

16. Jay McManus

17. Marco Mcbride

18. Jarek Wdowiak

55. Kieran Green

2. Daniel Matthews

3. Daniel Headspeath

4. Aaron Nugent

5. Scott Cameron

6. Mark Mathison

7. Daryl Henderson

8. Dan Hanna

9. Sean Waterston

11. Alexander Hutchison

12. Lloyd Fiddler

14. Samer Lazim

15. Jake Henderson

16. Sonny Swanson

17. Kacper Korpalski

18. Jason Aitken

Marco McBride looked sharp and dangerous up front for Leith, especially in the first half

Sonny Swanson was always an outlet for Tynecaslte and most of their attacking threat came through the winger.

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Friday, 20 September 2013 12:52

Leith look ahead to Murieston trip

Written by YFS Editor 1

Murieston United BC vs. Leith Athletic FC

South East Region Under 21's League Match

Saturday 21st September 2013, 2:00pm

at Bankton Mains Sports Centre, Murieston

Leith Athletic Under 21's travel west again this weekend, but will this time peel off the M8 at Livingston when they travel to Bankton Mains to face Murieston United in the League.

Following their (6-1) win in the Scottish Cup, away to Bailleston, the Under 21's look to build on their good start to the season and get another three points on the board.

Managers' Comments:

"It has been nearly two weeks since we last played away in Baillieston vs Baillieston Juniors in the Scottish Cup where we found ourselves 6-1 winners. We were excellent that day, the first 45 minutes was tough as while we tried to impose our attacking play on the narrow 3g surface, we were wary of being caught on the counter attack, we led half time 2-1 following an own goal and a goal from Liam Smith, and we decided to open up abit and scored 4 goals in the second half through a second for Liam Smith, along with strikes from Stephen Baigan, Steven Froude and Euan Morrice.

Saturday, we are away to Murieston who gave us two tough games last season, with us already losing at home to Bonnyrigg, we do not want to find ourselves behind to far the chasing pack this early on. Murieston have been in the First Division for many years and their teams are always well organised and Bankton Mains is always a difficult place to go.

Selection wise we welcome back Shaun Spence into the squad, Todd Smith has a one game suspension and misses out along with Josh Riddel working and Matty Watson who although is back training its just too soon to start putting him in games. Kyle Rankin misses out through working away but Rhys Legget will deputise following good training sessions the last two weeks. At the start of the season we wanted fierce competition for places as we don't want a situation where players are comfortable, their attitude needs to be spot on and slowly we are starting to see that

We've made a good start but it's only a start, it's important to maintain the level we have set for ourselves and no one should be getting excited this early. I believe we can still play better and also with players coming back from Injury and at the moment I can see us getting stronger."

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Tuesday, 17 September 2013 17:02

Clinical Star edge Colts in spicy Currie derby

Written by Sascha Bolder

Currie Star FC

Currie Boys Colts

Jenkins 15

Harrison 79

Palmer 89

Lumsden 49

Craig Gowans Memorial Trophy

Dovecot Park

14 September 2013

By YFS Editor 1
YFS South East Region Reporter

Click here to find out more about the YFS Journalism & Media Team.

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Whenever two equally strong teams play against each other, it is the little things that decide which team wins the match. Often, the only difference between the opponents is that one team has made use of their opportunities while the other has not. An example of that was Currie Star’s 3-1 win in their derby against Currie Boys Colts in the first round of the Craig Gowans Memorial Trophy at Dovecot Park last Saturday. In a very even match, both teams could have gained the victory but as the home team was more clinical in front of goal, they progressed to the second round.

Being a derby between two Currie teams, the match had a very special charm anyway but it was even more interesting as so far, both teams had won all of their matches in their respective sections of Under 17 Division 2. So it was not only a cup match and a derby but also a clash between the second best team of the table in Section A and the best team of Section B.

Taking that into consideration, it was no wonder that neither of the two teams began dominating the match. In fact, the two teams did very well, played on the wings and spread the play. However, players on both sides struggled a bit with the conditions on the rather bumpy pitch which, made it difficult to control the ball and create opportunities. That is why in the first half, scoring chances were quite scarce.

In the 15^th minute, Currie Star’s Jordan Jenkins breathed life into the match when he scored a beautiful goal with a shot into the upper right corner from the 18-yard line. This seemed to give the team more confidence and from that moment on, Currie Star was slightly the better team, winning more of the individual battles and creating a few more chances than their opponents.

Being down by one goal did not mean Currie Colts buried their heads in the sand, however. They created a couple of chances, too, and with a little bit of luck they would have equalised but all their shots either missed or were parried by Star’s goalkeeper Dwayne Johnstone.

Colts’ best opportunity to score the equaliser was in the 34^th minute when a corner kick from the left side could not be cleared properly by Star’s defence so that the ball bounced through the box, landing on a visiting forward’s foot who toe-poked it onto the post.

Half Time: Currie Star FC 1-0 Currie Boys Colts

Immediately after the match had restarted, Colts found the luck which had deserted them in the first half. Again, it was a corner kick that caused trouble in the defence of Currie Star and again, the ball was bouncing around the box. This time, Colts' forward Jack Lumsden reacted quicker than anybody else and put the ball into the net from short distance in the 49^th minute.

With the score being level again, Currie Star upped their game and put Colts’ defence under pressure with clever passing and fine dribbling. In the 56^th minute, Danny Calra ran down the pitch on the left wing and swung a cross to Jenkins who was standing in the box but failed to score due to a brilliant save by goalkeeper Robbie Costello. It remained dangerous for the Colts’ defence and eventually, Jenkins got in possession of the ball again. This time, he managed to beat Costello but the referee judged him in an offside position.

Colts did their best to relieve the pressure and create scoring chances on their own but neither Zeus Jimenez’ shot from 13 yards nor Calum Scott’s shot from long distance hit the target.

With eleven minutes remaning, Currie Star made a big step towards the second round of the Craig Gowans Memorial Trophy. Once again, it was a corner kick that created a dangerous situation but this time it was Colts’ defence that could not clear the ball. Somehow, the ball hit the crossbar and from there it bounced back into the goal area and Jordan Harrison headed it into the net and put his team in lead again.

With only a few minutes left to come back, Colts went for an all out attack but Star’s defence limited Colts to just two more scoring chances. The best of these was Ross Mitchell’s shot from 9 yards which narrowly missed the lower right corner of the goal.

In the last few minutes, Currie Star limited themselves to counter attacks. Eventually, one of these decided the match when Jamie Palmer scored in the 89^th minute from a difficult angle on the left-hand side of the box. His well placed effort left the goalkeeper without any chance.

Overall, a very balanced match with two good teams, but Currie Star entering the next round of Craig Gowans Memorial Trophy.

Full Time: Currie Star FC 3-1 Currie Boys Colts

Currie Star FC

Currie Boys Colts

1. Dwayne Johnstone

2. Angus Luff

4. Tichina Fonteyn

5. Mateusz Klewtnock

6. Marc Clark

7. Jordan Harrison

8. Alex Falconer

9. Danny Calra

10. Greg Benson

11. Jordan Jenkins

14. Ewan Gillie

15. Mark Stafford

16. Liam Stewart

17. Jamie Palmer

18. Jamie Cowan

1. Robbie Costello

2. Scott Alexander

4. Lewis Burns

5. Calum Scott

6. Kyle Craig

7. Jack Lumsden

9. Ross Mitchell

10. Ben Leicester

11. Daniel Flett

14. Thomas Steiner

16. Zeus Jimenez

17. James Paris

52. Ellis Crawford

Jamie Palmer ran his heart out, won important battles and scored the goal that finally decided the match.

Jack Lumsden found the net and was unfortunately not to add to his tally.

Ian Morris, head coach of Currie Star FC, said: "It was a competitive match and a brilliant derby."

Stuart Alexander, head coach of Currie Boys Colts, said: "The difference was that Currie Star scored the goals and we didn't. Good luck to them in the next round".

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Tuesday, 17 September 2013 13:54

Edina grind out Cup result against Vale

Written by YFS Editor 2

Edina Hibs BC	vs	Hutchison Vale FC

U15s Fed. of Hearts Sup. Clubs Cup R1	Bingham Park	15 September 2013

In very difficult conditions at Bingham yesterday it was the game of the day in the Federation of Hearts Supporters’ Clubs Cup with a big surprise; Edina beating Hutchie 2-1 with the scorers for Edina being Danny McKinnon and Ryan Colgan. Edina had the better start, pushing right from the start and putting lots of pressure on the Hutchie defence. The first goal came from Danny, six yards out low into the bottom right corner and the stylish second goal coming from Ryan Colgan with a 25 yard screamer going into the top left corner leaving the Hutchie keeper Jack Stewart helpless. Half Time: Edina Hibs BC 2-0 Hutchison Vale FC It was Hutchie who started the second half the better team with a couple of early shots making the Edina keeper Jordan Richardson having some excellent saves, showing off his safe hands. Edina came roaring back having shot upon shot but not managing to score a third. Then it was Hutchie who scored the third with a lucky goal hitting the bar then going in. But Edina’s defence stayed strong and had the Hutchie forwards in their back pockets. Hutchie got a free kick with ten minutes remaining from just outside the box forcing Richardson into making an excellent diving save to his lower right hand corner. Full Time: Edina Hibs BC 2-1 Hutchison Vale FC Report by David Marshell

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Sunday, 15 September 2013 23:31

Clinical Salvesen pip Tranent to bag points

Written by YFS Editor 1

Salvesen CFC

Tranent Juniors Blue

Andrews (2)

Mason

Munro

U19 South East Region YFL - D2

Forrester HS

14 September 2013

By Ian Mackay
YFS South East Region Reporter

Click here to find out more about the YFS Journalism & Media Team.

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The longer this game went on, the more appealing it became and I enjoyed watching it. I feel it is part of my work to write-up games but, once again, all I have to do is praise both teams for providing me with such an honest, sportsmanlike and enjoyable game of football. Take a bow, therefore, both Salvesen BC and Tranent Juniors FC.

The home side took the game to their guests from East Lothian with several promising moves up the right wing, but Tranent, early on, were able to cope with the threat on their defence. Lots of good football and Tranent made headway towards the Salvessen goal, with a good ccross from Scott Munro. Andrew Grant in the home goal deal with that effort very easily. Jack Reid (14) looked to have a crucial role in the centre of the home defence and this big, strong young player was prominent when Tranent attacked. But it was No 2, Lyle Cantley, who made a wonderful tackle to halt a run by his opposite number in the Tranent ranks, Thomas Kane.

Next player to show up well was Tranent’s Adam Strang and the No 10 went on to be influential for the visitors. A through ball from Gregg Schonwalder posed problems for Salvesen, but goalie, Andrew Grant, was quick to size up the situation and he came off his line to clear. Then Grant produced a good save to deny Tranent No 18, Scott Munro. Lewis Anderson, No 8 for Tranent, ran at the home defence and he went down in a tackle from Lyle Cantely but the referee was up with play and did not give a free-kick to Tranent. That tackle was the forerunner of the ‘give and take’ in this game.

Another good through ball in to the danger area was well defended by Salvesen No 5 this time, James Scullion and the game bowled along at a very good pace. Two good attempts from Tranent’s Johnny Bell (No 7) kept up and a good cross from Munro hit a Salvesen defender and the ball went on to hit the right-hand post - then away! More pressure on the home goal from a piledriver of a shot that was knocked behind by Grant for a corner on the right. That was followed by a shot from Bell that the Tranent No 7 screwed across the face of the home goal.

Tranent looked to have a goal ‘in their locker’ but as happens so often in football, it was the opposition that scored the opener. After good play by Michael Lowrie (No 9), the ball was not dealt with properly and Salvesen were awarded with a free-klck well to the right of the Tranent goal. Up stepped the powerful Salvesen No 3, Ross Mason, to blast a magnificent free-kick past the Tranent wall and in to the net at the leftl-hand post. That goal came in the 25th minute and it changed the flow of this game. Completely so, and it was Salvesen that benefited the most. There were some passes that I put down to anxiety on both sides and these mistakes set up good chances for either side to score. Play flowed from end to end and another free-kick for the home side, taken by Mason, was just out of reach of Jordan Andrews in front of the away goal. Phew, that was close!

An Anderson run at the home goal ended when he ran in to Cantely and the Salvesen No 2 ran with the ball at his feet to the other end - only for the front runners to be caught offside by Tranent. Schonwalder headed wide of the home goal as the game raced on, then Cantely halted another raid on the home goal and turned defence in to attack with a good clearance.

In the 38th minute, Salvesen went 2-0 up and it was a goal ‘out of nothing’ from Jordan Andrews. I do not know who was most surprised when a speculative shot from the Salvesen No 7 from the right of the Tranent goal landed in the far corner of the net. But, as they say ‘they all count’ and the home side were 2-0 ahead. I have to admit I felt sorry for the East Lothian combine. They looked the more likelier side but found themselves 2-0 behind. That is football, is it not? The confidence among the home players just grew and grew after that surprise goal. However, no more goals in the first half and it was still 2-0 at the break.

Half Time: Salvesen CFC 2-0 Tranent Juniors Blue

Tranent played with renewed vigour on the restart and with Salvesen on the crest of a wave, the quality of play and the attitude of both sets of players made It an engrossing second half. But, with a two-goal lead, it was the home side who looked to be in charge of the game. Not that Tranent shared that view as they piled forward at every opportune. Tackles became that little more committed and free-kicks were awarded to both sides. Jordan Andrews, in the No 7 jersey for Salvesen, emerged as my player of the game. The speed of this player was fantastic and he at no time gave the away defenders any respite. Jordan, it appeared to me, wanted to get another goal and he went after every lose ball as if his life depended on it. Jordan’s reward came when he scored his side’s third goal of the game and what a great, great goal it was from the Salvesen No 7. Andrews was in the right place when a cross came over from the right and he judged the flight of the ball with a great first touch then followed that wonderful piece of skilful play with a thundering volley in to the Tranent net. I was at that end of the pitch and I thought it a tremendous goal from Jordan Andrews.

Tranent’s atempts to score were not good and losing three goals appeared to have dented the confidence of the away side. But Tranent gradually got over their disappointments and took the game to the other end. With Adam Strang prominent. Andrew Grant did his best to give Tranent a goal with a moment of madness but Grant’s blushes were saved when the net bound ball was booted away - off the goal-line! Salvesen coaches, Billy Scullion and the experienced Rab Lettice just about took off on the sidelines! Ryan Gordon combined with Michael Lawrie at the other end, but Tranent No 6, another player who emerged from this game with great credit, stepped in to win the ball and set up an attack on the home goal.

Play surged back to the other end and it was the turn of Tranent keeper, Andrew Punton, to lose the ball to Andrews, but his shot, this time, was way off target! Then, it was ‘help ma’ Boab’ time on the Salvesen touchlines when Tranent were rightly awarded a penalty. Was this, then, going to be the turning point in the game? No, no, no! Scott Munro’s spot-kick slammed off the left-hand post and away from danger. Scott, football can be very cruel! Play raced to the other end and, surely not, there was Andrews close in to the Tranent goal with the ball at his feet. Andrews hit a real pile-driver of a shot at the away goal, but Punton, somehow, managed to beat it behind for a corner on the right. Great play from both teams!

To my great delight, Scott Munro made up for his penalty miss by scoring for Tranent at the other end. A superb goal by Scott and he also lost a boot in the process. But the smile on the Tranent player’s face was beautiful to see. To say the rest of the play in this game was non-stop is an understatement. It was blistering football from both sides, but no more goals to celebrate. Salvesen were too strong at the back in this game and they were good value for their 3-1 win in the end. However, it was a day when Salvesen scored more goals than Tranent, but I think that could all change in the months ahead. I enjoyed the great spirit this game was played in. Thanks to both sides for a really good afternoon out for me, complete with my sore and uncomfortable hernia.

Full Time: Salvesen CFC 3-1 Tranent Juniors Blue

Salvesen CFC

Tranent Juniors Blue

Andrew Grant

Lyle Cantley

Ross Mason

Lewis Brown

James Scullion

Jordan Andrews

Chris Watson

Michael Lawrie

Andy Proudfoot

Ryan Gordon

Rory Greevers

Jack Reid

Liam Moyes

Daniel Robertson

Andrew Punton

Andrew Reilly

Gregg Schonwalder

Jack Bathgate

Casey Price

Adam Strang

Murray Pryde

Johnny Bell

Scott Munro

Chris McAvoy

Sam Dudgeon

Lewis Anderson

Thomas Kane

Lewis Russell

Daniel Smith

Dylan Spence

Jordan Andrews was the star man for Salvesen, providing a match winning double.

Adam Strang was a strong performer for Tranent, making a number of interceptions.

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