The East Lothian Soccer Sevens League, in common with others, has voted to move to summer football - as of March this year. The idea is to play more games in better weather at a nicer time of year.
Initially, we were concerned as we feared playing games in late June and early August (allowing for a July break) would mean that - as a small club - would be tough as we would struggle for coaches and players. Now it seems the break will include the whole school holidays.
The main change under summer football is that the games now played in late Nov/early Dec and Feb will be played in late May, June and mid-August.
This season, the existing fixtures will be pushed back a month, so fixtures scheduled for Feb will be played in March, March fixtures in April, etc (and future fixtures will be handed out later).
However, we will still play the original BLACKS v BLUES fixture on Feb 2 as we think the boys will be ready for a game by then (and then play again on March 1 under the new fixtures).
There is an INDOOR TOURNAMENT on Feb 9 at Meadowmill and we have not yet decided what to do on Feb 16/23 - whether to stick to existing plans, or organise a different game - or train. More to follow.
In May and June, where a new fixture clashes with a tournament, the fixture will be played at another time to suit both teams during that week (midweek games will be possible due to lighter nights) or re-arranged later.
Any questions, ask Dave on 07802 206695
Thursday, January 17, 2008
BLACK STRIPES XMAS REPORT
SEASON SO FAR
If we put aside that unfortunate mis-match against Scotland Boys, then our record over league games and 2 Windsor friendlies is:PLAYED 13, WON 7, DRAWN 4, LOST 2
Pretty darn good, we think.
Longniddry (A) WON 3-0 (Paul, Cal, Cam B)
Pencaitland (H) WON 16-0 (Cam D 2, Dylan 2, David 2, Paul, Seth 2, Jason 3, Connor 3, Lloyd)
Windsor Ronaldinho (H) DREW 1-1 (Paul)
Dunbar (H) DREW 3-3 (Dylan, Cam B pen, Paul)
Haddington (H) WON 5-1 (Paul 3, Jason, Seth)
Tranent Colts (H) WON 6-3 (Jason 2, Paul, Lloyd, Seth, Cal/Blair - disputed goal!)
Tranent Juniors (A) WON 8-1 (Jason 3, Seth 3, Cam B, Lloyd)
MYS Blue Stripes (A) LOST 1-3 (Lloyd)
North Berwick (A) LOST 1-2 (Seth)
Seton (H) WON 3-1 (Paul 2, Jack)
Tranent Colts (A) DREW 2-2 (Seth 2)
Windsor Ronaldinho (H) WON 2-0 (Cam B, Paul)
Aberlady (H) DREW 0-0
Goals: Paul 11; Seth 10; Jason 9; Lloyd 4, Cam B 4, Connor 3, Dylan 3, Cam D 2, David 2, Callum 2, Blair 1, Jack 1.
If we put aside that unfortunate mis-match against Scotland Boys, then our record over league games and 2 Windsor friendlies is:PLAYED 13, WON 7, DRAWN 4, LOST 2
Pretty darn good, we think.
Longniddry (A) WON 3-0 (Paul, Cal, Cam B)
Pencaitland (H) WON 16-0 (Cam D 2, Dylan 2, David 2, Paul, Seth 2, Jason 3, Connor 3, Lloyd)
Windsor Ronaldinho (H) DREW 1-1 (Paul)
Dunbar (H) DREW 3-3 (Dylan, Cam B pen, Paul)
Haddington (H) WON 5-1 (Paul 3, Jason, Seth)
Tranent Colts (H) WON 6-3 (Jason 2, Paul, Lloyd, Seth, Cal/Blair - disputed goal!)
Tranent Juniors (A) WON 8-1 (Jason 3, Seth 3, Cam B, Lloyd)
MYS Blue Stripes (A) LOST 1-3 (Lloyd)
North Berwick (A) LOST 1-2 (Seth)
Seton (H) WON 3-1 (Paul 2, Jack)
Tranent Colts (A) DREW 2-2 (Seth 2)
Windsor Ronaldinho (H) WON 2-0 (Cam B, Paul)
Aberlady (H) DREW 0-0
Goals: Paul 11; Seth 10; Jason 9; Lloyd 4, Cam B 4, Connor 3, Dylan 3, Cam D 2, David 2, Callum 2, Blair 1, Jack 1.
TRANENT TROUNCED/ABERLADY STALEMATE 8-12-07
MYS BLACK STRIPES 0 ABERLADY 0
Three games between these two teams, more than two hours of football - and only one goal! Never boring, though. Aberlady had lost their keeper but signed up a new one - from Musselburgh (who plays for Windsor on Sunday). That didn't make things easy for us, but we fought really hard and Paul missed the only really clear chance of the game when he ran clear but shot narrowly wide. There was one very worrying scramble in our box and we got a bit pinned back in the last of three 15-min periods, but a good battling performance - and two clean sheets in a row before the Xmas break. Neil Cameron, the post patroller, is very pleased.
TRANENT COLTS 0 MYS BLUE STRIPES 10
- no report posted yet
Three games between these two teams, more than two hours of football - and only one goal! Never boring, though. Aberlady had lost their keeper but signed up a new one - from Musselburgh (who plays for Windsor on Sunday). That didn't make things easy for us, but we fought really hard and Paul missed the only really clear chance of the game when he ran clear but shot narrowly wide. There was one very worrying scramble in our box and we got a bit pinned back in the last of three 15-min periods, but a good battling performance - and two clean sheets in a row before the Xmas break. Neil Cameron, the post patroller, is very pleased.
TRANENT COLTS 0 MYS BLUE STRIPES 10
- no report posted yet
GREAT WIN OVER WINDSOR 2-12-07
MYS BLACK STRIPES 2 MUSSELBURGH WINDSOR (RONALDINHO) 0 A very good win, especially as we only had nine players, with bothCallum and Jason unfit. The victory was built on solid performances allover the pitch, with David excellent in goal and Connor in outstandingform at the back. Youngstars created some good chances in the firstperiod, with Paul hitting the post with a grest shot after good work byCameron Brown and Seth. Paul then pulled a shot wide, Seth had a clearchance well-saved and Lloys headed wide from a corner. Cameron Dunlopand Jack were helping Connor keep the Windsor at bay and despite one ortwo scares, we should have gone in ahead at the break. We continued playing well in the second half and Cameron Brown, moved tothe left with Blair on the right, hit a magnificent shot high into thenet for surely the goal of the season so far. Paul then scored a secondafter a neat one-two with Seth and although Windsor hit the post nearthe end and David made a couple of good saves, we looked fairlycomfortable and fought hard to hold onto an excellent andconfidence-boosting win.
LAST-MINUTE LETDOWN 1-12-07
TRANENT COLTS 2 MYS BLACK STRIPES 2
There was a disappointing end to a very entertaining and hard-fought game as Tranent equalised with just a minute to go - but there were a lot of positives to take from a really good work-out as we played eight-a-sdie for a full hour (on a big pitch) in three 20-minute periods. Youngstars had most of the play in the first 20, but created fewclear-cut chances, with most of our shots from the edge of the box. Cammy Brown had a good shot just wide but Tranent took the lead against the run of play when David was wrong-footed as the ball came across and was knocked into the corner of the net.
The game turned in the second period as Seth dispossessed a defender to fire a strong shot into the corner, then finished neatly to add a second straight away. After running clear from the halfway line, he did all the hard work before shooting wide from close in to miss a fantastic hat-trick chance. Youngstars played some neat football in this 20 minutes, with Lloyd back in superb form driving the team forward and Connor, Cameron Dunlop and Jack looking solid at the back. Jack made one superb saving tackle, showing amazing pace to recover five yards and clear the ball. Callum, Jason and Blair were helping Lloyd out in midfield to keep the forwardmomentum and it was disappointing we didn't go into the last 20 more than 2-1 up. The last period was much tougher with Lloyd and Paul finding it hard going in centre midfield and struggling to get forward. We started to lose tackles and gave the ball away too much and were lucky to escape when Tranent hit the post - only to lose a goal right at the end. Still, a really good match and a lot of effort from all the boys.
SETON BOYS 2 MYS BLUE STRIPES 9
- no report posted yet
There was a disappointing end to a very entertaining and hard-fought game as Tranent equalised with just a minute to go - but there were a lot of positives to take from a really good work-out as we played eight-a-sdie for a full hour (on a big pitch) in three 20-minute periods. Youngstars had most of the play in the first 20, but created fewclear-cut chances, with most of our shots from the edge of the box. Cammy Brown had a good shot just wide but Tranent took the lead against the run of play when David was wrong-footed as the ball came across and was knocked into the corner of the net.
The game turned in the second period as Seth dispossessed a defender to fire a strong shot into the corner, then finished neatly to add a second straight away. After running clear from the halfway line, he did all the hard work before shooting wide from close in to miss a fantastic hat-trick chance. Youngstars played some neat football in this 20 minutes, with Lloyd back in superb form driving the team forward and Connor, Cameron Dunlop and Jack looking solid at the back. Jack made one superb saving tackle, showing amazing pace to recover five yards and clear the ball. Callum, Jason and Blair were helping Lloyd out in midfield to keep the forwardmomentum and it was disappointing we didn't go into the last 20 more than 2-1 up. The last period was much tougher with Lloyd and Paul finding it hard going in centre midfield and struggling to get forward. We started to lose tackles and gave the ball away too much and were lucky to escape when Tranent hit the post - only to lose a goal right at the end. Still, a really good match and a lot of effort from all the boys.
SETON BOYS 2 MYS BLUE STRIPES 9
- no report posted yet
JACK SHOWS THE WAY 17-11-07
MYS Black Stripes 3- 1 Seton Boys
A hard-fought win against a determined Seton side, who took the lead after about 20 seconds! From their first attack, the ball reached Finlay, one of their star players, on the right of the penalty area and he hit a looping shot over David and into the far corner of the net.
Seth had a good chance to equalise but the keeper saved his shot and despite some excellent play from Blair down the right, we struggled to create clear chances and went in after the first 15 minutes 1-0 down.
Youngstars totally dominated the second 15 minutes and equalised when Paul shot in from close range. Paul then hit the post, Lloyd hit the bar with a brilliant solo effort and Cammy Brown and Jason also went close. But it was left to Jack to show the forward players how it was done when he turned in the box after a corner to smash a great shot high into the net.
We created lots more chances in the last 15. Lloyd hit the bar again after a shot was deflected and Callum was unlucky not to cap another hard-working display when he had a shot cleared off the line and missed from close in after a great run and cross from Seth. Paul also had a few more chances and finished one nicely to give us a bit of breathing-space at 3-1.
With Connor off injured and Jack having to go off after taking a knock in the face, Cammy Dunlop and Jason kept it tighter at the back as we held on. Blair won Player of the Week for his strongest performance so far - against his old team!
North Berwick AC 5 MYS Blue Stripes 5
A fine display from the boys, although the final result left a somewhat bitter taste in the mouth. The game was played on a miniature pitch and the boys defended well in the first 15-minute period against a very strong wind to keep the score at 1-0 against. The second period saw us dominate entirely to go 1-5 ahead with some fine passing from everyone and 4 goals from Aarran Currie.
We knew that North Berwick would come back into it in the last 15 with the wind behind them again however we did not expect them to be assisted by some disappointingly one-sided refereeing. The boys should take heart though that they secured a fighting draw.
A hard-fought win against a determined Seton side, who took the lead after about 20 seconds! From their first attack, the ball reached Finlay, one of their star players, on the right of the penalty area and he hit a looping shot over David and into the far corner of the net.
Seth had a good chance to equalise but the keeper saved his shot and despite some excellent play from Blair down the right, we struggled to create clear chances and went in after the first 15 minutes 1-0 down.
Youngstars totally dominated the second 15 minutes and equalised when Paul shot in from close range. Paul then hit the post, Lloyd hit the bar with a brilliant solo effort and Cammy Brown and Jason also went close. But it was left to Jack to show the forward players how it was done when he turned in the box after a corner to smash a great shot high into the net.
We created lots more chances in the last 15. Lloyd hit the bar again after a shot was deflected and Callum was unlucky not to cap another hard-working display when he had a shot cleared off the line and missed from close in after a great run and cross from Seth. Paul also had a few more chances and finished one nicely to give us a bit of breathing-space at 3-1.
With Connor off injured and Jack having to go off after taking a knock in the face, Cammy Dunlop and Jason kept it tighter at the back as we held on. Blair won Player of the Week for his strongest performance so far - against his old team!
North Berwick AC 5 MYS Blue Stripes 5
A fine display from the boys, although the final result left a somewhat bitter taste in the mouth. The game was played on a miniature pitch and the boys defended well in the first 15-minute period against a very strong wind to keep the score at 1-0 against. The second period saw us dominate entirely to go 1-5 ahead with some fine passing from everyone and 4 goals from Aarran Currie.
We knew that North Berwick would come back into it in the last 15 with the wind behind them again however we did not expect them to be assisted by some disappointingly one-sided refereeing. The boys should take heart though that they secured a fighting draw.
NORTH BERWICK BITE BACK 10-11-07
MYS Blue Stripes 1 -North Berwick Inter 1
Slightly dissapointing not to have won this one but a good game and a far better workout than the landslide victory against this team the first game of the season - they had clearly changed their squads around! We started brightly and created several chances in the first 15 minutes. The goal came after good work from Matthew, who beat 2 players before cutting inside and playing a great through ball to Blair who did well to finish nicely from a tight angle.
Unfortunately we failed to turn our dominance of the first 15 into more goals and this was to cost us later. The second 15 was much more even and we were slightly disjointed after making some substitutions. This allowed North Berwick to draw level and if it was not for some excellent goalkeeping from stand-in Blair, we may have gone behind.
The team was changed around once more for the last 15 which we dominated entirely. Unfortunately, through a combination of missing the target and bad luck, we somehow couldn't find the winning goal. A good game though and the boys conitnue to work hard and improve week by week.
NORTH BERWICK AC 2 MYS BLACK STRIPES 1
A disapointing result which, to be fair, could have been worse. North Berwick were the stronger, quicker and more fluent team and deserved the win over the three 15-minute periods. Youngstars started slowly and North Berwick had the better of the first 15, but David kept them at bay with a series of fine saves.
Jack and Jason worked hard at the back but Lloyd, Callum and Cameron Brown struggled to make an impact against a North Berwick midfield dominated by Cameron Law, one of the stand-out players in this league. He had a brilliant game and seemed to be everywhere. It was 0-0 after the first 15, but North Berwick picked up the pace in the second 15, with Paul and Seth finding it hard going up front for Youngstars.
The home team took the lead with a fine shot into the corner which gave David no chance, but he kept the score down with more good saves. Youngstars struggled to clear their lines in the absence of Connor, who was injured, but came close to an equaliser right at the start of the 3rd 15 when Callum's shot was pushed onto the post by their keeper.
Unfortunately, North Berwick came back to make it 2-0 with another great finish and could have gone further ahead when they hit the post - and when Cameron Dunlop made a superb goal-line clearance to complete a strong performance.
Youngstars rallied towards the end and Seth brought a fine save from the keeper before poaching a rebound from a Cammy Brown shot to make it 2-1 with a couple of minutes to go. But Youngstars couldn't create another clear chance as the home team recorded a deserved win. Jack took the player of the week award for a strong-tackling performance, although David was unlucky not to win it again.
Slightly dissapointing not to have won this one but a good game and a far better workout than the landslide victory against this team the first game of the season - they had clearly changed their squads around! We started brightly and created several chances in the first 15 minutes. The goal came after good work from Matthew, who beat 2 players before cutting inside and playing a great through ball to Blair who did well to finish nicely from a tight angle.
Unfortunately we failed to turn our dominance of the first 15 into more goals and this was to cost us later. The second 15 was much more even and we were slightly disjointed after making some substitutions. This allowed North Berwick to draw level and if it was not for some excellent goalkeeping from stand-in Blair, we may have gone behind.
The team was changed around once more for the last 15 which we dominated entirely. Unfortunately, through a combination of missing the target and bad luck, we somehow couldn't find the winning goal. A good game though and the boys conitnue to work hard and improve week by week.
NORTH BERWICK AC 2 MYS BLACK STRIPES 1
A disapointing result which, to be fair, could have been worse. North Berwick were the stronger, quicker and more fluent team and deserved the win over the three 15-minute periods. Youngstars started slowly and North Berwick had the better of the first 15, but David kept them at bay with a series of fine saves.
Jack and Jason worked hard at the back but Lloyd, Callum and Cameron Brown struggled to make an impact against a North Berwick midfield dominated by Cameron Law, one of the stand-out players in this league. He had a brilliant game and seemed to be everywhere. It was 0-0 after the first 15, but North Berwick picked up the pace in the second 15, with Paul and Seth finding it hard going up front for Youngstars.
The home team took the lead with a fine shot into the corner which gave David no chance, but he kept the score down with more good saves. Youngstars struggled to clear their lines in the absence of Connor, who was injured, but came close to an equaliser right at the start of the 3rd 15 when Callum's shot was pushed onto the post by their keeper.
Unfortunately, North Berwick came back to make it 2-0 with another great finish and could have gone further ahead when they hit the post - and when Cameron Dunlop made a superb goal-line clearance to complete a strong performance.
Youngstars rallied towards the end and Seth brought a fine save from the keeper before poaching a rebound from a Cammy Brown shot to make it 2-1 with a couple of minutes to go. But Youngstars couldn't create another clear chance as the home team recorded a deserved win. Jack took the player of the week award for a strong-tackling performance, although David was unlucky not to win it again.
DERBY DELIGHT - AND DESPAIR! 3-11-07
MYS BLACK STRIPES 1 MYS BLUE STRIPES 3
A typically close-fought game saw the blues maintain their 100 per cent record over the blacks in league matches with a superb fightback.
Blacks had the better of the first of three 15-minute periods and Seth had a clear chance saved by Ross, who then made a terrific save to tip over a powerful effort by Cammy Brown. Lloyd also went close in the first period - before putting blacks ahead in the second 15 with a brilliant goal from the edge of the box after a nice interchange of passes with Paul. The lead lasted less than half a minute as Aaran Currie carved his way through straight from the kick-off for a superb solo goal. This gave the blues more confidence and they started to put some lovely moves together.
Blacks had a good chance to go back ahead when Paul pulled his shot wide after a great run and cross by Lloyd - and then from a similar chance from a corner, Blair Millar scored at the far post to give blues the advantage .
Blues began to dominate the game and David saved well from Liam before Callum hit the ball against his own crossbar while trying to clear a dangerous attack. Blacks were struggling to make headway against some very solid defending by Dylan and Aaron O'Donnell and it was no surprise when Liam slid in a third goal for the blues.
Again, the game could have gone either way, but the blues won out thanks to some great passing football and real commitment. Aaron Currie was superb in midfield but all the boys, on both sides, deserve real credit for another great game of football.
BLACKS: David, Jack, Connor, Cam B, Lloyd, Jason, Seth, Blair Currie, Callum, Paul.
BLUES: Ross, Dylan, Aaron O'Donnell, Matthew, Aaran Currie, Blair Millar, Liam, Lewis, William.
A typically close-fought game saw the blues maintain their 100 per cent record over the blacks in league matches with a superb fightback.
Blacks had the better of the first of three 15-minute periods and Seth had a clear chance saved by Ross, who then made a terrific save to tip over a powerful effort by Cammy Brown. Lloyd also went close in the first period - before putting blacks ahead in the second 15 with a brilliant goal from the edge of the box after a nice interchange of passes with Paul. The lead lasted less than half a minute as Aaran Currie carved his way through straight from the kick-off for a superb solo goal. This gave the blues more confidence and they started to put some lovely moves together.
Blacks had a good chance to go back ahead when Paul pulled his shot wide after a great run and cross by Lloyd - and then from a similar chance from a corner, Blair Millar scored at the far post to give blues the advantage .
Blues began to dominate the game and David saved well from Liam before Callum hit the ball against his own crossbar while trying to clear a dangerous attack. Blacks were struggling to make headway against some very solid defending by Dylan and Aaron O'Donnell and it was no surprise when Liam slid in a third goal for the blues.
Again, the game could have gone either way, but the blues won out thanks to some great passing football and real commitment. Aaron Currie was superb in midfield but all the boys, on both sides, deserve real credit for another great game of football.
BLACKS: David, Jack, Connor, Cam B, Lloyd, Jason, Seth, Blair Currie, Callum, Paul.
BLUES: Ross, Dylan, Aaron O'Donnell, Matthew, Aaran Currie, Blair Millar, Liam, Lewis, William.
DOG ON THE PITCH! 27-10-07
Tranent Juniors 1 MYS Black Stripes 8
Youngstars started slowly, as they always seem to do at this ground and although they had most of the possession, they allowed TJ to break away and score to be 1-0 up at the end of the first 15 minutes. The second 15 was a different story as Jason hammered in a loose ball, then Seth scored after some nice footwork to put us ahead. Jason slotted in a neat 3rd, Cammy Brown scored from a rebound and Jason completed his second hat-trick of the season to make it 5-1 after 30 minutes.
The third 15 was tighter, but Lloyd added a goal with a shot from the edge of the box. Cammy Brown went in goal for the last 15 and David drove forward well from midfield, setting up Seth beautifully for No 7 before Seth completed his hat-trick near the end. We had lots more chances, with Blair coming close towards the end - around the time a dog decided to join in the game ans showed some nice skill down the left.
This was a good result, especially as Jack played his first game beside Connor at the back with Cameron Dunlop and Callum both missing.
MYS Blue Stripes 5 Dunbar 8
Disappointing, as always, to lose this one but a lot of positives were taken from the match as the boys dug deep against a physical Dunbar side.
Dunbar dominated the early exchanges and quickly went 3-0 up in the first 15 minutes. I think several of our players were initially intimidated by the size of some of the opposition players.
They deserve immense credit however for sticking to their task and battled back superbly to take a 4-3 lead into the last 15.
Unfortunately we couldnt quite keep it going and Dunbar's numerical superiority (they once again brought 2 full squads which they were able to rotate) paid off in the last 15 when 3 late goals sealed the win for them. The coaches were, however, very pleased with the boys' committment and fighting spirit after losing the early goals - particularly as the teams confidence had taken a battering in recent defeats. Well done!
Youngstars started slowly, as they always seem to do at this ground and although they had most of the possession, they allowed TJ to break away and score to be 1-0 up at the end of the first 15 minutes. The second 15 was a different story as Jason hammered in a loose ball, then Seth scored after some nice footwork to put us ahead. Jason slotted in a neat 3rd, Cammy Brown scored from a rebound and Jason completed his second hat-trick of the season to make it 5-1 after 30 minutes.
The third 15 was tighter, but Lloyd added a goal with a shot from the edge of the box. Cammy Brown went in goal for the last 15 and David drove forward well from midfield, setting up Seth beautifully for No 7 before Seth completed his hat-trick near the end. We had lots more chances, with Blair coming close towards the end - around the time a dog decided to join in the game ans showed some nice skill down the left.
This was a good result, especially as Jack played his first game beside Connor at the back with Cameron Dunlop and Callum both missing.
MYS Blue Stripes 5 Dunbar 8
Disappointing, as always, to lose this one but a lot of positives were taken from the match as the boys dug deep against a physical Dunbar side.
Dunbar dominated the early exchanges and quickly went 3-0 up in the first 15 minutes. I think several of our players were initially intimidated by the size of some of the opposition players.
They deserve immense credit however for sticking to their task and battled back superbly to take a 4-3 lead into the last 15.
Unfortunately we couldnt quite keep it going and Dunbar's numerical superiority (they once again brought 2 full squads which they were able to rotate) paid off in the last 15 when 3 late goals sealed the win for them. The coaches were, however, very pleased with the boys' committment and fighting spirit after losing the early goals - particularly as the teams confidence had taken a battering in recent defeats. Well done!
A LESSON FROM SCOTLAND BOYS! 7-10-07
MYS BLACK STRIPES 0 SCOTLAND BOYS 8
Scotland Boys totally outclassed black stripes with a superb display of passing football - but Youngstars take a lot of credit for never giving up and limiting the score against a physically strong and very talented, skilful team.
With David missing, Seth was in goal and he was shell-shocked when Scotland Boys carved through the defence to score with their first attack. Within two minutes, it was 2-0 after an unlucky deflection.
Youngstars then dug in with some desperate defending to hold the score to 3-0 after the first of three 20-minute periods. They were not helped by Connor having to limp off again, not having recovered from his injury yesterday.
Cameron D and Jason were helped out in defence by the arrival of Aaron O'Donnell, but Scotland Boys stretched their lead in a very one-sided second period. Seth misjudged a long-range shot which crawled into the corner of the net, but then came back superbly to make 4 or 5 excellent saves. Lloyd was fighting like a tiger in midfield, but it was a struggle for black stripes to get any service to Paul up front, or for Callum, Cammy Brown or Blair to make any headway down the wings.
The second period ended 6-0 to Scotland Boys, and without Seth and the crossbar, it could have been many more. Callum went in goal in the last period and made a couple of good saves before No 7 went in. The last goal was a bit soft and it was a shame to concede it as we were enjoying more possession and created a couple of chances - notably when Paul cracked a long shot against the post.
As it turned out, it wasn't really the game to try out new players and both Brandon and Charlie tried hard, but struggled against such a big, well-organised and talented team. A real learning-curve, as they say! We later found out that SB are coached by a former pro and have a very good reputation, so attract the best players in their region (Lanarkshire) - we don't feel so bad now!
Scotland Boys totally outclassed black stripes with a superb display of passing football - but Youngstars take a lot of credit for never giving up and limiting the score against a physically strong and very talented, skilful team.
With David missing, Seth was in goal and he was shell-shocked when Scotland Boys carved through the defence to score with their first attack. Within two minutes, it was 2-0 after an unlucky deflection.
Youngstars then dug in with some desperate defending to hold the score to 3-0 after the first of three 20-minute periods. They were not helped by Connor having to limp off again, not having recovered from his injury yesterday.
Cameron D and Jason were helped out in defence by the arrival of Aaron O'Donnell, but Scotland Boys stretched their lead in a very one-sided second period. Seth misjudged a long-range shot which crawled into the corner of the net, but then came back superbly to make 4 or 5 excellent saves. Lloyd was fighting like a tiger in midfield, but it was a struggle for black stripes to get any service to Paul up front, or for Callum, Cammy Brown or Blair to make any headway down the wings.
The second period ended 6-0 to Scotland Boys, and without Seth and the crossbar, it could have been many more. Callum went in goal in the last period and made a couple of good saves before No 7 went in. The last goal was a bit soft and it was a shame to concede it as we were enjoying more possession and created a couple of chances - notably when Paul cracked a long shot against the post.
As it turned out, it wasn't really the game to try out new players and both Brandon and Charlie tried hard, but struggled against such a big, well-organised and talented team. A real learning-curve, as they say! We later found out that SB are coached by a former pro and have a very good reputation, so attract the best players in their region (Lanarkshire) - we don't feel so bad now!
BACK TO WINNING WAYS, 6-10-07
MYS BLUE STRIPES 9 TRANENT JUNIORS 2, 6th OCT 2007
Weird game - no goals in first 15, then Youngstars go 9-0 up in 2nd 15, then Tranent pull 2 back in last 15. All goals at the same end, then all blacks' game goals scored at the other end....
MYS BLACK STRIPES 6 TRANENT COLTS 3
To adapt a famous football cliche, this was a game of three halves. The first 15 minutes saw Youngstars continue from where they left off the previous week, passing the ball neatly and creating lots of chances.
Again, there was a very early goal when Jason came across from his left midfield position to collect a loose ball at the near post and fire high into the net. Paul added a second when he reacted quickly to score after the Tranent goalie saved well from a powerful shot from Cameron Brown - and Lloyd scored a lovely third when he side-stepped a defender and shot into the corner. Jason finished the scoring in the first period with a clinical low shot to leave us 4-0 up.
Tranent came out strongly for the second period and, possibly helped by some over-confidece from Youngstars, they pulled themselves back into the game and at the end of the second 15 minutes, it was 4-3.
However, the black stripes showed that they can really tough it out by coming back strongly in a longer third period (20 minutes). Seth collected a throw-in and shot into the corner to make it 5-3, then turned neatly to pass the ball to Lloyd who set up Callum for a shot. It might have crept in but Blair Currie, making his first appearance for the blacks, knocked it over the line to make sure. With Connor off injured, Jason was now back in defence and he and Cameron Dunlop, helped by some great saves by David, kept Tranent out to record a 6-3 win. Bizarrely, all nine goals were scored at the same end of the pitch.
Weird game - no goals in first 15, then Youngstars go 9-0 up in 2nd 15, then Tranent pull 2 back in last 15. All goals at the same end, then all blacks' game goals scored at the other end....
MYS BLACK STRIPES 6 TRANENT COLTS 3
To adapt a famous football cliche, this was a game of three halves. The first 15 minutes saw Youngstars continue from where they left off the previous week, passing the ball neatly and creating lots of chances.
Again, there was a very early goal when Jason came across from his left midfield position to collect a loose ball at the near post and fire high into the net. Paul added a second when he reacted quickly to score after the Tranent goalie saved well from a powerful shot from Cameron Brown - and Lloyd scored a lovely third when he side-stepped a defender and shot into the corner. Jason finished the scoring in the first period with a clinical low shot to leave us 4-0 up.
Tranent came out strongly for the second period and, possibly helped by some over-confidece from Youngstars, they pulled themselves back into the game and at the end of the second 15 minutes, it was 4-3.
However, the black stripes showed that they can really tough it out by coming back strongly in a longer third period (20 minutes). Seth collected a throw-in and shot into the corner to make it 5-3, then turned neatly to pass the ball to Lloyd who set up Callum for a shot. It might have crept in but Blair Currie, making his first appearance for the blacks, knocked it over the line to make sure. With Connor off injured, Jason was now back in defence and he and Cameron Dunlop, helped by some great saves by David, kept Tranent out to record a 6-3 win. Bizarrely, all nine goals were scored at the same end of the pitch.
MIXED FORTUNES 29-9-07
MYS BLUE STRIPES 1 ABERLADY 4
A disappointing result, but this was a very close game until the last of the three 15-minute periods.
It was 0-0 after 15 minutes, with David making some good saves for blue stripes and Liam close with two excellent efforts at the other end. However, just into the second period, David misjudged a long-range shot which sneaked into the corner of the net. With their next attack, Aberlady won a penalty when one of their players was fouled by both Matthew and Dylan. David was very unlucky, almost managing to push the ball around the post, but again, it just crept in.
Blue Stripes didn't give in and clawed a goal back when Lewis's cross-shot was deflected in after a quick break. However, Aberlady dominated the last 15 minutes and scored two more goals to end up with a convincing-looking win.
MYS BLACK STRIPES 5 HADDINGTON 1
This was arguably the best performance ever by this squad, with some superb passing and movement from the whole team. Paul, who is in great from, capitalised on a defensive mix-up to put us 1-0 up in the first minute and then after a neat interchange with Seth on the right, he slotted in his second from a tight angle. Just before the first 15 minutes was up, Lloyd nudged through a lovely pass and Paul ran on to complete his hat-trick.
In the second of three 15-minute periods, there was more excellent football, but only one goal, a beauty from Jason, who volleyed the ball in on the turn as it dropped to him on the edge of the box. Seth completed the scoring in the last 15 as the Haddington keeper failed to hold the spinning ball.
The visitors pulled a late goal back and David made one great save, but these were the only chances they really had in the whole game. Lloyd won player of the week for a superb passing display, but anyone in the team could have been chosen. Connor, Cameron D and Jason controlled the ball when they had time and passed it forward with confidence from the backand Callum, Cammy B and Seth linked up the play superbly from the wide midfield positions. Dylan had played in the earlier blue stripes game and had a shorter game than usual, but still played his part in a memorable display.
Team: David, Connor, Jason, Cam D, Seth, Lloyd, Callum, Paul, Cam D, Cam B, Dylan
A disappointing result, but this was a very close game until the last of the three 15-minute periods.
It was 0-0 after 15 minutes, with David making some good saves for blue stripes and Liam close with two excellent efforts at the other end. However, just into the second period, David misjudged a long-range shot which sneaked into the corner of the net. With their next attack, Aberlady won a penalty when one of their players was fouled by both Matthew and Dylan. David was very unlucky, almost managing to push the ball around the post, but again, it just crept in.
Blue Stripes didn't give in and clawed a goal back when Lewis's cross-shot was deflected in after a quick break. However, Aberlady dominated the last 15 minutes and scored two more goals to end up with a convincing-looking win.
MYS BLACK STRIPES 5 HADDINGTON 1
This was arguably the best performance ever by this squad, with some superb passing and movement from the whole team. Paul, who is in great from, capitalised on a defensive mix-up to put us 1-0 up in the first minute and then after a neat interchange with Seth on the right, he slotted in his second from a tight angle. Just before the first 15 minutes was up, Lloyd nudged through a lovely pass and Paul ran on to complete his hat-trick.
In the second of three 15-minute periods, there was more excellent football, but only one goal, a beauty from Jason, who volleyed the ball in on the turn as it dropped to him on the edge of the box. Seth completed the scoring in the last 15 as the Haddington keeper failed to hold the spinning ball.
The visitors pulled a late goal back and David made one great save, but these were the only chances they really had in the whole game. Lloyd won player of the week for a superb passing display, but anyone in the team could have been chosen. Connor, Cameron D and Jason controlled the ball when they had time and passed it forward with confidence from the backand Callum, Cammy B and Seth linked up the play superbly from the wide midfield positions. Dylan had played in the earlier blue stripes game and had a shorter game than usual, but still played his part in a memorable display.
Team: David, Connor, Jason, Cam D, Seth, Lloyd, Callum, Paul, Cam D, Cam B, Dylan
GOING GETS TOUGH 15-9-07
SATURDAY 15 SEPTEMBER 2007
MYS BLACK STRIPES 3 DUNBAR COLTS 3
A topsy-turvy game which we could have won easily - and then could have lost after a dramatic last 15 minutes. Dylan put us ahead in the first 15 after following up a rebound and in the second 15 minutes, we stretched our lead when Cammy Brown scored a cool penalty after Seth was bundled over as he prepared to shoot.
We played really well in the second 15, with clear chances for Seth, Lloyd and Callum, but couldn't stretch the lead and were pulled back to 2-1 when one of the Dunbar players volleyed in a brilliant goal.
The second Dunbar squad came on for the last two 15-minute periods and at first we coped really well as Paul put us 3-1 up overall with a lovely finish from a tight angle. Again, we played some lovely stuff in the 3rd 15-minute period, but crucially couldn't break through to get a bigger lead.
The fourth 15 was a totally different game as we were pinned back as Dunbar's tall midfielder totally dominated the game. We struggled to close him down and he seemed to pop up all over the pitch to claim every loose ball. We were unlucky to lose a goal when a shot deflected off Jason and squirmed under David, but then rode our luck as Dunbar hit the bar three times, although David twice got a crucial touch on the ball.
However, the equaliser looked certain to come and it did - and in the end, after looking well-set for a good win, we were happy to take a 3-3 draw in an excellent game of football.
Team: David, Cameron D, Connor, Jason., Cameron B, Callum, Dylan, Lloyd, Seth, Paul.
Haddington 11 MYS Blue Stripes 6
A disappointing result for all the boys against a tidy Haddington side. Ross McGuire injured himself the day before the game and was unable to take his usual place between the sticks, leaving Matthew to deputise for his first game in goals for some time.
As with the previous game against Longniddry, we got off to a slow start losing an early goal but battled back well and dominated much of the possession throughout the first 3 quarters to go into the fourth 15-minute spell only one goal behind at 6-5.
Unfortunately, with only one substitute, the extra 15 mins proved to be too much for us and Haddington were able to control the final period. It is fair to say that had Haddington not played a 'ringer' by bringing back a former player in Broque (who is believed to have signed with Hearts and also played for the YoungStars at the outset of the club), the scoreline may have been different as he scored and contibuted to a large percentage of the goals.
Squad - Matthew, Aaron, Blair Millar, Blair Currie, Lewis, Liam, Aarran, William
MYS BLACK STRIPES 3 DUNBAR COLTS 3
A topsy-turvy game which we could have won easily - and then could have lost after a dramatic last 15 minutes. Dylan put us ahead in the first 15 after following up a rebound and in the second 15 minutes, we stretched our lead when Cammy Brown scored a cool penalty after Seth was bundled over as he prepared to shoot.
We played really well in the second 15, with clear chances for Seth, Lloyd and Callum, but couldn't stretch the lead and were pulled back to 2-1 when one of the Dunbar players volleyed in a brilliant goal.
The second Dunbar squad came on for the last two 15-minute periods and at first we coped really well as Paul put us 3-1 up overall with a lovely finish from a tight angle. Again, we played some lovely stuff in the 3rd 15-minute period, but crucially couldn't break through to get a bigger lead.
The fourth 15 was a totally different game as we were pinned back as Dunbar's tall midfielder totally dominated the game. We struggled to close him down and he seemed to pop up all over the pitch to claim every loose ball. We were unlucky to lose a goal when a shot deflected off Jason and squirmed under David, but then rode our luck as Dunbar hit the bar three times, although David twice got a crucial touch on the ball.
However, the equaliser looked certain to come and it did - and in the end, after looking well-set for a good win, we were happy to take a 3-3 draw in an excellent game of football.
Team: David, Cameron D, Connor, Jason., Cameron B, Callum, Dylan, Lloyd, Seth, Paul.
Haddington 11 MYS Blue Stripes 6
A disappointing result for all the boys against a tidy Haddington side. Ross McGuire injured himself the day before the game and was unable to take his usual place between the sticks, leaving Matthew to deputise for his first game in goals for some time.
As with the previous game against Longniddry, we got off to a slow start losing an early goal but battled back well and dominated much of the possession throughout the first 3 quarters to go into the fourth 15-minute spell only one goal behind at 6-5.
Unfortunately, with only one substitute, the extra 15 mins proved to be too much for us and Haddington were able to control the final period. It is fair to say that had Haddington not played a 'ringer' by bringing back a former player in Broque (who is believed to have signed with Hearts and also played for the YoungStars at the outset of the club), the scoreline may have been different as he scored and contibuted to a large percentage of the goals.
Squad - Matthew, Aaron, Blair Millar, Blair Currie, Lewis, Liam, Aarran, William
GOAL FEAST! 8-9-07
SATURDAY 8 SEPTEMBER 2007
MYS Black Stripes 16 Pencaitland 0
A very convincing win, with our boys acquitting themselves very well in unusual positions. The three regular defenders - Cameron Dunlop, Connor and Jason - all had 15 minutes up front and both Connor and Jason scored hat tricks, with Cameron getting two. David had half-an-hour out of goal and scored two goals, as did Dylan and Seth. Lloyd and Paul scored a goal each.
All credit to the boys for continuing to pass the ball along the ground and playing as a team throughout the 3 x 15 minute periods.
Team: David, Cameron Dunlop, Connor, Jason, Cameron Brown, Lloyd, Callum, Dylan, Seth, Paul
Longniddry Villa 2 MYS Blue Stripes 6
A good win in what was a competitive match against a physically strong Longniddry side. We got off to a slow start losing the first goal before finding our feet and finishing the first 15 minutes 3-1 ahead.
The boys really dug in for the remaining 2 periods and played some great passing football with Aaran Currie in particular having a very impressive match on the right wing, supplying good service into the box for the strikers. Goals came from Aaran, Lewis, Blair, Euan and Liam but the whole team, from Ross in goal through to Liam up front, deserve credit for the victory.
Team: Ross, Blair Currie, Blair Millar, Aaron O, Euan, Aaran C, Lewis, Liam, Matthew.
MYS Black Stripes 16 Pencaitland 0
A very convincing win, with our boys acquitting themselves very well in unusual positions. The three regular defenders - Cameron Dunlop, Connor and Jason - all had 15 minutes up front and both Connor and Jason scored hat tricks, with Cameron getting two. David had half-an-hour out of goal and scored two goals, as did Dylan and Seth. Lloyd and Paul scored a goal each.
All credit to the boys for continuing to pass the ball along the ground and playing as a team throughout the 3 x 15 minute periods.
Team: David, Cameron Dunlop, Connor, Jason, Cameron Brown, Lloyd, Callum, Dylan, Seth, Paul
Longniddry Villa 2 MYS Blue Stripes 6
A good win in what was a competitive match against a physically strong Longniddry side. We got off to a slow start losing the first goal before finding our feet and finishing the first 15 minutes 3-1 ahead.
The boys really dug in for the remaining 2 periods and played some great passing football with Aaran Currie in particular having a very impressive match on the right wing, supplying good service into the box for the strikers. Goals came from Aaran, Lewis, Blair, Euan and Liam but the whole team, from Ross in goal through to Liam up front, deserve credit for the victory.
Team: Ross, Blair Currie, Blair Millar, Aaron O, Euan, Aaran C, Lewis, Liam, Matthew.
WINNING START FOR BLACK & BLUE 25-8-07
MYS Blue Stripes 13 North Berwick Inter 0
A convincing start to the new season albeit against what is obviously the weaker of the 2 North Berwick sides. Goals came from Lewis (2), Aarran (4), Matthew (2), Liam (3), Blair (1) and Euan (2). Despite the fact that the sides were so obviously un-mayched it was pleasing to see the boys continue to make good passing moves with several of the goals coming as a result of a string of passes being put together. Blair Millar showed his versatility by playing the last 15 in goals to allow the largely un-troubled Ross to come out and get a touch of the ball! Good to get a win for the first game of the season, however hopefully we will have more competitive matches to come.
Team - Ross, Blair, Aarron, Matthew, Ewan, William, Aarran, Lewis, Liam.
Longniddry Villa 0 MYS Black Stripes 3
A good solid performance that improved throughout the 3 x 15 minutes match, with the 3-0 win achieved with a goal in each period. A great run by Dylan set up Paul for the first, but Youngstars had to fight all the way against a physically strong Longniddry team.
Callum scored a neat second and then played in a brilliant corner for Cammy Brown to sidefoot the third. We dominated the last 15 minutes and played some lovely football and could have had a couple more goals. Cammy B and Dylan took the trophies but all ten boys played well.
Team - David, Connor, Jason, Cam D, Dylan, Lloyd, Callum, Cam B, Seth, Paul.
A convincing start to the new season albeit against what is obviously the weaker of the 2 North Berwick sides. Goals came from Lewis (2), Aarran (4), Matthew (2), Liam (3), Blair (1) and Euan (2). Despite the fact that the sides were so obviously un-mayched it was pleasing to see the boys continue to make good passing moves with several of the goals coming as a result of a string of passes being put together. Blair Millar showed his versatility by playing the last 15 in goals to allow the largely un-troubled Ross to come out and get a touch of the ball! Good to get a win for the first game of the season, however hopefully we will have more competitive matches to come.
Team - Ross, Blair, Aarron, Matthew, Ewan, William, Aarran, Lewis, Liam.
Longniddry Villa 0 MYS Black Stripes 3
A good solid performance that improved throughout the 3 x 15 minutes match, with the 3-0 win achieved with a goal in each period. A great run by Dylan set up Paul for the first, but Youngstars had to fight all the way against a physically strong Longniddry team.
Callum scored a neat second and then played in a brilliant corner for Cammy Brown to sidefoot the third. We dominated the last 15 minutes and played some lovely football and could have had a couple more goals. Cammy B and Dylan took the trophies but all ten boys played well.
Team - David, Connor, Jason, Cam D, Dylan, Lloyd, Callum, Cam B, Seth, Paul.
WINDSOR WINNERS! 18-8-07
MUSSELBURGH WINDSOR TOURNAMENT 18-8-07
Our first invitation to the Windsor tournament was a resounding
success, with the Blue Stripes winning their group in the morning and the
Black Stripes narrowly missing out on reaching the final in the afternoon.
We had several players missing due to holidays and others not available
for one part of the day, so we had to rejig the squads a little.
The Blues got off to a great start with a 2-0 win over Leith Athletic
and a 4-2 victory against Loanhead BC. They drew 1-1 with Spartans with
Ross McGuire making an important save at 0-1 before the equaliser. A 6-0
win over Windsor Zidane then followed for blues to reach the final with
10 points out of a possible 12. Lewis Jarvis scored five goals, with the
others shared between Aaran Currie, Euan Fraser and Lloyd Fiddler.
In a tight final against Spartans, there were few clear chances, but
Youngstars gradually got on top - and late on, Aaran Currie broke
through to seal a 1-0 win to spark wild celebrations. The boys lifted the
trophy to great cheers.
This left the Black Stripes with lots to live up to and they got off to
a disastrous start, missing early chances and conceding silly goals in
a 3-0 defeat to Leith Athletic. But they fought back superbly to beat
Windsor Ronaldinho 1-0 with a goal from Aaran Currie, and then won 4-2
against Hillfield Swifts, with Callum Fergusson, Liam Risi and Paul
Clark (2) getting the goals. They needed at least a draw against Windsor
Maradona but an injury to Connor Rae meant they struggled to get the
ball forward and conceded a late goal to lose 1-0. Leith Athletic beat
Windsor Maradona on penalties after a 1-1 draw in the final.
All in all, it was an immensely encourgaing start to the season and
well done to all the boys.
Blue Stripes - Ross McGuire, Blair Millar, David Johnston, Matthew
Cameron, Euan Fraser, Aaran Currie, William Kelley,Lloyd Fiddler, Lewis
Jarvis.
Black stripes: David Johnston, Connor Rae, Jason Cameron, Cameron
Dunlop, Callum Fergusson, Lloyd Fiddler, Aaran Currie, Seth Allen, Paul
Clark, Liam Risi.
Our first invitation to the Windsor tournament was a resounding
success, with the Blue Stripes winning their group in the morning and the
Black Stripes narrowly missing out on reaching the final in the afternoon.
We had several players missing due to holidays and others not available
for one part of the day, so we had to rejig the squads a little.
The Blues got off to a great start with a 2-0 win over Leith Athletic
and a 4-2 victory against Loanhead BC. They drew 1-1 with Spartans with
Ross McGuire making an important save at 0-1 before the equaliser. A 6-0
win over Windsor Zidane then followed for blues to reach the final with
10 points out of a possible 12. Lewis Jarvis scored five goals, with the
others shared between Aaran Currie, Euan Fraser and Lloyd Fiddler.
In a tight final against Spartans, there were few clear chances, but
Youngstars gradually got on top - and late on, Aaran Currie broke
through to seal a 1-0 win to spark wild celebrations. The boys lifted the
trophy to great cheers.
This left the Black Stripes with lots to live up to and they got off to
a disastrous start, missing early chances and conceding silly goals in
a 3-0 defeat to Leith Athletic. But they fought back superbly to beat
Windsor Ronaldinho 1-0 with a goal from Aaran Currie, and then won 4-2
against Hillfield Swifts, with Callum Fergusson, Liam Risi and Paul
Clark (2) getting the goals. They needed at least a draw against Windsor
Maradona but an injury to Connor Rae meant they struggled to get the
ball forward and conceded a late goal to lose 1-0. Leith Athletic beat
Windsor Maradona on penalties after a 1-1 draw in the final.
All in all, it was an immensely encourgaing start to the season and
well done to all the boys.
Blue Stripes - Ross McGuire, Blair Millar, David Johnston, Matthew
Cameron, Euan Fraser, Aaran Currie, William Kelley,Lloyd Fiddler, Lewis
Jarvis.
Black stripes: David Johnston, Connor Rae, Jason Cameron, Cameron
Dunlop, Callum Fergusson, Lloyd Fiddler, Aaran Currie, Seth Allen, Paul
Clark, Liam Risi.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)