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!