BLACKS GO DOWN FIGHTING, 15-3-08

MYS BLACKS 2 ABERLADY 3

A narrow defeat, but a great battling performance from all the boys after a slow start to the game.

Despite Dave's inspirational team-talk in the dressing-room, Youngstars began poorly as Ben Stirling, Aberlady's star player, was allowed space on the edge of the box. He fired in a powerful shot, which David could only parry and the striker following it up scrambled the ball in.

Youngstars were having the better of the play and put together some good passing moves, but Seth overran the ball once or twice and we couldn't make the breakthrough. Then after 10 minutes or so, we were shocked when Ben Stirling ran onto another loose ball and hammered in an unstoppable shot from around 25 yards high into the top corner.

To their credit, Youngstars fought back strongly but went in after the first 15 minutes 2-0 down. They came out well for the second period and pulled a goal back when a well-worked corner from Cal and Seth saw a scramble in the box - and up popped Jack to squeeze a left-foot shot just inside the post to bring it back to 2-1.

It was 2-1 after the 2nd 15-minute period, but Youngstars were in some trouble, with Lloyd having to go off after aggravating his injury from last week, and Connor suffering a kick on the shin. With Jason having to leave at this stage, we could have wilted but the remaining boys showed terrific spirit. Jack, Cameron Dunlop and Blair all stuck to the task of keeping an eye on Ben, but despite more Youngstars pressure, Ben broke away to stroke home a cool finish for 3-1. Youngstars kept fighting and the Aberlady keeper made good saves from Paul and Seth before Cammy Brown set up Cal with a lovely ball and Cal coolly went around the keeper to slot home for 3-2. Paul had a chance to equalise but his shot shaved the post.

To be fair, David had to make a couple of crucial saves to keep us in the game at one point, but the boys fought all the way today, against the odds, and made all the coaches and parents very proud. Cal won player of the week for a great performance and a well-deserved goal.

Team: David, Connor, Jason, Cameron D, Lloyd, Cameron B, Jack, Cal, Paul, Blair.