BLACKS EDGED OUT IN A CRACKER, 21-9-08

MYS Blacks 2 Musselburgh Windsor Maradona 3, 21-09-2008

A disappointing defeat for the blacks, but they can take great heart from their overall performance in another cracking game.

Most of the Windsor boys had played in the Pele league last year, but we more than matched them and after both sides had missed one clear chance early on, Youngstars went ahead. Callum was released on the left and smacked in a shot which the keeper parried straight to Seth, who knocked it in from close range. We held on to our 1-0 lead at half-time thanks to some terrific defending from Jack and Jason and some solid keeping from David - and could have extended it through some brilliant corners from Cammy Brown.

There were lots more chances in the second half at either end and we were pegged back to 1-1 when we failed to clear the ball during a scramble in our box and the Windsor striker eventually had a simple chance to knock it home. We fell 2-1 behind to an excellent finish, but came back after Seth was caught from behind in the box and got up to slot home a confident penalty.

Paul then had a shot saved after a good move and we were desperately unlucky not to go ahead as Lloyd hit the base of the post and then Cammy Dunlop side-footed wide after good work from Seth and Lloyd. We were made to pay as Aaran Currie, who plays for Youngstars blue stripes on a Saturday, finished coolly after a through ball split our defence.

Youngstars still had chances to pull level as the Windsor keeper made an amazing point-blank save from Seth and then Lloyd hit a brilliant volley that smacked back off the bar. At the other end, David made a superb one-handed save to keep us in it - but though we fought right to the end, it wasn't to be.

The boys must not be down-hearted as this was a terrific performance. We created lots of chances and could have won with a bit more luck. We are competing very well in this league and just need that bit of extra luck and grit to start winning regularly.

Squad: David, Jack, Jason, Cammy Brown, Lloyd, Callum, Seth, Paul, Branon, Cammy Dunlop. (Connor and Blair played for the blue stripes on Saturday)