MYS BLACKS 5 DUNEDIN 3
A much-needed and well-deserved win for the black stripes - and a bit of long-overdue good luck too!
Despite the crazy turnaround last week, the overall improvement in the blacks has been clear to see for some time. In many ways, the boys did not play as well as they have done at times this season, but took a greater proportion of their chances and maintained a good level of performance and commitment throughout the entire game.
We tried a slightly different formation in the first half with Jack playing in central midfield and Lloyd on the right. This paid off as Lloyd released Jack and his left-footed cross was flicked home by Scott - also with his left foot. It is really good to see that the boys are starting to use their weaker foot without thinking, which will serve us well over the season.
Although Dunedin pulled a goal back, Youngstars had the better of the first half and took a deserved lead when Seth passed to Jack who ran clear of the defence to slip the ball home. Seth then had a great flick header saved as Youngstars pressed for more goals.
It was 2-1 at half-time, thanks to some solid defending by Connor and Jason and a confident performance in goal by Callum. In the second half, he made a couple more good saves, while the Dunedin keeper also did well to save close-range efforts from Seth and Blair. Seth made amends when he ran clear to slip the ball past the keeper to give us a 3-1 lead.
Unfortunately, a defensive mix-up let Dunedin equalise, before Blair restored the two-goal advantage when he poked the ball home (with his left foot) after one in a series of dangerous corners from Lloyd. Dunedin pulled it back to 4-3 with a brilliant goal when one of their players got in a great position to volley home a dipping cross.
This time, Youngstars kept their cool - and kept working hard. Scott had a good shot saved and David - who battled very hard in midfield in the second half - couldn't quite keep the rebound down. However, we sealed the game when Cammy Brown's cross skidded in at the near post.
Well done to all the boys for a confidence-boosting win. Jason, who has been one of the outstanding players this season, won the man of the match for some typically tough challenges and great distribution.
Squad: Callum, Connor, Jason, Jack, Lloyd, Cammy Brown, Seth, Blair, David, Scott
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Monday, November 24, 2008
Blue Stripes end on a high 15-11-08
MYS Blue Stripes 6-v- 0 North Berwick
Having lost our previous 2 games it was pleasing to sign off for the winter break with a comfortable victory.
We scored early in the game when Arran Currie volleyed home a rebound from a shot by Josh and after this we controlled the match through to the final whistle with Ross coming out of goal in the second half having been a virtual spectator thoughout the first.
Well done boys, lets carry the good work into the start of the next period.
Having lost our previous 2 games it was pleasing to sign off for the winter break with a comfortable victory.
We scored early in the game when Arran Currie volleyed home a rebound from a shot by Josh and after this we controlled the match through to the final whistle with Ross coming out of goal in the second half having been a virtual spectator thoughout the first.
Well done boys, lets carry the good work into the start of the next period.
Sunday, November 16, 2008
A GAME OF TWO HALVES! 16-11-2008
MYS BLACKS 4 EASTHOUSES 5
An incredible turnaround saw Youngstars lose a four-goal half-time lead in a game that also raised a few questions over league rules.
After a great performance last week at Leith, Youngstars went into the game with a depleted squad. Cammy Brown was still injured, Connor couldn't play due to a back injury and David was also unavailable.
However, after a tight first ten minutes or so, Youngstars took control of the game and Scott slipped home the first goal after a neat through ball. The second goal came from a lovely interchange of passes between Jack, Seth, Lloyd and Scott. The keeper saved Scott's shot, but Blair followed in and controlled the rebound before smashing it into the net.
It was 3-0 soon after when Scott's shot was deflected in and 4-0 as Seth squeezed the ball home after Lloyd's shot was parried by the Easthouses keeper. Callum in goal made one great save towards the end of the half, but we had been very much on top and looked well in control.
Unfortunately, things changed dramatically in the second half. League rules say a team four goals down can bring on an extra player and this additional man made a huge difference to the match.
It could have been different if Youngstars had scored a fifth goal from three good chances at the start of the second half. Straight from kick-off, Jack hit a shot across goal which the keeper did well to save, then Seth crashed a cracker against the bar and Blair couldn't quite get on the end of a cross after a brilliant run by Scott.
We were made to pay as Easthouses pulled it back to 4-1 with just over 15 minutes to go and Youngstars were also hampered by an injury to Jason, who took a nasty kick just to the side of his eye. As usual, he was desperate to come back on and took his place in left defence after recovering.
Lloyd also took a whack on the knee and was off the pitch for a crazy last ten minutes or so, while Brandon and Blair were also hurt.
Easthouses pulled it back to 4-2 with the eight men - and although the extra player then left the
pitch, they very much had the upper hand. They scored again and Youngstars looked unable to get hold of the ball and play as they had done in the first half.
An Easthouses striker then charged down a clearance and put the ball into an empty net, though the rules suggest the keeper should always have the chance to clear the ball from his box.
This made it 4-4 and a powerful long-range shot squirmed in to give Easthouses a most unlikely 5-4 win.
There are a lot of lessons from today - and one is that our coaches must be crystal clear about the league rules (having said that, I have spoken to two other coaches today and they have different interpretations of the extra player rule). In a 7 v 7 game, we would undoubtedly have won well, but we have to learn to keep going when we come under pressure and also to learn to cope when our strongest players are off the pitch.
However, we also played superbly well for half an hour and just have to make sure that our level of concentration and effort - especially when the going gest tough - always matches some of the excellent football we are playing.
Blair won man of the match for a hard-working display in midfield.
Squad: Callum, Jack, Jason, Cammy Dunlop, Lloyd, Seth, Blair, Scott, Brandon.
An incredible turnaround saw Youngstars lose a four-goal half-time lead in a game that also raised a few questions over league rules.
After a great performance last week at Leith, Youngstars went into the game with a depleted squad. Cammy Brown was still injured, Connor couldn't play due to a back injury and David was also unavailable.
However, after a tight first ten minutes or so, Youngstars took control of the game and Scott slipped home the first goal after a neat through ball. The second goal came from a lovely interchange of passes between Jack, Seth, Lloyd and Scott. The keeper saved Scott's shot, but Blair followed in and controlled the rebound before smashing it into the net.
It was 3-0 soon after when Scott's shot was deflected in and 4-0 as Seth squeezed the ball home after Lloyd's shot was parried by the Easthouses keeper. Callum in goal made one great save towards the end of the half, but we had been very much on top and looked well in control.
Unfortunately, things changed dramatically in the second half. League rules say a team four goals down can bring on an extra player and this additional man made a huge difference to the match.
It could have been different if Youngstars had scored a fifth goal from three good chances at the start of the second half. Straight from kick-off, Jack hit a shot across goal which the keeper did well to save, then Seth crashed a cracker against the bar and Blair couldn't quite get on the end of a cross after a brilliant run by Scott.
We were made to pay as Easthouses pulled it back to 4-1 with just over 15 minutes to go and Youngstars were also hampered by an injury to Jason, who took a nasty kick just to the side of his eye. As usual, he was desperate to come back on and took his place in left defence after recovering.
Lloyd also took a whack on the knee and was off the pitch for a crazy last ten minutes or so, while Brandon and Blair were also hurt.
Easthouses pulled it back to 4-2 with the eight men - and although the extra player then left the
pitch, they very much had the upper hand. They scored again and Youngstars looked unable to get hold of the ball and play as they had done in the first half.
An Easthouses striker then charged down a clearance and put the ball into an empty net, though the rules suggest the keeper should always have the chance to clear the ball from his box.
This made it 4-4 and a powerful long-range shot squirmed in to give Easthouses a most unlikely 5-4 win.
There are a lot of lessons from today - and one is that our coaches must be crystal clear about the league rules (having said that, I have spoken to two other coaches today and they have different interpretations of the extra player rule). In a 7 v 7 game, we would undoubtedly have won well, but we have to learn to keep going when we come under pressure and also to learn to cope when our strongest players are off the pitch.
However, we also played superbly well for half an hour and just have to make sure that our level of concentration and effort - especially when the going gest tough - always matches some of the excellent football we are playing.
Blair won man of the match for a hard-working display in midfield.
Squad: Callum, Jack, Jason, Cammy Dunlop, Lloyd, Seth, Blair, Scott, Brandon.
Friday, November 14, 2008
BLUES LOSE OUT IN TIGHT GAME 8-11-08
MYS Blue Stripes 0 -v- 2 Aberlady
This was a tight game against an Aberlady side who are always a tough side to beat. In the end the match hinged on the fact that Aberlady made better use of the ball in the final third of the pitch and probably deserved their win because of this.
Having said that there was a vast improvement in the overall team spirit and attitude from the previous weeks game against Dunbar and the boys should take credit for this.
This was a tight game against an Aberlady side who are always a tough side to beat. In the end the match hinged on the fact that Aberlady made better use of the ball in the final third of the pitch and probably deserved their win because of this.
Having said that there was a vast improvement in the overall team spirit and attitude from the previous weeks game against Dunbar and the boys should take credit for this.
Sunday, November 9, 2008
BLACKS PLAY A BLINDER 9-11-2008
LEITH ATHLETIC 1 MYS BLACKS 1
Youngstars played their hearts out today in a brilliant game, combining some excellent football with total commitment.
On a blustery day at Leith Links, Youngstars were quickly into their stride and a great move almost resulted in an early goal but the ball bobbled just as Callum was poised to score from close range. Not long after, we took the lead when Seth was tackled as he prepared to shoot but the ball broke to Callum, who curled in an absolute beauty with his right foot from the edge of the box.
It could have been 2-0 as Seth broke free of the last defender but hit his shot at the keeper, then put the ball wide after great work from Lloyd and Jack.
Leith had their chances too, but David was excellent in goal, handling confidently and making a couple of good saves. His distribution was also good with Connor and Jason making themsleves available wide and moving the ball forward well. The defensive positioning and tackling was also excellent today.
Lloyd, who played brilliantly in midfield, had a couple of shots from the edge of the box, but we couldn't extend our lead before half-time. Blair had come on for Cal just before the interval and continued the good work with some tight marking and strong tackling. All ten boys put in a fantastic level of effort today.
David came out of goal in the second half and also played his part, putting in a great shift in left midfield, tackling back well and getting forward to support the attack. Cammy Dunlop, who played most of the second half, also gave everything and put in some important last-ditch tackles.
Leith drew level when we lost possession at the back and their striker smacked the ball past Callum - but after that, Cal was unbeatable, making at least three excellent saves as the game flowed end-to-end. The best chances for Youngstars fell to Jack, who forced a great save from the keeper after an excellent run, and Scott, whose shot was also well saved. Seth had another good chance but mis-hit the ball and Lloyd and Scott shot narrowly wide.
Leith had a good late chance but it would have been a travesty for Youngstars to lose today. This was possibly our best display of the season and should give us all great confidence. Jack won player of the week for a lung-busting performance but Callum and Lloyd pushed him particularly close and everyone should be proud of their efforts today.
Squad (now limited to ten per game): David, Connor, Jason, Jack, Lloyd, Callum, Seth, Scott, Blair, Cameron Dunlop.
Youngstars played their hearts out today in a brilliant game, combining some excellent football with total commitment.
On a blustery day at Leith Links, Youngstars were quickly into their stride and a great move almost resulted in an early goal but the ball bobbled just as Callum was poised to score from close range. Not long after, we took the lead when Seth was tackled as he prepared to shoot but the ball broke to Callum, who curled in an absolute beauty with his right foot from the edge of the box.
It could have been 2-0 as Seth broke free of the last defender but hit his shot at the keeper, then put the ball wide after great work from Lloyd and Jack.
Leith had their chances too, but David was excellent in goal, handling confidently and making a couple of good saves. His distribution was also good with Connor and Jason making themsleves available wide and moving the ball forward well. The defensive positioning and tackling was also excellent today.
Lloyd, who played brilliantly in midfield, had a couple of shots from the edge of the box, but we couldn't extend our lead before half-time. Blair had come on for Cal just before the interval and continued the good work with some tight marking and strong tackling. All ten boys put in a fantastic level of effort today.
David came out of goal in the second half and also played his part, putting in a great shift in left midfield, tackling back well and getting forward to support the attack. Cammy Dunlop, who played most of the second half, also gave everything and put in some important last-ditch tackles.
Leith drew level when we lost possession at the back and their striker smacked the ball past Callum - but after that, Cal was unbeatable, making at least three excellent saves as the game flowed end-to-end. The best chances for Youngstars fell to Jack, who forced a great save from the keeper after an excellent run, and Scott, whose shot was also well saved. Seth had another good chance but mis-hit the ball and Lloyd and Scott shot narrowly wide.
Leith had a good late chance but it would have been a travesty for Youngstars to lose today. This was possibly our best display of the season and should give us all great confidence. Jack won player of the week for a lung-busting performance but Callum and Lloyd pushed him particularly close and everyone should be proud of their efforts today.
Squad (now limited to ten per game): David, Connor, Jason, Jack, Lloyd, Callum, Seth, Scott, Blair, Cameron Dunlop.
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
OFF DAY FOR BLUE STRIPES 1-11-08
MYS Blue Stripes 3 -v- 5 Dunbar
Despite a few decent spells during the game this was a match where we just didnt get going as a team and Dunbar punished us for that. After soaking up some early pressure from the visitors we took the lead after Josh did well to follow in an Arran Currie shot which the keeper failed to hold. We then had several further chances to extend out lead but either missed the target or shot straight at the Dunbar keeper who had a fine game in goals. Dunbar made us pay for the missed chances before half time scoring twice to take a one goal lead into the second half.
Unfortunately the second half was probably our worst team display this season with a combination of poor defending and shooting allowing Dunbar to extend their lead with only one goal from us in reply. The boys have to learn to keep their heads up in these situations because when we start passing the ball and play as a team unit we are a match for any team.
All in all just a bad day which should be written off as there have been very few of them this year. We now have 2 tough games coming up against Aberlady and North Berwick in which to redeem ourselves.
Despite a few decent spells during the game this was a match where we just didnt get going as a team and Dunbar punished us for that. After soaking up some early pressure from the visitors we took the lead after Josh did well to follow in an Arran Currie shot which the keeper failed to hold. We then had several further chances to extend out lead but either missed the target or shot straight at the Dunbar keeper who had a fine game in goals. Dunbar made us pay for the missed chances before half time scoring twice to take a one goal lead into the second half.
Unfortunately the second half was probably our worst team display this season with a combination of poor defending and shooting allowing Dunbar to extend their lead with only one goal from us in reply. The boys have to learn to keep their heads up in these situations because when we start passing the ball and play as a team unit we are a match for any team.
All in all just a bad day which should be written off as there have been very few of them this year. We now have 2 tough games coming up against Aberlady and North Berwick in which to redeem ourselves.
Sunday, November 2, 2008
TRANENT TOO STRONG 02-11-2008
MYS BLACKS 4 TRANENT COLTS 7
A disappointing defeat in another game that we looked like winning early on.
On a beautiful morning (for a change), Paul put us ahead when he side-footed home a cracker after being set up by Callum. Unfortunately, we couldn't get a second and Tranent equalised after a mix-up following a long through ball. We then allowed a corner to go straight through to the back post where a Tranent striker headed into an empty goal.
Paul then equalised when he followed up his blocked shot, but Tranent took a 3-2 half-time lead with a blockbuster into the top corner from outside the box.
We struggled after the break and all four Tranent goals were almost identical, with a striker left totally alone at the back post to score into an empty net. There were some positives, with David coming close and then scoring while playing really well in right midfield. Seth added a fourth goal at the very end and we created a few other good chances, with Callum shooting wide after a great move and Seth's shot being well-saved by the keeper.
This was a very disappointing result and we need to try to stop conceding so many goals, but some of our play over this weekend has been very, very good and we should take some real positives from it. We knew things would be much tougher this season, but I honestly believe we are improving as individuals and as a team.
Squad: Cameron Brown, Connor, Jack, Jason, Cameron Dunlop, Blair, David, Lloyd, Callum, Seth, Paul, Brandon.
A disappointing defeat in another game that we looked like winning early on.
On a beautiful morning (for a change), Paul put us ahead when he side-footed home a cracker after being set up by Callum. Unfortunately, we couldn't get a second and Tranent equalised after a mix-up following a long through ball. We then allowed a corner to go straight through to the back post where a Tranent striker headed into an empty goal.
Paul then equalised when he followed up his blocked shot, but Tranent took a 3-2 half-time lead with a blockbuster into the top corner from outside the box.
We struggled after the break and all four Tranent goals were almost identical, with a striker left totally alone at the back post to score into an empty net. There were some positives, with David coming close and then scoring while playing really well in right midfield. Seth added a fourth goal at the very end and we created a few other good chances, with Callum shooting wide after a great move and Seth's shot being well-saved by the keeper.
This was a very disappointing result and we need to try to stop conceding so many goals, but some of our play over this weekend has been very, very good and we should take some real positives from it. We knew things would be much tougher this season, but I honestly believe we are improving as individuals and as a team.
Squad: Cameron Brown, Connor, Jack, Jason, Cameron Dunlop, Blair, David, Lloyd, Callum, Seth, Paul, Brandon.
25 CHANCES - AND ONE GOAL! 01-11-2008
ABERLADY 3 MYS BLACKS 1
This was an unbelievable game - the black stripes played Aberlady off the park, enjoyed the vast majority of the possession, created more than 20 chances...and lost!
We went 1-0 down early when Ben Stirling, Aberlady's outstanding player, jumped well to head in a corner. But by the time we conceded another header, we had already started carving out loads of great chances at the other end. The Aberlady keeper had a blinder, making a series of excellent saves from a great long-range effort from Jack, a good header from Seth and a close-range effort from Brandon. Seth missed our best chance when he went clear through but allowed a defender to get back and nick the ball over the bar.
Aberlady went 3-0 up well before half-time when we allowed one of their players too much time on the ball and his shot squirmed in. Apart from their three goals, they had one more effort on goal in the first half, while we had more like eight of nine decent attempts.
After the break, things got a bit silly - Jack headed against the bar, Brandon hit the post and Seth prodded against the outside of the post after a scramble. Their keeper was heroic again, but we missed a series of close-range chances, any of which would have got us back into the game and raised our confidence. Paul, Lloyd and Callum all had several efforts on goal each, and the ball kept on pinging around the Aberlady penalty box, but just wouldn't go in.
We only scored in the end from a late penalty, which Seth slotted home confidently, after a handball by an Aberlady defender.
The defeat shouldn't detract from the fact that we played some great attacking football and had much the better of the game against a team who have often outclassed us in the past. The boys also deserve credit for never giving up and putting in some really hard work, with Jack, Jason and Lloyd deserving special credit for their never-say-die attitudes and tough tackling - but all the boys get a pat on the back for a fantastic performance which bore no resemblance to the result.
Squad: Cameron Brown, Cameron Dunlop, Jason, Jack, Lloyd, Callum, Seth, Paul, Brandon
This was an unbelievable game - the black stripes played Aberlady off the park, enjoyed the vast majority of the possession, created more than 20 chances...and lost!
We went 1-0 down early when Ben Stirling, Aberlady's outstanding player, jumped well to head in a corner. But by the time we conceded another header, we had already started carving out loads of great chances at the other end. The Aberlady keeper had a blinder, making a series of excellent saves from a great long-range effort from Jack, a good header from Seth and a close-range effort from Brandon. Seth missed our best chance when he went clear through but allowed a defender to get back and nick the ball over the bar.
Aberlady went 3-0 up well before half-time when we allowed one of their players too much time on the ball and his shot squirmed in. Apart from their three goals, they had one more effort on goal in the first half, while we had more like eight of nine decent attempts.
After the break, things got a bit silly - Jack headed against the bar, Brandon hit the post and Seth prodded against the outside of the post after a scramble. Their keeper was heroic again, but we missed a series of close-range chances, any of which would have got us back into the game and raised our confidence. Paul, Lloyd and Callum all had several efforts on goal each, and the ball kept on pinging around the Aberlady penalty box, but just wouldn't go in.
We only scored in the end from a late penalty, which Seth slotted home confidently, after a handball by an Aberlady defender.
The defeat shouldn't detract from the fact that we played some great attacking football and had much the better of the game against a team who have often outclassed us in the past. The boys also deserve credit for never giving up and putting in some really hard work, with Jack, Jason and Lloyd deserving special credit for their never-say-die attitudes and tough tackling - but all the boys get a pat on the back for a fantastic performance which bore no resemblance to the result.
Squad: Cameron Brown, Cameron Dunlop, Jason, Jack, Lloyd, Callum, Seth, Paul, Brandon
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