Liberton Lions 13 -v- 3 MYS Blue Stripes
MYS blue suffered their largest ever defeat in a game in which too many of our players just didnt compete. From a coaches point of view the biggest dis-appointment was that Liberton were no better individually than us they just worked better as a unit on the day.
As with the previous weeks game against Bonnyrigg we started the match well and took an early lead when a neat passing move between Matthew, Paul and Logan saw the latter slot home. We doubled our lead shortly after with Matthew again involved to fire home a square ball at the back post. Just like the week before however (and just about every other game this season) we were guilty of not taking advantage of our lead and we stopped passing the ball properly allowing Liberton to score 3 goals with some sloppy defending. Euan pulled us level before the break after a long range effort was spilled by the Bonnyrigg keeper.
After being 2 ahead and then level at half time the second half was a complete write off as far as we were concerned. Some strong words from the coach saw us begin brightly however when Liberton scored their fourth we seemed to let our heads go down despite still being in the game. It is also fair to say that our defence was all over the place at times and we shall have to work on positioning over the coming weeks. Credit must go to Liberton for scoring some cracking goals in the second half but the boys have to learn to fight for results where required as there was no way we should have lost this game by ten goals.
Matthew was chosen as MOTM by the opposing coaches after a gritty display which, had it been emulated by some of his team mates, may have resulted in a different scoreline.
Monday, October 12, 2009
Sunday, October 4, 2009
Blue Stripes back to winning ways 4-10-09
MYS Blue Stripes 9 -v- 4 Bonnyrigg Rose FC
After being unlucky to lose last week the boys bounced back in fine style with their best performance of the season so far. The fact that we did it missing players and with no substitutes made it all the more satisfying.
Although we won comfortably in the end the first half showed our good and bad sides as we dominated possession to go 2-0 up before again giving away sloppy goals to go in at half time 3 a piece.
The boys took on the coaches words at half time and tightened up at the back although we were slow to start the second half, going a goal behind for the first time before getting a grip on the game. The passing and movement of our players at times was excellent and was praised by the opposing coaches. Paul Clark won the MOTM award with a tireless display up front grabbing the goals along with Craig, Matthew and David who also had a fine game helping us out.
Keep up the good work boys, glad to see that some of the work done in training was taken into the games as well.
After being unlucky to lose last week the boys bounced back in fine style with their best performance of the season so far. The fact that we did it missing players and with no substitutes made it all the more satisfying.
Although we won comfortably in the end the first half showed our good and bad sides as we dominated possession to go 2-0 up before again giving away sloppy goals to go in at half time 3 a piece.
The boys took on the coaches words at half time and tightened up at the back although we were slow to start the second half, going a goal behind for the first time before getting a grip on the game. The passing and movement of our players at times was excellent and was praised by the opposing coaches. Paul Clark won the MOTM award with a tireless display up front grabbing the goals along with Craig, Matthew and David who also had a fine game helping us out.
Keep up the good work boys, glad to see that some of the work done in training was taken into the games as well.
Monday, September 28, 2009
Blues unlucky in evenly contested match 27-09-09
Dunedin 4 -v- 3 MYS Blue Stripes
A first defeat of the season for the boys but in all fairness they were unfortunate not to take at least a draw with the Dunedin 'keeper pulling off several outstanding saves to keep us out.
We started the match brightly and created several good chances before Euan opened the scoring with a fine finish high into the net. A second followed soon after when Matthew did well to force the keeper into a save which fell out kindly to Blair Currie to finish neatly. From being in control of the game we then switched off a little and allowed the Duneding striker to get in behind our defence and put the ball past Ross. The equaliser for the home team came from a corner whipped into the near post which Ross was unlucky to palm into the net although there was a definite case for him being fouled by a Dunedin player.
The second half was an even affair although we created the best of the scoring chances with the Dunedin keeper having to be on fine form in goal. Euan got his second of the game to put us ahead once more however Dunedin equalised with a fine finish. We lost what was in the end the decisive goal after allowing the Dunedin striker too much time at the edge of the box which let him pick his spot past Ross. Despite creating several chances for an equaliser it just wouldnt come for us although Callum almost scored what would have been goal of the season after volleying a kick out from the Dunedin keeper back from his own half which only narrowly went over! The boys deserve credit for not letting their heads go down at any point and fighting for each other till the death.
A few things to work on in training this week but all in all another good performance, if we can cut out giving away cheap goals to the opposition we will win far more games than we will lose.
Craif was awarded MOTM by the opposition coaches for bravely taking back to the field despite sporting a rapidly blackening after taking a kick in the head.
A first defeat of the season for the boys but in all fairness they were unfortunate not to take at least a draw with the Dunedin 'keeper pulling off several outstanding saves to keep us out.
We started the match brightly and created several good chances before Euan opened the scoring with a fine finish high into the net. A second followed soon after when Matthew did well to force the keeper into a save which fell out kindly to Blair Currie to finish neatly. From being in control of the game we then switched off a little and allowed the Duneding striker to get in behind our defence and put the ball past Ross. The equaliser for the home team came from a corner whipped into the near post which Ross was unlucky to palm into the net although there was a definite case for him being fouled by a Dunedin player.
The second half was an even affair although we created the best of the scoring chances with the Dunedin keeper having to be on fine form in goal. Euan got his second of the game to put us ahead once more however Dunedin equalised with a fine finish. We lost what was in the end the decisive goal after allowing the Dunedin striker too much time at the edge of the box which let him pick his spot past Ross. Despite creating several chances for an equaliser it just wouldnt come for us although Callum almost scored what would have been goal of the season after volleying a kick out from the Dunedin keeper back from his own half which only narrowly went over! The boys deserve credit for not letting their heads go down at any point and fighting for each other till the death.
A few things to work on in training this week but all in all another good performance, if we can cut out giving away cheap goals to the opposition we will win far more games than we will lose.
Craif was awarded MOTM by the opposition coaches for bravely taking back to the field despite sporting a rapidly blackening after taking a kick in the head.
Monday, September 14, 2009
Blues edge out Fernieside in hard fought match 13-09-09
MYS Blue Stripes 5 -v- 4 Fernieside Colts
In a match which required all our players to fight for the victory, thankfully a different team turned up to the one which played poorly against Tranent! This game was very closely contested and the players deserve great credit for the fighting spirit shown especially after going 2 goals down early in the match.
The first 5 minutes saw us have the bulk of the possession however, in one of their first ventures up the park, the visitors scored albeit with a cracking shot which gave Ross no chance. Despite a defensive error gifting Fernieside a second a short time later the boys were creating chances and the coaches were not unduly worried at that point. Our faith was well justified as Blair Millar grabbed 3 goals in succession to put us into the lead.
The match then became nip and tuck with hefty challenges from both sides and Fernieside managed to grab an equaliser before we again took the lead with a cracking Blair Currie shot into the top corner from the right hand side of the box. Instead of building on this we then went to sleep at a corner and allowed Fernieside to take a short one resulting in a well worked low drive into the corner of Ross's net.
The winning goal came courtesy of a Blair Millar free kick which was neatly nodded in at the back post by Callum who was onside despite the visiting coaches protests. A very rewarding victory which all the players worked hard to achieve. Despite only playing in his second game Logan took the MOTM award for a battling performance at left back but it was a fantastic team performance overall.
If anything we need to work on our concentration at times particularly keeping our shape at the back as we have gifted goals to the opposition in all 3 of our games so far, however a promising start to the season nonetheless.
In a match which required all our players to fight for the victory, thankfully a different team turned up to the one which played poorly against Tranent! This game was very closely contested and the players deserve great credit for the fighting spirit shown especially after going 2 goals down early in the match.
The first 5 minutes saw us have the bulk of the possession however, in one of their first ventures up the park, the visitors scored albeit with a cracking shot which gave Ross no chance. Despite a defensive error gifting Fernieside a second a short time later the boys were creating chances and the coaches were not unduly worried at that point. Our faith was well justified as Blair Millar grabbed 3 goals in succession to put us into the lead.
The match then became nip and tuck with hefty challenges from both sides and Fernieside managed to grab an equaliser before we again took the lead with a cracking Blair Currie shot into the top corner from the right hand side of the box. Instead of building on this we then went to sleep at a corner and allowed Fernieside to take a short one resulting in a well worked low drive into the corner of Ross's net.
The winning goal came courtesy of a Blair Millar free kick which was neatly nodded in at the back post by Callum who was onside despite the visiting coaches protests. A very rewarding victory which all the players worked hard to achieve. Despite only playing in his second game Logan took the MOTM award for a battling performance at left back but it was a fantastic team performance overall.
If anything we need to work on our concentration at times particularly keeping our shape at the back as we have gifted goals to the opposition in all 3 of our games so far, however a promising start to the season nonetheless.
Friday, September 11, 2009
Blues share spoils in scrappy match 10-09-2009
MYS Blue Stripes 2 -v- 2 Tranent Colts
A draw was probably a fair result in a game which we never really got going in although it is fair to say that the small pitch did not help matters with neither team getting any time or space on the ball.
After a fairly even opening ten minutes we took the lead when Euan and Paul linked up well to send the latter through on goal and dispatch a cool finish passed the Tranent 'keeper. This lead was doubled shortly after when pressure from Blair Millar saw the unfortunate Tranent defender deflect the ball into his own net.
Despite taking a 2 goal lead we failed to capitalise or ever get any decent passing going and Tranent managed to claw the 2 goals back. A number of chances were created by both sides before the end although the visitors probably had the best of them forcing Ross into making a couple of decent saves.
Not a great performance from us for some reason with Callum getting MOTM for tough tackling at the back and Ross also getting pass marks for his important saves. Hopefully Sunday will see us return to form against Fernieside.
A draw was probably a fair result in a game which we never really got going in although it is fair to say that the small pitch did not help matters with neither team getting any time or space on the ball.
After a fairly even opening ten minutes we took the lead when Euan and Paul linked up well to send the latter through on goal and dispatch a cool finish passed the Tranent 'keeper. This lead was doubled shortly after when pressure from Blair Millar saw the unfortunate Tranent defender deflect the ball into his own net.
Despite taking a 2 goal lead we failed to capitalise or ever get any decent passing going and Tranent managed to claw the 2 goals back. A number of chances were created by both sides before the end although the visitors probably had the best of them forcing Ross into making a couple of decent saves.
Not a great performance from us for some reason with Callum getting MOTM for tough tackling at the back and Ross also getting pass marks for his important saves. Hopefully Sunday will see us return to form against Fernieside.
Monday, August 31, 2009
Blue Stripes off to a flyer 30-08-2009
MYS Blue Stripes 9 -v- 2 Bonnyrigg Rose Athletic
The boys got the seaon off to a fine start with a good display against what was admittedly weaker oposition.
Early pressure and possession saw us go a goal up through Blair Millar however Bonnyrigg equalised against the run of play with one of their first efforts on goal. We kept plugging away however and scored a further 2 goals to take a 3-1 lead into half time.
The second half saw us continue to dominate and neat passing throughout had the goals coming thick and fast with only one in reply from the visitors. Blair scored 6 in total with Euan getting the remaining 3. There were no failures in the team and Craig earned the MOTM award for a fine display at left back as well as some foraging runs forward. A stiffer test awaits us next week against Tranent Colts but we could not have asked for a better start.
The boys got the seaon off to a fine start with a good display against what was admittedly weaker oposition.
Early pressure and possession saw us go a goal up through Blair Millar however Bonnyrigg equalised against the run of play with one of their first efforts on goal. We kept plugging away however and scored a further 2 goals to take a 3-1 lead into half time.
The second half saw us continue to dominate and neat passing throughout had the goals coming thick and fast with only one in reply from the visitors. Blair scored 6 in total with Euan getting the remaining 3. There were no failures in the team and Craig earned the MOTM award for a fine display at left back as well as some foraging runs forward. A stiffer test awaits us next week against Tranent Colts but we could not have asked for a better start.
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
BLACKS UNDONE BY PENALTY 22-08-2009
MYS FESTIVAL OF FOOTBALL 2009
MYS BLACKS 1 EDINBURGH CITY 0
MYS BLACKS 1 SPARTANS 0
MYS BLACKS 0 TRANENT COLTS 1
MYS BLACKS 2 MYS BLUES 1
After a poor start the week before at the Windsor tournament, the black stripes played some brilliant football and came very close to winning their own club's first-ever festival of football.
Against strong opposition, they tackled powerfully, showed superb commitment and played some terrific passing football. In the first three games, they carved out maybe 15 good chances in all and in truth, should have won the first game by four or five goals. A combination of poor finishing and superb goalkeeping from Edinburgh City's exceptional keeper kept the score to 1-0.
The second game followed a similar pattern and we deserved our first-ever victory over Spartans. (I know Scott and Lloyd scored the goals in the first two games, but can't for the life of me remember which was which!) Thanks to Spartans for helping us out by attending at short notice after the Windsor let us down badly by failing to raise a squad.
Tranent Colts had won 1-0 with a last-minute goal against Spartans then crushed Edinburgh City 5-1, so we played them needing a win to top our group. Again, we had the best of the game but the Tranent keeper made two or three fine saves and we missed one other great chance. We lost the game when we failed to clear a corner and a goalbound header was pushed out by Connor's hands! I was glad to see Tranent score from the kick as it wouldn't have felt right for them to have missed. We could still have come back but it wasn't to be.
The blue stripes finished second in their group (after beating Dunbar, drawing with Longniddry and losing to Aberlady), so we played off aginst them. Jason hit the post from long-range but it was 0-0 at the ten-minute half-time break., Blair Millar scrambled a goal to put the blues 1-0 up but Lloyd nipped in to score after a great through-ball by Connor and then Scott poked home the winner from close range.
All in all, we played more consistent and better football (over a total of 80 minutes) than we perhaps ever have done before. Credit to all theboys for wonderful effort and superb play. In the final, Tranent Colts comfortably beat Aberlady 4-1.
Squad: Cammy, Connor, Jason, David, Jack, Lloyd, Seth, Callum, Scott, Brandon.
MYS BLACKS 1 EDINBURGH CITY 0
MYS BLACKS 1 SPARTANS 0
MYS BLACKS 0 TRANENT COLTS 1
MYS BLACKS 2 MYS BLUES 1
After a poor start the week before at the Windsor tournament, the black stripes played some brilliant football and came very close to winning their own club's first-ever festival of football.
Against strong opposition, they tackled powerfully, showed superb commitment and played some terrific passing football. In the first three games, they carved out maybe 15 good chances in all and in truth, should have won the first game by four or five goals. A combination of poor finishing and superb goalkeeping from Edinburgh City's exceptional keeper kept the score to 1-0.
The second game followed a similar pattern and we deserved our first-ever victory over Spartans. (I know Scott and Lloyd scored the goals in the first two games, but can't for the life of me remember which was which!) Thanks to Spartans for helping us out by attending at short notice after the Windsor let us down badly by failing to raise a squad.
Tranent Colts had won 1-0 with a last-minute goal against Spartans then crushed Edinburgh City 5-1, so we played them needing a win to top our group. Again, we had the best of the game but the Tranent keeper made two or three fine saves and we missed one other great chance. We lost the game when we failed to clear a corner and a goalbound header was pushed out by Connor's hands! I was glad to see Tranent score from the kick as it wouldn't have felt right for them to have missed. We could still have come back but it wasn't to be.
The blue stripes finished second in their group (after beating Dunbar, drawing with Longniddry and losing to Aberlady), so we played off aginst them. Jason hit the post from long-range but it was 0-0 at the ten-minute half-time break., Blair Millar scrambled a goal to put the blues 1-0 up but Lloyd nipped in to score after a great through-ball by Connor and then Scott poked home the winner from close range.
All in all, we played more consistent and better football (over a total of 80 minutes) than we perhaps ever have done before. Credit to all theboys for wonderful effort and superb play. In the final, Tranent Colts comfortably beat Aberlady 4-1.
Squad: Cammy, Connor, Jason, David, Jack, Lloyd, Seth, Callum, Scott, Brandon.
Sunday, August 16, 2009
BLACK STRIPES FIXTURES 2009-10 (first half)
ALL HOME GAMES WILL KICK OFF AT 10AM ON SUNDAYS (REPORT 930) UNLESS YOU ARE TOLD BEFOREHAND. THIS IS NOW THE PELE SECTION AND IS MADE UP OF SOME TEAMS FROM LAST YEAR'S PELE, SOME FROM LAST YEAR'S MARADONA (INCLUDING US, TRANENT COLTS & SPARTANS) AND SOME NEWCOMERS - INCLUDING DUNBAR AND GULLANE, WHO ARE A SPIN-OFF FROM NORTH BERWICK.
30 AUG: MYS BLACKS V GULLANE FC
6 SEPT: TRANENT COLTS V MYS BLACKS
13 SEPT: SPARTANS V MYS BLACKS
20 SEPT: MYS BLACKS V HUNTERFIELD
27 SEPT: MYS BLACKS V LIBERTON
4 OCT: DUNBAR V MYS BLACKS
11 OCT: SPARTANS BLUES V MYS BLACKS
18 OCT: MYS BLACKS V ESKMILL BOYS CLUB
25 OCT: MYS BLACKS V PEEBLES
1 NOV: GULLANE V MYS BLACKS
8 NOV: MYS BLACKS V TRANENT COLTS
15 NOV: MYS BLACKS V SPARTANS
22 NOV: HUNTERFIELD V MYS BLACKS
29 NOV: LIBERTON V MYS BLACKS
6 DEC: MYS BLACKS V DUNBAR
13 DEC: MYS BLACKS V SPARTANS BLUES
30 AUG: MYS BLACKS V GULLANE FC
6 SEPT: TRANENT COLTS V MYS BLACKS
13 SEPT: SPARTANS V MYS BLACKS
20 SEPT: MYS BLACKS V HUNTERFIELD
27 SEPT: MYS BLACKS V LIBERTON
4 OCT: DUNBAR V MYS BLACKS
11 OCT: SPARTANS BLUES V MYS BLACKS
18 OCT: MYS BLACKS V ESKMILL BOYS CLUB
25 OCT: MYS BLACKS V PEEBLES
1 NOV: GULLANE V MYS BLACKS
8 NOV: MYS BLACKS V TRANENT COLTS
15 NOV: MYS BLACKS V SPARTANS
22 NOV: HUNTERFIELD V MYS BLACKS
29 NOV: LIBERTON V MYS BLACKS
6 DEC: MYS BLACKS V DUNBAR
13 DEC: MYS BLACKS V SPARTANS BLUES
SLOW START TO NEW SEASON FOR BLACKS 15-AUG-09
MUSSELBURGH WINDSOR TOURNAMENT - 15-8-2009
UNDER-12s MARADONA SECTION
MYS BLACKS 0 HILLFIELD SWIFTS 2
MYS BLACKS 2 WINDSOR COLTS 0
MYS BLACKS 0 LEITH ATHLETIC 1
MYS BLACKS 1 EDINBURGH SOUTH 2
MYS BLACKS 1 TRANENT COLTS 1
On a day of rain, sun and wind, the black stripes made a sluggish start to the season, albeit against some good-quality opponents.
We were blown away in our first game against an impressive Hillfield Swifts team, who moved the ball around superbly and worked hard for each other. Cammy Brown made a good save but a Hillfield player followed up to net the rebound. Cammy had to come to our rescue a couple more times before a superb curler made it 2-0. Jason almost scored with a far post header, Jack headed over from close range and the goalkeeper smothered a shot from Scott as we finally woke up in the last five minutes.
The boys came back well against the host team, creating a number of chances before Lloyd gave us the lead with a fierce shot the keeper couldn't hold. Cammy Brown then made a brilliant save to tip away a cracking shot bound for the top corner before Lloyd added a late second after some neat football.
This win meant we still had a good chance of making the final but we were narrowly beaten in a good game against Leith Athletic, who had blown away Hillfield 3-0 in an earlier match with some magnificent passing and movement. Both teams had a few good chances, with Callum almost scoring from close range and their keeper made a couple of good saves, but Leith netted the decisive single goal.
This left us with a lot to do, but we dominated the early stages against Edinburgh South and Scott scored from close range after Jason's powerful shot was saved. We should have pushed on to win but one of their strikers sneaked in begind Connor to volley home superbly before a defensive error saw them take a 2-1 lead. This was the game we really shouldn't have lost.
Against Tranent, we were much quicker to the challenge and performed well. Seth came close when the keeper smothered his left-foot shot at the back post and we gained a deserved draw when Lloyd ran clear to equalise Tranent's opener. This looked like a good result as Tranent went on to beat Leith 1-0 in the final.
Our boys then added some strong vocal support on the other pitch to the blue stripes, who won the Zidane section with a thrilling 5-4 victory over Leith in the final. Jason had a more active role, deputising for the injured Ross.
Blacks squad: Cammy Brown, Connor, Jason, Jack, Lloyd, Seth, Callum, Scott, Cammy Sharp, Brandon (David played for blues, Blair away)
UNDER-12s MARADONA SECTION
MYS BLACKS 0 HILLFIELD SWIFTS 2
MYS BLACKS 2 WINDSOR COLTS 0
MYS BLACKS 0 LEITH ATHLETIC 1
MYS BLACKS 1 EDINBURGH SOUTH 2
MYS BLACKS 1 TRANENT COLTS 1
On a day of rain, sun and wind, the black stripes made a sluggish start to the season, albeit against some good-quality opponents.
We were blown away in our first game against an impressive Hillfield Swifts team, who moved the ball around superbly and worked hard for each other. Cammy Brown made a good save but a Hillfield player followed up to net the rebound. Cammy had to come to our rescue a couple more times before a superb curler made it 2-0. Jason almost scored with a far post header, Jack headed over from close range and the goalkeeper smothered a shot from Scott as we finally woke up in the last five minutes.
The boys came back well against the host team, creating a number of chances before Lloyd gave us the lead with a fierce shot the keeper couldn't hold. Cammy Brown then made a brilliant save to tip away a cracking shot bound for the top corner before Lloyd added a late second after some neat football.
This win meant we still had a good chance of making the final but we were narrowly beaten in a good game against Leith Athletic, who had blown away Hillfield 3-0 in an earlier match with some magnificent passing and movement. Both teams had a few good chances, with Callum almost scoring from close range and their keeper made a couple of good saves, but Leith netted the decisive single goal.
This left us with a lot to do, but we dominated the early stages against Edinburgh South and Scott scored from close range after Jason's powerful shot was saved. We should have pushed on to win but one of their strikers sneaked in begind Connor to volley home superbly before a defensive error saw them take a 2-1 lead. This was the game we really shouldn't have lost.
Against Tranent, we were much quicker to the challenge and performed well. Seth came close when the keeper smothered his left-foot shot at the back post and we gained a deserved draw when Lloyd ran clear to equalise Tranent's opener. This looked like a good result as Tranent went on to beat Leith 1-0 in the final.
Our boys then added some strong vocal support on the other pitch to the blue stripes, who won the Zidane section with a thrilling 5-4 victory over Leith in the final. Jason had a more active role, deputising for the injured Ross.
Blacks squad: Cammy Brown, Connor, Jason, Jack, Lloyd, Seth, Callum, Scott, Cammy Sharp, Brandon (David played for blues, Blair away)
Monday, June 22, 2009
BLACK STRIPES 2008-09 SEASON IN STATS
Here are all the results and scorers for any statistical anoraks like me! Dave
EDINBURGH LEAGUE GAMES
TYNECASTLE: LOST 0-4
EDINBURGH SOUTH: WON 6-1 (Callum, Seth, own goal, Lloyd, Brandon, Jack)
CRAMOND: DREW 4-4 (Lewis 2, Seth 2)
MUSSELBURGH WINDSOR: LOST 2-3 (Seth 2, 1 pen)
SPARTANS: LOST 2-6 (Lloyd 2)
EASTHOUSES: WON 6-5 (Seth 2, own goal, Callum, Blair, Lloyd)
BONNYRIGG ROSE: WON 1-0 (Jack) - match abandoned after 25 minutes
TRANENT COLTS: LOST 4-7 (Paul 2, David, Seth)
LEITH ATHLETIC: DREW 1-1 (Callum)
EASTHOUSES: LOST 4-5 (Scott 2, Blair, Seth)
DUNEDIN: WON 5-3 (Scott, Jack, Seth, Blair, Cammy Brown)
LIBERTON: WON 3-0 (Connor, Scott, Lloyd)
FERNIESIDE: WON 3-2 (David, Scott, Jack)
EDINBURGH SOUTH: DREW 2-2 (Lloyd,Branodn)
EDINBURGH CITY: LOST 5-6 (own goal, Jack, Blair, Scott, Lloyd)
SPARTANS: LOST 2-3 (Lloyd, Scott)
CAVALRY PARK: WON 5-2 (Scott 3, Blair, David)
WINDSOR: WON 1-0 (Scott)
LEITH ATHLETIC WHITES: WON 7-0 (Scott 3, Lloyd 3, David)
EDINBURGH CITY: WON 6-1 (Lloyd 2, Scott 2, Callum, Seth)
LOANHEAD: WON 2-0 (Seth, Scott)
LEITH ATHLETIC COLTS: DREW 1-1 (Jack)
EASTHOUSES: WON 5-4 (Scott, Seth, Lloyd, Callum, Jack)
FERNIESIDE: DREW 3-3 (Lloyd, Jack 2)
CRAMOND: WON 5-2 (Lloyd, Brandon, Scott 2, Jack)
LEAGUE GAMES - PLAYED 25, WON 13, DRAWN 5, LOST 7 FOR 85, AGAINST 65
GOALS: Scott 20, Lloyd 16, Seth 13, Jack 10, Blair 5, Callum 5, David 4, own goals 3, Brandon 3, Lewis 2, Paul 2, Cammy Brown 1, Connor 1
OTHER GAMES - 7-A-SIDE FRIENDLIES:
ABERLADY LOST 1-3 (Seth pen)
TRANENT COLTS: LOST 4-6 (Seth 2, Lloyd, Jack)
WINDSOR PELE: LOST 3-4 (Scott 2, Jack)
ABERLADY DREW 1-1 (Scott)
FERNIESIDE: LOST 3-6 (Scott 2, Jack)
TRANENT COLTS: WON 5-1 (Scott 3, Brandon, Lloyd)
WINDSOR PELE: LOST 2-5 (Jack, Seth)
BLUE STRIPES: WON 4-0 (Seth 3, Brandon)
11-A-SIDE FRIENDLY
TRANENT COLTS WON 5-0 (Jack, Euan 2, Dylan, Seth)
SCORERS IN FRIENDLIES: Scott 8, Seth 8, Jack 5, Brandon 2, Lloyd 2, Euan 2, Dylan
TOURNAMENTS
MUSSELBURGH WINDSOR TOURNAMENT
WINDSOR LOST 0-1
TRANENT COLTS WON 2-1 (Lloyd, Euan)
HILLFIELD SWIFTS WON 2-1 (Paul 2)
LOANHEAD WON 3-2 (Seth, Paul, Euan)
FINAL - WINDSOR LOST 0-4
TRANENT COLTS TOURNAMENT
TRANENT COLTS WON 2-1 (Seth, Scott)
SALVESEN DREW 1-1 (Lloyd)
SPARTANS LOST 0-1
Scorers in tournaments: Paul 3, Lloyd 2, Seth 2, Euan 2, Scott
Overall scorers: Scott 29, Seth 23, Lloyd 20, Jack 15, Blair 5, Brandon 5, Callum 5, Paul 5, David 4, Euan 4, own goals 3, Lewis 2, Cammy Brown 1, Connor 1, Dylan 1
EDINBURGH LEAGUE GAMES
TYNECASTLE: LOST 0-4
EDINBURGH SOUTH: WON 6-1 (Callum, Seth, own goal, Lloyd, Brandon, Jack)
CRAMOND: DREW 4-4 (Lewis 2, Seth 2)
MUSSELBURGH WINDSOR: LOST 2-3 (Seth 2, 1 pen)
SPARTANS: LOST 2-6 (Lloyd 2)
EASTHOUSES: WON 6-5 (Seth 2, own goal, Callum, Blair, Lloyd)
BONNYRIGG ROSE: WON 1-0 (Jack) - match abandoned after 25 minutes
TRANENT COLTS: LOST 4-7 (Paul 2, David, Seth)
LEITH ATHLETIC: DREW 1-1 (Callum)
EASTHOUSES: LOST 4-5 (Scott 2, Blair, Seth)
DUNEDIN: WON 5-3 (Scott, Jack, Seth, Blair, Cammy Brown)
LIBERTON: WON 3-0 (Connor, Scott, Lloyd)
FERNIESIDE: WON 3-2 (David, Scott, Jack)
EDINBURGH SOUTH: DREW 2-2 (Lloyd,Branodn)
EDINBURGH CITY: LOST 5-6 (own goal, Jack, Blair, Scott, Lloyd)
SPARTANS: LOST 2-3 (Lloyd, Scott)
CAVALRY PARK: WON 5-2 (Scott 3, Blair, David)
WINDSOR: WON 1-0 (Scott)
LEITH ATHLETIC WHITES: WON 7-0 (Scott 3, Lloyd 3, David)
EDINBURGH CITY: WON 6-1 (Lloyd 2, Scott 2, Callum, Seth)
LOANHEAD: WON 2-0 (Seth, Scott)
LEITH ATHLETIC COLTS: DREW 1-1 (Jack)
EASTHOUSES: WON 5-4 (Scott, Seth, Lloyd, Callum, Jack)
FERNIESIDE: DREW 3-3 (Lloyd, Jack 2)
CRAMOND: WON 5-2 (Lloyd, Brandon, Scott 2, Jack)
LEAGUE GAMES - PLAYED 25, WON 13, DRAWN 5, LOST 7 FOR 85, AGAINST 65
GOALS: Scott 20, Lloyd 16, Seth 13, Jack 10, Blair 5, Callum 5, David 4, own goals 3, Brandon 3, Lewis 2, Paul 2, Cammy Brown 1, Connor 1
OTHER GAMES - 7-A-SIDE FRIENDLIES:
ABERLADY LOST 1-3 (Seth pen)
TRANENT COLTS: LOST 4-6 (Seth 2, Lloyd, Jack)
WINDSOR PELE: LOST 3-4 (Scott 2, Jack)
ABERLADY DREW 1-1 (Scott)
FERNIESIDE: LOST 3-6 (Scott 2, Jack)
TRANENT COLTS: WON 5-1 (Scott 3, Brandon, Lloyd)
WINDSOR PELE: LOST 2-5 (Jack, Seth)
BLUE STRIPES: WON 4-0 (Seth 3, Brandon)
11-A-SIDE FRIENDLY
TRANENT COLTS WON 5-0 (Jack, Euan 2, Dylan, Seth)
SCORERS IN FRIENDLIES: Scott 8, Seth 8, Jack 5, Brandon 2, Lloyd 2, Euan 2, Dylan
TOURNAMENTS
MUSSELBURGH WINDSOR TOURNAMENT
WINDSOR LOST 0-1
TRANENT COLTS WON 2-1 (Lloyd, Euan)
HILLFIELD SWIFTS WON 2-1 (Paul 2)
LOANHEAD WON 3-2 (Seth, Paul, Euan)
FINAL - WINDSOR LOST 0-4
TRANENT COLTS TOURNAMENT
TRANENT COLTS WON 2-1 (Seth, Scott)
SALVESEN DREW 1-1 (Lloyd)
SPARTANS LOST 0-1
Scorers in tournaments: Paul 3, Lloyd 2, Seth 2, Euan 2, Scott
Overall scorers: Scott 29, Seth 23, Lloyd 20, Jack 15, Blair 5, Brandon 5, Callum 5, Paul 5, David 4, Euan 4, own goals 3, Lewis 2, Cammy Brown 1, Connor 1, Dylan 1
WINNING END TO THE SEASON 21-6-2009
MYS BLACKS 5 CRAMOND 2
A hard-fought victory to end the season against a strong and skilful Cramond team who were unlucky to be on the end of a 5-2 defeat.
Despite suffering from tonsilitis in the run-up to the game and being on antibiotics, Lloyd was, as ever, at the heart of everything and after one or two near misses, he put us 1-0 up from close range after his first shot was saved.
Cramond came back into the game, but Connor, Jason and David held firm and we went 2-0 ahead when Seth ran clear on the left and slid a perfect ball to Brandon who finished neatly. He could have had a second after a great cross from Lloyd found him at the back post, but the ball flashed over.
Cammy Brown was then called upon to make two excellent saves, and also clawed away two dangerous corners as Cramond started to dominate the game. they pulled it back to 2-1 just before half-time when the ball bounced weirdly into the air and one of their players nipped in to head home.
Cramond pinned us back at the start of the second half and pulled it back to 2-2 when one of their star players dispossessed a defender and laid a lovely square ball for a team-mate to slot home.
However, Youngstars came back strongly and Lloyd and Jack went close as we started to play some swift and skilful counter-attacking football. We went ahead when Lloyd released Scott to hammer the ball high into the net and it was 4-2 soon afterwards when Scott calmly steered the ball home with his left foot.
He could have his hat-trick after a brilliant team move involving Seth, Jack and Blair. Seth, who had an excellent second half in left midfield, won the ball and turned inside to find Jack. He laid the ball wide to Blair, who slipped a lovely pass around the defender for Scott. It would have been a magnificent team goal but the keeper smothered the shot.
Cramond were still creating good chances but we made the game safe when the ball bounced unluckily off the referee (Graham Johnston) and straight into the path of Jack, who ran clear to score. Blair hit the side-netting, Lloyd came close and Jason almost got his first goal of the season when his shot following a corner was cleared off the line.
Jason had a good consolation prize as he won Player of the Season for his consistent whole-hearted performances. He has combined strength and determination with increasing skill and his distribution of the ball from the back has been excellent - and his attitude is always brilliant.
Cammy Brown won Most Improved Player for his superb performances in goal in the second half of the season, but many of the boys could have taken this award. There have been many examples of individual improvement but the most significant improvement of all has been as a team. We have made the transition to the Edinburgh league very successfully and established ourselves as one of the top hal-dozen teams out of almost 20 in the Maradona league. To go nine games unbeaten at the end of the season is some feat and I'd like to say a final congratulations to all the boys for their efforts this season - and to the parents/guardians/brothers/sisters/grandparents for all their support. See you all next season!
Squad: Cammy Brown, Connor, Jason, Jack, Lloyd, Blair, Scott, David, Seth, Brandon, Cameron Sharp.
Scorers: Lloyd, Brandon, Scott 2, Jack
A hard-fought victory to end the season against a strong and skilful Cramond team who were unlucky to be on the end of a 5-2 defeat.
Despite suffering from tonsilitis in the run-up to the game and being on antibiotics, Lloyd was, as ever, at the heart of everything and after one or two near misses, he put us 1-0 up from close range after his first shot was saved.
Cramond came back into the game, but Connor, Jason and David held firm and we went 2-0 ahead when Seth ran clear on the left and slid a perfect ball to Brandon who finished neatly. He could have had a second after a great cross from Lloyd found him at the back post, but the ball flashed over.
Cammy Brown was then called upon to make two excellent saves, and also clawed away two dangerous corners as Cramond started to dominate the game. they pulled it back to 2-1 just before half-time when the ball bounced weirdly into the air and one of their players nipped in to head home.
Cramond pinned us back at the start of the second half and pulled it back to 2-2 when one of their star players dispossessed a defender and laid a lovely square ball for a team-mate to slot home.
However, Youngstars came back strongly and Lloyd and Jack went close as we started to play some swift and skilful counter-attacking football. We went ahead when Lloyd released Scott to hammer the ball high into the net and it was 4-2 soon afterwards when Scott calmly steered the ball home with his left foot.
He could have his hat-trick after a brilliant team move involving Seth, Jack and Blair. Seth, who had an excellent second half in left midfield, won the ball and turned inside to find Jack. He laid the ball wide to Blair, who slipped a lovely pass around the defender for Scott. It would have been a magnificent team goal but the keeper smothered the shot.
Cramond were still creating good chances but we made the game safe when the ball bounced unluckily off the referee (Graham Johnston) and straight into the path of Jack, who ran clear to score. Blair hit the side-netting, Lloyd came close and Jason almost got his first goal of the season when his shot following a corner was cleared off the line.
Jason had a good consolation prize as he won Player of the Season for his consistent whole-hearted performances. He has combined strength and determination with increasing skill and his distribution of the ball from the back has been excellent - and his attitude is always brilliant.
Cammy Brown won Most Improved Player for his superb performances in goal in the second half of the season, but many of the boys could have taken this award. There have been many examples of individual improvement but the most significant improvement of all has been as a team. We have made the transition to the Edinburgh league very successfully and established ourselves as one of the top hal-dozen teams out of almost 20 in the Maradona league. To go nine games unbeaten at the end of the season is some feat and I'd like to say a final congratulations to all the boys for their efforts this season - and to the parents/guardians/brothers/sisters/grandparents for all their support. See you all next season!
Squad: Cammy Brown, Connor, Jason, Jack, Lloyd, Blair, Scott, David, Seth, Brandon, Cameron Sharp.
Scorers: Lloyd, Brandon, Scott 2, Jack
Blue Stripes finish league fixtures in style 18-6-09
Tranent Juniors 1 -v- 9 MYS Blue Stripes
A fairly one sided affair again but the players deserve credit for keeping their shape even after the first few goals went in and they also kept the ball down well into a strong wind.
Goals came from Blair, Josh, Matthew and James who was helping us out as we had a couple of boys missing.
Sadly this was the last game for Josh, Arran C and Arron O who will be playing for the Windsor next year whilst we hopefully move into the Edinburgh League. The coaches wish them well and thank them for their efforts for the team.
A fairly one sided affair again but the players deserve credit for keeping their shape even after the first few goals went in and they also kept the ball down well into a strong wind.
Goals came from Blair, Josh, Matthew and James who was helping us out as we had a couple of boys missing.
Sadly this was the last game for Josh, Arran C and Arron O who will be playing for the Windsor next year whilst we hopefully move into the Edinburgh League. The coaches wish them well and thank them for their efforts for the team.
Saturday, June 20, 2009
DRAMA AT FENIESIDE, 17-6-09
FERNIESIDE 3 MYS BLACKS 3
It is difficult to write a report of this game - re-arranged to Wednesday as Fernieside had a club event the previous Sunday - without mentioning "the incident", but I fear it is best left alone. What I will say is that I came along for a kids' football match and ended up experiencing something more like a Shakepearean play, by turns comic and tragic.
The comedy came when Cammy Brown - the cornerstone of a long unbeaten run since he decided he wanted to be a full-time goalie - was sent to the wrong ground by his dad. The rest of us were at Fernieside, he was at Wallyford. Oops.
Callum bravely volunteered to go in goal, no easy task, especially as the penalty box at Fernieside is the tiniest in the league by some distance, making distribution by the goalie very hazardous indeed.
Our stand-in did well, catching the ball confidently, making some good saves and kicking out well as the game see-sawed from end-to-end at what seemed like 100 miles per hour. Seth had a good angled shot well-saved, Jack just failed to head in at the back post and after a brilliant move involving a superb dummy by David, Seth hit a good chance straight at the keeper.
Though we had most of the chances in the first 20 minutes, Fernieside took the lead with a fierce right foot shot across Callum (who had no chance) into the corner. They made it 2-0 with a left-foot shot high into the net, but the wind and slope had been in their favour and we were confident of coming back into it.
Lloyd had a shot well-saved just before half-time after another good move, but immediately after the break, he ran onto an excellent throw by Jack to slip the ball home to pull us back to 2-1.
The Cammy cavalry then arrived but after one good save, he had no chance with a brilliant curling shot from the left of the goal to put the home team 3-1 up. The incident then took place and meant a break of almost ten mnutes before play could resume.
Jason and Connor (and David when Jason was off after a whack on the knee) held the line well at the back and we were starting to move the ball forward well. Brandon and Seth, however, struggled to make an impression up front and with Scott missing, we pushed Jack up top. This could, in hindsight, be seen as a piece of tactical genius as he scored twice to rescue a 3-3 draw.
His first goal came when their keeper handled outside the box and Lloyd played the free-kick to Jack who swept it in. The equaliser was a net-buster as he found spce to the right-hand edge of the box and hammered the ball into the far corner. It was a well-deserved draw for us and Callum, David and Blair deserve credit for helping take the game to Fernieside from the midfield with Lloyd and Jack - and all the boys deserve huge credit for coping in a very difficult situation.
That is now nine league games unbeaten, a tremendous record.
Finally, I would like to make one thing clear - if I ever feel any of our boys are cheating or deliberately playing in an unsporting manner, they will be withdrawn from the pitch. If they persistently argue with a referee or their team-mates - or deliberately set out to hurt other players - they have no part in this team. On this occasion (like the rest of the season), I feel our boys played in a whole-hearted, committed way, but without any malice. Please all do your best to ensure this remains the case.
Squad: Callum, Jason, Connor, David, Lloyd, Jack, Seth, Blair, Brandon, Cammy.
Scorers: Lloyd, Jack 2
It is difficult to write a report of this game - re-arranged to Wednesday as Fernieside had a club event the previous Sunday - without mentioning "the incident", but I fear it is best left alone. What I will say is that I came along for a kids' football match and ended up experiencing something more like a Shakepearean play, by turns comic and tragic.
The comedy came when Cammy Brown - the cornerstone of a long unbeaten run since he decided he wanted to be a full-time goalie - was sent to the wrong ground by his dad. The rest of us were at Fernieside, he was at Wallyford. Oops.
Callum bravely volunteered to go in goal, no easy task, especially as the penalty box at Fernieside is the tiniest in the league by some distance, making distribution by the goalie very hazardous indeed.
Our stand-in did well, catching the ball confidently, making some good saves and kicking out well as the game see-sawed from end-to-end at what seemed like 100 miles per hour. Seth had a good angled shot well-saved, Jack just failed to head in at the back post and after a brilliant move involving a superb dummy by David, Seth hit a good chance straight at the keeper.
Though we had most of the chances in the first 20 minutes, Fernieside took the lead with a fierce right foot shot across Callum (who had no chance) into the corner. They made it 2-0 with a left-foot shot high into the net, but the wind and slope had been in their favour and we were confident of coming back into it.
Lloyd had a shot well-saved just before half-time after another good move, but immediately after the break, he ran onto an excellent throw by Jack to slip the ball home to pull us back to 2-1.
The Cammy cavalry then arrived but after one good save, he had no chance with a brilliant curling shot from the left of the goal to put the home team 3-1 up. The incident then took place and meant a break of almost ten mnutes before play could resume.
Jason and Connor (and David when Jason was off after a whack on the knee) held the line well at the back and we were starting to move the ball forward well. Brandon and Seth, however, struggled to make an impression up front and with Scott missing, we pushed Jack up top. This could, in hindsight, be seen as a piece of tactical genius as he scored twice to rescue a 3-3 draw.
His first goal came when their keeper handled outside the box and Lloyd played the free-kick to Jack who swept it in. The equaliser was a net-buster as he found spce to the right-hand edge of the box and hammered the ball into the far corner. It was a well-deserved draw for us and Callum, David and Blair deserve credit for helping take the game to Fernieside from the midfield with Lloyd and Jack - and all the boys deserve huge credit for coping in a very difficult situation.
That is now nine league games unbeaten, a tremendous record.
Finally, I would like to make one thing clear - if I ever feel any of our boys are cheating or deliberately playing in an unsporting manner, they will be withdrawn from the pitch. If they persistently argue with a referee or their team-mates - or deliberately set out to hurt other players - they have no part in this team. On this occasion (like the rest of the season), I feel our boys played in a whole-hearted, committed way, but without any malice. Please all do your best to ensure this remains the case.
Squad: Callum, Jason, Connor, David, Lloyd, Jack, Seth, Blair, Brandon, Cammy.
Scorers: Lloyd, Jack 2
Sunday, June 7, 2009
TIGHT TOURNAMENT AT TRANENT, 6-6-09
TRANENT COLTS TOURNAMENT
SALVESEN 0 SPARTANS 1
MYS BLACKS 2 TRANENT COLTS 1
MYS BLACKS 1 SALVESEN BC 1
SPARTANS 0 TRANENT COLTS 1
MYS BLACKS 0 SPARTANS 1
TRANENT COLTS 2 SALVESEN 1
This was a great wee tournament, with all four teams in our group very well-matched - and no more than a single goal separating the teams in every game, which consisted of two ten-minute halves.
After Spartans won a tight game against Salvesen, we had a great match against the hosts. They dominated and we were pretty fortunate to go in 2-0 up at the break. Seth scored at the far post after a good cross by Jack and then Scott ran clear to finish neatly. We let one in straight after the break and Tranent came close to an equaliser several times, but Cammy Brown kept us ahead and we held on.
We were back on straight away and chnaged things around slightly to give one or two boys a rest. It didn't affect us too badly and Lloyd missed one good chance before scoring neatly after great work by Jack.
Connor and Jason had put in a great shift at the back but were coming under real pressure and Salvesen broke through to equalise. There was almost a dramatic conclusion as Jack - who had been hurt at the end of the first half - came off the bench in the dying seconds as Scott prepared to take a corner. The kick was placed perfectly as Jack ran in at the back post, but his header, from point-blank range, hit the outside of the post.
Tranent then played very well to beat Spartans 1-0, which meant that a victory over Spartans would see us run out "winners". (technically, it was non-competitive, but the effort put in didn't really justify that phrase).
Unfortunately, we seemed to run out of steam and one of their strikers sneaked round the back of Connor and ran clear to score under Cammy. We struggled to find any rhythm but Callum and Scott had good long-range efforts, then their keeper saved well from Scott and the rebound fell awkwardly for Seth.
We pushed hard but couldn't find a way back. Tranent then came from 1-0 down to beat Salvesen 2-1 in the final game.
Although we faded a little after a promising start, we did a lot of good things and the coaches commented that we have come a long way in a year. Twelve months ago, we would have struggled badly against teams of this calibre and there is no doubt we have made massive process.
The 1-0 loss to Spartans This was the first time we had lost to a Maradona team in any form of football (7s, 11s and tournaments) since Spartans beat us 3-2 way back in April. Well done, boys.
Squad: Cammy, Connor, Jason, Jack, Lloyd, Seth, Scott, Callum, Brandon (David away, Blair injured)
Scorers: Seth, Scott, Lloyd
SALVESEN 0 SPARTANS 1
MYS BLACKS 2 TRANENT COLTS 1
MYS BLACKS 1 SALVESEN BC 1
SPARTANS 0 TRANENT COLTS 1
MYS BLACKS 0 SPARTANS 1
TRANENT COLTS 2 SALVESEN 1
This was a great wee tournament, with all four teams in our group very well-matched - and no more than a single goal separating the teams in every game, which consisted of two ten-minute halves.
After Spartans won a tight game against Salvesen, we had a great match against the hosts. They dominated and we were pretty fortunate to go in 2-0 up at the break. Seth scored at the far post after a good cross by Jack and then Scott ran clear to finish neatly. We let one in straight after the break and Tranent came close to an equaliser several times, but Cammy Brown kept us ahead and we held on.
We were back on straight away and chnaged things around slightly to give one or two boys a rest. It didn't affect us too badly and Lloyd missed one good chance before scoring neatly after great work by Jack.
Connor and Jason had put in a great shift at the back but were coming under real pressure and Salvesen broke through to equalise. There was almost a dramatic conclusion as Jack - who had been hurt at the end of the first half - came off the bench in the dying seconds as Scott prepared to take a corner. The kick was placed perfectly as Jack ran in at the back post, but his header, from point-blank range, hit the outside of the post.
Tranent then played very well to beat Spartans 1-0, which meant that a victory over Spartans would see us run out "winners". (technically, it was non-competitive, but the effort put in didn't really justify that phrase).
Unfortunately, we seemed to run out of steam and one of their strikers sneaked round the back of Connor and ran clear to score under Cammy. We struggled to find any rhythm but Callum and Scott had good long-range efforts, then their keeper saved well from Scott and the rebound fell awkwardly for Seth.
We pushed hard but couldn't find a way back. Tranent then came from 1-0 down to beat Salvesen 2-1 in the final game.
Although we faded a little after a promising start, we did a lot of good things and the coaches commented that we have come a long way in a year. Twelve months ago, we would have struggled badly against teams of this calibre and there is no doubt we have made massive process.
The 1-0 loss to Spartans This was the first time we had lost to a Maradona team in any form of football (7s, 11s and tournaments) since Spartans beat us 3-2 way back in April. Well done, boys.
Squad: Cammy, Connor, Jason, Jack, Lloyd, Seth, Scott, Callum, Brandon (David away, Blair injured)
Scorers: Seth, Scott, Lloyd
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Blue Stripes hit bakers dozen! 2-6-09
Musselburgh Windsor 3 -v- 13 MYS Blue Stripes
In the first 11 a side game to be played by both sides MYS adapted more quickly to run out convincing winners.
Straight from the first whistle the boys took hold of the game as the Windsor struggled to cope with our passing and movement. Following the opening goal from Blair we quickly raced into a four goal lead and throughout the game we kept our shape and discipline. It was also pleasing to note that we were looking along the line for offside. Goals came from Blair, Lloyd, Josh, Scott, Aarron and Paul but everyone put in a good performance. Thanks to the Balck stripes guys who came to help us make the numbers up.
In the first 11 a side game to be played by both sides MYS adapted more quickly to run out convincing winners.
Straight from the first whistle the boys took hold of the game as the Windsor struggled to cope with our passing and movement. Following the opening goal from Blair we quickly raced into a four goal lead and throughout the game we kept our shape and discipline. It was also pleasing to note that we were looking along the line for offside. Goals came from Blair, Lloyd, Josh, Scott, Aarron and Paul but everyone put in a good performance. Thanks to the Balck stripes guys who came to help us make the numbers up.
Monday, June 1, 2009
FUNNY OLD GAME, 31-05-2009
MYS BLACKS 5 EASTHOUSES 4 31-05-2009
It really is a funny old game. Youngstars were outplayed for the first 15 minutes and went 2-0 down, and then wobbled badly in the last ten to concede two more. Fortunately, in between, they dominated the game, created a bucketful of chances and scored enough of them to sneak home.
We were very lethargic in the early stages and allowed Easthouses to dictate the pace of the game with some weak tackling. We were also playing too far up the pitch and allowing the visitors' midfield to sneak in behind us and create opportunities. Twice, we left Cammy Brown badly exposed and twice, we conceded to go 2-0 down for the first time in months.
Callum flashed a shot wide as we came back into the game, then Seth and Lloyd worked a neat move, but the keeper blocked Seth's angled shot from close range. We got back into the game when Scott followed up his own shot to slide the ball left-footed across the keeper and into the corner of the net. We were back on level terms soon afterwards when Seth flicked the ball home neatly after a goalmouth scramble.
The turning-point of the game came just before half-time when Easthouses broke away quickly and looked certain to score before Cammy Brown dived at an attacker's feet and saved the day.
This allowed us to go in at half-time on level terms and we started to really dominate the game. Lloyd was powering forward from midfield and picked his way through after a pass from Blair before finishing neatly, then set up Callum who lashed the ball home superbly. Seth and Jack missed very good chances to put us further ahead and later, Seth lashed the ball against the bar from close range after a lovely move involving Lloyd and Brandon.
Cammy Brown made a brilliant save, diving to his left to claw the ball away as Easthouses came back, but Jack then appeared to have made the game safe by bundling home at the far post to make it 5-2. David and Jason had held the line well in the second half and also played their part in moving the ball forward neatly, but Easthouses started to pile on the pressure and got one back when Cammy was unlucky to see the ball sneak through his legs. Youngstars had chances to seal the game but were made to sweat when Easthouses pulled it back to 5-4.
Fortunately, we held on until the referee in the flat cap blew his whistle - very softly.
Squad: Cammy, David, Jack, Blair, Lloyd, Seth, Brandon, Jason, Callum, Scott
Scorers: Scott, Seth, Lloyd, Callum, Jack
It really is a funny old game. Youngstars were outplayed for the first 15 minutes and went 2-0 down, and then wobbled badly in the last ten to concede two more. Fortunately, in between, they dominated the game, created a bucketful of chances and scored enough of them to sneak home.
We were very lethargic in the early stages and allowed Easthouses to dictate the pace of the game with some weak tackling. We were also playing too far up the pitch and allowing the visitors' midfield to sneak in behind us and create opportunities. Twice, we left Cammy Brown badly exposed and twice, we conceded to go 2-0 down for the first time in months.
Callum flashed a shot wide as we came back into the game, then Seth and Lloyd worked a neat move, but the keeper blocked Seth's angled shot from close range. We got back into the game when Scott followed up his own shot to slide the ball left-footed across the keeper and into the corner of the net. We were back on level terms soon afterwards when Seth flicked the ball home neatly after a goalmouth scramble.
The turning-point of the game came just before half-time when Easthouses broke away quickly and looked certain to score before Cammy Brown dived at an attacker's feet and saved the day.
This allowed us to go in at half-time on level terms and we started to really dominate the game. Lloyd was powering forward from midfield and picked his way through after a pass from Blair before finishing neatly, then set up Callum who lashed the ball home superbly. Seth and Jack missed very good chances to put us further ahead and later, Seth lashed the ball against the bar from close range after a lovely move involving Lloyd and Brandon.
Cammy Brown made a brilliant save, diving to his left to claw the ball away as Easthouses came back, but Jack then appeared to have made the game safe by bundling home at the far post to make it 5-2. David and Jason had held the line well in the second half and also played their part in moving the ball forward neatly, but Easthouses started to pile on the pressure and got one back when Cammy was unlucky to see the ball sneak through his legs. Youngstars had chances to seal the game but were made to sweat when Easthouses pulled it back to 5-4.
Fortunately, we held on until the referee in the flat cap blew his whistle - very softly.
Squad: Cammy, David, Jack, Blair, Lloyd, Seth, Brandon, Jason, Callum, Scott
Scorers: Scott, Seth, Lloyd, Callum, Jack
Blue Stripes edge out Dunbar 30-5-09
MYS Blue Stripes 4 -v- 3 Dunbar
A very evenly contested match saw us run out narrow winners although Dunbar could feel slightly hard done by and probably deserved a draw on chances created.
Dunbar had the best of the opening spell without creating any clear cut chances and MYS gradually came into it, carving out a few openings before Paul Clark scored a cracking long range effort from wide right in off the post. We doubled our lead before half time when Euan curled a corner straight in with sligh assistance from the unlucky Dunbar 'keeper.
After the break Dunbar came back strongly and managed to claw it back to 2 all, however as soon as they had equalised we ran straight up the park and Euan latched on to a long ball to clip it past the advancing Dunbar goalie. Dunbar were not going to go down without a fight though and came back once again to level at 3-3 with only a matter of minutes to go. The game looked like it was going to play out to a draw however in the last minute we won a corner and from the clearance Paul cracked another beauty into the top corner to seal the victory.
Well done again guys.
A very evenly contested match saw us run out narrow winners although Dunbar could feel slightly hard done by and probably deserved a draw on chances created.
Dunbar had the best of the opening spell without creating any clear cut chances and MYS gradually came into it, carving out a few openings before Paul Clark scored a cracking long range effort from wide right in off the post. We doubled our lead before half time when Euan curled a corner straight in with sligh assistance from the unlucky Dunbar 'keeper.
After the break Dunbar came back strongly and managed to claw it back to 2 all, however as soon as they had equalised we ran straight up the park and Euan latched on to a long ball to clip it past the advancing Dunbar goalie. Dunbar were not going to go down without a fight though and came back once again to level at 3-3 with only a matter of minutes to go. The game looked like it was going to play out to a draw however in the last minute we won a corner and from the clearance Paul cracked another beauty into the top corner to seal the victory.
Well done again guys.
Monday, May 25, 2009
Blue Stripes get overdue Aberlady victory 23-5-09
MYS Blue Stripes 8 -v- 1 Aberlady
Aberlady have always been something of a bogey side for us and, despite dominating some matches and beating them in tournament play, we had never secured a league victory over them until Saturday when we made up for it!
This was one of, if not the best, performance we have put in this season with all the boys putting their lacklustre display the previous weeks against the Black Stripes behind them. We dominated the opening stages of the match however it was Ross who was required to pull off a terrific save first to keep the match all square as he tipped a fierce close range effort over the bar. Shortly afterwards we got the breakthrough we deserved when Josh broke free on the left and whipped in a good cross which Blair Millar did well to head back across the keeper into the far corner.
The second goal followed shortly after and again came from a header as Matthew curled a first time cross to the back post for Josh to stoop low and direct it in. Matthew followed his assist up by robbing the Aberlady defender near the half way line, sprinting clear and tucking his shot away neatly at the right hand post.
Into the second half we continued our good play and took control of the game with a fourth goal before some sloppy defending allowed Aberlady to pull one back from a corner. We need to remember that losing slack goals like that can be the difference between winning and losing in tight games. This setback didnt affect us too much though and we pushed on to score 4 more goals with Lloyd adding his name to the list of scorers as well as an Aberlady deflected own goal.
Matthew won the MOTM award however the whole team perfomed brilliantly from Ross in goals and the solid defence right through midfield to the forward line. Well done, a good birthday perfomance for coach PC!
Aberlady have always been something of a bogey side for us and, despite dominating some matches and beating them in tournament play, we had never secured a league victory over them until Saturday when we made up for it!
This was one of, if not the best, performance we have put in this season with all the boys putting their lacklustre display the previous weeks against the Black Stripes behind them. We dominated the opening stages of the match however it was Ross who was required to pull off a terrific save first to keep the match all square as he tipped a fierce close range effort over the bar. Shortly afterwards we got the breakthrough we deserved when Josh broke free on the left and whipped in a good cross which Blair Millar did well to head back across the keeper into the far corner.
The second goal followed shortly after and again came from a header as Matthew curled a first time cross to the back post for Josh to stoop low and direct it in. Matthew followed his assist up by robbing the Aberlady defender near the half way line, sprinting clear and tucking his shot away neatly at the right hand post.
Into the second half we continued our good play and took control of the game with a fourth goal before some sloppy defending allowed Aberlady to pull one back from a corner. We need to remember that losing slack goals like that can be the difference between winning and losing in tight games. This setback didnt affect us too much though and we pushed on to score 4 more goals with Lloyd adding his name to the list of scorers as well as an Aberlady deflected own goal.
Matthew won the MOTM award however the whole team perfomed brilliantly from Ross in goals and the solid defence right through midfield to the forward line. Well done, a good birthday perfomance for coach PC!
LEVEL AT LEITH LINKS
LEITH ATHLETIC COLTS 1 MYS BLACKS 1
Another great match ended with the same score as the last time the teams met. The game itself was pretty similar too - some good football from both teams, a limited amount of clear-cut chances at both ends and total commitment from both sides.
Jack fired a long-range shot narrowly wide early on, then Lloyd was also just off target from the edge of the box as Youngstars had the better chances. However, Leith were playing neater football and Cammy Brown was called on to make a good save from a left-foot shot. Scott then ran clear after winning a tackle but dragged his shot wide.
Cammy was fairly quiet for the rest of the first half, with Jack and Jason, then later David, providing a solid barrier in front of him.
There were more chances in the second-half and after a lovely through ball from Callum, Scott crashed a left-foot shot onto the bar. But Leith were looking very menacing and took the lead when a short free-kick was hit low into the penalty area and somehow crept through into the far post.
Scott went close again as we fought back well, and we equalised when Scott's corner was powerfully headed home by Jack.
Cammy Brown was then called upon with a great reflex save before Jack did brilliantly to get back and clear off the line after a Leith striker got round Cammy and shot towards goal.
At the other end, Brandon was linking play well down the left and from a cross by Scott, Seth put the ball just wide at the far post. Cammy then made another superb save as both teams pushed for a winner, but the score ended 1-1 - a fair result for two well-matched teams.
Squad: Cammy, Jack, Jason, David, Seth, Lloyd, Callum, Scott, Brandon
Scorere: Jack
Another great match ended with the same score as the last time the teams met. The game itself was pretty similar too - some good football from both teams, a limited amount of clear-cut chances at both ends and total commitment from both sides.
Jack fired a long-range shot narrowly wide early on, then Lloyd was also just off target from the edge of the box as Youngstars had the better chances. However, Leith were playing neater football and Cammy Brown was called on to make a good save from a left-foot shot. Scott then ran clear after winning a tackle but dragged his shot wide.
Cammy was fairly quiet for the rest of the first half, with Jack and Jason, then later David, providing a solid barrier in front of him.
There were more chances in the second-half and after a lovely through ball from Callum, Scott crashed a left-foot shot onto the bar. But Leith were looking very menacing and took the lead when a short free-kick was hit low into the penalty area and somehow crept through into the far post.
Scott went close again as we fought back well, and we equalised when Scott's corner was powerfully headed home by Jack.
Cammy Brown was then called upon with a great reflex save before Jack did brilliantly to get back and clear off the line after a Leith striker got round Cammy and shot towards goal.
At the other end, Brandon was linking play well down the left and from a cross by Scott, Seth put the ball just wide at the far post. Cammy then made another superb save as both teams pushed for a winner, but the score ended 1-1 - a fair result for two well-matched teams.
Squad: Cammy, Jack, Jason, David, Seth, Lloyd, Callum, Scott, Brandon
Scorere: Jack
Sunday, May 17, 2009
BLACKS LUCKY AT LOANHEAD,
LOANHEAD 0 MYS BLACKS 2
Black Stripes made it five wins in the Maradona league in a row - and four wins in a week - with a hard-fought victory.
Again, the win was built from the back, with Cammy Brown pulling off some magnificent saves, and David and Jason rock-solid in defence in the absence of Connor.
Loanhead were a well-organised, quick-pasing team and created quite a number of chances, but Youngstars went in 1-0 up at half-time when Scott set up Seth and his shot squeezed in, despite the best efforts of the home keeper.
Scott made it 2-0 in the second half when he deflected home Lloyd's shot, but most of the action was at the other end, with Cammy Brown making two excellent late saves, tipping the ball around the post and then over the bar.
Excluding the crazy windy game against the Windsor Pele team, we have now won seven games in a row (including the blues' friendly and 11s game at Tranent) and scored 30 goals with only three in reply. We are starting to realise that if we really get stuck in, all over the pitch, that we can make our own luck. Compared to earlier in the season, when we were dominating games and losing narrowly, we are now toughing games out and proving urselves very hard to beat. Well done to all the boys for their hard work - and skill!
Squad: Cammy, David, Jason, Jack, Lloyd, Seth, Callum, Scott, Blair, Brandon.
Scorers: Seth, Scott
Black Stripes made it five wins in the Maradona league in a row - and four wins in a week - with a hard-fought victory.
Again, the win was built from the back, with Cammy Brown pulling off some magnificent saves, and David and Jason rock-solid in defence in the absence of Connor.
Loanhead were a well-organised, quick-pasing team and created quite a number of chances, but Youngstars went in 1-0 up at half-time when Scott set up Seth and his shot squeezed in, despite the best efforts of the home keeper.
Scott made it 2-0 in the second half when he deflected home Lloyd's shot, but most of the action was at the other end, with Cammy Brown making two excellent late saves, tipping the ball around the post and then over the bar.
Excluding the crazy windy game against the Windsor Pele team, we have now won seven games in a row (including the blues' friendly and 11s game at Tranent) and scored 30 goals with only three in reply. We are starting to realise that if we really get stuck in, all over the pitch, that we can make our own luck. Compared to earlier in the season, when we were dominating games and losing narrowly, we are now toughing games out and proving urselves very hard to beat. Well done to all the boys for their hard work - and skill!
Squad: Cammy, David, Jason, Jack, Lloyd, Seth, Callum, Scott, Blair, Brandon.
Scorers: Seth, Scott
BLACK AND BLUE, 16 MAY 2009
MYS BLACKS 4 MYS BLUES 0
The first game between the blues and blacks this season ended with a good win for the blacks - though the scoreline makes the victory look much more comfortable than it actually was.
The blacks started the game with some brilliant football and after a lovely bit of team passing, Lloyd smacked a shot towards the top corner, but Ross did really well to push it away for a corner. From the kick, Jack got in a clear header but Ross again saved well.
The blacks took the lead following a good throw from Callum, who found Seth in space. The ball sat up nicely and although Seth miscued the shot slightly, the ball went in off the inside of the post.
The blues' best first-half move came when Matthew won possession and put a lovely ball through for Blair whose shot from the edge of the box went just wide.
Most of the action was at the other end, with Aaron O'Donnell and Dylan working overtime in defence to stop the blacks extending their lead. They held firm until a corner was only half-cleared and Seth placed his shot neatly in the corner of the net.
The blues came back into the game with a couple of corners just before the break and came out very strongly afterwards. Aaran Curire went close twice as Connor and Jack were put under a lot of pressure at the back for the blacks.
Paul Clark also had a near miss and Cammy Brown saved well from Euan - but by then, the blacks were further ahead after Brandon stroked in from close range. Scott also went close for the blacks before Seth took and cross, turned neatly in the box and fired into the far corner for his hat-trick.
The blues continued to press and were very unlucky to lose by four goals in a game that could have gone either way.
Squads: Blues - Ross, Aaron O, Dylan, Josh, Blair, Matthew, Euan, Paul, Aaran C.
Blacks: Cammy, Connor, Jack, Seth, Lloyd, Callum, Scott, Brandon, Blair, Cameron Sharp
The first game between the blues and blacks this season ended with a good win for the blacks - though the scoreline makes the victory look much more comfortable than it actually was.
The blacks started the game with some brilliant football and after a lovely bit of team passing, Lloyd smacked a shot towards the top corner, but Ross did really well to push it away for a corner. From the kick, Jack got in a clear header but Ross again saved well.
The blacks took the lead following a good throw from Callum, who found Seth in space. The ball sat up nicely and although Seth miscued the shot slightly, the ball went in off the inside of the post.
The blues' best first-half move came when Matthew won possession and put a lovely ball through for Blair whose shot from the edge of the box went just wide.
Most of the action was at the other end, with Aaron O'Donnell and Dylan working overtime in defence to stop the blacks extending their lead. They held firm until a corner was only half-cleared and Seth placed his shot neatly in the corner of the net.
The blues came back into the game with a couple of corners just before the break and came out very strongly afterwards. Aaran Curire went close twice as Connor and Jack were put under a lot of pressure at the back for the blacks.
Paul Clark also had a near miss and Cammy Brown saved well from Euan - but by then, the blacks were further ahead after Brandon stroked in from close range. Scott also went close for the blacks before Seth took and cross, turned neatly in the box and fired into the far corner for his hat-trick.
The blues continued to press and were very unlucky to lose by four goals in a game that could have gone either way.
Squads: Blues - Ross, Aaron O, Dylan, Josh, Blair, Matthew, Euan, Paul, Aaran C.
Blacks: Cammy, Connor, Jack, Seth, Lloyd, Callum, Scott, Brandon, Blair, Cameron Sharp
Friday, May 15, 2009
BIG WIN ON BIG PITCH, MAY 13 2009
TRANENT COLTS 0 MYS BLACKS 5
The jump from 7-a-side to 11-a-side will be a steep one when it comes, so we were happy to take an 11s friendly as an early experiment to see how things might work out in future.
We brought in Dylan and Euan from the MYS blues stripes squad to allow us plenty of chance to rotate the players. It wasn't QUITE a full-sized pitch - we played with 7-a-side goals on the edge of the six-yard box, but the playing area still seemed absolutely enormous.
We adapted better to the conditions, harrying Tranent for the ball and using it quite well when we had it. Jack was making some lung-bursting dashes forward and after Callum had a good long range effort saved, it was Jack who gave us the lead. He ran forward powerfully, slipped a lovely ball wide to Scott and was in just the right place to score from close range as Scott drove the ball across the face of goal.
With Lloyd holding his position well in deep midfield and Dylan all over the pitch (from right back) we maintained almost complete territorial superiority. Scott smacked a brilliant left foot shot back off the bar but we finally made it 2-0 when Seth nudged on a good through ball and Euan latched onto it to tuck the ball confidently past the keeper.
We moved Dylan forward in the second half and he capped a strong performance by scoring from the edge of the box. Seth made it 4-0 with a snapshot on the turn that surprised the keper at his near post and Euan nipped in to capitalise on a sloppy pass out to score off the post to make it 5.
Cammy Brown had a very quiet night in goal, but Dylan, Connor, David and Jason (and later Jack) did well at the back to protect him - and also did well bringing the ball out and trying to find the pass. Brandon, Blair and Cameron Sharp also played their part in an excellent all-round performance. A very good exercise for a group of boys really growing in confidence and with a developing team spirit.
Squad: Cammy Brown, Dylan, David, Connor, Jason, Seth, Jack, Lloyd, Callum, Scott, brandon, Euan, Blair, Cameron
Scorers: Jack, Euan 2, Dylan, Seth
The jump from 7-a-side to 11-a-side will be a steep one when it comes, so we were happy to take an 11s friendly as an early experiment to see how things might work out in future.
We brought in Dylan and Euan from the MYS blues stripes squad to allow us plenty of chance to rotate the players. It wasn't QUITE a full-sized pitch - we played with 7-a-side goals on the edge of the six-yard box, but the playing area still seemed absolutely enormous.
We adapted better to the conditions, harrying Tranent for the ball and using it quite well when we had it. Jack was making some lung-bursting dashes forward and after Callum had a good long range effort saved, it was Jack who gave us the lead. He ran forward powerfully, slipped a lovely ball wide to Scott and was in just the right place to score from close range as Scott drove the ball across the face of goal.
With Lloyd holding his position well in deep midfield and Dylan all over the pitch (from right back) we maintained almost complete territorial superiority. Scott smacked a brilliant left foot shot back off the bar but we finally made it 2-0 when Seth nudged on a good through ball and Euan latched onto it to tuck the ball confidently past the keeper.
We moved Dylan forward in the second half and he capped a strong performance by scoring from the edge of the box. Seth made it 4-0 with a snapshot on the turn that surprised the keper at his near post and Euan nipped in to capitalise on a sloppy pass out to score off the post to make it 5.
Cammy Brown had a very quiet night in goal, but Dylan, Connor, David and Jason (and later Jack) did well at the back to protect him - and also did well bringing the ball out and trying to find the pass. Brandon, Blair and Cameron Sharp also played their part in an excellent all-round performance. A very good exercise for a group of boys really growing in confidence and with a developing team spirit.
Squad: Cammy Brown, Dylan, David, Connor, Jason, Seth, Jack, Lloyd, Callum, Scott, brandon, Euan, Blair, Cameron
Scorers: Jack, Euan 2, Dylan, Seth
Monday, May 11, 2009
SIX OF THE BEST FOR BLACKS MAY 11 2009
MYS BLACKS 6 EDINBURGH CITY 1
A magnificent result - our fourth straight league win - against a team who beat us 6-5 just a few weeks ago. All 11 players who took part in the game today did us proud, as this was probably our best performance of the season, combining some superb attacking play with tenacious defending.
We made an amazing start as Lloyd put us ahead in the first minute when his looping shot dipped under the bar and in. Barely 30 seconds later, we were 2-0 up as Lloyd set up Scott to score just inside the post.
Jack almost made it 3-0 after lifting the ball over the defender and the Edinburgh City keeper saved well from Scott and Lloyd. The vital third goal wouldn't come and the visitors pulled one back as we lost concentration at the back. However, we continued to play some excellent football and Seth scraped the post with a volley following a corner before Lloyd scrambled in the third and Scott nicked the ball home to make it 4-1. Blair and Brandon then went close as we attacked all the way up to the break.
Cammy Brown again led by example from the back, distributing the ball sensibly and keeping his defenders on their toes. Connor, Jason and later David brought the ball out of defence well and the wide midfielders used throw-ins much better today, looking inside and to feet more often rather than slinging the ball down the line every time.
There were chances at both ends in the second half , but the only two goals both went to Youngstars. Callum smashed the ball in at the back post to make it 5-1 and then Seth made it 6-1 after a swift passing move from the edge of our own box. Lloyd looked up and fed the ball to Jack who ran over halfway and slid a lovely pass through to Seth who controlled the ball and slotted it perfectly inside the post.
Brandon had a great shot well-saved, Callum and Seth whacked a good chance just over and there were plenty of other chances to stretch the lead. However, the visitors also created lots of chances and there was some great last-ditch defending to stop them, especially a goal-line clearance from Connor.
David was awarded man of the match for another excellent performance, especially the way he looked up to distribute the ball simply every time he found himself in possession. But any of the boys could have taken man of the match today in a game that shows everything is starting to come together.
Squad: Cammy, Connor, Jason, David, Jack, Lloyd, Seth, Scott, Callum, Brandon, Blair.
Scorers: Lloyd 2, Scott 2, Callum., Seth
A magnificent result - our fourth straight league win - against a team who beat us 6-5 just a few weeks ago. All 11 players who took part in the game today did us proud, as this was probably our best performance of the season, combining some superb attacking play with tenacious defending.
We made an amazing start as Lloyd put us ahead in the first minute when his looping shot dipped under the bar and in. Barely 30 seconds later, we were 2-0 up as Lloyd set up Scott to score just inside the post.
Jack almost made it 3-0 after lifting the ball over the defender and the Edinburgh City keeper saved well from Scott and Lloyd. The vital third goal wouldn't come and the visitors pulled one back as we lost concentration at the back. However, we continued to play some excellent football and Seth scraped the post with a volley following a corner before Lloyd scrambled in the third and Scott nicked the ball home to make it 4-1. Blair and Brandon then went close as we attacked all the way up to the break.
Cammy Brown again led by example from the back, distributing the ball sensibly and keeping his defenders on their toes. Connor, Jason and later David brought the ball out of defence well and the wide midfielders used throw-ins much better today, looking inside and to feet more often rather than slinging the ball down the line every time.
There were chances at both ends in the second half , but the only two goals both went to Youngstars. Callum smashed the ball in at the back post to make it 5-1 and then Seth made it 6-1 after a swift passing move from the edge of our own box. Lloyd looked up and fed the ball to Jack who ran over halfway and slid a lovely pass through to Seth who controlled the ball and slotted it perfectly inside the post.
Brandon had a great shot well-saved, Callum and Seth whacked a good chance just over and there were plenty of other chances to stretch the lead. However, the visitors also created lots of chances and there was some great last-ditch defending to stop them, especially a goal-line clearance from Connor.
David was awarded man of the match for another excellent performance, especially the way he looked up to distribute the ball simply every time he found himself in possession. But any of the boys could have taken man of the match today in a game that shows everything is starting to come together.
Squad: Cammy, Connor, Jason, David, Jack, Lloyd, Seth, Scott, Callum, Brandon, Blair.
Scorers: Lloyd 2, Scott 2, Callum., Seth
Thursday, May 7, 2009
BLACKS BLOWN AWAY, 6-MAY-09
MYS BLACKS 2 WINDSOR PELE 5
After an excellent first-half performance, Youngstars were blown away by a fierce wind – and a Windsor Pele team who adapted better to the wild conditions.
Playing with the wind, Youngstars dominated the early play and took the lead when Lloyd released Jack on the right. From just outside the box, he smashed a shot high across the keeper into the top corner for one of the goals of the season.
Lloyd had another long-range effort well-saved but Youngstars just couldn’t get the vital second goal and the Windsor team equalised when a long cross from the left went over everyone’s head to leave their attacker with a simple tap-in.
We restored our lead thanks to some unselfish play by Lloyd, who could have gone for goal but played a lovely diagonal pass to Seth whose shot crept under the keeper and in.
We were good value for a 2-1 lead, built on confident distribution by Connor and Jason from the back - but a minute before half-time, Windsor equalised when a little defensive dithering allowed one of their players to pounce and slip the ball past Cammy Brown.
Within seconds of the restart we were behind as a charged-down clearance led to another simple – and silly – goal. From 2-1 up, we had made things very hard for ourselves at 3-2 down and were now fighting hard just to get the ball out of our own half as the wind gusted even stronger and Windsor pinned us back. Scott was getting very little chance up front as all the action was in and around our box. David worked hard in the wide midfield position along with Jack, Blair and Seth but it was hard to make headway in such a wind.
The weather played a part in the 4th and 5th goals but we fought back with Lloyd and Seth both going close, though Cammy Brown also had to make brave saves at our end. Though the scoreline looks bad, we played very well for a half against a team a league above us and should not be dispirited by the result.
Squad: Cammy, Connor, Jason, David, Lloyd, Jack, Scott, Seth, Blair.
Scorers: Jack, Seth
After an excellent first-half performance, Youngstars were blown away by a fierce wind – and a Windsor Pele team who adapted better to the wild conditions.
Playing with the wind, Youngstars dominated the early play and took the lead when Lloyd released Jack on the right. From just outside the box, he smashed a shot high across the keeper into the top corner for one of the goals of the season.
Lloyd had another long-range effort well-saved but Youngstars just couldn’t get the vital second goal and the Windsor team equalised when a long cross from the left went over everyone’s head to leave their attacker with a simple tap-in.
We restored our lead thanks to some unselfish play by Lloyd, who could have gone for goal but played a lovely diagonal pass to Seth whose shot crept under the keeper and in.
We were good value for a 2-1 lead, built on confident distribution by Connor and Jason from the back - but a minute before half-time, Windsor equalised when a little defensive dithering allowed one of their players to pounce and slip the ball past Cammy Brown.
Within seconds of the restart we were behind as a charged-down clearance led to another simple – and silly – goal. From 2-1 up, we had made things very hard for ourselves at 3-2 down and were now fighting hard just to get the ball out of our own half as the wind gusted even stronger and Windsor pinned us back. Scott was getting very little chance up front as all the action was in and around our box. David worked hard in the wide midfield position along with Jack, Blair and Seth but it was hard to make headway in such a wind.
The weather played a part in the 4th and 5th goals but we fought back with Lloyd and Seth both going close, though Cammy Brown also had to make brave saves at our end. Though the scoreline looks bad, we played very well for a half against a team a league above us and should not be dispirited by the result.
Squad: Cammy, Connor, Jason, David, Lloyd, Jack, Scott, Seth, Blair.
Scorers: Jack, Seth
Monday, May 4, 2009
Blue Stripes roll over Tranent 2-5-09
MYS Blue Stripes 10 -v- 4 Tranent Juniors
A comfortable win in the end although the boys need to learn to keep their concentration throughout games even when they are well on top as we should never have lost 4 goals.
The first of the 3x20 minute periods saw us totally dominate and race into a 7 goal lead although this probably contributed to us being a little flat in the subsequent periods. Credit should also be given to Tranent for putting up a fight in the remainder of the game as they could easily have let their heads go down.
Goals came from Matthew, Josh, Blair, Euan and Lloyd with Josh picking up MOTM for a tough tackling display both in midfield and defence.
A comfortable win in the end although the boys need to learn to keep their concentration throughout games even when they are well on top as we should never have lost 4 goals.
The first of the 3x20 minute periods saw us totally dominate and race into a 7 goal lead although this probably contributed to us being a little flat in the subsequent periods. Credit should also be given to Tranent for putting up a fight in the remainder of the game as they could easily have let their heads go down.
Goals came from Matthew, Josh, Blair, Euan and Lloyd with Josh picking up MOTM for a tough tackling display both in midfield and defence.
Blue stripes overcome Dunbar 25-4-09
MYS Blue Stripes 4 -v- 2 Dunbar
A competitive match played in good spirit and although Dunbar fought all the way we throughly deserved our victory.
Blue stripes totally dominated the first half and created several chances before Matthew broke the deadlock getting on the end of a square ball to the back post. Dunbar then managed to grab an equaliser against the run of play to leave the teams deadlocked at half time.
The second half was a slightly tighter affair however we continued to create the better of the chances with Dylan and Arron limiting Dunbar at the back. The winning goals came courtesy of 2 from Blair who took MOTM and Josh with Dunbar grabbing another as consolation.
A competitive match played in good spirit and although Dunbar fought all the way we throughly deserved our victory.
Blue stripes totally dominated the first half and created several chances before Matthew broke the deadlock getting on the end of a square ball to the back post. Dunbar then managed to grab an equaliser against the run of play to leave the teams deadlocked at half time.
The second half was a slightly tighter affair however we continued to create the better of the chances with Dylan and Arron limiting Dunbar at the back. The winning goals came courtesy of 2 from Blair who took MOTM and Josh with Dunbar grabbing another as consolation.
Sunday, April 26, 2009
SEVEN-UP FOR YOUNGSTARS
LEITH ATHLETIC WHITES 0 MYS BLACKS 7
A great week ended with our third win in a row, as a depleted Youngstars squad performed superbly all over the pitch to record an emphatic victory.
Jack was away and Seth still injured - and Brandon missed out too after gashing his face in a bad fall. Cameron Sharp came in for his first game and played his part in a great all-round team display.
We took an early lead when Callum won possesion and slipped the ball to Scott, who drove in a great low shot which went in off the post. Lloyd made it two with a powerful header from Scott's corner and we were soon 3-0 up when Scott scored a carbon copy of his first goal, into the same corner off the same post.
Cammy Brown organised well from the back, with Jason and Connor allowing the Leith strikers few opportunities to break through with some no-nonsense tackling.
Lloyd came close a couple more times from corners and Callum and David also went close before Scott slid in a third for a brilliant hat-trick.
It was 4-0 at half-time but we didn't let up and continued the hard work of the first half. Blair was unlucky when he stumbled on the hard pitch and pulled his shot wide, but it wasn't long before Lloyd and Scott combined beautifully for Lloyd to make it 5-0.
There was some excellent link-up play across the pitch, with the ball being brought out well from the back. This led to another good goal as Scott put in a lovely cross from the right for David to score at the near post to cap another excellent performance.
Lloyd completed the scoring - and his hat-trick - with another excellent header and Cammy Brown ensured we kept another clean sheet with a fantastic double save near the end as Leith came back into the match.
Right at the end of the game, our boys were still chasing back and putting everything into the tackles. Their attitude over the last few games - starting in the Spartans match - has been first-class and we are starting to reap the rewards. Well done, guys!
Although Scott scored three ansd set up the other four goals, Callum was given the man of the match award for an excellent, tough-tackling display.
Squad: Cammy Brown, Connor, Jason, David, Lloyd, Callum, Scott, Blair, Cameron Sharp.
Scorers: Scott 3, Lloyd 3, David
A great week ended with our third win in a row, as a depleted Youngstars squad performed superbly all over the pitch to record an emphatic victory.
Jack was away and Seth still injured - and Brandon missed out too after gashing his face in a bad fall. Cameron Sharp came in for his first game and played his part in a great all-round team display.
We took an early lead when Callum won possesion and slipped the ball to Scott, who drove in a great low shot which went in off the post. Lloyd made it two with a powerful header from Scott's corner and we were soon 3-0 up when Scott scored a carbon copy of his first goal, into the same corner off the same post.
Cammy Brown organised well from the back, with Jason and Connor allowing the Leith strikers few opportunities to break through with some no-nonsense tackling.
Lloyd came close a couple more times from corners and Callum and David also went close before Scott slid in a third for a brilliant hat-trick.
It was 4-0 at half-time but we didn't let up and continued the hard work of the first half. Blair was unlucky when he stumbled on the hard pitch and pulled his shot wide, but it wasn't long before Lloyd and Scott combined beautifully for Lloyd to make it 5-0.
There was some excellent link-up play across the pitch, with the ball being brought out well from the back. This led to another good goal as Scott put in a lovely cross from the right for David to score at the near post to cap another excellent performance.
Lloyd completed the scoring - and his hat-trick - with another excellent header and Cammy Brown ensured we kept another clean sheet with a fantastic double save near the end as Leith came back into the match.
Right at the end of the game, our boys were still chasing back and putting everything into the tackles. Their attitude over the last few games - starting in the Spartans match - has been first-class and we are starting to reap the rewards. Well done, guys!
Although Scott scored three ansd set up the other four goals, Callum was given the man of the match award for an excellent, tough-tackling display.
Squad: Cammy Brown, Connor, Jason, David, Lloyd, Callum, Scott, Blair, Cameron Sharp.
Scorers: Scott 3, Lloyd 3, David
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
BLACKS WIN TIGHT GAME AGAINST WINDSOR
MYS BLACKS 1 WINDSOR MARADONA 0 - TUESDAY APRIL 21, 2009
An incredibly tight game, watched by a big crowd, was settled near the end by a single goal by Scott Simpson after an incredible, end-to-end second half.
The first half-hour was quite flat, with neither side creating many chances until soon before half-time. Callum put a good effort just wide and Blair had a snap-shot well-saved by Ross, a Youngstars player who has started turning out for Windsor's Maradona team on Sundays.
The best chance of the first half fell to Scott, who ran through but was denied by Ross who pushed his shot onto the post. Windsor also had a few chances towards the end of the half and Cammy Brown pulled off one superb diving save, while several other efforts flashed narrowly wide.
There was much more goalmouth action in the second half. Lloyd skipped through neatly beforepulling his shot wide, David couldn't quite get on the end of a cross from Jack after a lovely passing move and Ross saved well from Jack and Scott.
Windsor had the better of the chances as the game drew to its end, with one shot rebounding from the inside of the post into Cammy Brown's hands and a header bouncing off the top of the bar. Cammy also made a couple more great saves, including a one-on-one, as both keepers came out of the game with great credit.
Scott scored the vital goal after winning a tackle and firing inside the near post, sparking a wild celebration, which included Seth, who ran onto the pitch despite his broken toe to join in. Windsor could still have pulled it back and there were more anxious moments in our goalmouth before the whistle blew. Cammy Brown was again man of the match, though Connor had a brilliant match too, with some fantastic tackles and interceptions all through the game.
It's great that we have won two games in a row, largely down to hard work and a positive attitude. Well done to all the boys.
Squad: Cammy, Connor, Jason, David, Lloyd, Callum, Scott, Jack, Blair, Brandon.
Scorer: Scott
An incredibly tight game, watched by a big crowd, was settled near the end by a single goal by Scott Simpson after an incredible, end-to-end second half.
The first half-hour was quite flat, with neither side creating many chances until soon before half-time. Callum put a good effort just wide and Blair had a snap-shot well-saved by Ross, a Youngstars player who has started turning out for Windsor's Maradona team on Sundays.
The best chance of the first half fell to Scott, who ran through but was denied by Ross who pushed his shot onto the post. Windsor also had a few chances towards the end of the half and Cammy Brown pulled off one superb diving save, while several other efforts flashed narrowly wide.
There was much more goalmouth action in the second half. Lloyd skipped through neatly beforepulling his shot wide, David couldn't quite get on the end of a cross from Jack after a lovely passing move and Ross saved well from Jack and Scott.
Windsor had the better of the chances as the game drew to its end, with one shot rebounding from the inside of the post into Cammy Brown's hands and a header bouncing off the top of the bar. Cammy also made a couple more great saves, including a one-on-one, as both keepers came out of the game with great credit.
Scott scored the vital goal after winning a tackle and firing inside the near post, sparking a wild celebration, which included Seth, who ran onto the pitch despite his broken toe to join in. Windsor could still have pulled it back and there were more anxious moments in our goalmouth before the whistle blew. Cammy Brown was again man of the match, though Connor had a brilliant match too, with some fantastic tackles and interceptions all through the game.
It's great that we have won two games in a row, largely down to hard work and a positive attitude. Well done to all the boys.
Squad: Cammy, Connor, Jason, David, Lloyd, Callum, Scott, Jack, Blair, Brandon.
Scorer: Scott
BLACK STRIPES STOP THE CAVALRY
CAVALRY PARK 2 MYS BLACK STRIPES 5
I had been told before this game (by one of their own coaches) that the Cavalry Park Maradona team had been struggling and were one of the weaker teams in this league. After ten minutes, I thought the wrong team must have turned up as the home team knocked the ball around with skill and confidence and left our boys chasing shadows.
Thankfully, they didn't create too many clear chances early on and we took the lead against the run of play when Scott blasted home from the edge of the box after running clear. He scored again with a composed finish and could have had a hat-trick but for an amazing triple save by the CP keeper. Jack was also blocked at close range, but we could easily have been pulled back if it hadn't been for some excellent saves by Cammy Brown, who is now playing regularly in goal.
We went in at half-time 2-0 up, which flattered us, but were pulled back when a striker went through on the right and slipped the ball home. Youngstars hit back quickly with a lovely goal. Scott controlled a goal kick superbly and laid the ball back for Lloyd, who played a neat pass through for Blair, who nipped in as the keeper came out to steer the ball into the corner.
Cavalry Park came back to 2-3 after a bit of sloppiness at the back, but we restored our two-goal lead with another flowing move as David nudged home Callum's cross. Scott's late goal to complete his hat-trick gave the scoreline a one-sided look but it is nice for once to report that we toughed it out and came through against the odds - rather than creating far more chances and losing by an odd goal.
Connor had an awesome second half, putting in some strong tackles and Jason had his usual solid game at the back. David, who played in several different positions, had an excellent match, with some powerful tackling but man of the match went to Cammy Brown for a brilliant performance in goal, which will have boosted both his confidence - and the confidence of the whole team playing in front of him.
Squad: Cammy Brown, David, Jason, Connor, Jack, Lloyd, Callum, Blair, Brandon (Seth injured - broken toe)
Scorers: Scott 3, Blair, David
I had been told before this game (by one of their own coaches) that the Cavalry Park Maradona team had been struggling and were one of the weaker teams in this league. After ten minutes, I thought the wrong team must have turned up as the home team knocked the ball around with skill and confidence and left our boys chasing shadows.
Thankfully, they didn't create too many clear chances early on and we took the lead against the run of play when Scott blasted home from the edge of the box after running clear. He scored again with a composed finish and could have had a hat-trick but for an amazing triple save by the CP keeper. Jack was also blocked at close range, but we could easily have been pulled back if it hadn't been for some excellent saves by Cammy Brown, who is now playing regularly in goal.
We went in at half-time 2-0 up, which flattered us, but were pulled back when a striker went through on the right and slipped the ball home. Youngstars hit back quickly with a lovely goal. Scott controlled a goal kick superbly and laid the ball back for Lloyd, who played a neat pass through for Blair, who nipped in as the keeper came out to steer the ball into the corner.
Cavalry Park came back to 2-3 after a bit of sloppiness at the back, but we restored our two-goal lead with another flowing move as David nudged home Callum's cross. Scott's late goal to complete his hat-trick gave the scoreline a one-sided look but it is nice for once to report that we toughed it out and came through against the odds - rather than creating far more chances and losing by an odd goal.
Connor had an awesome second half, putting in some strong tackles and Jason had his usual solid game at the back. David, who played in several different positions, had an excellent match, with some powerful tackling but man of the match went to Cammy Brown for a brilliant performance in goal, which will have boosted both his confidence - and the confidence of the whole team playing in front of him.
Squad: Cammy Brown, David, Jason, Connor, Jack, Lloyd, Callum, Blair, Brandon (Seth injured - broken toe)
Scorers: Scott 3, Blair, David
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
GREAT GAME IN THE SUN
MYS BLACK STRIPES 2 SPARTANS 3
On a beautiful day, these two teams served up a great example of the beautiful game. There was total commitment and excellent football from both sides and neither side really deserved to lose.
Youngstars had the better of the first half, setting the tone with some great closing down and tackling in the early stages. Seth won good possession and was closed down at the last minute after a neat one-two with Scott. Lloyd almost opened the scoring with a brilliant flick header from a corner by Scott and went close again after a lovely move when he tried to lift the ball over the keeper. Callum was then denied by a brilliant tackle on his own line by a Spartans defender.
Connor and Jason had protected the line really well in the first half (as David continued to do after the break) and Spartans' chances had largely been limited to corners - but we went one down immediately before the break. A throw out by Kieran - who was guesting in goal for us - fell awkwardly and a Spartans player nipped in to knock the ball away from Jason and Callum before twisting past Connor and lifting the ball cleverly over Kieran's head.
Youngstars didn't give in and hit back strongly in the second half. Lloyd found space after good work by Jack and the ball fell kindly for him to slip it past the keeper. Callum then took a superb quick throw-in and Scott sneaked the ball inside the near-post to put us 2-1 up.
The game continued end to end and Spartans equalised after a neat move and then went ahead when one of their players rode a couple of tackles before pulling it back to a team-mate for an easy finish.
Youngstars weren't finished and Seth lifted the ball over a defender for Jack to fire in a great shot which their keeper dived to save brilliantly. There were more close shaves at either end but the score remained the same, with Youngstars desperately unlucky not to get a result after a magnificent performance featuring exceptional commitment and some lovely passing football. Well done to all the boys for playing their part in the most enjoyable and high-quality game of the season so far.
Squad: Kieran, Jason, Connor, David, Lloyd, Seth, Jack, Scott, Callum, Blair
On a beautiful day, these two teams served up a great example of the beautiful game. There was total commitment and excellent football from both sides and neither side really deserved to lose.
Youngstars had the better of the first half, setting the tone with some great closing down and tackling in the early stages. Seth won good possession and was closed down at the last minute after a neat one-two with Scott. Lloyd almost opened the scoring with a brilliant flick header from a corner by Scott and went close again after a lovely move when he tried to lift the ball over the keeper. Callum was then denied by a brilliant tackle on his own line by a Spartans defender.
Connor and Jason had protected the line really well in the first half (as David continued to do after the break) and Spartans' chances had largely been limited to corners - but we went one down immediately before the break. A throw out by Kieran - who was guesting in goal for us - fell awkwardly and a Spartans player nipped in to knock the ball away from Jason and Callum before twisting past Connor and lifting the ball cleverly over Kieran's head.
Youngstars didn't give in and hit back strongly in the second half. Lloyd found space after good work by Jack and the ball fell kindly for him to slip it past the keeper. Callum then took a superb quick throw-in and Scott sneaked the ball inside the near-post to put us 2-1 up.
The game continued end to end and Spartans equalised after a neat move and then went ahead when one of their players rode a couple of tackles before pulling it back to a team-mate for an easy finish.
Youngstars weren't finished and Seth lifted the ball over a defender for Jack to fire in a great shot which their keeper dived to save brilliantly. There were more close shaves at either end but the score remained the same, with Youngstars desperately unlucky not to get a result after a magnificent performance featuring exceptional commitment and some lovely passing football. Well done to all the boys for playing their part in the most enjoyable and high-quality game of the season so far.
Squad: Kieran, Jason, Connor, David, Lloyd, Seth, Jack, Scott, Callum, Blair
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Blue stripes hit North Berwick for 13 4-4-09
MYS Blue Stripes 13 -v- 0 North Berwick
Regrettably another one sided affair with little competition from the opposition but the boys did play some good passing football as well as scoring some good goals. Dylan was captain for the day and put in a MOTM perfomance in defence as well as getting on the scoresheet. The other goals came from Euan, Blair, Josh, Aarran C, and Arron O (sorry if I missed anyone it was hard to keep track!).
Regrettably another one sided affair with little competition from the opposition but the boys did play some good passing football as well as scoring some good goals. Dylan was captain for the day and put in a MOTM perfomance in defence as well as getting on the scoresheet. The other goals came from Euan, Blair, Josh, Aarran C, and Arron O (sorry if I missed anyone it was hard to keep track!).
Friday, April 3, 2009
ELEVEN-GOAL THRILLER, 29-3-2009
EDINBURGH CITY 6 MYS BLACK STRIPES 5
Another close game where we were squeezed out - this time by a very attacking team who committed large numbers of players forward at great speed. They took an early lead but Jack claimed a quick equaliser and we went ahead when Jack's cross was deflected past his own keeper by an unlucky City defender.
Unfortunately, the home team responded straight away and we went in at half-time at 2-2. We could have been 3-2 up but Blair's shot was well-saved by their keeper after a great team move.
Cammy Brown had started in goal but was injured when he bruised his ribs after falling heavily as City scored their first. David deputised for the rest of the first half, then Callum went in for the second after a hard-working shift in left midfield.
Connor and Jason were working hard at the back but were often overcome by waves of attackers. One such move saw one of the home strikers slip through to finish nicely to put them 3-2 up. We then had a classic Youngstars kamikaze spell when we conceded two crazy goals to leave us struggling at 5-2 down.
However, we showed magnificent character and Blair brought us back into the game at 5-3 when he slipped home neatly after a great pass from Lloyd. We lost another silly goal to go 6-3 down but then played some brilliant attacking football to almost snatch a result.
Jack put in a brilliant cross for Scott to stab home to make it 6-4, then Scott lifted a brilliant cross to the back post for Lloyd to volley home - a deserved goal after an amazing all-action performance. Scott hit the bar after winning the ball with a fantastic slide tackle, and the home keeper made a couple of great saves, but City held on to the 6-5 lead, However, we should take great credit in producing some of our best attacking football of the season against a good quality side.
Squad: Cammy Brown, Connor, Jason, Jack, Lloyd, Callum, Scott, David, Blair, Brandon
Another close game where we were squeezed out - this time by a very attacking team who committed large numbers of players forward at great speed. They took an early lead but Jack claimed a quick equaliser and we went ahead when Jack's cross was deflected past his own keeper by an unlucky City defender.
Unfortunately, the home team responded straight away and we went in at half-time at 2-2. We could have been 3-2 up but Blair's shot was well-saved by their keeper after a great team move.
Cammy Brown had started in goal but was injured when he bruised his ribs after falling heavily as City scored their first. David deputised for the rest of the first half, then Callum went in for the second after a hard-working shift in left midfield.
Connor and Jason were working hard at the back but were often overcome by waves of attackers. One such move saw one of the home strikers slip through to finish nicely to put them 3-2 up. We then had a classic Youngstars kamikaze spell when we conceded two crazy goals to leave us struggling at 5-2 down.
However, we showed magnificent character and Blair brought us back into the game at 5-3 when he slipped home neatly after a great pass from Lloyd. We lost another silly goal to go 6-3 down but then played some brilliant attacking football to almost snatch a result.
Jack put in a brilliant cross for Scott to stab home to make it 6-4, then Scott lifted a brilliant cross to the back post for Lloyd to volley home - a deserved goal after an amazing all-action performance. Scott hit the bar after winning the ball with a fantastic slide tackle, and the home keeper made a couple of great saves, but City held on to the 6-5 lead, However, we should take great credit in producing some of our best attacking football of the season against a good quality side.
Squad: Cammy Brown, Connor, Jason, Jack, Lloyd, Callum, Scott, David, Blair, Brandon
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Blues stroll past Longniddry 21-3-09
Longniddy Villa 1 -v- 9 MYS Blue Stripes
The last couple of games against Longniddry have been quite tight however this one was a one sided affair with Youngstars dominating from start to finish. The boys put together some good passing moves and,if they can keep that up, rather than trying to do too much individually they are a match for most teams.
Goals came from Aarran C, Arron O, Blair and Euan including one from the penalty spot (a soft decision but we'll take it anyway!)
Keep up the good work.
The last couple of games against Longniddry have been quite tight however this one was a one sided affair with Youngstars dominating from start to finish. The boys put together some good passing moves and,if they can keep that up, rather than trying to do too much individually they are a match for most teams.
Goals came from Aarran C, Arron O, Blair and Euan including one from the penalty spot (a soft decision but we'll take it anyway!)
Keep up the good work.
Monday, March 16, 2009
Blue Stripes blow Dunbar away!
MYS Blue Stripes 9 -v- 1 Dunbar
The first thing to say about this match is that IT WAS WINDY!!!! Terrible conditions for both sets of players to deal with but we always seem to do quite well in windy conditions as we keep the ball down and get the passes going. MYS dominated the whole match with goals from Arran C (including a couple of long range crackers), Euan and Josh as well as collectors items in a left footer from Blair and a right footer from Reece! All the boys did well and Ross was unlucky not to keep a clean sheet with some good saves in the second half when we were against the wind.
The first thing to say about this match is that IT WAS WINDY!!!! Terrible conditions for both sets of players to deal with but we always seem to do quite well in windy conditions as we keep the ball down and get the passes going. MYS dominated the whole match with goals from Arran C (including a couple of long range crackers), Euan and Josh as well as collectors items in a left footer from Blair and a right footer from Reece! All the boys did well and Ross was unlucky not to keep a clean sheet with some good saves in the second half when we were against the wind.
Sunday, March 15, 2009
LET THEM PLAY! 15-03-2009
MYS BLACKS 2 EDINBURGH SOUTH 2
On Let Them Play weekend, parents were encouraged to stand back from the sidelines and coaches told to limit comments from the sidelines - and to just praise, not criticise. It is fair to say that I found this a challenge and often physically bit my lip to avoid inappropriate words!
We had beaten Edinburgh South comfortably early in the season and after a great display in our last game outdoors, we were hopeful of a good result. Yet somehow, we just couldn't get going today - the first half in particular was very flat and we just couldn't seem to raise our game apart from a few good moves.
Youngstars had the best early chances but Seth slipped the ball wide after a great run by Jack, Callum shot across goal and then couldn't quite get on the end of Seth's fine cross and Jack shot wide too. Seth then lifted the ball over the keeper and it looked like it would drop in before the keeper managed to claw it away.
Lloyd, who had started as sub, broke the deadlock soon after coming on when he hammered in a deflected shot in a crowded area. However, Edinburgh South came back almost immediately to equalise and gave us some more anxious moments before half-time, with Cammy Brown making one particularly good save. We could also have scored more, with Blair, Scott and Lloyd going close.
The second half was action-packed, with loads of chances at either end. We took the lead when Brandon ran onto a through ball and hammered in a brilliant goal off the underside of the bar. He then had another good effort saved, while the keeper also saved well from Scott and Jack.
Edinburgh South also created plenty of opportunities and Cammy Brown headed against his own post before Jason - who had another very solid game - hammered the ball away. Callum had to make a couple of good saves, too, before he was left exposed as one of the Edinburgh South players was allowed a free run before laying a pass into the path of a team-mate, who slotted home beautifully.
Youngstars could still have won when Connor had not one, but two, long-range efforts come back off the bar - before their keeper made another good save, this time from Lloyd.
To be fair, we could have won comfortably with a bit of luck, but all credit to Edinburgh South for a fine performance. What we definitely need to learn is:
(i) work harder on our tackling and general commitment
(ii) don't argue with the ref's decisions
(iii) remember what we are trying to learn on throw-ins and start throwing to feet and laying the ball back, not just chucking the ball hopefully down the line.
On Let Them Play weekend, parents were encouraged to stand back from the sidelines and coaches told to limit comments from the sidelines - and to just praise, not criticise. It is fair to say that I found this a challenge and often physically bit my lip to avoid inappropriate words!
We had beaten Edinburgh South comfortably early in the season and after a great display in our last game outdoors, we were hopeful of a good result. Yet somehow, we just couldn't get going today - the first half in particular was very flat and we just couldn't seem to raise our game apart from a few good moves.
Youngstars had the best early chances but Seth slipped the ball wide after a great run by Jack, Callum shot across goal and then couldn't quite get on the end of Seth's fine cross and Jack shot wide too. Seth then lifted the ball over the keeper and it looked like it would drop in before the keeper managed to claw it away.
Lloyd, who had started as sub, broke the deadlock soon after coming on when he hammered in a deflected shot in a crowded area. However, Edinburgh South came back almost immediately to equalise and gave us some more anxious moments before half-time, with Cammy Brown making one particularly good save. We could also have scored more, with Blair, Scott and Lloyd going close.
The second half was action-packed, with loads of chances at either end. We took the lead when Brandon ran onto a through ball and hammered in a brilliant goal off the underside of the bar. He then had another good effort saved, while the keeper also saved well from Scott and Jack.
Edinburgh South also created plenty of opportunities and Cammy Brown headed against his own post before Jason - who had another very solid game - hammered the ball away. Callum had to make a couple of good saves, too, before he was left exposed as one of the Edinburgh South players was allowed a free run before laying a pass into the path of a team-mate, who slotted home beautifully.
Youngstars could still have won when Connor had not one, but two, long-range efforts come back off the bar - before their keeper made another good save, this time from Lloyd.
To be fair, we could have won comfortably with a bit of luck, but all credit to Edinburgh South for a fine performance. What we definitely need to learn is:
(i) work harder on our tackling and general commitment
(ii) don't argue with the ref's decisions
(iii) remember what we are trying to learn on throw-ins and start throwing to feet and laying the ball back, not just chucking the ball hopefully down the line.
Monday, March 9, 2009
Blue's record opening day victory 7-3-09
MYS Blue Stripes 6 -v- 1 Tranent Juniors
Good to get the new block of fixtures off to a winning start and, although the boys were a bit rusty and took a while to get going, it was a comfortable enough win in the end.
We were missing 3 players and had to draft Lloyd in as a late replacement and this also resulted in us playing people out of their preferred positions with Arran Currie, Blair and Lloyd all putting a shift in at defence beside Dylan. This, and the fact that this was the boys' first game playing the new "retreating line" rule seemed to affect us at the start of the match and we were a bit out of sorts. As the game wore on however we got to grips with things and took the lead after about 10 minutes. The remainder of the game was relatively comfortable with the goals coming from Arran, Euan and Paul courtesy of some good assists from Matthew on the left wing.
Thanks to Lloyd for helping us out at short notice.
Good to get the new block of fixtures off to a winning start and, although the boys were a bit rusty and took a while to get going, it was a comfortable enough win in the end.
We were missing 3 players and had to draft Lloyd in as a late replacement and this also resulted in us playing people out of their preferred positions with Arran Currie, Blair and Lloyd all putting a shift in at defence beside Dylan. This, and the fact that this was the boys' first game playing the new "retreating line" rule seemed to affect us at the start of the match and we were a bit out of sorts. As the game wore on however we got to grips with things and took the lead after about 10 minutes. The remainder of the game was relatively comfortable with the goals coming from Arran, Euan and Paul courtesy of some good assists from Matthew on the left wing.
Thanks to Lloyd for helping us out at short notice.
Friday, March 6, 2009
GREAT BLACK STRIPES DISPLAY AT INDOOR TOURNAMENT
INDOOR FIVE-A_SIDE TOURANMENT AT MEADOWMILL. 28-02-2009
Although this was an East Lothian tournament, blue stripes decided not to take part so we stepped in. Oddly, only three other clubs were represented - Tranent Juniors, Longniddry and Dunbar entered two teams each.
The matches were eight minutes each, which doesn't sound long but the pitch was big and the goals sizeable - so there were lots of chances and lots of goals. One of the Dunbar teams won a game 10-1 in just eight minutes.
The games were oddly organised, with big gaps followed by three games in a row - and we didn't play one of the Longniddry teams at all.
We did very well but drifted away in the last game and a half to spoil our brilliant record. However, the boys deserve tremendous credit for really hard work and some good play.
RESULTS
MYS 4 Dunbar(Team 1) 1
Lloyd 2, Seth, Scott
MYS 5 Tranent Juniors (Team 2) 0
Lloyd 3, Blair, David
MYS 4 Longniddry (Team 2) 0
Jack 3, Callum
MYS 2 Dunbar (T2) 1
Lloyd, Scott
MYS 2 Tranent Juniors (Team 1) 0
Jack 2
MYS 2 Dunbar (Team 1) 2
Lloyd, Jack
MYS 7 Tranent Juniors (T2) 1
Blair 4, Seth 3
MYS 4 Longniddry (T2) 0
Callum, Jack, Brandon, David
MYS 3 Dunbar (T2) 3
Lloyd, Seth, Scott
MYS 0 Tranent Juniors (T1) 1
Goals: Lloyd 8; Jack 7; Blair/Seth 5; Scott 3; Callum/David 2; Brandon 1
Although this was an East Lothian tournament, blue stripes decided not to take part so we stepped in. Oddly, only three other clubs were represented - Tranent Juniors, Longniddry and Dunbar entered two teams each.
The matches were eight minutes each, which doesn't sound long but the pitch was big and the goals sizeable - so there were lots of chances and lots of goals. One of the Dunbar teams won a game 10-1 in just eight minutes.
The games were oddly organised, with big gaps followed by three games in a row - and we didn't play one of the Longniddry teams at all.
We did very well but drifted away in the last game and a half to spoil our brilliant record. However, the boys deserve tremendous credit for really hard work and some good play.
RESULTS
MYS 4 Dunbar(Team 1) 1
Lloyd 2, Seth, Scott
MYS 5 Tranent Juniors (Team 2) 0
Lloyd 3, Blair, David
MYS 4 Longniddry (Team 2) 0
Jack 3, Callum
MYS 2 Dunbar (T2) 1
Lloyd, Scott
MYS 2 Tranent Juniors (Team 1) 0
Jack 2
MYS 2 Dunbar (Team 1) 2
Lloyd, Jack
MYS 7 Tranent Juniors (T2) 1
Blair 4, Seth 3
MYS 4 Longniddry (T2) 0
Callum, Jack, Brandon, David
MYS 3 Dunbar (T2) 3
Lloyd, Seth, Scott
MYS 0 Tranent Juniors (T1) 1
Goals: Lloyd 8; Jack 7; Blair/Seth 5; Scott 3; Callum/David 2; Brandon 1
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
GREAT WIN AT TRANENT, 22-02-2009
TRANENT COLTS 1 MYS BLACKS 5
An impressive performance and a morale-boosting win featuring excellent performances from everyone involved.
Youngstars dominated the early stages and created some good chances, with Lloyd volleying just wide from a great cross by Scott. Jason missed a penalty after a handball by a Tranent player but could hardly be faulted as the ball used in the first ten minutes was rock-hard and the penalty spot seemed an awfully long way out.
We took the lead when Scott challenged a defender for a near-post corner and the ball bounced into the net. We were well worth our 1-0 lead after the first of three 20-minute periods with David in particular playing superbly in right defence.
The game was eight-a-side and the experiment of three at the back, with Jack pushing up to support Lloyd in central midfield, seemed to be working pretty well. Callum also put in a strong forst-half performance, pushing forward powerfully on the left.
We went 2-0 up in the second period when Brandon slipped a neat through ball to Lloyd and when his shot was saved, Brandon followed up to tuck in the rebound.
In the third period, Tranent created their best chances and Kieron Ross, guesting for us in goal, made some outstanding saves. We made the game safe when Lloyd skipped through to finish coolly after some great skill. Scott made it four from a tight angle and although we took our foot off the gas and Tranent made it 4-1 with a scrambled goal, Scott completed his hat-trick with another neat finish.
Blair, Cammy Brown, Callum and Seth all played a big part in wide midfield, but Brandon won man of the match for some neat link-up play and his goal.
Squad: Kieron, David, Jason, Jack, Lloyd, Cammy Brown, Callum, Seth, Blair, Scott, Brandon
An impressive performance and a morale-boosting win featuring excellent performances from everyone involved.
Youngstars dominated the early stages and created some good chances, with Lloyd volleying just wide from a great cross by Scott. Jason missed a penalty after a handball by a Tranent player but could hardly be faulted as the ball used in the first ten minutes was rock-hard and the penalty spot seemed an awfully long way out.
We took the lead when Scott challenged a defender for a near-post corner and the ball bounced into the net. We were well worth our 1-0 lead after the first of three 20-minute periods with David in particular playing superbly in right defence.
The game was eight-a-side and the experiment of three at the back, with Jack pushing up to support Lloyd in central midfield, seemed to be working pretty well. Callum also put in a strong forst-half performance, pushing forward powerfully on the left.
We went 2-0 up in the second period when Brandon slipped a neat through ball to Lloyd and when his shot was saved, Brandon followed up to tuck in the rebound.
In the third period, Tranent created their best chances and Kieron Ross, guesting for us in goal, made some outstanding saves. We made the game safe when Lloyd skipped through to finish coolly after some great skill. Scott made it four from a tight angle and although we took our foot off the gas and Tranent made it 4-1 with a scrambled goal, Scott completed his hat-trick with another neat finish.
Blair, Cammy Brown, Callum and Seth all played a big part in wide midfield, but Brandon won man of the match for some neat link-up play and his goal.
Squad: Kieron, David, Jason, Jack, Lloyd, Cammy Brown, Callum, Seth, Blair, Scott, Brandon
Monday, February 23, 2009
Blue Stripes lose but good first game workout
MYS Blue Stripes 2 -v- 6 Windsor Pele
Despite losing, this was a good first game for the boys as they are unlikely to come up against tougher opposition in the coming season.
Apart from a spell at the beginning of the second half when we lost our concentration and lost 3 goals in quick succession the boys all dug in well although Ross did have to be on inspired form with several top class saves especially in the second half when we were against a strong wind. It was particularly pleasing for the coaches that all the players kept their heads up and continued to battle even after going 5-1 down.
We started the game well with the wind at our backs and should probably have been ahead before we lost a goal against the run of play with a bit of sloppy defending. Windsor managed to tuck a second away before Paul Clark pulled one back just before half time.
The second half saw us playing into an increasingly strong wind and, as expected, Windsor used this to their advantage pinning us back and shooting at every opportunity. As well as Ross, Reece also deserves a mention for a solid display in defence, arguably his best game since joining the side. As has often been the way we actually played better football against the wind, keeping the ball on the deck and getting in behind the opposition defence on several occasions. We could have scored in the second half at least once before Matthew made a good run to get on the end of a square pass from Paul and tuck the ball away.
All in all not a disaster despite the scoreline and if we continue to maintain that good team spirit and approach we will win far more games than we will lose in the coming period of fixtures.
Despite losing, this was a good first game for the boys as they are unlikely to come up against tougher opposition in the coming season.
Apart from a spell at the beginning of the second half when we lost our concentration and lost 3 goals in quick succession the boys all dug in well although Ross did have to be on inspired form with several top class saves especially in the second half when we were against a strong wind. It was particularly pleasing for the coaches that all the players kept their heads up and continued to battle even after going 5-1 down.
We started the game well with the wind at our backs and should probably have been ahead before we lost a goal against the run of play with a bit of sloppy defending. Windsor managed to tuck a second away before Paul Clark pulled one back just before half time.
The second half saw us playing into an increasingly strong wind and, as expected, Windsor used this to their advantage pinning us back and shooting at every opportunity. As well as Ross, Reece also deserves a mention for a solid display in defence, arguably his best game since joining the side. As has often been the way we actually played better football against the wind, keeping the ball on the deck and getting in behind the opposition defence on several occasions. We could have scored in the second half at least once before Matthew made a good run to get on the end of a square pass from Paul and tuck the ball away.
All in all not a disaster despite the scoreline and if we continue to maintain that good team spirit and approach we will win far more games than we will lose in the coming period of fixtures.
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
FERNIESIDE TOO STRONG
MYS BLACKS 3 FENIESIDE 6
In our three previous games with Fernieside, we had won one, lost one and drawn one, with the teams always evenly matched. Today, although the game was a bit closer than the score appears, our opponents out-played and out-fought us with some neat, skilful football combined with a tough-tackling approach all over the pitch.
Youngstars struggled to make an early impact and Connor and Jason found it hard going as the nippy Fernieside strikers made darting runs in behind the defence. They took the lead when one of them found space to slot past Cammy Brown and went 2-0 up after a scramble following a corner.
Youngstars then showed some steel as Seth made a great run down the left and cut the ball back for Scott to steer it home. We had lots of corners, swung in well by Lloyd, but couldn't get on the end of any of them. Fernieside could have been further ahead, but Cammy did well in goal and Jason in particular put in some great strong tackles.
We were 2-1 down at half-time and re-organised things at the break, putting three men at the back (it was an 8-a-side game) to try to deny space to the visiting strikers. This worked well for 15 minutes as Cammy Dunlop (and later David) pushed up if they were free to allow our midfield to close down Fernieside further up the pitch.
We dominated the early period of the second half and scored a great equaliser as Lloyd put through a brilliant ball for Jack, who took his time and picked his spot perfectly. Unfortunately, a loss of concentration allowed Fernieside back ahead before Scott ran through on the left and lifted a great shot over the keeper and inside the far post to make it 3-3.
Again, we were unable to hold on to the lead and an unlucky ricochet off a defender saw Fernieside go 4-3 up. Youngstars then had another great period and Seth, Scott and Jack all missed clear chances to draw us level. The boys fought really hard but conceded two late goals, as the ball squirmed unluckily past Callum, off the post and straight to a Fernieside player to tap in - and then Jason was very unfortunate to see an attempted clearance slice into his own goal.
We did some good things today, but this game showed us we have to be tougher all over the pitch. Too often, we allowed Fernieside to win possession when we should have had the ball - and as we keep saying to the boys, if they don't have the ball, they can't start playing the good football we all know they are capable of.
Squad: Cammy Brown, Connor, Jason, Callum, Lloyd, David, Seth, Scott, Jack, Cammy Dunlop
In our three previous games with Fernieside, we had won one, lost one and drawn one, with the teams always evenly matched. Today, although the game was a bit closer than the score appears, our opponents out-played and out-fought us with some neat, skilful football combined with a tough-tackling approach all over the pitch.
Youngstars struggled to make an early impact and Connor and Jason found it hard going as the nippy Fernieside strikers made darting runs in behind the defence. They took the lead when one of them found space to slot past Cammy Brown and went 2-0 up after a scramble following a corner.
Youngstars then showed some steel as Seth made a great run down the left and cut the ball back for Scott to steer it home. We had lots of corners, swung in well by Lloyd, but couldn't get on the end of any of them. Fernieside could have been further ahead, but Cammy did well in goal and Jason in particular put in some great strong tackles.
We were 2-1 down at half-time and re-organised things at the break, putting three men at the back (it was an 8-a-side game) to try to deny space to the visiting strikers. This worked well for 15 minutes as Cammy Dunlop (and later David) pushed up if they were free to allow our midfield to close down Fernieside further up the pitch.
We dominated the early period of the second half and scored a great equaliser as Lloyd put through a brilliant ball for Jack, who took his time and picked his spot perfectly. Unfortunately, a loss of concentration allowed Fernieside back ahead before Scott ran through on the left and lifted a great shot over the keeper and inside the far post to make it 3-3.
Again, we were unable to hold on to the lead and an unlucky ricochet off a defender saw Fernieside go 4-3 up. Youngstars then had another great period and Seth, Scott and Jack all missed clear chances to draw us level. The boys fought really hard but conceded two late goals, as the ball squirmed unluckily past Callum, off the post and straight to a Fernieside player to tap in - and then Jason was very unfortunate to see an attempted clearance slice into his own goal.
We did some good things today, but this game showed us we have to be tougher all over the pitch. Too often, we allowed Fernieside to win possession when we should have had the ball - and as we keep saying to the boys, if they don't have the ball, they can't start playing the good football we all know they are capable of.
Squad: Cammy Brown, Connor, Jason, Callum, Lloyd, David, Seth, Scott, Jack, Cammy Dunlop
Sunday, February 1, 2009
LAST-GASP EQUALISER FOILS MYS 31-01-2009
MYS BLACK STRIPES 1 ABERLADY 1
There is a history of incredibly tight, low-scoring games between the black stripes and Aberlady (including two goalless draws) and this game followed the same pattern.
The first half was a bit scrappy to begin with but Aberlady had generally the better of it until the period just before half-time. They went closest when Callum did well to save a fierce close-range shot, but Youngstars also had two good chances. Seth ran through but saw his low shot saved by Kieron Ross (who played for us last week!) and then Kieron saved well again from a great effort by Jack. Blair also had a good effort when he almost got on the end of a brilliant cross from Jack after a great team move.
By and large, Cammy Dunlop and Connor were in control at the back, and Youngstars also defended well in the second half - and created many more chances at the other end. Brandon ran clear and was unlucky to poke the ball just wide of the post and Scott also beat the defence but couldn't get much power into his shot. Kieron then made another great save, this time from Lloyd as he ran through on the left-hand side.
At the other end, Callum made another great finger-tip save before the deadlock was finally broken as Scott turned sharply to knock in a corner from Cammy Brown.
Aberlady could have equalised when Ben Stirling broke through but steered his shot against the post, then Youngstars almost went 2-0 up when Lloyd's long-distance lob dropped onto the top of the bar.
With both sides fighting for every ball, it looked like Youngstars would just squeeze home - but then Aberlady equalised with almost the last kick when the ball broke to one of their players from a corner and he hit it through a packed goalmouth into the corner.
A disappointing end - but a good result against a strong team, and a huge amount of effort put in again by everybody. Well done.
Squad: Callum, Connor, Cammy Dunlop, Jack, Lloyd, Cammy Brown, Scott, Seth, Blair, Brandon.
There is a history of incredibly tight, low-scoring games between the black stripes and Aberlady (including two goalless draws) and this game followed the same pattern.
The first half was a bit scrappy to begin with but Aberlady had generally the better of it until the period just before half-time. They went closest when Callum did well to save a fierce close-range shot, but Youngstars also had two good chances. Seth ran through but saw his low shot saved by Kieron Ross (who played for us last week!) and then Kieron saved well again from a great effort by Jack. Blair also had a good effort when he almost got on the end of a brilliant cross from Jack after a great team move.
By and large, Cammy Dunlop and Connor were in control at the back, and Youngstars also defended well in the second half - and created many more chances at the other end. Brandon ran clear and was unlucky to poke the ball just wide of the post and Scott also beat the defence but couldn't get much power into his shot. Kieron then made another great save, this time from Lloyd as he ran through on the left-hand side.
At the other end, Callum made another great finger-tip save before the deadlock was finally broken as Scott turned sharply to knock in a corner from Cammy Brown.
Aberlady could have equalised when Ben Stirling broke through but steered his shot against the post, then Youngstars almost went 2-0 up when Lloyd's long-distance lob dropped onto the top of the bar.
With both sides fighting for every ball, it looked like Youngstars would just squeeze home - but then Aberlady equalised with almost the last kick when the ball broke to one of their players from a corner and he hit it through a packed goalmouth into the corner.
A disappointing end - but a good result against a strong team, and a huge amount of effort put in again by everybody. Well done.
Squad: Callum, Connor, Cammy Dunlop, Jack, Lloyd, Cammy Brown, Scott, Seth, Blair, Brandon.
Sunday, January 25, 2009
WINDSOR THRILLER, 25-01-2009
WINDSOR PELE 4 MYS BLACKS 3
Youngstars were edged out in a hard-fought game, but did themselves huge credit by pushing a team doing well in the Pele league all the way.
We had a guest keeper in Kieron Ross who has played so well against us for Aberlady and Windsor Maradona in the past. He had a busy game and made some great saves - but the Windsor goalie also played his part in an end-to-end contest, making a great stop early in the game as Seth ran clear.
Youngstars played some nice football early on, but Windsor took the lead with a scrappy goal by Aaron O'Donnell (who plays for MYS blue stripes on Saturday) after a scramble in the box. They could have extended their lead, but we also went close when David smacked a great shot into the side netting. Scott also had a couple of chances and a corner from Lloyd skidded across the goal-line and away off the inside of the post.
Kieron made a couple of excellent saves but was beaten again soon before half-time - but Youngstars kept fighting and Jack went close just before the break when he couldn't quite squeeze in his shot from a tight angle.
Chances came thick and fast in the second-half, with Connor and Jason fighting hard under a lot of pressure at the back. But Youngstars got back into the game when Scott outpaced the defence and slid the ball home. We almost equalised when the Windsor keeper blocked a shot and Callum tried to force the ball home from almost on the goal-line - only for a defender to dive in and block it.
Windsor's right midfield player, the star man of the game, made it 3-1 with a brilliant individual goal, but we pulled it back again when Scott ran clear to score his second high into the net. It was tough going for the wide midfielders, but all of them - Blair, David, Callum, Jack and Seth at different times - battled hard to support Lloyd.
We fell 4-2 behind to another great goal as a Windsor player volleyed in a corner to give Kieron no chance - but came back straight away as Jack got a brilliant header on Lloyd's corner and followed up to score when a defender blocked it on the line.
Lloyd almost nipped in to intercept a backpass at the very end as Youngstars pressed to make it 4-4 - but the boys all deserve great credit for fighting all the way and playing some nice football too.
Squad: Kieron Ross, Connor, Jason, Jack, Lloyd, Callum, Seth, Scott, David, Blair.
Youngstars were edged out in a hard-fought game, but did themselves huge credit by pushing a team doing well in the Pele league all the way.
We had a guest keeper in Kieron Ross who has played so well against us for Aberlady and Windsor Maradona in the past. He had a busy game and made some great saves - but the Windsor goalie also played his part in an end-to-end contest, making a great stop early in the game as Seth ran clear.
Youngstars played some nice football early on, but Windsor took the lead with a scrappy goal by Aaron O'Donnell (who plays for MYS blue stripes on Saturday) after a scramble in the box. They could have extended their lead, but we also went close when David smacked a great shot into the side netting. Scott also had a couple of chances and a corner from Lloyd skidded across the goal-line and away off the inside of the post.
Kieron made a couple of excellent saves but was beaten again soon before half-time - but Youngstars kept fighting and Jack went close just before the break when he couldn't quite squeeze in his shot from a tight angle.
Chances came thick and fast in the second-half, with Connor and Jason fighting hard under a lot of pressure at the back. But Youngstars got back into the game when Scott outpaced the defence and slid the ball home. We almost equalised when the Windsor keeper blocked a shot and Callum tried to force the ball home from almost on the goal-line - only for a defender to dive in and block it.
Windsor's right midfield player, the star man of the game, made it 3-1 with a brilliant individual goal, but we pulled it back again when Scott ran clear to score his second high into the net. It was tough going for the wide midfielders, but all of them - Blair, David, Callum, Jack and Seth at different times - battled hard to support Lloyd.
We fell 4-2 behind to another great goal as a Windsor player volleyed in a corner to give Kieron no chance - but came back straight away as Jack got a brilliant header on Lloyd's corner and followed up to score when a defender blocked it on the line.
Lloyd almost nipped in to intercept a backpass at the very end as Youngstars pressed to make it 4-4 - but the boys all deserve great credit for fighting all the way and playing some nice football too.
Squad: Kieron Ross, Connor, Jason, Jack, Lloyd, Callum, Seth, Scott, David, Blair.
Sunday, January 18, 2009
YOUNGSTARS SQUEEZED OUT 18-01-2009
TRANENT COLTS 6 MYS BLACK STRIPES 4
Youngstars were beaten in their first game of the New Year despite twice being ahead on a cold day at Meadowmill.
We played a slightly different format of 3 x 20 minutes and eight-a-side on a larger-than-normal pitch. Youngstars dominated the first period, taking the lead after a crazy scramble in the Tranent box. We had four or five shots before Seth finally poked the ball home. Unfortunately, Tranent came straight back down the field for their first attack and equalised immediately.
Seth and Scott were finding plenty of space up front and we had plenty of chances to go back in front before we did so with a brilliant goal. Cammy Brown swung in a great corner and Seth jumped at the near post to direct a powerful header across the keeper nad into the far corner.
Again, we had chances to stretch the lead but paid for allowing the Tranent midfield too much space when a long-range shot squirmed in to make it 2-2.
We were made to pay even more in the second period, as Tranent swarmed the midfield and made it tough for Lloyd, Blair and co, putting through some great passes for their strikers and making life hard for Connor and Cammy Dunlop at the back. They scored three times as we left Callum (who made a couple of great saves) rather exposed in goal, though David and Scott also went close at the other end, and Brandon put in some neat touches up front.
The 5-2 score did not reflect the balance of the game but the boys knew they had to start matching Tranent physically to get back in the game. We did this as Scott had a shot well-saved, put another good chance wide and then the post after a great run.
We got right back into the match at 5-3 as Lloyd intercepted a weak clearance and slotted the ball beautifully into the corner - and then Jack ran onto a great ball from Jason, outpaced the defence and looped the ball over the keeper to make it 5-4.
Unfortunately, we couldn't find the equaliser in the last few minutes and Tranent broke out to make it 6-4. Overall, we played pretty well apart from the middle 20 minutes, but need to close down the opposition more quickly and match other teams by being as tough as them.
Cammy Brown won player of the week for some fabulous passing and crossing.
Squad: Callum, Connor, Jason, Cammy D, Jack, Lloyd, Cammy B, Blair, David, Scott, Seth, Brandon.
Youngstars were beaten in their first game of the New Year despite twice being ahead on a cold day at Meadowmill.
We played a slightly different format of 3 x 20 minutes and eight-a-side on a larger-than-normal pitch. Youngstars dominated the first period, taking the lead after a crazy scramble in the Tranent box. We had four or five shots before Seth finally poked the ball home. Unfortunately, Tranent came straight back down the field for their first attack and equalised immediately.
Seth and Scott were finding plenty of space up front and we had plenty of chances to go back in front before we did so with a brilliant goal. Cammy Brown swung in a great corner and Seth jumped at the near post to direct a powerful header across the keeper nad into the far corner.
Again, we had chances to stretch the lead but paid for allowing the Tranent midfield too much space when a long-range shot squirmed in to make it 2-2.
We were made to pay even more in the second period, as Tranent swarmed the midfield and made it tough for Lloyd, Blair and co, putting through some great passes for their strikers and making life hard for Connor and Cammy Dunlop at the back. They scored three times as we left Callum (who made a couple of great saves) rather exposed in goal, though David and Scott also went close at the other end, and Brandon put in some neat touches up front.
The 5-2 score did not reflect the balance of the game but the boys knew they had to start matching Tranent physically to get back in the game. We did this as Scott had a shot well-saved, put another good chance wide and then the post after a great run.
We got right back into the match at 5-3 as Lloyd intercepted a weak clearance and slotted the ball beautifully into the corner - and then Jack ran onto a great ball from Jason, outpaced the defence and looped the ball over the keeper to make it 5-4.
Unfortunately, we couldn't find the equaliser in the last few minutes and Tranent broke out to make it 6-4. Overall, we played pretty well apart from the middle 20 minutes, but need to close down the opposition more quickly and match other teams by being as tough as them.
Cammy Brown won player of the week for some fabulous passing and crossing.
Squad: Callum, Connor, Jason, Cammy D, Jack, Lloyd, Cammy B, Blair, David, Scott, Seth, Brandon.
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