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.