MYS Black Stripes 4-5 Tranent Colts (10May08)The conditions were great for today's match, with no wind or rain for the kids to deal with. Tranent fielded a strong team, with a numer of tall and powerful players - but this proved to be a good stretch for the Youngstars. Mark and Innes played well again in defence, keeping the Tranet strikers at bay, and Lennon showed some excellent skills and tricks out on the right wing throughout the match. The opening goal came from a superb shot from Josh, which the keeper spilled and (as usual) Calum was alert enough to pounce on the ball and hammer it into the net.
Brandon Cullen joined the team for today's game, and started up-front in the second period. He had an excellent game and was unlucky not to score on a few occassions. On today's display, it's a shame that he's unable to remain with the squad due to other commitments. But, if his circumstances change, he'll certainly be welcomed back into the team. Tranent scored an equaliser early on in this period, but the Youngstars kept their heads up and fought back with a few good attacks. A great shot from Harvey was saved by the keeper and deflected out to Brandon. From a very tight angle, he managed to squeeze the ball under the keeper but it bounced off the back post and went wide. Tranent then broke through the Youngstars defence and forced an excellent save from Kyle. However, they managed to take the lead when a low shot slid under Kyle's diving hands, and fell to a Tranent striker who was able to tap the ball into the empty goals. Again, though, the Youngstars hit back when Brandon won the ball on the half-way line, skipped past his marker and charged towards goal. He hit a smashing shot past the keeper and hit the post, but the ball bounced back off the shin of a Tranent defender and into the net. The Youngstars restored their lead soon afterwards when Lennon's corner found Harvey in the box. Harvey's shot was saved by the keeper but the ball fell back at his feet and his second shot was deflected to Sam who kept his cool and passed it into the goal past the diving keeper.
In the third period, Tranent proved to be too strong with their bigger players finding it very easy to shove the Youngstars off the ball. A couple of Tranent goals put them in the lead going into the last 15 minutes of the match.
The Youngstars scored a good equaliser, again when Brandon won the ball in the midfield. He played a great through pass to Calum who, one on one with the keeper, slotted the ball into the bottom corner. Brandon was further involved when a couple of great shots were saved by the Tranent keeper. Morgan had a few great clearances from defence and was brave to win a fantastic header to keep Tranent out. It looked like the game would end in a draw, but a smashing pass from a Tranent midfileder went straight through the Youngstars' defence and a Tranent striker was in a great position to slot the ball past Kyle.
All in all, it was a great game today. Some fantastic passing throughout the game (particularly between Calum, Lennon, and Brandon) and a good test against bigger and stronger players.
Teamsheet: Kyle, Mark, Innes, Morgan, Josh, Sam, Harvey, Lennon, Calum, Brandon
Goal scorers: Calum (2), Sam, Own Goal
