BEECHWOOD PROVIDE TOUGH TEST

MYS Black Stripes 5 - 3 Beechwood (8Jun09)

and

MYS Black Stripes 3 - 6 Beechwood (8Jun09)

As we approached the end of the season, we were keen to squeeze in an additional match against different competition. Beechwood, who play in the Edinburgh league, were able to bring two squads along to allow both of our teams to take part in a match this Monday evening. We agreed to play 2 x 15 minutes against one team, then swap over and play a separate 30 minute spell against the other team.

The Black Stripes got off to a bad start as Beechwood fired themselves into a 3-0 lead (with their third goal being a superb effort into the top corner from a shot from well outside the box). However, as usual, the Youngstars didn't let their heads go down and Lewis quickly pulled a goal back after a great cross from Morgan on the right hand side. Soon after that, Lewis scored again - Jason played a brilliant corner kick right into the 6 yard area straight onto Lewis' head and he guided it past the helpless keeper. Beechwood kept pushing forward though, and it was only a fingertip save by Innes that prevented another goal as he tipped the ball over the crossbar from a neat chip by their striker.

In the second period, the Youngstars scored a deserved equaliser as Lewis' corner was parried by the Beechwood keeper, but Calum was alert and pounced to bundle the ball over the goal line. By this stage, the Youngstars were well on top and were kept at bay by a superb performance by the visitor's keeper who was having a fantastic game with save after save. He could do nothing to prevent the Youngstars' fourth goal though, as Jason scored the goal of the evening. Winning the ball in his own half, the ball seemed stuck to his feet as he dribbled round numerous opponents before looking up and, from just outside the box, placed the ball sweetly into the top corner of the net. Despite the size difference, Sam had a great game at the back and was called upon to clear the ball many times as the taller/stronger strikers were driving towards him. At the other end of the pitch, Calum was playing very well up front, and on many occasions he cleverly came to meet the ball and swept it out wide with his first touch. One of these particular passes fell into Harvey's pass and he was unlucky not to score as his effort clipped the crossbar. Then, following some neat play between Lewis and Harvey on the right wing, Calum received a pass on the by-line a few yards from goal and managed to squeeze his shot into the net from a very tight angle to win the game 5-3.

The second Beechwood side then joined us for a match, and it was clear from the start that they were a bigger and stronger team. An early shot was saved by Innes' knees, but it fell to a Beechwood striker and he planted the ball firmly into the back of the net. They almost scored a second straight from our kick-off, but Innes made a great save when one-on-one with the advancing striker. Then, the Youngstars scored a brilliant equaliser after Harvey won the ball in his own penalty box and played it out to Ross on the right wing. Ross charged forward and passed the ball between two defenders into Jason's path. After controlling the ball with his first touch, Jason blasted the ball over the keeper's head for his second goal of the night. Then, just before the half-time whistle blew, Beechwood regained the lead when their striker scored with a powerful header following a beautifully struck corner kick.

At the start of the second half, the Youngstars got a lucky break as Beechwood scored a bizarre own goal following their kick-in from the sideline. Their keeper didn't seem to expect the pass and it rolled beyond him into the goals. From the kick-off, however, they went back in front with a strong shot that gave Calum (who had replaced Inned in goals) no chance. The Youngstars then showed their great spirit again as Josh won the ball in defence and played it to Jason in the middle of the pitch. He turned and passed the ball to Harvey, who calmly chipped the ball over the advancing keeper for the equaliser. In the final few minutes, Beechwood seemed to get stronger (as the Youngstars began to tire a little) and they managed to score three quick goals to win the game before the final whistle blew.

Tonight was a great test for the kids, playing against a stronger team from a different league - they all coped very well, and can once again be proud of their efforts.

Teamsheet: Innes, Sam, Ross, Morgan, Josh, Harvey, Lewis, Jason, Calum

Goal scorers: Lewis (2), Calum (2), Jason (2), Harvey, and one own goal.