Tranent Colts 6 - 6 MYS Black Stripes (14Nov09)
Still without the services of Mark and Morgan M, the Black Stripes enlisted the help of Jason Grossart from the Blue Stripes for today's match at Tranent. And he proved to be a very influential player in the middle of the pitch against a tough Tranent side.
Tranent started the strongest, forcing a couple of great saves from Innes... but the Youngstars opened the scoring when Jason won the ball in midfield and played it forward to Calum. With the keeper advancing quickly, Calum kept his cool and nudged the ball under the keeper's body and it rolled over the goal line. Tranent hit back though, and it took a goal line clearance from Sam to keep the ball out of the Youngstars' net after a well worked corner. However, the equaliser eventually came when a Tranent midfielder won the ball a few yards outside the penalty box, strode forward and hammered it into the back of the net.
It was Tranent's turn to take the lead next when a lofted effort in the second period was met by Innes' outstretched hand, but he could only manage a slight touch on it and the ball bounced into the goal. Lennon was unlucky not to equalise when his strike from outside the box hit the crossbar and bounced wide. Ross picked up the loose ball and fired a cracking shot at goal that forced a brilliant diving save from the Tranent keeper. From the resulting corner, Tranent cleared the ball up to the middle of the pitch where their striker was waiting... he charged forward and found himself one-on-one with Innes, but his shot was blocked by Innes' foot and went wide of goal. Later, a Tranent kick-out from defence was won by Ross on the right wing, and his driven cross found Calum in the box where he blasted the ball past the helpless keeper to equalise. Ross was playing well on the right wing, winning lots of tackles and playing some great passes. And it was his turn to score next when his low cross from the wing missed everyone in the box and the ball found its way right into the bottom corner. Josh and Lennon linked up well during this quarter, with each of them finding space for shots that went narrowly wide.
Early in the third quarter, Tranent were level again when their striker's shot rebounded off Innes and then back of the striker, before rolling into the net. Ross hit a powerful shot next, once more requiring a diving save from the keeper and the ball eventually fell to Jason, but his strike went narrowly over the bar. Some great footwork from a Tranent midfielder then left him some space in the box for a shot, and he lobbed the ball into the top corner to take the lead. As expected, the Youngstars hit back with Jason holding off some strong tackles down the wing and driving into the box close to the the by-line. Despite some pulls on his jersey, and tough-tackling, Jason simply shrugged his shoulders and waited until Calum found some space in the box before rolling the ball into his path. Calum took one swipe at the ball and completed his hat-trick, before he had to leave the field with an injury. Cameron took his place up-front and made an immediate impact after winning the ball and bombing down the right wing... his low cross went right across the goal line where Morgan was heading towards the back post - but he could only get a slight touch on the ball and it went just wide. Playing slightly up-hill in a heavy pitch gave us some problems, but Sam had a great game at the back with some really powerful clearances helping to keep the pressure off.
The Youngstars went ahead in the final quarter after a quick kick-in from Ross. Jason collected the pass and played a great through ball between two defenders, into Lennon's path. With the keeper advancing towards him, Lennon stretched out his leg and slid towards the ball, tucking it under the keeper's body and into the goal. Tranent scored a quick equaliser, though, when a strong shot skidded right under Innes' feet. Lennon put the Youngstars ahead again, after Jason had chipped the ball over the defence - Lennon controlled the pass well, then fired a brilliant strike that gave the keeper no chance. However, Tranent soon broke free in attack again and scored a late equaliser for the game to end in a draw.
This was a great close match for the spectators to enjoy, with action at both ends of the pitch. A draw was a fair result and both teams should be really proud of their performance today on a very muddy, difficult pitch after all the recent rain. Well done everyone!
Teamsheet: Innes, Sam, Cameron, Morgan F, Ross, Josh, Jason G, Lennon, Calum
Goal scorers: Calum (3), Ross, Lennon (2)
Saturday, November 14, 2009
Saturday, November 7, 2009
BACK TO WINNING WAYS!
MYS Black Stripes 7 - 5 North Berwick Colts (7Nov09)
With a couple of key players unavailable again today, Ben McEwen from the Blue Stripes squad stepped forward to help his fellow team mates this morning - and gave a fantastic performance, scoring a hat-trick for his efforts.
North Berwick opened the scoring when the ball was played neatly between the Youngstars' defenders, leaving their striker clean through on goal and he slotted it away cleanly. However, the Musselburgh boys equalised following a quick kick-in from Lennon on the left wing where he squeezed the ball past a crowd of players into Ben's path. Taking one touch to control the ball, Ben then curled the ball with his right foot into the far corner. The Youngstars soon took the lead from a corner that was cleared out to Cameron who lofted the ball back towards goal. Morgan collected it and fired a cross across the 6 yard box where it was deflected over the goal line by a North Berwick defender. North Berwick fought back well though and forced a couple of good saves from Innes - one in particular had to be palmed up high over the bar. Playing uphill slightly meant the kids were under a bit of pressure, but some typically strong tackling from Sam prevented any further North Berwick goals.
The Youngstars' lead was extended early in the second period after some strong tackling from Josh and Cameron allowed the ball to be passed forward towards the North Berwick penalty area. Calum met the pass, then slid the ball under the diving keeper for the team's third goal of the day. The visitors pulled one back after a good clearance set up their striker to calmly chip the ball past Innes as he rushed forward. Just before the end of the period, a thunderous shot by Ross hit the post and the ball then bounced to safety. Cameron played really strongly at the back today, but particularly in this second quarter, showing some good physical ability to shrug his opponents off the ball and make some excellent clearances.
North Berwick managed to equalise in the third period following a fantastic lob from wide on the right wing. And they almost scored another two had it not been for a couple of fantastic one-handed saves from Innes as he cleared the danger.
So, it was 3-3 going into the final quarter of the match and the Youngstars took the lead following some great passing between Morgan and Lennon. Morgan then found some space and drilled the ball low into the box where Ben was on hand to place the ball into the back of the net. Calum had replaced Innes in goals in this last period and made a couple of great saves of his own to keep North Berwick at bay. The Youngstars then went further ahead after some brilliant one touch passing between Ben, Lennon, and Josh left Lennon clear in the box and he simply passed the ball into the goals. A great fightback then followed as North Berwick scored two quick goals to equalise and the game looked to be heading towards a draw... but Morgan and Lennon then played some neat 1-2s, and Lennon again slotted the ball past the North Berwick keeper for his second goal of the game. And towards the end of the game, Ross cleared the ball from defence up to Morgan who played a great pass to Ben's feet at the edge of the box. Ben took one look up, then curved the ball with his left foot into the far corner to complete his hat-trick.
As usual, the players worked really hard for their team and continue to show improvement week on week. Congratulations to everyone for a great display of teamwork throughout the whole match.
Teamsheet: Innes, Sam, Cameron, Josh, Ross, Lennon, Ben, Morgan F, and Calum.
Goal scorers: Ben (3), own goal, Calum, and Lennon (2)
With a couple of key players unavailable again today, Ben McEwen from the Blue Stripes squad stepped forward to help his fellow team mates this morning - and gave a fantastic performance, scoring a hat-trick for his efforts.
North Berwick opened the scoring when the ball was played neatly between the Youngstars' defenders, leaving their striker clean through on goal and he slotted it away cleanly. However, the Musselburgh boys equalised following a quick kick-in from Lennon on the left wing where he squeezed the ball past a crowd of players into Ben's path. Taking one touch to control the ball, Ben then curled the ball with his right foot into the far corner. The Youngstars soon took the lead from a corner that was cleared out to Cameron who lofted the ball back towards goal. Morgan collected it and fired a cross across the 6 yard box where it was deflected over the goal line by a North Berwick defender. North Berwick fought back well though and forced a couple of good saves from Innes - one in particular had to be palmed up high over the bar. Playing uphill slightly meant the kids were under a bit of pressure, but some typically strong tackling from Sam prevented any further North Berwick goals.
The Youngstars' lead was extended early in the second period after some strong tackling from Josh and Cameron allowed the ball to be passed forward towards the North Berwick penalty area. Calum met the pass, then slid the ball under the diving keeper for the team's third goal of the day. The visitors pulled one back after a good clearance set up their striker to calmly chip the ball past Innes as he rushed forward. Just before the end of the period, a thunderous shot by Ross hit the post and the ball then bounced to safety. Cameron played really strongly at the back today, but particularly in this second quarter, showing some good physical ability to shrug his opponents off the ball and make some excellent clearances.
North Berwick managed to equalise in the third period following a fantastic lob from wide on the right wing. And they almost scored another two had it not been for a couple of fantastic one-handed saves from Innes as he cleared the danger.
So, it was 3-3 going into the final quarter of the match and the Youngstars took the lead following some great passing between Morgan and Lennon. Morgan then found some space and drilled the ball low into the box where Ben was on hand to place the ball into the back of the net. Calum had replaced Innes in goals in this last period and made a couple of great saves of his own to keep North Berwick at bay. The Youngstars then went further ahead after some brilliant one touch passing between Ben, Lennon, and Josh left Lennon clear in the box and he simply passed the ball into the goals. A great fightback then followed as North Berwick scored two quick goals to equalise and the game looked to be heading towards a draw... but Morgan and Lennon then played some neat 1-2s, and Lennon again slotted the ball past the North Berwick keeper for his second goal of the game. And towards the end of the game, Ross cleared the ball from defence up to Morgan who played a great pass to Ben's feet at the edge of the box. Ben took one look up, then curved the ball with his left foot into the far corner to complete his hat-trick.
As usual, the players worked really hard for their team and continue to show improvement week on week. Congratulations to everyone for a great display of teamwork throughout the whole match.
Teamsheet: Innes, Sam, Cameron, Josh, Ross, Lennon, Ben, Morgan F, and Calum.
Goal scorers: Ben (3), own goal, Calum, and Lennon (2)
Sunday, November 1, 2009
PENCAITLAND POWER PAST YOUNGSTARS
MYS Black Stripes 4 - 9 Pencaitland
With a couple of key players missing today, the Youngstars were always going to struggle against a strong Pencaitland side who have merged both of their squads together. Still, the kids played some good football in spells and managed to score some goals in the process.
The Youngstars started the stronger side with an effort from Lennon going narrowly wide and then Ross forced a cracking save from the Pencaitland keeper. However, Pencaitland got a lucky break when a Youngstars' clearance bounced back off the face of a Pencaitland midfielder and the ball fell right into the path of their striker who slotted it past Calum in goals. However, the scores were level again after a neat short corner where Josh played a 1-2 with Lennon then squeezed the ball past the keeper's near post. Pencaitland soon regained the lead, though, with a great little passing move between three or four players from a quick kick-in. Towards the end of the period, Innes almost scored a fantastic equaliser when his shot from the half-way line had to be tipped over the bar by the Pencaitland keeper.
In the second quarter, an equaliser eventually came from Ross after some great play on the wing by Morgan was followed by a great pass for Ross to run onto. His first touch took him past the last defender, leaving him free to blast the ball past the helpless keeper. It was all about Pencaitland after that, though - they scored three goals in a row, and it would have been more had it not been for some brilliant defending by Cameron.
Pencaitland scored another two goals in the third period, and again some great heading and tackling from Cameron prevented further damage. Lennon also played very well here, with lots of good tracking back and tackling to keep Pencaitland at bay. The Youngstars almost got a goal back when a strike from Calum hit the post, and then Morgan hit the rebound narrowly wide of goal. Despite being under constant pressure for most of the game, Sam showed his usual confidence in winning many tackles and making some great passes up to his midfielders. But the Pencaitland defence were simply too powerful during this period and were very difficult to breakdown.
The final period was more evenly contested and, although Pencaitland scored two early goals, the Youngstars played very well. Josh set up a good goal for Calum to score, and then hit the post with a strike of his own. Minutes later, a high bouncing ball in the box was met sweetly by Morgan as he hammered it into the back of the net.
So, things turned out as expected with Pencaitland proving too strong on the day, but the crowd were treated to some great spells of play from the Youngstars.
Teamsheet: Innes, Sam, Cameron, Josh, Ross, Morgan, Lennon, Calum
Goal scorers: Josh, Ross, Calum and Morgan
With a couple of key players missing today, the Youngstars were always going to struggle against a strong Pencaitland side who have merged both of their squads together. Still, the kids played some good football in spells and managed to score some goals in the process.
The Youngstars started the stronger side with an effort from Lennon going narrowly wide and then Ross forced a cracking save from the Pencaitland keeper. However, Pencaitland got a lucky break when a Youngstars' clearance bounced back off the face of a Pencaitland midfielder and the ball fell right into the path of their striker who slotted it past Calum in goals. However, the scores were level again after a neat short corner where Josh played a 1-2 with Lennon then squeezed the ball past the keeper's near post. Pencaitland soon regained the lead, though, with a great little passing move between three or four players from a quick kick-in. Towards the end of the period, Innes almost scored a fantastic equaliser when his shot from the half-way line had to be tipped over the bar by the Pencaitland keeper.
In the second quarter, an equaliser eventually came from Ross after some great play on the wing by Morgan was followed by a great pass for Ross to run onto. His first touch took him past the last defender, leaving him free to blast the ball past the helpless keeper. It was all about Pencaitland after that, though - they scored three goals in a row, and it would have been more had it not been for some brilliant defending by Cameron.
Pencaitland scored another two goals in the third period, and again some great heading and tackling from Cameron prevented further damage. Lennon also played very well here, with lots of good tracking back and tackling to keep Pencaitland at bay. The Youngstars almost got a goal back when a strike from Calum hit the post, and then Morgan hit the rebound narrowly wide of goal. Despite being under constant pressure for most of the game, Sam showed his usual confidence in winning many tackles and making some great passes up to his midfielders. But the Pencaitland defence were simply too powerful during this period and were very difficult to breakdown.
The final period was more evenly contested and, although Pencaitland scored two early goals, the Youngstars played very well. Josh set up a good goal for Calum to score, and then hit the post with a strike of his own. Minutes later, a high bouncing ball in the box was met sweetly by Morgan as he hammered it into the back of the net.
So, things turned out as expected with Pencaitland proving too strong on the day, but the crowd were treated to some great spells of play from the Youngstars.
Teamsheet: Innes, Sam, Cameron, Josh, Ross, Morgan, Lennon, Calum
Goal scorers: Josh, Ross, Calum and Morgan
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