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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)