Dunbar Colts White 5 - 10 MYS Black Stripes (4Oct08)
Winter is definitely upon us. The weather was terrible for today's match with driving rain and a freezing cold wind - all the kids deserve great credit for putting on such a strong display. Jason opened the scoring after dribbling round a few defenders and slotting the ball past the diving keeper. A few minutes later the Youngstars went two up after Josh headed a crossed ball towards goal and Harvey nicked in to glance a header over the keeper. Dunbar did well to fight back though and manged to score two goals before the end of the first period.
Lewis scored a great goal at the start of the second period, and demonstrated a cool head as he passed the ball into the top corner (following a superb pass from Calum). However, Dunbar stepped up a gear and scored a quick equaliser, and then swiftly took the lead. Morgan had yet another strong match in midfield and seems to be relishing the opportunity to play further up the pitch. As usual, Calum ran the opposition defence ragged, and was unlucky not to score with a shot that went narrowly over the crossbar.
Sam and Mark also had an excellent game today, and are starting to form a fantastic partnership in defence. Sam won his usual fair share of tackles, and Mark's positioning helped him steal the ball from the Dunbar forwards and make some brilliant passes up the left wing. In goals, Innes showed his increased confidence by bravely diving low to smother the ball on a number of occasions. The Youngstars kept Dunbar at bay in the third period, and scored four goals at the other end (one from Lewis, two from Harvey, then another by Jason) to make the score 4-7.
Harvey scored his fourth of the game early in the final period, but Dunbar quickly scored another. Then a good shot from Lewis was blocked by the keeper and the ball fell kindly for Josh who stroked it into the empty net. Jason rounded off the scoring with his hat-trick after some skillful ball control, ending a great match for the Youngstars. The kids were freezing and soaking at the end, but they can take great pride from their performance in such treacherous conditions.
Teamsheet: Innes, Mark, Sam, Morgan, Josh, Harvey, Lewis, Jason, Calum.
Goal scorers: Jason (3), Harvey (4), Lewis (2), Josh.
Saturday, October 4, 2008
Saturday, September 20, 2008
YOUNGSTARS ON FORM AGAIN
MYS Black Stripes 5 - 1 Pencaitland Yellow (20Sep08)
Pencaitland brought a depleted squad to Wallyford today, following a couple of late call offs - but they proved to be strong opponents with a number of great tacklers throughout their team. The visitors put the Youngstars under pressure right from the start, and Innes (playing in goal for the whole match) was forced into a couple of saves early on. However, the Youngstars opened the scoring following some great footwork from Jason out on the left wing. He then cut a great pass in to Lewis who had his shot saved by the diving keeper. The ball then broke kindly to Harvey who hammered it into the back of the net.
Pencaitland equalised early in the second period, when Innes was unable to hold onto a strong shot from their striker. This gave Pencaitland a boost and they kept the ball in the Youngstars half for most of the quarter. Innes kept them out with a couple of excellent diving saves, improving his confidence as a replacement goalkeeper now that Kyle has left the squad. The Youngstars restored their lead following some clever play by Lewis, who had won the ball from a Pencaitland kick-out. He dribbled out towards the left wing, then cut onto his right foot and fired the ball into the top corner.
Sam was used in defence again today, and (as in the previous game) stood out with a brilliant performance. His tackling was strong, his passing was accurate, and his willingness to track back was really needed by the team. Indeed, he was involved in the team's third goal when he won a great tackle in his own half and passed the ball to Lewis, who then drilled it into the penalty box. Calum ran onto it and made a nice first-touch pass to Jason, who skipped round the defender and blasted the ball past the diving keeper. Pencaitland lost their confidence at this point and the Youngstars pounced quickly with another two goals. Lewis had the ball on the half way line, then dribbled past three Pencaitland players before calmly slotting it into the bottom corner of the goals. Then Jason found space with the ball down by the corner flag on the left wing and crossed it towards Calum who knocked it into the net with a nice first-touch strike.
In the final quarter, some fantastic defending by Mark kept Pencaitland at bay and his passing set up many attacks for the Youngstars. In particular, Josh had an excellent game out on the right hand side, showing some great dribbling skills and firing in lots of accurate crosses. Morgan, on the left hand side, once again showed his usual determination to get up and down the pitch and is proving to be a very useful midfielder. No goals in the final period, but some great passing football was on display and the team walked away with a victory - but more importantly, another great team performance.
Teamsheet: Innes, Mark, Sam, Josh, Harvey, Lewis, Morgan, Jason, Calum
Scorers: Harvey, Lewis (2), Jason, Calum
Pencaitland brought a depleted squad to Wallyford today, following a couple of late call offs - but they proved to be strong opponents with a number of great tacklers throughout their team. The visitors put the Youngstars under pressure right from the start, and Innes (playing in goal for the whole match) was forced into a couple of saves early on. However, the Youngstars opened the scoring following some great footwork from Jason out on the left wing. He then cut a great pass in to Lewis who had his shot saved by the diving keeper. The ball then broke kindly to Harvey who hammered it into the back of the net.
Pencaitland equalised early in the second period, when Innes was unable to hold onto a strong shot from their striker. This gave Pencaitland a boost and they kept the ball in the Youngstars half for most of the quarter. Innes kept them out with a couple of excellent diving saves, improving his confidence as a replacement goalkeeper now that Kyle has left the squad. The Youngstars restored their lead following some clever play by Lewis, who had won the ball from a Pencaitland kick-out. He dribbled out towards the left wing, then cut onto his right foot and fired the ball into the top corner.
Sam was used in defence again today, and (as in the previous game) stood out with a brilliant performance. His tackling was strong, his passing was accurate, and his willingness to track back was really needed by the team. Indeed, he was involved in the team's third goal when he won a great tackle in his own half and passed the ball to Lewis, who then drilled it into the penalty box. Calum ran onto it and made a nice first-touch pass to Jason, who skipped round the defender and blasted the ball past the diving keeper. Pencaitland lost their confidence at this point and the Youngstars pounced quickly with another two goals. Lewis had the ball on the half way line, then dribbled past three Pencaitland players before calmly slotting it into the bottom corner of the goals. Then Jason found space with the ball down by the corner flag on the left wing and crossed it towards Calum who knocked it into the net with a nice first-touch strike.
In the final quarter, some fantastic defending by Mark kept Pencaitland at bay and his passing set up many attacks for the Youngstars. In particular, Josh had an excellent game out on the right hand side, showing some great dribbling skills and firing in lots of accurate crosses. Morgan, on the left hand side, once again showed his usual determination to get up and down the pitch and is proving to be a very useful midfielder. No goals in the final period, but some great passing football was on display and the team walked away with a victory - but more importantly, another great team performance.
Teamsheet: Innes, Mark, Sam, Josh, Harvey, Lewis, Morgan, Jason, Calum
Scorers: Harvey, Lewis (2), Jason, Calum
Sunday, September 7, 2008
HAT-TRICK HARVEY!
MYS Black Stripes 7 - 1 Longniddry Villa (6Sep08)
A freezing cold morning for today's match, but the Youngstars got the home crowd warmed up right from the start with an early goal from Jason. Josh won the ball deep in his own half and launched the ball forward, against the wind, over the Longniddry defence. Jason had burst through from midfield, collected the ball, and then calmly stroked it past the advancing keeper. With Kyle unavailable today, Innes played in goals for the first 45 minutes and made a number of good saves - one in particular where he had to stretch high into the left hand corner of the goals to save a great Longniddry effort. However, Longniddry managed to score an equaliser after a high ball into the box forced another great save from Innes, but the ball was deflected out to an unmarked striker who slotted the ball into the net.
Playing with the wind in the second 15 minutes was much easier, and Josh hammered a cracking shot into the goals from well outside the box to put the Youngstars back in front. Jason then hit a shot that cannoned off the cross-bar, and Calum did the same with the rebound... the ball fell straight into the hands of a Longniddry defender who was as surprised as anyone to find himself clutching the ball in the penalty area. Sam was given the opportunity to score from the resulting penalty. His shot was saved by the keeper, but he was quick enough to get onto the rebound and smash the ball into the back of the net. This was undoubtedly Sam's best ever game for the team and, following the confidence boost from his goal, he was all over the pitch with strong tackles, excellent dribbling and great passing.
With the wind against us in the third quarter, we needed Mark's excellent defending ability to keep Longniddry at bay. We were also grateful for the strength of his passing as he made numerous clearances right up the pitch. He also managed to get forward and had a great effort at goal go narrowly wide. Jason and Harvey both hit the cross-bar as Longniddry were put under real pressure. The fourth goal eventually came though, after a scrap in the box and Calum was, typically, on hand to poke the ball into the net. Then a superb corner from Mark was met on the volley by Harvey in the middle of the box, and the ball flew right over the keeper into the goals.
Morgan had yet another strong game in midfield during the final quarter, and a fine pass found Harvey who blasted the ball through the keeper's legs. Morgan was also involved in the game's final goal as he won the ball and passed to Sam, who turned his defender and passed to Innes. Innes looked up and slotted the ball into Harvey's path, who wasted no time in striking it past the keeper to complete his hat-trick. This rounded up another brilliant match for the boys, and it's great to see their confidence improve even further.
Teamsheet: Innes, Mark, Morgan, Sam, Josh, Harvey, Jason, Calum
Goal scorers: Jason, Josh, Sam, Calum, Harvey (3)
A freezing cold morning for today's match, but the Youngstars got the home crowd warmed up right from the start with an early goal from Jason. Josh won the ball deep in his own half and launched the ball forward, against the wind, over the Longniddry defence. Jason had burst through from midfield, collected the ball, and then calmly stroked it past the advancing keeper. With Kyle unavailable today, Innes played in goals for the first 45 minutes and made a number of good saves - one in particular where he had to stretch high into the left hand corner of the goals to save a great Longniddry effort. However, Longniddry managed to score an equaliser after a high ball into the box forced another great save from Innes, but the ball was deflected out to an unmarked striker who slotted the ball into the net.
Playing with the wind in the second 15 minutes was much easier, and Josh hammered a cracking shot into the goals from well outside the box to put the Youngstars back in front. Jason then hit a shot that cannoned off the cross-bar, and Calum did the same with the rebound... the ball fell straight into the hands of a Longniddry defender who was as surprised as anyone to find himself clutching the ball in the penalty area. Sam was given the opportunity to score from the resulting penalty. His shot was saved by the keeper, but he was quick enough to get onto the rebound and smash the ball into the back of the net. This was undoubtedly Sam's best ever game for the team and, following the confidence boost from his goal, he was all over the pitch with strong tackles, excellent dribbling and great passing.
With the wind against us in the third quarter, we needed Mark's excellent defending ability to keep Longniddry at bay. We were also grateful for the strength of his passing as he made numerous clearances right up the pitch. He also managed to get forward and had a great effort at goal go narrowly wide. Jason and Harvey both hit the cross-bar as Longniddry were put under real pressure. The fourth goal eventually came though, after a scrap in the box and Calum was, typically, on hand to poke the ball into the net. Then a superb corner from Mark was met on the volley by Harvey in the middle of the box, and the ball flew right over the keeper into the goals.
Morgan had yet another strong game in midfield during the final quarter, and a fine pass found Harvey who blasted the ball through the keeper's legs. Morgan was also involved in the game's final goal as he won the ball and passed to Sam, who turned his defender and passed to Innes. Innes looked up and slotted the ball into Harvey's path, who wasted no time in striking it past the keeper to complete his hat-trick. This rounded up another brilliant match for the boys, and it's great to see their confidence improve even further.
Teamsheet: Innes, Mark, Morgan, Sam, Josh, Harvey, Jason, Calum
Goal scorers: Jason, Josh, Sam, Calum, Harvey (3)
Saturday, August 30, 2008
STRONG START AFTER SUMMER BREAK
MYS Black Stripes 12 - 3 Haddington Athletic Clarets (30Aug08)
After last week's game being called off due to poor weather, it was great to eventually re-start the season today. The Youngstars got off to a flyer in the first 15 minutes, with some great play from Lewis and Jason. Some typically strong defending from Mark in his own box allowed the ball to break to Lewis, who looked up and fired the ball over the half-way line to Jason. One-on-one with the keeper, Jason cleverly chipped the ball over his head and into the net for the game's first goal. Soon afterwards, Lewis won the ball just outside the Haddington box and hammered it towards goal. The keeper managed to get a hand to it, but could only deflect it into the goals. With Kyle absent through injury, Innes took his place in goals for the first quarter and made a couple of excellent saves, diving down low to smother the ball. Lewis then scored his second after a throw-out from the Haddington keeper found it's way into his path. He strode forward and tucked the ball under the keeper's body to make it 3-0.
Haddingston played better in the second quarter and gave the Youngstars a real test. Harvey had a shot in goals and managed to get in front of a powerful shot, but it deflected behind him and into the net. Morgan played brilliantly on the right wing during this period, with numerous tackles, mazy runs and attempts at goal (and he was really unlucky not to score from a particular effort that went narrowly past the post).
Early in the third quarter, Josh hit a fantastic corner that looped over the keeper and went straight into the net. Moments later, he lofted in another fantastic corner which Lewis got on the end of and headered just wide. The Youngstars piled on the pressure and a great cross from Lewis was met by Jason in the six yard box and he fired the ball through the keeper's legs for his second goal of the match. Jason then set up the team's sixth goal as he crossed from the right wing and Lewis headered the ball past the advancing keeper. Seconds later, Jason again crossed the ball into the box where Lewis was waiting to strike and he scored his fourth. He then got a fifth after winning the ball outside the Haddington box and calmly stroking it into the bottom corner of the net. Haddington pulled one back, though, with some great dribbling from their striker followed by a cracking shot between two Youngstars defenders. However, Jason then completed his hat-trick after a nice short corner routine with Josh.
Sam played well in the final quarter with some fantastic tackles in the midfield. Lewis played in goals for this period and was called upon to make a number of brilliant saves. His powerful kick-outs also helped set up good attacking moves, one of which resulted in a goal for Harvey. Jason picked up Lewis' kick-out on the right wing, then chipped the ball over towards Harvey who had broken forward from his central midfield position. Harvey finished the move with ease as he blasted the ball into the goals. He then scored his second after some great passing play between Jason and Calum. Haddington scored their third a few moments later, but the Youngstars finished the scoring after Jason's shot came off the cross-bar and fell kindly for Calum who knocked the ball into the net with the last kick of the match. All in all, a great start to the second half of the season.
Teamsheet: Innes, Mark, Morgan, Josh, Sam, Harvey, Lewis, Jason, Calum
Goal scorers: Jason (3), Lewis (5), Josh, Harvey (2), Calum
After last week's game being called off due to poor weather, it was great to eventually re-start the season today. The Youngstars got off to a flyer in the first 15 minutes, with some great play from Lewis and Jason. Some typically strong defending from Mark in his own box allowed the ball to break to Lewis, who looked up and fired the ball over the half-way line to Jason. One-on-one with the keeper, Jason cleverly chipped the ball over his head and into the net for the game's first goal. Soon afterwards, Lewis won the ball just outside the Haddington box and hammered it towards goal. The keeper managed to get a hand to it, but could only deflect it into the goals. With Kyle absent through injury, Innes took his place in goals for the first quarter and made a couple of excellent saves, diving down low to smother the ball. Lewis then scored his second after a throw-out from the Haddington keeper found it's way into his path. He strode forward and tucked the ball under the keeper's body to make it 3-0.
Haddingston played better in the second quarter and gave the Youngstars a real test. Harvey had a shot in goals and managed to get in front of a powerful shot, but it deflected behind him and into the net. Morgan played brilliantly on the right wing during this period, with numerous tackles, mazy runs and attempts at goal (and he was really unlucky not to score from a particular effort that went narrowly past the post).
Early in the third quarter, Josh hit a fantastic corner that looped over the keeper and went straight into the net. Moments later, he lofted in another fantastic corner which Lewis got on the end of and headered just wide. The Youngstars piled on the pressure and a great cross from Lewis was met by Jason in the six yard box and he fired the ball through the keeper's legs for his second goal of the match. Jason then set up the team's sixth goal as he crossed from the right wing and Lewis headered the ball past the advancing keeper. Seconds later, Jason again crossed the ball into the box where Lewis was waiting to strike and he scored his fourth. He then got a fifth after winning the ball outside the Haddington box and calmly stroking it into the bottom corner of the net. Haddington pulled one back, though, with some great dribbling from their striker followed by a cracking shot between two Youngstars defenders. However, Jason then completed his hat-trick after a nice short corner routine with Josh.
Sam played well in the final quarter with some fantastic tackles in the midfield. Lewis played in goals for this period and was called upon to make a number of brilliant saves. His powerful kick-outs also helped set up good attacking moves, one of which resulted in a goal for Harvey. Jason picked up Lewis' kick-out on the right wing, then chipped the ball over towards Harvey who had broken forward from his central midfield position. Harvey finished the move with ease as he blasted the ball into the goals. He then scored his second after some great passing play between Jason and Calum. Haddington scored their third a few moments later, but the Youngstars finished the scoring after Jason's shot came off the cross-bar and fell kindly for Calum who knocked the ball into the net with the last kick of the match. All in all, a great start to the second half of the season.
Teamsheet: Innes, Mark, Morgan, Josh, Sam, Harvey, Lewis, Jason, Calum
Goal scorers: Jason (3), Lewis (5), Josh, Harvey (2), Calum
Saturday, June 7, 2008
PENCAITLAND TOO HOT TO HANDLE
MYS Black Stripes 1 - 11 Pencaitland Blue (7Jun08)
This was, by far, the hottest day we've played in - and Pencaitland were simply too hot for the Youngstars to deal with. Things started promisingly with a great goal from Josh. Having won the ball in the middle of the park, he played it out wide to Calum who manged to hold off his defender and lay it back. Josh quickly got it under control just outside the box and lobbed it over the keeper into the top corner. Pencaitland turned up the heat, however, and pulled one back quickly. Their star striker skipped straight through the Youngstars' defence and fired a cracking shot at goal. Kyle managed to get a hand to it, but it deflected into the net. Seconds later, Pencaitland almost scored another in exactly the same way - but this time Kyle managed to block the shot with a great save.
After that, it was all one-way traffic with Pencaitland making chance after chance. The Pencaitland striker was simply too strong, and he scored numerous others himself and set up many for his team mates.
Taking the positives out of the game, all the kids showed some elements of development. Kyle had made a few good saves before having to come off feeling ill, but Calum proved to be a more than capable replacement making some outstanding saves of his own. Mark did his usual solid defending, and was particularly good at holding off the attackers whilst waiting for support from his midfielders. Innes did well tracking back when we lost the ball and made a few brave blocks. Morgan was strong with his tackles and had a number of powerful clearances to relieve the pressure. Sam showed great determination to win the ball and look for team mates to pass to, whilst Harvey displayed his usual energy up and down the park. Josh continued to prove that he his is an exceptional midfielder, winning tackles and making great passes forward. And Lennon once again showed great ball control and tricks out on the wing.
So, despite the defeat, there was some good football on display from the Youngstars and we can look to improve on this further during training and into the next game.
Teamsheet: Kyle, Mark, Innes, Morgan, Sam, Harvey, Josh, Lennon, Calum.
Goal scorer: Josh
This was, by far, the hottest day we've played in - and Pencaitland were simply too hot for the Youngstars to deal with. Things started promisingly with a great goal from Josh. Having won the ball in the middle of the park, he played it out wide to Calum who manged to hold off his defender and lay it back. Josh quickly got it under control just outside the box and lobbed it over the keeper into the top corner. Pencaitland turned up the heat, however, and pulled one back quickly. Their star striker skipped straight through the Youngstars' defence and fired a cracking shot at goal. Kyle managed to get a hand to it, but it deflected into the net. Seconds later, Pencaitland almost scored another in exactly the same way - but this time Kyle managed to block the shot with a great save.
After that, it was all one-way traffic with Pencaitland making chance after chance. The Pencaitland striker was simply too strong, and he scored numerous others himself and set up many for his team mates.
Taking the positives out of the game, all the kids showed some elements of development. Kyle had made a few good saves before having to come off feeling ill, but Calum proved to be a more than capable replacement making some outstanding saves of his own. Mark did his usual solid defending, and was particularly good at holding off the attackers whilst waiting for support from his midfielders. Innes did well tracking back when we lost the ball and made a few brave blocks. Morgan was strong with his tackles and had a number of powerful clearances to relieve the pressure. Sam showed great determination to win the ball and look for team mates to pass to, whilst Harvey displayed his usual energy up and down the park. Josh continued to prove that he his is an exceptional midfielder, winning tackles and making great passes forward. And Lennon once again showed great ball control and tricks out on the wing.
So, despite the defeat, there was some good football on display from the Youngstars and we can look to improve on this further during training and into the next game.
Teamsheet: Kyle, Mark, Innes, Morgan, Sam, Harvey, Josh, Lennon, Calum.
Goal scorer: Josh
Sunday, May 18, 2008
LONGNIDDRY TOURNAMENT RESULTS
Longniddry Villa - Summer Tournament (17May08)
The kids played some great football today, with some help from a few members of the Blue Stripes squad (who had kindly agreed to cover for some absentees). The team won their group, but were beaten in the final against a typically strong North Berwick side. However, the boys can take heart from the way the played throughout the tournament, with some excellent passing and skills on display for the crowd. Our defending and goal-keeping was great, and everyone seemed to enjoy the whole event.
The results were as follows:
The kids played some great football today, with some help from a few members of the Blue Stripes squad (who had kindly agreed to cover for some absentees). The team won their group, but were beaten in the final against a typically strong North Berwick side. However, the boys can take heart from the way the played throughout the tournament, with some excellent passing and skills on display for the crowd. Our defending and goal-keeping was great, and everyone seemed to enjoy the whole event.
The results were as follows:
- Tranent Colts 0 - 3 MYS Black Stripes (Jason G, Jason J (2))
- Haddington Athletic 2 - 2 MYS Black Stripes (Keiron (2))
- Longniddry Villa 0 - 4 MYS Black Stripes (Lennon, Lewis, Calum, Keiron)
- North Berwick Hawks 4 - 0 MYS Black Stripes
Saturday, May 10, 2008
TRANENT TOO TOUGH
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
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
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