MYS Black Stripes 3 - 3 Haddington Athletic Clarets (4Apr09)
With the start of the Easter Holidays, both teams had a depleted squad for today's game - but they put on a great show for the spectators on the sidelines.
The first 15 minutes was a very evenly contested affair, with chances at both ends and neither team really on top. Haddington broke the deadlock towards the end of the period after Mark, Sam and Lewis had all managed to block shots from the Haddingston strikers before the ball was finally blasted into the net. Calum and Morgan both came close with a couple of efforts for the Youngstars and were very unlucky not to score (on another day they would each have finished off the chances that fell to them).
Calum almost scored an equaliser early in the second period as he lashed a fierce shot towards goal, but it cannoned off a Haddington defender's face. Josh and Sam were playing at the back and were called into action many times as we were fighting against the wind. Their strong tackling helped keep Haddington at bay, but they could do nothing about Haddington's second goal. Their midfielder picked up the ball in the centre of the pitch and strode into the Yougstars' penalty box before blasting the ball into the far corner of the net.
Haddington went further ahead at the start of the third period when a good cross from the right wing was met by the advancing striker, and he calmly slotted it past Innes. From the kick-off, Lewis managed to break into the Haddington penalty box, but his strong strike was saved by the Haddington keeper, who injured his wrist in the process and had to be replaced in goal. The Youngstars eventually managed to pull a goal back though, following some great play from Jason. He won the ball down at his own corner flag, then skipped past two opponents as he advanced up the left side of midfield before passing the ball to Lewis in the centre circle. Lewis wasted no time in charging into the Haddington penalty box and firing the ball past the helpless keeper.
This goal gave the team a boost, and they managed another shortly after the kick-off in the final 15 minutes of the game. Calum controlled the ball in midfield and looked up before slotting the ball into Josh's path on the right hand side. Josh then played a great first time cross towards Lewis who, 6 yards from goal, simply passed the ball into the bottom corner of the net. Haddington fought back well after this set-back and forced a couple of good saves from Innes - one shot in particular was heading for the top corner and Innes' outstretched hand managed to push it out wide. The Youngstars kept fighting for the equaliser, and it eventually came when Jason played a neat lay-off to Josh and his strike from outside the box was saved by the Haddington keeper... but the ball bounced out and Calum was on it in a flash to blast it over the goal-line. Some typically strong defending from Mark helped prevent any further Haddington goals, as the game ended in a draw.
Both teams can take a lot of credit for the way they played today. There was some great passing on display and a draw was a fair result following the efforts of all players involved.
Teamsheet: Innes, Mark, Sam, Morgan, Josh, Lewis, Jason and Calum
Goal scorers: Lewis (2), Calum
Saturday, April 4, 2009
Saturday, March 28, 2009
MORGAN RELISHES MIDFIELD ROLE
Pencaitland Blue 4 - 12 MYS Black Stripes (28Mar09)
The early kick-off caused a bit of confusion this morning, as a couple of kids turned up late and missed the start of the match. However, the kids on the pitch were up for it right from the outset and Jason scored an early goal to get things underway. Innes had collected the ball in goals and threw it out to Ross in midfield, who passed it high over the Pencaitland defence. Jason rushed forward and, one v one against the keeper, slotted the ball into the bottom corner of the net. Shortly afterwards, Ross took a quick kick-in to Jason, who then played a great one-two with Josh in the Pencialtand box, before firing it past the goalkeeper for number two. Jason completed his hat-trick moments later when Josh won the ball in midfield and lobbed it over the oncoming defenders. Jason managed to control the ball, then lobbed the advancing goalkeeper and watched it land over the goal line. Pencaitland managed to break free a couple of times in the first 15 minutes, but Sam did a great job with his tackling and kept the strikers at bay.
Over the past 6 months or so, Morgan has been really enjoying his spell in midfield and he had a superb game again today, making an immediate impact when he came on in the second period. Jason played a neat pass to Lewis on the right hand side of midfield, who skipped past a couple of defenders and fired a fantastic cross towards the edge of the left hand side of the penalty area. Morgan had charged forward and with his first touch he curved the ball into the top right hand corner of the net. Minutes later, Lewis again found space on the right wing and dribbled to the by-line. He then looked up and drilled the ball low along the goal line where Morgan was waiting for a simple tap-in. Lewis and Harvey linked up well in this period, each switching from centre midfield to right wing to keep the pressure on Pencaitland. Lewis soon scored a great goal when he won the ball in the centre of the pitch, took a couple of steps forwards and rifled it past the diving keeper - the ball then bounced off the post and into the goals. Mark liked the goal so much he decided to show what he could do from distance when he found a bit of space with the ball, well outside the Pencaitland penalty box. He blasted an amazing shot into the top right corner, giving the keeper no chance. The scoring in the first quarter of the match was then rounded off by Lewis as he chipped the ball from an impossibly narrow angle into the top corner of the net.
Pencaitland fought back very well in the third period with some clever passing through the Youngstars defence resulting in three goals. Josh displayed his usual cool manner in defence, though, helping to prevent any further goals (supported by good tracking back by Innes in midfield). Calum was very unlucky not to get on the scoresheet during this 15 minute spell, with a couple of efforts going narrowly wide.
A great Youngstars goal got the team back on track right from the start of the whistle in the final period. Lewis and Josh linked up well, and Lewis' pass found Calum in the middle of the penalty box. Calum swept the ball over to Morgan on the left, and he placed the ball into the bottom corner for his own hat-trick. Calum then got his reward for some quick thinking as he charged into the box and won the ball from a Pencaitland defender who wasn't paying attention. Calum then nut-megged the keeper and enjoyed the celebrations on his way back to the half-way line. Harvey had taken a turn in goals and was called upon to make a couple of good saves, but could do nothing about Pencaitland's next goal as a fantastic shot from outside the box was blasted into the bottom corner of the net. Calum soon scored another for the Youngstars though, following a good pass from Lewis, and then Lewis set up Morgan for the final goal of the game.
So, it was another great performance by the team today and the kids all seemed to enjoy themselves despite the cold conditions. Let's hope the weather improves as we move into spring!
Teamsheet: Innes, Mark, Sam, Ross, Josh, Morgan, Harvey, Lewis, Jason, Calum
Goal scorers: Jason (3), Morgan (4), Lewis (2), Mark, Calum (2)
The early kick-off caused a bit of confusion this morning, as a couple of kids turned up late and missed the start of the match. However, the kids on the pitch were up for it right from the outset and Jason scored an early goal to get things underway. Innes had collected the ball in goals and threw it out to Ross in midfield, who passed it high over the Pencaitland defence. Jason rushed forward and, one v one against the keeper, slotted the ball into the bottom corner of the net. Shortly afterwards, Ross took a quick kick-in to Jason, who then played a great one-two with Josh in the Pencialtand box, before firing it past the goalkeeper for number two. Jason completed his hat-trick moments later when Josh won the ball in midfield and lobbed it over the oncoming defenders. Jason managed to control the ball, then lobbed the advancing goalkeeper and watched it land over the goal line. Pencaitland managed to break free a couple of times in the first 15 minutes, but Sam did a great job with his tackling and kept the strikers at bay.
Over the past 6 months or so, Morgan has been really enjoying his spell in midfield and he had a superb game again today, making an immediate impact when he came on in the second period. Jason played a neat pass to Lewis on the right hand side of midfield, who skipped past a couple of defenders and fired a fantastic cross towards the edge of the left hand side of the penalty area. Morgan had charged forward and with his first touch he curved the ball into the top right hand corner of the net. Minutes later, Lewis again found space on the right wing and dribbled to the by-line. He then looked up and drilled the ball low along the goal line where Morgan was waiting for a simple tap-in. Lewis and Harvey linked up well in this period, each switching from centre midfield to right wing to keep the pressure on Pencaitland. Lewis soon scored a great goal when he won the ball in the centre of the pitch, took a couple of steps forwards and rifled it past the diving keeper - the ball then bounced off the post and into the goals. Mark liked the goal so much he decided to show what he could do from distance when he found a bit of space with the ball, well outside the Pencaitland penalty box. He blasted an amazing shot into the top right corner, giving the keeper no chance. The scoring in the first quarter of the match was then rounded off by Lewis as he chipped the ball from an impossibly narrow angle into the top corner of the net.
Pencaitland fought back very well in the third period with some clever passing through the Youngstars defence resulting in three goals. Josh displayed his usual cool manner in defence, though, helping to prevent any further goals (supported by good tracking back by Innes in midfield). Calum was very unlucky not to get on the scoresheet during this 15 minute spell, with a couple of efforts going narrowly wide.
A great Youngstars goal got the team back on track right from the start of the whistle in the final period. Lewis and Josh linked up well, and Lewis' pass found Calum in the middle of the penalty box. Calum swept the ball over to Morgan on the left, and he placed the ball into the bottom corner for his own hat-trick. Calum then got his reward for some quick thinking as he charged into the box and won the ball from a Pencaitland defender who wasn't paying attention. Calum then nut-megged the keeper and enjoyed the celebrations on his way back to the half-way line. Harvey had taken a turn in goals and was called upon to make a couple of good saves, but could do nothing about Pencaitland's next goal as a fantastic shot from outside the box was blasted into the bottom corner of the net. Calum soon scored another for the Youngstars though, following a good pass from Lewis, and then Lewis set up Morgan for the final goal of the game.
So, it was another great performance by the team today and the kids all seemed to enjoy themselves despite the cold conditions. Let's hope the weather improves as we move into spring!
Teamsheet: Innes, Mark, Sam, Ross, Josh, Morgan, Harvey, Lewis, Jason, Calum
Goal scorers: Jason (3), Morgan (4), Lewis (2), Mark, Calum (2)
Saturday, March 14, 2009
WILD WINDS AT WALLYFORD
MYS Black Stripes 7 -7 Haddington Athletic Sky Blues (14Mar09)
This was quite possibly the strongest wind the Youngstars have ever played in today, making it difficult to control the ball properly and display our usual accurate passing. However, both teams played very well in the conditions and put on an exciting game for the supporters on the sidelines.
Playing against the wind in the first quarter, the Youngstars took the lead against the run of play. Jason's pass found Calum just outside the box. Calum turned and layed the ball off to Morgan who played a superb pass between two defenders and straight to Lewis' feet. Lewis looked up and blasted the ball past the Haddington keeper to score his first of the match. Last week was expected to be Lewis' last game for the Youngstars but his commitments with Hearts FC do not yet clash with our games or training, so he remains a Youngstars player for the timebeing. And his presence was appreciated in the initial period of today's match as we came under increasing pressure from the Haddington kids. It wasn't long before the equaliser came, when a great in-swinging corner was parried out by Innes in goals but the Haddington striker managed to react first in the box and hammered the ball into the net. With the wind behind them, Haddington soon scored another goal to take the lead.
The Youngstars hit back early in the second period, though, when Mark won the ball deep in his own half and fired the ball to Harvey in the centre. Harvey's pass split the Haddington defence, leaving Jason free to slot the ball past the advancing keeper. Within seconds of the re-start Jason scored another for the Youngstars to regain the lead. Harvey came close with a few great efforts (two that hit the side-netting and one off the cross-bar) before Haddington forced a good diving save from Innes. But from the resulting corner, Haddington scored again and then added another moments later to go in front at the half-way point in the match.
In the third quarter, Ross had a strong game in defence showing great composure in controlling the ball and passing to his team mates in midfield. One of his clearances found Lewis on the right hand side, and he played a clever pass into Jason's path. Jason wasted no time in latching on to the ball and completing his hat-trick. Ross was then involved in the next goal when his clearance was met by Harvey, who played a neat pass to Jason at the edge of the box. With his back to goal, Jason nudged the ball out towards the left wing where Morgan met it cleanly and lobbed it over the keeper's head into the goals. The Haddington kids responded well, though, wth two good goals putting them back in front again. They would have scored more had it not been for some excellent defending from Sam, who won more than his fair share of tackles in defence.
Ross moved into midfield in the final period and, after beating his marker with some fantastic footwork, his cross was met by Lewis who headered it past the keeper's outstretched hand into the back of the net. Jason had fought hard all game against much taller Haddington defenders, and after winning the ball again in midfield, he saw Harvey in space and slotted the ball right into his path. Harvey didn't have to think about it as he moved forward and swept the ball high into the roof of the net. However, Haddington showed great determination and managed to squeeze in an equaliser shortly before the final whistle.
So, despite the blistery conditions, the kids all put on a really good show for those watching and the match ended in a fair result of seven goals each.
Teamsheet: Innes, Mark, Sam, Ross, Morgan, Harvey, Lewis, Jason, Calum
Goal scorers: Lewis (2), Jason (3), Morgan, Harvey
This was quite possibly the strongest wind the Youngstars have ever played in today, making it difficult to control the ball properly and display our usual accurate passing. However, both teams played very well in the conditions and put on an exciting game for the supporters on the sidelines.
Playing against the wind in the first quarter, the Youngstars took the lead against the run of play. Jason's pass found Calum just outside the box. Calum turned and layed the ball off to Morgan who played a superb pass between two defenders and straight to Lewis' feet. Lewis looked up and blasted the ball past the Haddington keeper to score his first of the match. Last week was expected to be Lewis' last game for the Youngstars but his commitments with Hearts FC do not yet clash with our games or training, so he remains a Youngstars player for the timebeing. And his presence was appreciated in the initial period of today's match as we came under increasing pressure from the Haddington kids. It wasn't long before the equaliser came, when a great in-swinging corner was parried out by Innes in goals but the Haddington striker managed to react first in the box and hammered the ball into the net. With the wind behind them, Haddington soon scored another goal to take the lead.
The Youngstars hit back early in the second period, though, when Mark won the ball deep in his own half and fired the ball to Harvey in the centre. Harvey's pass split the Haddington defence, leaving Jason free to slot the ball past the advancing keeper. Within seconds of the re-start Jason scored another for the Youngstars to regain the lead. Harvey came close with a few great efforts (two that hit the side-netting and one off the cross-bar) before Haddington forced a good diving save from Innes. But from the resulting corner, Haddington scored again and then added another moments later to go in front at the half-way point in the match.
In the third quarter, Ross had a strong game in defence showing great composure in controlling the ball and passing to his team mates in midfield. One of his clearances found Lewis on the right hand side, and he played a clever pass into Jason's path. Jason wasted no time in latching on to the ball and completing his hat-trick. Ross was then involved in the next goal when his clearance was met by Harvey, who played a neat pass to Jason at the edge of the box. With his back to goal, Jason nudged the ball out towards the left wing where Morgan met it cleanly and lobbed it over the keeper's head into the goals. The Haddington kids responded well, though, wth two good goals putting them back in front again. They would have scored more had it not been for some excellent defending from Sam, who won more than his fair share of tackles in defence.
Ross moved into midfield in the final period and, after beating his marker with some fantastic footwork, his cross was met by Lewis who headered it past the keeper's outstretched hand into the back of the net. Jason had fought hard all game against much taller Haddington defenders, and after winning the ball again in midfield, he saw Harvey in space and slotted the ball right into his path. Harvey didn't have to think about it as he moved forward and swept the ball high into the roof of the net. However, Haddington showed great determination and managed to squeeze in an equaliser shortly before the final whistle.
So, despite the blistery conditions, the kids all put on a really good show for those watching and the match ended in a fair result of seven goals each.
Teamsheet: Innes, Mark, Sam, Ross, Morgan, Harvey, Lewis, Jason, Calum
Goal scorers: Lewis (2), Jason (3), Morgan, Harvey
Saturday, March 7, 2009
NEW SEASON OFF TO A FLYER
Tranent Juniors 3 - 22 MYS Black Stripes (7Mar09)
The first game of the new 2009 season got off to flyer with a goal in the first minute. Josh found space with the ball just outside the Tranent penalty box, skipped past his marker, and fired the ball into the top corner of the net. A couple of minutes later, Josh was involved again as he beat his defender and drilled the ball low across the goal line for Calum to get on the end of it for an easy knock-in. Soon afterwards, Harvey won the ball on the half way line and charged down the right wing. He skipped past three Tranent players on his way to the penalty box, before shooting low into the bottom corner for goal number three. Morgan then had a superb effort saved by the Tranent goalkeeper, but the ball rebounded to Harvey who struck it sweetly into the back of the net. Innes in goals, and Sam and Mark in defence, had little to do in the first period as the Youngstars piled on the pressure. The fifth goal of the game was scored following a smashing cross by Harvey that was met by Calum and he fired the ball low past the diving keeper. Morgan was then unlucky not to get on the scoresheet when his effort from outside the box flew just over the crossbar.
To help balance the teams, Josh and Calum joined the Tranent team for the second period and both were heavily involved throughout. It was the Youngstars who scored next, though, as Lewis played a great cross into Harvey's path and he blasted the ball high into the net to complete his hat-trick. Innes was playing as a striker in this period and made a great run with the ball through the middle, but his shot was met by a good save by the Tranent keeper. Jason was next to get on the scoresheet, after some great footwork at the edge of the penalty area followed by an excellent shot straight into the goals. Seconds later, Lewis scored his first of the match (and the team's eighth). Lewis was then involved in the next goal as he charged down the right wing, cut inside, and played a great pass across the 6 yard area. Innes was waiting to meet the ball and he swept it high into the roof of the net, scoring his first ever goal for the team. This gave Innes a great boost of confidence and he scored his second moments later. Lewis won the ball in his own half and played it to Innes, who layed the ball of to Jason and ran forward. Jason looked up and played a superb pass into Innes' path and he struck the ball low and hard past the keeper's near post. Mark had taken a turn as goalkeeper in this period, but had no action as Ross and Morgan in defence broke down every Tranent attack. A weak kick-out by the Tranent keeper was met by Lewis, who found Harvey with a well-weighted pass. Harvey met the ball on the run and drilled it past the advancing keeper for goal number eleven. The scoring was then completed in this period after a great clearance from Morgan found Lewis in space just outside the Tranent box. He turned his defender and calmly slotted the ball into the bottom corner.
In the third period, Lewis and Mark took the place of Josh and Calum in the Tranent side but were unable to stop Jason getting on the scoresheet again. Harvey was playing in goals and his kick-out found Morgan on the left wing. Morgan then played a neat pass to Jason, who rounded his marker and blasted the ball into the goals. Jason was invovled in the next goal too, as he played a great square pass across the goal line where Calum was waiting to knock the ball into the empty net for his hat-trick. Tranent managed to pull a goal back, however, as Lewis' pass was knocked forward by Mark and it took a deflection past Harvey's diving hands. The Youngstars bounced straight back, though, when Calum's cross found Morgan in space and he drilled it beyond the Tranent keeper. Tranent scored their second following a scramble in the box as Mark set up their striker for a great shot that sneaked past everyone. Lewis then scored for Tranent with a great effort from outside the penalty area. From the resulting kick-off, the Youngstars scored again as Calum's reactions meant he was first to the ball after the Tranent keeper parried it out with a good save. With the keeper on the ground, Calum had plenty of time to pick his spot in the back of the net.
The kids were beginning to tire a little in the final period, as the pitch was fairly heavy by this point. But that didn't stop some great play by Josh out on the left wing as he left a trail of opponents behind him with a mazy dribble. His accurate pass went straight to Lewis' feet, and he slotted it cooly inside the post. Mark then found some space with the ball on the left wing and played a great cross into the box, where Lewis met it with a volley past the helpless keeper. Lewis then returned the favour with a pass across the goals to Mark, who slotted it away with great confidence. Ross had been playing well in midfield during this period and set up the next goal with a great through-pass to Lewis, who controlled the ball well and rounded the keeper. Driving towards the empty net, it looked like Lewis would walk the ball over the line but Jason wanted more of the action and stole in to knock the ball into the net for his hat-trick. Sam had been playing as a lone defender in this last 15 minutes and some strong tackles ensured no one got past him. Ross then set up the next goal as his strike bounced off the keeper and into Lewis' path, who took the opportunity to score his 5th of the game. Lewis then rounded off the scoring with the last kick of the ball - a smashing effort from outside the box to complete his double hat-trick.
It was good to see all the kids getting lots of touches of the ball today, setting themselves up for the new season. They played really well as a team, with some great passing on display for the supporters, and all the kids can be realy proud of their performance. This was Lewis' last game for the Youngstars as he moves on to pursue his footballing ambitions with Hearts FC, and we wish him all the best for the future.
Teamsheet: Innes, Mark, Sam, Ross, Morgan, Josh, Harvey, Lewis, Jason, Calum
Goal scorers: Josh, Harvey (4), Calum (4), Jason (3), Lewis (6), Innes (2), Morgan, Mark
The first game of the new 2009 season got off to flyer with a goal in the first minute. Josh found space with the ball just outside the Tranent penalty box, skipped past his marker, and fired the ball into the top corner of the net. A couple of minutes later, Josh was involved again as he beat his defender and drilled the ball low across the goal line for Calum to get on the end of it for an easy knock-in. Soon afterwards, Harvey won the ball on the half way line and charged down the right wing. He skipped past three Tranent players on his way to the penalty box, before shooting low into the bottom corner for goal number three. Morgan then had a superb effort saved by the Tranent goalkeeper, but the ball rebounded to Harvey who struck it sweetly into the back of the net. Innes in goals, and Sam and Mark in defence, had little to do in the first period as the Youngstars piled on the pressure. The fifth goal of the game was scored following a smashing cross by Harvey that was met by Calum and he fired the ball low past the diving keeper. Morgan was then unlucky not to get on the scoresheet when his effort from outside the box flew just over the crossbar.
To help balance the teams, Josh and Calum joined the Tranent team for the second period and both were heavily involved throughout. It was the Youngstars who scored next, though, as Lewis played a great cross into Harvey's path and he blasted the ball high into the net to complete his hat-trick. Innes was playing as a striker in this period and made a great run with the ball through the middle, but his shot was met by a good save by the Tranent keeper. Jason was next to get on the scoresheet, after some great footwork at the edge of the penalty area followed by an excellent shot straight into the goals. Seconds later, Lewis scored his first of the match (and the team's eighth). Lewis was then involved in the next goal as he charged down the right wing, cut inside, and played a great pass across the 6 yard area. Innes was waiting to meet the ball and he swept it high into the roof of the net, scoring his first ever goal for the team. This gave Innes a great boost of confidence and he scored his second moments later. Lewis won the ball in his own half and played it to Innes, who layed the ball of to Jason and ran forward. Jason looked up and played a superb pass into Innes' path and he struck the ball low and hard past the keeper's near post. Mark had taken a turn as goalkeeper in this period, but had no action as Ross and Morgan in defence broke down every Tranent attack. A weak kick-out by the Tranent keeper was met by Lewis, who found Harvey with a well-weighted pass. Harvey met the ball on the run and drilled it past the advancing keeper for goal number eleven. The scoring was then completed in this period after a great clearance from Morgan found Lewis in space just outside the Tranent box. He turned his defender and calmly slotted the ball into the bottom corner.
In the third period, Lewis and Mark took the place of Josh and Calum in the Tranent side but were unable to stop Jason getting on the scoresheet again. Harvey was playing in goals and his kick-out found Morgan on the left wing. Morgan then played a neat pass to Jason, who rounded his marker and blasted the ball into the goals. Jason was invovled in the next goal too, as he played a great square pass across the goal line where Calum was waiting to knock the ball into the empty net for his hat-trick. Tranent managed to pull a goal back, however, as Lewis' pass was knocked forward by Mark and it took a deflection past Harvey's diving hands. The Youngstars bounced straight back, though, when Calum's cross found Morgan in space and he drilled it beyond the Tranent keeper. Tranent scored their second following a scramble in the box as Mark set up their striker for a great shot that sneaked past everyone. Lewis then scored for Tranent with a great effort from outside the penalty area. From the resulting kick-off, the Youngstars scored again as Calum's reactions meant he was first to the ball after the Tranent keeper parried it out with a good save. With the keeper on the ground, Calum had plenty of time to pick his spot in the back of the net.
The kids were beginning to tire a little in the final period, as the pitch was fairly heavy by this point. But that didn't stop some great play by Josh out on the left wing as he left a trail of opponents behind him with a mazy dribble. His accurate pass went straight to Lewis' feet, and he slotted it cooly inside the post. Mark then found some space with the ball on the left wing and played a great cross into the box, where Lewis met it with a volley past the helpless keeper. Lewis then returned the favour with a pass across the goals to Mark, who slotted it away with great confidence. Ross had been playing well in midfield during this period and set up the next goal with a great through-pass to Lewis, who controlled the ball well and rounded the keeper. Driving towards the empty net, it looked like Lewis would walk the ball over the line but Jason wanted more of the action and stole in to knock the ball into the net for his hat-trick. Sam had been playing as a lone defender in this last 15 minutes and some strong tackles ensured no one got past him. Ross then set up the next goal as his strike bounced off the keeper and into Lewis' path, who took the opportunity to score his 5th of the game. Lewis then rounded off the scoring with the last kick of the ball - a smashing effort from outside the box to complete his double hat-trick.
It was good to see all the kids getting lots of touches of the ball today, setting themselves up for the new season. They played really well as a team, with some great passing on display for the supporters, and all the kids can be realy proud of their performance. This was Lewis' last game for the Youngstars as he moves on to pursue his footballing ambitions with Hearts FC, and we wish him all the best for the future.
Teamsheet: Innes, Mark, Sam, Ross, Morgan, Josh, Harvey, Lewis, Jason, Calum
Goal scorers: Josh, Harvey (4), Calum (4), Jason (3), Lewis (6), Innes (2), Morgan, Mark
Saturday, November 22, 2008
SEASON ENDS ON A HIGH
MYS Black Stripes 7 - 6 Dunbar Utd Black (22Nov08)
It was the final match of the season today, and all the kids involved played extremely well in freezing cold conditions. This particular Dunbar team has always proved to be strong opposition and today was no exception. However, the Youngstars played some excellent football right from the kick-off, and forced a few early saves from the Dunbar keeper. The opening goal eventually came from some great play down the right wing, where Harvey trapped the ball and fed it back towards Jason. Jason charged towards the by-line and drilled the ball low to Lewis in the box, who looked up and rolled the ball into Morgan's path. Morgan met the ball cleanly and blasted it high into the net. Dunbar then stepped up a gear and pulled one back, and had another few efforts that went narrowly wide.
The Youngstars benefited from a Dunbar error in the second period to regain the lead. A passback to the goalkeeper was spilled and Lewis was alert enough to pounce and poke the ball into the net. Dunbar equalised once again, though, as a high ball bounced over Morgan's head and their striker was clean through on goal to finish past Innes. The Youngstars kept their heads up and were unlucky with a few chances, before they eventually managed to take the lead again. A Dunbar corner was cleared by Josh up to Jason in midfield. Jason played a great early pass to Calum who strode forward and stroked the ball past the diving keeper. Mark had a superb game in defence today, and was on hand time and time again to sweep up any loose balls and fire them down the left wing creating many attacks for the team.
In the third period, it was the Youngstars' turn to benefit from a high bouncing ball, played through by Harvey. Calum and Jason clashed into each other scrambling for the ball, and a Dunbar defender charged in to clear - but he lifted the ball over his keeper and into the the goals. As expected, Dunbar didn't give in and soon pulled one back after a bit of confusion in the Youngstars' box when a weak shot trickled past everyone and rolled over the goal-line. Like Mark, Ross had an excellent game in defence and was very calm throughout - always collecting the ball whilst maintaining control, and playing some fantastic passes down the right hand side. One pass in particular found Lewis in loads of space and he drived towards goal and, when one-on-one with the keeper, he kept a cool head and slotted the ball low into the net. Harvey found himself in space on many occasions down the right hand side, and had a number of efforts saved by the Dunbar keeper. Morgan also played well today, and kept the visitors at bay with many strong tackles as Dunbar piled on more pressure. A few more attempts were blasted wide by the Dunbar strikers, and one effort forced a good diving save by Innes as they tried to pull more goals back.
The Youngstars were confident going into the final quarter with a 5-3 lead - but Dunbar scored a couple of goals fairly early on to even up the match. Josh, Lewis and Jason combined well in this period and forced lots of scoring opportunites that we were unable to convert. Calum took over from Innes in goals, and made a few great stops as Dunbar pressed to take the lead. However, it was the Youngstars who scored next after a pass from Lewis set Jason free into a one-on-one situation with the goalkeeper. Jason struck the ball sweetly into the corner to put the Youngstars 6-5 in front. A couple of minutes later, Lewis again found Jason and this time he chipped the ball into the top corner as the keeper scrambled to save it. A Dunbar goal in the last few minutes set up a tense finish, but the Youngstars held on to their lead and ended the season on a high with a great performance.
This was the end of the first "Summer Football" season - and while it's fair to say that the weather has hardly been fitting of the word "Summer", the kids have all played really well throughout and put on some great performances for the supporters on the sidelines. Roll on Summer Football 2009!
Teamsheet: Innes, Mark, Ross, Morgan, Josh, Lewis, Harvey, Jason, Calum
Goal scorers: Morgan, Lewis (2), Calum, Dunbar own goal, Jason (2)
It was the final match of the season today, and all the kids involved played extremely well in freezing cold conditions. This particular Dunbar team has always proved to be strong opposition and today was no exception. However, the Youngstars played some excellent football right from the kick-off, and forced a few early saves from the Dunbar keeper. The opening goal eventually came from some great play down the right wing, where Harvey trapped the ball and fed it back towards Jason. Jason charged towards the by-line and drilled the ball low to Lewis in the box, who looked up and rolled the ball into Morgan's path. Morgan met the ball cleanly and blasted it high into the net. Dunbar then stepped up a gear and pulled one back, and had another few efforts that went narrowly wide.
The Youngstars benefited from a Dunbar error in the second period to regain the lead. A passback to the goalkeeper was spilled and Lewis was alert enough to pounce and poke the ball into the net. Dunbar equalised once again, though, as a high ball bounced over Morgan's head and their striker was clean through on goal to finish past Innes. The Youngstars kept their heads up and were unlucky with a few chances, before they eventually managed to take the lead again. A Dunbar corner was cleared by Josh up to Jason in midfield. Jason played a great early pass to Calum who strode forward and stroked the ball past the diving keeper. Mark had a superb game in defence today, and was on hand time and time again to sweep up any loose balls and fire them down the left wing creating many attacks for the team.
In the third period, it was the Youngstars' turn to benefit from a high bouncing ball, played through by Harvey. Calum and Jason clashed into each other scrambling for the ball, and a Dunbar defender charged in to clear - but he lifted the ball over his keeper and into the the goals. As expected, Dunbar didn't give in and soon pulled one back after a bit of confusion in the Youngstars' box when a weak shot trickled past everyone and rolled over the goal-line. Like Mark, Ross had an excellent game in defence and was very calm throughout - always collecting the ball whilst maintaining control, and playing some fantastic passes down the right hand side. One pass in particular found Lewis in loads of space and he drived towards goal and, when one-on-one with the keeper, he kept a cool head and slotted the ball low into the net. Harvey found himself in space on many occasions down the right hand side, and had a number of efforts saved by the Dunbar keeper. Morgan also played well today, and kept the visitors at bay with many strong tackles as Dunbar piled on more pressure. A few more attempts were blasted wide by the Dunbar strikers, and one effort forced a good diving save by Innes as they tried to pull more goals back.
The Youngstars were confident going into the final quarter with a 5-3 lead - but Dunbar scored a couple of goals fairly early on to even up the match. Josh, Lewis and Jason combined well in this period and forced lots of scoring opportunites that we were unable to convert. Calum took over from Innes in goals, and made a few great stops as Dunbar pressed to take the lead. However, it was the Youngstars who scored next after a pass from Lewis set Jason free into a one-on-one situation with the goalkeeper. Jason struck the ball sweetly into the corner to put the Youngstars 6-5 in front. A couple of minutes later, Lewis again found Jason and this time he chipped the ball into the top corner as the keeper scrambled to save it. A Dunbar goal in the last few minutes set up a tense finish, but the Youngstars held on to their lead and ended the season on a high with a great performance.
This was the end of the first "Summer Football" season - and while it's fair to say that the weather has hardly been fitting of the word "Summer", the kids have all played really well throughout and put on some great performances for the supporters on the sidelines. Roll on Summer Football 2009!
Teamsheet: Innes, Mark, Ross, Morgan, Josh, Lewis, Harvey, Jason, Calum
Goal scorers: Morgan, Lewis (2), Calum, Dunbar own goal, Jason (2)
Saturday, November 15, 2008
HAT-TRICK HEAVEN
MYS Black Stripes 17 - 1 Tranent Juniors (15Nov08)
It was early kick-off this morning (9.15am!), but the Youngstars were ready and alert right from the first whistle. The kids won a corner in the first minute and Josh's cross broker kindly for Jason in the box who wasted no time in finding the back of the net. A minute later, the Youngstars won a second corner on the opposite side, and Josh's curling effort went straight into the goals under the Tranent keeper. The visitors almost pulled one back when their striker found himself one-on-one against Innes in goals. But Innes charged out and blocked the shot with his knee to keep a clean sheet in the first period.
Tranent did manage to score early in the second period, however, after a bit of a scuffle in the box. But straight from the kick-off, the Youngstars regained their two-goal lead. Lewis won the ball in midfield and played a fantastic through ball for Morgan who broke free from his marker and was one-on-one with the keeper. His shot was blocked by the Tranent goalie, but he was quick enough to follow up for the rebound and passed the ball into the net. Tranent fought back well, and forced a great diving save from Innes, who managed to push the ball out for a corner. The corner was cleared by Harvey, who passed the ball wide to Calum on the right hand side of midfield. Calum charged down the line, dribbled past two defenders and from wide on the right fired a great shot that slipped under the keeper's body and into the net.
It was the "Lewis and Harvey show" in the third period as the Tranent kids began to tire. Lewis scored first as he drilled the ball into the bottom corner from just inside the penalty box. Calum played well out on the right hand side of midfield, and fired a cracking cross along the 6 yard area for Harvey to blast the ball into the empty net. Lewis then scored a couple of quick goals beating the keeper at his near post (first from the right, then from the left), before Harvey scored his second and third with some accurate finishing. Lewis finished the scoring in this period with an amazing strike from well outside the box.
In the final period, Mark took a turn as striker and he was involved in the first three goals of this spell. First of all, he played a great pass to Jason who scored into the top corner. Sam then won the ball in defence and passed to Jason on the left wing. Jason skipped past the defenders and passed to Mark, who played a nice pass for Josh to hammer the ball straight past the diving keeper. Then came the best goal of the match. Morgan won a fantastic tackle deep in his own half and passed to Josh, who looked up and found Sam in space in the middle of the pitch. Sam took a touch, then slotted the ball through to Jason, who beat his marker and passed to Calum. Shifting the ball from one foot to the other, Calum layed the ball off for Mark to score by squeezing the ball past the keeper, into the bottom corner. Jason soon won the ball on the left wing, and yet again beat his marker and blasted the ball across the goal line for Calum to sneak in at the back post and score into the empty net. Then a poor kick-out from the Tranent keeper went straight to Jason who simply chipped the ball over the keeper to complete his hat-trick. Jason was involved in the final goal of the game when his low cross was met by Calum at the back post, who volleyed it into the corner to complete his own hat-trick.
Another convincing performance by the Youngstars today, with every kid playing extremely well and working hard as a team.
Teamsheet: Innes, Mark, Sam, Morgan, Josh, Lewis, Harvey, Jason, Calum
Goal scorers: Jason (3), Josh (2), Morgan, Calum (3), Lewis (4), Harvey (3), Mark
It was early kick-off this morning (9.15am!), but the Youngstars were ready and alert right from the first whistle. The kids won a corner in the first minute and Josh's cross broker kindly for Jason in the box who wasted no time in finding the back of the net. A minute later, the Youngstars won a second corner on the opposite side, and Josh's curling effort went straight into the goals under the Tranent keeper. The visitors almost pulled one back when their striker found himself one-on-one against Innes in goals. But Innes charged out and blocked the shot with his knee to keep a clean sheet in the first period.
Tranent did manage to score early in the second period, however, after a bit of a scuffle in the box. But straight from the kick-off, the Youngstars regained their two-goal lead. Lewis won the ball in midfield and played a fantastic through ball for Morgan who broke free from his marker and was one-on-one with the keeper. His shot was blocked by the Tranent goalie, but he was quick enough to follow up for the rebound and passed the ball into the net. Tranent fought back well, and forced a great diving save from Innes, who managed to push the ball out for a corner. The corner was cleared by Harvey, who passed the ball wide to Calum on the right hand side of midfield. Calum charged down the line, dribbled past two defenders and from wide on the right fired a great shot that slipped under the keeper's body and into the net.
It was the "Lewis and Harvey show" in the third period as the Tranent kids began to tire. Lewis scored first as he drilled the ball into the bottom corner from just inside the penalty box. Calum played well out on the right hand side of midfield, and fired a cracking cross along the 6 yard area for Harvey to blast the ball into the empty net. Lewis then scored a couple of quick goals beating the keeper at his near post (first from the right, then from the left), before Harvey scored his second and third with some accurate finishing. Lewis finished the scoring in this period with an amazing strike from well outside the box.
In the final period, Mark took a turn as striker and he was involved in the first three goals of this spell. First of all, he played a great pass to Jason who scored into the top corner. Sam then won the ball in defence and passed to Jason on the left wing. Jason skipped past the defenders and passed to Mark, who played a nice pass for Josh to hammer the ball straight past the diving keeper. Then came the best goal of the match. Morgan won a fantastic tackle deep in his own half and passed to Josh, who looked up and found Sam in space in the middle of the pitch. Sam took a touch, then slotted the ball through to Jason, who beat his marker and passed to Calum. Shifting the ball from one foot to the other, Calum layed the ball off for Mark to score by squeezing the ball past the keeper, into the bottom corner. Jason soon won the ball on the left wing, and yet again beat his marker and blasted the ball across the goal line for Calum to sneak in at the back post and score into the empty net. Then a poor kick-out from the Tranent keeper went straight to Jason who simply chipped the ball over the keeper to complete his hat-trick. Jason was involved in the final goal of the game when his low cross was met by Calum at the back post, who volleyed it into the corner to complete his own hat-trick.
Another convincing performance by the Youngstars today, with every kid playing extremely well and working hard as a team.
Teamsheet: Innes, Mark, Sam, Morgan, Josh, Lewis, Harvey, Jason, Calum
Goal scorers: Jason (3), Josh (2), Morgan, Calum (3), Lewis (4), Harvey (3), Mark
Monday, November 10, 2008
MEADOWMILL MAGIC!
Pencaitland Youth Blue 2 - 10 MYS Black Stripes (8Nov08)
With a waterlogged pitch at Pencaitland, the venue for this match was changed to the astroturf pitch at Meadowmill Sports Centre. Given that the squad trains there every Monday night at the moment, it was almost like a home match and this showed in the kids' performance as they played with great confidence.
Harvey opened the scoring on the day, and was followed by Josh. Harvey then scored another three before Josh scored his second of the match.
Ross proved to be very adaptable and played in a few positions (including a spell in goals) on the day, which was especially useful as the Youngstars only had seven players available for the game. Once again, Sam's tackling was brilliant and Mark had his usual great display in defence - and he even hit Pencaitland's post with a great effort at goal.
Harvey managed to score his fourth goal, and Josh completed his own hat-trick before the game ended. Lewis and Calum also got on the score sheet (as usual), and with Pencaitland scoring a couple of goals too there was plenty of excitement for the supporters on the sidelines.
A comfortable day in the end for the Youngstars, and they did especially well given the lack of substitutes available.
Teamsheet: Ross, Mark, Sam, Josh, Lewis, Harvey, Calum
Goal scorers: Harvey (5), Josh (3), Lewis, Calum
With a waterlogged pitch at Pencaitland, the venue for this match was changed to the astroturf pitch at Meadowmill Sports Centre. Given that the squad trains there every Monday night at the moment, it was almost like a home match and this showed in the kids' performance as they played with great confidence.
Harvey opened the scoring on the day, and was followed by Josh. Harvey then scored another three before Josh scored his second of the match.
Ross proved to be very adaptable and played in a few positions (including a spell in goals) on the day, which was especially useful as the Youngstars only had seven players available for the game. Once again, Sam's tackling was brilliant and Mark had his usual great display in defence - and he even hit Pencaitland's post with a great effort at goal.
Harvey managed to score his fourth goal, and Josh completed his own hat-trick before the game ended. Lewis and Calum also got on the score sheet (as usual), and with Pencaitland scoring a couple of goals too there was plenty of excitement for the supporters on the sidelines.
A comfortable day in the end for the Youngstars, and they did especially well given the lack of substitutes available.
Teamsheet: Ross, Mark, Sam, Josh, Lewis, Harvey, Calum
Goal scorers: Harvey (5), Josh (3), Lewis, Calum
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