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
Sunday, November 1, 2009
Saturday, September 12, 2009
HARD LUCK AGAINST HADDINGTON
MYS Black Stripes 0 - 3 Haddington Sky Blues (12Sep09)
The Youngstars struggled to hit their top form today, and the Haddington squad took full advantage, playing some great football throughout.
Haddington took the lead half way through the first period, when a cracking effort from their right winger sailed into the top far corner of the goals. The Youngstars tried to hit back, but despite Calum dragging defenders back and forth across the pitch, the kids never found enough space to have clear chances at goal.
The second period was more promising, with Sam sweeping up everything that came at him in defence and both Morgans working very hard in midfield to win the ball and pass through the Haddington defence. Josh was very unlucky not to score when his thunderous strike was saved low across the ground by the diving keeper. Indeed, the Haddington keeper had an excellent game today and was forced off his line on many occasions to gather loose balls.
The Youngstars had their best spell in the third period, and yet lost two goals here. Cameron was playing in left midfield and had plenty of the ball, linking up well with Josh in the centre and Morgan M up front. At one point, Cameron managed to work some space and fired a great shot towards goal but the Haddington keeper made another brilliant save. Then, a strong effort from Josh bounced back of the post and fell to Cameron's left foot just wide of the goal - but the angle was too narrow and Cameron's shot hit the side netting. Haddington then went two goals up, when their corner met the head of one of their players in the box and he planted it past Calum's diving hand in goals. Soon afterwards, Haddington scored again when a nice through ball fell to their right winger again and he slotted it neatly between Calum and the post.
In the final period, the Youngstars had Mark and Morgan F to thank as they cleared the ball from defence on countless occasions. Ross had a good spell on the right side of midfield and showed some good footwork to get round his markers, but the Haddington team always seemed to have extra cover as their defenders were on hand to sweep up behind the midfield. In the last few minutes, the Youngstars almost scored as a brilliant in-swinging corner from Mark was met by Morgan M on the volley - but the ball cannoned back off the cross-bar to safety.
So, the match ended with a 3-0 victory for Haddington but the Youngtars were really unlucky not to have scored a few of their own. However, it's no bad thing for the players to experience defeat every once in a while and this will hopefully make them hungry for the next match.
Teamsheet: Ross, Mark, Sam, Morgan F, Morgan M, Cameron, Josh, Calum
The Youngstars struggled to hit their top form today, and the Haddington squad took full advantage, playing some great football throughout.
Haddington took the lead half way through the first period, when a cracking effort from their right winger sailed into the top far corner of the goals. The Youngstars tried to hit back, but despite Calum dragging defenders back and forth across the pitch, the kids never found enough space to have clear chances at goal.
The second period was more promising, with Sam sweeping up everything that came at him in defence and both Morgans working very hard in midfield to win the ball and pass through the Haddington defence. Josh was very unlucky not to score when his thunderous strike was saved low across the ground by the diving keeper. Indeed, the Haddington keeper had an excellent game today and was forced off his line on many occasions to gather loose balls.
The Youngstars had their best spell in the third period, and yet lost two goals here. Cameron was playing in left midfield and had plenty of the ball, linking up well with Josh in the centre and Morgan M up front. At one point, Cameron managed to work some space and fired a great shot towards goal but the Haddington keeper made another brilliant save. Then, a strong effort from Josh bounced back of the post and fell to Cameron's left foot just wide of the goal - but the angle was too narrow and Cameron's shot hit the side netting. Haddington then went two goals up, when their corner met the head of one of their players in the box and he planted it past Calum's diving hand in goals. Soon afterwards, Haddington scored again when a nice through ball fell to their right winger again and he slotted it neatly between Calum and the post.
In the final period, the Youngstars had Mark and Morgan F to thank as they cleared the ball from defence on countless occasions. Ross had a good spell on the right side of midfield and showed some good footwork to get round his markers, but the Haddington team always seemed to have extra cover as their defenders were on hand to sweep up behind the midfield. In the last few minutes, the Youngstars almost scored as a brilliant in-swinging corner from Mark was met by Morgan M on the volley - but the ball cannoned back off the cross-bar to safety.
So, the match ended with a 3-0 victory for Haddington but the Youngtars were really unlucky not to have scored a few of their own. However, it's no bad thing for the players to experience defeat every once in a while and this will hopefully make them hungry for the next match.
Teamsheet: Ross, Mark, Sam, Morgan F, Morgan M, Cameron, Josh, Calum
Saturday, August 29, 2009
GREAT TEAM PERFORMANCE AS SEASON RE-STARTS
Haddington Athletic 0 - 11 MYS Black Stripes (29Aug09)
The Youngstars got the second half of the 2009 season off to a flyer, with a brilliant performance from every single player involved. Haddington fielded their new team today (having now entered three teams into our league), and hosted the match on a very windy pitch in the sunshine.
Josh opened the scoring after some great link-up play on the right wing between Ross and Calum. When the ball fell to Josh, he dribbled past the last defender and fired the ball high into the net. Ross came close to getting a second a few moments later, but his shot rattled back off the post. However, the Youngstars eventually went two goals in front after Josh won the ball in his own penalty area and passed it up to Calum on the half-way line. Calum charged upfield and managed to beat three defenders before getting his shot towards goal. The Haddington keeper made a great save, but Calum had follwed up well and was on hand to collect the rebound and rifle the ball high into the roof of the net from a very tight angle.
Early in the second period, Ross scored a fantastic goal after some great skill on the right wing. After beating his marker, he cut inside and curled the ball with the oustide of his right foot into the bottom corner of the goals. With the wind behind them, Haddington had some good chances to score during this period and Innes was called upon to make a good diving save to prevent a goal for the home side. Morgan F continued to show his improved confidence on the left wing, with many driving runs resulting in him beating his opponents and getting the ball into the box. Calum then came close to getting his second when his strike beat the keeper, but the ball hit the crossbar and fell to safety. With the last kick of the ball in this period, Cameron scored a great goal from the left hand touchline, just inside the Haddington half. His looping shot was met by the keeper, but he could only parry it upwards and into the net.
Ross took a turn in goals in the third period and made a couple of good saves when required. However, the Youngstars remained on top with Sam and Mark keeping the Haddington strikers at bay. Sam's courage and tackling ability has been brilliant over the last few months, and today was certainly no different as he won tackle after tackle. At the other end of the pitch, the midfield trio of Josh, Morgan M and Cameron caused continuous trouble for the Haddington defence with some brilliant passing and dribbling on display. It was Cameron who scored the team's fifth goal when he twisted and turned on the left wing, before he cut inside and curled the ball with his right foot into the far corner of the net past the diving keeper. Josh soon scored his second of the day, with a powerful shot from a tight angle on the right hand side. Cameron then completed his hat-trick after Morgan M drove through the centre of the pitch, riding a few tackles along the way, and passed the ball into his path. Cameron looked up and slotted the ball neatly into the bottom near hand corner giving the keeper no chance. Innes had taken a position as striker during this third period and played well with his back to goal, laying the ball off to his team mates on many occassions. He was rewarded with a goal of his own after Josh's effort was parried by the keeper and Innes pounced on it to bury it in the far corner.
In the final period, Calum took the goalkeeping position and made a few fantastic diving saves to prevent any Haddington goals. Mark was given the opportunity to play as a striker, and got a nice early goal following some excellent build-up play. Morgan M dribbled through the midfield and passed the ball wide to Innes on the left. Innes charged down the wing, then played the ball into Mark's path and his first-time shot found the bottom corner of the net. The team's next goal was very similar as Morgan F this time drove forward in the centre of the pitch and played the ball wide to Innes on the left wing. Again he charged foward before playing the ball infield, this time into Morgan M's path, and he slotted it away with ease. The final goal was scored by Mark, direct from his own corner kick. The ball curled beautifully into the penalty area and over everyone's head into the far corner of the net, taking everyone by surprise.
All in all, this was a great team performance and the kids can feel very proud of the way they applied themselves throughout the entire match.
Teamsheet: Innes, Sam, Mark, Cameron, Morgan F, Morgan M, Josh, Ross, Calum
Goal scorers: Josh (2), Calum, Ross, Cameron (3), Innes, Mark (2), Morgan M
The Youngstars got the second half of the 2009 season off to a flyer, with a brilliant performance from every single player involved. Haddington fielded their new team today (having now entered three teams into our league), and hosted the match on a very windy pitch in the sunshine.
Josh opened the scoring after some great link-up play on the right wing between Ross and Calum. When the ball fell to Josh, he dribbled past the last defender and fired the ball high into the net. Ross came close to getting a second a few moments later, but his shot rattled back off the post. However, the Youngstars eventually went two goals in front after Josh won the ball in his own penalty area and passed it up to Calum on the half-way line. Calum charged upfield and managed to beat three defenders before getting his shot towards goal. The Haddington keeper made a great save, but Calum had follwed up well and was on hand to collect the rebound and rifle the ball high into the roof of the net from a very tight angle.
Early in the second period, Ross scored a fantastic goal after some great skill on the right wing. After beating his marker, he cut inside and curled the ball with the oustide of his right foot into the bottom corner of the goals. With the wind behind them, Haddington had some good chances to score during this period and Innes was called upon to make a good diving save to prevent a goal for the home side. Morgan F continued to show his improved confidence on the left wing, with many driving runs resulting in him beating his opponents and getting the ball into the box. Calum then came close to getting his second when his strike beat the keeper, but the ball hit the crossbar and fell to safety. With the last kick of the ball in this period, Cameron scored a great goal from the left hand touchline, just inside the Haddington half. His looping shot was met by the keeper, but he could only parry it upwards and into the net.
Ross took a turn in goals in the third period and made a couple of good saves when required. However, the Youngstars remained on top with Sam and Mark keeping the Haddington strikers at bay. Sam's courage and tackling ability has been brilliant over the last few months, and today was certainly no different as he won tackle after tackle. At the other end of the pitch, the midfield trio of Josh, Morgan M and Cameron caused continuous trouble for the Haddington defence with some brilliant passing and dribbling on display. It was Cameron who scored the team's fifth goal when he twisted and turned on the left wing, before he cut inside and curled the ball with his right foot into the far corner of the net past the diving keeper. Josh soon scored his second of the day, with a powerful shot from a tight angle on the right hand side. Cameron then completed his hat-trick after Morgan M drove through the centre of the pitch, riding a few tackles along the way, and passed the ball into his path. Cameron looked up and slotted the ball neatly into the bottom near hand corner giving the keeper no chance. Innes had taken a position as striker during this third period and played well with his back to goal, laying the ball off to his team mates on many occassions. He was rewarded with a goal of his own after Josh's effort was parried by the keeper and Innes pounced on it to bury it in the far corner.
In the final period, Calum took the goalkeeping position and made a few fantastic diving saves to prevent any Haddington goals. Mark was given the opportunity to play as a striker, and got a nice early goal following some excellent build-up play. Morgan M dribbled through the midfield and passed the ball wide to Innes on the left. Innes charged down the wing, then played the ball into Mark's path and his first-time shot found the bottom corner of the net. The team's next goal was very similar as Morgan F this time drove forward in the centre of the pitch and played the ball wide to Innes on the left wing. Again he charged foward before playing the ball infield, this time into Morgan M's path, and he slotted it away with ease. The final goal was scored by Mark, direct from his own corner kick. The ball curled beautifully into the penalty area and over everyone's head into the far corner of the net, taking everyone by surprise.
All in all, this was a great team performance and the kids can feel very proud of the way they applied themselves throughout the entire match.
Teamsheet: Innes, Sam, Mark, Cameron, Morgan F, Morgan M, Josh, Ross, Calum
Goal scorers: Josh (2), Calum, Ross, Cameron (3), Innes, Mark (2), Morgan M
Monday, June 15, 2009
YOUNGSTARS EARN SUMMER BREAK
MYS Black Stripes 12 - 5 Tranent Colts (15Jun09)
A second evening match in a row for the kids tonight, and they once again relished the opportunity and put on a fine performance.
Jason got the team off to a flying start with an early goal. Ross had made a great clearnace from defence, which Jason collected in the centre circle and flicked the ball round his marker. He then charged towards goal and skipped past the last defender before stroking the ball under the keeper's body and into the net. The Youngstars then scored a second as Morgan's shot was deflected off the Tranent keeper into Josh's path. Josh then lifted the ball over the keeper and just under the crossbar for his first goal of the match. Tranent hit back quickly though, when their midfielder hit the crossbar with a brilliant strike and the ball fell kindly for the alert striker to blast it over the goal line. They almost equalised moments later, but Ross put in a superb tackle to prevent a clean strike on goal. From the resulting corner, Innes managed to get in amongst a crowd of bodies to punch the ball clear and prevent any further chances before the whistle.
In the second period, Jason restored the Youngstars' two goal lead when Morgan collected Lewis' path and, with his back to goal, he layed the ball off for Jason to run onto and strike cleanly into the back of the net. Sam played brilliantly in defence all game, and seemed to have an air of real confidence about him as he swept up time and time again with some fantastic tackles and clearances. One time in particular, he won the ball off the Tranent striker and cleared the ball far upfield towards Jason, who looked up and played a nice little pass with the outside of his foot towards Lewis. With the keeper rushing off his line, Lewis simply took his time and slotted the ball into the bottom corner for the team's fourth goal of the game. He scored another very quickly afterwards, before Calum controlled a good pass from Jason and planted the ball into the bottom corner of the net himself.
Ross played in midfield in the third period and was involved in almost every attack out on the right wing. His cross from the by-line beat the keeper and landed at Calum's feet, giving him an easy tap-in as the Youngstars went six goals clear. Josh then scored an exact replica of his first goal as the ball was deflected into his path just inside the box and he once again lifted the ball over the keeper and it dipped just under the crossbar. Tranent began to apply some more pressure, forcing a good one-handed save from Innes to keep them at bay.
Early in the final period, Josh completed his hat-trick with a great solo effort. From the corner flag he displayed some nimble footwork to dribble past three defenders before blasting the ball past the diving keeper. Tranent pulled a goal back though after a clever chip into the box was headed clear by Innes (now playing outfield), but it was collected by a Tranent midfielder who hit a fantstic shot giving Calum no chance in goals. They soon scored another, but the Youngstars replied with a great goal by Ross as he squeezed it past the keeper from a very narrow angle. Calum was forced to make a strong diving save from the next Tranent attack, but the ball fell to another striker and he passed it into the empty net. It was real end-to-end stuff at this point, and Innes soon won the ball in midfield and fired a good pass to Lewis, who played a neat one-two with Josh before smashing the ball into the net for his hat-trick. Tranent then pulled another goal back, but the Youngstars rounded off the scoring with Lewis planting the ball off the post and into the net following some great link-up play between Ross and Josh.
This was the final match before the summer break, and the kids can all look back on the first half of the 2009 season with real pride. They've played some great attacking football, with everyone working hard for each other in every match. Each player can now look forward to a well deserved rest over the summer and we look forward to seeing them all back in action in August.
Team sheet: Innes, Sam, Ross, Josh, Lewis, Morgan, Jason and Calum
Goal scorers: Jason (2), Josh (3), Lewis (4), Calum (2), Ross
A second evening match in a row for the kids tonight, and they once again relished the opportunity and put on a fine performance.
Jason got the team off to a flying start with an early goal. Ross had made a great clearnace from defence, which Jason collected in the centre circle and flicked the ball round his marker. He then charged towards goal and skipped past the last defender before stroking the ball under the keeper's body and into the net. The Youngstars then scored a second as Morgan's shot was deflected off the Tranent keeper into Josh's path. Josh then lifted the ball over the keeper and just under the crossbar for his first goal of the match. Tranent hit back quickly though, when their midfielder hit the crossbar with a brilliant strike and the ball fell kindly for the alert striker to blast it over the goal line. They almost equalised moments later, but Ross put in a superb tackle to prevent a clean strike on goal. From the resulting corner, Innes managed to get in amongst a crowd of bodies to punch the ball clear and prevent any further chances before the whistle.
In the second period, Jason restored the Youngstars' two goal lead when Morgan collected Lewis' path and, with his back to goal, he layed the ball off for Jason to run onto and strike cleanly into the back of the net. Sam played brilliantly in defence all game, and seemed to have an air of real confidence about him as he swept up time and time again with some fantastic tackles and clearances. One time in particular, he won the ball off the Tranent striker and cleared the ball far upfield towards Jason, who looked up and played a nice little pass with the outside of his foot towards Lewis. With the keeper rushing off his line, Lewis simply took his time and slotted the ball into the bottom corner for the team's fourth goal of the game. He scored another very quickly afterwards, before Calum controlled a good pass from Jason and planted the ball into the bottom corner of the net himself.
Ross played in midfield in the third period and was involved in almost every attack out on the right wing. His cross from the by-line beat the keeper and landed at Calum's feet, giving him an easy tap-in as the Youngstars went six goals clear. Josh then scored an exact replica of his first goal as the ball was deflected into his path just inside the box and he once again lifted the ball over the keeper and it dipped just under the crossbar. Tranent began to apply some more pressure, forcing a good one-handed save from Innes to keep them at bay.
Early in the final period, Josh completed his hat-trick with a great solo effort. From the corner flag he displayed some nimble footwork to dribble past three defenders before blasting the ball past the diving keeper. Tranent pulled a goal back though after a clever chip into the box was headed clear by Innes (now playing outfield), but it was collected by a Tranent midfielder who hit a fantstic shot giving Calum no chance in goals. They soon scored another, but the Youngstars replied with a great goal by Ross as he squeezed it past the keeper from a very narrow angle. Calum was forced to make a strong diving save from the next Tranent attack, but the ball fell to another striker and he passed it into the empty net. It was real end-to-end stuff at this point, and Innes soon won the ball in midfield and fired a good pass to Lewis, who played a neat one-two with Josh before smashing the ball into the net for his hat-trick. Tranent then pulled another goal back, but the Youngstars rounded off the scoring with Lewis planting the ball off the post and into the net following some great link-up play between Ross and Josh.
This was the final match before the summer break, and the kids can all look back on the first half of the 2009 season with real pride. They've played some great attacking football, with everyone working hard for each other in every match. Each player can now look forward to a well deserved rest over the summer and we look forward to seeing them all back in action in August.
Team sheet: Innes, Sam, Ross, Josh, Lewis, Morgan, Jason and Calum
Goal scorers: Jason (2), Josh (3), Lewis (4), Calum (2), Ross
Monday, June 8, 2009
BEECHWOOD PROVIDE TOUGH TEST
MYS Black Stripes 5 - 3 Beechwood (8Jun09)
and
MYS Black Stripes 3 - 6 Beechwood (8Jun09)
As we approached the end of the season, we were keen to squeeze in an additional match against different competition. Beechwood, who play in the Edinburgh league, were able to bring two squads along to allow both of our teams to take part in a match this Monday evening. We agreed to play 2 x 15 minutes against one team, then swap over and play a separate 30 minute spell against the other team.
The Black Stripes got off to a bad start as Beechwood fired themselves into a 3-0 lead (with their third goal being a superb effort into the top corner from a shot from well outside the box). However, as usual, the Youngstars didn't let their heads go down and Lewis quickly pulled a goal back after a great cross from Morgan on the right hand side. Soon after that, Lewis scored again - Jason played a brilliant corner kick right into the 6 yard area straight onto Lewis' head and he guided it past the helpless keeper. Beechwood kept pushing forward though, and it was only a fingertip save by Innes that prevented another goal as he tipped the ball over the crossbar from a neat chip by their striker.
In the second period, the Youngstars scored a deserved equaliser as Lewis' corner was parried by the Beechwood keeper, but Calum was alert and pounced to bundle the ball over the goal line. By this stage, the Youngstars were well on top and were kept at bay by a superb performance by the visitor's keeper who was having a fantastic game with save after save. He could do nothing to prevent the Youngstars' fourth goal though, as Jason scored the goal of the evening. Winning the ball in his own half, the ball seemed stuck to his feet as he dribbled round numerous opponents before looking up and, from just outside the box, placed the ball sweetly into the top corner of the net. Despite the size difference, Sam had a great game at the back and was called upon to clear the ball many times as the taller/stronger strikers were driving towards him. At the other end of the pitch, Calum was playing very well up front, and on many occasions he cleverly came to meet the ball and swept it out wide with his first touch. One of these particular passes fell into Harvey's pass and he was unlucky not to score as his effort clipped the crossbar. Then, following some neat play between Lewis and Harvey on the right wing, Calum received a pass on the by-line a few yards from goal and managed to squeeze his shot into the net from a very tight angle to win the game 5-3.
The second Beechwood side then joined us for a match, and it was clear from the start that they were a bigger and stronger team. An early shot was saved by Innes' knees, but it fell to a Beechwood striker and he planted the ball firmly into the back of the net. They almost scored a second straight from our kick-off, but Innes made a great save when one-on-one with the advancing striker. Then, the Youngstars scored a brilliant equaliser after Harvey won the ball in his own penalty box and played it out to Ross on the right wing. Ross charged forward and passed the ball between two defenders into Jason's path. After controlling the ball with his first touch, Jason blasted the ball over the keeper's head for his second goal of the night. Then, just before the half-time whistle blew, Beechwood regained the lead when their striker scored with a powerful header following a beautifully struck corner kick.
At the start of the second half, the Youngstars got a lucky break as Beechwood scored a bizarre own goal following their kick-in from the sideline. Their keeper didn't seem to expect the pass and it rolled beyond him into the goals. From the kick-off, however, they went back in front with a strong shot that gave Calum (who had replaced Inned in goals) no chance. The Youngstars then showed their great spirit again as Josh won the ball in defence and played it to Jason in the middle of the pitch. He turned and passed the ball to Harvey, who calmly chipped the ball over the advancing keeper for the equaliser. In the final few minutes, Beechwood seemed to get stronger (as the Youngstars began to tire a little) and they managed to score three quick goals to win the game before the final whistle blew.
Tonight was a great test for the kids, playing against a stronger team from a different league - they all coped very well, and can once again be proud of their efforts.
Teamsheet: Innes, Sam, Ross, Morgan, Josh, Harvey, Lewis, Jason, Calum
Goal scorers: Lewis (2), Calum (2), Jason (2), Harvey, and one own goal.
and
MYS Black Stripes 3 - 6 Beechwood (8Jun09)
As we approached the end of the season, we were keen to squeeze in an additional match against different competition. Beechwood, who play in the Edinburgh league, were able to bring two squads along to allow both of our teams to take part in a match this Monday evening. We agreed to play 2 x 15 minutes against one team, then swap over and play a separate 30 minute spell against the other team.
The Black Stripes got off to a bad start as Beechwood fired themselves into a 3-0 lead (with their third goal being a superb effort into the top corner from a shot from well outside the box). However, as usual, the Youngstars didn't let their heads go down and Lewis quickly pulled a goal back after a great cross from Morgan on the right hand side. Soon after that, Lewis scored again - Jason played a brilliant corner kick right into the 6 yard area straight onto Lewis' head and he guided it past the helpless keeper. Beechwood kept pushing forward though, and it was only a fingertip save by Innes that prevented another goal as he tipped the ball over the crossbar from a neat chip by their striker.
In the second period, the Youngstars scored a deserved equaliser as Lewis' corner was parried by the Beechwood keeper, but Calum was alert and pounced to bundle the ball over the goal line. By this stage, the Youngstars were well on top and were kept at bay by a superb performance by the visitor's keeper who was having a fantastic game with save after save. He could do nothing to prevent the Youngstars' fourth goal though, as Jason scored the goal of the evening. Winning the ball in his own half, the ball seemed stuck to his feet as he dribbled round numerous opponents before looking up and, from just outside the box, placed the ball sweetly into the top corner of the net. Despite the size difference, Sam had a great game at the back and was called upon to clear the ball many times as the taller/stronger strikers were driving towards him. At the other end of the pitch, Calum was playing very well up front, and on many occasions he cleverly came to meet the ball and swept it out wide with his first touch. One of these particular passes fell into Harvey's pass and he was unlucky not to score as his effort clipped the crossbar. Then, following some neat play between Lewis and Harvey on the right wing, Calum received a pass on the by-line a few yards from goal and managed to squeeze his shot into the net from a very tight angle to win the game 5-3.
The second Beechwood side then joined us for a match, and it was clear from the start that they were a bigger and stronger team. An early shot was saved by Innes' knees, but it fell to a Beechwood striker and he planted the ball firmly into the back of the net. They almost scored a second straight from our kick-off, but Innes made a great save when one-on-one with the advancing striker. Then, the Youngstars scored a brilliant equaliser after Harvey won the ball in his own penalty box and played it out to Ross on the right wing. Ross charged forward and passed the ball between two defenders into Jason's path. After controlling the ball with his first touch, Jason blasted the ball over the keeper's head for his second goal of the night. Then, just before the half-time whistle blew, Beechwood regained the lead when their striker scored with a powerful header following a beautifully struck corner kick.
At the start of the second half, the Youngstars got a lucky break as Beechwood scored a bizarre own goal following their kick-in from the sideline. Their keeper didn't seem to expect the pass and it rolled beyond him into the goals. From the kick-off, however, they went back in front with a strong shot that gave Calum (who had replaced Inned in goals) no chance. The Youngstars then showed their great spirit again as Josh won the ball in defence and played it to Jason in the middle of the pitch. He turned and passed the ball to Harvey, who calmly chipped the ball over the advancing keeper for the equaliser. In the final few minutes, Beechwood seemed to get stronger (as the Youngstars began to tire a little) and they managed to score three quick goals to win the game before the final whistle blew.
Tonight was a great test for the kids, playing against a stronger team from a different league - they all coped very well, and can once again be proud of their efforts.
Teamsheet: Innes, Sam, Ross, Morgan, Josh, Harvey, Lewis, Jason, Calum
Goal scorers: Lewis (2), Calum (2), Jason (2), Harvey, and one own goal.
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
YOUNGSTARS EDGE PAST DUNBAR
MYS Black Stripes 4 - 3 Dunbar Colts Black (16May09)
It was a grey, cloudy morning with more than a hint of rain in the air as the goals went up at Wallyford at 8:30 in the morning. But by kick off time at 9:30 the cloud was breaking up and the sun starting to appear and the stage was set for what turned out to be a great game of football!
Dunbar kicked off the first quarter and went on the attack. A sustained period of pressure led to a Dunbar goal as the Youngstars failed to clear their lines. Further attacking from Dunbar led to a corner which Musselburgh could only clear by conceding another corner. This time the kids cleared their lines well and went on their first raid upfield with Josh making a good run and cross towards the box which Lewis controlled getting a good shot on goal, only for the Dunbar keeper to make the first of what turned out to be many very good saves. The Youngstars started to get into their stride and the play flowed backwards and forwards with both sides competing for the ball well and playing some nice passing football, but the defences on both sides were doing well and keeping the attacks contained. Calum won the ball well in midfield, worked a good pass out to the right to Josh who ran past his man out wide, drove on towards the Dunbar line and crossed the ball into the box. Lewis was running in on the back post and did a great header giving the keeper no chance and levelling the score at 1-1.
The game continued to ebb and flow with Innes making some good saves, Jason working hard in midfield and Sam and Mark defending well at the back. Dunbar went close with a shot which just went over the bar; Josh drove in from the right and shot but the keeper saved well again; Calum got through on goal only for the keeper to come quickly off his line and save; a good Youngstars move down the right with a cross into the box found Lewis at the back of the box who passed it back inside to Calum who shot, but again the Dunbar keeper made a great save.
Dunbar went on the attack as the quarter came to a close, the ball was crossed in, there was a scramble in the Youngstars' box, followed by a shot - Innes pulled off a good save but could do nothing as the ball rebounded out to a Dunbar player who drove home to make it 2-1 to Dunbar.
The Youngstars kicked off the second quarter and immediately went onto the attack, setting the pattern for the quarter. Jason battled for the ball in midfield, passing out to Lewis on the right. His cross was punched clear from the keeper only to fall to Jason whose shot slid to the left of the goal for a goal kick. Dunbar were struggling to get the ball clear of their own half and Sam picked it up on the left of midfield, passed it on to Jason up front whose shot brought another good save from the Dunbar keeper. Pressure continued with the Dunbar defence working hard and the keeper making more good saves. It was 6 minutes into the quarter before Dunbar had their first meaningful attack and managed to get in through Mark and Morgan at the back, but Innes was quickly off his line and made a good save to keep Dunbar out. Mark took the ball from defence and played a good pass upfield to Calum in central midfield to put the Youngstars back on the attack. A ball through the middle found Lewis whose ambitious volley slid to the right of the goal. The game continued with the Youngstars making most of the attacking play and Mark and Morgan at the back dealing with the few Dunbar threats. As the quarter came to a close the Youngstars were again on the attack, winning a corner which the keeper parried only for the ball to fall to Morgan whose firmly hit shot struck a defender and went up over the bar for another corner.
As the third quarter started, the Youngstars were down to 7 available players - not having a replacement, Josh with an injury to his foot, went in goal but struggling to get the gloves on had only just about made it onto his line as the kick off was taken by Dunbar, and with a sharp piece of thinking the Dunbar attacker took a great shot straight from the kick off hoping to catch Josh out with his gloves still not quite on. He saw it coming and managed to push the ball up over the bar for a corner which was then cleared upfield. For the next couple of minutes the game flowed backwards and forwards with neither side dominating, Mark and Morgan defending well containing the Dunbar attacks. Three minutes into the quarter a Musselburgh attack down the right with Jason led to a shot from distance which the Dunbar keeper saved, pushing the ball past the post for a corner. Jason delivered a great corner into the box which found Lewis unmarked and another fine header beat the keeper to level the score at 2-2. Soon afterwards, a Dunbar corner was driven in low and hard, went right through a group of players in the box and had just enough inswing on it to creep in at the back post. It was a great corner and put Dunbar back ahead at 3-2. Dunbar continued to press forwards but the Musselburgh defence held strong. A clearance from Morgan finally relieved the pressure and a good 1-2 from Jason and Lewis in midfield set up an attack down the right but Calum couldn’t quite meet the cross into the box and the Dunbar keeper safely took the ball.
The final quarter started off with the Youngstars on the attack, pressing forwards looking for the equaliser. But the Dunbar defence was looking strong, and Dunbar gradually got into the game with the play flowing backwards and forwards. Sam and Mark at the back held strong for their team and Calum looked secure in goal. The kids pressed forwards again, winning a corner. Dunbar cleared the ball but only to the edge of their box where Lewis hit a great volley back in across the goal - but the Dunbar keeper made a superb save to deny what looked like a certain goal. Another corner followed which was cleared but as Morgan pushed forwards a Dunbar foul gave Musselburgh a free kick in a good position. The free kick was cleared but only as far as Jason who crossed the ball back into the box. Lewis controlled the ball well on his chest and this time his volley left the keeper with no chance and the ball flew into the top back corner of the net for the equaliser, 3-3.
Josh was struggling with an injury on his heel and as Lewis fired in a shot his ankle was caught by the defender’s boot leaving him hobbling for the rest of the quarter. But Musselburgh went back on the attack and it was all Musselburgh pressure forcing the Dunbar team to work hard in defence. A good shot from Josh brought another great save from the Dunbar keeper and the ball was finally cleared away for a kick-in. The kick-in was taken quickly and the ball passed in to Lewis who fired in another shot which went just wide. Later, a Musselburgh goal kick was played up the left side of the field, and collected well by Morgan. He ran forwards and, with a nice pass, picked out Jason who was half way into the Dunbar half. Jason had eyes for one thing, the goal, and set off on a weaving run up the left and then back infield into the Dunbar box, beating several players before placing a nice finish past the keeper to make it 4-3 to Musselburgh with three minutes to play.
The final minutes of the game saw both teams looking for another goal but the defences held firm and as the final whistle went, a well contested match ended with Musselburgh ahead at 4-3.
Man of the match – the Dunbar keeper who was outstanding.
Teamsheet: Innes, Mark, Sam, Morgan, Josh, Jason, Lewis, Calum
Goal scorers: Lewis (3), Jason
It was a grey, cloudy morning with more than a hint of rain in the air as the goals went up at Wallyford at 8:30 in the morning. But by kick off time at 9:30 the cloud was breaking up and the sun starting to appear and the stage was set for what turned out to be a great game of football!
Dunbar kicked off the first quarter and went on the attack. A sustained period of pressure led to a Dunbar goal as the Youngstars failed to clear their lines. Further attacking from Dunbar led to a corner which Musselburgh could only clear by conceding another corner. This time the kids cleared their lines well and went on their first raid upfield with Josh making a good run and cross towards the box which Lewis controlled getting a good shot on goal, only for the Dunbar keeper to make the first of what turned out to be many very good saves. The Youngstars started to get into their stride and the play flowed backwards and forwards with both sides competing for the ball well and playing some nice passing football, but the defences on both sides were doing well and keeping the attacks contained. Calum won the ball well in midfield, worked a good pass out to the right to Josh who ran past his man out wide, drove on towards the Dunbar line and crossed the ball into the box. Lewis was running in on the back post and did a great header giving the keeper no chance and levelling the score at 1-1.
The game continued to ebb and flow with Innes making some good saves, Jason working hard in midfield and Sam and Mark defending well at the back. Dunbar went close with a shot which just went over the bar; Josh drove in from the right and shot but the keeper saved well again; Calum got through on goal only for the keeper to come quickly off his line and save; a good Youngstars move down the right with a cross into the box found Lewis at the back of the box who passed it back inside to Calum who shot, but again the Dunbar keeper made a great save.
Dunbar went on the attack as the quarter came to a close, the ball was crossed in, there was a scramble in the Youngstars' box, followed by a shot - Innes pulled off a good save but could do nothing as the ball rebounded out to a Dunbar player who drove home to make it 2-1 to Dunbar.
The Youngstars kicked off the second quarter and immediately went onto the attack, setting the pattern for the quarter. Jason battled for the ball in midfield, passing out to Lewis on the right. His cross was punched clear from the keeper only to fall to Jason whose shot slid to the left of the goal for a goal kick. Dunbar were struggling to get the ball clear of their own half and Sam picked it up on the left of midfield, passed it on to Jason up front whose shot brought another good save from the Dunbar keeper. Pressure continued with the Dunbar defence working hard and the keeper making more good saves. It was 6 minutes into the quarter before Dunbar had their first meaningful attack and managed to get in through Mark and Morgan at the back, but Innes was quickly off his line and made a good save to keep Dunbar out. Mark took the ball from defence and played a good pass upfield to Calum in central midfield to put the Youngstars back on the attack. A ball through the middle found Lewis whose ambitious volley slid to the right of the goal. The game continued with the Youngstars making most of the attacking play and Mark and Morgan at the back dealing with the few Dunbar threats. As the quarter came to a close the Youngstars were again on the attack, winning a corner which the keeper parried only for the ball to fall to Morgan whose firmly hit shot struck a defender and went up over the bar for another corner.
As the third quarter started, the Youngstars were down to 7 available players - not having a replacement, Josh with an injury to his foot, went in goal but struggling to get the gloves on had only just about made it onto his line as the kick off was taken by Dunbar, and with a sharp piece of thinking the Dunbar attacker took a great shot straight from the kick off hoping to catch Josh out with his gloves still not quite on. He saw it coming and managed to push the ball up over the bar for a corner which was then cleared upfield. For the next couple of minutes the game flowed backwards and forwards with neither side dominating, Mark and Morgan defending well containing the Dunbar attacks. Three minutes into the quarter a Musselburgh attack down the right with Jason led to a shot from distance which the Dunbar keeper saved, pushing the ball past the post for a corner. Jason delivered a great corner into the box which found Lewis unmarked and another fine header beat the keeper to level the score at 2-2. Soon afterwards, a Dunbar corner was driven in low and hard, went right through a group of players in the box and had just enough inswing on it to creep in at the back post. It was a great corner and put Dunbar back ahead at 3-2. Dunbar continued to press forwards but the Musselburgh defence held strong. A clearance from Morgan finally relieved the pressure and a good 1-2 from Jason and Lewis in midfield set up an attack down the right but Calum couldn’t quite meet the cross into the box and the Dunbar keeper safely took the ball.
The final quarter started off with the Youngstars on the attack, pressing forwards looking for the equaliser. But the Dunbar defence was looking strong, and Dunbar gradually got into the game with the play flowing backwards and forwards. Sam and Mark at the back held strong for their team and Calum looked secure in goal. The kids pressed forwards again, winning a corner. Dunbar cleared the ball but only to the edge of their box where Lewis hit a great volley back in across the goal - but the Dunbar keeper made a superb save to deny what looked like a certain goal. Another corner followed which was cleared but as Morgan pushed forwards a Dunbar foul gave Musselburgh a free kick in a good position. The free kick was cleared but only as far as Jason who crossed the ball back into the box. Lewis controlled the ball well on his chest and this time his volley left the keeper with no chance and the ball flew into the top back corner of the net for the equaliser, 3-3.
Josh was struggling with an injury on his heel and as Lewis fired in a shot his ankle was caught by the defender’s boot leaving him hobbling for the rest of the quarter. But Musselburgh went back on the attack and it was all Musselburgh pressure forcing the Dunbar team to work hard in defence. A good shot from Josh brought another great save from the Dunbar keeper and the ball was finally cleared away for a kick-in. The kick-in was taken quickly and the ball passed in to Lewis who fired in another shot which went just wide. Later, a Musselburgh goal kick was played up the left side of the field, and collected well by Morgan. He ran forwards and, with a nice pass, picked out Jason who was half way into the Dunbar half. Jason had eyes for one thing, the goal, and set off on a weaving run up the left and then back infield into the Dunbar box, beating several players before placing a nice finish past the keeper to make it 4-3 to Musselburgh with three minutes to play.
The final minutes of the game saw both teams looking for another goal but the defences held firm and as the final whistle went, a well contested match ended with Musselburgh ahead at 4-3.
Man of the match – the Dunbar keeper who was outstanding.
Teamsheet: Innes, Mark, Sam, Morgan, Josh, Jason, Lewis, Calum
Goal scorers: Lewis (3), Jason
Saturday, May 2, 2009
£5 FOR A HEADED GOAL!
Longniddry Villa 1 - 10 MYS Black Stripes (2May09)
After a good warm-up session focussing on heading technique, the Youngstars convinced the coach to offer a prize of £5 for any player who managed to score with a header during the match. Unfortunately, for the kids at least, there were no headed goals today - but that wasn't for the lack of trying with many excellent crosses being played into the box.
The first 15 minutes was a very close game, with chances at either end of the pitch, but neither team able to score. Morgan came the closest when he met Jason's cross a couple of yards from goal, but the Longniddry defence recovered well and cleared the ball in the nick of time. Mark had been practicing taking corners in training recently, and he got the opportunity to take plenty today as the Youngstars kept up the pressure. This left Sam on his own at the back, and on a few occasions throughout the game he was called on to sweep up as the ball broke out towards the Youngstars' half. Not only was he able to tackle cleanly, he also constantly found one of his team mates with some good passing skill.
Harvey almost opened the scoring early in the second period when his strike had to be tipped over the bar by the goalkeeper. However, a few minutes later he found some space again and this time his shot hit the back of the net to get things underway. Ross was playing in goals for this spell, and after a good bit of Longniddry pressure he managed to clear the ball out to Lewis at the edge of his own box. Lewis charged forward down the right wing, then cut inside at the Longniddry box and fired the ball low into the opposite corner of the goals for the Youngstars' second of the game. Then, following some good passing between Harvey and Morgan, Lewis was on the scoresheet again as his shot struck the Longniddry keeper's shin and trickled over the goal line.
Jason and Josh linked up well throughout the third period, creating loads of scoring opportunities for the team. At one stage, with both of them battling it out against the Longniddry defence in the box, the ball broke to Jason who wasted no time in rifling it into the net for his first of the match. Then after Lewis found Josh in the middle of the pitch, Josh skipped past his marker and played a great pass to Jason on the left. Jason drove further wide, then turned back in-field and dribbled past a couple of defenders before placing the ball neatly between the keeper and his near post. Calum lead the front line with his usual enthusiasm and kept the Longniddry defence under pressure for the whole of this period, meaning that their was very little for the Youngstars defence to do.
Jason completed his hat-trick in the final quarter, when the ball fell kindly to him in the Longniddry penalty box and he struck it sweetly past the diving keeper. Then, following another superb curling corner from Mark, a Longniddry defender got on the wrong side of the ball and knocked it into his own net. The Youngstars continued to make many chances, and Ross was next on the scoresheet with his first goal since joining the club last winter. From out on the right wing he drove forward towards goal and, with his right foot, curled the ball beautifully into the top corner of the net giving the keeper no chance. The Longniddry team kept their heads up though, and managed to pull one back following a great clearance from their defender. It flew over our midfield and defence, and landed at their striker's feet who still had a lot to do to control the ball and squeeze it past Josh right into the bottom corner. It was good to see the Longniddry players getting a reward for their efforts as they had put a lot into the game and really deserved their goal. The Youngstars then scored a very similar goal with Jason's pass flying over the Longniddry players into Harvey's path and he controlled it perfectly on the bounce, tucking it past the advancing keeper into the net. Just before the final whistle, Lewis played a nice pass for Harvey to hammer the ball into the goals for his hat-trick.
This ended another great display from the Youngstars, and each player can be very pleased with their own individual performance today.
Teamsheet: Mark, Sam, Ross, Josh, Morgan, Lewis, Harvey, Jason, Calum
Goal scorers: Harvey (3), Lewis (2), Jason (3), Ross, and an Own Goal
After a good warm-up session focussing on heading technique, the Youngstars convinced the coach to offer a prize of £5 for any player who managed to score with a header during the match. Unfortunately, for the kids at least, there were no headed goals today - but that wasn't for the lack of trying with many excellent crosses being played into the box.
The first 15 minutes was a very close game, with chances at either end of the pitch, but neither team able to score. Morgan came the closest when he met Jason's cross a couple of yards from goal, but the Longniddry defence recovered well and cleared the ball in the nick of time. Mark had been practicing taking corners in training recently, and he got the opportunity to take plenty today as the Youngstars kept up the pressure. This left Sam on his own at the back, and on a few occasions throughout the game he was called on to sweep up as the ball broke out towards the Youngstars' half. Not only was he able to tackle cleanly, he also constantly found one of his team mates with some good passing skill.
Harvey almost opened the scoring early in the second period when his strike had to be tipped over the bar by the goalkeeper. However, a few minutes later he found some space again and this time his shot hit the back of the net to get things underway. Ross was playing in goals for this spell, and after a good bit of Longniddry pressure he managed to clear the ball out to Lewis at the edge of his own box. Lewis charged forward down the right wing, then cut inside at the Longniddry box and fired the ball low into the opposite corner of the goals for the Youngstars' second of the game. Then, following some good passing between Harvey and Morgan, Lewis was on the scoresheet again as his shot struck the Longniddry keeper's shin and trickled over the goal line.
Jason and Josh linked up well throughout the third period, creating loads of scoring opportunities for the team. At one stage, with both of them battling it out against the Longniddry defence in the box, the ball broke to Jason who wasted no time in rifling it into the net for his first of the match. Then after Lewis found Josh in the middle of the pitch, Josh skipped past his marker and played a great pass to Jason on the left. Jason drove further wide, then turned back in-field and dribbled past a couple of defenders before placing the ball neatly between the keeper and his near post. Calum lead the front line with his usual enthusiasm and kept the Longniddry defence under pressure for the whole of this period, meaning that their was very little for the Youngstars defence to do.
Jason completed his hat-trick in the final quarter, when the ball fell kindly to him in the Longniddry penalty box and he struck it sweetly past the diving keeper. Then, following another superb curling corner from Mark, a Longniddry defender got on the wrong side of the ball and knocked it into his own net. The Youngstars continued to make many chances, and Ross was next on the scoresheet with his first goal since joining the club last winter. From out on the right wing he drove forward towards goal and, with his right foot, curled the ball beautifully into the top corner of the net giving the keeper no chance. The Longniddry team kept their heads up though, and managed to pull one back following a great clearance from their defender. It flew over our midfield and defence, and landed at their striker's feet who still had a lot to do to control the ball and squeeze it past Josh right into the bottom corner. It was good to see the Longniddry players getting a reward for their efforts as they had put a lot into the game and really deserved their goal. The Youngstars then scored a very similar goal with Jason's pass flying over the Longniddry players into Harvey's path and he controlled it perfectly on the bounce, tucking it past the advancing keeper into the net. Just before the final whistle, Lewis played a nice pass for Harvey to hammer the ball into the goals for his hat-trick.
This ended another great display from the Youngstars, and each player can be very pleased with their own individual performance today.
Teamsheet: Mark, Sam, Ross, Josh, Morgan, Lewis, Harvey, Jason, Calum
Goal scorers: Harvey (3), Lewis (2), Jason (3), Ross, and an Own Goal
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