MYS Black Stripes 12 - 3 Haddington Athletic Clarets (30Aug08)
After last week's game being called off due to poor weather, it was great to eventually re-start the season today. The Youngstars got off to a flyer in the first 15 minutes, with some great play from Lewis and Jason. Some typically strong defending from Mark in his own box allowed the ball to break to Lewis, who looked up and fired the ball over the half-way line to Jason. One-on-one with the keeper, Jason cleverly chipped the ball over his head and into the net for the game's first goal. Soon afterwards, Lewis won the ball just outside the Haddington box and hammered it towards goal. The keeper managed to get a hand to it, but could only deflect it into the goals. With Kyle absent through injury, Innes took his place in goals for the first quarter and made a couple of excellent saves, diving down low to smother the ball. Lewis then scored his second after a throw-out from the Haddington keeper found it's way into his path. He strode forward and tucked the ball under the keeper's body to make it 3-0.
Haddingston played better in the second quarter and gave the Youngstars a real test. Harvey had a shot in goals and managed to get in front of a powerful shot, but it deflected behind him and into the net. Morgan played brilliantly on the right wing during this period, with numerous tackles, mazy runs and attempts at goal (and he was really unlucky not to score from a particular effort that went narrowly past the post).
Early in the third quarter, Josh hit a fantastic corner that looped over the keeper and went straight into the net. Moments later, he lofted in another fantastic corner which Lewis got on the end of and headered just wide. The Youngstars piled on the pressure and a great cross from Lewis was met by Jason in the six yard box and he fired the ball through the keeper's legs for his second goal of the match. Jason then set up the team's sixth goal as he crossed from the right wing and Lewis headered the ball past the advancing keeper. Seconds later, Jason again crossed the ball into the box where Lewis was waiting to strike and he scored his fourth. He then got a fifth after winning the ball outside the Haddington box and calmly stroking it into the bottom corner of the net. Haddington pulled one back, though, with some great dribbling from their striker followed by a cracking shot between two Youngstars defenders. However, Jason then completed his hat-trick after a nice short corner routine with Josh.
Sam played well in the final quarter with some fantastic tackles in the midfield. Lewis played in goals for this period and was called upon to make a number of brilliant saves. His powerful kick-outs also helped set up good attacking moves, one of which resulted in a goal for Harvey. Jason picked up Lewis' kick-out on the right wing, then chipped the ball over towards Harvey who had broken forward from his central midfield position. Harvey finished the move with ease as he blasted the ball into the goals. He then scored his second after some great passing play between Jason and Calum. Haddington scored their third a few moments later, but the Youngstars finished the scoring after Jason's shot came off the cross-bar and fell kindly for Calum who knocked the ball into the net with the last kick of the match. All in all, a great start to the second half of the season.
Teamsheet: Innes, Mark, Morgan, Josh, Sam, Harvey, Lewis, Jason, Calum
Goal scorers: Jason (3), Lewis (5), Josh, Harvey (2), Calum
Saturday, August 30, 2008
Saturday, June 7, 2008
PENCAITLAND TOO HOT TO HANDLE
MYS Black Stripes 1 - 11 Pencaitland Blue (7Jun08)
This was, by far, the hottest day we've played in - and Pencaitland were simply too hot for the Youngstars to deal with. Things started promisingly with a great goal from Josh. Having won the ball in the middle of the park, he played it out wide to Calum who manged to hold off his defender and lay it back. Josh quickly got it under control just outside the box and lobbed it over the keeper into the top corner. Pencaitland turned up the heat, however, and pulled one back quickly. Their star striker skipped straight through the Youngstars' defence and fired a cracking shot at goal. Kyle managed to get a hand to it, but it deflected into the net. Seconds later, Pencaitland almost scored another in exactly the same way - but this time Kyle managed to block the shot with a great save.
After that, it was all one-way traffic with Pencaitland making chance after chance. The Pencaitland striker was simply too strong, and he scored numerous others himself and set up many for his team mates.
Taking the positives out of the game, all the kids showed some elements of development. Kyle had made a few good saves before having to come off feeling ill, but Calum proved to be a more than capable replacement making some outstanding saves of his own. Mark did his usual solid defending, and was particularly good at holding off the attackers whilst waiting for support from his midfielders. Innes did well tracking back when we lost the ball and made a few brave blocks. Morgan was strong with his tackles and had a number of powerful clearances to relieve the pressure. Sam showed great determination to win the ball and look for team mates to pass to, whilst Harvey displayed his usual energy up and down the park. Josh continued to prove that he his is an exceptional midfielder, winning tackles and making great passes forward. And Lennon once again showed great ball control and tricks out on the wing.
So, despite the defeat, there was some good football on display from the Youngstars and we can look to improve on this further during training and into the next game.
Teamsheet: Kyle, Mark, Innes, Morgan, Sam, Harvey, Josh, Lennon, Calum.
Goal scorer: Josh
This was, by far, the hottest day we've played in - and Pencaitland were simply too hot for the Youngstars to deal with. Things started promisingly with a great goal from Josh. Having won the ball in the middle of the park, he played it out wide to Calum who manged to hold off his defender and lay it back. Josh quickly got it under control just outside the box and lobbed it over the keeper into the top corner. Pencaitland turned up the heat, however, and pulled one back quickly. Their star striker skipped straight through the Youngstars' defence and fired a cracking shot at goal. Kyle managed to get a hand to it, but it deflected into the net. Seconds later, Pencaitland almost scored another in exactly the same way - but this time Kyle managed to block the shot with a great save.
After that, it was all one-way traffic with Pencaitland making chance after chance. The Pencaitland striker was simply too strong, and he scored numerous others himself and set up many for his team mates.
Taking the positives out of the game, all the kids showed some elements of development. Kyle had made a few good saves before having to come off feeling ill, but Calum proved to be a more than capable replacement making some outstanding saves of his own. Mark did his usual solid defending, and was particularly good at holding off the attackers whilst waiting for support from his midfielders. Innes did well tracking back when we lost the ball and made a few brave blocks. Morgan was strong with his tackles and had a number of powerful clearances to relieve the pressure. Sam showed great determination to win the ball and look for team mates to pass to, whilst Harvey displayed his usual energy up and down the park. Josh continued to prove that he his is an exceptional midfielder, winning tackles and making great passes forward. And Lennon once again showed great ball control and tricks out on the wing.
So, despite the defeat, there was some good football on display from the Youngstars and we can look to improve on this further during training and into the next game.
Teamsheet: Kyle, Mark, Innes, Morgan, Sam, Harvey, Josh, Lennon, Calum.
Goal scorer: Josh
Sunday, May 18, 2008
LONGNIDDRY TOURNAMENT RESULTS
Longniddry Villa - Summer Tournament (17May08)
The kids played some great football today, with some help from a few members of the Blue Stripes squad (who had kindly agreed to cover for some absentees). The team won their group, but were beaten in the final against a typically strong North Berwick side. However, the boys can take heart from the way the played throughout the tournament, with some excellent passing and skills on display for the crowd. Our defending and goal-keeping was great, and everyone seemed to enjoy the whole event.
The results were as follows:
The kids played some great football today, with some help from a few members of the Blue Stripes squad (who had kindly agreed to cover for some absentees). The team won their group, but were beaten in the final against a typically strong North Berwick side. However, the boys can take heart from the way the played throughout the tournament, with some excellent passing and skills on display for the crowd. Our defending and goal-keeping was great, and everyone seemed to enjoy the whole event.
The results were as follows:
- Tranent Colts 0 - 3 MYS Black Stripes (Jason G, Jason J (2))
- Haddington Athletic 2 - 2 MYS Black Stripes (Keiron (2))
- Longniddry Villa 0 - 4 MYS Black Stripes (Lennon, Lewis, Calum, Keiron)
- North Berwick Hawks 4 - 0 MYS Black Stripes
Saturday, May 10, 2008
TRANENT TOO TOUGH
MYS Black Stripes 4-5 Tranent Colts (10May08)
The conditions were great for today's match, with no wind or rain for the kids to deal with. Tranent fielded a strong team, with a numer of tall and powerful players - but this proved to be a good stretch for the Youngstars. Mark and Innes played well again in defence, keeping the Tranet strikers at bay, and Lennon showed some excellent skills and tricks out on the right wing throughout the match. The opening goal came from a superb shot from Josh, which the keeper spilled and (as usual) Calum was alert enough to pounce on the ball and hammer it into the net.
Brandon Cullen joined the team for today's game, and started up-front in the second period. He had an excellent game and was unlucky not to score on a few occassions. On today's display, it's a shame that he's unable to remain with the squad due to other commitments. But, if his circumstances change, he'll certainly be welcomed back into the team. Tranent scored an equaliser early on in this period, but the Youngstars kept their heads up and fought back with a few good attacks. A great shot from Harvey was saved by the keeper and deflected out to Brandon. From a very tight angle, he managed to squeeze the ball under the keeper but it bounced off the back post and went wide. Tranent then broke through the Youngstars defence and forced an excellent save from Kyle. However, they managed to take the lead when a low shot slid under Kyle's diving hands, and fell to a Tranent striker who was able to tap the ball into the empty goals. Again, though, the Youngstars hit back when Brandon won the ball on the half-way line, skipped past his marker and charged towards goal. He hit a smashing shot past the keeper and hit the post, but the ball bounced back off the shin of a Tranent defender and into the net. The Youngstars restored their lead soon afterwards when Lennon's corner found Harvey in the box. Harvey's shot was saved by the keeper but the ball fell back at his feet and his second shot was deflected to Sam who kept his cool and passed it into the goal past the diving keeper.
In the third period, Tranent proved to be too strong with their bigger players finding it very easy to shove the Youngstars off the ball. A couple of Tranent goals put them in the lead going into the last 15 minutes of the match.
The Youngstars scored a good equaliser, again when Brandon won the ball in the midfield. He played a great through pass to Calum who, one on one with the keeper, slotted the ball into the bottom corner. Brandon was further involved when a couple of great shots were saved by the Tranent keeper. Morgan had a few great clearances from defence and was brave to win a fantastic header to keep Tranent out. It looked like the game would end in a draw, but a smashing pass from a Tranent midfileder went straight through the Youngstars' defence and a Tranent striker was in a great position to slot the ball past Kyle.
All in all, it was a great game today. Some fantastic passing throughout the game (particularly between Calum, Lennon, and Brandon) and a good test against bigger and stronger players.
Teamsheet: Kyle, Mark, Innes, Morgan, Josh, Sam, Harvey, Lennon, Calum, Brandon
Goal scorers: Calum (2), Sam, Own Goal
The conditions were great for today's match, with no wind or rain for the kids to deal with. Tranent fielded a strong team, with a numer of tall and powerful players - but this proved to be a good stretch for the Youngstars. Mark and Innes played well again in defence, keeping the Tranet strikers at bay, and Lennon showed some excellent skills and tricks out on the right wing throughout the match. The opening goal came from a superb shot from Josh, which the keeper spilled and (as usual) Calum was alert enough to pounce on the ball and hammer it into the net.
Brandon Cullen joined the team for today's game, and started up-front in the second period. He had an excellent game and was unlucky not to score on a few occassions. On today's display, it's a shame that he's unable to remain with the squad due to other commitments. But, if his circumstances change, he'll certainly be welcomed back into the team. Tranent scored an equaliser early on in this period, but the Youngstars kept their heads up and fought back with a few good attacks. A great shot from Harvey was saved by the keeper and deflected out to Brandon. From a very tight angle, he managed to squeeze the ball under the keeper but it bounced off the back post and went wide. Tranent then broke through the Youngstars defence and forced an excellent save from Kyle. However, they managed to take the lead when a low shot slid under Kyle's diving hands, and fell to a Tranent striker who was able to tap the ball into the empty goals. Again, though, the Youngstars hit back when Brandon won the ball on the half-way line, skipped past his marker and charged towards goal. He hit a smashing shot past the keeper and hit the post, but the ball bounced back off the shin of a Tranent defender and into the net. The Youngstars restored their lead soon afterwards when Lennon's corner found Harvey in the box. Harvey's shot was saved by the keeper but the ball fell back at his feet and his second shot was deflected to Sam who kept his cool and passed it into the goal past the diving keeper.
In the third period, Tranent proved to be too strong with their bigger players finding it very easy to shove the Youngstars off the ball. A couple of Tranent goals put them in the lead going into the last 15 minutes of the match.
The Youngstars scored a good equaliser, again when Brandon won the ball in the midfield. He played a great through pass to Calum who, one on one with the keeper, slotted the ball into the bottom corner. Brandon was further involved when a couple of great shots were saved by the Tranent keeper. Morgan had a few great clearances from defence and was brave to win a fantastic header to keep Tranent out. It looked like the game would end in a draw, but a smashing pass from a Tranent midfileder went straight through the Youngstars' defence and a Tranent striker was in a great position to slot the ball past Kyle.
All in all, it was a great game today. Some fantastic passing throughout the game (particularly between Calum, Lennon, and Brandon) and a good test against bigger and stronger players.
Teamsheet: Kyle, Mark, Innes, Morgan, Josh, Sam, Harvey, Lennon, Calum, Brandon
Goal scorers: Calum (2), Sam, Own Goal
Saturday, April 26, 2008
YOUNGSTARS DRAW, BUT A GREAT PERFORMANCE
MYS Black Stripes 2 - 2 Haddington Athletic Sky Blue (26Apr08)
Despite being a relatively low scoring game, there were a lot of positives to take from the match (particularly the rising confidence of Innes and Sam). The wind definitely played its part, causing difficulty for both teams, but all the kids tried their best to battle the conditions. Some great play between Lennon, Calum and Josh helped carve out a few early chances and the opening goal eventually came from a corner kick. Josh drilled the ball low into the box and it somehow squeezed between the keeper's legs and into the net. Haddington pulled one back though, with some great attacking play that allowed their striker to slot the ball in at Kyle's near post. Lennon displayed some great tricks and ball control out on the right hand side, but the team struggled to get past a strong Haddington defence.
The Youngstars were up against it in the second period, playing against a particularly strong wind. Morgan was worked hard out on the right wing, having to track back to defend whilst supporting our attacking moves going forward. Kyle was forced into making a couple of excellent saves as the Haddington kids took advantage of the wind behind them. Kyle was eventually beaten by a looping clearance from a Haddington midfielder. The ball was blasted high into the air and it bounced in front of Kyle, then over his head into the goals.
In the third period, the wind advantage helped and Sam had an excellent game on the left hand side of midfield. His tackling was strong, he ran back to support his defenders when needed, and showed great confidence in controlling the ball to dribble past opponents. He was involved in the set up of the Youngstar's equaliser, after winning the ball just inside the Haddington half. He skipped past his opponent with some good skill, then played a great pass through to Harvey on the right. Harvey quickly passed the ball into Calum's run inside the box and Calum kept his cool and tucked it past the advancing keeper.
The team was under real pressure in the final period, and some typically superb defending from Mark kept Haddington at bay. At one point, Mark managed to clear the ball high into the car park! Innes also had an excellent game, with strong tackling, good passing, and showing a real determination to drive forward with the ball. The Youngstars were unlucky not to score a third after Innes won a tackle in midfield and slotted the ball through to Morgan, who strode forward and played a great pass to Calum. One-on-one with the keeper, Calum hit a sound shot but, as it was against the wind, there wasn't enough power and the keeper made a good save.
All in all, the kids played well in the conditions and learned the importance of keeping the ball low when playing against the wind.
Teamsheet: Kyle, Mark, Innes, Morgan, Sam, Lennon, Josh, Harvey, Calum
Goal scorers: Josh, Calum
Despite being a relatively low scoring game, there were a lot of positives to take from the match (particularly the rising confidence of Innes and Sam). The wind definitely played its part, causing difficulty for both teams, but all the kids tried their best to battle the conditions. Some great play between Lennon, Calum and Josh helped carve out a few early chances and the opening goal eventually came from a corner kick. Josh drilled the ball low into the box and it somehow squeezed between the keeper's legs and into the net. Haddington pulled one back though, with some great attacking play that allowed their striker to slot the ball in at Kyle's near post. Lennon displayed some great tricks and ball control out on the right hand side, but the team struggled to get past a strong Haddington defence.
The Youngstars were up against it in the second period, playing against a particularly strong wind. Morgan was worked hard out on the right wing, having to track back to defend whilst supporting our attacking moves going forward. Kyle was forced into making a couple of excellent saves as the Haddington kids took advantage of the wind behind them. Kyle was eventually beaten by a looping clearance from a Haddington midfielder. The ball was blasted high into the air and it bounced in front of Kyle, then over his head into the goals.
In the third period, the wind advantage helped and Sam had an excellent game on the left hand side of midfield. His tackling was strong, he ran back to support his defenders when needed, and showed great confidence in controlling the ball to dribble past opponents. He was involved in the set up of the Youngstar's equaliser, after winning the ball just inside the Haddington half. He skipped past his opponent with some good skill, then played a great pass through to Harvey on the right. Harvey quickly passed the ball into Calum's run inside the box and Calum kept his cool and tucked it past the advancing keeper.
The team was under real pressure in the final period, and some typically superb defending from Mark kept Haddington at bay. At one point, Mark managed to clear the ball high into the car park! Innes also had an excellent game, with strong tackling, good passing, and showing a real determination to drive forward with the ball. The Youngstars were unlucky not to score a third after Innes won a tackle in midfield and slotted the ball through to Morgan, who strode forward and played a great pass to Calum. One-on-one with the keeper, Calum hit a sound shot but, as it was against the wind, there wasn't enough power and the keeper made a good save.
All in all, the kids played well in the conditions and learned the importance of keeping the ball low when playing against the wind.
Teamsheet: Kyle, Mark, Innes, Morgan, Sam, Lennon, Josh, Harvey, Calum
Goal scorers: Josh, Calum
Saturday, April 19, 2008
MORGAN SCORES FOR BOTH TEAMS
Dunbar Utd Black 13 - 8 MYS Black Stripes (19Apr08)
The Black Stripes team suffered its heaviest defeat for a couple of years today, after a strong start. Jason G was drafted in from the Blue Stripes to help out a depleted squad, and made an immediate impact by scoring early on. He managed to find space wide on the right and drilled in a low cross which the Dunbar keeper could only parry into his own net. Jason soon scored a second with a great chip over the keeper's outstretched arms. Dunbar fought back, however, and forced a brilliant save from Kyle, diving to his left and pushing the ball out for a corner. Continued Dunbar pressure eventually resulted in a goal when a high ball bounced in front of Innes but he couldn't get it clear. The Dunbar striker pounced and blasted the ball past Kyle.
The Dunbar kids played very well in the second period, with the wind behind them. Despite some great defending from Mark, they scored three quick goals without reply. Just before the end of the period, though, Josh won the ball in the middle of the park and dribbled round the Dunbar defence. He then smashed a superb shot into the net to make the score 4-3.
In the third period, the Youngstars played much better despite losing two quick goals (one of which was an amazing own goal from Morgan into the top corner). Jason, Harvey and Lennon combined well and managed to create four goals. For the first, Jason won the ball in midfield and passed to Harvey wide on the right. Harvey skipped round the Dunbar defence and fired the ball off the far post and into the corner of the net. He was on the score-sheet minutes later after Lennon shrugged off his marker and played a brilliant pass into his path on the right. Once again, Harvey kept calm and placed the ball past the advancing keeper. Lennon then set up the equaliser by passing the ball between the Dunbar defenders for Jason to strike into the top corner. The Youngstars then took the lead as Harvey crossed the ball in low from the right. Lennon's shot hit the goalkeeper but the ball was deflected into Morgan's path and he hammered it into the bottom corner.
Things fell apart in the final quarter as Dunbar piled on the pressure. Three quick goals gave them a comfortable lead and the Youngstars' heads started to drop. Kyle made a couple of great saves, but was helpless at most of the goals. Josh pulled one back for the Youngstars with a cross that sailed over the keeper's head, but the Dunbar players punished every mistake and scored a further four goals. Sam played well with good running back to help his defence, but in the end Dunbar were simply too strong. Still, this was a valuable lesson for the Youngstars and demonstrated the need to keep good concentration throughout the whole match. Hopefully, the boys will learn from this and become stronger in future games.
Teamsheet: Kyle, Mark, Innes, Morgan, Sam, Jason G, Josh, Harvey, Lennon
Goal-scorers: Jason G (3), Harvey (2), Josh (2), Morgan
The Black Stripes team suffered its heaviest defeat for a couple of years today, after a strong start. Jason G was drafted in from the Blue Stripes to help out a depleted squad, and made an immediate impact by scoring early on. He managed to find space wide on the right and drilled in a low cross which the Dunbar keeper could only parry into his own net. Jason soon scored a second with a great chip over the keeper's outstretched arms. Dunbar fought back, however, and forced a brilliant save from Kyle, diving to his left and pushing the ball out for a corner. Continued Dunbar pressure eventually resulted in a goal when a high ball bounced in front of Innes but he couldn't get it clear. The Dunbar striker pounced and blasted the ball past Kyle.
The Dunbar kids played very well in the second period, with the wind behind them. Despite some great defending from Mark, they scored three quick goals without reply. Just before the end of the period, though, Josh won the ball in the middle of the park and dribbled round the Dunbar defence. He then smashed a superb shot into the net to make the score 4-3.
In the third period, the Youngstars played much better despite losing two quick goals (one of which was an amazing own goal from Morgan into the top corner). Jason, Harvey and Lennon combined well and managed to create four goals. For the first, Jason won the ball in midfield and passed to Harvey wide on the right. Harvey skipped round the Dunbar defence and fired the ball off the far post and into the corner of the net. He was on the score-sheet minutes later after Lennon shrugged off his marker and played a brilliant pass into his path on the right. Once again, Harvey kept calm and placed the ball past the advancing keeper. Lennon then set up the equaliser by passing the ball between the Dunbar defenders for Jason to strike into the top corner. The Youngstars then took the lead as Harvey crossed the ball in low from the right. Lennon's shot hit the goalkeeper but the ball was deflected into Morgan's path and he hammered it into the bottom corner.
Things fell apart in the final quarter as Dunbar piled on the pressure. Three quick goals gave them a comfortable lead and the Youngstars' heads started to drop. Kyle made a couple of great saves, but was helpless at most of the goals. Josh pulled one back for the Youngstars with a cross that sailed over the keeper's head, but the Dunbar players punished every mistake and scored a further four goals. Sam played well with good running back to help his defence, but in the end Dunbar were simply too strong. Still, this was a valuable lesson for the Youngstars and demonstrated the need to keep good concentration throughout the whole match. Hopefully, the boys will learn from this and become stronger in future games.
Teamsheet: Kyle, Mark, Innes, Morgan, Sam, Jason G, Josh, Harvey, Lennon
Goal-scorers: Jason G (3), Harvey (2), Josh (2), Morgan
Saturday, April 12, 2008
YOUNGSTARS TOO STRONG IN THE END
MYS Black Stripes 6 - 4 Haddington Athletic Clarets (12Apr08)
We had a great performance from the kids today, on their first game back after the Easter break. Haddington took the lead in the first period with a great chip from just inside the box. Some good tracking back from Innes, and strong saves from Kyle helped prevent any further goals from Haddington's waves of attack.
In the second period, the Youngstars came back into the match with a cracking shot from Lennon that hammered the crossbar. Some further pressure eventually paid off with Mark blasting the ball through the centre to Harvey, who skipped past a defender and passed the ball into the net past the diving keeper. Haddington went back into the lead, though, when a good cross from the left was met on the volley by their striker and the ball sailed past Kyle. The best goal of the game came next, after a good kick-out from the Haddington keeper. Harvey won the ball with a header towards Calum, who played a first touch pass back into Harvey's path. Harvey simply looked up and lobbed the ball over the keeper's head to score his second equaliser. Haddington then scored a third goal with a powerful shot that Kyle got a hand to, but couldn't stop the ball crossing the line.
Early in the third period, Haddington went two goals ahead with another chip into the top corner. However, a defensive error let the Youngstars back into the game as Calum pounced on the ball and hit a great shot into the bottom corner. Mark's clearances and kick-ins had been brilliant all day and he set up the next goal when his strong kick-in found Harvey in space on the left. Harvey kept his cool and slotted the ball past the advancing keeper to equalise yet again. The Youngstars then took the lead for the first time when a free-kick from Mark was spilled by the Haddington keeper. Once again, Calum was alert and managed to get to the ball first and blast it home. Some good tackling from Mark, Sam, and Innes in the box frustrated the Haddingston strikers as the Youngstars were put under real pressure.
A string of fine saves from Kyle helped keep Haddington out in the final quarter, and the Youngstars eventually went two goals ahead. Some great skill from Sam on the left wing allowed him to skip past a defender and play a good pass into Harvey's feet. Again Harvey took his time and placed the ball into the net for the final goal of the game. Morgan was playing on the left of midfield and made many great runs back to help out his defenders and keep Haddington at bay. All in all, a great performance from the kids today and a thoroughly entertaining match.
Teamsheet: Kyle, Mark, Innes, Morgan, Sam, Harvey, Lennon, Calum
Goal-scorers: Harvey (4), Calum (2)
We had a great performance from the kids today, on their first game back after the Easter break. Haddington took the lead in the first period with a great chip from just inside the box. Some good tracking back from Innes, and strong saves from Kyle helped prevent any further goals from Haddington's waves of attack.
In the second period, the Youngstars came back into the match with a cracking shot from Lennon that hammered the crossbar. Some further pressure eventually paid off with Mark blasting the ball through the centre to Harvey, who skipped past a defender and passed the ball into the net past the diving keeper. Haddington went back into the lead, though, when a good cross from the left was met on the volley by their striker and the ball sailed past Kyle. The best goal of the game came next, after a good kick-out from the Haddington keeper. Harvey won the ball with a header towards Calum, who played a first touch pass back into Harvey's path. Harvey simply looked up and lobbed the ball over the keeper's head to score his second equaliser. Haddington then scored a third goal with a powerful shot that Kyle got a hand to, but couldn't stop the ball crossing the line.
Early in the third period, Haddington went two goals ahead with another chip into the top corner. However, a defensive error let the Youngstars back into the game as Calum pounced on the ball and hit a great shot into the bottom corner. Mark's clearances and kick-ins had been brilliant all day and he set up the next goal when his strong kick-in found Harvey in space on the left. Harvey kept his cool and slotted the ball past the advancing keeper to equalise yet again. The Youngstars then took the lead for the first time when a free-kick from Mark was spilled by the Haddington keeper. Once again, Calum was alert and managed to get to the ball first and blast it home. Some good tackling from Mark, Sam, and Innes in the box frustrated the Haddingston strikers as the Youngstars were put under real pressure.
A string of fine saves from Kyle helped keep Haddington out in the final quarter, and the Youngstars eventually went two goals ahead. Some great skill from Sam on the left wing allowed him to skip past a defender and play a good pass into Harvey's feet. Again Harvey took his time and placed the ball into the net for the final goal of the game. Morgan was playing on the left of midfield and made many great runs back to help out his defenders and keep Haddington at bay. All in all, a great performance from the kids today and a thoroughly entertaining match.
Teamsheet: Kyle, Mark, Innes, Morgan, Sam, Harvey, Lennon, Calum
Goal-scorers: Harvey (4), Calum (2)
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