A bit of a shocker this week.

Given that this was the lad’s first game since moving up to Section A plus the first match back after the Halloween break perhaps it should have been expected that the performance would suffer, however, I don’t think anyone could have anticipated by just how much.

Things started badly with 2 players missing at Kick Off resulting in us only having 1 sub until midway through the second period. Unfortunately against a quicker opponent coupled with the conditions it proved to be a bit of an issue as we finished the first period 5 nil down and facing a real uphill challenge to come back.

As it turned out we ended up playing the entire game with a man missing which was a pity as there were other players available who would have been happy to have a game.

The pitch resembled a swamp in places and it was utterly impossible to play good passing football due to the pitch being very soft underfoot despite the lads trying to cope with the conditions. Although it has got to be said that today everyone appeared to be below par.

Rhys Johnston played in goal and probably wishes he hadn’t although he did pull off one or two good saves and was unlucky with others.

Our goal came from a breakaway out of defence when Calum Mackay passed a lovely ball out to Luke Johnston who managed to get something on it and Tyler Johnston picked it up. Tyler ran through one on one with the EIS keeper and hit a lovely shot which struck the bar, bounced out, ricocheted of the keeper’s back and bounced back into the net. Match of the Day would put it down as the Keeper’s OG but I reckon we’ve got to give it to Tyler for getting the shot on target. He’s certainly claiming it anyway.

During the game Robson Rutherford made several runs from defence. At one point he carried the ball almost the length of the pitch along the left touchline, beating 3 players before EIS managed to put the ball out of play.

Jonny Jackson made a difference when he came on with his usual mix of good defensive play and quick, purposeful runs.

Brandon Cromie got himself into some good defensive positions and showed his usual no fear approach.

Matthew Booth played some nice football at times but couldn’t get his twisting, turning runs going due to the muddy conditions.

Patrick Mack displayed his continuing desire to improve, always chasing and harrying and not giving the opposition time to settle.

Today we faced an opponent who concentrated better than we did, attacked the ball quicker, took advantage of our mistakes, and made us pay for it.

Man of the Match

The Whole Team for keeping their head up and continuing to play in difficult circumstances.

Well done, lads.

Squad
Luke Johnston, Tyler Johnston, Patrick Mack, Calum Mackay, Robson Rutherford, Matthew Booth, Jonny Jackson, Rhys Johnston, Brandon Cromie

Goalscorer
Tyler Johnston