BREAKING NEWS

Buckstone 10-10 Sciennes P4 Red  (yes T-E-N each)

Sciennes P4 Blue 6-2 St Peter's Primary

Sciennes P4 Yellow 3-4 Buckstone

Looks like some teams need to work on defence.  Forwards look to be doing okay!  Match report to follow...

FIXTURES : Saturday 31st October

RED away to Buckstone, kick off 9:30am.

YELLOW home to Buckstone, kick off 9:30am.

BLUE home to St Peters, kick off 9:30am.

More details and teams to follow soon!

MATCH REPORT : RED 10th October

RED 3 - 3 Oxgangs

A fantastic performance from the Red team on Saturday saw them return from 0-3 down to almost snatch a win against a great Oxgangs team.

The day started following some great warm up moves from the Red team and a fantastic shooting drill that saw Ali looking like Petr Cech and Pepe Reina rolled into one.  He threw himself around saving anything and everything that came at him.  We have found ourselves one of the best goalkeepers Sciennes has ever seen!

A bright start from Sciennes saw Danny, Kjartan and Eyvindur all go close but they were kept out by an excellent Oxgangs goalkeeper (more of him later).  Oxgangs had a couple of early breaks but these were soon snuffed out by our defensive pairing of Jack 'Terry'  and Oli 'Vidic'.  Behind them Ali 'Cech' looked great with fantastic distribution wide to the defenders who got the ball forward through midfield really well.  Things looked great.

(Vidic and Terry keep things tight at the back!)

Suddenly on Oxgangs first real break into the box the ball flew up in the air and took a deflection off a couple of players.  Ali pushed it away, it hit Jack, it bounced around, took another deflection, Ali leapt across goal and saved again - but fell backwards into the net with the ball.  A heroic effort from Ali and Jack to keep a very awkward ball out had just failed.  0-1 Oxgangs, completely against the run of play.

Red Team were soon back into the Oxgangs box, with Hector coming on to give Danny 'Fletcher' a rest.  Hector 'Scholes' buzzed about in midfield as usual and set up some great attacks by getting the ball wide to Struan.  A couple of great crossed from Struan 'Giggs' saw the ball flash across goal just out of Kjartan's 'Mascherano' reach.


Upfront Eyvindur 'Rooney' was working hard trying to get the ball and pass to his supporting midfield players.  A couple of early shots were well saved by the Oxgangs goalkeeper (him again) but this didn't put Eyvindur off as he continued running around making himself available for forward passes.  Danny moved up front for a bit as Eyvindur took a rest and then moved into midfield.  The team looked great.  Surely an equaliser was just around the corner?


Then a disaster.  Oxgangs forced their way to the edge of the box and had a shot.  Our defensive pairing blocked the shot and it spun on the wet grass and bounced awkwardly into the net despite a great dive from Ali.  0-2 Oxgangs, completely against the run of play.


Sasha came on to help in midfield and was soon flying down the wing with the ball.  A chance to shoot was lost as the Oxgangs defence crowded him out but it was an excellent start to the game from Sasha 'Anderson'.


Red Team looked a little sorry for themselves as they had conceded two very unlucky goals and were being kept at bay by an excellent Oxgangs goalkeeper.  While the coaches were rearranging the team Oxangs broke through the temporary defence and the Red team found themselves 0-3 down.  However - does anyone remember the Champions League final in 2005?  Liverpool were losing 0-3 against AC Milan?  At least one of the Red Coaches thought we could still do this! 


The reorganised defensive pairing of Jack and Danny looked good for the remainder of the half with Oli patrolling midfield ensuring that there would be no fourth goal.  Just before the break another dangerous run from Struan saw him reach the by-line and cut the ball back to Kjartan who took the ball in his stride and smashed it past the Oxgangs goalie.  1-3, and a perfect time to score just before half time.


The best thing about half time was the way the team got together and told each other they could still get back into the game.  Everyone encouraged Ali who felt a little disappointed to have let in some goals.  The Coaches asked Ali to score a goal and then he'd be happy again.  Little did we know what was about to happen...Ali 'Gerrard' was about to start smiling!


Struan was playing up-front and was beginning to terrorise the Oxgangs defence.  A couple of cut backs nearly produced a second goal.  Kjartan was brilliant in midfield and found himself cutting in from the right and blasting a great shot on target that the goalkeeper (him again) saved low down at the post.  Hector was still buzzing around and loudly encouraging his team mates (turning into a great captain?)!  Jack and Oli were keeping things really tight at the back and beginning to press forward themselves.  Sasha was performing well out wide, inter-changing a couple of great passes with Ali.  Eyvindur, now playing in midfield was making excellent use of the ball and finding his passing game really improving.  Danny, now in goals, was also playing in defence as he covered for one of the defenders as they flew forward looking for the second goal.  It was total football!

When it arrived the second goal was officially a 'stramash'.  Struan got past a couple of players and shot.  The goalie saved it (again), Struan had another shot, saved again.  This time the ball bounced out to Ali who, smiling, smashed the ball high into the net out of the goalkeepers reach.  2-3 Oxgangs, but if we had tails they would be up!

Could we get an equaliser and save the game?  Hector, now resting on the side of the pitch, thought so and continued shouting encouragement to his team mates.  Oli too was having a rest and was getting very excited.  Jack and Sasha were now defending but pushing forward all the time, pressing for that third goal.  In the second half Oxgangs had a couple of chances - one was fluffed in front of goal and the other brought a tremendous save from Danny.  He leapt across goal and grabbed a shot that has heading into the bottom corner.  Still 2-3, phew!  Danny kept us in the game.  Shortly after his save Danny was called into 'action' again as a long shot from midfield trundled past our post.  Just to make sure Danny threw himself after it proving that his diving skills were still top notch!


Eyvindur was linking well with Kjartan in midfield.  Together they were pressing forward and bringing Struan into the game with some nice passing.  Ali was providing some great support to Struan with late runs into the box.  Time was running out though and the Oxgangs goalie was continuing to keep out our best efforts.

(Oxgangs keeper clears as entire Red team press forward for equaliser!)

(Note the lone striker and the line of midfield players backed up by the holding midfield player. "Diamond Christmas Trees" make Coaches are very proud!)

The Red Coaches feared the goal was never going to come.  With Hector urging his team forward Jack took the ball and spread it wide to Kjartan, who passed to Eyvindur, who gave the ball to Struan.  Struan set off on a run, cut inside and gave the ball to Ali.  Ali smiled again, cut inside the defender and blasted the ball past the Oxgangs goalie!  3-3, and the large home crowd were going wild with excitement!  Eventually order was restored - we couldn't possibly grab a winner?  Could we?

For the final five minutes we bombarded the goal.  Kjartan had a fantastic shot which was heading for the top corner saved.  Ali had a fantastic long distance shot tipped over the bar.  Struan had a shot pushed past the post as the Oxgangs goalie tried to keep his team in the game.  With the last kick of the game the Red Team launched another ball into the goalmouth from a corner and Oxgangs hacked the ball away.  The referee blew for full time and both teams had to be happy with the result.

A tremendous effort from the Red team to come back from a disappointing start.  The Coaches were extremely pleased with the way the team stuck together, started encouraging each other and urging each other to keep going.  This reporter can't wait for the next match!

(Stunned Oxgangs team congratulate Red Team on their comeback!)

BREAKING NEWS!

Sciennes FC P4 Red 3  (Kjartan, Ali 2) Oxgangs P4 3

Match report to follow.

Blue Match : OFF!

BREAKING NEWS!
Sorry everyone - the Blue game has been cancelled.  Our opponents have don't have a team.  Blues will train as normal at 9:30am (and maybe support the Red team a little).

Fixtures : Saturday 10th October 2009

Who - Sciennes P4 Red v Oxgangs P4
Where - Meadows
When - 9:30am ko
What - League Match
Squad - Danny, Struan, Alastair, Kjartan, Jack, Oliver, Eyvindur, Hector, Sasha.

Blue match cancelled - training as normal at 9:30am
Who - Sciennes P4 Blue v St Cuthberts P4/P5
Where - AWAY, meet at Victor Hugo's at 8:45am
When - 9:30am ko
What - League Match
Squad - Alex H, Hamish, Jude, Sam, Murdo, Robert, Joe SH, Joseph Bru, Roddy.

Who - Sciennes P4 Orange and Blue
Where - Meadows
When - 9:30am ko
What - training, skills, mini-matches
Squad - Coll, Owen, Valdimar, Amir, Joe Ros, Matthew, Abhisar, Aiden, Joseph Bar, Alex H, Hamish, Jude, Sam, Murdo, Robert, Joe SH, Joseph Bru, Roddy.

Administration Meeting...

One for the grown ups.  An 'administration' meeting is required in the Old Bell on Causewayside on Thursday 8th at 9pm.  Bring pencil and paper we'll see if we can make up some rules for the rest of the season.  All welcome.  Drinks may be served.

Equipment...

When we play matches all players must wear shin pads - it is the rules!  Also, please remember to bring a drink along with you each week.

So before you leave in the morning think - shin pads, drink, shorts, socks, top, hair gel (Jude) and woolly hat (Eyvindur)!  :o)

Missing Jacket!

Anyone find a bright blue jacket on Saturday?  One of the coaches spotted it blowing around and stuffed it into the nearest empty black bag.  Tell Neil if you have it and then he won't be in trouble for losing Struan's jacket!

Match Report : Orange

Sciennes P4 Orange 6 v Sciennes P3 2
The new Orange team started the season with a convincing 6-2 victory over the Sciennes P3 team.  Owen capped an outstanding performance with not one, not two, not three but FOUR goals.  It wasn't this Owen - our Owen is probably even more convincing in front of goals than him.  Alex H, on his debut, contributed two goals before he was used as an emergency sub in the Blue team.

The day started with a new Orange team being announced.  The squad contained Alex A, Joe R, Valdi, Amir, Matthew, Joseph Ba, Owen, Abhisar and the transfer deadline day signing Alex H.  The team looked great in the warm up and they needed to because the P3 team looked fast and full of players keen to impress in their first home match of the season.
The game started in blustery conditions but the Orange team moved the ball around nicely.  Amir started in goals and while initially quiet he kept his defence in line with lots of great shouting.  Joseph Ba was equally vocal and provided a running commentary for the benefit of the whole Meadows.
New signing Alex H was playing well, interchanging passes with Alex A, and scoring a couple of early goals.  Our Owen however was blasting them in from all angles.  A whirlwind start saw the Orange team race to a 5-1 lead.

The P3 team were, however, finding their feet and a tense midfield battle was taking place.  Valdi and Matthew were trying to get the ball wide and Abhisar was always looking to find his team-mates with excellent forward passes.  P3 did however pull another goal back to make it 5-2.

Next came the goal of the day.  A fabulous throw from Abhisar (who had taken over from Amir in goals) found Joe R on the touchline.  Joe played a sliderul pass down the line to Owen who cut in from the left and smashed the ball into the P3 net.  An excellent finish to round off an excellent performance.  Well done to Orange team!

(Team photos taken after match when a number of players had left for tae kwon do gradings.)

Match Report : Red and Blue

Sciennes P4 Reds 4 v Sciennes P4 Blues 2

A last minute goal from Struan finally settled a fantastic match at the windy Meadows this morning.  Two evenly balanced sides battled against the weather to produce the best match of the season so far.  If this is the standard of football these teams can provide then we are in for a fantastic season.
The day started with dramatic new team announcements.  In for the Red team this week were Ali, Oliver, Jack, Struan, Kjartan, Danny, Eyvindur, Hector and Sasha.  It was an exciting looking team that looked more solid at the back than in previous weeks.

The Blue team had also been busy in the transfer market - their new team contained Joseph Br, Murdo, Robert, Hamish, Sam, Joe SH, Roddy and Jude.  This team looked like it now had some goals in it.  However a dramatic late call off from Coll (who was preparing intensely for his tae kwon do grading) threw the Blue Management Team into a frenzy of late tactical alterations.  Eventually they decided to go with only 1 sub...which proved to be a very costly tactical error.

The match started brightly with both teams passing the ball well.  Murdo made a few fantastic tackles in midfield for the Blue team and passed the ball well, setting up an early chance for Jude.  The deadlock was broken when Danny made the score 1-0 Red when he fired in a shot from close range that gave Joseph Br in the Blue goal no chance.



It was now end to end stuff with some excellent attacking play from the Blue team really testing the new Red defensive partnership of Jack and Oliver.  Could they be the answer to the Red problem? Danny scored his second goal to put Red 2-0 up following a spell of pressure and a defensive mix up.  The Reds were beginning to dominate and were now being driven along in midfield by Hector and Kjartan.

However, the Blue team refused to give up and a period of excellent play from Joe SH, Hamish and Roddy stretched the Reds defence again but Ali saved well in the Reds goal. Struan's shot was well saved by Blue keeper Joe Brun who was extremely unlucky to see the rebound fall to Struan who cooly slotted home the Reds third goal.

The Blue management team were not sure where to turn but they threw caution to the wind by drafting in new signing Alex H from the Orange team and throwing him into the heart of midfield alongside an excellent Sam.  It was an inspired move as it gave both sides 2 subs and the game reached new heights.  The Blues got the game by the scruff of the neck and were piling forward.  Alex H was spraying passes around the pitch and dribbling through the nervous Red defence.  The Red line held - surely the Blue problem of sticking the ball in the net wouldn't return?

Just after half time the match changed.  With his team 3-0 down Hamish dragged the Blues back into the game with a couple of well taken quick goals that really gave the Blue fans something to cheer about.  3-2 Reds but the Blue team had the upper hand.  Jude dropped a little deeper to help the Blues in midfield alongside an excellent and energetic Roddy.  The Reds responded by moving Eyvindur and Sasha into the middle to tighten up their midfield.  Surely the old Red defensive problems were not going to return?

Danny was keeping the Blues out with some fantastic saves, while Alex H nearly scored on his Blue debut but a fantastic shot crept just over the bar.  On the wing Struan was battling with double Joe trouble - Joe SH and Joseph Brun were tackling like professionals and it was fantastic entertainment for the large crowd.  With time running out, and the Blues chasing the game, Struan set off on another run and finally broke through the Blue defence and flicked a shot into the net to make it 4-2.  By this stage both sets of players had given their all and tactical changes were limited as some from each side had to be substituted to dash across town for tae kwon do gradings!  The game ended a minute later as the Blues continued to mount attack after attack in a desperate attempt to get back into the game. 

Neither team deserved to lose and this game will go down as one of the matches of the season.
(Team photos taken after match when a number of players had left for tae kwon do gradings.)

Breaking News
Sciennes P4 Red 4 (Danny 2, Struan 2)
Sciennes P4 Blue 2 (Hamish 2)

Sciennes P4 Orange 6 (Owen 4, Alex H 2)
Sciennes P3 Team 2 (Astriker 2)

...match reports to follow!

The Big Kick Off

The big kick-off has arrived! Who will win the P4 derby match - Red or Blue? Will the Orange team see off the P3 team?

The weather seems to be okay, a bit of rain during the night but the sky is clear this morning. A slight breeze seems to be the only concern for today.

The new Red, Blue and Orange teams will be announced just before kick-off. Will the Red team have a new defence? Will the Blue team buy some forwards? How will the Orange team use their new signing? We will know quite soon.

Breaking News
Sciennes FC P4 are delighted to announce a dramatic transfer deadline day new signing. Our new player, Alex Hamilton, signed within hours of the transfer window closing following a number of late night phone calls between the club Chairman, P4 coach and Alex's agent (Dad).

A delighted P4 coach said "This could be the signing that really makes a difference to our season as we now have exactly 28 signed players which allows us to split into two evenly numbered groups. This is just what the club needed following the disappointment of not being allowed a third team in the League".

Alex, a left sided attacking midfield player, will go straight into the Orange squad for the big kick-off tomorrow.

Goal Building By Numbers

Robert and Neil spent Friday night building four goals from the bits and pieces they find in the shed and then numbering the 'joins'.

Of course they had to debate long and hard about the best numbering system to use. Eventually they decide to go for 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, etc. and Neil used his special "waterproof pen" to mark the goals.

Friday nights don't get much more exciting than that.

Fixtures : Saturday 3rd October 2009

We have fixtures for Saturday! The excitement is building...

Who - Sciennes P4 Red v Sciennes P4 Blue
Where - Meadows
When - 9:30am ko
What - League Match

Who - Sciennes P4 Orange v Sciennes P3
Where - Meadows
When - 9:30am ko
What - Mini Tournament