MATCH REPORT : BLUE 6th March

Bruntsfield 0 - 5 Blue

After a dramatic late call-off (entirely Neil's fault for picking someone who was away for the weekend) Murdo was called into the Blue squad and the tactical masterplan altered.  Initial line-up was Roddy (goals), Murdo & Joe S-H (defence), Hamish/Joseph Br/Alex H (midfield), Sam(forward). Amir was sub and Jude arrived just after kick-off after a mix-up on arrangements (we'll blame Neil again but not sure why).  With both of the normal Blue goalkeepers unavailable Amir was lined up to be a keeper but a dramatic thumb injury meant he was unable to go in goals.  After a period of negotiation Roddy was persuaded to don the gloves and literally 'save the day'.

What drama - late team changes, goal-keeping injuries and late arrivals all before most sensible people have eaten their Saturday morning breakfast.  What could possibly go wrong now?  Answer - nothing!

As it turned out the Blue goalkeepers had little to do as a feast of attacking football was served up by the Sciennes P4 Blue team - their best performance of the season. After a fairly even opening few minutes, enlivened by a mazy run by Alex down the left wing, the Blues took the lead after 7 minutes. Some good passing on the right between Hamish and Sam ended with the ball reaching Alex who drove home strongly. 0-1 Blue.

From the first goal there was wave after wave of Blue attacks with Jude scoring 2 after coming off the bench - the first volleyed in after a good challenge from Joseph made the space; the second a strong shot which squirmed through the keeper's hands. 0-3 Blue.

What a start!

Sam also scored a good goal as well as sending a rasping drive just over the bar. 0-4 Blue.

This blistering form couldn't go on - could it?

Alex's second goal followed a good pass from Hamish putting him in from the left. 0-5 Blue.

It wasn't all about the forwards though.  The Blues defence were commanding with Murdo, Joe and Amir cutting out any danger and starting attacks with good forward passes. Murdo took a hard challenge and had to go off for a while but recovered by half time. Roddy had a fairly quiet time in goal but did make one good save from a strong shot from the right and injured his shoulder in the process.  Heroic display all round from the Blues.

Five goals up at half time so Bruntsfield started the second half with an extra player. The second half was much more even as a result and no goals were scored. Jude came close to completing his hat trick when put through by Joseph but after out-stripping the defence his shot beat the keeper but slipped by the left hand post.

Amir, despite the injury, had taken over in goal and had a bit more to do.  The closest Bruntsfield came to scoring was a stramash in the box following a corner. Amir saved the first shot but the rebound looked like creeping in...but a spectacular bit of defending from Alex saw the ball being unceremoniously 'hoofed' (technical term) clear.  Phew. Oh but wait - Bruntsfield claimed a goal but the referee, Paul, confimed that the whole ball had not crossed the line so no goal was given.  Bruntsfield hearts were broken but the clean sheet remained in tact.

Some fairly hard challenges went in as Bruntsfield were keen to get something from the game but the Sciennes midfield and defence were tenacious in holding on to their lead. Murdo, Joe, Joseph, Hamish and Roddy all won important challenges with Alex relieving the pressure with his runs down the left. Sam and Jude also put in some good runs up front.

The Blue team's passing was as good as its been with some good inter-play on show. The game was nearly capped by a fine goal for Hamish but he was unlucky to see a strong right foot drive come down off the cross-bar and bounce on the line - again the referee said no goal.  Goal-line technology anyone?


A fine performance to start the year from the entire squad.  Well played to everyone.