Match Report - 9th March 2008

With two games still to play, this win secured the runners up spot in Division 4 for the Bs, their first silverware since they started as Under 9s. All the players should be very proud of their contribution this season which has gone towards this tremendous achievement.

The win summed up the story of the Bs season. It was much more convincing than the final 4-0 score line suggests as they created a huge number of chances and might easily have had six before half time. Credit to St Andrews though for determined defending and never giving up. Their keeper made many excellent saves and they cleared off the line at least three times. But more clinical finishing would have made for a more realistic score line.

The Bs went into the game knowing that they needed two points to ensure they would finish second and there was a great start for them with a goal for Sid after just two minutes. Luis set it up with a fine ball over the left back and Sid, in typical fashion, put his head down raced in on goal and tucked it home. The Bs found it hard to keep possession for long enough as St Andrews competed hard in midfield and some of the Bs passing was slightly too soft.

But they caused problems for the visitors with quick balls behind the back four which Sid and Conor raced onto. From one of these the Bs won a corner which Luis took short to George. He passed back to Luis who took it into the area and then sent it into the six yard box where Russell seized on it and sent a low shot home. This was Russell’s sixth goal of the season from twelve games – a great return for a centre back.

The Bs defence had a very good game but were tested by some swift runs behind them. Daniel had a really good, confident game at right back. When St Andrews broke through they find Stephen in unstoppable form. He produced a series of great saves to deny them including a great tip onto the crossbar at full stretch in the second half.

Two great moves from the Bs looked as though they must seal the points early on. First Sid beat the last defender and the keeper but couldn’t put enough pace on his shot and it was cleared off the line. Then St Andrews keeper made his only mistake of the game racing out to clear and missing the ball. Suddenly Conor had an open goal but, from the edge of the area and with a defender bearing down on him, he sent his shot just wide of the far post. On twenty minutes Luis made no mistake with his eighth of the season. He has scored a number of goals from distance and again, latching onto a ball over the top he took his shot early sending a high ball goalwards. It looked as though it might go over but dipped under the crossbar for a fine goal.

Other shots this half came from George, Conor and Sid whose strength and control gets him into so many attacking positions. But at half time they came in 3-0 up with the aim of adding to the score after the break and keeping a clean sheet.

In the second half there was a period when St Andrews really pressed the Bs back and kept the ball in the Bs half as they struggled to get the ball clear. But for much of this half the Bs improved their passing and movement and started to retain possession much better. There were some neat moves and again, plenty of chances. Sid, Russell, Thomas, Ciaran and Luis all had opportunities.

The Bs made their first change bringing on Jordan Wright for Luis. Just under the hour mark and Sid finally added another goal. Stephen’s distribution has improved enormously this season and his clearance was played on by George into the path of Sid who beat the keeper with a very soft touch. At the other end St Andrews broke behind the back four and suddenly their striker was chasing through on goal. Stephen raced out and both collided and the ball ran to safety. Jordan Coleman came on for George on the left and made a good contribution. In the last ten minutes the Bs rested Sid and Francis who had both played really well allowing George and Luis to come back on. George went up front and continued his non stop action.

The match ended 4-0 and there were so many really good performances. The defence did a great job keeping the clean sheet and Thomas and Francis played very well particularly in the second half. Conor had his best match of the season linking up well and was unlucky not to have scored. But Francis was man of the match as he was superb in the midfield.