Recap

Prolific Point Batter Back

Point 5 – 1 Back

(League Game 6) 1/6/15

Match Details Here

On the first summer’s night of 2015 you would be forgiven for thinking that shorts and a t-shirt would have been the appropriate attire to wear to the game, but as it lashed down for the entire 90 minutes a survival suit and snorkel would have been more apt as Point entertained their rivals Back in the first Broadbay Derby of the year as the home side ran out comfortable winners in a convincing 5-1 rout.

FIRST HALF
Point made just one change from the starting 11 that faced North Uist as Alec Wright came in to replace Lamont. From the 1st minute it was all Point as they peppered Back’s goal with a few shots that went harmlessly over the bar. Point had an early penalty claim as Ally ‘Wally’ Maciver was brought down in the box but as Scotty Bomb and I strolled in 2 minutes late we were able clarify that it was not a penalty as we had a goal mouth view. The Point faithful only had to wait 8 minutes for the first goal of the game as Wally put a teasing ball in from the left that was just too far in front of Sam, but the onrushing Daniel ‘The Spaniel’ Macleod was on hand at the back post to smash in a thunderous right foot strike in off the bar leaving the Back keeper with no chance. The game continued in the same fashion as Back were struggling to get out of their own half and The Reds had another couple of attempts which never really troubled the Back goalie, but goal number two was soon to follow. From the edge of Wrighty’s penalty box, an expertly executed 70 yard cross-field pinger from Ali ‘G&T’ Gillies set Duncan ‘Janker’ Hunter on his way down the left flank. The in form Hunter showed good composure to slot the ball into the far corner with his left foot to score his 5th goal in 4 games. Keep it up Dunc!! Again the play was all Point’s as they pushed on looking for their 3rd goal and it arrived on the 30th minute when Sam was released down the right wing and a cross-come-shot found its way into the back of the net as the keeper tried to tip it over the bar, but instead helped it into his own net (must have been taking tips from Cammy Bell). As the rain poured down there was time for one more goal before half-time as ex-Backoch and ‘Bugsy Babe’, Mowgli Macleod, showed no remorse to the hand that once fed him as he scored a beautiful lobbed effort from the edge of the box. It was also noted though that, despite the stunning effort, Mowgli chose not to celebrate which I’m sure was a slim consolation for the 2 Back fans that were in attendance (either that or he was too cold to celebrate). The last incident of note in the first half was a booking for pantomime villain and ex-Reds striker Mo, as he was booked for diving (cue huge cheers from the Point dugout and stand).

HALF TIME
As I was catching up on my notes at half time, Scott Campbell offered to go and get us a coffee, which was greatly appreciated, although still I don’t know if this was out of the goodness of his heart or a minor peace offering for all the grief he’s been giving me about Rangers this season (more than likely the second one!). I was a bit disappointed he returned with no cake though as Lamont said there was a good selection on offer which included Twix flapjack, vanilla cupcakes and chocolate square! Daniel also said that tea was brought into the changing room at half-time, which went down a treat. Angus would have told the boys to go on and try to get a few goals as they were against a slight wind in the second half, although stressing the point to keep it tight at the back.

SECOND HALF
As the second half was about to start there was one change for the home team as Angus ‘Jonesy’ MacDonald replaced Stephen Campbell on linesman duties, Alec Wright made his way out of the Ionaid Stoodie centre without a spot of mud on his neon green top despite the conditions – a reminder of how dominant Point really were in the first half. The first 10 minutes started quite scrappy as Back tried to force the issue a bit more as they pushed Chris Moley into CM from CB and brought on Dave ‘Psycho’ Maciver to add a bit of steel to the team. The changes seemed to revitalise the away side as they scored in the 50th minute when youngster Stuart Macdonald received the ball and went on a dribble before lobbing Alec from 25 yards out, a great finish and gave The Blues a lifeline! Despite a positive start for Back, Point scored a 5th when Wally got in on the act. He went through 1-on-1 with the keeper and faked the shot before rounding him and finishing with aplomb! The game was essentially over as a contest after this and the only thing left was to count the amount of 1-on-1s Sam missed (I’m pretty sure the last count was 5, although feel free to correct me Sam!!) After been subbed off he was quoted as saying ‘I hate 1-on-1s’ which I feel was a fair summary of the situation. Coach Stoodie also noted that his only effort on target in the second half was his pass back to the keeper after the ball had gone out of play to allow an injured player to receive treatment! There was one last chance for Back though as a routine pass back to Wrighty trickled over his boot but he managed to just clear it away before Chris Moley got there, this was then followed by a chuckle and ‘I KNEW WHAT I WAS DOING’.

In the end Point thoroughly deserved the win and the only thing that could have disappointed them was that the margin wasn’t bigger with the amount of chances they had created.

MOMENT OF THE MATCH
The most pleasing aspect was getting a very convincing result in horrible conditions, the win took Point joint top of the table after other results had gone their way as we approach the halfway point in the season. (This was closely followed by Mo’s booking!!)

MOAN OF THE MATCH
Along with the weather it has to be Sam’s 1-on-1s, despite banging in the goals for fun of late, he could have gone home with 3 match balls by the end of it!! He must be saving his shooting boots for the must win clash with Ness on Friday!

MAN OF THE MATCH
Stuart Flower Power, there were a few contenders but since moving back to his natural position at CB in the last few games he has shone with his solid displays.