Recap

Rampant Reds Run Riot

Point 8 – 0 United

(Jock Stein Cup Round 1) 13/5/15

Point breezed in to the semi-final of the Jock Stein Cup with a comfortable victory over an inexperienced Stornoway United team. The game was rearranged from Monday when there was a hurricane blowing across the pitch. Only the craziest fools would play in these conditions……Back played. Apparently goal kicks were barely getting out of the box!

First half
The game started fairly slowly and United were first to threaten with Hugh “Brownie” Morrison testing Point’s new goalie, Ally “Lager of” Lamont (older readers will get it!) with a left footer which the keeper gathered comfortably. Ally and Alex “Legend” Wright will provide competition and cover for eachother throughout a hectic summer of football.

After 13 minutes Stephen “Ronaldo” Campbell had a shot which whistled by the post. The Grumblies in the Stadio deli Garrabosti were unhappy: Chairman Flower bellowed “Its meant to go in the net!” from his executive box at the back of the stand. We were beginning to wish they’d stayed over at the cakes! But then, a couple of minutes later, Elliot “”Toure” Ruddall went on a rangy run down the left, cut inside and buried a shot under the keeper. Point 1 v 0 United.

After 19 mins a United clearance went miles up in the air. Ruari Miller “time” waited patiently 30 yards out and caught it sweet on the volley, illustrating the confidence he has in his sparkling white boots, but the keeper managed to grasp safely. After 23 mins a decent move ( I can’t really remember it if I’m being honest) ended with Sam receiving the ball 18 yards out in the inside right position. Sam took one look and hammered the ball right footed across the keeper and into the far corner. Sweet strike Sam. Point 2 v 0 United.

The Reds continued to push for goals but the final ball and a lack of composure at certain moments was costing us. United had Grant Stewart and Andrew “Blackie “Black playing in midfield, as well as having Don “Mafia” Macleod on the bench. I mention these 3 as I coached them all for Point juniors back in the day. They have been plying their football trade at Welfare level so it was good to see them turning out in the seniors.

Half time
We told the boys to keep the concentration and intensity levels up and if we could show a bit more composure there would be more goals for us in the second half.

I was feeling quite relaxed and so went for a coffee and a tea (for the gaffer) and a couple of cakes.  I said hi to the grumblies on the way by and asked Christine (Alexander’s mum) what cakes they had. She gave me a rundown of the cakes and I went for a lemon drizzle cake and a vanilla cup cake. I got a fresh £10 out of my pocket but Christine said “No, your money is no good here!” Apparently it’s in our contract that we get cakes-nice one!

Second half
The Reds almost scored straight from the restart but Stu Munro slipped and fluffed his shot after being teed up by Wally. After 50 mins the Reds put together a fantastic sequence of one touch passing, leading to Ruari hitting a beauty of a shot over the keeper and high into the net. Point 3 v 0 United. After 57 mins a cross from the right was missed by a defender and Wally had the easiest of tap ins at the back post. Point 4 v 0 United. The Reds continued to dominate and their superior fitness was beginning to tell as the midfield and forwards found more and more space.

The Reds had the game won and it gave Coach Mackay the chance to use all the subs. Duncan ” Augenthaler” Hunter came on for Wally and got taken out by the United full back, not on a date but with a nasty tackle!  Dunc took the free kick himself and, although not his best delivery, it bobbled through a load of players before Kettings flicked it in for his first goal of the season. Point 5 v 0 United. (69 mins).

The Rudhachs were in relaxed spirit and Coaches Mackay and Macaulay were having good banter with subs and fans alike. Sean Bayble made a flying visit to the Stadium to see what the crack was and to tell us he was heading back offshore this week. Good luck Sean. Speaking of offshore, our flame haired former full back Jason Guilmartin A.K.A The Red Admiral, was spotted eating Lobster in Garlic sauce in the Bahamas recently! My source claims he is having the time of his life, and he’s never felt this way before!

Back to the game and Ali G was next to score when he hammered home a penalty after the keeper had fouled Stu Munro. Point 6 v 0 United. (74 mins)
After 78 mins United had a chance to get a goal but “the pocket rocket” Matthew Campbell was on hand to clear off the line. Instead it was the Reds who would finish with a flourish thanks to 2 crackers from Mowgli. His first was hammered in on the slide after good build up play. Point 7 v 0 United. Mowgli’s second was another good strike from the edge of the box, following good play by Duncan “Beirhoff” Hunter. Well played Mowgs! Point 8 v 0 United. (89 mins). Soon after the ref blew for fulltime.

Point man of the match: Donald “Spike “Smith was back to his Didier Deschamps best and kept the team ticking over nicely.

Moment of the match: Sorry lads but the lemon drizzle cake was amazing, closely followed by Mowgli’s slide tackle goal.

Moan of the match. I think I’ve done this one before but I hate it when defenders kick the ball miles into the moor or over the road when there’s no need. OK if it’s the last minute and you’re hanging on to a lead or something but just kick it out, don’t volley it miles. Rant over, and yes I did twist my ankle clambering over a fence!