East beats West in Game of Throwins.

Point 3 v 1 Westside 17/4/15

Match Details can be found at: Point v West Side

The Reds got off to a flier in the league with victory over last season’s undefeated Champions. Goals from Stephen “Ronaldo” Campbell, Sam Macsween and a Donnie Smith own goal gave the Reds the win, cancelling out an expertly taken Ali “Barvas” free kick which had opened the scoring.

First half

The West started like a runaway train, pressuring the Rudhach defence who were admirably trying to play the ball out from the back where possible. The midfield trio of Ali Williamson, Colin George and Innes Iain were putting pressure on the Reds midfield at every opportunity.

The Reds were a bit like a rabbit in the headlights as they dawdled on the ball and lacked composure in the face of the onslaught. Time after time Ali Barvas and Martainn Shields got in good positions and it was surely a matter of time before they scored.

During this opening period Ali Barvas had a header miraculously saved by our new goalie, Alex Wright (!), as well as Martainn getting the ball caught under his feet when trying to tap in and ex Red striker Mo (booooo) acrobatically volleying over the bar from a few yards.

The Rudhach goal was leading a charmed life as we approached half time on a beautiful Spring evening. After 41 mins  Ali Barvas was fouled right on the edge of the Point box. He stepped up himself and hammered the ball in to the corner, beyond Wrighty’s reach. Point 0 v 1 West.

Coaches Mackay and Macaulay would have probably taken half time then if offered but there was to be a “Brucie Bonus” at the end of the half. Elliot broke away through the middle, used Alexander as a decoy and shot towards the opposite corner. The West keeper Gillies saved it but Stephen Campbell was there to hammer the rebound home and show off his Ronaldo pose to the admiring Grumblies! Point 1v1 West (44 mins).

Half time.

Half time allowed us to make a couple of tactical changes as well as one sub which we hoped would give better balance to the team.

Scott “Bomber” Campbell came through for me with a cup of coffee and a twix. He also revealed that he has been (self) appointed to the role of official Point FC sweetie getter! Going by the first few games he has signed a lucrative contract with Maynards Sports Mix and Bonbons! Good lad Scottie.

Second half

Well if the first half belonged to Westside, the Reds certainly had the edge in the second.  Elliot, Sam, Wally and Stuart in particular took their games up a level and the Champions were on the ropes. In the 61st minute Wally played a great ball over the defence to Sam who did well to get there before the goalie and lob the ball goalwards. As Sam and West defender Chris Adams chased the ball it hit the post and came back to Sam, who Affroed the ball in to the empty net. Get in there! Point 2 v 1 West.

Things were about to get even better for the Reds as Sam showed great persistence to win a free kick in the 64th minute. Alexander Macdonald swung in a beauty with his trusty left peg and Stu Flower headed against the bar. Unfortunately for West defender Donnie Smith it came down and hit off him into the net. The Point  grumblies were delirious with happiness, probably cos they were allowed out for the night, or are losing it, or both!….. and they were even happier when they noticed we’d scored! Point 3 v 1 West.

Rather than sit back on the lead, the message was to keep going forward and score more if possible. Elliot and Stu F both had chances and sub Ruari Miller also whistled one narrowly by as the Reds managed to see the game out relatively comfortably.

It was an excellent second half performance by the Reds as they took the game to last season’s champions.

Point team: Wright, Donald G, Mowgli, Alex Lamb, Stephen C, Stu F, Elliot, Spike, Wally, Alexander, Sam. Subs: Rab, Duncan, Angus, Ruari.

Point man of the match: Sam Macsween. Set the tone with energy and work-rate and capped off performance with nice goal.

Moment of match: Alex Wright’s gravity defying save from Ali Barvas header. The new lime green goalie kit made it even more impressive, though Alex Dan isn’t so happy with it!

Moan of the match: Stress levels through the roof, tea time selection dilemmas, lots of shouting, early baths, what kit are we wearing, and then I leave the baby to go to football!!