ABC Cup Semi Final 20/06/16

Duncan Maclean, the Westside leftback, left a trail of carnage in the Rudhach defence when 4 of his corners, all from the same side, led to ALL 4 of the West’s goals. It gave the scoreline a one sided look, which somewhat flattered the Blues, though they won’t care a jot as they go for glory against Carloway in the final.

The game started brightly with West trying to get in behind the Rudhach defence, hitting balls quickly over the top for Ali B and Innes Iain to run on to. The Rudhachs were aware of this tactic but its one thing to know about it, quite another to stop it.  One such move led to a corner which Deadly Dunc swung in on top of the Rudhachs. The ball hit Ali G and fell perfectly for Martainn Shields who spun and fired into the net. West 1 v 0 Point. (8 mins).

A minute later and the Reds were level. A beautiful one two between Wally and Andrew Murray sent the Atlanta Assassin away and he calmy passed the ball beyond Gillies and into the net. Ya beauty. 1 v 1. (9 mins) From there the game flowed from end to end with Ali G clearing off the line at one end before Elliot’s dangerous cross hit the post before being poked over the top by Alex. So close. Wally was next to try as his shot skimmed just over the bar. Ally Lamont then produced a great left handed save to deny Innes Iain, before the Reds had a horror 6 minutes.

In 28 mins a corner was half cleared before Ali B’s shot took a cruel deflection off Spike and in to the net. In 31 mins the best corner of all flew straight into the net. The final nail in the coffin was after 34 mins when Jonny Wallace rose highest to head in at the near post.. FLICKS SAKES MAN. What’s going on? Coach Stoodie and I were numb with shock. Well, I was numb, he was angry! 4 corners, 4 goals. At the time we were blaming everyone, the defence, the goalie, the ref, Jackies garage, tech mobile,…. but in the cold light of day and having seen the video, you have to hold your hands up and say it was great delivery. Incidently, Dunc’s set pieces: Point=4 goals, Back= 2 goals, Barra= 2 goals. It’s not just us. ( thanks Westside tv!). West 4 v 1 Point. (34 mins)

Half time wasn’t much craic……. An inquest was held about the corners. The players were told to go out and prove their quality. One goal back and you never know.

Into the second half and the Reds made plenty chances. Andrew Murray was played through twice (51 and 53 mins) but Gillies was in top form in goal for West. Wally stole the ball off Donnie Smith but he too was foiled by the veteran keeper. The Reds continued to fight but as the clock ticked by it became less likely that the comeback would happen.  Elliot shot narrowly wide and Ali G had a volley over the top but it just wasn’t happening. West had a few chances too, including a spectacular overhead effort by Luke Mackay, but the game petered out in the last 10 mins as players tired in only the 2nd game of the season. Full time.

Man of the match: Andrew Murray, excellent in possession and set up the goal with a wonderful pass.

Moment of the match: When Elliot hit the post and Alex hit the rebound over. Game changer!!