The Reds survived a late scare to make it through to the Acres Cup Final, where they will face Westside on the 5th May.

The Reds lined up with Gordie in goal, Hugh, Elliot, Angus and Daniel across the back. In midfield was Andrew Murray, Stew and Rob with Wally up front and the Andrew’s Macmillan and Morrison on either side.

Point started the game well and Rob Jones scored after a couple of minutes, firing in left footed after Andrew Murray’s penalty had hit the post. The spot kick was awarded after Aths keeper Craig Macleod upended Andrew Morrison as he tried to latch onto a through ball.

A few minutes later and it was two. Andrew Morrison cushioned a long pass delightfully into the path of Wally who continued his hot streak by volleying the ball home as Craig came out. Andrew Mo was making up for missing the first two games through suspension with 2 assists in the first 5 minutes!

As the game progressed the Rudhachs were on top although Aths were battling away as always and indeed might have got a goal back but Jamie Fraser hit the ball over following good play from ex Reds hitman Mo Khalil. The Reds went on the attack and forced a number of corners but weren’t quite able to take advantage, Elliot coming closest with a towering header just past the post.

At half time the lads were reminded that a cup final was at stake and the next goal would be crucial. It was our 3rd game in 6 days at the very start of the season and legs and minds would be getting weary so subs would be important.

The 2nd half kind of coasted along with not a lot happening. The Rudhachs happy to have the lead whilst Aths couldn’t really break through the Reds defence. After about an hour Wally scored his second when his long range free kick drifted over Craig, who could only help it into the net. Brilliant vision or slight jaminess, Wally won’t care as it puts him onto 6 goals already! The free kick was awarded after Hugh had been tripped raiding forward from his unaccustomed right back role, a role he performed very well.

The Reds had a few chances to score more but the final pass or finish was poor, not helped by the bobbly pitch which was on its 5th game already. Aths also have Ali Koch at the back who is the master of the last ditch tackle!!

Aths continued to work hard and scrap for every ball and were eventually rewarded when Mo wrapped his long leg round Elliot and crossed the ball over. Gordie did well to swat the ball away but in the follow up Scott Macaulay’s shot was deflected in via Angus and Aths raced to get the ball back. 3 1. A couple of minutes later and silky play by Mo led to confusion in the Rudhach defence allowing the Egyptian striker to poke the ball in. From nowhere the hoops were back in the game.  Panic stations for the Rudhachs but soon after ref Macritchie’s whistle came to the rescue and we were through to the Acres final for the first time in ages! Woooohhoooo.

Man of the match: Andrew Morrison

The Reds were unlucky to lose their first league game of the season to Westside on Friday. Despite having the bulk of possession, corners and shots on goal the Rudhachs final ball or shooting let them down.

We started with a 4 3 3 formation. Gordie in goal, Martyn, Elliot, Angus and Daniel across the back. Hugh, Stew and Rob in midfield with Wally up front, Andrew Murray on the left and Andrew Macmilllan on the right.

The Reds started the better team and were rewarded when Wally turned and volleyed the ball in off the post with his left foot. It came after some excellent work down the left from Stew Munro. Westside had a decent spell after the goal but Luke Mackay’s touch let him down when it looked like he might get a shot off in their best chance. Point then came back into the game and had a series of shots from 20-25 yards, none of which really tested Lurch in the West goal.  The game was being played at 100 mph but ref Neil Macritchie was doing a good job of keeping everyone under control.

At half time the Reds were fairly comfortable but we knew the next goal would be crucial. After a couple of minutes of the second half the ref shouted over to me to run into his changing room as he had forgotten to take his cards back out with him. The Point ladies baking is so good it makes people forget themselves! Anyway, I ran back onto the pitch and did the classic Gazza Red card joke that pretty much everyone had told me to do. Luckily, Neil just laughed.

Things on the pitch weren’t so amusing as a mix up between Gordie and Daniel led to West equalising through Alex John Morrison. Coach Stoodie went mental on the sidelines. A few minutes later things got worse for the Reds when Innes Iain Morrison, the West’s main threat on the night, chipped the ball over Gordie for a cracking goal, though again the Reds defence might have done better. So from a fairly comfortable 1 0 lead, Westside had turned it round with pretty much their first shots on target.

The Rudhachs regrouped and for the last half hour really took it to Westside, who had to defend very well. Wally was taking a kicking from the defence but it was never the same guy and so they avoided cards. Rob Jones had a shot which whistled inches past with Lurch beaten. Stew hit the outside of the post with a volley and skied another one into the car park as the clock ticked on. Scrambles were cleared as the ball wouldn’t fall to a Red jersey. West had a good chance to seal it but Gordie blocked Luke’s shot well. Andrew Macmillan had a good chance but shot too early when he might have taken it on. Breathless stuff but alas, the whistle blew and the game was up.

Man of the match: Stew Munro

The Reds lined up in an attacking 4 3 3 formation with a back 4 of Martyn, Macca, Angus and Daniel. In holding midfield was Hugh flanked on either side by new signing Rob Jones on the left  and Stew Munro on the right. The front three were Wally with Andrew Macmillan on the right and Andrew Murray on the left. In goal was our new goalkeeper Gordie Mackenzie (Pepe Reina).

The Reds started well with a following breeze but chances came and went in the first 15 minutes. Eventually we scored our first goal of the year, and it came from an unlikely source. A powerful shot from Munro was parried down into the path of our Brazilian left back Danielo, doing his impression of Marcelo. He nodded into the net and from there the Reds didn’t look back.

I cant remember the order of goals but Stew scored a beauty Cruyff flick from Andrew Macmillan’s assist and Wally scored a stunner from 25 yards which flew into the top corner. There was also a debut double from Jones and a nice flick over the keeper by Andrew Macmillan.  Alfie Macmilan scored his first goal for the Reds in an impressive cameo performance and Wally completed his hat trick. United’s consolation came through a penalty from Kenneth Macsween.

All in all a very satisfying win in windy conditions. The Reds march onto the semi final v Aths.

Man of the match: Wally Maciver

Special mention: Macca, who was playing his first starting game in a while, put in a very solid performance.

Great Weather, Great Win

Aths 0 v 2 Point

League 3 (09/05/16)

The Reds backed up their fine win over Carloway with a hard earned victory over Aths on a hot sticky night at Goathill.  It was far from a classic but the Rudhachs won’t care a jot as they avoided a potential banana skin after playing just 48 hours earlier.

The Reds opened the scoring after 5 minutes when Alexander’s corner was thighed into the net by Elliot at the back post. It was the perfect start for the Reds who would hopefully push on and give themselves a comfortable evening. It soon became apparent it would be a long night however as a combination of the heat, the poor state of the pitch and some leg weariness was making the going tough. Added to this was the fact that Aths have some pacey forwards in their ranks, as well as ex Reds Sean Bayble and the enigmatic Egyptian, Mo Khalil, both out to prove a point.

The next chance fell to Mo who twisted past Ali G before testing out Ali Lamont at his near post after 22 minutes. This was Aths best spell of the game really and they forced a few corners without ever threatening. Scotty Bomb, who was starting his first game of the season, was having a solid game at centre back and his no nonsense defending was just what the doctor ordered on a bobbly pitch. The rest of the team weren’t really clicking into gear however and Coach Stoodie was getting hot under the collar on the sidelines. “Get it down”, “Keep it simple”, etc….. Whilst the effort from both teams was unquestionable, the game was pretty poor. Aths player/manager/goalie Titch was playing outfield as a Pirlo style holding midfielder and was doing a pretty good job, particularly as he was just back from a Stag Do in Prague. Good effort Titch.

As half time approached the Reds were dealt a big blow when Wally got a nasty kick on the ankle and had to be helped off the pitch. A subsequent visit to A and E showed no lasting damage and he should be fit for the Reds next game. The enforced change gave young Andrew Morrison another chance to show what an exciting prospect he is. Soon after Andrew’s introduction the ref blew for half time.

The boys were subdued at half time and were aware they hadn’t reached the same levels as against Carloway. They were told to maintain a high workrate and keep their discipline and focus. You can’t always be at your best and some games you just have to tough it out. No tea on the go so I had a nice chat with Aths legend Malcolm Macdonald at the water refilling station. We chatted about Leicester City and Only Fools and Horses – The Peckham spring water episode!

As I ambled round the pitch the second half kicked off and straight away the Reds almost doubled their lead when Andrew Morrison’s excellent cut back narrowly avoided Andrew Murray who was actually nutmegged by the cross. Would have been a nerve settler. The game dragged on and the longer it went by, the more it seemed like Aths might nick a late equaliser, it had that sort of feel….. Aths got a couple of free kicks around 25 yards out but Titch and then Mo made right hashes off them to be honest-miles over. At the other end Sean Bayble headed a corner away brilliantly when it seemed like Elliot would have an easy header. Eventually the Reds put together a lovely move when Ali G played it to Andrew Morrison who in turn passed it to Alex running through the centre. Alex cut inside Ali Koch before hitting his shot inches wide of the post.

After 70 minutes Alex Lamb hit the cross bar with a cross shot as the Reds continued to look more likely. Then, with 8 minutes left, came the chance for Aths. Mo was played through and as Ali Lamont raced out the Aths striker had to rush and could only flick the ball wide…… Phew. Great keeping by the Reds stopper. Two minutes later and the points were sealed when Matthew Campbell’s inswinging corner flew straight in to the net. Cracking delivery by the Reds winger. Relief all round and when Ref Maclean blew the whistle the Reds were delighted to head over the Braighe with the points in the bag, as well as all the footballs (Goathill is a football graveyard).

Man of the match: Donald “Spike” Smith- made some crucial tackles and interceptions and kept the Reds ticking over.

Moment of the match: Aths have a new striker, and he’s from France. I love it when there’s an unknown foreigner just signed for a team. Will he be good, will he be rubbish, will he dive all the time ? We’ve had a couple at Point, Andre from Portugal being my personal favourite….. Aths new striker looked quite good by the way.

Spike shows the youngsters how it’s done!

The Reds got their league campaign off to a flying start against a stubburn United team last Friday night. Goals from Spike, Elliot, Andrew Murray and Alec Lamb saw off the wasps, for whom Rudhach Kevin Flower scored the consolation.

The Reds started the game well and within 5 minutes Alexander saw his bullet shot come cannoning off the post with Jack Maclennan rooted to the spot. A couple of mins later and Wally ran on to a through ball, but Jack was there to thwart the Atlanta Hitman. Point continued to press and surely the opening goal was coming soon. Next up was Angus Macdonald, who latched onto a flick on before crunching a volley from 10 yards out. But No, Jack flicked the ball over the bar somehow!! What a save. Was it going to be one of these nights?

Alexander then went on a mazy run down the left, he crossed to Angus who laid it back to Spike………Left foot, bottom corner, mouths gaped, could it be? Yes, Point’s Claude Makelele had scored! Coach Stoodie rubbed his eyes unbelievingly. Great finish Spikey. Point 1 v 0 United. (30 mins)

United hadn’t really threatened but all that was about to change. A lovely pass inside Lamby sent Kevin Flower through on goal and as Ally Lamont made himself big (snigger), Kevin lofted the ball over him and into the far corner. Well, it probably would have gone in but Ali G decided to leather it in to the opposite corner anyway! (He was trying to clear it) Point 1 v 1 United. (31 mins)

Half time. We told the lads to keep patient and the spaces would open up as both teams tired. The boys were playing well. I went off to fill the water bottles and see what the ladies had in the tea stall today. SAUSAGE ROLLS NO LESS! The ladies asked if Stoodie and I would like to sample their Sausage Rolls and Brownies. Uuuughhh, yes please! So Alex Wright’s son Matthew brought us out the food at the start of the second half. It was lovely, mmmm. Unbeknown to us, Matthew went back to the ladies and said that we had asked for more cakes. Well we hadn’t but Matthew and his mates got another few treats!! CHEEKY RASCALS.

Back to business and Alexander swung in a nice free kick which Elliot headed in at the back post after it had bounced up invitingly. Point 2 v 1 United (51 mins)  The Reds continued to dominate and Andrew Murray scored his first of the season, finishing well after timing his run nicely. Point 3 v 1 United (68 mins). Hugh was having a good game for the Reds, he has amazing energy levels and a lovely touch on the ball. Alexander was also showing some lovely touches and from one of his corners Chopper Lamb headed over a chance he would normally have taken. In 81 mins he got a second bite of the cherry when Ali Gillies’ cross shot fell to him perfectly and he shot high into the net. It was a combination which worked well and even better when they helped me move house the next day, along with Flybelliot Ruddall. Thanks lads. Point 4 v 1 United (80 mins).

Man of the match: Hugh Morrison. Great shift by the Reds new signing with fantastic maturity and quality on the ball. If Spike is Makelele and Elliot is Vieira, is Hugh Zizou?

Moment of the match: I walked into the dressing room at full time and you could hear a pin drop. What’s up? We won! ……Well, a tray of sausage rolls had been delivered to the changing room. Chomp chomp chomp.

Penalty heartache for Rudhachs

Barra 1 – 1 Point (Barra win 5 – 4 on penalties)

Coop Cup Final 22/08/15

Last Saturday at Liniclate Barra won an absorbing Coop Cup final in the most dramatic of fashions. After equalising in the 88th minute, they went on to win the penalty shootout 5 v 4, thus becoming the first representatives from the Uist and Barra league to win the cup in its 20 year history. The game was almost an exact repeat of last year’s quarter final, when Barra equalised in injury time before again winning on penalties. For the Rudhachs it was a long journey home and a case of so near, but yet so far.

There was a stiff breeze blowing diagonally across the school pitch as Barra kicked off on a showery day. The opening stages of the game saw Point win a couple of free kicks in dangerous positions, although they were unable to make anything from them. The Rudhachs were having the majority of the play but either the final ball or good defending by Barra was thwarting their advances. Barra were relying on longer passes to James Davidson or Deej on the left wing. After 19 minutes a lobbed pass over the Rudhach defence led to Point’s right back Angus Macdonald barging into Deej’s back, sending the winger tumbling. Referee Steele had no hesitation in pointing to the spot, a penalty for Barra. The Barra centre half stepped up and hit the ball hard towards the left corner. Point’s legendary keeper Alex Wright was having none of it though as he sprung to his right and palmed the ball to safety. It was a tremendous save by the evergreen keeper.

Elliot Rudall was the next player to threaten a goal when his lobbed volley, which would have beaten most keepers, was tipped over the bar by the very tall Barra keeper. From the resultant corner the keeper tipped over Alexander Macdonald’s dangerous inswinger. Point were on top at this stage of the game, with Stephen Kettings playing well on the right, although the Barra left back was also having a strong match. Barra were struggling to get their main men James Davidson and Craig Ferguson into the match as Ali Gillies and Stuart Flower were both playing well in the Rudhach defence. At the other end the Barra centre halves were doing a good job of keeping Sam Macsween, Point’s goal machine, quiet. The net result was that there weren’t many clear chances being created.

After 24 minutes Alexander Macdonald fired in a low free kick which pinballed around the  box, being cleared off the line at one stage, before the Barra backline were able to clear to safety. Kettings then got away from his man and crossed for Sam Macsween. Macsween’s shot was blocked before ricocheting off Macdonald inches wide. As the half continued Barra began to threaten more and Davidson had a couple of long shots which Wright dealt with comfortably. Just before half time the Rudhach skipper Stuart Flower gave away a free kick on the edge of the box, but fortunately for him Davidson’s free kick was somewhat sclaffed and dealt with comfortably. On the stroke of half time Barra had a shot from the edge of the box deflected inches wide of Wright’s post.

Into the second half and again the Rudhachs started fast, Macsween having a close range shot blocked by a Barra defender. Rudall then had a shot just over the bar before in 58 minutes Point had another good chance. The ball was played through to Macsween who rounded the keeper before hammering the ball across goal. Once again Barra defended well and the Rudhachs were unable to make the most of the follow up. Barra began to play better for a time and Ferguson was beginning to find space in midfield, allowing him to show off his excellent ball control and dribbling skills. For the main part however, the Rudhach defence stayed strong and Gillies and Flower continued to impress.

After 70 minutes a long free kick for Point  looked to be heading out for a goal kick before Rudall jumped high at the back post and almost sneaked it home, but side-netting it was.  A rejig in the Barra team seemed to leave them with nobody on the left of midfield for a while, consequently both Kettings and Rudall  had opportunities to cross or shoot which were spurned. At the other end a Barra forward got away on the inside right channel, but Wright was there to palm round the near post.

As the game entered the last 10 minutes, Rudall broke away from a tackle and slipped the ball through to Alec Lamb, raiding forward from left back. Lamb took one look and hammered the ball goalwards. The Barra keeper should have saved it comfortably, but the ball somehow squirmed through his grasp before bouncing into the net. The Rudhachs were ahead but knew they would face an onslaught from the desperate Barra team, hoping to be the first team from down South to win the Coop cup. A couple of  minutes later Barra almost equalised. The Black and Reds got away down the right and crossed low. Davidson spun on the ball 12 yards out and sent the ball towards the corner, but there was Wright to not only save brilliantly, but hold on as the Barra forwards closed in. A minute later Rudall almost gave the Rudhachs a two goal cushion but his shot from 15 yards was just too high.

After 88 minutes, and with time running out, Barra won a corner on their right. The left back, who had shown good set piece  delivery all day, swung the ball in and there was Mish Macinnes, timing his run perfectly to head the ball in to the goal off the near post. Wild celebrations ensued from the Barra faithful, whilst Rudhach fans held their heads in hands. As injury time began, Stephen Kettings was penalised with a foul and gave the ref a bit too much lip, resulting in a straight red card. It capped a disappointing few minutes for the Rudhachs.

In the Coop Cup there is no extra time because of travel constraints and so it was that  the teams lined up for the dreaded shootout. Nine of the ten kicks were successful but it was heartache for the Rudhachs as top scorer Sam Macsween saw his kick saved. Craig Ferguson was the man tasked with winning it for Barra and he duly sent Wright the wrong way before being mobbed by most of Barra. The man of the match trophy went to Ali Gillies from Point, who defended well and showed good distribution from the back.

And so at the end of hundreds of miles of travel throughout the competition, it came down to one kick. It really is a game of small margins, and the feeling of delireum for Barra was in stark contrast to a feeling of despair for the Rudhachs. Congratulations Barra, Coop Cup winners.