INDOOR TOURNAMENT RESULTS

Meadowmill Sports Centre (2Feb07)

This was a great day out for the kids, competing in their first ever 5-a-sides indoor tournament. Lots of goals were scored over the course of the day, with the Blue Stripes playing in the morning session and the Black Stripes in the afternoon. Each squad was split in two, with some kids playing for the morning and afternoon sessions to cover a few absences on the day.

Here's the results for the Blue Stripes squad:

Pitch 1 - Cameron, Jason J, Scott, Brendan, Mark

• MYS Blue Stripes 2 - 1 Longniddry Villa
• MYS Blue Stripes 4 - 0 Dunbar Utd Black
• MYS Blue Stripes 2 - 3 N.Berwick Eagles
• MYS Blue Stripes 0 - 0 Haddington Ath Sky Blue
• MYS Blue Stripes 4 - 0 N.Berwick Hawks
• MYS Blue Stripes 5 - 1 Tranent Colts

Pitch 2 - Jason G, Jamie B, Darrell, Ethan, Innes/Calum

• MYS Blue Stripes 3 - 1 Tranent Colts
• MYS Blue Stripes 2 - 8 N.Berwick Hawks
• MYS Blue Stripes 1 - 0 Haddington Ath Sky Blue
• MYS Blue Stripes 4 - 0 N.Berwick Eagles
• MYS Blue Stripes 2 - 1 Dunbar Utd Black
• MYS Blue Stripes 4 - 0 Longniddry Villa

DERBY DAY!

MYS Blue Stripes 2 – 3 MYS Black Stripes (24Nov07)

A wet and windy morning for the first derby match of the season, with the Blue Stripes kicking off with the wind behind them. Jason G had the first chance of the match with a strong shot forcing a great save out of Kyle. Jason then had another chance a few minutes later, and again Kyle pulled off a great save. Battling against the wind, the Black Stripes had very little opportunities to score, although Harvey played a few great crosses into the box from wide on the right. Towards the end of the first period, the Blue Stripes pressure (mainly through Jason G and Brendan) finally paid off following a great corner from Jack. Dylan did well to get his head onto the ball, but the deflection took it past Kyle and into the net.

The second period was fiercely contested by all the kids, but no one could get on the scoresheet. Kyle was called into action on many occasions and made a fantastic save from a superb Jamie B shot from outside the box. All the defenders played very well, with Jack and Jamie A proving too strong for the Black Stripes to get past and Morgan having a great game at the other end preventing the Blue Stripes attacking down the left. As usual, Mark was relied upon to drill the ball far up field into the Blue Stripes' half, towards Lennon and Jason J (both of whom linked up well together throughout the game).

In the third period, the Blue Stripes went two goals up thanks to a great effort from Jason G. Picking up the ball just inside the Black Stripes half, he drove out to the right and from outside the box he fired an amazing shot past Kyle and into the top corner of the net. The Black Stripes soon pulled one back, however, when Calum found space in the box and drilled the ball low into the bottom corner of the goals. Calum almost scored a second when Jason J played a great through ball into his path, but his shot went narrowly past the post. Keiron played well out on the wing for the Blue Stripes, with lots of runs forwards forcing a number of crucial tackles from Innes.

Kyle was called into action at the start of the fourth period. Cameron collected the ball and drove straight towards goal, and his thunderous shot was blocked by Kyle. Then it was Owain’s turn, with a fantastic high lob that Kyle just managed to hold onto to prevent another goal. The Black Stripes then managed to score an equaliser following a short corner between Dylan and Lennon. Dylan then moved towards the box and slotted a great pass into the feet of Josh who hammered the ball into the net. Sam had a good game playing in defence for the Black Stripes, with lots of good tackles and then great passes up to his midfielders. The final goal eventually came from a smashing solo effort from Dylan, who charged down the left with the ball before cutting inside and firing the ball past Jamie B to put the Black Stripes 3-2 up. For the Blue Stripes, some amazing tackles from Scott helped prevent any further goals, and Owain had a great period out on the left of midfield with fantastic runs and crosses. Keiron was unlucky not to equalise late in the game, following some great skill managing to find space in the Black Stripes box. He hit a strong shot that beat Kyle but also went narrowly wide of the goals.

Blue Stripes Teamsheet: Owain, Jamie B, Jamie A, Scott, Jack, Cameron, Keiron, Jason G, Brendan
Blue Stripes scorers: Own Goal, Jason G

Black Stripes Teamsheet: Kyle, Mark, Innes, Morgan, Sam, Josh, Dylan, Lennon, Harvey, Calum, Jason G
Black Stripes scorers: Calum, Josh, Dylan

FIVE DOUBLES!

TRANENT JNRS 0 - 10 MYS BLUE STRIPES (3Nov07)

On speaking to the Tranent coaches before the game they confirmed that their team has a number of 2000 births and whilst they equipped themselves well, the game was very one-sided. It was agreed that we would play 4 x 10 mins and it didn't take long for Keiron to find Cameron and his shot established an early lead. Shortly afterwards, Cameron intercepted a clearance from the goalie and then passed to Jason to make it 2-0. It was then Jason's turn to create for Keiron who allowed the pass from the left to come across his body for his right foot shot to make it 3-0. Just before the end of the first period, it was Jack's turn to cut out a clearance from the goalie and he proceeded to beat one player and then hit his shot beyond the keeper.

At the break we brought on the 3 subs however this didn't break our rhythm and it wasn't long before Darrell beat a defender and hit his left foot shot past across the goalie to make it 5-0. It was Darrell who scored number 6, very much a goal he created as he collected the ball from a defensive clearance and then proceeded to beat 2 players and then hit his left foot shot through a crowded box into the goal. Jason helped himself to a double next by being the quickest to react to a bouncing ball in the box which Tranent failed to clear from a corner. Jason's determination made sure he was going to be first to the ball and his right foot poked the ball home to make it 7-0. Jason then proceeded to collect the ball, beat a couple of players and then pass to Keiron who was next to collect his double with a right foot shot past the keeper.

We made more changes at the break and whilst we didn't score anymore goals in the 3rd period, Jack our goalie only had 2 touches of the ball. Therefore whilst we had a lot of the play, we couldn't take any of the chances we created. It was during this period that Tranent's extra man seemed to make a difference.

In the last period we took off Jason and Cameron to start with, however this didn't deter us and it wasn't long before Jack now controlling the game in midfield linked up with Brendan which resulted in Jack scoring goal number 9. Just before the end we changed Cameron for Brendan and a good run and cross from Keiron allowed Cameron to complete the scoring with a good shot past the keeper to take us into double figures for the first time this season. The coaches were keen to impress at the end that this was a team victory as in addition to those mentioned above, there was a lot of hard work done by Owain in goal and defence, Jamie A and Jamie B in defence, Scott in defence and midfield and Brendan in attack.

Teamsheet: Owain, Jamie A, Jack, Jason G, Cameron, Jamie B, Keiron, Brendan, Darrell, Scott.

Goal-scorers: Cameron (2), Jason G (2), Keiron (2), Jack (2), Darrell (2)

CONSTANT YOUNGSTARS PRESSURE

Haddington Ath Sky Blue 1 - 2 MYS Blue Stripes (27Oct07)

In what turned out to be a very comfortable game in terms of possession and the numerous chances we created, we lost an early goal due to the newly formed defensive pairing of Scott and Darrell being dragged slightly out of position. On a very big pitch for 7-a-side we started quite slowly, however losing the goal seemed to spark us into life and towards the end of the first of 4 x 10 minute periods, we started to dominate with both Jack and Jason having good shots saved by the goalie.

In the 2nd period we firstly drew level through Jack who collected a pass from Jason and then proceeded to shoot into the top corner, well away from the goalie. Then shortly after Cameron beat 2 players on the right and his pass found Brendan who shot low past the goalie - a case of right place at the right time. Owain partnered Scott in defence and both were outstanding.

In the 3rd and 4th periods, we started to really play good passing football and we created chance after chance, which either ended up coming off the woodwork or going just past the post. Their goalie continued to frustrate us, however it was encouraging to see us create so many chances. It was also testimony to the ability of the boys that they all adapted well to the various positions they were asked to play, particularly as we only had 8 players. Particular mention goes to Keiron who played in 3 different positions and adapted well to all of them.

Finally I have never known a game when we have created so many scoring opportunities and what on paper looks quite a close score, was in fact a very comfortable win. I have also never know a game when we hit the post and bar so much, however it was important to return to winning ways.

Teamsheet: Owain, Jack, Jason, Cameron, Keiron, Brendan, Darrell & Scott.

Goal-scorers: Jack, Brendan

DUNBAR GET REVENGE

DUNBAR UTD WHITE 5 - 2 MYS BLUE STRIPES (13Oct07)

With last week's win against Dunbar Utd White still in their minds the boys went into this re-match perhaps a little over-confident. That - coupled with being 2 players down as Jamie B and Owain were missing - made the match today a completely different affair.

The opening ¼ saw both sides cancelling each other out well as they each went in search of the opening goal. Defensively we were playing very well though, with Scott and Jamie A making sure that Jason didn't have too much to do in goal; but chances were limited for Kieron up front as Jack, Cameron, and Darrell slugged things out in midfield with a Dunbar team that had a few different faces from last week. Towards the end of the ¼ however, the Blue Stripes went close to taking the lead as Darrell saw a shot cannon off of the post - only for the ball to then bounce inches above Cameron's head as he rushed in on goal looking to score from the rebound.

Some positional changes for the 2nd ¼ then saw the Blue Stripes take a real grip on the game though. Cameron was working hard on the right to win the ball and push forward, and after one great run he sent in a good pass to Brendan who then had his shot blocked by the on-rushing keeper. Jason came close to opening the scoring as he too hit the post with a long range effort; and a few minutes later he got the breakthrough that the team deserved as he jinked and turned his way past 3 Dunbar players to calmly slot the ball into the back of the net. Just before the ref blew for ½ time however, Dunbar got themselves back into the game with their only effort of the ¼ as an in-swinging corner took a wicked deflection off of a defender's heels and went into the net.

This gave Dunbar a real boost, and they came out at the start of the 2nd half with all guns blazing which unsettled the boys a little. Positional changes also meant that we found ourselves a little exposed at the back before we eventually settled, and we gave away 2 cheap goals to find ourselves 3-1 down. The boys continued to battle away however, and were it not for a great display by the Dunbar keeper, we would have went back into the lead as both Darrell and Brendan came close to scoring after receiving defence-splitting passes from Jason. Jason then beat the keeper himself as he picked up the ball wide on the right and then slotted home from an impossibly tight angle near the by-line.

Going into the final ¼ looking for 2 goals to get the win, the boys pushed forward at every opportunity but just could not find a way passed an on-form Dunbar goalie. These 'win or bust' tactics saw Cameron, Jason, Jack, and Brendan all come close to scoring with at least 2 chances on target each; but ultimately the tactics were our un-doing as Dunbar caught us on the break twice to make the final result a flattering 5-2 to them.

Teamsheet: Brendan, Cameron, Darrell, Jack, Jamie A, Jason G, Kieron, Scott.

Goal-scorers: Jason G (2)

A GREAT COME-BACK

DUNBAR UTD BLACK 3 - 4 MYS BLUE STRIPES (1Sep07)

On a typically breezy Dunbar day we started off playing into the wind and quickly lost a goal to a strike from outside the box which Owain could do nothing about. Despite losing one goal by not closing down their players, we lost a 2nd goal as they passed the ball through our midfield and again Owain could do nothing about the wind assisted shot. We were glad to turn around after the first 15 minutes only two down albeit towards the end of the first period we were beginning to come into the game.

We made some changes for the 2nd period and one of the inspired substitutions saw Darrell score a goal direct from their goalie's clearance. He managed to collect the ball, run 20 yards and then hit an unstoppable left foot shot into the net. However very much against the run off play, Dunbar moved the ball upfield and scored past Keiron who had little chance. Our new found resilience was there for all to see as our confidence to shoot on sight saw Jason hit a fantastic shot off the underside of the bar for Brendan to control and stick in the back of the net.

Even though we began the final period one goal behind and playing into the wind, we started to dominate the game and just as we made a change of Jack for Jason, Jack's first contribution in the 3rd period was to deliver a corner which unfortunately struck off the face of a Dunbar defender into the net. We now had the belief we could go on an win the game and Brendan duly obliged with his 2nd goal of the game which came about after the goalie saved a shot from Cameron and Brendan was on hand to put away the winner.

We continued to make a number of positional changes following on from our last game against North Berwick and it is refreshing to see how every boy is happy to play and indeed excel in the positions requested by the coaches. Once again we refused to panic after losing the early goals and credit is given to all the boys for their part in this win. It is pleasing to see the fight and belief, however the boys know that we can't give quality teams like Dunbar a 2 goal start and hope to be able to come back and win all the time. Finally a good win against another good side and we continue to make a promising start to the season.

Teamsheeet: Owain, Jamie A, Jack, Jason G, Cameron, Jamie B, Keiron, Brendan, Darrell, Scott.

Goal scorers: Darrell, Brendan (2), Own Goal

A STRONG START

MYS BLUE STRIPES 3 NORTH BERWICK HAWKS 3 (25Aug07)

It was a momentous day as the Blue Stripes were playing our first league game at Wallyford. We started brightly and dominated possession and our pressure was rewarded with a goal from Keiron who took advantage of the goalie spilling the ball after he seemed to avert the danger of Cameron's driving run into the penalty box. Then just before the end of the first 15 minutes, North Berwick scored with more or less their first serious attack of the game, with a shot from just inside the box.

However this didn't put us off and we started the 2nd 15 minute period in the ascendancy and it wasn't long until we restored our lead courtesy of Jason who collected a pass from Darrell who was playing left midfield, and drilled the ball into the net. Rather than capitalise on our superior play, we again let North Berwick back into the game and lost an equalising goal in the 2nd period.

At the beginning of the 3rd period, we made a number of changes one of which saw Jack move to right midfield and Scott to the right of defence and this enabled Jack to drive forward and cause North Berwick real problems. It was one such run that seen him finish with a shot from just inside the right hand side of the penalty box which put us back into the lead. We seemed to have the game under control when there was a real mix up in our defence that gave North Berwick the chance to equalise.

Cameron had an opportunity to score right at the end but after doing all the hard work to get into position, he dragged the ball past the post. All in all, it was a very good result against a very good North Berwick team and all the boys should be proud of the way we played as a team. We made a number of positional changes throughout the game and all the boys coped with this very well.

Teamsheet: Owain, Jamie A, Jack, Jason G, Cameron, Jamie B, Keiron, Brendan, Darrell, Scott.

Goal scorers: Keiron, Jason G, Jack