DUNBAR DEADLOCK

Dunbar Colts Black Stripes 6 - 6 MYS Blue Stripes (4Oct08)

In keeping with previous games this season, we travelled with only nine kids, due to Cameron being injured. However on another extremely wet and windy day, this did not detract from us starting the game really strongly and we quickly established a lead courtesy of Keiron finishing off a good one-two move with Ben down the right, by way of a great shot which came off the underside of the bar. Shortly after, Jason doubled our lead when he controlled a corner from Ben on the left then turned the defender and shot past the keeper. We weren’t having it all our on way and despite some good saves from Owain, we lost a goal shortly before the end of the first period when Dunbar put together a good passing move and reduced the deficit to one.

In the second period we realised the importance of taking our chances as we suffered an onslaught from Dunbar who were able to take advantage of playing with the wind at their backs. They had a number of chances and it was only down to the tenacity of each individual and some inspired goalkeeping from Ben, which kept Dunbar at bay. However Dunbar drew level from a crazy goal which started from our kick-in in their half. Rather than drive the ball forward we tried to play a very adventurous pass across the pitch to one of our defenders. The wind caught the pass and it flew back to one of their players who coolly slotted it past Ben. Due to a combination of good play and taking advantage of the elements, Dunbar went ahead quite soon afterwards which was well deserved. However our never say die attitude was evident for all to see as we regained our composure and managed to draw level again as Jason won the ball close to their goal and fired home.

After the second period we lost Scott and Keiron as both were booked to appear as half time entertainment at Tynecastle that day with Musselburgh Windsors. However their efforts were invaluable as it meant we could rest 2 players during the first 2 periods as we would have to play the 2 remaining 15 minute periods with only 7 players.

With Owain restored to striker, and the wind at our back, he managed to use his body to deflect a shot from Jamie and after assuring the referee that the ball did not come off his hand, the goal stood. At this stage we were playing well, but against a well organised Dunbar team we could not extend our lead and it wasn’t long before they drew level again. Just before the end of the third period, we were awarded a free kick after Owain was fouled outside the box. Whilst Ben was aware that he could not score direct from the free kick, we received a huge slice of luck when his shot-come-cross got the slightest of deflections off one of the Dunbar players’ head and flew into the net. To his credit the referee allowed the goal to stand and we went into the final period with a slight advantage.

However with the advantage of the wind, Dunbar dominated large parts of the final period and although Jason finished off a typically flowing move which involved great work from Brendan, Ethan and Lennon, we could not hold onto the lead and Dunbar scored two goals in the final period to ensure the game finished all square. Whilst we pride ourselves on playing flowing football, this game proved that each one of our players also has a big heart and can dig deep and adapt to the horrendous conditions. Both sets of players deserve huge credit for putting on such an entertaining game of football and for agreeing to play for the pre-agreed 4 x 15 minute periods.

Teamsheet: Owain, Scott, Ethan, Brendan, Ben, Jamie, Jason, Keiron, Lennon

Goal scorers: Jason (3), Keiron, Ben, Owain