TEAM:-

REPORT:-

Match Day 3, and once again a squad of 19 players were on hand as we went in search of our first victory. Before the team was read out Stuart gave his reasons for the changes that were about to be made and it was pleasing to see that everyone was in agreement. Quite simply with such a large squad, rotation of players is the only way to keep everyone involved. This afternoon 3 of our most experienced players including skipper Jason Keith were on the bench. Paul Andrews, Stuart Marlow and Ewen Milne came into the side to make their first appearances of the season. We started with Andrews in goal, Fulton, Marlow, Robertson and Shaw in the back four, N.Wood, Longmuir, E.Milne and Morgan formed the midfield behind a front two of G.Woods and Merchant. The bench was filled by, Keith, Michie, M.Woods, Graham and Quirie. Sim, England and Fisken were not stripped. We ran out resplendent in our new blue strip with pearl white socks, how long would they remain like that? Cliftonvale looked strong and a very different side from previous years. It was the home side that came out all guns blazing and right from the off we were on the back foot. It was very hard to get out of our own area with a strong wind gusting into our faces. Andrews looked good early on as he confidently gathered a strong ball into his goalmouth. A young American ref. was under pressure to keep up with what appeared to be a match that could boil over as some late tackles began to fly in. We carved out a great chance when a well timed run by Fulton set himself up for a one 2 one with the keeper. The keeper winning this dual. We grabbed the lead in 12 mins when a shot was spilled by the keeper and Merchant was on hand to knock it into the net. This was against the run of play as we continued to defend well. Andrews pulled off a couple of useful saves as Cliftonvale chased a leveller. We put together a couple of half chances but could not capitalise before Clifton gifted us a second right on half time. N.Wood harried well out right and a defender turned the ball back to his keeper, the keeper allowed the ball to go right under his foot and into the net.(H.T.0-2)E.Milne put us under the cosh when with 30mins still remaining he was sent off for retaliation. A tactical switch was immediately made with M.Woods on wide left, Morgan moved into the middle and G.Woods up front alone. M.Woods fired in our third in 75 mins. then Vale pulled one back. They then hit the post before Marlow cleared on the line following a corner. Right on time Shaw converted a pen after Morgan was pulled down in the box.(F.T.1-4). Excellent battling display. E.Milne really put us in it with an unnecessary sending off and it required a lot of extra effort to ensure a victory. We never really produced any great football today but great effort from everyone used gained a much deserved 3 points. Hallitopman goes to Paul Andrews for solid performance.