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Could Halliburton rise to the occasion and put together a victory in their last match of season 2k2-2k3? Never mind the Scottish Cup Final, all the eyes of the Scottish footballing world were on Newmachar as the local side prepared to take on Hallis finest! Anderson was drafted into the squad in the morning when it became apparent that numbers were low. As it was we ended up with a pool of 14. The side put out to try and restore a little pride into a campaign that has bordered on the embarrassing was as follows. Andrews in goal, Wood, Marlow, Robertson and Michie in the rearguard. Keith, E.Milne, Shaw and Morgan in the middle behind Anderson and M.Woods. Subs were the every reliable Sim, Merchant and England. The pitch was big but very uneven and a stifling heat was ripping into out unconfident team. We lost our commanding centre back Robertson after only 5 minutes when he was forced out of the play with an ankle knock. Sim took his place with Michie being asked to do the unenviable job of filling Robertson's boots! This had a terrible effect on the side as the presence of Robertson can have an unnerving effect on any opposition, That’s what you said to type isn't it Craig? Newmachar took the lead in 20 when a headed clearance from Morgan landed sweetly for an inrushing attacker who melted it into the net. We won a free kick on the 50 yard mark and Shaw chipped in a cute effort which E.Milne did very well to head back across the face of the goal. There were no takers! Anderson then sent a super ball into the path of the sprinting Woods and his effort had the keeper stretching to clutch. The home side got a second when firstly M.Woods failed to chase back then Michie and Wood stood off allowing the winger time to go past both of them, he cut inside and dispatched it into the net. We at this point had a few heads go down but in fairness then went onto enjoy our best period of the game. That said we never looked like scoring. Marlow blatantly stopped the centre forward but escaped punishment with no more than a look from the ref. Then right on half time they scored a third after a good save from Andrews the ball was knocked home. (H.T.3-0). All to do as we entered the final 45 minutes of the season. Merchant was introduced for the struggling E.Milne and went up front with M.Woods, Anderson somewhat reluctantly accepted the role of central midfield. We simply were now playing for pride but it must be said that we never once tested the keeper throughout the entire second half. Marlow was trying his best to get everyone going but in fact only a few were giving 100 percent. Keith did great to storm into a challenge just out side our box but moments later the home side got a fourth. The midfield were slow to respond but Andrews should have done a lot better. The keeper then pulled of the save of the game when he stopped a point blank effort. They went nap and the game and the season was over.(F.T 0-5) The topman award goes to Stuart Marlow and not just for the sake of it. Throughout the match it was the playermanager and a few others that tried to lift the side. After the match it was made clear that any couldnt care less attitudes would not be welcome next season and that only players who were going to give it 100 percent in every game would find themselves in the side. Since that speech one player has phoned to signal his intent to retire. All the players signed this season will be asked to sign on for the next campaign but everyone has to be aware that a vast improvement in the attitude stakes will have to be seen. Over shadowing all of that of course was the loss of Gary Longmuir, this season will always be remembered for that. Gary was quite simply the best player ever to pull on a Halli shirt. He produced many, many great performances but in truth it is doubtful if he ever surpassed his display out at Monymusk early on this season. He was superb and in the second half turned in a shift that would have players half his age gasping for breath. I am sure that it was a privilege for everyone of us to have played alongside him and with luck we can improve on this season and go on next year to do his memory proud.