SECONDARY 11-12
SECONDARY CHAMPIONS - ST.JOHN'S U13, ST.PAUL'S U14, ST.JOHN'S U15, HARRIS U16, MORGAN SENIOR
DUNDEE SENIOR NATIONAL CHAMPIONS
Wed 6 June - The last two league titles were decided with St.John's beating Baldragon in the deciding match to take the DFCSS U13 Champions League, meanwhile St.Paul's won the decider against Grove in the DFCSS U14 Champions League to tie up the league and cup double.
Thur 24 May - Harris beat Grove in the last Arab Trust U16 League match to win the league. Having already beaten Monifieth and Morgan in the first Champions League games Harris just needed a point against Grove to see them duly crowned as champions.
Mon 14 May - St.John's beat Craigie 3-1 to win the Arab Trust U15 League. With 3 wins out of 3 in the Champions League there was no catching St.John's.
Fri 11 May - Morgan wrapped up the Arab Trust DFCSS Senior League with a 6-2 win over Harris in their last game. Harris needed to win and Morgan needed to avoid defeat, but Morgan were well up for the game as they had their 100% record to keep up.
Wed 25 Apr - A memorable night at Dens Park as Dundee won the Senior National Trophy for the first time since 1997 with a 3-1 win over Forth Valley. Dundee thoroughly deserved their win and Connor MacLeod's opening goal was a fantastic strike. Second-half strikes from Gavin Thomson and David Rae gave Dundee a 3-0 lead, before Forth Valley pulled one back with 15 minutes left. Captain Keir Reilly lifted the trophy to start off the celebrations.
League Results - Champions League games highlighted in blue
Games marked (a) are awarded.
U13 League
Baldragon 7 Craigie 1 Baldragon 7 Menzieshill 3 Baldragon 7 Monifieth 2 Baldragon 2 St.John's 6 CL
Grove 2 Baldragon 5 Grove 5 Monifieth 5 Grove 3 St.John's 3
Menzieshill 6 Craigie 3
Monifieth 2 Baldragon 4 CL Monifieth 7 Craigie 4 Monifieth 1 St.John's 6
St.John's 3 Baldragon 1 St.John's 5 Grove 3 CL St.John's 5 Menzieshill 3 St.John's 5 Monifieth 2 CL
St.Paul's 1 Grove 5 St.Paul's 6 Monifieth 3
U14 League
Craigie 0 Grove 3 Craigie 2 Menzieshill 3
Grove 8 Menzieshill 0 Grove 7 St.John's 3 Grove 3 St.Paul's 4
Menzieshill 0 Grove 3 (a) CL Menzieshill 4 Monifieth 0 Menzieshill 0 St.John's 3 (a) CL
Monifieth 1 Grove 4 Monifieth 0 St.John's 3 (a)
St.John's 2 Grove 9 CL St.John's 9 Menzieshill 4 St.John's 1 St.Paul's 7
St.Paul's 3 Grove 2 CL St.Paul's 3 Menzieshill 0 (a) CL St.Paul's 9 Monifieth 1 St.Paul's 6 St.John's 3 CL
U15 League
Braeview 3 Menzieshill 3 Braeview 0 Morgan 6 Braeview 2 St.Paul's 1
Craigie 6 Braeview 2 Craigie 2 Menzieshill 1 Craigie 1 St.John's 4
Harris 1 Morgan 4
Menzieshill 2 Monifieth 1 Menzieshill 2 St.John's 3 CL
Monifieth 2 Craigie 5
Morgan 2 Monifieth 0 Morgan 1 St.John's 2 CL Morgan 2 St.Paul's 1
St.John's 2 Braeview 1 St.John's 3 Craigie 1 CL St.John's 0 Menzieshill 0
St.Paul's 1 Craigie 9 St.Paul's 1 Menzieshill 3 St.Paul's 3 Monifieth 3 St.Paul's 2 St.John's 2
U16 League
Craigie 1 Monifieth 4
Grove 6 Braeview 3 Grove 7 Craigie 5 Grove 4 Harris 4 Grove 1 Monifieth 1 CL
Harris 8 Braeview 0 Harris 8 Grove 0 CL Harris 2 Monifieth 1 CL Harris 9 Morgan 1 Harris 3 St.John's 2
Monifieth 6 Menzieshill 1 Monifieth 6 Morgan 3
Morgan 2 Braeview 0 Morgan 6 Craigie 2 Morgan 6 Grove 1 CL Morgan 1 Harris 7 CL Morgan 0 Monifieth 6 CL Morgan 3 St.John's 0 (a)
St.John's 2 Craigie 0
Senior League
Baldragon 2 Craigie 3 Baldragon 0 Grove 3 (a) Baldragon 2 Morgan 9
Braeview 9 Baldragon 1 Braeview 8 Craigie 0 Braeview 2 Grove 4 Braeview 0 Harris 3 CL Braeview 1 Monifieth 3 Braeview 1 Morgan 7 CL
Craigie 1 Morgan 5
Grove 5 Craigie 0
Harris 6 Baldragon 3 Harris 6 Braeview 2 Harris 4 Menzieshill 8 Harris 3 Monifieth 1 Harris 2 Morgan 6 CL
Menzieshill 4 Braeview 1 Menzieshill 2 Monifieth 3 Menzieshill 2 St.John's 3
Monifieth 5 Baldragon 0 Monifieth 2 Harris 2 CL Monifieth 1 Morgan 4 Monifieth 3 St.Paul's 1
Morgan 2 Braeview 1 Morgan 3 Grove 1 * Morgan 3 Monifieth 1 CL
St.John's 0 Braeview 3 (a) St.John's 1 Harris 1
St.Paul's 4 Braeview 1 St.Paul's 5 Harris 1 St.Paul's 4 Menzieshill 3 St.Paul's 2 Morgan 4
* - abandoned with 11 minutes left because of weather
League Tables 3 points for a win, 2 for a draw, 1 for a defeat, 0 for an awarded defeat. Champions highlighted in blue.
DFCSS U13 League P W D L Pts
Baldragon 5 4 0 1 13
St.John's 4 3 1 0 11
Grove 4 1 2 1 8
Monifieth 5 1 1 3 8
Menzieshill 3 1 0 2 5
St.Paul's 2 1 0 1 4
Craigie 3 0 0 3 3
DFCSS U13 Champions League
P W D L Pts
St.John's 3 3 0 0 9
Baldragon 3 2 0 1 7
Grove 2 0 0 2 2
Monifieth 2 0 0 2 2
DFCSS U14 League P W D L Pts
Grove 5 4 0 1 13
St.Paul's 3 3 0 0 9
St.John's 4 2 0 2 8
Menzieshill 4 2 0 2 8
Monifieth 4 0 0 4 3
Craigie 2 0 0 2 2
DFCSS U14 Champions League
P W D L Pts
St.Paul's 3 3 0 0 9
Grove 3 2 0 1 7
St.John's 3 1 0 2 5
Menzieshill 3 0 0 3 0
Arab Trust U15 League P W D L Pts
Craigie 5 4 0 1 13
Morgan 4 4 0 0 12
Menzieshill 5 2 2 1 11
St.John's 4 2 2 0 10
Braeview 5 1 1 3 8
St.Paul's 6 0 2 4 8
Monifieth 4 0 1 3 5
Harris 1 0 0 1 1
Baldragon 0 0 0 0 0
Arab Trust U15 Champions League
P W D L Pts
St.John's 3 3 0 0 9
Menzieshill 1 0 0 1 1
Morgan 1 0 0 1 1
Craigie 1 0 0 1 1
Arab Trust U16 League P W D L Pts
Harris 4 3 0 1 11
Morgan 5 3 0 2 11
Monifieth 3 3 0 0 9
Grove 3 2 1 0 8
St.John's 3 1 0 2 4
Craigie 4 0 0 4 4
Braeview 3 0 0 3 3
Menzieshill 1 0 0 1 1
Arab Trust U16 Champions League
P W D L Pts
Harris 3 3 0 0 9
Monifieth 3 1 1 1 6
Morgan 3 1 0 2 5
Grove 3 0 1 2 4
DFCSS Arab Trust Senior League P W D L Pts
Morgan * 5 5 0 0 16
Braeview 9 3 0 6 15
Monifieth 6 4 0 2 14
Harris 6 3 1 2 13
St.Paul's 5 3 0 2 11
Grove * 3 3 0 0 10
Menzieshill 5 2 0 3 9
Craigie 4 1 0 3 6
St.John's 3 1 1 1 5
Baldragon 6 0 0 6 5
* both teams with an extra point for the abandoned game
Arab Trust DFCSS Senior Champions League
P W D L Pts
Morgan 3 3 0 0 9
Harris 3 1 1 1 6
Monifieth 2 0 1 1 3
Braeview 2 0 0 2 2
CUPS Indoor 5-a-sides
U16 R.M.Kean Trophy Indoor 5-a-sides
League A
Grove 2 St.Paul's 4 St.Paul's 1 Harris 0 Grove 0 Harris 1
P W D L F A Pts
St.Paul's 2 2 0 0 5 2 6
Harris 2 1 0 1 1 1 3
Grove 2 0 0 2 2 5 0
League B
Baldragon 0 Menzieshill 0 Menzieshill 1 Monifieth 0 Monifieth 1 Baldragon 1
P W D L F A Pts
Menzieshill 2 1 1 0 1 0 4
Baldragon 2 0 2 0 1 1 2
Monifieth 2 0 1 1 1 2 1
Semifinals
Baldragon 1 St.Paul's 0 Harris 1 Menzieshill 0
Final
Baldragon 1 Harris 0 aet
BALDRAGON U16s - WINNERS OF THE R.M.KEAN TROPHY 2012
St.Paul's and Grove kicked off the day with nearly a goal a minute but after that the pace slackened and most games were decided by one goal. With St.Paul's wrapping up qualification early in League A, it was down to Grove and Harris to decide the second place, a single goal for Harris taking them through.
League B opened with a stalemate between Baldragon and Menzieshill, and Menzieshill booked a semifinal spot with a 1-0 win over Monifieth. In the last game a point would be good enough for Baldragon but Monifieth scored late and only a last-minute equaliser for Baldragon put them through to the semifinal.
Baldragon and Harris both won their local derby semifinals 1-0 against St.Paul's and Menzieshill respectively.
In the final Baldragon thought they had scored in normal time but the goal was chalked off. Two minutes into extra time Baldragon scored a goal that would count, and despite several good Harris attempts the Baldragon keeper was in excellent form and kept a clean scoresheet to make sure Baldragon lifted the cup for the second year in a row.
U17 Stobswell Cup Indoor 5-a-sides
Braeview 0 Baldragon 1 Menzieshill 1 Morgan 1 Braeview 3 Harris 0 Baldragon 0 Menzieshill 4 Morgan 1 Harris 1
Braeview 1 Menzieshill 2 Baldragon 2 Morgan 1 Menzieshill 1 Harris 1 Braeview 1 Morgan 1 Baldragon 2 Harris 0
P W D L F A Pts
Baldragon 4 3 0 1 5 5 9
Menzieshill 4 2 2 0 8 3 8
Braeview 4 1 1 2 5 4 4
Morgan 4 0 3 1 4 5 3
Harris 4 0 2 2 2 7 2
St.Paul's and Grove kicked off the day with nearly a goal a minute but after that the pace slackened and most games were decided by one goal. With St.Paul's wrapping up qualification early in League A, it was down to Grove and Harris to decide the second place, a single goal for Harris taking them through.
League B opened with a stalemate between Baldragon and Menzieshill, and Menzieshill booked a semifinal spot with a 1-0 win over Monifieth. In the last game a point would be good enough for Baldragon but Monifieth scored late and only a last-minute equaliser for Baldragon put them through to the semifinal.
Baldragon and Harris both won their local derby semifinals 1-0 against St.Paul's and Menzieshill respectively.
In the final Baldragon thought they had scored in normal time but the goal was chalked off. Two minutes into extra time Baldragon scored a goal that would count, and despite several good Harris attempts the Baldragon keeper was in excellent form and kept a clean scoresheet to make sure Baldragon lifted the cup for the second year in a row.
U17 Stobswell Cup Indoor 5-a-sides
Braeview 0 Baldragon 1 Menzieshill 1 Morgan 1 Braeview 3 Harris 0 Baldragon 0 Menzieshill 4 Morgan 1 Harris 1
Braeview 1 Menzieshill 2 Baldragon 2 Morgan 1 Menzieshill 1 Harris 1 Braeview 1 Morgan 1 Baldragon 2 Harris 0
P W D L F A Pts
Baldragon 4 3 0 1 5 5 9
Menzieshill 4 2 2 0 8 3 8
Braeview 4 1 1 2 5 4 4
Morgan 4 0 3 1 4 5 3
Harris 4 0 2 2 2 7 2
BALDRAGON U17s - WINNERS OF THE STOBSWELL CUP 2012
With a few teams not able to attend because of study leave the tournament was played on a league basis with everybody having 4 games.
The five teams who attended showed lots of skill and made it a very entertaining afternoon. In the opening game Baldragon scored the only goal from the penalty spot to beat Braeview. Morgan scored first against Menzieshill who grabbed an equaliser to share the points in a 1-1 draw. Braeview were determined to put in a good performance after losing their opening game and gave Harris a hard time with 3 well taken goals.
Menzieshill turned in an impressive display in thumping Baldragon 4-0 and at this stage looked like they might be on course to win the trophy. Morgan took the lead again in their game with Harris but again conceded an equaliser to end up with another 1-1 draw, Harris getting their first goal and first point.
Braeview and Menzieshill both sparkled in the next game, Menzieshill coming from behind to win 2-1. Baldragon recovered from their last game to go 2 up against Morgan who scored a late consolation for 2-1. Menzieshill were 1-0 ahead against Harris but conceded a penalty which was to cost them dear - Harris scored from the spot to make it 1-1 and Menzieshill could not score the winner which would have secured the cup. Braeview and Morgan also fought out a 1-1 draw in the penultimate game.
In the last match Baldragon had to win against Harris to take the trophy, any other result and Menzieshill would win - two goals without reply saw Baldragon finish a point ahead of Menzieshill who ended as runners-up.
Despite Menzieshill having given Baldragon a torrid time in the 4-0 game and generally being acclaimed as playing the best football, it was the Baldragon boys who topped the table to win their second indoor trophy of the season, following the success in the U16 R.M.Kean Trophy.
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Cup Results:
Games marked (a) are awarded.
U13 Logie Cup 1st Round
Monifieth 0 St.Paul's 5
Menzieshill 0 St.John's 4
Craigie 4 Grove 3
Baldragon bye
U13 Logie Cup Semifinals
St.Paul's 0 St.John's 8
Craigie 2 Baldragon 2 (2-0 pens)
U13 Logie Cup Final
St.John's 4 Craigie 4 aet (3-5 pens) (Friday 1st June, Fairfield Park, 6.00)
U14 Urquhart Trophy (sponsored by the Dee Club) 1st Round
St.John's 3 Monifieth 3 (1-3 pens)
Grove bye
Craigie 3 Menzieshill 0 (a)
St.Paul's bye
U14 Urquhart Trophy (sponsored by the Dee Club) Semifinals
Monifieth 0 Grove 5
Craigie 2 St.Paul's 6
U14 Urquhart Trophy (sponsored by the Dee Club) Final
Grove 1 St.Paul's 2 (Friday 27th April, Dens Park, 6.00)
U15 Senior Sports Cup (sponsored by DFCSS) 1st Round
Craigie 2 Harris 2 (1-3 pens)
Braeview 2 Menzieshill 3
St.John's 4 Monifieth 0
St.Paul's 2 Morgan 3
U15 Senior Sports Cup (sponsored by DFCSS) Semifinals
Harris 0 Menzieshill 2
St.John's 1 Morgan 3 aet
U15 Senior Sports Cup (sponsored by DFCSS) Final
Menzieshill 0 Morgan 4 (Friday 27th April, Dens Park, 7.35)
U16 Dundee United Cup (sponsored by Arab Trust) 1st Round
Craigie 0 Grove 3 (a)
Morgan 3 Menzieshill 1
Braeview 1 Monifieth 4
Harris bye
U16 Dundee United Cup (sponsored by Arab Trust) Semifinals
Grove 2 Morgan 1
Monifieth 1 Harris 2
U16 Dundee United Cup (sponsored by Arab Trust) Final
Grove 4 Harris 2 (Wednesday 9th May, Tannadice, 6.00)
U16 Robert Caira Memorial Trophy 1st Round
Braeview 0 Morgan 3
Menzieshill 0 Harris 3 (a)
Monifieth 3 Craigie 0 (a)
Grove bye
U16 Robert Caira Memorial Trophy Semifinals
Morgan 0 Harris 3 (a)
Monifieth 1 Grove 0
U16 Robert Caira Memorial Trophy Final
Harris 3 Monifieth 1 (Friday 15th June, Fairfield Park, 6.00)
U16 R.M.Kean Trophy Indoor 5-a-sides
Winners - Baldragon Runners-up - Harris see above for details
U17 George Grant Memorial Trophy 1st Round
Braeview 0 St.Paul's 1
Menzieshill bye
Grove 2 Morgan 3
Harris bye
U17 George Grant Memorial Trophy Semifinals
St.Paul's 4 Menzieshill 0
Morgan 2 Harris 5
U17 George Grant Memorial Trophy Final
St.Paul's 3 Harris 2 aet (Wednesday 20th June, Fairfield Park, 6.00)
U17 Stobswell Cup Indoor 5-a-sides
Winners - Baldragon Runners-up - Menzieshill see above for details
Senior Johnston Trophy Preliminary Round
Craigie 0 Baldragon 1
St.Paul's 4 Menzieshill 3
Senior Johnston Trophy 1st Round
Baldragon 1 Harris 2
St.John's 1 Grove 0
St.Paul's 3 Morgan 0
Monifieth 2 Braeview 0
Senior Johnston Trophy Semifinals
Harris 1 St.John's 2
St.Paul's 5 Monifieth 2
Senior Johnston Trophy Final
St.John's 0 St.Paul's 3 (Wednesday 9th May, Tannadice, 7.45)
Match Reports (League and early rounds of the Cup).......Cup Final reports are below
MORGAN WIN THE SENIOR LEAGUE - KIERAN STURROCK GRABS A HAT-TRICK IN A 6-2 WIN OVER HARRIS
Fri 11 May - The much anticipated DFCSS Arab Trust Senior Champions League game between Harris and Morgan took place at DISC in a winner take-all match. With the rain of the last 36 hours washing out all the grass pitches it was just as well the game was arranged for the brand new surface at DISC. With Harris snatching a late equaliser in the 2-2 draw in their previous game at Monifieth it meant they needed to win to take the league title. Morgan on the other hand needed to avoid defeat to become champions but, after winning all their previous Qualifying and Champions League games, they were determined to maintain their 100% record.
With a few teams not able to attend because of study leave the tournament was played on a league basis with everybody having 4 games.
The five teams who attended showed lots of skill and made it a very entertaining afternoon. In the opening game Baldragon scored the only goal from the penalty spot to beat Braeview. Morgan scored first against Menzieshill who grabbed an equaliser to share the points in a 1-1 draw. Braeview were determined to put in a good performance after losing their opening game and gave Harris a hard time with 3 well taken goals.
Menzieshill turned in an impressive display in thumping Baldragon 4-0 and at this stage looked like they might be on course to win the trophy. Morgan took the lead again in their game with Harris but again conceded an equaliser to end up with another 1-1 draw, Harris getting their first goal and first point.
Braeview and Menzieshill both sparkled in the next game, Menzieshill coming from behind to win 2-1. Baldragon recovered from their last game to go 2 up against Morgan who scored a late consolation for 2-1. Menzieshill were 1-0 ahead against Harris but conceded a penalty which was to cost them dear - Harris scored from the spot to make it 1-1 and Menzieshill could not score the winner which would have secured the cup. Braeview and Morgan also fought out a 1-1 draw in the penultimate game.
In the last match Baldragon had to win against Harris to take the trophy, any other result and Menzieshill would win - two goals without reply saw Baldragon finish a point ahead of Menzieshill who ended as runners-up.
Despite Menzieshill having given Baldragon a torrid time in the 4-0 game and generally being acclaimed as playing the best football, it was the Baldragon boys who topped the table to win their second indoor trophy of the season, following the success in the U16 R.M.Kean Trophy.
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Cup Results:
Games marked (a) are awarded.
U13 Logie Cup 1st Round
Monifieth 0 St.Paul's 5
Menzieshill 0 St.John's 4
Craigie 4 Grove 3
Baldragon bye
U13 Logie Cup Semifinals
St.Paul's 0 St.John's 8
Craigie 2 Baldragon 2 (2-0 pens)
U13 Logie Cup Final
St.John's 4 Craigie 4 aet (3-5 pens) (Friday 1st June, Fairfield Park, 6.00)
U14 Urquhart Trophy (sponsored by the Dee Club) 1st Round
St.John's 3 Monifieth 3 (1-3 pens)
Grove bye
Craigie 3 Menzieshill 0 (a)
St.Paul's bye
U14 Urquhart Trophy (sponsored by the Dee Club) Semifinals
Monifieth 0 Grove 5
Craigie 2 St.Paul's 6
U14 Urquhart Trophy (sponsored by the Dee Club) Final
Grove 1 St.Paul's 2 (Friday 27th April, Dens Park, 6.00)
U15 Senior Sports Cup (sponsored by DFCSS) 1st Round
Craigie 2 Harris 2 (1-3 pens)
Braeview 2 Menzieshill 3
St.John's 4 Monifieth 0
St.Paul's 2 Morgan 3
U15 Senior Sports Cup (sponsored by DFCSS) Semifinals
Harris 0 Menzieshill 2
St.John's 1 Morgan 3 aet
U15 Senior Sports Cup (sponsored by DFCSS) Final
Menzieshill 0 Morgan 4 (Friday 27th April, Dens Park, 7.35)
U16 Dundee United Cup (sponsored by Arab Trust) 1st Round
Craigie 0 Grove 3 (a)
Morgan 3 Menzieshill 1
Braeview 1 Monifieth 4
Harris bye
U16 Dundee United Cup (sponsored by Arab Trust) Semifinals
Grove 2 Morgan 1
Monifieth 1 Harris 2
U16 Dundee United Cup (sponsored by Arab Trust) Final
Grove 4 Harris 2 (Wednesday 9th May, Tannadice, 6.00)
U16 Robert Caira Memorial Trophy 1st Round
Braeview 0 Morgan 3
Menzieshill 0 Harris 3 (a)
Monifieth 3 Craigie 0 (a)
Grove bye
U16 Robert Caira Memorial Trophy Semifinals
Morgan 0 Harris 3 (a)
Monifieth 1 Grove 0
U16 Robert Caira Memorial Trophy Final
Harris 3 Monifieth 1 (Friday 15th June, Fairfield Park, 6.00)
U16 R.M.Kean Trophy Indoor 5-a-sides
Winners - Baldragon Runners-up - Harris see above for details
U17 George Grant Memorial Trophy 1st Round
Braeview 0 St.Paul's 1
Menzieshill bye
Grove 2 Morgan 3
Harris bye
U17 George Grant Memorial Trophy Semifinals
St.Paul's 4 Menzieshill 0
Morgan 2 Harris 5
U17 George Grant Memorial Trophy Final
St.Paul's 3 Harris 2 aet (Wednesday 20th June, Fairfield Park, 6.00)
U17 Stobswell Cup Indoor 5-a-sides
Winners - Baldragon Runners-up - Menzieshill see above for details
Senior Johnston Trophy Preliminary Round
Craigie 0 Baldragon 1
St.Paul's 4 Menzieshill 3
Senior Johnston Trophy 1st Round
Baldragon 1 Harris 2
St.John's 1 Grove 0
St.Paul's 3 Morgan 0
Monifieth 2 Braeview 0
Senior Johnston Trophy Semifinals
Harris 1 St.John's 2
St.Paul's 5 Monifieth 2
Senior Johnston Trophy Final
St.John's 0 St.Paul's 3 (Wednesday 9th May, Tannadice, 7.45)
Match Reports (League and early rounds of the Cup).......Cup Final reports are below
MORGAN WIN THE SENIOR LEAGUE - KIERAN STURROCK GRABS A HAT-TRICK IN A 6-2 WIN OVER HARRIS
Fri 11 May - The much anticipated DFCSS Arab Trust Senior Champions League game between Harris and Morgan took place at DISC in a winner take-all match. With the rain of the last 36 hours washing out all the grass pitches it was just as well the game was arranged for the brand new surface at DISC. With Harris snatching a late equaliser in the 2-2 draw in their previous game at Monifieth it meant they needed to win to take the league title. Morgan on the other hand needed to avoid defeat to become champions but, after winning all their previous Qualifying and Champions League games, they were determined to maintain their 100% record.
CONNOR MacLEOD OPENS THE SCORING FOR MORGAN
Morgan took the lead as early as the 4th minute when Connor MacLeod unleashed a 25 yarder which flew past the Harris keeper, 0-1. Both sides had chances, the best of which was an incisive Morgan move with Jack Reilly sending Scott Taylor away to the bye-line and his cross was edged just over the bar by Corey Gray.
Morgan took the lead as early as the 4th minute when Connor MacLeod unleashed a 25 yarder which flew past the Harris keeper, 0-1. Both sides had chances, the best of which was an incisive Morgan move with Jack Reilly sending Scott Taylor away to the bye-line and his cross was edged just over the bar by Corey Gray.
An end-to-end game suddenly became controversial with a huge talking-point in the 20th minute. Harris stormed down the right wing and a few yards from the bye-line a Morgan defender bundled the striker to the ground - the referee gave a firm blow on the whistle as if to confirm the penalty decision but to everybody's amazement, including the Morgan ranks, he awarded a corner. Morgan cleared the corner and to add insult to injury raced down the other end where Kieran Sturrock finished smartly after being put clean through, 0-2 (21 m).
KIERAN STURROCK (right) CELEBRATES HIS FIRST GOAL FOR 2-0 TO MORGAN
While the Harris complaints raged on the sideline, Morgan nearly went 3 up when Kieran Sturrock shot just wide of the post. Harris came back into the game after a corner on the right was headed home by Josh Ager, 1-2 (31 m). Harris should have levelled soon after when an obvious offside was not called and, as the Morgan defenders hesitated with their hands up, Josh Ager played to the whistle and had a clear sight of goal but hurried his shot and blasted high over the bar. Harris still went all out for an equaliser with a dangerous cross from the left eluding everybody in front of goal and Morgan were relieved to clear for a corner at the far post.
While the Harris complaints raged on the sideline, Morgan nearly went 3 up when Kieran Sturrock shot just wide of the post. Harris came back into the game after a corner on the right was headed home by Josh Ager, 1-2 (31 m). Harris should have levelled soon after when an obvious offside was not called and, as the Morgan defenders hesitated with their hands up, Josh Ager played to the whistle and had a clear sight of goal but hurried his shot and blasted high over the bar. Harris still went all out for an equaliser with a dangerous cross from the left eluding everybody in front of goal and Morgan were relieved to clear for a corner at the far post.
THE BALL IN THE BACK OF THE NET AS CONNOR MacLEOD MAKES IT 3-1 FOR MORGAN
But the game swung the other way shortly before halftime as Jack Reilly pierced the Harris defence to set up Connor MacLeod who took on the last defenders in a diagonal run from the right across the box before turning and shooting home from 6 yards at the far post. His second goal of the game gave Morgan their 2-goal lead back at a crucial time, 1-3 (41 m).
Halftime : Harris 1 Morgan 3
Halftime : Harris 1 Morgan 3
Harris were on the attack looking for goals at the start of the second half, Callum Petrie and Liam Ross both unable to convert good chances. On the hour Morgan nearly went further ahead as Connor MacLeod broke through the centre of the defence and sent a firm strike inches past the right-hand post, to the gasps of the crowd who thought he had scored.
Only a minute later Morgan did add to the score, with Kieran Sturrock on the edge of the area turning and firing a vicious shot straight through the keeper, 1-4 (62 m). Morgan were now dominant and Kieran Sturrock almost bagged his hat-trick but his shot was just past.
With time slipping away Harris needed a goal, and it was Patrick Martin who pulled one back with a firm right-foot strike which beat keeper Justyn Brough and cannoned back off the far stanchion, 2-4 (77 m). Their hopes of getting back into the game were dashed shortly after as Morgan regained the 3-goal advantage - Murray McKeen sent a great through ball for Kieran Sturrock to latch onto, and he raced through the middle skipping past a defender and produced a delightful finish to complete his hat-trick, 2-5 (79 m).
Only a minute later Morgan did add to the score, with Kieran Sturrock on the edge of the area turning and firing a vicious shot straight through the keeper, 1-4 (62 m). Morgan were now dominant and Kieran Sturrock almost bagged his hat-trick but his shot was just past.
With time slipping away Harris needed a goal, and it was Patrick Martin who pulled one back with a firm right-foot strike which beat keeper Justyn Brough and cannoned back off the far stanchion, 2-4 (77 m). Their hopes of getting back into the game were dashed shortly after as Morgan regained the 3-goal advantage - Murray McKeen sent a great through ball for Kieran Sturrock to latch onto, and he raced through the middle skipping past a defender and produced a delightful finish to complete his hat-trick, 2-5 (79 m).
A HARRIS ATTACK IS BROUGHT TO A STOP BY THE MORGAN DEFENCE
Harris had not given up and were only denied by superb goalkeeping - Craig Wighton broke down the right and fired in a cross low in front of the goal, Matthew Gallazzi cleared the immediate danger with a casual backheel but the ball only fell to Liam Ross at the edge of the box who struck a venomous low shot which had Goal written all over it but Justyn Brough dived to the ground and clutched it safely with both hands. Two minutes later a Craig Wighton cross-shot was headed away by Matthew Gallazzi and Ben Smith followed up for another Harris opportunity but shot over the bar.
Harris had not given up and were only denied by superb goalkeeping - Craig Wighton broke down the right and fired in a cross low in front of the goal, Matthew Gallazzi cleared the immediate danger with a casual backheel but the ball only fell to Liam Ross at the edge of the box who struck a venomous low shot which had Goal written all over it but Justyn Brough dived to the ground and clutched it safely with both hands. Two minutes later a Craig Wighton cross-shot was headed away by Matthew Gallazzi and Ben Smith followed up for another Harris opportunity but shot over the bar.
MATTHEW GALLAZZI (centre) ON DEFENSIVE DUTY BEFORE VENTURING UPFIELD TO SET UP THE LAST GOAL
It was perhaps only fitting that Matthew Gallazzi had a major part to play at the other end to seal the championship. Connor MacLeod, just inside the Harris half, rolled an inviting pass into the path of Matthew who had continued his run up the right wing, before coming inside and unleashing a ferocious shot which rattled the centre of the bar, and the alert Adam Braid rose to the rebound and thumped a header into the back of the net, 2-6 (86 m).
Final score : Harris 2 Morgan 6
After the match the Morgan players received their Senior League winners medals and the Championship Shield for the first time in almost 20 years.
It was perhaps only fitting that Matthew Gallazzi had a major part to play at the other end to seal the championship. Connor MacLeod, just inside the Harris half, rolled an inviting pass into the path of Matthew who had continued his run up the right wing, before coming inside and unleashing a ferocious shot which rattled the centre of the bar, and the alert Adam Braid rose to the rebound and thumped a header into the back of the net, 2-6 (86 m).
Final score : Harris 2 Morgan 6
After the match the Morgan players received their Senior League winners medals and the Championship Shield for the first time in almost 20 years.
MORGAN WITH THE LEAGUE SHIELD AFTER AN UNBEATEN CAMPAIGN IN THE ARAB TRUST DFCSS SENIOR LEAGUE
LAST MINUTE OWN GOAL PUTS MONIFIETH SENIORS THROUGH TO THE 5th ROUND
Thur 16 Feb - The last game in the Lloyds TSB Scotland Senior Shield 4th Round between Aberdeen Grammar and Monifieth was switched from Aberdeen and took place on a mild sunny morning in Monifieth.
The first half was particularly feisty and the game was a rather scrappy affair. Whether the pitch was too bobbly, or the players were struggling to find their rhythm following winter downtime, it is hard to say, but the game which had plenty of drama was perhaps not one for the purist.
There was an early rush of goals which boded well though for the rest of the game. Monifieth took an early lead with a quick break through the middle to blast the ball past the keeper, 1-0 (7m).
LAST MINUTE OWN GOAL PUTS MONIFIETH SENIORS THROUGH TO THE 5th ROUND
Thur 16 Feb - The last game in the Lloyds TSB Scotland Senior Shield 4th Round between Aberdeen Grammar and Monifieth was switched from Aberdeen and took place on a mild sunny morning in Monifieth.
The first half was particularly feisty and the game was a rather scrappy affair. Whether the pitch was too bobbly, or the players were struggling to find their rhythm following winter downtime, it is hard to say, but the game which had plenty of drama was perhaps not one for the purist.
There was an early rush of goals which boded well though for the rest of the game. Monifieth took an early lead with a quick break through the middle to blast the ball past the keeper, 1-0 (7m).
MONIFIETH (RED / BLACK) OPEN THE SCORING v. ABERDEEN GRAMMAR (HOOPS)
Aberdeen Grammar were behind for only a minute, equalising after a corner was not dealt with by the home defence, 1-1 (8m).
The state of parity lasted two minutes, before Monifieth regained the lead. A quick break down the right saw the Grammar keeper race out of his goal to try to stop it, but Monifieth got there first to leave the keeper in no man's land and the cross was easily swept into the empty goal, 2-1 (10m).
Aberdeen Grammar were behind for only a minute, equalising after a corner was not dealt with by the home defence, 1-1 (8m).
The state of parity lasted two minutes, before Monifieth regained the lead. A quick break down the right saw the Grammar keeper race out of his goal to try to stop it, but Monifieth got there first to leave the keeper in no man's land and the cross was easily swept into the empty goal, 2-1 (10m).
ABERDEEN GRAMMAR'S KEEPER IS TOO FAR OUT AS MONIFIETH SET UP THE 2nd GOAL
The visitors had a decent claim for a penalty ignored after a rash Monifieth tackle just inside the box. The feeling of injustice festered and led to some incidents, the referee doing well to keep his cards in his pocket. Monifieth increased their lead with a free kick from the halfway line which bounced back off the crossbar, and with the keeper beaten it was a simple task to nod the ball into the net from a couple of yards out, 3-1 (24m).
Aberdeen Grammar then produced a goal out of nothing. With Monifieth players harrying the Grammar possession, the Aberdeen side had to move the ball quickly across the field, until one player looked up and struck a tremendous 30 yard volley into the bottom left corner, 3-2 (34m). A minute later one of the Grammar players must have been aggrieved at a decision not given and took the law into his own hands, clattering a Monifieth player before seeing a red card.
With just under an hour to play with a man short, it looked to be a hard task for Grammar, but instead they were level just before halftime, a diagonal ball from the right beating the home offside trap to be stroked in for an excellent finish, 3-3 (43m).
Halftime : Monifieth 3 Aberdeen Grammar 3
The visitors had a decent claim for a penalty ignored after a rash Monifieth tackle just inside the box. The feeling of injustice festered and led to some incidents, the referee doing well to keep his cards in his pocket. Monifieth increased their lead with a free kick from the halfway line which bounced back off the crossbar, and with the keeper beaten it was a simple task to nod the ball into the net from a couple of yards out, 3-1 (24m).
Aberdeen Grammar then produced a goal out of nothing. With Monifieth players harrying the Grammar possession, the Aberdeen side had to move the ball quickly across the field, until one player looked up and struck a tremendous 30 yard volley into the bottom left corner, 3-2 (34m). A minute later one of the Grammar players must have been aggrieved at a decision not given and took the law into his own hands, clattering a Monifieth player before seeing a red card.
With just under an hour to play with a man short, it looked to be a hard task for Grammar, but instead they were level just before halftime, a diagonal ball from the right beating the home offside trap to be stroked in for an excellent finish, 3-3 (43m).
Halftime : Monifieth 3 Aberdeen Grammar 3
The second half still had its silly moments but in general it was a little less hectic than before. Grammar did not seem to be feeling the effects of only having 10 men, and on the hour mark went ahead for the first time when a speculative lob from 40 yards beat the keeper all ends up, 3-4 (60m).
Monifieth soon won a corner which was powerfully headed in at the far post for the equaliser, 4-4 (66m).
Monifieth soon won a corner which was powerfully headed in at the far post for the equaliser, 4-4 (66m).
MONIFIETH HEAD IN FOR 4-4
As time wore on, Aberdeen Grammar had a few chances to win the game and Monifieth had to defend desperately on several occasions to clear their lines.
In the final minute, extra time looming, came the most dramatic of finishes. Monifieth broke quickly down the right and fired in a low hard cross into the goalmouth. A luckless Grammar defender could not get out of the way and bundled the ball past his keeper for an own goal, 5-4 (90m). There was very little time left and the 10 men from Aberdeen who had made a real game of it were now down and out.
Final score : Monifieth 5 Aberdeen Grammar 4
Monifieth now travel to high-scoring Williamwood HS in the 5th Round.
Below : LAST MINUTE DRAMA AS MONIFIETH FORCE ABERDEEN GRAMMAR INTO AN OWN GOAL TO WIN 5-4
Final score : Monifieth 5 Aberdeen Grammar 4
Monifieth now travel to high-scoring Williamwood HS in the 5th Round.
Below : LAST MINUTE DRAMA AS MONIFIETH FORCE ABERDEEN GRAMMAR INTO AN OWN GOAL TO WIN 5-4
HARRIS U16s INTO THE 5th ROUND AFTER CLOSE ENCOUNTER WITH BEATH
Fri 3 Feb - Harris moved through to the 5th Round of the Lloyds TSB Scotland U16 Shield with a narrow 3-2 win over Beath HS.
The game was played at the University Astroturf and the pitch was in good condition even though the south end was frosty where the sun had not been able to get through the trees.
Harris had a slight edge in the opening stages but Beath were also dangerous. Two goals in two minutes midway through the half turned the game in the home team's favour. Jamie Montgomery picked up the ball 25 yards out and drove forward to just outside the box where he unleashed a left-foot strike which hit the left-hand post and bounced over the line into the goal, 1-0 (14m). Two minutes later Harris took a free kick just inside their own half and the high ball was headed on towards the keeper, but Gary Fraser jumped to challenge the Beath keeper who struggled to control the ball and Gary Fraser took full advantage to bundle the loose ball into the net, 2-0 (16m). Both sides had chances after that but there were no further goals before the break and Harris looked comfortable.
Halftime : Harris 2 Beath HS 0
Halftime : Harris 2 Beath HS 0
Eight minutes after the break the game changed as Beath raced away down the left, leaving defenders trailing, and hit a crisp shot across the keeper into the bottom corner, 2-1 (48m). Beath were suddenly back in the game and nearly equalised soon after but the shot from distance flew over the bar. On the hour mark Beath snatched an equaliser with another fast break through the centre. As the crowd held its breath, it looked like Harris might just escape, with a defender running back to cover on the line, but the ball hit the right-hand post and bounced back into play. Beath were first to react and turned the ball over the line, despite the efforts of Harris players to clear, 2-2 (59m).
Harris fought back well and five minutes after conceding the equaliser won a penalty when Gary Fraser was tripped in the box. Ben Smith stepped up and smashed the spot-kick confidently past the Beath keeper, 3-2 (64m). The last quarter of an hour was end to end as Beath squandered chances to equalise and Harris missed opportunities to sew the game up, so the result of an exciting game was in doubt till the final whistle.
Final score : Harris 3 Beath HS 2
Harris fought back well and five minutes after conceding the equaliser won a penalty when Gary Fraser was tripped in the box. Ben Smith stepped up and smashed the spot-kick confidently past the Beath keeper, 3-2 (64m). The last quarter of an hour was end to end as Beath squandered chances to equalise and Harris missed opportunities to sew the game up, so the result of an exciting game was in doubt till the final whistle.
Final score : Harris 3 Beath HS 2
Harris now face a trip to Glasgow in the 5th Round to take on Springburn Academy.
Below : THE HARRIS GOALS
Below : THE HARRIS GOALS
JAMIE MONTGOMERY (16) SCORES THE FIRST VIA THE POST AND RUNS OFF TO CELEBRATE
GARY FRASER (11) BEATS THE KEEPER TO THE BALL AND NETS FOR 2-0
BEN SMITH (4) SMASHES THE BALL IN FOR THE WINNER FROM THE PENALTY SPOT
FRIDAY THE THIRTEENTH UNLUCKY FOR THOSE WHO MISSED THIS ONE
Fri 13 Jan - The first league game of 2012 was a highly entertaining twelve-goal derby as Grove just edged out Craigie 7-5 in the Arab Trust U16 League.
With the sun going down on a chilly day the temperature of 3 degrees above zero meant that there were bound to be some mistakes as the surface cooled down.
Both sides were determined to attack from the start and there were 4 goals in the opening 9 minutes. Grove took the lead with their first chance, putting the ball away inside the post once the keeper had been drawn out of position, 1-0 (2m). Craigie replied soon after, rifling in a great shot to equalise, 1-1 (4). Then the visitors went ahead with a pin-point diagonal ball from the halfway line taken down calmly and rolled in past the keeper, 1-2 (8). The lead only lasted a minute, as a defensive mix-up let Grove in to level, 2-2 (9). After this explosive start it was only natural that the game went into a relative lull, as both sides probed for another opening. The game was end to end, never dull, and more goals would surely come.
Four minutes from the break Grove regained the lead when the Craigie keeper could only parry a 25 yard shot and Grove were first to react and knock the ball in at the near post, 3-2 (36).
Halftime : Grove 3 Craigie 2
FRIDAY THE THIRTEENTH UNLUCKY FOR THOSE WHO MISSED THIS ONE
Fri 13 Jan - The first league game of 2012 was a highly entertaining twelve-goal derby as Grove just edged out Craigie 7-5 in the Arab Trust U16 League.
With the sun going down on a chilly day the temperature of 3 degrees above zero meant that there were bound to be some mistakes as the surface cooled down.
Both sides were determined to attack from the start and there were 4 goals in the opening 9 minutes. Grove took the lead with their first chance, putting the ball away inside the post once the keeper had been drawn out of position, 1-0 (2m). Craigie replied soon after, rifling in a great shot to equalise, 1-1 (4). Then the visitors went ahead with a pin-point diagonal ball from the halfway line taken down calmly and rolled in past the keeper, 1-2 (8). The lead only lasted a minute, as a defensive mix-up let Grove in to level, 2-2 (9). After this explosive start it was only natural that the game went into a relative lull, as both sides probed for another opening. The game was end to end, never dull, and more goals would surely come.
Four minutes from the break Grove regained the lead when the Craigie keeper could only parry a 25 yard shot and Grove were first to react and knock the ball in at the near post, 3-2 (36).
Halftime : Grove 3 Craigie 2
The second half was similar to the first except for the goalrush at the start. Grove looked like scoring again 12 minutes after the interval but the shot hit the right-hand post, but less than a minute after that scare Craigie were picking the ball out of the net again as Grove burst through the middle and slipped the ball past the keeper, 4-2 (53). Craigie fought back immediately and reduced the deficit, 4-3 (55). Grove then chased what looked like a lost ball down to the bye-line on the right and though the cross was cleared off the line to the other side, another Grove striker was on hand to finish it off, 5-3 (64). Again the two-goal lead did not last long as Craigie bundled the ball in from close range, 5-4 (66). Grove won a free kick on the left and the ball bounced off the top of the bar. It looked like the game was settled with 5 minutes left, as Grove raced through the centre and fired home, Craigie claims for offside falling on deaf ears, 6-4 (75). All credit to the Craigie spirit because they had not given up - a free kick out on the left was rolled into the centre, a quick look up and a perfectly placed 30 yard ground shot curled just inside the far post, catching out the sub keeper who had just come on, 6-5 (78). But hopes of grabbing a late equaliser were dashed a minute later as Grove chased a ball seemingly going out on the halfway line on the right, kept it in and a superb diagonal ball set up the onrushing Grove striker to finish the scoring for the day, 7-5 (79).
Well done to both sides for serving up fantastic entertainment on a chilly day with all the players showing a tremendous spirit to work for their team-mates and a good standard despite sometimes struggling to stay on their feet in the tricky conditions as the temperature dropped.
Final score : Grove 7 Craigie 5
Final score : Grove 7 Craigie 5
GROVE (GREY WITH RED TRIM) AND CRAIGIE (BLACK / GOLD STRIPES) HIT THE NET 12 TIMES IN THE ARAB TRUST U16 LEAGUE
GAME ABANDONED AS CONDITIONS WORSEN
Tues 13 Dec - Morgan v. Grove in the Arab Trust DFCSS Senior League ended in controversy when the referee abandoned the game with 11 minutes left. The weather had been horrendous from the start with strong winds and rain but both sides, both with 100% records to defend, just got on with it and turned in a good performance, both with the wind and against the wind. Morgan had plenty of chances to score into the wind in the first half but Grove scored the only goal of the half after 24 minutes, side-stepping defenders before a controlled finish. Morgan equalised right after the break with a header from a corner. Morgan then took the lead when another corner was not cleared properly, and with 11 minutes to go David Rae, up from defence, thumped home a 20 yarder to put Morgan 3-1 up. Incredibly the referee blew to abandon the game - leaving players confused and spectators stunned. Though the weather had deteriorated, the fact that everybody watching or playing had survived well over an hour of extremely difficult conditions and there were only 11 minutes on the clock left everybody frustrated at the shocking decision of the referee.
Pictures below (apologies for the quality, the weather was too bad) :
GAME ABANDONED AS CONDITIONS WORSEN
Tues 13 Dec - Morgan v. Grove in the Arab Trust DFCSS Senior League ended in controversy when the referee abandoned the game with 11 minutes left. The weather had been horrendous from the start with strong winds and rain but both sides, both with 100% records to defend, just got on with it and turned in a good performance, both with the wind and against the wind. Morgan had plenty of chances to score into the wind in the first half but Grove scored the only goal of the half after 24 minutes, side-stepping defenders before a controlled finish. Morgan equalised right after the break with a header from a corner. Morgan then took the lead when another corner was not cleared properly, and with 11 minutes to go David Rae, up from defence, thumped home a 20 yarder to put Morgan 3-1 up. Incredibly the referee blew to abandon the game - leaving players confused and spectators stunned. Though the weather had deteriorated, the fact that everybody watching or playing had survived well over an hour of extremely difficult conditions and there were only 11 minutes on the clock left everybody frustrated at the shocking decision of the referee.
Pictures below (apologies for the quality, the weather was too bad) :
GROVE LOOK LIKE GHOSTS AS THEY CELEBRATE THEIR GOAL
THE RAIN POURS DOWN OVER THE FLOODLIGHTS JUST BEFORE THE REFEREE ABANDONED THE GAME
MONIFIETH THROUGH TO THE FOURTH ROUND IN THE U16 SHIELD
Fri 9 Dec - After a couple of failed attempts to play in Dunfermline the 3rd Round tie in the Lloyds TSB Scotland U16 Shield between Queen Anne and Monifieth was switched to Monifieth. The gales of the day before had died down and the pitch was in perfect condition.
Monifieth started brightly and hit the bar from 20 yards out in the 6th minute. Five minutes later Monifieth went ahead with a perfectly placed ball which rolled past the keeper's right hand just inside the post, 1-0 (11m). The lead only lasted a minute however as Queen Anne scored from the penalty spot after a foul just inside the box, 1-1 (12m). Monifieth's luck was out 4 minutes later when they rattled the woodwork for the second time, the ball crashing off the underside of the bar, leading to Queen Anne defenders hurling their bodies in front of Monifieth's strikers trying to knock the rebound in.
MONIFIETH THROUGH TO THE FOURTH ROUND IN THE U16 SHIELD
Fri 9 Dec - After a couple of failed attempts to play in Dunfermline the 3rd Round tie in the Lloyds TSB Scotland U16 Shield between Queen Anne and Monifieth was switched to Monifieth. The gales of the day before had died down and the pitch was in perfect condition.
Monifieth started brightly and hit the bar from 20 yards out in the 6th minute. Five minutes later Monifieth went ahead with a perfectly placed ball which rolled past the keeper's right hand just inside the post, 1-0 (11m). The lead only lasted a minute however as Queen Anne scored from the penalty spot after a foul just inside the box, 1-1 (12m). Monifieth's luck was out 4 minutes later when they rattled the woodwork for the second time, the ball crashing off the underside of the bar, leading to Queen Anne defenders hurling their bodies in front of Monifieth's strikers trying to knock the rebound in.
MONIFIETH (YELLOW / BLACK) v. QUEEN ANNE (BLUE BIBS) IN THE LLOYDS TSB SCOTLAND U16 SHIELD
Soon the game became disjointed following a ridiculous Queen Anne foul which led to heated exchanges - the referee did well to keep the red card in his pocket. The tension created by the incident meant that neither side was able to produce any real chances during the rest of a fairly even first half.
Halftime : Monifieth 1 Queen Anne 1
Soon the game became disjointed following a ridiculous Queen Anne foul which led to heated exchanges - the referee did well to keep the red card in his pocket. The tension created by the incident meant that neither side was able to produce any real chances during the rest of a fairly even first half.
Halftime : Monifieth 1 Queen Anne 1
The second half belonged to Monifieth with Queen Anne having to defend resolutely. Monifieth had several good attempts to go in front but were thwarted by the keeper and his defence. Queen Anne were limited in their attacks and their best chance came when the Monifieth keeper had a momentary lapse and gifted possession to the Fife team but the opportunity came to nothing.
Monifieth scored the winner on the hour mark : a diagonal ball from the right wing was aimed towards the far post where a Monifieth striker was waiting and for a split second it seemed that the chance might be lost when his team-mate stuck out a leg to intercept it 15 yards out, but he recovered his balance, took the ball down beautifully and calmly placed it into the bottom corner which was about the only spot the Queen Anne keeper could not reach, 2-1 (60m).
Despite the Monifieth domination there were no further goals as Queen Anne defended well, but the Monifieth defence did not really have any problems to deal with and were able to see the game out, before the final whistle and handshakes following a hard-fought encounter. Monifieth now travel to Albyn School (Aberdeen) or Perth Grammar.
Final score : Monifieth 2 Queen Anne 1
Final score : Monifieth 2 Queen Anne 1
BEATH EDGE GROVE OUT OF THE SENIOR SHIELD
Wed 23 Nov - Grove went out of the Lloyds TSB Scotland Senior Shield in the 2nd Round after losing 3-2 at home to Beath HS. The Fife team started with the strong wind at their backs and thought they had scored after a couple of minutes with a fierce shot into the top left corner but the goal was mysteriously ruled out. Beath tested the Grove keeper on a few occasions and eventually got the better of him when a free kick from the right touchline was whipped in and finished from 8 yards, 0-1 (18m). Grove looked to be holding out for a one goal deficit at halftime but another Beath free kick from the right wing just before the interval took a slight deflection to outwit the keeper and the visitors doubled their lead, 0-2 (44m).
Halftime : Grove 0 Beath 2
The wind seemed to drop slightly in the second half and Grove struggled to get into attacking positions. Just after the hour mark Beath conceded a free kick outside the box and Grove drove it past the keeper to give them some hope, 1-2 (63m). The task seemed to be made easier when Beath were reduced to ten men but 11 minutes from the end the depleted visitors regained their two-goal advantage with a quick break through the middle breaking the offside trap - the Grove keeper made a good save but when the ball fell to Beath, now attacking in numbers, it was laid off to the edge of the box and smashed in with the outside of the right foot, swerving out of reach for the keeper, 1-3 (79m). Five minutes later Grove pulled back another after a real stramash in front of the goal, 2-3 (84m). This set up a frenetic finish which became harder for the home team when another incident in a sometimes tousy half saw a red card produced again to level the teams at ten players each. Grove wasted any further opportunities and Beath were able to see out the remaining minutes before the final whistle blew and everybody shook hands. Nobody could begrudge Beath their win, they were that bit sharper on the day - Grove now must view Beath as a bogey school as the U16s also lost at home to Beath by the odd goal, 5-6, a few weeks ago. Beath now travel to the winners of Auchmuty v. Webster's.
Final score : Grove 2 Beath 3
Final score : Grove 2 Beath 3
GROVE (BLACK / WHITE) SCORE THEIR FIRST GOAL AGAINST BEATH (BLUE) IN THE SENIOR SHIELD
DOUBLE JOY FOR ST.JOHN'S
Tues 22 Nov - On a bright blue-sky afternoon St.John's had double success on the adjacent pitches with wins in the U14 and Senior Shields sponsored by Lloyds TSB Scotland.
The Seniors kicked off first against Perth Academy in the 3rd Round, and the U14s took the field 10 minutes later against Carnoustie HS in a 2nd Round tie. Carnoustie started brightly, forcing an early corner before taking the lead in the 6th minute, 0-1. St.John's were not behind for long as Gary Ramsay ran up the right, beating several defenders and squeezing the ball past the keeper, 1-1 (8m).
ST.JOHN'S (SKY) ABOUT TO SCORE THEIR FIRST GOAL v. CARNOUSTIE (RED) IN THE U14 SHIELD
He could have made it two soon after, but hit the post. Carnoustie attacked again and scored again to retake the lead, 1-2 (14m). As halftime approached St.John's broke and nearly equalised but the ball bobbled inside the box and the shot fell harmlessly wide.
Halftime : St.John's 1 Carnoustie 2
He could have made it two soon after, but hit the post. Carnoustie attacked again and scored again to retake the lead, 1-2 (14m). As halftime approached St.John's broke and nearly equalised but the ball bobbled inside the box and the shot fell harmlessly wide.
Halftime : St.John's 1 Carnoustie 2
The task for St.John's became even harder shortly after the break when a Carnoustie cross from the left was headed in at the far post, 1-3 (40m). But the home team fought back well as the sun dipped behind Cox's Stack. First, a Gary Ramsay cross from the left was controlled by Nabil Nadeem in the centre and he shot home from 8 yards to reduce the deficit, 2-3 (48m).
ST.JOHN'S SCORE THEIR SECOND TO START THE FIGHTBACK
Two minutes later it was all square - a corner on the right caused the Carnoustie defence real problems, the ball was only cleared as far as Liam Gibb who knocked the ball into the bottom right corner for the equaliser, 3-3 (50m). The comeback was complete with a goal fit to win any game, as Gary Ramsay notched his second of the match with a run down the left and a shot from just outside the area which dipped over the diving keeper, 4-3 (62m). St.John's now are home to Cults Academy from Aberdeen in the 3rd Round.
Final score (U14) : St.John's 4 Carnoustie 3
Two minutes later it was all square - a corner on the right caused the Carnoustie defence real problems, the ball was only cleared as far as Liam Gibb who knocked the ball into the bottom right corner for the equaliser, 3-3 (50m). The comeback was complete with a goal fit to win any game, as Gary Ramsay notched his second of the match with a run down the left and a shot from just outside the area which dipped over the diving keeper, 4-3 (62m). St.John's now are home to Cults Academy from Aberdeen in the 3rd Round.
Final score (U14) : St.John's 4 Carnoustie 3
THE CARNOUSTIE KEEPER CAN DO NOTHING TO STOP THE WINNER
ST.JOHN'S (SKY) v. CARNOUSTIE (RED) IN THE LLOYDS TSB SCOTLAND U14 SHIELD
As the U14 game finished, the Senior game was entering the last couple of minutes. It had not been an easy game but St.John's were moving through to the 4th Round. A tight first half saw only the one goal, Liam Devine netting after half an hour to put St.John's ahead. The home team doubled the lead four minutes after the break with a powerful header from Connaire Connelly, connecting with a corner from the right, 2-0.
As the U14 game finished, the Senior game was entering the last couple of minutes. It had not been an easy game but St.John's were moving through to the 4th Round. A tight first half saw only the one goal, Liam Devine netting after half an hour to put St.John's ahead. The home team doubled the lead four minutes after the break with a powerful header from Connaire Connelly, connecting with a corner from the right, 2-0.
ST.JOHN'S (BLUE) HEAD HOME FOR 2-0 v. PERTH ACADEMY (RED) IN THE SENIOR SHIELD
Seven minutes later another St.John's corner produced a goal but this time for Perth Academy - the ball fell back to defenders on the halfway line who lost control and the Academy broke quickly down the right and a cool finish in at the right-hand post put the visitors back in the game, 2-1. With just over half an hour gone in the second half St.John's restored their two-goal advantage. A free kick was awarded a couple of yards outside the Perth Academy box for a foul and Connaire Connelly beat the wall to the shoot into the bottom right corner for his second goal of the game, the keeper getting a touch but not enough to stop the ball hitting the net, 3-1. It was a hard-fought competitive game but St.John's were now able to enjoy the two-goal cushion and see the game out. They can now look forward to a trip north in the 4th Round, either to Milne's HS (Fochabers) or Aboyne Academy.
Final score (Senior) : St.John's 3 Perth Academy 1
Seven minutes later another St.John's corner produced a goal but this time for Perth Academy - the ball fell back to defenders on the halfway line who lost control and the Academy broke quickly down the right and a cool finish in at the right-hand post put the visitors back in the game, 2-1. With just over half an hour gone in the second half St.John's restored their two-goal advantage. A free kick was awarded a couple of yards outside the Perth Academy box for a foul and Connaire Connelly beat the wall to the shoot into the bottom right corner for his second goal of the game, the keeper getting a touch but not enough to stop the ball hitting the net, 3-1. It was a hard-fought competitive game but St.John's were now able to enjoy the two-goal cushion and see the game out. They can now look forward to a trip north in the 4th Round, either to Milne's HS (Fochabers) or Aboyne Academy.
Final score (Senior) : St.John's 3 Perth Academy 1
ST.JOHN'S (BLUE) v. PERTH ACADEMY (RED) IN THE LLOYDS TSB SCOTLAND SENIOR SHIELD
EXTRA-TIME WIN FOR GROVE U14s IN DUNFERMLINE
Wed 16 Nov - Grove won through to the 4th Round of the Lloyds TSB Scotland U14 Shield following their 2nd successive win on the same pitch in Dunfermline. The 2nd Round win against Woodmill HS was played on their Astroturf and the 3rd Round game at St.Columba's HS was switched over the road to the astroturf as the home grass was too long.
EXTRA-TIME WIN FOR GROVE U14s IN DUNFERMLINE
Wed 16 Nov - Grove won through to the 4th Round of the Lloyds TSB Scotland U14 Shield following their 2nd successive win on the same pitch in Dunfermline. The 2nd Round win against Woodmill HS was played on their Astroturf and the 3rd Round game at St.Columba's HS was switched over the road to the astroturf as the home grass was too long.
GROVE (NAVY) CHASED BY ST.COLUMBA'S (YELLOW) IN THE U14 SHIELD
There was little between the teams in the first quarter but Grove went in front when Danny Craig shot home in the 20th minute, 0-1. There were no further goals in the 1st half but St.Columba's equalised right after the break, with a lob over the keeper from the edge of the area, 1-1 (36m). Grove did not let this setback bother them and were soon back in front when Cameron Hoskins, unmarked on the left, had time to place his right-foot shot inside the near post, 1-2 (40m). Ten minutes later the home team nearly levelled again after a corner, a well-struck shot coming back off the underside of the bar. St.Columba's did equalise not long after, a cross from the right hitting a Grove defender on the chest and rolling past the keeper, 2-2 (56m). With the prospects of extra-time looming Grove nearly won it with a corner on the left which created panic in the home defence, but the ball was cleared and the last few minutes were seen out without any more danger to either keeper.
There was little between the teams in the first quarter but Grove went in front when Danny Craig shot home in the 20th minute, 0-1. There were no further goals in the 1st half but St.Columba's equalised right after the break, with a lob over the keeper from the edge of the area, 1-1 (36m). Grove did not let this setback bother them and were soon back in front when Cameron Hoskins, unmarked on the left, had time to place his right-foot shot inside the near post, 1-2 (40m). Ten minutes later the home team nearly levelled again after a corner, a well-struck shot coming back off the underside of the bar. St.Columba's did equalise not long after, a cross from the right hitting a Grove defender on the chest and rolling past the keeper, 2-2 (56m). With the prospects of extra-time looming Grove nearly won it with a corner on the left which created panic in the home defence, but the ball was cleared and the last few minutes were seen out without any more danger to either keeper.
Grove took control of the game in extra-time and two goals in the first period sealed the win. Sean Gallacher was now pushed further up and showed superb control as he tiptoed past several challenges around the edge of the box, found himself free and placed a shot past the keeper for a great solo goal, 2-3 (ET 5m). Three minutes later another Grove effort touched the top of the bar before going out for a goal kick. In the last minute of the first period of extra-time Sean Gallacher again waltzed through the home defence, this time his shot was parried but Jack Hogarth was on hand to force home the rebound, 2-4 (ET 10m). St.Columba's tried hard but were never going to pull back two goals in the last period and Grove were able to run down the clock fairly easily.
After handshakes all round Grove could look forward to another away trip in the 4th Round - it could even mean a third trip to Dunfermline against Queen Anne, or up to Aberdeen to play Portlethen, or along the road to play Monifieth.
Final score : St.Columba's HS 2 Grove 4 aet
After handshakes all round Grove could look forward to another away trip in the 4th Round - it could even mean a third trip to Dunfermline against Queen Anne, or up to Aberdeen to play Portlethen, or along the road to play Monifieth.
Final score : St.Columba's HS 2 Grove 4 aet
ST.COLUMBA'S (YELLOW) v. GROVE (NAVY) IN THE LLOYDS TSB SCOTLAND U14 SHIELD
HARRIS TOO GOOD FOR WEBSTER'S IN THE U16 SHIELD
Thur 3 Nov - Harris blew Webster's away in a whirlwind start in the Lloyds TSB Scotland U16 Shield 2nd Round. Harris opened the scoring in their first attack and quickly added to this with a shot into the top corner. Then two free kicks from 25 yards out were almost identical - lifted over the wall and over the keeper's head to land perfectly in the net, Harris were now 4-0 up after only 15 minutes. Webster's struggled to get into the game, even with the apparent advantage of going down the Eton Street slope, and it was Harris who drove up the left side to finish with another couple of similar goals from close range to lead 6-0 after 25 minutes. Webster's came into the game more by halftime but the damage was already done.
Halftime : Harris Ac. 6 Webster's HS 0
HARRIS TOO GOOD FOR WEBSTER'S IN THE U16 SHIELD
Thur 3 Nov - Harris blew Webster's away in a whirlwind start in the Lloyds TSB Scotland U16 Shield 2nd Round. Harris opened the scoring in their first attack and quickly added to this with a shot into the top corner. Then two free kicks from 25 yards out were almost identical - lifted over the wall and over the keeper's head to land perfectly in the net, Harris were now 4-0 up after only 15 minutes. Webster's struggled to get into the game, even with the apparent advantage of going down the Eton Street slope, and it was Harris who drove up the left side to finish with another couple of similar goals from close range to lead 6-0 after 25 minutes. Webster's came into the game more by halftime but the damage was already done.
Halftime : Harris Ac. 6 Webster's HS 0
HARRIS (YELLOW) SHOW HOW TO SCORE FROM A FREE KICK v. WEBSTER'S (SKY / NAVY)
Webster's produced a better showing in the second half going uphill and created several chances but the Harris defence and keeper were equal to anything thrown at them. Harris had not given up though and created several good opportunities in an attempt to increase the score. Eight minutes after halftime they added a 7th goal with a firmly struck right-foot drive from just inside the area, following good play on the right.
Webster's produced a better showing in the second half going uphill and created several chances but the Harris defence and keeper were equal to anything thrown at them. Harris had not given up though and created several good opportunities in an attempt to increase the score. Eight minutes after halftime they added a 7th goal with a firmly struck right-foot drive from just inside the area, following good play on the right.
There was then a lull in the scoring till the last ten minutes when Harris scored two crackers. First, the right-winger chased a ball wide on the right close to the bye-line - it seemed that nothing was on till he unleashed a ferocious shot into the top of the net from such an acute angle it brought back memories of the Marco van Basten wonder goal for Holland in the European Championship Final of 88. The same player then scored another belter 6 minutes later, with a 25 yard scorcher from a more normal angle this time. It was a good way to wrap up the scoring at 9-0, Harris go through to face Viewforth HS of Kirkcaldy at home, but credit to Webster's who did not give up and made a good second half of it after wondering what had hit them in the opening quarter.
Final score : Harris Ac. 9 Webster's HS 0
Final score : Harris Ac. 9 Webster's HS 0
HARRIS (YELLOW) v. WEBSTER'S (SKY / NAVY) IN THE LLOYDS TSB SCOTLAND U16 SHIELD
ST.JOHN'S WIN SENIOR BATTLE OF THE SAINTS
Wed 2 Nov - The 2nd Round of the Lloyds TSB Scotland Senior Shield produced a classic cup-tie between St.John's and St.Columba's HS Dunfermline.
The Fife team started brightly and took an early lead with a break down the right and the cross was headed in from 6 yards at the near post, 0-1 (3m). Another header at the same post five minutes later flew inches over and St.John's survived. The home team equalised soon after when the ball was lofted from 20 yards just over the keeper's head and into the net, 1-1 (11m). The game was now end to end with plenty of chances for both sides, the best of which was a long-range shot from St.Columba's which thumped the bar in the 24th minute. Four minutes from halftime it was St.John's who scored next - a shot from the left was turned away for a corner by the keeper at full stretch, the corner from the right was not cleared and was rifled home at the near post, 2-1 (36m).
Halftime : St.John's 2 St.Columba's HS 1
ST.JOHN'S WIN SENIOR BATTLE OF THE SAINTS
Wed 2 Nov - The 2nd Round of the Lloyds TSB Scotland Senior Shield produced a classic cup-tie between St.John's and St.Columba's HS Dunfermline.
The Fife team started brightly and took an early lead with a break down the right and the cross was headed in from 6 yards at the near post, 0-1 (3m). Another header at the same post five minutes later flew inches over and St.John's survived. The home team equalised soon after when the ball was lofted from 20 yards just over the keeper's head and into the net, 1-1 (11m). The game was now end to end with plenty of chances for both sides, the best of which was a long-range shot from St.Columba's which thumped the bar in the 24th minute. Four minutes from halftime it was St.John's who scored next - a shot from the left was turned away for a corner by the keeper at full stretch, the corner from the right was not cleared and was rifled home at the near post, 2-1 (36m).
Halftime : St.John's 2 St.Columba's HS 1
ST.COLUMBA'S (YELLOW) CAN ONLY LOOK ON AS ST.JOHN'S HIT THE NET FOR THE SECOND GOAL
St.Columba's again started the better in the second half and a tackle in the St.John's box was adjudged to be a penalty kick, St.Columba's scoring from the spot, 2-2 (48m). The visitors could have retaken the lead as a moment of indecision in defence let them in for a shot, and the following corner was dangerous but nobody could connect. Midway through the half St.John's won a free kick just outside the box in the centre - the free kick was fed out to the right, and a vicious shot smashed off the far post and in for St.John's to go back in front, 3-2 (62m).
St.Columba's again started the better in the second half and a tackle in the St.John's box was adjudged to be a penalty kick, St.Columba's scoring from the spot, 2-2 (48m). The visitors could have retaken the lead as a moment of indecision in defence let them in for a shot, and the following corner was dangerous but nobody could connect. Midway through the half St.John's won a free kick just outside the box in the centre - the free kick was fed out to the right, and a vicious shot smashed off the far post and in for St.John's to go back in front, 3-2 (62m).
ST.JOHN'S GO 3-2 UP AGAINST ST.COLUMBA'S OF DUNFERMLINE
St.Columba's were not giving up and won a corner on the left which was turned in at the far post for another equaliser, 3-3 (69m). With the chances of extra-time looming, St.John's wrapped it up with another great goal, a fast break down the right, a superb low cross to the far post met perfectly a couple of yards out by the St.John's striker racing in ahead of the defence, 4-3 (75m). There was still plenty of time left for St.Columba's to level again but the St.John's defence held its nerve and saw the game out. The final whistle blew, handshakes all round, well done to both sides for the excellent entertainment, played hard but in good spirit throughout. St.John's now have a home tie against Perth Academy in the 3rd Round.
Final score : St.John's 4 St.Columba's HS 3
St.Columba's were not giving up and won a corner on the left which was turned in at the far post for another equaliser, 3-3 (69m). With the chances of extra-time looming, St.John's wrapped it up with another great goal, a fast break down the right, a superb low cross to the far post met perfectly a couple of yards out by the St.John's striker racing in ahead of the defence, 4-3 (75m). There was still plenty of time left for St.Columba's to level again but the St.John's defence held its nerve and saw the game out. The final whistle blew, handshakes all round, well done to both sides for the excellent entertainment, played hard but in good spirit throughout. St.John's now have a home tie against Perth Academy in the 3rd Round.
Final score : St.John's 4 St.Columba's HS 3
ST.JOHN'S (BLUE) v. ST.COLUMBA'S (YELLOW) IN THE LLOYDS TSB SCOTLAND SENIOR SHIELD
BRECHIN EDGE OUT WOODMILL IN THE U15 SHIELD 2nd ROUND
Tues 1 Nov - In the Lloyds TSB Scotland U15 Shield Brechin HS claimed a place in the 3rd Round after a hard-fought 4-3 win against Woodmill HS. A beautiful sunny November afternoon brought a good crowd out for the kick-off during the lunch hour. The Dunfermline team pressed hard for the opening goal but Brechin defended well and midway through the half took the lead with a low shot, 1-0 (19m).
BRECHIN EDGE OUT WOODMILL IN THE U15 SHIELD 2nd ROUND
Tues 1 Nov - In the Lloyds TSB Scotland U15 Shield Brechin HS claimed a place in the 3rd Round after a hard-fought 4-3 win against Woodmill HS. A beautiful sunny November afternoon brought a good crowd out for the kick-off during the lunch hour. The Dunfermline team pressed hard for the opening goal but Brechin defended well and midway through the half took the lead with a low shot, 1-0 (19m).
BRECHIN (TANGERINE / BLACK) v. WOODMILL (RED) IN THE LLOYDS TSB SCOTLAND U15 SHIELD
Woodmill fought back and shot past the post a minute later. The Woodmill pressure paid off as the game approached the half-hour mark - first they hit the post, then a minute later grabbed the equaliser at the far post from a corner on the right, 1-1 (27m). Two minutes later the visitors took the lead when another corner was not cleared and the cross was swept in at the far post, 1-2 (29m).
Right on halftime Brechin levelled the scores when a free kick from deep in their own half was not dealt with by the visitors, allowing the home team in to score, 2-2 (40m).
Halftime : Brechin HS 2 Woodmill HS 2
Woodmill fought back and shot past the post a minute later. The Woodmill pressure paid off as the game approached the half-hour mark - first they hit the post, then a minute later grabbed the equaliser at the far post from a corner on the right, 1-1 (27m). Two minutes later the visitors took the lead when another corner was not cleared and the cross was swept in at the far post, 1-2 (29m).
Right on halftime Brechin levelled the scores when a free kick from deep in their own half was not dealt with by the visitors, allowing the home team in to score, 2-2 (40m).
Halftime : Brechin HS 2 Woodmill HS 2
BRECHIN (TANGERINE) EQUALISE JUST BEFORE HALFTIME AGAINST WOODMILL (RED)
The second half was very even, with neither team able to break through their opponents' defence till on the hour. As a Woodmill attack was blocked Brechin broke down the right, checked inside and shot into the far corner, 3-2 (61m). Woodmill did everything they could to equalise again with an attempt just wide, a header onto the bar and a shot which forced the excellent Brechin keeper into a good save. Brechin survived the onslaught and the game then evened out with chances at either end. As the game neared the end there was still everything to play for, and a minute from time Woodmill had a shot turned behind by the keeper and the resultant corner was headed narrowly wide. In the last minute Brechin broke quickly down the left and the cross was drilled into the bottom corner, 4-2 (80m).
The second half was very even, with neither team able to break through their opponents' defence till on the hour. As a Woodmill attack was blocked Brechin broke down the right, checked inside and shot into the far corner, 3-2 (61m). Woodmill did everything they could to equalise again with an attempt just wide, a header onto the bar and a shot which forced the excellent Brechin keeper into a good save. Brechin survived the onslaught and the game then evened out with chances at either end. As the game neared the end there was still everything to play for, and a minute from time Woodmill had a shot turned behind by the keeper and the resultant corner was headed narrowly wide. In the last minute Brechin broke quickly down the left and the cross was drilled into the bottom corner, 4-2 (80m).
BRECHIN GO 4-2 UP LATE IN THE GAME AGAINST WOODMILL
In time added on Woodmill still produced two good chances and then a free kick on the left was not cleared, and Woodmill forced the ball home from close range, 4-3 (80+2m). The final whistle soon sounded to end an enthralling encounter, and it was Brechin who go through to the 3rd Round with a trip to Fife to play Buckhaven HS.
Final score : Brechin HS 4 Woodmill HS 3
In time added on Woodmill still produced two good chances and then a free kick on the left was not cleared, and Woodmill forced the ball home from close range, 4-3 (80+2m). The final whistle soon sounded to end an enthralling encounter, and it was Brechin who go through to the 3rd Round with a trip to Fife to play Buckhaven HS.
Final score : Brechin HS 4 Woodmill HS 3
CRAIGIE SENIORS SNATCH LATE WINNER AT BALDRAGON
Mon 3 Oct - September's summer temperatures had gone, and both sides had a blustery wind to deal with as Baldragon took on Craigie in the Arab Trust DFCSS Senior League.
There was little to separate the teams in an end-to-end contest. Craigie were the first to find the net with a left-foot shot from just outside the area after a quarter of an hour, 0-1.
Craigie had a couple of half-chances to increase their lead but they just missed the target. Instead the home side scored the equaliser from a free kick on the halfway line which was met 8 yards out on the right and hit into the far corner, 1-1.
Halftime : Baldragon 1 Craigie 1
When the second half got under way, there were plenty of near things for both sides. Craigie managed to clear the bar when it was probably easier to score. Encouraged by this let-off Baldragon attacked down the right, whipping a cross in front of the goal which found no takers. Craigie then fired wide when well placed, Baldragon produced an excellent move which ended with a shot hitting the rear of the right-hand post and out for a goal kick.
Twenty minutes into the half the home team took the lead, Craigie were unable to clear the pressure and when the ball fell nicely 20 yards out Baldragon struck the ball past the keeper's left hand, 2-1. The lead only lasted 4 minutes - a good Craigie move was well defended by Baldragon who cleared for a corner but the defence then fell asleep and allowed Craigie to sneak in at the far post, connect with the corner and watch the ball bounce past the defenders for the equaliser, 2-2. Craigie now started to look for the winner, shooting just past the post. With five minutes left, Craigie delivered a free kick into the box which was headed in for the winner, 2-3. Craigie nearly added to this with a great shot on the turn which went inches past the post. Baldragon finished strongly with a corner but with everybody now up the ball was headed straight at the Craigie keeper who held on confidently before clearing in the direction of the now empty Baldragon goal, but the ball went wide and the final whistle sounded.
Final score : Baldragon 2 Craigie 3
Final score : Baldragon 2 Craigie 3
BALDRAGON (WHITE) v. CRAIGIE (SKY / NAVY) IN THE DFCSS ARAB TRUST SENIOR LEAGUE
MORGAN SENIORS TURN ON THE STYLE
Mon 26 Sept - Baldragon hosted Morgan in the second game for each team in the DFCSS Arab Trust Senior League.
On a warm sunny afternoon Baldragon gave a good account of themselves in an even first half, but Morgan went up a gear in the second half to win 9-2.
MORGAN SENIORS TURN ON THE STYLE
Mon 26 Sept - Baldragon hosted Morgan in the second game for each team in the DFCSS Arab Trust Senior League.
On a warm sunny afternoon Baldragon gave a good account of themselves in an even first half, but Morgan went up a gear in the second half to win 9-2.
The home team pressed hard from the start and were awarded a penalty in the 3rd minute following a handball. Baldragon were first to react when the penalty was parried and slipped the ball into the net for the opening goal. Morgan fought back and were soon in front with two well taken goals in the 7th and 10th minutes. Midway through the half a superb run down the right outpaced the home defence and the cross was calmly finished to put Morgan 3-1 up. Soon after a fourth goal followed, but Baldragon had not given up and pulled one back just after the half-hour mark. Two minutes later Baldragon were awarded their second penalty of the half after a foul in the box but this time the spot-kick was blasted over the bar into the road.
Halftime : Baldragon 2 Morgan 4
Halftime : Baldragon 2 Morgan 4
Baldragon's first-half penalty miss was perhaps the turning point as Morgan dominated the second half with some superb football. Three minutes after the break a throw-in on the right was picked up and netted at the near post, 2-5 (43m) and the result was put beyond doubt with a wonderful 25 yard strike curling in at the far post, 2-6 (50m). As the game entered the final quarter another shot from outside the box cannoned off the base of the right post and the follow-up header came back off the top of the left post - but no goal this time.
As both sides made sure their subs had a run-out Morgan cruised out of sight with three quality goals in the last 6 minutes to wrap up the win. To their credit Baldragon never gave up, but Morgan's second-half Camp Nou performance was hard to live with.
Final score : Baldragon 2 Morgan 9
As both sides made sure their subs had a run-out Morgan cruised out of sight with three quality goals in the last 6 minutes to wrap up the win. To their credit Baldragon never gave up, but Morgan's second-half Camp Nou performance was hard to live with.
Final score : Baldragon 2 Morgan 9
MORGAN SENIORS (YELLOW) VISIT BALDRAGON (RED / BLACK)
WINS FOR ST.JOHN'S IN DOUBLE-HEADER
Wed 14 Sept - A busy day at St.John's with two games taking place.
WINS FOR ST.JOHN'S IN DOUBLE-HEADER
Wed 14 Sept - A busy day at St.John's with two games taking place.
In the Arab Trust U16 League there was a very entertaining game between St.John's and Craigie. St.John's won 2-0 and deserved their victory but Craigie showed a tremendous attitude and fought hard till the final whistle. An error in the Craigie defence gave St.John's the chance to take the lead shortly before halftime, 1-0 (32m).
In the second half St.John's crashed a header off the bar then scored again after a corner was not cleared, 2-0 (45m). Craigie then had the opportunity to get back in the game from the penalty spot but the keeper dived low to his left to save. Craigie did not let their heads go down though and continued to look for goals, but it was St.John's who had the closest efforts, starting with a ball in the net from close range following a corner but the referee spotted a handball and gave a free kick to Craigie.
St.John's then won a penalty but a weak effort was comfortably gathered by the keeper - ironically the penalty taker found his shooting boots too late with a vicious drive which thumped off the crossbar soon after. With both keepers in good form more goals looked unlikely, but the final whistle still came as a bit of a disappointment to end a thoroughly enjoyable match - well done to both teams.
ST.JOHN'S (SKY) v. CRAIGIE (BLACK / GOLD STRIPES) IN THE ARAB TRUST U16 LEAGUE
Meanwhile on the next pitch there was a twist in the tail in the DFCSS Arab Trust Senior League. St.John's had taken the lead midway through the first half but Menzieshill equalised into the wind near halftime. Menzieshill went 2-1 up in the second half and looked like seeing the game out but St.John's applied late pressure to turn the game around. With under ten minutes left a 25-yard scorcher made it level at 2-2, before a shot into the top corner in the last minute won it for St.John's, 3-2. As Menzieshill wondered what had hit them, St.John's enjoyed their last-minute winner - those who were in the team last year may remember they lost their opening game last season with the last kick of the match, what comes around goes around.
Meanwhile on the next pitch there was a twist in the tail in the DFCSS Arab Trust Senior League. St.John's had taken the lead midway through the first half but Menzieshill equalised into the wind near halftime. Menzieshill went 2-1 up in the second half and looked like seeing the game out but St.John's applied late pressure to turn the game around. With under ten minutes left a 25-yard scorcher made it level at 2-2, before a shot into the top corner in the last minute won it for St.John's, 3-2. As Menzieshill wondered what had hit them, St.John's enjoyed their last-minute winner - those who were in the team last year may remember they lost their opening game last season with the last kick of the match, what comes around goes around.
ST.JOHN'S (BLUE / WHITE) v. MENZIESHILL (GREEN) IN THE DFCSS ARAB TRUST SENIOR LEAGUE
POINTS SHARED AT BRAEVIEW IN A 3-3 DRAW
Thur 8 Sept - In an exciting Arab Trust U15 League game at Braeview the home team snatched a late equaliser to deny 10-man Menzieshill the full points.
POINTS SHARED AT BRAEVIEW IN A 3-3 DRAW
Thur 8 Sept - In an exciting Arab Trust U15 League game at Braeview the home team snatched a late equaliser to deny 10-man Menzieshill the full points.
BRAEVIEW (MAROON) HEAD CLEAR A CORNER FROM MENZIESHILL (WHITE)
The first half was very even but without any real chances until about ten minutes from the interval. A strong run up the left from Menzieshill was finished off with a powerful shot, 0-1 (28m).
The first half was very even but without any real chances until about ten minutes from the interval. A strong run up the left from Menzieshill was finished off with a powerful shot, 0-1 (28m).
However a rash tackle a minute later brought a red card from the ref's pocket and the away team knew they were suddenly up against it. They nearly held out till halftime but defensive dithering in the last seconds saw the ball lost on the edge of the box and a mistimed challenge led to a penalty from which Braeview equalised, 1-1 (35m).
Halftime : Braeview 1 Menzieshill 1
Halftime : Braeview 1 Menzieshill 1
Despite their numerical disadvantage Menzieshill took the lead again 10 minutes after the restart following a quick break down the right, 1-2 (45m). Braeview fought back and a fierce 30-yard strike produced another equaliser, with the keeper getting a hand to it but unable to keep the ball out, 2-2 (58m). Three minutes later Menzieshill were back in front when a speculative 40-yard daisy-cutter caught the keeper off guard, 2-3 (61m). Just when it looked like the visitors would hang on for the win, Braeview equalised for the third time, a hard-hit shot from an acute angle on the left into the far corner, 3-3 (68m). A good game and a draw was probably just about right.
Final score : Braeview 3 Menzieshill 3
Final score : Braeview 3 Menzieshill 3
BRAEVIEW (MAROON) AND MENZIESHILL (WHITE) SHARE THE POINTS IN THE ARAB TRUST U15 LEAGUE
WIN FOR MONIFIETH U16s IN SEASON OPENER
Mon 5 Sept - The season kicked off at Monifieth where the home team turned in an impressive first-half performance against Menzieshill in the Arab Trust U16 League.
WIN FOR MONIFIETH U16s IN SEASON OPENER
Mon 5 Sept - The season kicked off at Monifieth where the home team turned in an impressive first-half performance against Menzieshill in the Arab Trust U16 League.
Only three minutes were on the clock when Monifieth broke through the defence on the right and finished relatively easily, 1-0. Menzieshill then had a break and a chance to equalise but had difficulty controlling the ball in the long grass and the opportunity disappeared. Monifieth had several attempts to increase their lead but most of them were skied over the bar. The home team tightened their grip on the game in the 16th minute, darting through the centre and placing the ball into the bottom right corner, 2-0. Another effort was ruled out for offside, but a third soon followed when the ball was stabbed from the edge of the box into the same corner as the second goal, 3-0 (24m). Two more goals before halftime capped a fine display - in the 31st minute the ball was played out to the left and hammered high into the net, 4-0, then almost on halftime a diagonal pass out to the right was crossed on the bye-line and thumped in on the line, 5-0.
Halftime : Monifieth 5 Menzieshill 0
Halftime : Monifieth 5 Menzieshill 0
In the second half Menzieshill created several chances without really testing the keeper, as Monifieth perhaps rested on their laurels. Midway through the half they were rewarded with a goal, when a free-kick was collected near the penalty spot and the left-foot finish beat the keeper, 5-1 (53m). Monifieth finally got back on the score-sheet with just 8 minutes left, a cross from the right being neatly headed in at the near post from 8 yards out, 6-1 (62m). The home team finished the game on the attack creating three good chances, first shooting just over the bar, then watching two goalbound efforts tipped over by superb saves from the Menzieshill keeper.
Final score : Monifieth 6 Menzieshill 1
MONIFIETH (SKY) v. MENZIESHILL (RED) IN THE FIRST GAME OF THE SEASON IN ARAB TRUST U16 LEAGUE
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SECONDARY CUP FINALS 11-12
U13 Logie Cup Final : St.John's 4 Craigie 4 aet (3-5 pens) (Fairfield Park, Fri 1 June, 6.00)
U14 Urquhart Trophy Final (sponsored by the Dee Club) : Grove 1 St.Paul's 2 (Dens Park, Fri 27 April, 6.00)
U15 Senior Sports Cup Final (sponsored by DFCSS) : Menzieshill 0 Morgan 4 (Dens Park, Fri 27 April, 7.35)
U16 Dundee United Cup Final (sponsored by Arab Trust) : Grove 4 Harris 2 (Tannadice, Wed 9 May, 6.00)
U16 Robert Caira Memorial Trophy Final : Harris 3 Monifieth 1 (Fairfield Park, Fri 15 June, 6.00)
U17 George Grant Memorial Trophy Final : St.Paul's 3 Harris 2 aet (Fairfield Park, Wed 20 June, 6.00)
Senior Johnston Trophy Final : St.John's 0 St.Paul's 3 (Tannadice, Wed 9 May, 7.45)
Indoor 5-a-sides : U16 R.M.Kean Trophy : Winners Baldragon, Runners-up Harris
: U17 Stobswell Cup : Winners Baldragon, Runners-up Menzieshill
CRAIGIE WIN THE LOGIE CUP ON PENALTIES AFTER A THRILLING FINAL AT FAIRFIELD PARK
Fri 1 June - The U13 Logie Cup Final between St.John's and Craigie proved to be an absolute classic. The pitch at St.James' Fairfield Park was in excellent condition and the sunny evening drew a good crowd to cheer on both sides.
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SECONDARY CUP FINALS 11-12
U13 Logie Cup Final : St.John's 4 Craigie 4 aet (3-5 pens) (Fairfield Park, Fri 1 June, 6.00)
U14 Urquhart Trophy Final (sponsored by the Dee Club) : Grove 1 St.Paul's 2 (Dens Park, Fri 27 April, 6.00)
U15 Senior Sports Cup Final (sponsored by DFCSS) : Menzieshill 0 Morgan 4 (Dens Park, Fri 27 April, 7.35)
U16 Dundee United Cup Final (sponsored by Arab Trust) : Grove 4 Harris 2 (Tannadice, Wed 9 May, 6.00)
U16 Robert Caira Memorial Trophy Final : Harris 3 Monifieth 1 (Fairfield Park, Fri 15 June, 6.00)
U17 George Grant Memorial Trophy Final : St.Paul's 3 Harris 2 aet (Fairfield Park, Wed 20 June, 6.00)
Senior Johnston Trophy Final : St.John's 0 St.Paul's 3 (Tannadice, Wed 9 May, 7.45)
Indoor 5-a-sides : U16 R.M.Kean Trophy : Winners Baldragon, Runners-up Harris
: U17 Stobswell Cup : Winners Baldragon, Runners-up Menzieshill
CRAIGIE WIN THE LOGIE CUP ON PENALTIES AFTER A THRILLING FINAL AT FAIRFIELD PARK
Fri 1 June - The U13 Logie Cup Final between St.John's and Craigie proved to be an absolute classic. The pitch at St.James' Fairfield Park was in excellent condition and the sunny evening drew a good crowd to cheer on both sides.
Craigie looked to create chances from the start but it was St.John's who struck first after 10 minutes when Liam Clarke hit the top corner, 1-0. Play moved up and down the park on a regular basis and both sides had chances but there was only the one goal in it till five minutes from halftime when Kyle Anderson fired in a Craigie equaliser from out on the left, 1-1. With nothing between the teams the 1-1 halftime score was about right.
Halftime : St.John's 1 Craigie 1
Halftime : St.John's 1 Craigie 1
Photo courtesy of David Young
The yellows then took the lead with Kyle Anderson on the scoresheet again right after the interval, 1-2. St.John's substituted to good effect, Nathan Scott coming on to give the Craigie defence a good test. St.John's thought the ball had crossed the line as the Craigie keeper scrambled at his left post to palm the ball away, but play carried on. St.John's continued to look for an equaliser and, after some concerted pressure had put the Craigie defence in difficulty, Nathan Scott shot on the turn from 15 yards into the back of the net, 2-2. Not long after it was Nathan Scott again from the edge of the box who controlled the ball and smashed it this time with his left foot past the keeper's left hand into the corner to put St.John's back in front, 3-2.
The yellows then took the lead with Kyle Anderson on the scoresheet again right after the interval, 1-2. St.John's substituted to good effect, Nathan Scott coming on to give the Craigie defence a good test. St.John's thought the ball had crossed the line as the Craigie keeper scrambled at his left post to palm the ball away, but play carried on. St.John's continued to look for an equaliser and, after some concerted pressure had put the Craigie defence in difficulty, Nathan Scott shot on the turn from 15 yards into the back of the net, 2-2. Not long after it was Nathan Scott again from the edge of the box who controlled the ball and smashed it this time with his left foot past the keeper's left hand into the corner to put St.John's back in front, 3-2.
The blues were now in command and nearly added to their lead but the Craigie keeper produced a good save at the expense of a corner. But instead of securing the victory St.John's let Craigie back into it in the latter stages of the game and were made to pay with about five minutes left - Kyle Anderson broke quickly through the inside right channel, took the ball beyond the defence before rounding the advancing keeper and firing into the empty net to equalise and complete his own hat-trick, 3-3. Indeed Craigie nearly won it late on with a long-range effort which hit off the bar to shouts of "Goal" from the Craigie ranks but the referee adjudged the ball not to have bounced over the line.
End of normal time : St.John's 3 Craigie 3
So an even game was destined for extra-time and this had as much drama as the regulation time. The first period had just started when St.John's went back in front for the third time - Dean Currie struck a ferocious shot from out on the right which the keeper got hands to but could not stop as the ball bulged the net on the far side, 4-3. Craigie then had a couple of chances to level, before St.John's ended the half with a shot narrowly past the far post.
End of 1st period of extra time : St.John's 4 Craigie 3
So an even game was destined for extra-time and this had as much drama as the regulation time. The first period had just started when St.John's went back in front for the third time - Dean Currie struck a ferocious shot from out on the right which the keeper got hands to but could not stop as the ball bulged the net on the far side, 4-3. Craigie then had a couple of chances to level, before St.John's ended the half with a shot narrowly past the far post.
End of 1st period of extra time : St.John's 4 Craigie 3
Photo courtesy of David Young
The second half continued in the same hectic fashion and as time wore on it looked as if St.John's would hold on to win, but in the last minute Craigie grabbed their third equaliser of the night when Kyle Anderson raced down the right, drew the keeper and rifled his shot into the far corner for his own and Craigie's 4th goal, 4-4. The final whistle sounded to end the extra-time and everybody prepared for the penalty shoot-out.
Craigie stepped up first and scored confidently, St.John's also netted. The first five penalties all went in, then St.John's third shot was stopped by the legs of the diving Craigie keeper to give Craigie a 3-2 lead. With both teams scoring their fourth kick it was down to Craigie to score their fifth spot-kick to win the cup, and another convincing spot-kick wrapped up a 5-3 win on penalties.
The second half continued in the same hectic fashion and as time wore on it looked as if St.John's would hold on to win, but in the last minute Craigie grabbed their third equaliser of the night when Kyle Anderson raced down the right, drew the keeper and rifled his shot into the far corner for his own and Craigie's 4th goal, 4-4. The final whistle sounded to end the extra-time and everybody prepared for the penalty shoot-out.
Craigie stepped up first and scored confidently, St.John's also netted. The first five penalties all went in, then St.John's third shot was stopped by the legs of the diving Craigie keeper to give Craigie a 3-2 lead. With both teams scoring their fourth kick it was down to Craigie to score their fifth spot-kick to win the cup, and another convincing spot-kick wrapped up a 5-3 win on penalties.
Photos courtesy of David Young
Final score : St.John's 4 Craigie 4 (Craigie win 5-3 on penalties)
CRAIGIE WITH THE LOGIE CUP
CUP FINAL WINS AT DENS FOR ST.PAUL'S AND MORGAN
Fri 27 Apr - In the first game of the double header of finals at Dens Park it was St.Paul's who came from behind to win the U14 Urquhart Trophy (sponsored by the Dee Club).
CUP FINAL WINS AT DENS FOR ST.PAUL'S AND MORGAN
Fri 27 Apr - In the first game of the double header of finals at Dens Park it was St.Paul's who came from behind to win the U14 Urquhart Trophy (sponsored by the Dee Club).
It was another chilly evening for the second big night in three days at Dens Park following the Senior Select's win in the final over Forth Valley and there were April showers to go along with the cold.
In the first half it was Grove who looked most likely to make the breakthrough but with Darren Clarkson in good form in the St.Paul's goal it was not going to be easy. However with 20 minutes gone there was a goal fit to win any final as Grove's Callum Cook struck a venomous shot from 25 yards out on the left which flew over the diving keeper into the top corner, a magnificent strike for 1-0. As halftime approached Grove looked to increase their lead and Darren Clarkson was forced to produce a super save to deny Jack Hogarth's fiercely struck 20 yarder and concede a corner. Then Paul Callaghan fired a shot just wide of the post, but St.Paul's went into the break just trailing by one.
Halftime : Grove 1 St.Paul's 0
Halftime : Grove 1 St.Paul's 0
Grove continued to have the better chances at the start of the second half and a header from Cameron Hoskins was saved by Darren Clarkson. Soon after Paul Callaghan hit a shot which deflected off a defender which nearly caught out the St.Paul's keeper but he had time to recover at the second attempt.
As the game entered the last quarter the tide turned and Grove were left to rue the chances missed. Alex Gibb took control of the ball out on the left and his low shot had the Grove keeper diving on the ground, but he could only palm the ball away to his left where Jordan Elder ran in and calmly shot home for an equaliser, 1-1. Alex Gibb who had set up the goal was a little too exuberant in his celebrations, nearly finding a new way out of the stadium, and when he eventually returned he picked up a yellow card.
As the game entered the last quarter the tide turned and Grove were left to rue the chances missed. Alex Gibb took control of the ball out on the left and his low shot had the Grove keeper diving on the ground, but he could only palm the ball away to his left where Jordan Elder ran in and calmly shot home for an equaliser, 1-1. Alex Gibb who had set up the goal was a little too exuberant in his celebrations, nearly finding a new way out of the stadium, and when he eventually returned he picked up a yellow card.
ST.PAUL'S CELEBRATE THE EQUALISER
Six minutes later it was the big striker who was to prove instrumental in the St.Paul's victory. A stramash moment in front of the Grove goal was finished off by Alex Gibb who turned on the loose ball on the 6 yard line and rammed it past several defenders into the net, 1-2. The comeback for St.Paul's was complete and Grove could not score an equaliser in the remaining minutes.
Final score : Grove 1 St.Paul's 2
At the final whistle the teams were presented with their medals from David Lawson and David Lawson of the Dee Club and Dominic Duffy of St.Paul's received the Man of the Match Trophy from John Keith and Eddie Devlin of DFCSS. David Lawson then presented the U14 Urquhart Trophy to Dominic Duffy and Darren Clarkson of St.Paul's who lifted the trophy for the first time.
Six minutes later it was the big striker who was to prove instrumental in the St.Paul's victory. A stramash moment in front of the Grove goal was finished off by Alex Gibb who turned on the loose ball on the 6 yard line and rammed it past several defenders into the net, 1-2. The comeback for St.Paul's was complete and Grove could not score an equaliser in the remaining minutes.
Final score : Grove 1 St.Paul's 2
At the final whistle the teams were presented with their medals from David Lawson and David Lawson of the Dee Club and Dominic Duffy of St.Paul's received the Man of the Match Trophy from John Keith and Eddie Devlin of DFCSS. David Lawson then presented the U14 Urquhart Trophy to Dominic Duffy and Darren Clarkson of St.Paul's who lifted the trophy for the first time.
EDDIE DEVLIN AND JOHN KEITH OF DFCSS WITH MAN OF THE MATCH DOMINIC DUFFY
DAVID LAWSON AND DAVID LAWSON OF THE DEE CLUB PRESENT THE URQUHART TROPHY TO DARREN CLARKSON AND DOMINIC DUFFY OF ST.PAUL'S
ST.PAUL'S WITH THE URQUHART TROPHY
The second game of the double header at Dens Park was the U15 Senior Sports Cup Final sponsored by DFCSS which had a citrus look with Menzieshill in tangerine and Morgan in yellow. Both teams stood around the centre circle before the match to take part in a minute's applause for the Morgan pupil Gavin Donald who had sadly passed away the previous weekend.
Morgan seemed to want to do something special for Gavin's memory as they were ahead in the first minute when Declan Cowan scored at the Bobby Cox Stand end, 0-1.
As another heavy shower passed over and gave the players a good soaking Morgan had the better opportunities but Menzieshill were dangerous on the break. Morgan forced two good chances in a minute but without result, the first one being saved and the second drifting past the post. On the half hour Morgan broke on the left but Menzieshill blocked the run, however Morgan picked up the loose ball but the shot trickled just wide of the far post.
Menzieshill nearly equalised 5 minutes from halftime with a high ball hit from wide on the left, the Morgan keeper came 10 yards out to leap for the ball which then flew off the top of the far post. Jack Neave then hit a Menzieshill free kick from 25 yards just over the bar. Right on halftime Menzieshill piled on the pressure and Morgan just survived when the keeper turned a 10 yard shot away towards his left hand post - as the ball edged towards the line, the keeper's save had taken enough pace out of the ball and a defender was able to clear the ball a few inches from the line.
Halftime : Menzieshill 0 Morgan 1
The second game of the double header at Dens Park was the U15 Senior Sports Cup Final sponsored by DFCSS which had a citrus look with Menzieshill in tangerine and Morgan in yellow. Both teams stood around the centre circle before the match to take part in a minute's applause for the Morgan pupil Gavin Donald who had sadly passed away the previous weekend.
Morgan seemed to want to do something special for Gavin's memory as they were ahead in the first minute when Declan Cowan scored at the Bobby Cox Stand end, 0-1.
As another heavy shower passed over and gave the players a good soaking Morgan had the better opportunities but Menzieshill were dangerous on the break. Morgan forced two good chances in a minute but without result, the first one being saved and the second drifting past the post. On the half hour Morgan broke on the left but Menzieshill blocked the run, however Morgan picked up the loose ball but the shot trickled just wide of the far post.
Menzieshill nearly equalised 5 minutes from halftime with a high ball hit from wide on the left, the Morgan keeper came 10 yards out to leap for the ball which then flew off the top of the far post. Jack Neave then hit a Menzieshill free kick from 25 yards just over the bar. Right on halftime Menzieshill piled on the pressure and Morgan just survived when the keeper turned a 10 yard shot away towards his left hand post - as the ball edged towards the line, the keeper's save had taken enough pace out of the ball and a defender was able to clear the ball a few inches from the line.
Halftime : Menzieshill 0 Morgan 1
Morgan struck early in the second half, just as they had in the first half, Declan Cowan firing across the goal as the keeper came out and tipped the ball into the path of Eddie Grant who tapped it in for 0-2.
This put Morgan in control and they could have added to the score when two attackers broke through but the effort ran wide of the post. The third goal duly arrived, though there was a good suspicion of offside about it, when Ryan Burry strode through the centre and hit a firm finish from the edge of the D, giving the keeper no chance, 0-3.
If there had been doubt about the 3rd goal, the 4th goal five minutes later emphasised the Morgan second-half superiority. Declan Cowan raced down the left and hit a cross over to the right-hand side of the box where Ryan Burry thumped a left-foot strike from 12 yards into the bottom corner, 0-4.
Final score : Menzieshill 0 Morgan 4
On the final whistle Menzieshill and Morgan received their medals from John Keith and Eddie Devlin of DFCSS, who presented Morgan's Frankie Devine with the Man of the Match Award before Morgan captain Del Ross was presented with the Senior Sports Cup, the first Morgan player to lay hands on the trophy since 1921.
This put Morgan in control and they could have added to the score when two attackers broke through but the effort ran wide of the post. The third goal duly arrived, though there was a good suspicion of offside about it, when Ryan Burry strode through the centre and hit a firm finish from the edge of the D, giving the keeper no chance, 0-3.
If there had been doubt about the 3rd goal, the 4th goal five minutes later emphasised the Morgan second-half superiority. Declan Cowan raced down the left and hit a cross over to the right-hand side of the box where Ryan Burry thumped a left-foot strike from 12 yards into the bottom corner, 0-4.
Final score : Menzieshill 0 Morgan 4
On the final whistle Menzieshill and Morgan received their medals from John Keith and Eddie Devlin of DFCSS, who presented Morgan's Frankie Devine with the Man of the Match Award before Morgan captain Del Ross was presented with the Senior Sports Cup, the first Morgan player to lay hands on the trophy since 1921.
MORGAN CELEBRATE THEIR SENIOR SPORTS CUP WIN
DUNDEE UNITED CUP FINAL WIN AT TANNADICE FOR GROVE
Wed 9 May - The first game in the Tannadice double-header was the U16 Dundee United Cup Final, sponsored by Arab Trust.
With Grove and Harris having drawn 4-4 in the league earlier in the season a close game was expected.
DUNDEE UNITED CUP FINAL WIN AT TANNADICE FOR GROVE
Wed 9 May - The first game in the Tannadice double-header was the U16 Dundee United Cup Final, sponsored by Arab Trust.
With Grove and Harris having drawn 4-4 in the league earlier in the season a close game was expected.
On a sunny evening Harris in blue and white hoops attacked from the start and Grove had to clear from near the post. Grove in grey with red trim countered down the left and won a free kick on the touchline about 20 yards from the bye-line. Calum McHardy floated a perfect free kick over everybody's head and past the despairing keeper's left hand as it dropped down into the far corner, 1-0 (3m).
Harris tried to recover from this early setback and had three attacks which ended with the ball being fired over the bar. Midway through the half Harris broke and Grove conceded a free kick on the edge of the box, which curled low past the wall and just wide of the post.
HARRIS (BLUE AND WHITE HOOPS) ON THE ATTACK AGAINST GROVE (GREY AND RED)
After so many chances it was only a matter of time before Harris got on the scoresheet and a Callum Petrie cross was converted from 10 yards by Gary Fraser for the equaliser, 1-1 (25m).
Harris could have taken the lead in the following minute but again the chance went over the bar. Then Grove attacked and a cross from the left just evaded Darren Mackie at the far post. Play swung to the other end and another Harris chance had Grove back-pedalling but the shot was blazed over the bar. Grove regained the lead soon after from another free kick wide on the left, almost the same position as the opening goal was scored from. The free kick was aimed towards the near post where Kieran Dack rose and powered in a header, 2-1 (33m).
After so many chances it was only a matter of time before Harris got on the scoresheet and a Callum Petrie cross was converted from 10 yards by Gary Fraser for the equaliser, 1-1 (25m).
Harris could have taken the lead in the following minute but again the chance went over the bar. Then Grove attacked and a cross from the left just evaded Darren Mackie at the far post. Play swung to the other end and another Harris chance had Grove back-pedalling but the shot was blazed over the bar. Grove regained the lead soon after from another free kick wide on the left, almost the same position as the opening goal was scored from. The free kick was aimed towards the near post where Kieran Dack rose and powered in a header, 2-1 (33m).
KIERAN DACK (left) HEADS INTO THE NET TO PUT GROVE 2-1 UP
Harris thought they were back in it a couple of minutes later but the whistle had gone for a foul on the keeper before the ball hit the net. A minute later it was Grove who increased their advantage, as Jordan Garden picked up the ball in the centre 25 yards out and hit a ferocious strike which the keeper parried, but could do nothing to stop the ball spinning up into the air and dropping over the line, before any defenders could arrive, 3-1 (37m). Almost on the halftime whistle Grove were reduced to 10 men, following a rash challenge which produced a second yellow card from the referee.
Halftime : Grove 3 Harris 1
Harris thought they were back in it a couple of minutes later but the whistle had gone for a foul on the keeper before the ball hit the net. A minute later it was Grove who increased their advantage, as Jordan Garden picked up the ball in the centre 25 yards out and hit a ferocious strike which the keeper parried, but could do nothing to stop the ball spinning up into the air and dropping over the line, before any defenders could arrive, 3-1 (37m). Almost on the halftime whistle Grove were reduced to 10 men, following a rash challenge which produced a second yellow card from the referee.
Halftime : Grove 3 Harris 1
JORDAN GARDEN SHOOTS TO PUT GROVE 3-1 UP BEFORE HALFTIME ....
.... WITH THE SPIN BEATING THE KEEPER TO CROSS THE LINE
Harris must have fancied their chances in the second half with a man advantage, but it was Grove who shocked everybody by scoring next. Darren Mackie took the ball from his own half out on the right wing, rode a tackle as he entered the Harris half, then raced up the wing before sending over a perfect cross for Calum McHardy to volley home into the top corner, 4-1 (48m). Calum McHardy and Jordan Garden combined well as Grove were not letting their numerical disadvantage affect them.
Harris pulled one back through Jamie Montgomery who beat a tackle inside the box and smashed the ball into the roof of the net, 4-2 (58m). Darren Mackie was determined to get on the scoresheet and chased a ball to the bye-line but fell over the advertising board and unfortunately suffered an injury which ended his game. Grove still had a couple of chances which went over, and Harris had a free kick well saved by Chris Culloch. But the goalscoring was over for the day and Grove held on to win the trophy for the first time since 1959.
Action photos below courtesy of David Young
Action photos below courtesy of David Young
Action photos above courtesy of David Young
At the end of the game both sides received their medals from Colin Stewart of Arab Trust who then presented Matty Allan of Grove with the Dundee United Cup.
Final score : Grove 4 Harris 2
At the end of the game both sides received their medals from Colin Stewart of Arab Trust who then presented Matty Allan of Grove with the Dundee United Cup.
Final score : Grove 4 Harris 2
COLIN STEWART OF ARAB TRUST PRESENTS THE U16 DUNDEE UNITED CUP TO MATTY ALLAN OF GROVE
GROVE WITH THE U16 DUNDEE UNITED CUP Photos courtesy of David Young
HARRIS WIN THE U16 CAIRA TROPHY
Fri 15 June - Harris came out on top in the U16 Robert Caira Memorial Trophy Final to add the cup to their League championship. Monifieth made them fight all the way and the game was only decided in the last minute when Harris made it 3-1.
On a miserable night for mid-June with the temperature at 8 degrees the St.James' Fairfield Park pitch looked in good condition considering the rain which had fallen earlier in the day. The first quarter was an even game with both sides going for goal with Harris perhaps having the better chances but Monifieth defending well. But just after the midpoint two quick goals put the blue and white hoops of Harris seemingly into a comfortable lead. First Jamie Montgomery struck a low shot from the left across the keeper into the far corner, 1-0 (21 min), and before Monifieth could recover Craig Wighton hit a lob over the keeper to double the advantage, 2-0 (24 min).
HARRIS WIN THE U16 CAIRA TROPHY
Fri 15 June - Harris came out on top in the U16 Robert Caira Memorial Trophy Final to add the cup to their League championship. Monifieth made them fight all the way and the game was only decided in the last minute when Harris made it 3-1.
On a miserable night for mid-June with the temperature at 8 degrees the St.James' Fairfield Park pitch looked in good condition considering the rain which had fallen earlier in the day. The first quarter was an even game with both sides going for goal with Harris perhaps having the better chances but Monifieth defending well. But just after the midpoint two quick goals put the blue and white hoops of Harris seemingly into a comfortable lead. First Jamie Montgomery struck a low shot from the left across the keeper into the far corner, 1-0 (21 min), and before Monifieth could recover Craig Wighton hit a lob over the keeper to double the advantage, 2-0 (24 min).
Harris continued to attack and should have added another three minutes later from a clear chance, and a minute later the Monifieth keeper came out bravely to punch a dangerous ball away. Monifieth then went straight up the park and had the perfect opportunity to come back into the game when a goalbound shot was handled by a Harris defender. The referee pointed to the spot but the well-hit Monifieth penalty was saved by Harris keeper Kyle Gourlay who leapt to his left and got a hand to it to keep his team 2 up. Monifieth continued to attack and shortly before halftime a corner was cleared off the Harris line.
Halftime : Harris 2 Monifieth 0
Halftime : Harris 2 Monifieth 0
The second half was just as lively as the first and Monifieth were first to test the defences when the keeper was forced to concede a corner. Harris countered with a speedy attack down the right wing through Callum Petrie but his excellent cross eluded the strikers at the far post and Monifieth were able to clear. Monifieth were doing their best to find a way through the Harris defence but found the keeper in great form, saving with his feet, the rebound being then defended away.
With six minutes left it was time for a grandstand finish. Monifieth won a free kick outside the box which had the keeper in difficulties though he managed to scramble the ball away for a corner. The corner was perfectly flighted towards the far post where Monifieth were only denied by the header smashing off the angle of bar and post.
With six minutes left it was time for a grandstand finish. Monifieth won a free kick outside the box which had the keeper in difficulties though he managed to scramble the ball away for a corner. The corner was perfectly flighted towards the far post where Monifieth were only denied by the header smashing off the angle of bar and post.
Photo courtesy of David Young
In the last minute Monifieth finally got on the scoresheet, through another free kick 25 yards out which Steven Roberts rifled into the bottom right corner, beating the keeper's dive, 2-1 (80 min). With a couple of minutes of additional time left to play there was still a chance for Monifieth to force extra-time but Harris put paid to that when Gary Fraser came in from the left wing and waltzed past several defenders to set up Jake Davidson for the clincher, 3-1 (80+2 min).
A great performance by both teams who put everything into it and kept the excitement going till the final whistle.
Final score : Harris 3 Monifieth 1
In the last minute Monifieth finally got on the scoresheet, through another free kick 25 yards out which Steven Roberts rifled into the bottom right corner, beating the keeper's dive, 2-1 (80 min). With a couple of minutes of additional time left to play there was still a chance for Monifieth to force extra-time but Harris put paid to that when Gary Fraser came in from the left wing and waltzed past several defenders to set up Jake Davidson for the clincher, 3-1 (80+2 min).
A great performance by both teams who put everything into it and kept the excitement going till the final whistle.
Final score : Harris 3 Monifieth 1
HARRIS WITH THE U16 ROBERT CAIRA MEMORIAL TROPHY
Photo courtesy of David Young
ST.PAUL'S COME BACK TO WIN THE U17 GRANT TROPHY IN EXTRA-TIME
Wed 20 June - The season came to a close with the U17 George Grant Memorial Trophy Final and it was a fantastic game to bring the curtain down on 2011-12.
For the first time in many years there had been an initial entry of 6 teams so both St.Paul's and Harris had had to beat some formidable opponents to reach the final.
Photo courtesy of David Young
ST.PAUL'S COME BACK TO WIN THE U17 GRANT TROPHY IN EXTRA-TIME
Wed 20 June - The season came to a close with the U17 George Grant Memorial Trophy Final and it was a fantastic game to bring the curtain down on 2011-12.
For the first time in many years there had been an initial entry of 6 teams so both St.Paul's and Harris had had to beat some formidable opponents to reach the final.
A bright sunny evening at St.James' Fairfield Park brought out a good crowd in support of both teams. St.Paul's pressed hard from the kick-off and Harris had to defend desperately for the first couple of minutes. Harris then broke up the park and Gary Fraser scored with their first attack of the game, 0-1 (3 min).
Harris nearly scored a second from a Jamie Montgomery shot but the St.Paul's keeper dived to grab the ball. St.Paul's responded with a Liam Berry lob from 25 yards which was narrowly over the bar. A Harris free kick was headed over, then St.Paul's hit a corner off the bar leading to a stramash in front of the Harris goal. Harris hit another free kick from the edge of the box which the keeper managed to tip over for a corner, then St.Paul's sent over a dangerous cross from the left but there were no takers.
The end-to-end action did not let up and with two minutes left till the halftime whistle a Harris cross from the right found Jake Davidson wide on the left and his header looped over the defence and keeper to nestle in the far side of the net, 0-2 (43 min).
HARRIS GO TWO UP JUST BEFORE HALFTIME
Halftime : St.Paul's 0 Harris 2
It looked as though the second goal might be decisive but St.Paul's had other ideas. Nine minutes after the break a long throw-in from Liam Berry on the right found Andrew Thomson on the blind side and his header hit the back of the net to give the greens some hope, 1-2 (54 min). A minute later St.Paul's nearly equalised from a right-wing cross but a Harris defender stretched out a leg to kill the ball and the keeper recovered to smother. Harris went straight down the park and won a free kick which curled in towards the far post where the keeper dived on it.
Halftime : St.Paul's 0 Harris 2
It looked as though the second goal might be decisive but St.Paul's had other ideas. Nine minutes after the break a long throw-in from Liam Berry on the right found Andrew Thomson on the blind side and his header hit the back of the net to give the greens some hope, 1-2 (54 min). A minute later St.Paul's nearly equalised from a right-wing cross but a Harris defender stretched out a leg to kill the ball and the keeper recovered to smother. Harris went straight down the park and won a free kick which curled in towards the far post where the keeper dived on it.
A couple of Harris chances went wide of the far post then St.Paul's replied with one shot just over, then another one inches wide of the post. With the game in the last quarter St.Paul's grabbed an equaliser, a cross from the right eluding the Harris defence and Andrew Thomson on hand in the centre to slot the ball away from 10 yards, 2-2 (73 min).
Harris tried hard to regain the initiative with Patrick Martin forcing a point-blank save from the keeper who conceded a corner. A minute later Liam Berry looked odds-on to score for St.Paul's on the break but the chance was defended away for a corner. Harris then fired another shot wide, and back at the other end St.Paul's had a claim for a penalty but it would have been harsh on Harris and a corner was the decision. With time almost up a clearance from the Harris keeper ended at the feet of Andrew Thomson who struck the ball from fully 40 yards onto the top of the bar and over for a goal kick.
End of normal time : St.Paul's 2 Harris 2
End of normal time : St.Paul's 2 Harris 2
And so to extra-time. It did not take Andrew Thomson long to get over his previous attempt bouncing off the bar, as in the first minute of extra-time he hit a fabulous right-footed strike from 25 yards out on the left curling over the keeper into the back of the net to give St.Paul's the lead for the first time in the game and to give Andrew his hat-trick, 3-2 (91 min).
With St.Paul's in the lead it was difficult for Harris to come back but they gave it their best shot and put pressure on the St.Paul's defence but with Cameron Johnstone marshalling his troops well the best Harris could do was fire over the bar. The second period of extra-time also saw a couple of Harris opportunities which fell wide of the target or were cleared by the St.Paul's defence.
Eventually time ran out for the blue and white hoops, the final whistle went and St.Paul's were able to relax and enjoy their win following their tremendous comeback.
Final score : St.Paul's 3 Harris 2 aet
Final score : St.Paul's 3 Harris 2 aet
ST.PAUL'S CELEBRATE THEIR GRANT TROPHY WIN
ST.PAUL'S HAT-TRICK HERO ANDREW THOMSON
JOHNSTON TROPHY FINAL WIN AT TANNADICE FOR ST.PAUL'S
Wed 9 May - The second game of the Tannadice double-header, following the U16 Dundee United Cup Final, was the Senior Johnston Trophy Final between St.John's and St.Paul's.
With the teams not having played one another in the league there was no form to go on. St.John's had several players in the Senior National Trophy winning side and had had a good run in the Senior Shield while St.Paul's had impressed in their cup games so far.
JOHNSTON TROPHY FINAL WIN AT TANNADICE FOR ST.PAUL'S
Wed 9 May - The second game of the Tannadice double-header, following the U16 Dundee United Cup Final, was the Senior Johnston Trophy Final between St.John's and St.Paul's.
With the teams not having played one another in the league there was no form to go on. St.John's had several players in the Senior National Trophy winning side and had had a good run in the Senior Shield while St.Paul's had impressed in their cup games so far.
ST.JOHN'S (BLUE / WHITE) AND ST.PAUL'S (GREEN / BLACK) BEFORE THE SENIOR JOHNSTON TROPHY FINAL
The game kicked off just after 8.00 and was only three minutes old when the first goal went in, similar to the earlier Dundee United Cup Final. St.Paul's attacked down the left through the speedy Andrew Thomson who raced from the halfway line to the box before unleashing a great strike with the outside of his right foot which hit the base of the far post and bounced behind the keeper, 0-1 (3m). St.Paul's tried to add to their advantage with a couple of chances which came to nothing, St.John's also had an opportunity which was wasted.
The game kicked off just after 8.00 and was only three minutes old when the first goal went in, similar to the earlier Dundee United Cup Final. St.Paul's attacked down the left through the speedy Andrew Thomson who raced from the halfway line to the box before unleashing a great strike with the outside of his right foot which hit the base of the far post and bounced behind the keeper, 0-1 (3m). St.Paul's tried to add to their advantage with a couple of chances which came to nothing, St.John's also had an opportunity which was wasted.
St.Paul's then fired in a free kick which was headed narrowly over. Liam Berry had a good chance to make a name for himself but the St.Paul's striker hesitated slightly and allowed St.John's to clear. St.John's were not firing on all cylinders and saw another chance go begging, but St.Paul's were looking lively and Liam Berry through again was only denied by keeper Anton Mordente racing out to close him down.
MAN OF THE MATCH AARON KANE Photo courtesy of David Young
On the half hour Andrew Thomson's pace on the left opened up the St.John's defence again, and his shot across goal was well turned away by the diving keeper but Dominic Blair was lurking beyond the far post and smashed in the rebound to increase the lead, 0-2 (30m).
Keir Reilly tried to get St.John's back on track but his 25 yard effort ran just past. But as the half neared the end it was St.Paul's who dominated with two or three attempts which forced Anton Mordente into excellent saves.
Halftime : St.John's 0 St.Paul's 2 Action photos below courtesy of David Young
On the half hour Andrew Thomson's pace on the left opened up the St.John's defence again, and his shot across goal was well turned away by the diving keeper but Dominic Blair was lurking beyond the far post and smashed in the rebound to increase the lead, 0-2 (30m).
Keir Reilly tried to get St.John's back on track but his 25 yard effort ran just past. But as the half neared the end it was St.Paul's who dominated with two or three attempts which forced Anton Mordente into excellent saves.
Halftime : St.John's 0 St.Paul's 2 Action photos below courtesy of David Young
The second half continued in the same vein as the first, with St.John's struggling to get their game together as St.Paul's denied them at every opportunity, with Kieran Duncan organising well at the back, Aaron Kane having a tremendous game in the middle of the park added to the pace of Andrew Thomson and Liam Berry giving St.John's a hard time. Keir Reilly tried his luck again for St.John's but to no avail. St.John's had a spell where they were able to test the St.Paul's defence but found the keeper in good form. Connaire Connelly was involved in a good move but hit his strike over the bar.
The result was put beyond doubt with Liam Berry moving into top gear to brush off defenders and finishing in style, 0-3 (71m). St.Paul's were now in the comfort zone and made sure that St.John's would not get on the scoresheet, such was their desire to win the cup for the first time.
At the end of the game Aaron Kane of St.Paul's received the Lee Walker Man of the Match Trophy, then DSFA President Neil Lowden presented the players of both sides with their medals before St.Paul's captain Kieran Duncan lifted the Johnston Trophy.
Final score : St.John's 0 St.Paul's 3
Final score : St.John's 0 St.Paul's 3
AARON KANE WITH THE LEE WALKER MAN OF THE MATCH TROPHY above AND KIERAN DUNCAN below WITH THE SENIOR JOHNSTON TROPHY PRESENTED BY DSFA PRESIDENT NEIL LOWDEN Photos courtesy of David Young
ST.PAUL'S WITH THE JOHNSTON TROPHY
ANGUS SOCCER ONE LEAGUE
League Results Games marked (a) are awarded, (f) are friendlies.
Arbroath Ac. 2 Brechin HS 2 Arbroath Ac. 3 Monifieth HS 1
Arbroath HS 3 Montrose Ac. 2 (f)
Brechin HS 2 Arbroath HS 9 (f) Brechin HS 1 Carnoustie HS 8 Brechin HS 2 Monifieth HS 7 Brechin HS 0 Montrose Ac. 3 (a)
Carnoustie HS 4 Montrose Ac. 3 Carnoustie HS 4 Webster's HS 1
Forfar Ac. 9 Arbroath Ac. 2 Forfar Ac. 9 Brechin HS 0
Monifieth HS 1 Forfar Ac. 4 Monifieth HS 1 Montrose Ac. 8
Montrose Ac. 6 Arbroath Ac. 0 Montrose Ac. 0 Forfar Ac. 1 Montrose Ac. 5 Webster's HS 0
Webster's HS 6 Brechin HS 2 Webster's HS 0 Forfar Ac. 9
League Table 3 points for a win, 2 for a draw, 1 for a defeat. Champions highlighted in blue.
Angus Soccer One League
P W D L F A Pts
Forfar Ac. 5 5 0 0 32 3 15
Montrose Ac. 6 4 0 2 25 6 14
Carnoustie HS 3 3 0 0 16 5 9
Arbroath Academy 4 1 1 2 7 18 7
Monifieth HS 4 1 0 3 10 17 6
Webster's HS 4 1 0 3 7 20 6
Brechin HS 6 0 1 5 7 35 6
ANGUS SOCCER ONE LEAGUE
League Results Games marked (a) are awarded, (f) are friendlies.
Arbroath Ac. 2 Brechin HS 2 Arbroath Ac. 3 Monifieth HS 1
Arbroath HS 3 Montrose Ac. 2 (f)
Brechin HS 2 Arbroath HS 9 (f) Brechin HS 1 Carnoustie HS 8 Brechin HS 2 Monifieth HS 7 Brechin HS 0 Montrose Ac. 3 (a)
Carnoustie HS 4 Montrose Ac. 3 Carnoustie HS 4 Webster's HS 1
Forfar Ac. 9 Arbroath Ac. 2 Forfar Ac. 9 Brechin HS 0
Monifieth HS 1 Forfar Ac. 4 Monifieth HS 1 Montrose Ac. 8
Montrose Ac. 6 Arbroath Ac. 0 Montrose Ac. 0 Forfar Ac. 1 Montrose Ac. 5 Webster's HS 0
Webster's HS 6 Brechin HS 2 Webster's HS 0 Forfar Ac. 9
League Table 3 points for a win, 2 for a draw, 1 for a defeat. Champions highlighted in blue.
Angus Soccer One League
P W D L F A Pts
Forfar Ac. 5 5 0 0 32 3 15
Montrose Ac. 6 4 0 2 25 6 14
Carnoustie HS 3 3 0 0 16 5 9
Arbroath Academy 4 1 1 2 7 18 7
Monifieth HS 4 1 0 3 10 17 6
Webster's HS 4 1 0 3 7 20 6
Brechin HS 6 0 1 5 7 35 6
FORFAR ACADEMY WITH THE ANGUS SOCCER ONE LEAGUE TROPHY
Match reports
ARBROATH ACADEMY COME OUT TOP IN SEASON'S OPENER
Wed 28 Sept - The Angus Soccer One League 2011-12 season kicked off with an exciting game in Arbroath where the Academy took on Monifieth. Late September but a temperature of 23 degrees made it feel like a summer's day.
The home team pressed from the start for the first ten minutes but Monifieth kept them out. Having weathered the storm Monifieth started to test the Arbroath Academy defence and though they got through on several occasions the Academy keeper was in good form and held on to anything aimed towards him. The deadlock was broken in the 25th minute when the Academy raced down the left and, though they were initially blocked on the edge of the area, the ball broke to Alex Gibson who directed the ball low past the diving keeper's left hand, 1-0.
Halftime : Arbroath Ac. 1 Monifieth 0
Match reports
ARBROATH ACADEMY COME OUT TOP IN SEASON'S OPENER
Wed 28 Sept - The Angus Soccer One League 2011-12 season kicked off with an exciting game in Arbroath where the Academy took on Monifieth. Late September but a temperature of 23 degrees made it feel like a summer's day.
The home team pressed from the start for the first ten minutes but Monifieth kept them out. Having weathered the storm Monifieth started to test the Arbroath Academy defence and though they got through on several occasions the Academy keeper was in good form and held on to anything aimed towards him. The deadlock was broken in the 25th minute when the Academy raced down the left and, though they were initially blocked on the edge of the area, the ball broke to Alex Gibson who directed the ball low past the diving keeper's left hand, 1-0.
Halftime : Arbroath Ac. 1 Monifieth 0
ARBROATH ACADEMY (WHITE / BLACK) v. MONIFIETH (SKY) IN THE ANGUS SOCCER LEAGUE
Five minutes after the restart the home team doubled their lead. Good work down the left led to Alex Gibson lofting a shot from 20 yards over the keeper and it dipped into the far corner, 2-0.
Monifieth struck back with a break down the right but keeper Logan Napier plucked it easily out of the air. After another Napier save the Academy outpaced the defence down the right wing but the keeper came out to close the angle and the shot went well wide.
Monifieth struck back with a break down the right but keeper Logan Napier plucked it easily out of the air. After another Napier save the Academy outpaced the defence down the right wing but the keeper came out to close the angle and the shot went well wide.
Monifieth roamed down the right twice within a minute, but the keeper kept them at bay. Fourteen minutes into the half Monifieth won a corner on the left, and the ball coming out of the bright sun deceived everybody and ended up in the net, 2-1. With just over ten minutes left on the clock the Academy regained their two-goal advantage with a lightning run up the left wing and a shot powered under the keeper by Alex Gibson who completed his hat-trick, 3-1.
However Logan Napier was soon in action again, this time with a double save following a corner, the ball eventually being hacked away by the defence.
Monifieth finished on the attack with a break through the centre but the shot went inches past the left-hand post.
Well done to both teams for their positive attacking attitude, and in particular to the Academy's hat-trick hero Alex Gibson and man of the match keeper Logan Napier who denied Monifieth on so many occasions.
Final score : Arbroath Academy 3 Monifieth 1
Monifieth finished on the attack with a break through the centre but the shot went inches past the left-hand post.
Well done to both teams for their positive attacking attitude, and in particular to the Academy's hat-trick hero Alex Gibson and man of the match keeper Logan Napier who denied Monifieth on so many occasions.
Final score : Arbroath Academy 3 Monifieth 1