Lothian Buses Cup: HV U13 Colts v Salvesen: Sunday 18th January 2009

'A bright cold morning which after the overnight downpour came as welcome respite but left the match in doubt right up to kick off. Luckily the pitches had absorbed the rain comfortably and the boys, without a game in several weeks could not wait to get started. A win in the match would set the Colts up for an all Hutchison Vale decider to contest a place in the semi final. However today's opposition were Salvesen from Division 1A and a quick look at the table shows them handily placed there so there was simply no scope to look ahead.

The Colts made a good start but the first real chance resulted in a goal. A great ball from Chris found Nick who took a touch and drove the ball goalwards only for the keeper to block. The ball came back out to Nick who needed no further invitation to bury the ball in the back of the net. Chris was involved moments later when Fraser's pass found him in space and he drove a powerful shot just over the top.

The Colts were playing well and a series of chances came and went without any being converted although some of the football was excellent. Nick and Daniel combined to open up a chance for Daniel whose shot was only kept out by a full length save by the keeper. There was an even better moment to come when a move involving Chris, who passed to Fraser, who drove forwards then cut inside to set up Tony who controlled the pass and lofted the ball over the keeper and off the underside of the bar for a second. Chris turned destroyer from creator as he broke up a Salvesen break which had caught the Colts short at the back with some intelligent hold up play preventing the Salvesen attacker from getting his shot away. Gavin had a chance as he broke into the box but the ball was bundled away from him before he could shoot, then Fraser hit a rocket which smacked off the bar dropped back into play and following some pinball fell to Tony who nearly tucked the loose ball away but was denied by the keeper. However the pressure was begining to tell and Gavin who together with Daniel were bossing the midfield played the ball to Tony who fed Nick and the Colts were 3 up after he lofted the ball over the keeper. Daniel was next to test the keeper with a great free kick which drew another full length save from the keeper. However the 4th was only delayed as Ben T threaded a great pass to Fraser who took it on his left for a great finish. With half time fast approaching Billy playing in left midfield hit a great low shot from outside the box, under the keeper which nestled in the far corner for a 5 goal half time lead.

The second half started off with more of the same great football. Fraser gave the ball to Mark who set off on a great run down the right beating one defender after another. When he got to the byeline he cut the ball back which in turn was laid off to Gavin whose powerful shot was rising all the time. However with the midfield pushing forward Salvesen were still dangerous on the break. Grant was faced with dealing with two on one, but tracking back did a great job slowing down the attack then nicked the ball away ftrom the attacker as defensive reinforcements got back. Dean who was solid and dominating at the back then fed Daniel but his shot drifted wide. Ben T then took a turn to add to the score as he turned in a cross. He had already shown up well in a couple of moves earlier, and while there may have been a hint of the defender getting the last touch, his presence in the box was enough to ensure the goal. More chances came and went and the Salvesen keeper was kept busy saving Fraser's shot with his feet and Daniel's shot from Ben's cutback. Daniel had a great run into the box but the keeper stood up well to deny him. Fraser was not kept out much longer as he scored the 7th, and the 8th came after Nick crossed into the zone between defender and keeper and Ben made no mistake. There was still time for Mark to make another great run through but his shot drifted past the post before the ref blew for full time and a performance of passing football the boys, Mike and Paul could take some pride in and offers hope for the second part of the season.'