Sunday 16th August Salvesen v Hutchison Vale 96 Kirkliston

New season and practically a new team. Well, it certainly seemed that way as holidays & injuries had meant that the pre season build up had been disjointed and with various trialists coming and going the season was kicking off with no settled team. However on a blustery Kirkliston morning the news awaiting the team as they took the pitch was that Salvesen were actually a man down from the start.

Playing football from the kick off 96 took the game to Salvesen and after an early chance for Nick, Tony played a great ball through to Lee who sent the keeper the wrong way and 96 were a goal to the good. Ryan who was proving a handful for the defence then went through into the box and when he was scythed down for a penalty, dusted himself off and blasted the ball into the net.

So far so good - but Salvesen were proving to be a handful, and were fired up to make up for their numerical deficit. Mark had to look smart at the back and make a superb tackle to prevent a breakthrough, but a few moments later from a corner the ball was not cleared and Salvesen pulled one back. The uncharacteristic hesitancy in defence was evident later when Rian was left with no option but to leave his box to act as sweeper but Salvesen capitalised on his clearance to level the match. However when 96 got their foot on the ball the were playing some great football and it was no surprise when Fraser edged 96 back in front. The lead was short lived as a loose throw out was snapped up by Salvesen, and, showing a great goals to shots ratio, the match was squared again.

Despite the rustiness, 96 played some great football but with chances falling to Cam, Nick and Cam again, no one could find the net. Then with half time fast approaching Ryan made the difference and 96 turned round a goal ahead.

With the change Tony managed to gain some breathing space with a well taken goal to put 96 5-3 ahead, and surely a chance to make the numerical advantage tell. But no, Salvesen were dogged and a free kick diverted off the wall and looped over Rian to keep them in touch. And then things got even worse as Salvesen, not for the first time in the match, found an equaliser. However, 96 redoubled their efforts and Ryan rounded off a fine morning for him by scoring his third and the team's 6th to edge out a hardworking Salvesen by the odd goal in 11.