U13s Div 1B North Merchiston v HV Colts 21 December

'There was no mistaking Christmas was just around the corner as the game kicked off to the sound of the nearby church bells pealing out 'Silent Night'. While a heavy pitch was less than festive there was also the factor of how much the strong wind was likely to have with the Colts missing both Nick and Lee, and Bradley only just making it by passing a late fitness test consisting of tea and toast after being up sick all night. Not the best time, then, to be meeting a strong North Merchiston side who have been going well in the Cups.

Kicking off into the wind, the Colts had a great start culminating in a shot from Daniel which skittered wide. However North Merchiston broke out from the initial stranglehold and playing some good stuff themselves created a couple of chances. Rian made a great save at feet to thwart one chance and then again a few moments later he was equal to the snap shot from their forward. The Colts were doing the right thing - keeping the ball low and passing to feet against the wind and a superb move involving Fraser, Daniel and Mark carved out a likely opening but the ball slipped away for a goal kick. Fraser, who had a great match, took the ball on a run and although tackled, from the resultant throw in, Ben blasted a loose ball in the box just over. The pressure was building however and from a corner, Dean controlled the ball on his chest before lashing the ball home to break the deadlock. However North Merchiston were not behind for long and a strong run down the wing and a great cross into the box found their forward both in space and with time to put the ball into the back of the net. It took another great save from Rian to stop the Colts from slipping behind before Fraser picked up the scraps from Tony's battling, rounded the keeper and slotted the ball home for a good half time lead.

The second half meant some respite from the wind and hopefully a chance to capitalise on the great half time position. However it was a scrappy opening and it was clear North Merchiston realised the need to pull back the deficit early. Ben tested the keeper with a great turn and shot, but was only denied a goal by a few minutes as once again he turned and shot and while the keeper got a good hand to the ball he could not keep the ball out. Then Fraser who had switched into the middle, battled for and won a lost cause, played the ball back to Daniel who drove home the Colts 4th and surely a winning margin.

Unfortunately the 3 goal margin was not kept for any time before it was back to two despite Rian making an initial save to keep the forward out. Then there was more bad news to follow as the ref awarded a penalty and the gap was down to one. All of a sudden the game seemed to be running away and with minutes left, poor defending from a dubious looking free kick resulted in the game being level.

However the Colts weren't finished and with one last attack Tony wrong footed his marker before blasting home the winning goal with a shot which the onrushing defender could do nothing to stop.

In the end it was an important 3 points to take from the match and Mike's smile at the full time whistle said everything!'