North Region Superleague

A really depleted squad today but with a better display behind us from last week the lads really had to make sure they competed today and they did that in bucketloads.

The first 10 minutes were end to end but you could see that we were closing Culter down whenever they thought they were going to get past us. On 10 minutes it looked like Shaun should have been awarded a penalty when he ran into the box and appeared to be hauled down. The linesman flagged but the ref ignored it. It was a competitive match up to now and there were no real chances at either end until the 18th minute when we got a free kick out on the left Gav swung one in to the far post where Shaun met it but it was not put over the line  however the 2nd attempt struck the defenders arm on the line and this time the ref pointed to the spot. Jason hit the spot kick to the keepers right and although he had guessed the right direction, the ball was above him and hit the back on the net. A couple of minutes later a long kick from Scott seemed to get to their keeper but he was apparantly outside the box, the free kick was taken by Gav again but this time it was punched clear. On 40 minute Richie collected the ball in the middle, fed Zander in the box but the keeper made a good save when it looked like it was going to be the 2nd goal. A scare right on half time when a high ball into our box saw Mark try to backhead it to Scott (I think!) instead it was looping over his head and into the net until Scott made a great one handed save to push it over the bar. Mark, mate, don’t use that bloody vaseline on yer head again, try chalk !! 

So a hard worked first half lead and it was still going to take a huge effort to keep it like that.

It proved true after only 3 minutes when Culter, who had been roasted in the changing rooms at half time, came at us and only a last ditch hook off the line by Mark stopped their equaliser. Ten on 17 minutes a long ball over our defence was collected by one of their forwards with only Scott to beat but he hit his shot low and Scott made a great save with his legs. It was still an even battle but Culter were trying to get the better of a well organised defence but they were resorting to high balls which were met by Iain and Bruce and cleared time after time. We nearly added to the scoreline when a thrown on the left was nodded into Zanders path by Shaun, he took it past the defenders into the box and crossed it on the 6 yard line but Richie was just too far behind and his outstretched boot missed by a knats. They had a couple of chances before the end but really the 3 points were a result of the hard work put into this game and in the end it was well deserved.

The only disappointment is that not one of their team or committee could be arsed to come back to the Club afterwards which is hugely disrespectful to the guys who made the food for them. Still we beat you, you moaning faced toonsers !

Match Stats

Grahams Report

PENALTY GIVES MAUD VICTORY AGAINST CULTER

Maud kicked off in dry conditions with Culter quickly putting them under pressure. Winning a free kick 25 yards out it was crossed in diagonally but headed way over the bar. Up at the other end Maud won a free kick in a mirror position but saw their attempt flicked onto the keepers hands. Good play by Maud out on the right from a throw in saw Culter concede a corner which Maud failed to convert. Finally in the 21st minute a Maud attack down the right wing was crossed in and a handball inside the box gave Maud a penalty. Up stepped McDonald and although the keeper got a hand to the ball, the power behind it saw it finish in the back off the net. In the 23rd minute as Maud launched in a long ball McIntosh in Culters goal handled the ball at least a couple of feet outside the box. A free kick to Maud which Middleton launched in but the keeper redeemed himself by punching the danger clear. Culter came back at Maud but failed to capitalise on 3 corners in succession. A midfield battle followed as both teams pressed forward. Maud's best chance to pull further in front came when a ball out to A Davidson who cut in and went one on one with keeper. McIntosh in goals kept his cool and closed down the gap and managed to parry the shot. Good reactions by Cowe in Maud's goal was required when a backward flicked header from Campbell nearly ended up in his own net. The resulting corner was crossed in and headed into the side netting. This brought the first half to a close with the penalty separating both teams.

Culter came out quick in the second half with Campbell heading off the line to keep Maud in front. Cowe again kept Maud in the game when Campbell was caught wrong sided allowing the striker in with a shot but a great shot stopper of a save by Cowe saved the day. Great run down the left by A Davidson who went to the corner flag and sent in a lovely ball but a fast incoming Ligertwood just missed contact to pull Maud further ahead. Up at Maud's goal again Cowe pulled off a great save when he collected of the strikers header. Again Culter attack and a free header from the unmarked Shand went flying past the left post. McKechnie replaced Jamieson with 14 minutes remaining followed by Whyte replacing Middleton. Maud's defence did well as Culter forced a series of corners all to no avail. The full time whistle finally came and Maud emerged as winners in a game that saw some good individual performances from Maud. Next week Maud are away to Ellon with a 2.30pm KO.  

Scary face from Shaun !!

Gav trying to bend it like, er, someone.....

Scott going for it, Richie crapping himself !