Albion 5 v Maud PBC 2 (HT 2-1)

ADJFA U14 League A

Sunday 30.8.09

Maud team line:

Fraser; Robertson, Calder, Masson, Turriff; Anderson, Burr, McLean, Simpson (Barbour), Daniel (Mair);  Deakin (R Cordiner)

Subs not used : L Cordiner, McCafferty

Many teams would consider this an acceptable scoreline against an Albion side which was undefeated in the league last season and reached the final of the Scottish Cup. What it doesn’t reflect, however, is just how close Maud ran their all-conquering opponents. Only a hairline offside decision at 2-2 turned this match Albion’s way at a stage when Maud had the upper hand and looked well capable of a confidence boosting away victory against the top boys team in the North East.

Maud made several tactical changes from last week’s game. Lee Turriff started at left back to combat Albion’s physical presence, allowing Jack Daniel to move forward to the left of a midfield five with Ryan McLean in a holding role in front of the back four.

The first chance of the match fell Albion’s way from a corner on the right which found its way to the edge of the area. It was met by a well struck volley which sailed a foot or so over Cammy Fraser’s bar.

Some impressive power & close control by Hamish Burr in midfield gained him the space and time to play in the over-lapping Robertson behind the full back. Lee sent over a dangerous cross but unfortunately Maud had not pushed forward in sufficient numbers to take advantage and the danger was averted.

That missed opportunity soon proved costly when Maud conceded a soft goal to go behind. Albion worked a half chance for a 20 yard snapshot which came through a ruck of bodies and found its way past Fraser.

Albion weren’t top dogs last year for no reason and they showed that by doubling their lead within minutes. Their number nine picked up a loose ball, set himself and blasted home a rising drive from a similar distance to the first goal.

On 14 minutes Maud showed that they did not intend just to make up the numbers by pulling it back to 2-1 with a peach of a goal from SIMPSON. Turriff sent him through with a lovely ball over the top wide left but Gav still had plenty to do. He drove on, veered towards goal and showed great awareness and technique to send a perfectly struck shot soaring into the rigging from the left edge of the eighteen yard box with the keeper beaten all ends up.

Maud were lifted by this and were in the ascendancy for the remainder of the first half.

Another promising move saw Deakin win the ball and find Burr. He pushed forwards before slipping it to Anderson who cut across his marker to fire off a shot which was blocked.

Despite being under the cosh, Albion were still breaking dangerously and Fraser had to be lively to make a fine save after a forward cut in from the left and sent in a stinging drive.

The non-stop Burr then turned away from his direct opponent to blast a shot at goal from outside the box. This was only partially cleared to Masson who lashed in an incredible effort from fully 40 yards. He would have scored too if it had not been straight down the keeper’s throat.

The same player then hammered in a 25 yard free kick which the keeper scrambled away to his right none too convincingly.

After half time the game became end to end but Maud threatened first when Deakin held the ball up well for Anderson to set up McLean. His superb dipping drive looked goalbound until the keeper palmed it over at full stretch.

Fraser pulled off another great reflex save low down to his right as Albion broke forward again.

DEAKIN levelled things at 2-2 on 42 minutes showing his striker’s instinct to follow up to ram home the rebound after his first effort was saved following a slick build up involving McLean & Anderson.

As Maud pressed to convert their superiority into goals, the game then ultimately turned on a hotly disputed offside decision when Anderson appeared to hold his run expertly to meet Deakin’s perfectly timed through ball. It left Nathan bearing in on goal unopposed and highly likely to score given his prowess when one on one with the keeper. The frustration of the Maud players, coaches and support was clear and probably played a part in their demise as Albion broke their hearts with three clinical strikes in the final 5 minutes, their impressive number nine bagging a hat-trick.

Pass marks all round for Maud today with Burr, McLean & Anderson putting in a power of work in midfield. The defence performed well as a unit for 95% of the match with Calder & Masson showing real promise as a solid pairing at its heart. Deakin was also a handful for a physically imposing Albion defence in his demanding lone striker role.

If the team perform like this every week they’ll win more than they lose and a breakthrough win against one of the Aberdeen big guns will not be far away. The only missing ingredients are the self-belief and winning mentality which such a result would instil.

Maud’s next game is away to Westdyke at Lawsondale at 10.30am on Sunday 6.9.09.