North Region Superleague

Grahams Report

DEPLETED MAUD FAIL TO STOP SUNNYBANK

With only 11 fit and available players both manager and his assistant found themselves on the subs bench. In what was always going to be a tough game against a team only requiring a point to win the league, Maud kicked off and soon found themselves under pressure. Sunnybank were pressing down the left wing but some solid defending from Hart kept them at bay. In the 11th minute Maud won a free kick about 20 yards out slightly left of centre. Drilled in low by young Stott it went in past the wall but Sweeney was alert and dived to his right and saved. Sunnybanks persistence down the left wing forced a corner. Crossed in only to be flicked past the right post by Steele. Finally in the 23rd minute Maud did the unbelievable, a long ball from Arthur picked out McKechnie on the edge of the 18 yard box who calmly lobbed it over Sweeney for Maud to take the lead. This awoke Sunnybank who upped their game and finally got the equaliser in the 31st minute. Under pressure in their 18 yard box took a cruel deflection off Maud's defender and fell perfectly for Fettes who buried it in the back of the net. Maud's woes continued when in the 37th minute Whyte had to be replaced by Duthie with a turned ankle, a cruel way to finish his season. Maud had a major let off in the dying minutes when a rare mistake by Hart who missed the pass across the goals but Gordon sent it past the right post.

The second half restarted and in the second minute a careless tackle by Campbell conceded a penalty. Up stepped Greig and fired in a low shot to the right which pulled out a great save by Cowe to keep the score at level. This was only to last a further 2 minutes when in the 49th minutes some scrambled defending was not cleared properly allowing Fettes to grab his brace. Sunnybank started to stamp their authority on the game and only 2 first class saves by Cowe who was having the game of the season kept Maud in the game. A further headed goal line clearance by Stott further denied Sunnybank. Finally on the hour mark Sunnybank got their reward. Again coming down the wing, a cross into the box was poorly defended allowed Bartlett to thunder the shot into the net to put the game beyond Maud. Not giving up Maud tried their best which was further hampered when Rae had to go off injured to be replaced by Christie. Cowe pulled off several more great saves to keep the score respectable. The clocked ticked down and after some heroic performances by Maud, Sunnybank ran out deserved winners and were duly crowned Superleague champions. A great season for Maud who can now have a well earned rest before restarting pre season in July. A big thank you to all Sponsors and fans for their continued support, see you all in the new season.