Divisional Play-Off - Paties Road - May 19th, 2008
Andrew
Bish, Scott M, Robbo, Scott H Craig M, Mikey, Stewart
Sean
Peter, Paul
Subs:
Grant Ross
Dougie
Mark
Grant Wood
Craig Heriot
For raw excitement, drama and controversial decisions, don't watch Coronation Street - come and watch the Mighty Star - as this game unfolded to reveal another epic episode of the Watt Star odyssey. Indeed, J.K. Rowling couldn't have penned such a tome because her work tends to be more believable than this play-off encounter's story, although the Tolkien influence was also represented by Watty as he stood up for all Hobbits. The home dressing room was nabbed early by Star and Edinburgh United's name was temporarily obliterated from the door by the Watt Star AFC banner.
Star's line-up was changed again as they began with a 3-man midfield with Sean playing in the hole. Unusually for Pilton, they outnumbered their opposition in that area and Star reverted to 4-4-2 after 16 minutes and a distinct improvement was obvious.
But, yet again, Star handed the initiative to their young opponents by conceding the first goal and the groans were audible around this magnificent stadium as the healthy crowd (don't mean this in reference to their well-being- someone them looked a little peaky, just referring to the numbers of those present) bathed in the Scottish evening sunshine in temperatures approaching zero. Andrew's involvement in this first half didn't amount to much as Star took the game to Pilton (well not actually TO Pilton 'cos Paties Road was the venue, just that they had a bit more territorial advantage at this point).
A rare Pilton breakaway down the right looked dangerous as the striker found his partner (playing partner, not a bidy-in) with a square pass 16 yards out and he side-footed home. But the stand-side linesman's flag had gone up as the move developed. Offside. Ref had a word with his obviously untrustworthy assistant, over-ruled him and unbelievably, allowed the goal to stand. As in previous encounters, Star now had a mountain to climb, but the team had enough Sherpa Tensing's to ascend this mole-hill and peak(!) through the clouds when they reached the summit.
Bish and Scott Hendry were comfy in this period with Scott Millar playing his last game as though it was his last game. Robbo was superb as he swept up in his new role as sheepdog. He's been accused of being the best full back in the league. Now he's in for the title of best sheepdog. Leeds United were after him in his younger days - 'cos he sh*t in their stand. Apparently. A bit of role-reversal here as the sheepdog cleaned up any mess rather than the other way around. The contents of his polythene bag was disposed of organically. Pistol looked to be in the mood as he loped around the pitch with the ball seemingly tied to his feet with wee stewart (don't mean WITH wee Stewart, but they were both on track to battle it out for MoM). Stewart again won more than his fair share of headers and won the duel with his taller (5ft 2in) opponent in that area as well as on the ground. Craig and Mikey, although outnumbered for part of this game were never dominated although I do believe this is not the case in the Dixon household...
Paul rampaged around, striking the fear of death into the opposition defence and Sean showed some subtle skill at a speed which is not to be compared with a cheetah, but service to the front players was mainly a long ball and the firm pitch didn't help to hold the ball up and many a move broke down.
The comeback started when a handball was spotted in the Pilton penalty box. And the only virgin on the goals-scored chart, Robbo, kept his nerve and hammered the ball home for a finely taken penalty andy important first goal. Half time and the Star boys were resolute that they could, yet again, pull this one out of the fire and the self-belief was evident as they, to a man agreed that if they played just a bit of football, they could, and would, win. The coaches knew without a shadow of a doubt that there would be no regrets at the final whistle and a refereeing decision would not decide this match. But as the game unfolded and players tired, the use of subs was going to be crucial with a number of players either not fully fit or lacking match practice - and a great deal of thought was put into this aspect of the match.
After 26 minutes of this half the team was now instructed to play 3-5-2 with Grant Ross and Dougie replacing Scott Hand the injured Bish, and this fresh injection lifted the Star for the remainder of the match with Grant looking particularly lively as Dougie steadied the ship at the back with some decent interceptions and headers for one so, well, auld.
At 2-1 Star were very much in the ascendancy but a scramble following a rare Pilton corner was netbound until Andrew produced yet another Banksesque save when it looked to be a certain goal. 3-1 to Pilton would have handed them the initiative again and although Star have fought back from 3 goals down recently this save proved to be pivotal and Andrew's contribution this season cannot be overstated even if the quality of the opposition hasn't been consistently high. Pilton took a real pounding at this stage in proceedings and the coaches felt it was only a matter of time before Star equalised, but the North Edinburgh club's goal had a charmed life with woodwork saving them and the bumpy pitch coming into play at awkward times as both Peter and Paul outstripped the Pilton defence but the ball bobbled at the crucial moment.
A couple of Pilton players were booked for mouthing off and one was to regret this as he made the lonely walk later on, but Star kept their discipline with only the odd run-in with the very officially officious official.
And then Star won a corner on the right. Referee said there was a minute left and the tension mounted. This must have got to Sean who took the corner, as he delivered one with such a flat trajectory that it looked to be as dangerous as Bambi on the rampage with a stick of candy floss. However, Craig Murray was not about to give this up and kept the ball alive with an acrobatic flick which found Mikey lurking - at the back post this time, not the golden Rule - and he fairly blasted the ball into the net. He then blasted himself around the perimeter of the pitch like a man who had scored a vital goal. Another magic moment in the Star's season supplied by the thin-haired midfielder and his eighth goal was chalked up on the chalky-up board. Pilton by now had made two substitutions to wind down the clock and try to lift up the petted lip of the previously unused subs and they were noticeably weaker.
16 seconds later Eddie blew and the match went into extra time, with no extra charge collected from the assembled congregation. A short break (no, not in Prague) galvanised the Star squad as did the news that Pilton were really down to 9 men as their subs had not expected to be involved in anything remotely resembling a fitba' match and one of them was robbed(ironic, really) by Craig (Artful Dodger) Murray 6 times in as many minutes (plus about 16 more, but that would have made this sentence clumsy and we certainly do not want that kind of thing creeping into my elegantly concise prose)eh? Star were still on top as skipper Craig had earlier moved up top and they were looking by far the more likely winners and the longer the game went on, the less chance the penalty shoot-out players' list would be needed. Paul showed his determination with some aggressive defending from the front and coupled with his tracking back was A great example of not accepting defeat.
12 minutes had elapsed of this first half of extra time and the Pilton 'keeper drove the ball at the right of the Star midfield. Mikey collected, looked up, saw the 'keeper was still yards off his line and from 56 yards, fired The ball high towards the goal. As it left his boot, he was heard to remark: "Get in the hole" - a simple ejaculation borrowed from the sport at which he is more competent than the one in which he was loosely engaged at the time. 36 handicapper, I'm told. As the ball flew into the net a stunned silence was heard coming from the crowd as they could not take in the fact that such a magnificent goal could have been scored by one so obviously bereft of talent and it was a good 6 seconds before the Star ranks celebrated this winning goal - a carbon copy of a strike by someone whose name escapes me against an unknown 'keeper. Nayim v Seaman for Spurs against the Arsenal actually.
Half time and a few tired legs were being stretched as cramp set in and the brave Stewart, from the Clan Stewart of Stewartry soldiered on, just like in the song, as the big wimp, Pistol cried for his mammy - again just like in the song and Mark was put on standby to replace him.
Half time was a straight turn-around and Star carried on where they left off with the 3-5-2 formation not changed. A Pilton midfielder was dismissed about now for a second yellow and Star were totally in charge, although the referee's watch seemed to have stopped. Mark made an appearance for Pistol, whose legs were by now shot and slotted in neatly with some good balls up the line for the ever-willing Paul to chase.
The home supporters were leaving in droves now as the Star section of the stadium got ready to party - fancy dress eh Aitchy, who looked good in his skateboarding outfit. And then Maca - the league's top scorer - latched on to a through ball (not a threw ball 'cos that would have come from a throw-in or a 'keeper's chuck out) and we waited for the net to bulge familiarly (sorry, plagiarised from A Mills and Boon novel). But Paul hadn't reckoned on the kamikaze nature of the opposing 'keeper and although he rounded(!) him expertly, before he could slide the ball home he was taken out at thigh height and crashed to the floor for a stonewall penalty and a dull one to the knee. The keeper had to go and it was quite lucky that the ref sent him off or he might well have pee'd his pants.
It was at this point that I knew we had won the match as there was only one outcome possible. Robbo would score and put the game beyond Pilton's reach and the whistle would go directly after the kick was taken. Hmm.. . That's two outcomes.
So Posh Boy strode up, confidence all over his cheeky pus as the stand-in 'keeper was all who stood between Robbo and his chance to double his tally for the season. He hit it well enough, but the 'keeper flew to his right and palmed the ball over for a corner. Robbo's off pens. Just enough time for the corner to be taken and Eddie blew for the last time, marking the end of the match and the first trophy for Watt Star AFC in their 37 year history.
No failures in the squad and this is the formula for future successes, but only if we can keep them all fit and not suspended. Skill, strength and superior fitness were never in doubt, but the Star players have now added discipline and, most importantly of all - character to their locker (cliche no 26). They don't know when they're beaten (27) and this is a quality that only winners have.
Thanks must go to the spectators who saw this epic and cheered on from the side-lines. Especially Siobhan Campbell(great soup) who sat on the opposition side-line, hoping to transfer her jinx to Wanderers. Seemed to work.
A mensch must go to the three retirees: Dougie (43), Andrew (40) and Scott Millar (33) all of whom have contributed massively to this and many previous seasons with a professional attitude, enthusiasm and not a little skill as they all signed off with great performances in the most important match Watt Star have ever won. Exactive's sponsorship has been fabulously illustrated with the dazzling Brasil strips on show and we'll miss Scott Millar's input in this area almost as much as his leadership qualities in the dressing room and on the pitch. Champagne flowed in the dressing-room as Pilton Albion Wanderers - gracious in defeat - handed some in to supplement the supply brought by the Star players and the last game of the season was toasted with beer and bubbly.
A magic end to a tense evening and just reward for this Star squad which will go from strength to strength.
Man of the Match - Pistol Pete.
Runner up - Small stuff Stewart.
Move of the match: The (chubbie) Pilton Albion subbie making a grand attempt at climbing over the fence (to get the ball), slipping and landing on top of said fence right on his nuts... couldn't have written a better script!
Thursday, 22 May 2008
Tuesday, 20 May 2008
WATT STAR CROWNED LEAGUE CHAMPIONS
RESULT: PILTON ALBION WANDERERS 2 - 3 WATT STAR (2-2 at full time, 2-3 after extra time)
Watt Star pulled of a memorable comeback at Patties Road football ground last night to walk away with the league title. After a last minute goal by Mike Dixon had taken the game to extra time, both teams gave everything (and more) and produced an entertaining game that was clinched by a wonder goal by Mike, again, who decided to take matters into his own hands by taking on the whole Pilton Albion team on his own - without taking a step. A full 70yds out, he calmly slotted the ball into the top corner for what must go down as (individual) goal of the season. Pilton players and staff could only look on in amazement and wonder as the ball soared over everybody's heads and into the net.
This followed a first half where Pilton enjoyed the break of the ball to go ahead with a fine finish into the top of the net from 20yds and then to go 2-0 up with a goal that was clearly off-side (on the final ball into the box) but the referee chose to over-rule the linesman who had his flag up! After one penalty claim, the referee eventually handed Star the break they deserved and awarded a second claim minutes later. This was clinically converted by Robbo for his first - and last - goal of the season. Half time came and it was 2-1 to the Wanderers. It was the Star who were wondering off into the changing room at half time though as Albion chose to stay out on the pitch for their team talk.
Watt Star were playing better stuff in the 2nd half and either team had chances to score. Andy had to pull of a great save at the near post for the Star and this followed a bout of activity in the Albion penalty area as corner followed corner followed corner. With the refs watch beeping away for full time, the final corner of the regulation 90(+3) minutes was sent into the box, wasn't cleared and there was Mr Dixon to calmly slot the ball into the back of the net. Celebrate he - and everyone else - did but this was a confidence booster for star who went on to win it in extra time.
WATT STAR are proud CHAMPIONS of the Edinburgh Central League for season 2007/2008.
Full (proper) match report to follow.
Watt Star pulled of a memorable comeback at Patties Road football ground last night to walk away with the league title. After a last minute goal by Mike Dixon had taken the game to extra time, both teams gave everything (and more) and produced an entertaining game that was clinched by a wonder goal by Mike, again, who decided to take matters into his own hands by taking on the whole Pilton Albion team on his own - without taking a step. A full 70yds out, he calmly slotted the ball into the top corner for what must go down as (individual) goal of the season. Pilton players and staff could only look on in amazement and wonder as the ball soared over everybody's heads and into the net.
This followed a first half where Pilton enjoyed the break of the ball to go ahead with a fine finish into the top of the net from 20yds and then to go 2-0 up with a goal that was clearly off-side (on the final ball into the box) but the referee chose to over-rule the linesman who had his flag up! After one penalty claim, the referee eventually handed Star the break they deserved and awarded a second claim minutes later. This was clinically converted by Robbo for his first - and last - goal of the season. Half time came and it was 2-1 to the Wanderers. It was the Star who were wondering off into the changing room at half time though as Albion chose to stay out on the pitch for their team talk.
Watt Star were playing better stuff in the 2nd half and either team had chances to score. Andy had to pull of a great save at the near post for the Star and this followed a bout of activity in the Albion penalty area as corner followed corner followed corner. With the refs watch beeping away for full time, the final corner of the regulation 90(+3) minutes was sent into the box, wasn't cleared and there was Mr Dixon to calmly slot the ball into the back of the net. Celebrate he - and everyone else - did but this was a confidence booster for star who went on to win it in extra time.
WATT STAR are proud CHAMPIONS of the Edinburgh Central League for season 2007/2008.
Full (proper) match report to follow.
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