Caledonian Highlanders 2
Watt Star 3
Semi final of Challenge Cup.
Final is at Saughton Enclosure, Friday 10th April. KO 6.45pm
Wednesday, 25 March 2009
Thursday, 19 March 2009
Scottish Widows 1 Star 5
Scottish Widows 1 Watt Star 5
Double Hedges
Challenge Cup
Quarter Final
Garry
Cleishy, Robbo, Chiefy, Peas
Jason, Stevie, Mikey, Stewart
Paul, Craig
Sean
Liam
Star showed no mercy to the hapless Widows team as they put them to the sword in a game spoiled by the relentless wind not experienced since Watty fell victim to a particularly vicious Madras.
Referee Millar got his money easily by patroling the centre circle with neither a hand gesture nor, indeed a leg gesture as all of his limbs seemed frozen to his torso leading to confusion whenever a decision had to be reached. But a valuable lesson was learned by the Star chaps. Claim for everything, collect the ball from a throw-in situation and you’ll probably get the decision.
And that’s the last time his name will be mentioned in connection with football apart from a plea to give it up.
Star started brightly against an opponent who had beaten them in an early season match by 3-2 – a result which, given the turn of events on the 14th March was quite incredible. Relegation fodder for sure, but an opponent who had to be defeated for Star to march on in the Challenge Cup.
Star started facilng the wind and the first incident of note came when a ball somehow found itself into the Star penalty box. It took a vicious bounce and Peas reacted like Peter O’Brien (Irish Gymnastic Champion, 1998-2003) to hack the ball to safety.
Stevie (Groucho) Morton started the rout as he sprinted in his Groucho Marx style onto an inch-perfect MacAnulty pass and fluked his finish off a defender for an unfortunate own-goal, although he will be claiming it.
Macca then got into the act with a brace – one with his right foot – a crisp finish which the ‘keeper could only admire as the number 8 (used to be a striker, you know) caught on the sweet spot. His other was equally as good as he hit the ball against the wind with his left, beyond the ‘keeper for a goal which had quality written all over it. Craig Murray’s contribution was instinctively a first-time pass through the Widows’ defence.
Half time came with Cheify - still chubby and his auld man filled with Bovril – a square meal for him. Or is that Oxo cubes
A carnival atmosphere prevailed as the 3-0 lead messed with the players’ minds and the coaches - unconcerned at this temporary lapse in discipline with the only issue in their minds being how soon could we get the two subs on.
But, it has to be said that a good few Star players were actually under-achieving and 4 or 5 were in contention to receive the hook and only positional issues and sub availablity ensured that two starters – no, not soup - never finished.
It was annoying – if understandable – that Star took their foot off the pedal in this second half.
Overall, Star made - and took most of the chances created and the quality of t he goals was of the highest standard with no team in our league capable of stopping any of them. Pity this clinical finishing deserted them last week as they chalked up a rare blank score sheet against Lochend
With the wind at their backs, Star were asked to keep the passes short but could not really cash in on the weather and it was only due to another two quality goals that the score was added to.
Craig made way for Sean and shortly after this Jason made way for Liam. Would have been nice to have them all on the pitch at the same time, but it’s no allowed.
And now – and not in any chronological order, Stevie scored another, probably offside, definitely handled and should have been ‘chalked off – or was that the first goal from this self-proclaimed goal machine - but he did, however establish himself officially as a scoring machine. Is that not a calculator?’
Next Sean scored this goal – and I urge you to read this and drool.
Robbo collected at sweeper and surged forward from deep space nine. Macca made yet another wide run, this time down the left and was found by an inch-perfect pass from the cheeky sweeper. He made hundreds of ground and reached the penalty area area. Support was in abundance as the Star squad moved forward, but Macca found Welsh international Sean Daffid with a pass, which was, in the circumstances, OK.
But – as Peas will testify, the ball in the pen box was liable to bobble and Sean Daffid’s touch was sublime as he tamed the leather sphere and cooly placed the damn thing past the ‘keeper for a brilliant finish to an excellent break-away goal.
The midfield then had a daft, although very entertaining five minutes as Cleishy and Chalky – aka Cleishy and Groucho flicked, backheeled and tricked their way to nowhere in particular, but chairman Peter MacDonald (first mensch in a match report for a while) enjoyed the entertainment. He said: ‘I enjoyed the entertainment.’ Robbo was booked around now for laughing. . .
And then.disaster. Stevie, on half way tried another back-heel which didn’t come orf. (Come on Stevie, there was no way that would ever have found a Star player). The Widows broke quickly, and Robbo had to commit a dodgy tackly in the box. Strangely that phrase seems familiar, but only in his private life. The cheekiest pus in the western world conceded a pen and Star’s clean sheet was in imininent danger – much to the chagrin of a certain Walter Cedric Berwick who was beside himself with rage. Actually he was beside me, but he’s so chubby, he could have been beside most of the residents of Liberton.
The excellent, although untroubled, Garry in goal guessed nearly right but the Widows ruined my day as the clean sheet was sullied.
Performances, not in any particular order;
Garry – no probs, but no threat. Thanks go to him for stepping in to the breach.
Cleishy – tackles 2 or 3 players at a time. Possibly suffering from familiarity in the race for MoM, like Aitchy in that we now expect these performances.
Chiefy- settled into centre-half as though he had been doing that for a while. Robbo – superb defensively, but a frustrated midfielder, I suspect. Peas – dealt with some awkward stuff, played the game with discipline and enthusiasn.
Jason brings stre;ngth and shape to the team – doing the unglamorous stuff willingly. Stevie – has been a revelation since forcing himself ino the team. Still particularly white, though. Mikey – has played with more impact, but still showed his undoubted class. Stewart – flitted in and out of the game and spent an inordinate time on his bum.
Craig – undoubted effort, but he’s a better player than he showed in this match. Paul – back to his goal-scoring best, and recently adding team play to his repertoire.
Sean came on and showed his undoubted skill. While Liam’s presence could only have depressed the opposition as his energy levels are off the scale.
Chris showed commitment (a word strangely missing from some – but not by any means, all) of the Star squad by volunteering to swell the sidelines despite injury and we thank him for this. As we also thank Garry for stepping in.
All in all – a decent performance with the plaudits going to the guys at the sharp end (strikers), the dull end (defenders) and the engine room (Titanic had one of those eh?)
Star have played better and lost, but the quality of the goals in this ‘gripping’ cup tie was superb and as long as we create something for the attacking players to finish, success is not going to be far away.
Sorry, guys, I have to qualify the above with the observsion that the opposition were not particularly good, which is why we committed both of our subs – an unusual tactic, given that we would prefer to keep one in reserve in case of injury.
Obviously.
Double Hedges
Challenge Cup
Quarter Final
Garry
Cleishy, Robbo, Chiefy, Peas
Jason, Stevie, Mikey, Stewart
Paul, Craig
Sean
Liam
Star showed no mercy to the hapless Widows team as they put them to the sword in a game spoiled by the relentless wind not experienced since Watty fell victim to a particularly vicious Madras.
Referee Millar got his money easily by patroling the centre circle with neither a hand gesture nor, indeed a leg gesture as all of his limbs seemed frozen to his torso leading to confusion whenever a decision had to be reached. But a valuable lesson was learned by the Star chaps. Claim for everything, collect the ball from a throw-in situation and you’ll probably get the decision.
And that’s the last time his name will be mentioned in connection with football apart from a plea to give it up.
Star started brightly against an opponent who had beaten them in an early season match by 3-2 – a result which, given the turn of events on the 14th March was quite incredible. Relegation fodder for sure, but an opponent who had to be defeated for Star to march on in the Challenge Cup.
Star started facilng the wind and the first incident of note came when a ball somehow found itself into the Star penalty box. It took a vicious bounce and Peas reacted like Peter O’Brien (Irish Gymnastic Champion, 1998-2003) to hack the ball to safety.
Stevie (Groucho) Morton started the rout as he sprinted in his Groucho Marx style onto an inch-perfect MacAnulty pass and fluked his finish off a defender for an unfortunate own-goal, although he will be claiming it.
Macca then got into the act with a brace – one with his right foot – a crisp finish which the ‘keeper could only admire as the number 8 (used to be a striker, you know) caught on the sweet spot. His other was equally as good as he hit the ball against the wind with his left, beyond the ‘keeper for a goal which had quality written all over it. Craig Murray’s contribution was instinctively a first-time pass through the Widows’ defence.
Half time came with Cheify - still chubby and his auld man filled with Bovril – a square meal for him. Or is that Oxo cubes
A carnival atmosphere prevailed as the 3-0 lead messed with the players’ minds and the coaches - unconcerned at this temporary lapse in discipline with the only issue in their minds being how soon could we get the two subs on.
But, it has to be said that a good few Star players were actually under-achieving and 4 or 5 were in contention to receive the hook and only positional issues and sub availablity ensured that two starters – no, not soup - never finished.
It was annoying – if understandable – that Star took their foot off the pedal in this second half.
Overall, Star made - and took most of the chances created and the quality of t he goals was of the highest standard with no team in our league capable of stopping any of them. Pity this clinical finishing deserted them last week as they chalked up a rare blank score sheet against Lochend
With the wind at their backs, Star were asked to keep the passes short but could not really cash in on the weather and it was only due to another two quality goals that the score was added to.
Craig made way for Sean and shortly after this Jason made way for Liam. Would have been nice to have them all on the pitch at the same time, but it’s no allowed.
And now – and not in any chronological order, Stevie scored another, probably offside, definitely handled and should have been ‘chalked off – or was that the first goal from this self-proclaimed goal machine - but he did, however establish himself officially as a scoring machine. Is that not a calculator?’
Next Sean scored this goal – and I urge you to read this and drool.
Robbo collected at sweeper and surged forward from deep space nine. Macca made yet another wide run, this time down the left and was found by an inch-perfect pass from the cheeky sweeper. He made hundreds of ground and reached the penalty area area. Support was in abundance as the Star squad moved forward, but Macca found Welsh international Sean Daffid with a pass, which was, in the circumstances, OK.
But – as Peas will testify, the ball in the pen box was liable to bobble and Sean Daffid’s touch was sublime as he tamed the leather sphere and cooly placed the damn thing past the ‘keeper for a brilliant finish to an excellent break-away goal.
The midfield then had a daft, although very entertaining five minutes as Cleishy and Chalky – aka Cleishy and Groucho flicked, backheeled and tricked their way to nowhere in particular, but chairman Peter MacDonald (first mensch in a match report for a while) enjoyed the entertainment. He said: ‘I enjoyed the entertainment.’ Robbo was booked around now for laughing. . .
And then.disaster. Stevie, on half way tried another back-heel which didn’t come orf. (Come on Stevie, there was no way that would ever have found a Star player). The Widows broke quickly, and Robbo had to commit a dodgy tackly in the box. Strangely that phrase seems familiar, but only in his private life. The cheekiest pus in the western world conceded a pen and Star’s clean sheet was in imininent danger – much to the chagrin of a certain Walter Cedric Berwick who was beside himself with rage. Actually he was beside me, but he’s so chubby, he could have been beside most of the residents of Liberton.
The excellent, although untroubled, Garry in goal guessed nearly right but the Widows ruined my day as the clean sheet was sullied.
Performances, not in any particular order;
Garry – no probs, but no threat. Thanks go to him for stepping in to the breach.
Cleishy – tackles 2 or 3 players at a time. Possibly suffering from familiarity in the race for MoM, like Aitchy in that we now expect these performances.
Chiefy- settled into centre-half as though he had been doing that for a while. Robbo – superb defensively, but a frustrated midfielder, I suspect. Peas – dealt with some awkward stuff, played the game with discipline and enthusiasn.
Jason brings stre;ngth and shape to the team – doing the unglamorous stuff willingly. Stevie – has been a revelation since forcing himself ino the team. Still particularly white, though. Mikey – has played with more impact, but still showed his undoubted class. Stewart – flitted in and out of the game and spent an inordinate time on his bum.
Craig – undoubted effort, but he’s a better player than he showed in this match. Paul – back to his goal-scoring best, and recently adding team play to his repertoire.
Sean came on and showed his undoubted skill. While Liam’s presence could only have depressed the opposition as his energy levels are off the scale.
Chris showed commitment (a word strangely missing from some – but not by any means, all) of the Star squad by volunteering to swell the sidelines despite injury and we thank him for this. As we also thank Garry for stepping in.
All in all – a decent performance with the plaudits going to the guys at the sharp end (strikers), the dull end (defenders) and the engine room (Titanic had one of those eh?)
Star have played better and lost, but the quality of the goals in this ‘gripping’ cup tie was superb and as long as we create something for the attacking players to finish, success is not going to be far away.
Sorry, guys, I have to qualify the above with the observsion that the opposition were not particularly good, which is why we committed both of our subs – an unusual tactic, given that we would prefer to keep one in reserve in case of injury.
Obviously.
Thursday, 12 March 2009
Watt Star Presentation Disco and Race Night
The Presentation/Race Night has again been organised and will be held at the Slateford Bowling Club.
Get in touch with Davy or Watty for a couple o' tickets and all donations for prizes will, as always, be gratefully received.
Get in touch with Davy or Watty for a couple o' tickets and all donations for prizes will, as always, be gratefully received.
Star 0 Lochend 2
Star 0 Lochend 2
League match
Chris
Cleishy, Mikey, Robbo, Chiefy
Craig, Stevie, Graham, Jason
Peter, Paul.
Garry
rasho
Stewart
Sean
Peas
Star faced league leaders Lochend for the second time this season but left Riccarton with nothing as their proud 2-year unbeaten home league record was ruined.
It could have been so different though as Star started brightly and took the game to their opponents with chances created in the first 20 minutes - but none was taken and it was this first quarter of the game which could have seen them with daylight between them and Lochend.
Most of the Star's dangerous attacks came down the left as the fierce wind nullified any chance of a quality cross from the wide right area and a couple of openings were created, but lack of composure and some decent goalkeeping ensured the Lochend goal stayed intact.
Midfield was being bossed by Star until the Lochend team gradually got on top, mostly due to weight of numbers as they used five in the middle, although, it has to be said the Star had a few players who were not at their best.
The usually trustworthy confident first touch was not always apparent and the Lochend players did not need a second invitation to snap into the tackles.
Star looked comfortable at the back, despite a couple of swift forwards to face and they sprang the offside trap with regularity, stopping Lochend getting through to threaten the Star goal.
Chris had his best game for the Star so far with a few good saves, which seemed to give him more confidence as his handling and punching was excellent.
With the midfield being over-run, Star changed formation as Mikey came out of the back four to bolster the engine-room and this did make a difference.
Then, as Star gave the ball away cheaply again, and with too many midfielders ahead of the ball, Lochend pushed it through and the once reliable offside trap collapsed as the Star rearguard, possibly over-confident of their position due to their earlier successes, stood still, allowing the Lochend striker to stroke the ball past Chris for the opener. Play to the whistle comes to mind here and, although this error was punished it was one of very few over the 90 minutes by the Star defenders.
Half time came and the frustration felt by the Star players, if not ideal, was understandable but there was no panic from the coaches. Improve the first touch, try to put a foot on the ball and don't give it away so cheaply and so often, as this failing meant the ball was won, them promptly given back again to an opponent who was well organised, fit and well up for the fray.
Second half wins are the Star speciality, but it was not to be on this occasion, as luck deserted the Riccarton lads with the Lochend goal leading a charmed life as their 'keeper had a couple of good saves and a couple of lucky ones.
Mikey had a daft moment as he attempted a goal-line clearance, lost his footing and shielded the ball with his prostrate body - as the huge Lochend No 6 charged in. He was lucky to get away with his head still attached as the ref gave Lochend a free kick on six yards.
But this was brilliantly defended as Star forced the ball away and a combination of kamikaze defending and determination was the pattern for the next 16 minutes.
And then, a brilliant goal for Lochend as they counter-attacked at speed. Their midfielder collected the ball mid-way inside his own half and took off. Although he had left a couple of Star players in his wake he still had a lot to do and it looked likely that he would run out of ideas as he neared the penalty area, but he hit the shot early and it fairly whistled past Chris, who did get a hand to it - off the underside of the bar and a following up striker made sure it went over the line, although, apparently it had crossed the line at first time of asking.
Star were well disappointed at this loss as, at 1-0 they were still in the game and looking to share the points but they were out of luck again as Craig hit the bar with an excellent free-kick and another few chances were made as balls were fired in from the right, but, again, no takers were evident. And round about this time the Lochend 'keeper saved one as it skiffed off his heid!
Sean and Rasho made a bit of an impact replacing Pistol and Jason with Sean almost scoring and Rasho reaching the bye-line, but Lochend defended their lead stuffily, if not always legally to play out time, gaining another three points in their bid to win this division.
Possibly a tad biased, but I think Star possibly deserved a draw, given the chances made, but balanced off with the MoM being the 'keeper, maybe a bit optimistic.
On the positive side, though, Watt Star did match Lochend in every area, the players know they can play a lot better and it's up to the squad to lift themselves up for the next game.
Apologies if your name isn't mentioned this week, but you may notice there are very few get a mench. Nothing sinister - just the way it comes out of my flying fingers. . .
Saturday is a Challenge Cup quarter final against Scottish Widows at Double Hedges.
Assemble there for 12.45 please. The weather is still potentially an issue, so bring training gear incase the game's called off at short notice.
League match
Chris
Cleishy, Mikey, Robbo, Chiefy
Craig, Stevie, Graham, Jason
Peter, Paul.
Garry
rasho
Stewart
Sean
Peas
Star faced league leaders Lochend for the second time this season but left Riccarton with nothing as their proud 2-year unbeaten home league record was ruined.
It could have been so different though as Star started brightly and took the game to their opponents with chances created in the first 20 minutes - but none was taken and it was this first quarter of the game which could have seen them with daylight between them and Lochend.
Most of the Star's dangerous attacks came down the left as the fierce wind nullified any chance of a quality cross from the wide right area and a couple of openings were created, but lack of composure and some decent goalkeeping ensured the Lochend goal stayed intact.
Midfield was being bossed by Star until the Lochend team gradually got on top, mostly due to weight of numbers as they used five in the middle, although, it has to be said the Star had a few players who were not at their best.
The usually trustworthy confident first touch was not always apparent and the Lochend players did not need a second invitation to snap into the tackles.
Star looked comfortable at the back, despite a couple of swift forwards to face and they sprang the offside trap with regularity, stopping Lochend getting through to threaten the Star goal.
Chris had his best game for the Star so far with a few good saves, which seemed to give him more confidence as his handling and punching was excellent.
With the midfield being over-run, Star changed formation as Mikey came out of the back four to bolster the engine-room and this did make a difference.
Then, as Star gave the ball away cheaply again, and with too many midfielders ahead of the ball, Lochend pushed it through and the once reliable offside trap collapsed as the Star rearguard, possibly over-confident of their position due to their earlier successes, stood still, allowing the Lochend striker to stroke the ball past Chris for the opener. Play to the whistle comes to mind here and, although this error was punished it was one of very few over the 90 minutes by the Star defenders.
Half time came and the frustration felt by the Star players, if not ideal, was understandable but there was no panic from the coaches. Improve the first touch, try to put a foot on the ball and don't give it away so cheaply and so often, as this failing meant the ball was won, them promptly given back again to an opponent who was well organised, fit and well up for the fray.
Second half wins are the Star speciality, but it was not to be on this occasion, as luck deserted the Riccarton lads with the Lochend goal leading a charmed life as their 'keeper had a couple of good saves and a couple of lucky ones.
Mikey had a daft moment as he attempted a goal-line clearance, lost his footing and shielded the ball with his prostrate body - as the huge Lochend No 6 charged in. He was lucky to get away with his head still attached as the ref gave Lochend a free kick on six yards.
But this was brilliantly defended as Star forced the ball away and a combination of kamikaze defending and determination was the pattern for the next 16 minutes.
And then, a brilliant goal for Lochend as they counter-attacked at speed. Their midfielder collected the ball mid-way inside his own half and took off. Although he had left a couple of Star players in his wake he still had a lot to do and it looked likely that he would run out of ideas as he neared the penalty area, but he hit the shot early and it fairly whistled past Chris, who did get a hand to it - off the underside of the bar and a following up striker made sure it went over the line, although, apparently it had crossed the line at first time of asking.
Star were well disappointed at this loss as, at 1-0 they were still in the game and looking to share the points but they were out of luck again as Craig hit the bar with an excellent free-kick and another few chances were made as balls were fired in from the right, but, again, no takers were evident. And round about this time the Lochend 'keeper saved one as it skiffed off his heid!
Sean and Rasho made a bit of an impact replacing Pistol and Jason with Sean almost scoring and Rasho reaching the bye-line, but Lochend defended their lead stuffily, if not always legally to play out time, gaining another three points in their bid to win this division.
Possibly a tad biased, but I think Star possibly deserved a draw, given the chances made, but balanced off with the MoM being the 'keeper, maybe a bit optimistic.
On the positive side, though, Watt Star did match Lochend in every area, the players know they can play a lot better and it's up to the squad to lift themselves up for the next game.
Apologies if your name isn't mentioned this week, but you may notice there are very few get a mench. Nothing sinister - just the way it comes out of my flying fingers. . .
Saturday is a Challenge Cup quarter final against Scottish Widows at Double Hedges.
Assemble there for 12.45 please. The weather is still potentially an issue, so bring training gear incase the game's called off at short notice.
Wednesday, 4 March 2009
Balbardie Vale 1 Watt Star 2
Balbardie Vale AFC 1 Star 2
Challenge Cup, 2nd Round
Chewy
Cleishy, Robbo, Stella, Chiefy
Pistol, Dingo, Chalky, Cheeeeseeee
Macca, Craigy-Boy (rubbish nick-name, but it's what his ma calls him)
Gam
Niall (nae nickname as yet, but he's only young - gie him time. I would. In Barlinnie)
West Lothian is never an easy place to go in amateur football (as much of the sat-nav-less Star squad emphasised by being late) and the Balbardie Vale side confirmed this fact as they matched Watt Star, and it took a last minute wonder goal from skipper-for-the-day (dinnae get cocky) Mikey Dixon to earn the victory. (He's called skipper 'cos he's got a trawler apparently. And a shovel -definitelyl!!)
Star came out of the traps at speed and the first 26 minutes of this game produced a good number of chances (four) - well that's a good number eh?), only one of which was converted - (two points for that?) ironically on the 26th minute.
Pistol was fouled on the right hand side of the narrow pitch, Robbo powered in a vicious free-kick which wee Chalky (the smallest PLAYER on the pitch and one of the smallest in Star’s history - and, unbelievably getting smaller and named after Rick Stein's dug) hardly had to rise for as he let the ball bounce off his napper, leaving the excellent Vale ‘keeper Steve Clark (ex-Chelsea) stranded for his second fluke in three starts. (That's Chalky, not Clarky).
He also had another “chalked” off for offside when it clearly wasn’t - as did Mikey later on.
Chiefy (is he getting rounder?) and Cleishy (is he getting uglier?) - along with Mikey (he of the thin hair - but who wants fat hair) and Robbo (second cheekiest pus in Watt Star's history) were rarely troubled as the midfield four stuck to the game plan and dominated this part of the proceedings. Cleishy did have a couple of wild slashes at the ball (I think) which landed at Star players' feet, but he tells me these were all meant. Aye, rightl.
Pistol started wide-right in the coaches' attempt to get one of Star’s greatest impact players ever - on the ball more often, but his defensive instincts were missing and Craigy-boy (sounds like a hoarse eh?) was asked to swap places with him early doors (what the hell does early doors mean? - possibly a sixties recording by the Vietnam war heroes' heroes) - a move which resulted in an instant improvement as the Star retained their shape well (just like Watty) and Pistol was released to rampage up front. Dingo kept it simple (a bit like himsel') - and very, very effective as he sprayed the ball left and left and wee Chalky - the self-crowned “heading machine” bossed the centre-mid as though he had played there once before.
Jason, so 'solid crew' (apart from his lack of a towel - gie's it back less skiddos eh?) on the left contributed massively to the Star’s shape as another disciplined performance was produced, although a fitter Jaseeee (could that evolve to JC?) may well have scored when a ball flew from right to left in the penalty area - begging to be met by the Star's left-sided midfielder but legs and lungs meant he didn’t get there. Or was that fags?
Macca was having a duel with all of the opposition back division (pistols at dawn) and his power and running meant they got no peace, although I suspect the number five had consumed some of these pieces and a couple of pies pre-match. Someone observed that Macca MUST be a fit guy to haul that huge carcase around for so long. I think it was Watty. Talk aboot pot and kettle. Although it has to be said that Macca' s pants WERE groaning at the waist pre-shower. Pistols were groaning IN the shower as the Star runner-up striker went to the sprays with some (but not all) of his clothes still on. . . .twit.
Chances went abegging in this first half with Pistol, Dingo and Chalkie victims of miscalculations and in the 26th minute, Macca hit a ferocious shot at an angle which was awfully well saved (sorry, can't spel brilliantly) by Clark in the Vale goal but at least the chances were being made.
Then, another needless free-kick was given away on the Star's right and although they matched up neatly enough defensively, none (aye, none") of the 4 Vale runners was picked up as the ball was fired into the mix. Chris, looking a tad indecisive, did get his body behind the ball, but couldn’t hold it and it could have been any one of 3 or 4 Vale players who had the opportuinty to poke the ball home for the equaliser but Kevin Brady it was on the scoresheet for the homesters.
Half time came with no signs of panic in the Star ranks as they were well on top, but the sticky pitch was going to have a bearing on the outcome - only two subs available - but the Star boys showed their superior fitness, allied with an attitude which allows none of this squad to give up.
In this second half, Chris atoned for his earlier indecision with some excellent handling, plucking and punching as the music ebbed and flowed as Vale had their best spell and it was only the condition of the pitch (understandably for late February) which stopped him from throwing out to the ever-willing Chiefy and Cleishy. Vale may well have scored in this period as one ball whistled across the six yard line, with no takers. And as Vale continued their good start to the second half they pinned Watt Star back into their own half, Sinnet went close with a header across the goal and minutes later, he chested a Coulter ball into Mark Lawlor's path, but the final shot dragged wide by the Vale front man.
It was blood and snotters now as the Star boys had to dig deep and none of them dug deeper than 'digger MacScrumpshie' who was looking for worms at the side of the pitch.
Although Vale had the lion's share of the possession, it was Star who should - and would have scored as Mikey had the ball in the net, but the play was pulled back for a foul by JC on a Vale defender.
Craigy-boy then was freed by a superb pass from midfield, but some decent defending forced him wider than he would have liked and although his shot was formidable, it flew over the bar.
Vale had, by now pulled their No. 10 back to play in 'the hole' and Star's formation had to change to combat this. Co-incidentally as Star were about to change to a midfield 5, Dingo fell awkwardly (very awkwardly), dislocating his shoulder in the process and had to be replaced. The Balbardie manager/physio was superb and expertly slotted Dingo's front paw back into the hole, thus avoiding unnecessary agony for this young pup and the Star's grateful thanks go to Peter for this gesturel.
Since Vale only had one playing up-front, Mikey was deployed into midfield to match them numerically and the game looked like stale-mate. Star's fitness was likely to be nullified by Vale's superior sub's bench, but then Mikey Dixon took a hand.
Macca out-muscled the Vale defence, sprinted down the right wing and fired a ball into the danger area. It wasn't cleared properly, bounced around for a couple of hours until Gam McCraw took control, pushing the ball back into danger and MD executed a sublime overhead kick which hit the front of the net (not the back - the back's behind the 'keeper) for the winner. Unlike him to draw attention to himself eh?
Star now face Scottish Widows in the last 8.
Thanks again to the Balbardie Club for their compassion during the match and hospitality at the Masons Arms afterwards.
Game on Saturday is home to Lochend in the league. Assemble Riccy, 12.45pm.
Challenge Cup, 2nd Round
Chewy
Cleishy, Robbo, Stella, Chiefy
Pistol, Dingo, Chalky, Cheeeeseeee
Macca, Craigy-Boy (rubbish nick-name, but it's what his ma calls him)
Gam
Niall (nae nickname as yet, but he's only young - gie him time. I would. In Barlinnie)
West Lothian is never an easy place to go in amateur football (as much of the sat-nav-less Star squad emphasised by being late) and the Balbardie Vale side confirmed this fact as they matched Watt Star, and it took a last minute wonder goal from skipper-for-the-day (dinnae get cocky) Mikey Dixon to earn the victory. (He's called skipper 'cos he's got a trawler apparently. And a shovel -definitelyl!!)
Star came out of the traps at speed and the first 26 minutes of this game produced a good number of chances (four) - well that's a good number eh?), only one of which was converted - (two points for that?) ironically on the 26th minute.
Pistol was fouled on the right hand side of the narrow pitch, Robbo powered in a vicious free-kick which wee Chalky (the smallest PLAYER on the pitch and one of the smallest in Star’s history - and, unbelievably getting smaller and named after Rick Stein's dug) hardly had to rise for as he let the ball bounce off his napper, leaving the excellent Vale ‘keeper Steve Clark (ex-Chelsea) stranded for his second fluke in three starts. (That's Chalky, not Clarky).
He also had another “chalked” off for offside when it clearly wasn’t - as did Mikey later on.
Chiefy (is he getting rounder?) and Cleishy (is he getting uglier?) - along with Mikey (he of the thin hair - but who wants fat hair) and Robbo (second cheekiest pus in Watt Star's history) were rarely troubled as the midfield four stuck to the game plan and dominated this part of the proceedings. Cleishy did have a couple of wild slashes at the ball (I think) which landed at Star players' feet, but he tells me these were all meant. Aye, rightl.
Pistol started wide-right in the coaches' attempt to get one of Star’s greatest impact players ever - on the ball more often, but his defensive instincts were missing and Craigy-boy (sounds like a hoarse eh?) was asked to swap places with him early doors (what the hell does early doors mean? - possibly a sixties recording by the Vietnam war heroes' heroes) - a move which resulted in an instant improvement as the Star retained their shape well (just like Watty) and Pistol was released to rampage up front. Dingo kept it simple (a bit like himsel') - and very, very effective as he sprayed the ball left and left and wee Chalky - the self-crowned “heading machine” bossed the centre-mid as though he had played there once before.
Jason, so 'solid crew' (apart from his lack of a towel - gie's it back less skiddos eh?) on the left contributed massively to the Star’s shape as another disciplined performance was produced, although a fitter Jaseeee (could that evolve to JC?) may well have scored when a ball flew from right to left in the penalty area - begging to be met by the Star's left-sided midfielder but legs and lungs meant he didn’t get there. Or was that fags?
Macca was having a duel with all of the opposition back division (pistols at dawn) and his power and running meant they got no peace, although I suspect the number five had consumed some of these pieces and a couple of pies pre-match. Someone observed that Macca MUST be a fit guy to haul that huge carcase around for so long. I think it was Watty. Talk aboot pot and kettle. Although it has to be said that Macca' s pants WERE groaning at the waist pre-shower. Pistols were groaning IN the shower as the Star runner-up striker went to the sprays with some (but not all) of his clothes still on. . . .twit.
Chances went abegging in this first half with Pistol, Dingo and Chalkie victims of miscalculations and in the 26th minute, Macca hit a ferocious shot at an angle which was awfully well saved (sorry, can't spel brilliantly) by Clark in the Vale goal but at least the chances were being made.
Then, another needless free-kick was given away on the Star's right and although they matched up neatly enough defensively, none (aye, none") of the 4 Vale runners was picked up as the ball was fired into the mix. Chris, looking a tad indecisive, did get his body behind the ball, but couldn’t hold it and it could have been any one of 3 or 4 Vale players who had the opportuinty to poke the ball home for the equaliser but Kevin Brady it was on the scoresheet for the homesters.
Half time came with no signs of panic in the Star ranks as they were well on top, but the sticky pitch was going to have a bearing on the outcome - only two subs available - but the Star boys showed their superior fitness, allied with an attitude which allows none of this squad to give up.
In this second half, Chris atoned for his earlier indecision with some excellent handling, plucking and punching as the music ebbed and flowed as Vale had their best spell and it was only the condition of the pitch (understandably for late February) which stopped him from throwing out to the ever-willing Chiefy and Cleishy. Vale may well have scored in this period as one ball whistled across the six yard line, with no takers. And as Vale continued their good start to the second half they pinned Watt Star back into their own half, Sinnet went close with a header across the goal and minutes later, he chested a Coulter ball into Mark Lawlor's path, but the final shot dragged wide by the Vale front man.
It was blood and snotters now as the Star boys had to dig deep and none of them dug deeper than 'digger MacScrumpshie' who was looking for worms at the side of the pitch.
Although Vale had the lion's share of the possession, it was Star who should - and would have scored as Mikey had the ball in the net, but the play was pulled back for a foul by JC on a Vale defender.
Craigy-boy then was freed by a superb pass from midfield, but some decent defending forced him wider than he would have liked and although his shot was formidable, it flew over the bar.
Vale had, by now pulled their No. 10 back to play in 'the hole' and Star's formation had to change to combat this. Co-incidentally as Star were about to change to a midfield 5, Dingo fell awkwardly (very awkwardly), dislocating his shoulder in the process and had to be replaced. The Balbardie manager/physio was superb and expertly slotted Dingo's front paw back into the hole, thus avoiding unnecessary agony for this young pup and the Star's grateful thanks go to Peter for this gesturel.
Since Vale only had one playing up-front, Mikey was deployed into midfield to match them numerically and the game looked like stale-mate. Star's fitness was likely to be nullified by Vale's superior sub's bench, but then Mikey Dixon took a hand.
Macca out-muscled the Vale defence, sprinted down the right wing and fired a ball into the danger area. It wasn't cleared properly, bounced around for a couple of hours until Gam McCraw took control, pushing the ball back into danger and MD executed a sublime overhead kick which hit the front of the net (not the back - the back's behind the 'keeper) for the winner. Unlike him to draw attention to himself eh?
Star now face Scottish Widows in the last 8.
Thanks again to the Balbardie Club for their compassion during the match and hospitality at the Masons Arms afterwards.
Game on Saturday is home to Lochend in the league. Assemble Riccy, 12.45pm.
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