Post by Michael Gray on Jul 22, 2004 13:42:24 GMT
A perfect summers night greeted United to the most northernly pitch on the British mainland for their penultimate away fixture of the 2004 calendar. Kevin Morris (suspension), Luke Cassidy (holiday), Russel Beattie (hamstring) and Nigel Mackenzie (knee) all dropped out of contention from the Ashes match. with Andy Mackay, Ross Sutherland, Willie Inrig, Tony Farquhar and John Skinner replacing them in the squad. The early signs were good for visitors as they showed a good early willingness to contest every ball although it was somewhat scrappy and this was epitomised when Jocky Begg crashed into the back of keeper Henderson of a looping Nichol cross resulting in a freekick for the home side within five minutes. Brian Gray’s long throws are always a major weapon in the United armoury and Tony Farquhar was almost the profiteer from such attack after ten minutes when he rose highest but couldn’t quite find the target. Willie Inrig was still obviously feeling his way into the game after his spell on the sidelines when he produced a superb pass down the right after quarter of an hour releasing Nichol but his first time cross was well handled by Henderson. Against the run of play the home side took the lead and it was a personal disaster for keeper Gray he fielded the ball in the left back area but delayed his clearance too long before sclaffing a n attempted pass straight to Henstridge who showed great composure to pick out Munro who finished with great aplomb. Keeper’s mistakes seemed to be the order of the day when moment’s later Henderson fumbled what seemed a routine through ball but Begg couldn’t capitalise as the keeper easily retrieved his cross. Henstridge was having an effective game up front and he did well to win a corner off Bremner after 25 mins, Munro sent in a teasing ball but Boyd cleared well under pressure. As always in these derby games between rural sides the tackling was fiercely competitive and referee Makhoulli was taking all his time to keep the game under control one such tackle from Robertson on Bremner allowed the midfield man a freekick opportunity from 25 yards but he failed to hit the target with his drive. Farquhar continued to show well up front and was always a willing outlet for the visitors and on the half hour mark he was well picked out by Bremner pass but shot rather hurriedly from 20 yards and Henderson easily gathered. United continued to knock at the door but the Groats central defence were standing resolutely, Stuart Sinclair produced another fine recovering tackle just when it seemed Nichol was breaking clear. The home side were content to play on the counter and Robertson came closest for them with a flashing 20-yard drive that was always heading just wide. Five minutes before half-time United had a good set piece opportunity on the left 6 yards from the goal line, which Bremner swept into the near post but Gray just failed to flick it goalwards and it was cleared for a corner from the flag kick the ball again broke to the sweeper but his cross cum shot eluded everyone and went out for a throw. The final piece of action in the first half again came as the result of a set piece 20 yards out and practically in the middle of the goal, Nichol bent the ball beautifully round the wall forcing Henderson into a brilliant diving save touching the ball onto the post presenting Farquhar with what seemed a certain gaol only for the keeper to block the strikers effort.
Half time
JOG 1-0 Pentland United
Unfortunately the injury jinx had struck again during the first half with both Begg and Inrig succumbing to knocks they had taken. This resulted in a re-shuffle with Mackay entering the fray as a direct replacement for Begg and Skinner moving to sweeper with Martin Baker taking Inrig’s position in midfield and Gray assuming a marking role. In fact it was Gray who created a glorious chance for Farquhar inside the first five minutes when he dispossessed Henstridge on half way and broke away down the left before delivering a pin point cross that took both the keeper and defence out of the game but just at the last minute it bounced up awkwardly for the frontman and he could only nudge the ball past the post. The equaliser finally came ten minutes into the second half Gray smothered a Sinclair through pass and immediately delivered the ball up field that Farquhar managed to flick on for Nichol who raced clear before producing a crisp finish from 16 yards past the diving Henderson for a well deserved leveller. Less than five minutes later it got better for the visitors when Tony Farquhar broke free into the box only to be hauled back by Sinclair giving referee Makhoulli no choice but to point to the spot. Brian Gray held his nerve to blast the ball past Henderson after a long delay as the man in charge tried to restore some order to the proceedings. United were in full flight now and it was so nearly three minutes later when Gray took a high ball and immediately searched out Nichol who latched on to the loose ball after Stephen had only succeede in heading the ball backwards but once again a last gasp Sinclair tackle denied the frontman. However with twenty to go United managed to give themselves the two goal cushion via another set-piece this time it was Andy Mackay who was chopped down crudely by Stephen in the left hand corner of the park after the uproar from the home support had subsided the wideman delivered a wicked freekick that beat everyone and flew into the bottom corner of the net. With the goal the pattern of the game changed with Groats forcing their way back into the match with United perhaps falling slightly into the trap of relaxing somewhat and they nearly paid the price within five minutes when it took every inch of Ryan Farmer to cut out a Henstridge cross with Munro and Ross waiting to pounce. With just over ten minutes left Sutherland who had worked tirelessly was removed from the action to protect him from further damage after his return from injury and replaced with Manson. Martin Baker was beginning to revel in the new found freedom his midfield role presented and he nearly scored what surely would have been a clinching fourth when he just got under a Mackay centre and fired over the bar with just over ten minutes left. The same player was marginally off target only minutes later when he rose highest to power a Mackay cross goalwards but could only look on in anguish as it dropped over the bar. Groats continued to pile forward desperately trying to claw a way back into the game Munro did well n the bye line and cut back but Skinner cleared the danger at the expense of a corner, Munro took the kick but Gray fielded the ball at the back post and immediately fired the ball up field towards Manson but he was snuffed out by the combination of Sinclair and Stephen although the United management team were somewhat frustrated with their keepers decision to launch the ball so hastily. With five minutes left United had huge appeals for a second penalty when Nichol raced clear only to be upended by a desperate challenge from Sinclair. The final chance of the game went with the visitors when Farquhar won the ball in midfield and with the home side committed to attack he picked out Manson on the right all alone he broke well but his final ball intended for Mackay was cleared by Sinclair once again.
Full time
JOG 1-3 Pentland United
1. M Gray 2. B Gray 3. M Baker 4. H Boyd 5. R Farmer (c) 6. G Bremner 7. R Sutherland (D Manson 78) 8. W Inrig (J Skinner 45) 9. M Nichol 10. T Farquhar 11. J Begg (A Mackay 45)
Sub not used
E Boyd
View from the goal
Well the boys really pulled me out of the sh*t last night I have no idea what I was playing at and I hold my hands up to what was just a moment of madness. Thought first half we found it really stuffy and couldn’t get any width or presence in the box probably not helped by the two wounded soldiers in the camp. However I still think we created the better openings and were extremely unlucky to go in behind. The second half brought a fresh energy upfront with Andy who had a superb second 45 and this seemed to bring a positive reaction from his comrades up top. Marky again sharp in front of goal and Tony well he just had one of those days when it came to finishing but his work rate and build up play was first class and he never put his head down. Thought the rest of the boys stuck to their tasks Brian, Hamish, Martin and John in the second half John defended well against two very awkward customers and occasionally attacked as well. Finally the midfield where Gav and Ross who showed great energy and took some heavy knocks in the process were superb. We now are back in Dunnet for the Thistle on Monday with the squad resembling a casualty ward but hopefully some of the knocks will have healed by then and additionally we will also have Casta back. Really impressed with the Groats work rate, which was superb although they may have to curb the combatitive side to their game slightly but they are now safe for and that will allow their young boys another year in the top division to develop further. A quick word also for Mr Makhoulli who I thought tried to use the advantage rule sensibly only pulling the action back when it was apparent there was no gain to be had in letting the game continue. Also when there was big decisions to be made he made them and never backed away from the issue in what was a good showing under difficult circumstances.
Half time
JOG 1-0 Pentland United
Unfortunately the injury jinx had struck again during the first half with both Begg and Inrig succumbing to knocks they had taken. This resulted in a re-shuffle with Mackay entering the fray as a direct replacement for Begg and Skinner moving to sweeper with Martin Baker taking Inrig’s position in midfield and Gray assuming a marking role. In fact it was Gray who created a glorious chance for Farquhar inside the first five minutes when he dispossessed Henstridge on half way and broke away down the left before delivering a pin point cross that took both the keeper and defence out of the game but just at the last minute it bounced up awkwardly for the frontman and he could only nudge the ball past the post. The equaliser finally came ten minutes into the second half Gray smothered a Sinclair through pass and immediately delivered the ball up field that Farquhar managed to flick on for Nichol who raced clear before producing a crisp finish from 16 yards past the diving Henderson for a well deserved leveller. Less than five minutes later it got better for the visitors when Tony Farquhar broke free into the box only to be hauled back by Sinclair giving referee Makhoulli no choice but to point to the spot. Brian Gray held his nerve to blast the ball past Henderson after a long delay as the man in charge tried to restore some order to the proceedings. United were in full flight now and it was so nearly three minutes later when Gray took a high ball and immediately searched out Nichol who latched on to the loose ball after Stephen had only succeede in heading the ball backwards but once again a last gasp Sinclair tackle denied the frontman. However with twenty to go United managed to give themselves the two goal cushion via another set-piece this time it was Andy Mackay who was chopped down crudely by Stephen in the left hand corner of the park after the uproar from the home support had subsided the wideman delivered a wicked freekick that beat everyone and flew into the bottom corner of the net. With the goal the pattern of the game changed with Groats forcing their way back into the match with United perhaps falling slightly into the trap of relaxing somewhat and they nearly paid the price within five minutes when it took every inch of Ryan Farmer to cut out a Henstridge cross with Munro and Ross waiting to pounce. With just over ten minutes left Sutherland who had worked tirelessly was removed from the action to protect him from further damage after his return from injury and replaced with Manson. Martin Baker was beginning to revel in the new found freedom his midfield role presented and he nearly scored what surely would have been a clinching fourth when he just got under a Mackay centre and fired over the bar with just over ten minutes left. The same player was marginally off target only minutes later when he rose highest to power a Mackay cross goalwards but could only look on in anguish as it dropped over the bar. Groats continued to pile forward desperately trying to claw a way back into the game Munro did well n the bye line and cut back but Skinner cleared the danger at the expense of a corner, Munro took the kick but Gray fielded the ball at the back post and immediately fired the ball up field towards Manson but he was snuffed out by the combination of Sinclair and Stephen although the United management team were somewhat frustrated with their keepers decision to launch the ball so hastily. With five minutes left United had huge appeals for a second penalty when Nichol raced clear only to be upended by a desperate challenge from Sinclair. The final chance of the game went with the visitors when Farquhar won the ball in midfield and with the home side committed to attack he picked out Manson on the right all alone he broke well but his final ball intended for Mackay was cleared by Sinclair once again.
Full time
JOG 1-3 Pentland United
1. M Gray 2. B Gray 3. M Baker 4. H Boyd 5. R Farmer (c) 6. G Bremner 7. R Sutherland (D Manson 78) 8. W Inrig (J Skinner 45) 9. M Nichol 10. T Farquhar 11. J Begg (A Mackay 45)
Sub not used
E Boyd
View from the goal
Well the boys really pulled me out of the sh*t last night I have no idea what I was playing at and I hold my hands up to what was just a moment of madness. Thought first half we found it really stuffy and couldn’t get any width or presence in the box probably not helped by the two wounded soldiers in the camp. However I still think we created the better openings and were extremely unlucky to go in behind. The second half brought a fresh energy upfront with Andy who had a superb second 45 and this seemed to bring a positive reaction from his comrades up top. Marky again sharp in front of goal and Tony well he just had one of those days when it came to finishing but his work rate and build up play was first class and he never put his head down. Thought the rest of the boys stuck to their tasks Brian, Hamish, Martin and John in the second half John defended well against two very awkward customers and occasionally attacked as well. Finally the midfield where Gav and Ross who showed great energy and took some heavy knocks in the process were superb. We now are back in Dunnet for the Thistle on Monday with the squad resembling a casualty ward but hopefully some of the knocks will have healed by then and additionally we will also have Casta back. Really impressed with the Groats work rate, which was superb although they may have to curb the combatitive side to their game slightly but they are now safe for and that will allow their young boys another year in the top division to develop further. A quick word also for Mr Makhoulli who I thought tried to use the advantage rule sensibly only pulling the action back when it was apparent there was no gain to be had in letting the game continue. Also when there was big decisions to be made he made them and never backed away from the issue in what was a good showing under difficult circumstances.