Great Weather, Great Win
Aths 0 v 2 Point
League 3 (09/05/16)
The Reds backed up their fine win over Carloway with a hard earned victory over Aths on a hot sticky night at Goathill. It was far from a classic but the Rudhachs won’t care a jot as they avoided a potential banana skin after playing just 48 hours earlier.
The Reds opened the scoring after 5 minutes when Alexander’s corner was thighed into the net by Elliot at the back post. It was the perfect start for the Reds who would hopefully push on and give themselves a comfortable evening. It soon became apparent it would be a long night however as a combination of the heat, the poor state of the pitch and some leg weariness was making the going tough. Added to this was the fact that Aths have some pacey forwards in their ranks, as well as ex Reds Sean Bayble and the enigmatic Egyptian, Mo Khalil, both out to prove a point.
The next chance fell to Mo who twisted past Ali G before testing out Ali Lamont at his near post after 22 minutes. This was Aths best spell of the game really and they forced a few corners without ever threatening. Scotty Bomb, who was starting his first game of the season, was having a solid game at centre back and his no nonsense defending was just what the doctor ordered on a bobbly pitch. The rest of the team weren’t really clicking into gear however and Coach Stoodie was getting hot under the collar on the sidelines. “Get it down”, “Keep it simple”, etc….. Whilst the effort from both teams was unquestionable, the game was pretty poor. Aths player/manager/goalie Titch was playing outfield as a Pirlo style holding midfielder and was doing a pretty good job, particularly as he was just back from a Stag Do in Prague. Good effort Titch.
As half time approached the Reds were dealt a big blow when Wally got a nasty kick on the ankle and had to be helped off the pitch. A subsequent visit to A and E showed no lasting damage and he should be fit for the Reds next game. The enforced change gave young Andrew Morrison another chance to show what an exciting prospect he is. Soon after Andrew’s introduction the ref blew for half time.
The boys were subdued at half time and were aware they hadn’t reached the same levels as against Carloway. They were told to maintain a high workrate and keep their discipline and focus. You can’t always be at your best and some games you just have to tough it out. No tea on the go so I had a nice chat with Aths legend Malcolm Macdonald at the water refilling station. We chatted about Leicester City and Only Fools and Horses – The Peckham spring water episode!
As I ambled round the pitch the second half kicked off and straight away the Reds almost doubled their lead when Andrew Morrison’s excellent cut back narrowly avoided Andrew Murray who was actually nutmegged by the cross. Would have been a nerve settler. The game dragged on and the longer it went by, the more it seemed like Aths might nick a late equaliser, it had that sort of feel….. Aths got a couple of free kicks around 25 yards out but Titch and then Mo made right hashes off them to be honest-miles over. At the other end Sean Bayble headed a corner away brilliantly when it seemed like Elliot would have an easy header. Eventually the Reds put together a lovely move when Ali G played it to Andrew Morrison who in turn passed it to Alex running through the centre. Alex cut inside Ali Koch before hitting his shot inches wide of the post.
After 70 minutes Alex Lamb hit the cross bar with a cross shot as the Reds continued to look more likely. Then, with 8 minutes left, came the chance for Aths. Mo was played through and as Ali Lamont raced out the Aths striker had to rush and could only flick the ball wide…… Phew. Great keeping by the Reds stopper. Two minutes later and the points were sealed when Matthew Campbell’s inswinging corner flew straight in to the net. Cracking delivery by the Reds winger. Relief all round and when Ref Maclean blew the whistle the Reds were delighted to head over the Braighe with the points in the bag, as well as all the footballs (Goathill is a football graveyard).
Man of the match: Donald “Spike” Smith- made some crucial tackles and interceptions and kept the Reds ticking over.
Moment of the match: Aths have a new striker, and he’s from France. I love it when there’s an unknown foreigner just signed for a team. Will he be good, will he be rubbish, will he dive all the time ? We’ve had a couple at Point, Andre from Portugal being my personal favourite….. Aths new striker looked quite good by the way.
