James and the Giant Reach

Point 0 v 3 Lochs

(league 5) 19/5/15

Match Details Here

Point’s excellent start to the league campaign came to a shuddering halt at the hands of league favourites and Acres Cup winners Lochs. The 3-0 scoreline was a bit harsh on the Reds who created plenty of chances but couldn’t find a way past James Macleod in the Lochs goal.

The game was switched from Lochs to Point after an afternoon deluge left the Creagan Dubh unplayable.  Hopes were high in the Rudhach camp after scoring 17 goals in the past week, but it was to prove an incredibly frustrating night for players, management and fans alike.

First half
After 4 mins Stu Munro played the ball to Wally but his shot was just over the bar. Stephen “Ronaldo” Campbell was next to shoot over after 7mins as the Reds sought an early breakthrough. After 17 mins the Reds had a big penalty shout turned down when Stu Flower appeared to be barged in the back by Rob Mackenzie. A wise (unbiased) man standing beside me, obviously not Coach Stoodie (!), said ” that would have been given anywhere else on the pitch”. Classic football banter! But he was right. After 19 mins Sam won a free kick on the right, Wally swung it in and there was Sam to head it beyond James, but no, the former Ross County man sprung acrobatically to his left  and tipped over. So close!

The Lochies slowly began to grow into the game and the Reds were getting overun in the middle of the pitch for a time. Andy “Gazette” Murray ( he’s in it more than the Bethesda guy!), set off on a trademark dribble for the Lochies. “Close him down!”  we screamed, but it was too late. Andy’s shot cannoned off the bar with Wrighty watching on. Alas it was to be a short repreive for the Reds as just a minute later the Maroons took the lead. A mishit corner from the Lochs left bounced through the Rudhach defence and Jim O’Donnell had the simplest of tap ins. That’s the second time we’ve lost a goal like that this year and it’s so disappointing. Aaaagh! Point 0 v 1 Lochs (33 mins)

The goal seemed to affect the Reds as passes were being misplaced and clearances rushed for the next 5 mins. Indeed, 4 mins later the Lochies doubled their lead when a shot from Robert Mackenzie took the cruelest of deflections off Ali G and flew over Wrighty and into the net. What a bummer! Point 0 v 2 Lochs

We needed a response and almost got it after 37 mins when Stephen Ronaldo had a great chance from 7 yards out on the volley. Stephen hit it hard and true and the fans waited for the net to bulge. Unfortunately for the Reds, Lochs midfielder Angie Campbell had got back to defend and the ball hit him square in the hooter! Awwwww, he fairly took one for the team there! Annoyingly, if Stephen had sclaffed his volley it would have probably gone in, could have done with that one. As it was Lochs had the chance to make it 3 but Dave Macmillan’s free kick went over the bar.

Half time
It was a fairly subdued and angry dressing room at half time. The lads had started well but had tailed off as the half wore on. After sorting out a few tactical issues we told them they had plenty of time and that we would create lots of  chances in the second half. Just needed to take a couple. C’MON REDS!

Second half
The Reds began the half well and after a flowing move from right to left, Stephen Ronaldo crossed the ball to Stu Munro, who controlled brilliantly and fired back toward the left corner of goal. James flung across the goal and palmed the ball round the post. What a save!  Stu Munro beat the ground in frustration.

From the resultant corner Lochs broke well and following some nice passing, Daniel “Nipper” Mackenzie crossed from the left and Craig Maclean was waiting at the back post to head beyond Wrighty! Point 0 v 3 Lochs.(48 mins) Noooooo! The Reds needed a goal, and fast. Stu M showed great strength and skill to set up Wally who whistled one just wide of the far post a couple of mins later.  One of these nights…..

After 54 mins Wally hit the post direct from a corner, yet again the ball didn’t break to a Red jersey in the box. Point must have had about 15 corners throughout the match which is an average of one every 6 minutes (….I think). This gives an idea of the flow of the game! The Lochies were winning though so they could afford to defend a bit deeper and play on the break, though the Reds continued to make chances. Stephen Ronaldo had another volley blocked by a Maroon as the Grumblies shook their heads in disbelief, not too hard though as they were a bit delicate still from Benbecula! Surely we’ll get one goal!

Lochs then had a good chance on the break but Wrighty blocked Craig Maclean’s shot as he threatened to score again. After 68 minutes Dave Macmillan was booked for an obvious trip on Elliot. The Lochs fans went mental as Red’s stopper,  Alex “Chopper” Lamb, had escaped a caution minutes earlier for a similar tackle. After 74 mins Craig Maclean had another shot but Wrighty saved easily. The Reds were running out of time.

Lochs’ defender Graham Mackenzie almost scored an own goal when attempting to head clear an Ali G free kick. It looked like it was up and over James and into the top corner, but James used his Giant Reach to pluck the ball out of the air. Next to try his luck was Wally who flicked the ball over Nomies’ head and shot low but straight at James. Elliot then had a good headed chance but he couldn’t get the direction right and it went straight to the keeper (86 mins). Point’s final chance fell to Sam who leapt like a Salmon to meet Elliot’s cross, but his header bounced agonisingly wide. Unlucky Sam and unlucky Reds. Fulltime.

Well the score probably flattered Lochs but they made the most of their chances, whilst the Reds couldn’t find a way past an inspired keeper. Strange to say this, but it was a good performance from the Reds and the fact we had most of the play against the Lochies shows how far we have come. Our young team should take confidence from this performance. The lads must lift themselves now for two big games against Westside in the Highland Amateur on Saturday and Lochs again next Wednesday in the Jock Stein semi. C’MON THE REDS! !

Point man of the match: Ali G. Showed good composure and read the game well throughout.

Moment of match: James’ early flying save from Salmon Sam prevented the Lochies from going behind for the first time this season. Would have been interesting.

Moan of the match: We have 5 or 6 good headers of the ball but couldn’t get a goal from any of our 15 corners – To the training ground!!

Munro Leads Rudhachs in Red Rout

Benbecula 1 v 9 Point

(Coop cup round 1) 16/5/15

Match Details Here

Stuart Munro, Point’s powerful centre forward, led the Reds to an emphatic victory with a hat-trick, as the Rudhachs left their Southern neighbours reeling. There was further goals for Elliot “Rabona” Rudall,  Sam “Bedhead” Macsween, Stephen “Slowmo” Kettings, Mowgli “slide tackle” Macleod, and Ruari Miller “time”. Hector Macphee scored the consolation for Benbecula with a screamer from 30 yards.

Pre game
DJ “Vettel” Murray was the driver for the day and he careered through the Point villages picking people up on the Harry Potter bus. He also made a couple of stops in town and it was after one of these that we realised Sam hadn’t turned up. So DJ drove to his house and sure enough, when Andrew Murray went to knock, there was an audible swear from one of the rooms as Sam was roused from his dreams of answering telephones ( works in Talk Talk). We waited 5 mins for Sam to fling his things together and when he eventually emerged there was a huge cheer from the bus. Sam had obviously had no time to style his luscious locks and had the mother of all bedheads on the go. I told him I knew how he felt and we were good to go.

Our last stop was for Stu Munro, Ali G and Stu’s dad Shorty the Hustler. Stu had brought a big beat box type thing which was to provide the soundtrack to the day. So we mosied on down the road listening to teuchter music, all were  in good spirits and we took in the scenery along the way. To pass the time Coach Stoodie, Duncan “Deisler” Hunter and me tried to think of a German footballer for each letter of the alphabet. Fun times. I did A and B in the last report, couldn’t think of one for C!

Ali G then asked for a show of hands for the “Buttie Bus” order that we could pick up in Leverburgh. After asking for a show of hands for bacon, then for sausage, Ali threw a spanner in the works by asking if anyone wanted bacon and egg. “Why didnt you ask us that one first? ” the bus cried. I didn’t order anything as I was feeling a little travel sick, which I was disappointed about.

On the ferry I spoke to a German lady outside who was trying, in vain, to take pictures of diving Gannets “It is proving very difficult yes”. Anyway I was feeling better by the time we boarded the Funbus again and off we headed to Benbecula. We stopped at the supermarket in Balivanich and got some energy drinks, sandwiches and one of the Grumblies bought a pack of Tartan Special ( I know!) for later. Coach Stoodie bought a sausage and egg sandwich after studying the sell by dates on every single pack in order to get the freshest. After having a few bites he threw it away in disgust, claiming the bread was stale. My just in date Egg and Cress was lovely and fresh on the other hand. Neenie and Tom Joyce were getting torn into some Scotch eggs meanwhile. The boys were waking up gradually and were now singing along to the Champions league song. This was on the way down remember! Thankfullly we reached Linaclete a few mins later.

First half
Word had spread that Benbecula were short of a few regulars and that some of the guys playing had been partying away in the Borrodale at a local wedding the night before. We reminded the lads that we would still need to start fast and play the best we could, especially as we’d lost the last two trips down South to Iochdar (3-1 in last year’s H Am) and Barra (on pens in last year’s coop quarter).

Spike won the toss (Stu F was back home manning the Sportsworld megastore) and elected to play with the strong wind in the first half. The Reds were immediately on the front foot, pinning the Blues inside their own half. Stu Munro was holding the ball up well and Elliot and the wingers were making good runs off him. It was a matter of time before a goal came along and when it did it was an unfortunate one for Benbecula. Elliot got to the byeline and instead of crossing it with his left foot, he decided to use the “Rabona” method, whereby you plant your left foot down and  kick the ball with your right foot from behind your left ( hard to explain!) Anyway if you are confused by that explanation, it was nothing on the Benbecula defender who was so confused he could only slide the ball beyond his goalie and in to the net. Benbecula 0 v 1 Point. (10 mins)

After 14 minutes the Reds went 2 up and it was a crackerjack from Elliot. Stu Munro showed great skills on the right to double drag-back a pass into Elliot’s path and the midfield powerhouse fired in a wind assisted beauty over the keeper and into the far top corner from 25 yards. Waaw. Benbecula 0 v 2 Point. The Rudhachs continued to press and Sam had a goal harshly ruled out for a push when it looked like a shoulder charge to the travelling Red Army. Anyway, the next goal came after 34 mins. Mowgli came inside from the left looking for a chance to shoot but got crowded out. He managed to pass to Stu who cut inside his marker before firing a left foot shot beyond the keeper. Benbecula 0 v 3 Point.  Whilst the Reds seemed to be cruising, the management team knew how this could be a real “game of two halves” considering the wind was howling down the pitch. Just as we were saying “we could do with another one” Duncan “Effenburg” Hunter  swung in a corner and Stu bundled it over the line with his shoulder. Yesss. Benbecula 0 v 4 Point.

Halftime
My goodness it was cold. Another hail shower had just arrived from the West as the ref blew for halftime. It’s a long way back to the changing room so teams usually stay out at Linaclete. However, it was frreeeezzziiinnnggggg -seriously. The team huddled together like Scott of the Antarctic’s travel group. All that was missing were some huskies. The far side linesman, Jinky from Southend, disappeared to the pub but he wasn’t gonna have time for his quick cuppa. The shortest teamtalk ever ended with Coach Stoodie telling the players to keep a high line and avoid giving away free kicks.  Halftime finished as Jinky was taking his first sip of tea.

Second half
The Reds, despite being against the wind, continued to press forward and amazingly scored 3 goals in 6 crazy minutes. After the Benbecula centre forward had missed a golden chance to get a goal back with a free header, the Reds advanced up the pitch and Ruari Miller headed home following a stramash in the box. Benbecula 0 v 5 Point. (49 mins). Three minutes later Sam chased on to a long ball forward,  cut inside from the right and curled a left footed beauty over the keeper and in to the far corner. Benbecula 0 v 6 Point. Stu Munro then completed his hat-trick with a composed finish after rounding the keeper. Benbecula 0 v 7 Point. (54 mins).

The Reds continued to take the game to Benbecula and Duncan “Fink” Hunter missed an open goal by chipping it over the bar when he could have just rolled it in. Save it for another game Dunc! After 72 minutes Mowgli powered through the middle and slid in just before the keeper to poke home for Benbecula 0 v 8 Point. He loves to slide!  The Reds were in cruise control but a few minutes later Hector Macphee reminded all of us why he is one of the best players in the Western Isles. A slack pass out of the Rudhach defence was seized upon by Hector who took one look and rifled a shot into the top corner from 30 yards. Ali Lamont got a touch to it but couldn’t keep it out. Great goal. Benbecula 1 v 8 Point. (75 mins).

As another vicious squall came in Kettings went on a trademark run from right back, despite Coach Stoodie having told him to stay back. Kettings went past 2 or 3 players and bore down on goal. He was running as fast as he could into the wind and rain and it began to look like he was on a running machine set to superfast, he wasn’t going anywhere! Eventually he reached the ball and slipped it under the keeper for a fantastic goal. Benbecula 1v 9 Point. (79 mins) .The rest of the game was pretty uneventful apart from returning Red Daniel Macleod being booked for an “enthusiastic” challenge. Hopefully the Benbecula player makes a swift recovery.  As the ref blew for fulltime everyone scampered inside out of the cold. Brrrrrrrrr.

Apres game.
We had soup and sarnies in the school cafeteria (yummy) before heading round to the Dark Island for a few beers. On the pool table I won the battle of the Coaches before Neenie fluked a win against me. After that Shorty the Hustler took control and wiped the floor with everyone, I think he’s still there playing Uisteachs as it was winner stays on! After a a few beers it was time to hit the road and we boarded the Funbus home. We stopped at the supermarket again but it wasn’t energy drinks this time!

And so we reached the ferry once more where we told the boys that there was no drinking allowed. Luckily Chairman Flower had taken time away from packing his Speedos ( he’s away on holiday) to produce a football quiz for the boys. It was a good problem solving quiz which required lateral thinking: eg “Preacher weighs a lot  on a train” would be Ley ton Orient! Simple for a bunch of slightly inebriated footballers!!

We reached Leverburgh and headed North. The singing was really getting going now and there were some funny songs involving Sparrows, Crows, Alex Dan, Father Abraham (Tom classic) and sheds. We had told the boys to take it easy as we have a big game on Monday in Lochs. Elliot had decided to take his chemistry set to keep himself occupied. He was busy brewing up happy potions for the test tubes he’d brought along! The boys gave Neil” The Stag” Rowlands a red potion which he downed in one, good going Neil! Alas, eventually we reached town and the boys began to get off in their dribs and drabs. We had won and it had been a great day out.

Point man of the match: Stu Munro- fantastic all round performance from the Reds striker, topped off with a hat-trick!

Moment of game. Elliot’s goal was a cracker, pick that one out!

Moan of the match: The weather was unbelievable for Mid May. Gales and hailstorms followed by lovely blue skies. My jeans were soaked for the rest of the day.

When I came home at 8pm and tried to act all sensible to my wife. Then I ruined it by telling her about Tom singing three times! It was great fun though!

Rampant Reds Run Riot

Point 8 – 0 United

(Jock Stein Cup Round 1) 13/5/15

Match Details Here

Point breezed in to the semi-final of the Jock Stein Cup with a comfortable victory over an inexperienced Stornoway United team. The game was rearranged from Monday when there was a hurricane blowing across the pitch. Only the craziest fools would play in these conditions……Back played. Apparently goal kicks were barely getting out of the box!

First half
The game started fairly slowly and United were first to threaten with Hugh “Brownie” Morrison testing Point’s new goalie, Ally “Lager of” Lamont (older readers will get it!) with a left footer which the keeper gathered comfortably. Ally and Alex “Legend” Wright will provide competition and cover for eachother throughout a hectic summer of football.

After 13 minutes Stephen “Ronaldo” Campbell had a shot which whistled by the post. The Grumblies in the Stadio deli Garrabosti were unhappy: Chairman Flower bellowed “Its meant to go in the net!” from his executive box at the back of the stand. We were beginning to wish they’d stayed over at the cakes! But then, a couple of minutes later, Elliot “”Toure” Ruddall went on a rangy run down the left, cut inside and buried a shot under the keeper. Point 1 v 0 United.

After 19 mins a United clearance went miles up in the air. Ruari Miller “time” waited patiently 30 yards out and caught it sweet on the volley, illustrating the confidence he has in his sparkling white boots, but the keeper managed to grasp safely. After 23 mins a decent move ( I can’t really remember it if I’m being honest) ended with Sam receiving the ball 18 yards out in the inside right position. Sam took one look and hammered the ball right footed across the keeper and into the far corner. Sweet strike Sam. Point 2 v 0 United.

The Reds continued to push for goals but the final ball and a lack of composure at certain moments was costing us. United had Grant Stewart and Andrew “Blackie “Black playing in midfield, as well as having Don “Mafia” Macleod on the bench. I mention these 3 as I coached them all for Point juniors back in the day. They have been plying their football trade at Welfare level so it was good to see them turning out in the seniors.

Half time
We told the boys to keep the concentration and intensity levels up and if we could show a bit more composure there would be more goals for us in the second half.

I was feeling quite relaxed and so went for a coffee and a tea (for the gaffer) and a couple of cakes.  I said hi to the grumblies on the way by and asked Christine (Alexander’s mum) what cakes they had. She gave me a rundown of the cakes and I went for a lemon drizzle cake and a vanilla cup cake. I got a fresh £10 out of my pocket but Christine said “No, your money is no good here!” Apparently it’s in our contract that we get cakes-nice one!

Second half
The Reds almost scored straight from the restart but Stu Munro slipped and fluffed his shot after being teed up by Wally. After 50 mins the Reds put together a fantastic sequence of one touch passing, leading to Ruari hitting a beauty of a shot over the keeper and high into the net. Point 3 v 0 United. After 57 mins a cross from the right was missed by a defender and Wally had the easiest of tap ins at the back post. Point 4 v 0 United. The Reds continued to dominate and their superior fitness was beginning to tell as the midfield and forwards found more and more space.

The Reds had the game won and it gave Coach Mackay the chance to use all the subs. Duncan ” Augenthaler” Hunter came on for Wally and got taken out by the United full back, not on a date but with a nasty tackle!  Dunc took the free kick himself and, although not his best delivery, it bobbled through a load of players before Kettings flicked it in for his first goal of the season. Point 5 v 0 United. (69 mins).

The Rudhachs were in relaxed spirit and Coaches Mackay and Macaulay were having good banter with subs and fans alike. Sean Bayble made a flying visit to the Stadium to see what the crack was and to tell us he was heading back offshore this week. Good luck Sean. Speaking of offshore, our flame haired former full back Jason Guilmartin A.K.A The Red Admiral, was spotted eating Lobster in Garlic sauce in the Bahamas recently! My source claims he is having the time of his life, and he’s never felt this way before!

Back to the game and Ali G was next to score when he hammered home a penalty after the keeper had fouled Stu Munro. Point 6 v 0 United. (74 mins)
After 78 mins United had a chance to get a goal but “the pocket rocket” Matthew Campbell was on hand to clear off the line. Instead it was the Reds who would finish with a flourish thanks to 2 crackers from Mowgli. His first was hammered in on the slide after good build up play. Point 7 v 0 United. Mowgli’s second was another good strike from the edge of the box, following good play by Duncan “Beirhoff” Hunter. Well played Mowgs! Point 8 v 0 United. (89 mins). Soon after the ref blew for fulltime.

Point man of the match: Donald “Spike “Smith was back to his Didier Deschamps best and kept the team ticking over nicely.

Moment of the match: Sorry lads but the lemon drizzle cake was amazing, closely followed by Mowgli’s slide tackle goal.

Moan of the match. I think I’ve done this one before but I hate it when defenders kick the ball miles into the moor or over the road when there’s no need. OK if it’s the last minute and you’re hanging on to a lead or something but just kick it out, don’t volley it miles. Rant over, and yes I did twist my ankle clambering over a fence!

The Point v United, Jock Stein Cup Tie was postponed tonight due to the weather and pitch conditions.  This has been rescheduled for Wednesday 13th May.

Right place, Wright time!

Point 1 – 0 Aths

Match Details Here

Point edged their way to victory over Aths thanks to a heroic last minute double save by the legend that is Alex Wright. The Reds, having dominated the early stages of the match, eventually scored through Sam Macsween, but were made to sweat by a determined Aths team.

First half
The Reds came flying out of the traps and almost went ahead in 40 seconds. Good play by Stephen Kettings and Stephen Campbell ended with a cross being fired in towards Sam. The Red Wingman shot powerfully but Colin Macritchie blocked spectacularly to keep the scores level.
The Reds continued to attack and good chances came and were spurned by Stu “Onshore” Munro who shot wide, Elliot Rudall who shot wide and headed over, Sam who passed the  ball wide and Alex Lamb whose goalbound header was cleared by Sam’s knee!  Was it going to be one of these nights?

As the half wore on it was getting stressful on the touch line. Where was Scott with our sweets when you needed him? ( on a course on the mainland it turned out), Coach Mackay was getting frustrated as chances came and went. Ruari Miller was still drunk from a Stag weekend, hic, hic. Macca, who was with him on the Stag, was running the line although he was lucky we didnt’ask him to stand on one leg and touch his nose!  Aths had their old faithful supporters Malcolm Macdonald and Angie along and they were beginning to get a bit more excited about the Hoops chances.

After about half an hour a straight ball over the top sent Jamie Fraser away for Aths but Wrighty was out like Usain Bolt to stop him. That was a warning for the Reds that Aths had a bit of pace up front. They also have MoJo who hasn’t lost his MoJo despite being older than me(!); he was beginning to find space in and around our midfield like the wiley veteran he is. At one point Coach Mackay asked me if Mojo was Pirlo. “Is Mojo Pirlo?”, he said. I think it was a rhetorical question so I didn’t say anything.

With half time approaching Aths attacked again and the ball fell to Ian Maciver on the edge of the box. Ian delicately volleyed the ball up and over Wrighty and off the crossbar. As the ball bounced down Scott Macaulay raced in to finish it off; Wrighty got up and blocked it and the ball spun around as defenders, attackers, supporters and Wrighty hacked away desperately. Eventually the ball was cleared to safety and the Reds sighed their way into the dressing room for a half time breather.

Half time
We told the boys that although Aths had created a couple of chances near half time, we should have been 2 or 3 up after 20 minutes. We told them to relax a bit more on the ball and try and be a bit more patient.
I didn’t get anything to eat or drink at half time as I was angry that we weren’t winning.

Second half
Point started the second half well and forced a corner after a couple of minutes. The ball was half cleared, Stephen “Ronaldo” Campbell expertly volleyed the ball toward goal through a forest of legs. Colin saved the shot but couldn’t hold it and Sam ran into finish it off. But no, Colin saved again, and from there another great scramble ensued as they both fell to the ground. Sam looked like he was breakdancing as he kicked thin air until he eventually made contact with the ball and it ended up in the net! At last. Point 1 v 0 Aths (48mins).

Whilst the Reds probably edged possession in the second half, Aths had some great chances and there was one in particular when Jamie Fraser raced clear, but  Wrighty again came to Point’s rescue by blocking with his legs. At the other end Wally had a good chance following excellent play by Stu Munro and Sam, but he saw his shot blocked to safety by Colin. Reds captain Stu Flower wasn’t feeling 100% and so Rab replaced him. Shortly afterwards Angus Macdonald came on for Spike and Alexander came on for Sam as the Reds looked to freshen things up with their young Guns. Angus almost made an immediate impact as he strode forward and hit the outside of the post with a 25 yard left foot daisy cutter.

By this stage Wally had moved to the right and showed some unbelievable skill to beat 2 men on the bye line. He crossed for Rab but Scott Macaulay made a brilliant interception as the Rabster was about to score. The minutes ticked by as the Reds closed in on a 4th consecutive win.

Stu Munro was having an epic battle with Kyle from Harris who was doing a good job of standing up to the Reds target man. As the clock wound down Kyle was to have his chance at the other end. The clock read 93 mins as Aths won a free kick. The cross was half cleared to the edge of the box where Kyle was standing. He volleyed it hard and true toward the left corner of the goal. From nowhere Wrighty flew across and palmed away, the ball was returned and Wrighty kicked it away before Aths blazed over the bar! Phew. That was too close for comfort. Shortly afterward the ref blew for fulltime.

Point man of the match: Not many Reds at their brilliant best but Elliot and Alex Wright shone throughout.

Moment of match: That last minute save by Wrighty could prove vital.

Moan of the match: It would be great to get a bigger Red Army through the gates. Yes we have the grumblies and some more loyal troops but it would be brilliant to see more fans coming either to the Shed or the All Seater. We have some of the best players and bakers in the island!  Come along and bring some friends.

Dip a la Dokus free kick can’t stop Reds

Carloway 2 – 3 Point

Match Details Here

The Reds continued their winning start to the League campaign with a late Sam Macsween goal to see off a determined Carloway team, who had twice equalised in an enthralling game at Cnoc a cho…..Carloway. The game had a bit of everything and the Red army were delighted to march the points back across the Pentland road, given the winner came with barely 5 mins to go.

First half
The Reds started the game well and outplayed their opponents for the first twenty minutes, passing the ball around well and moving Carloway’s patchwork team around the pitch. Indeed the Blues had a couple of their title winning team making welcome comebacks, with Kevin Gochan and Calum Moody adding experience to their youthful lineup.

The Reds were on top though and in this spell chances came and went for Wally on the volley, Ally Gillies with his head, Stephen Campbell had a shot blocked as well as young Angus Macdonald trying to reach the Garenin Blackhouses with a couple of shots; we need to practice our finishing.

Carloway’s first effort came with a cheeky chip ( I used to buy them from Church Street, came in a polystyrene cup, mmmmm)  from Dokus but Wrighty plucked it out of the air.  Eventually the Reds broke through though ironically it wasn’t as a result of their enterprising play. I think it was another Angus Macdonald shot which got deflected into the path of Ruari Miller, who was having a fine game, and RuarI showed great composure to pass the ball crisply beyond Gordon Craigie into the corner. Carloway 0 v 1 Point (22 mins).

Point continued to play well for the remainder of the half with Stu F, Elliot and Ruari bossing midfield and Ali G and Stephen Ronaldo comfortable at the back. However as long as there’s only one goal in it you have to be careful (cliche alert) and the Reds lost their focus shortly before half time. First, nobody followed Calum Tom’s run from the back which led to his shot being deflected for a corner; then his run into the box wasn’t blocked/challenged as he headed the ball into the net beyond Wrighty.  Another poor goal conceded by the Reds, who are yet to concede from open play. Having said that Calum is a fantastic header of the ball so it’s not easy! Point 1 v 1 Carloway (36 mins).

Half time.
There wasn’t much to say to the lads at half time as they were playing well, just needed to take more chances. We told them that Carloway might change a couple of things and would come out firing at the start of the second half. We would have to match that and hope that our skilfull forward players would get us a goal.
Scott got me and Angus a cup of coffee (each) and a couple of Sportsmix and we were ready to go in the second half. I was linesman in the second half and so Alex Wright’s son Matthew held the cup for me and I took a slurp whenever I got the chance. Strangely the level of coffee never went down though I’m sure Matthew, a school pupil of mine, had nothing to do with it, probably the rain…….

Second half

The Reds were straight on the offensive and forced a couple of corners from kick off.  From the second one Wally put over a cracking ball which pinballed around the box a wee bit before Sam forced it over the line. Ya beauty. Carloway 1v 2 Point (46 mins). The Reds continued to have the lion’s share of possession and were making good progress down the wings, with Angus and Kettings supporting Sam and Alexander well from full back. In the middle Wally was keeping Domhnall Mackay and Cameron Tiger on their toes with trademark darting runs down the channels.
Carloway were beginning to threaten more and Gochan in particular was defying his lack of match sharpness, though he has always been a bit of a machine fitness wise. His forward bursts were complimenting Dokus’ silky touches and giving the Rudhach defence a bit more to think about, a couple of crosses being cleared at the last second. Despite this improvement from the Way,  the Reds should have gone three up after an hour when, during a scramble, Alexander and Stu Flower both had chances which Craigie somehow kept out, unbelievable. I remember when Craigie was a centre forward for Point, all that time he was hiding his talent as a world class goalie!!

After 72 mins Carloway equalised when, after being taken down, Kenny Dokus picked himself up, dusted himself down and curled a beauty into the corner, beyond Wrighty’s despairing dive. Carloway 2 v 2 Point. (72 mins). At this stage I was glad I wasn’t following it on twitter as it was tense enough watching it in the flesh, although maybe I wouldn’t have got frostbite in my toes, it was frrreeezing. The game continued to rage from end to end as both teams went  in search of the winner. The Reds made a couple of subs as Ruari and Alexander were replaced with Mowgli and Spike, who both brought good energy and enthusiasm to the team.

Just when it was looking like two dropped points for the Reds, Carloway lost the ball in their own half 40 yards out. Wally raced at the defence  before slipping the ball through to Sam, racing in from the right wing. Sam didn’t hesitate and hammered the ball left footed beyond a helpless Craigie inside his near post. Yessss!! Carloway 2 v 3 Point (85 mins). From there the Rudhach defence dealt well with all Carloway could throw at them and eventually, after loads of whistling from the travelling Grumblies, referee Dave Macleod (complete with wooly hat) blew the full time whistle. Great performance and vital win.

Point Man of the Match: A superb team performance but Sam Macsween gets the nod for his superb late winner.

Moment of match: Sam’s late goal was a cracker and keeps the positive momentum of the young squad going as we look to challenge at the top. Big league game v Aths at Garrabost on Monday 4th, 7pm.

It wasn’t in the match but during training the other day, Sam tried a fancy move and flicked the ball into Ali G’s nose. It would have been sore but as is the case in football, everyone laughed, particularly Coach Stoodie, standing at the opposite goal.  Well twenty seconds later, Matthew Wright (must have something against teachers) broke through on goal and blasted the ball goalwards, straight into Stoodie’s goolies. Karma.

United undone by Wally good play

United 1 – 3 Point

Match Details Here

The Reds continued their winning start to the league campaign with a battling win at Goathill against a determined young Stornoway United. The first half was one to forget for the Reds (again), but in the second half it was mostly one way traffic and Wally in particular gave the United defence a torrid time.

First half

Having beaten Westside in their opening game, the Reds arrived in the Capital in good spirits and the Maracana of Lewis football looked in good nick for the time of year. The Reds started out well but struggled with the final pass or got crowded out by the energetic bees, for whom ex Red Grant Stewart was doing his Duracell Bunny impression that I remember well from U14’s. After 10 minutes United forced a corner on the right following some sloppy Point defending. The corner was taken short and delivered into the box via a deflection. As the ball bobbled around, it was none other than the Duracell Bunny who was first to react and force the ball over the line. United 1 v 0 Point. “Shokin defendin” as Alan Hansen would say.

As the half wore on it became apparent that the Reds would need to improve as United were fairly comfortable, and indeed made a couple of lightening raids into Rudhach territory, with Ross Allison in particular looking dangerous. From one such attack Allison found himself one on one with Wrighty but the “Green Goblin of Garrabost” psyched out the youngster who hit the outside of the post. It was a huge relief for the Reds as that would have left us with a huge mountain to climb, bigger than the Clisham!

Finally the Reds started to get their act together and Duncan “Monchengladbach” Hunter cut inside and  hit a cracking shot which the United keeper did well to parry to safety. Then after 44 mins, following a mix up at the back, Wally nipped in between the goalie and defender before squaring the ball to Sam who sidefooted over the line. It had taken a mistake by United but we were level! United 1 v 1 Point

Halftime
At halftime we reminded the boys to relax on the ball a bit more and that there should be more opportunity to find space as the United defence and midfield tired.
There was no coffee or tea but Scotty Bonbon had come with Sportsmix and Bonbons (I think they were lemon).

Second half

The Reds came out in determined fashion and Wally and Sam were combining well down the right. Kettings and Ali G both entered the fray after an hour and this seemed to give the Reds an extra boost. Indeed , just after the hour Wally floated in a cracking free kick from the right which Stu Flower won and headed back across the goal. Everybody stopped except for Sam the Man who had the easiest task of tapping home for his second. It was weird as he was the only one to react and it was like the Ref had blown, but he hadn’t and the goal counted and everything in the Rudhach garden was rosy! United 1 v Point 2.

The Reds continued to dominate and after 70 mins Elliot scored his first competitive goal in a Rudhach jersey and what a cracker it was. Great combination play down the right led to Wally tearing away along the touchline. Whilst running at full pace he put in a beautiful cross for the onrushing Rudall who must have had a smile on his face as he saw the ball coming in at head height. The goalie had no chance as Elliot buried it in the bottom corner. What a beauty!
The remainder of the game was fairly comfortable for the Reds and Wally had a strong penalty claim denied near full time but in the end it was a good three points against a stubborn United team, for whom youngsters Chris Dempster and Seumas Maciver did well in centre defence.

Point team: Wrighty, Mowgli, Stephen C, Alex L, Alexander, Spike, Stu F, Elliot, Sam, Wally, Dunc. Subs: Rab, Donald G, Ali G, Stephen K, Ruari.

Point man of the match: Wally Maciver. Unstoppable second half and 2.5 assists.

Moment of match: After the first game I had the unenviable task of washing the filthy brand new strips. I read the instructions, looked up the internet and went for a cotton wash at 40 degrees for 2hrs… still manky. Hmmmm OK after consultation with wife and mum in law I put some vanish on every single strip and short and tried again at 50 degrees. Almost perfect, nice one, no one will notice. Folded them ready for game day. 6pm, Elliot “new boy” Rudall goes to put his kit on, “who the #$@& washed these!! They’re still manky.”  Oh well…..Hospital laundry from now on.