Watsonians M3s vs Carnegie -15th November 2014.

The men’s 3rd eleven were riding high after their third straight win, after a tough game against Kinross. Having to make the longest journey in East District one, had taken it’s toll on the usually strong 3’s squad. A team sheet of 12 players was reduced to 11, with the loss of Sandy Hendry, to a potential bed related back injury. Time would tell if the 3’s top goal scorer would be missed. The six midfield players would have to work it out for themselves.

Carnegie started the stronger of the two teams, with the youth of their side wanting to make an impression on the game. A sequence of penalties corners kept the Sonians’ defence busy, but the scoreboard remained silent.

As the game progressed, the 3’s midfield started to get a hold on the game. With an injection of pace, the Carnegie defence was opened up down the left. A dangerous ball across the D, was just tipped away by the Carnegie keeper, which could have opened the scoring, but was definitely not the last good save he would make.

Pace of ball through the middle of park, saw Martin Booth ghost past the last defender and slot the ball into the bottom left corner of the goal, only for the umpire to call the game back, for a Watsons free hit outside the D. No advantage given.

Each time the 3s pressed forward the Carnegie defence utilised a very effective aeriel outlet. This tactic paid of when Richard Gray, misjudged the bounce of the ball and controlled with his chest. A green card for his troubles, left a makeshift defensive line for the next few minutes.

Unfortunately in this time, Carnegie finally managed to convert a penalty corner. Using their right option, to fire the ball towards the bottom right corner and deflecting the ball in from Dereck Thomas’s foot.

Sonians’ finished the half on the front foot, with the self-named (new blood) of the team combining, with Phil Long firing across the D to the back post, for Craig Elstow, narrowly putting the ball past the post.

With the half finishing at 1-0, we decided not to try and force the play. Concentrating on using the ball and working hard for each other. Pressing the opposition to cut out the aeriel threat and the result would turn our way.

The competitive nature of the game continued into the second half. Some good back and forth sparring between the two sides had the Carnegie support making some noise. A good period of pressure down the left resulted with a sideline ball. Ian Duncan hit in towards the D to be picked up, just outside by Long. Crossing in to the back post where captain Bell had made his camp, two attempts saw the ball in the back of the net. Once again the goal was chalked off, as the ball was deemed to have gone straight in to the circle. With Bell querying the decision, Watsons were awarded a re-take of the sideline ball.

With time running out in the second half, the 3’s midfield started to push higher and higher. A quick passing move through the middle had Waugh breaking the opposition defence with a ball through to Martin Booth. Booth harnessed his inner strikers long forgotten instincts, picking up the pass and sliding past the onrushing keeper to place the ball in the back of the net. 1-1.

While the men’s 3’s were pressing for the winner, Carnegie had a great opportunity to take the win. A breakaway down the field and the resulting 2 on 1, could have decided the game, if only the winger had decided to pass instead of run the ball.

Stalemate at the final whistle, left both teams with a hard fought point. The game was played in a competitive manner and we are more than looking forward to the return leg. Would the game have been different with a dedicated striker in the team?

1-1 Draw By Richard Waugh