Mens 3s vs. Dunfermline City 1s

The questions began as we met at Myreside. Where is everybody? (late) Who is actually meeting here? (not many) Do we have any keeper pads with us? (not yet) Those of us travelling together decided that it was the captain's problem to know the answer to these things so piled into cars heading to Dunfermline. Where are we going? - Some school.

The queries continued during warm up - What is going on with this pitch? (It was like someone had let the astro grow long) Are we still doing yoga? (yes - get flexible, lads) but the men dutifully jogged, stretched and prepared.

The 3s have had some poor luck with results recently and today was a day to put right some of the injustice. Not long after the off a scrappy breakdown left Bell with the ball on the baseline at the left side of the goal. The strange pitch, the keepers pads and a helping of good fortune found the ball trickling over the line for the 1st goal of the day.

It was clear that we were going to have the run of this game as we repeatedly built attacks down both the left and right channels. Small linking well with Elstow on the left and Cockburn doing a great job with Duncan on the right. The cracks were showing and Bell soon found himself with a more respectable opportunity to put the ball across the line.

The midfield and front line looked dangerous throughout the half, with substitutes helping to keep everyone fresh. Gilmore in particular looked dangerous up front, threatening on the left side and eventually finding the goal not once but twice before the half time whistle.

4-0 up with 35 to go, everything was looking good. Unfortunately, whether we didn't like the direction of the wind, there was something in the water or we thought 4 was enough, we slowed down. Waugh and the other midfielders were controlling the centre of the pitch and City were short of options, mostly choosing to move it out to the side and thump it speculatively down the line. Gray and new recruit Sholdis remained in control though until a careless foot from Gray that stopped a City man through on the keeper earned him a green card and a two minute rest. Cockburn stepped admirably into the breach where he remained for longer than expected as an arguably harsh yellow card sent Gray back to the bin for a extra breather.

A shortage of players didn't slow us down though, and Long soon broke through to deliver the first goal of the half. City eventually found success with their move when Bridgefoot, stepping into the pads at the last minute, was beaten at the far post by a strong shot from the edge of the 'D'.

Thanks to Paul Conkie for umpiring.