Watsonians 3s vs Fidra Lions

Saturday 24th October, kick-off 4pm. The stage was set, New Zealand were to face old World Cup enemies South Africa in the semi-final. Unfortunately, for the Watsonians Mens 3s, Fidra Lions stood in the way of a cold pint in the clubhouse.

After a yoga inspired warm-up, laps of the school and words of wisdom by Gray, the team were ready and firing on all cylinders eager to get the match under-way. Previous matches had seen the team making a sluggish start, was this to be one of those days?

From the first whistle, the team made good ground pressurising the Fidra Lion’s defence. Good linking play between defence and midfield saw early signs of the opposition breaking down, their only outlet saw the ball being flicked over-head unable to be trapped by their forwards. Pressure from the Watsonians continued seeing the ball behind the defence to Hogarth on a number of occasions linking with Littlejohn and the supporting midfield. Unfortunately, not able to capitalise on the dominance in the opposition half, the Watsonians were undeterred and continued to press.

After the early onslaught of attack by Watsonians saw the strong bench of the 16 man squad begin to roll on. This allowed the opposition to find their feet and claw their way back into the match. Still using the areal pass as the only outlet, Fidra were able to finally complete a pass leaving a 1 on 1 with keeper, Swanson. On this occasion, the Fidra striker took this in his stride and was able to round Swanson. 1-0 Fidra Lions.

A war-cry like burst of encouragement from captain Bell spurred the Watsonians to continue the pressure and see it as a momentary set-back. However, this one goal lead by Fidra saw them spark to life and begin to turn the tables of pressure on the Watsonians. This pressure was rewarded seeing a deflected ball into the D and into the back of the net. 2-0 Fidra Lions.

This was the wake-up call the Watsonians camp needed. After a fury of attacks by the men in white and maroon, Hogarth seized a chance thundering the ball past the opposition goal keeper bringing Watsonians within 1. Was this to be the window of opportunity to get back into the game? After a number of exchanges, the majority of the first half saw the game camped in Fidra’s half. This pressure came to no avail, as another areal ball from Fidra’s play maker saw the ball into the Watsonian D. Strong defending was unrewarded when a ball glanced a defender’s foot, short corner Firdra. Up to now the defensive short corner routine had held strong against previous corners. A poor injection by Fidra left the striker little choice but to flick the ball into the bottom right corner, leaving the defence stunned. 3-1 Fidra and half time.

The second half continued much the same as the first, Watsonians attacking from all areas of the pitch, leaving Fidra unsure what to do. Unable to capitalise on the building pressure began to take its toll on the home side. This lead to a lapse of a judgement by the Watsonians leaving a second 1 on 1 chance against Swanson. 4-1 Fidra.

After looking so commanding for much of the match the Watsonians were shocked to be this far behind. A number of exchanges of attack by both sides gave way to a short corner for the home side. Up stepped captain Bell to take command. Agreeing what the play would be, a well injected ball from Littlejohn to the top, trapped by Booth to Bell, who whittled the ball low and hard past the post. Bell’s pinpoint accuracy unrewarded, as Littlejohn was waiting at the injector mark to receive the returned pass, as agreed before the corner was played. This was to be the story of the match, accuracy but failing to hit the mark.

A late goal by Hogarth in the dying minutes of the match from a short corner ended the match 4-2 to the visitors. An exciting match to be part of and many positives to be taken from it. When will the next win come? Will the Watsonians turn around a 3 game streak of defeats and Will Chris Scholdis turn up sober?

Big thanks to Rich Waugh for umpiring. Next week, Grange 6s in the Plate.

By Andrew Littlejohn