Watsonians 3s 4- Fidra Lions 2

Watsonians 3s vs Fidra Lions 1s

The group of maroon-shirted players huddled in a rain-soaked Peffermill dugout could tell something was amiss: “That is definitely not the Uni.” With that straightened out, there were other questions being asked: “Why are we here so early?” “Why is el presidente not in his hockey kit?” “Do you think it’s this cold where Duncan is?” And more worryingly: “Where are all our forwards?”

The early start seemed to suit the Watsonians team as they controlled the early exchanges, quick passing and good ball pace stretching the Fidra defence, some wide spaces opening in behind. Fast forward 25 minutes and Fraser Heigh had more or less set up camp in the Fidra D and collected three goals for his troubles. I have to confess the details have sort of blurred in my memory. Sorry Fraser. Suffice to say there was skill, speed and clinical finishing involved, and you’re welcome to play for the 3s anytime.

Defensively Watsonians had stood firm for long periods of the half, Fidra’s only breakthrough coming after the ball was judged to have come off the glove of keeper Swanson and onto a Watsonian’s foot. A penalty flick was duly awarded and narrowly converted, Swanson guessing the right way but unable to keep the ball out of the net.

Half time score: 3-1 to the men in maroon.

The second half opened with a soft Fidra goal. A long aerial from their midfield put two of the attack in behind Watsonians’ defence. Good keeping and a last ditch tackle by Ross Fontana almost saw off the danger, but a final Fidra touch rolled the ball just inside the left post. The score was now 3-2.

A few plays later, some quick passing through the midfield found Fraser outside the top of the D. His pass connected with the stick of Rich Booth, who by a happy accident was, at that exact moment, practicing his Klinsman impression. His deflection took the ball past the keeper. 4-2 to Watsonians.

Meanwhile, at some point in 2nd half proceedings Hamish earned himself a green card. Didn’t see it, so not sure what for. Fidra’s frustration at the scoreline was definitely building though, and with ten minutes to go, whatever fragile anger management strategies were being employed by one of their players failed him quite spectacularly, following what this writer would describe as a pretty soft tackle. Apparently the man from Fidra didn’t see it that way, lashing out at the nearest Watsonian (Rich Booth, by this point), drawing blood in the process. Older brother Martin had to be restrained, more players ran in, some consultation between captain and referee was required, and a yellow card apiece was shown, which is of course why I wound up writing this report.

Rest of the match passed without incident. Final score: 4-2.

Joint MoM award went to Ross Fontana for helping stop numerous Fidra attacks with some strong tackling and solid ball distribution, and Fraser Heigh for providing a constant threat up front, but mostly for that hat trick and assist.

Author: Ian Duncan