And so it begins

The date: 16 September

The time: 4pm for 4.30

The location: EA @ East Fettes

Dress code: Maroon casual

The weather: Dreech

The invitations had been issued, the RSVPs had dribbled in gradually with varying levels of chasing required, and the host waited with bated breath. Such was the setting as #projectpromotion got underway. Fortunately the lads showed up on time (mostly), with glad rags on, and a look of steely eyed determination (mostly), and champing at the bit to get on with the job.

Warm ups were had, stretching was done, inspiring team talks were delivered, and it was established that maroon and the home team’s purple were indeed different colours. We reminisced about successful periods in the past and how that success was achieved. We realised that is was in fact remarkably simple and consisted largely of sticking a man on a post. We decided to do it.

And indeed that tactic proved remarkably effective within the first 5 minutes - one squeezed narrowly past the post before Adam Kinghorn got it right next time, tapping in after good work on the right, driving along the baseline by Andrew Mortimer. Soon after it was two, as provider turned scorer and the lads relaxed into their rhythm. Some excellent pressing in the forward and midfield areas forced the home team to cough up possession again and again, although they did threaten briefly on the breakaway – a reminder that slackness could not be allowed to creep in.

The goals kept coming and by the break it was 5-0, with Deane, Kinghorn and debutant Graham getting on the scoresheet. The pick of the bunch was James’s effort from all of 4 inches – better safe than sorry as any good striker knows and there was no guarantee that Deane’s effort would have had the momentum after the keeper’s despairing effort to keep it out.

Half time came in three distinct sections: First Captain T Allan struggled to conjure up any negativity despite his best efforts; Second F Munro got his white board out and waxed lyrical about leads, positioning and other confusing tactical concepts, as the lads gazed on in wonder; Third the idea of switching to 4-3-3 was raised but quickly dismissed as far too complicated.

And so to the second half. An unnamed individual yelled out “come on boys, the target is double figures”, showing an admirable lack of consideration for the feelings and psychological development of the children who made up the bulk of the opposition. Undettered, the home team showed a much improved performance from the off. The picked their passes and the movement briefly threatened to unsettle our heroes, but the result was never in doubt despite the card received by DoD (sorry, Dom) Wright for a moment of rashness in the D. The way he left his feet and launched himself headlong at his opponent brought a tear to the eye of his nostalgic captain, as Skip remembered the days when he himself was physically capable of managing the same.

A sixth goal was added by Deane and that, as they say, was that. Get used to that winning feeling boys.

Onwards and, hopefully, upwards.

p.s. the goals may or may not have happened in the order or the manner specified above – some licence must surely be allowed.