Gordonians 1- 5 Watsonians

The Sonian's boys were on a high from a solid start to their National 1 campaign. After an excellent win against Clydesdale last weekend the squad were well aware that it would take another huge effort to get the 3 points on their travels to the Granite City.

After such solid support from the travelling fans in the last 2 fixtures, the news that there would indeed be a good support for the Boy's in Maroon was met with a joyous reaction by the squad. Big thanks to the Kinloch Family and to Tom's Mum and girlfriend for taking time out their own family holiday to support the team.

The game itself started well for the away side and they were perhaps surprised with how well they were able to retain the ball. Within 10 minutes they were rewarded for their attacking intent. A well won short corner by Katsipanos, was despatched by the reinvigorated Scott Sutherland. Scott's new healthy lifestyle paying dividends on both the attacking and defensive aspects of his play as he made several solid front stick tackles which didn't go unnoticed throughout the match. Well even if they did he ensured everyone knew about them. Well done Scott.

The 'Sonians didn't stop there though and it was important they continued to exert their dominance and turn their pressure in to goals. Michael McKenna was the man to ensure they did just that as he did well to control a bobbling ball inside the Gordonian's D and finish expertly on the half volley.

It wasn't long before McKenna had the ball in the net again but this time it was harshly ruled out for his strong tackle/shot. However McKenna did get his 2nd moments later after some lovely team hockey. An inspired substitution from coach Graeme Stewart (Deeg) meant Beattie returned to the right back slot after catching his breath (He's not been well for the past couple of fixtures but credit to the young man for soldiering on and playing for the team despite this). As Beattie trotted across to his RB berth he informed sweeper Sands to chuck a little aerial to allow Beattie to drive the line. Fraser Sands did just that and Beattie controlled the ball beautifully as he then attacked the Gordonian's left hand side. After beating a couple of defenders he then turned back to look to switch the play but he wasn't done there as he delightfully faked the pass and rinsed the 2 dumbfounded defenders to then drive towards the D. A further few were eliminated and Beattie then set up Gus Fraser Harris at the top of the D. The elder statesman of the team was unfortunate as his low strike was saved but the ball fell kindly to utility man Danny Prentice who unselfishly set up McKenna for a tap in at the back post.

The team's work rate and commitment was deserving of more goals and just before the half time interval the 4th goal arrived. On this occasion it was an unexpected source. Left back Craig McCrossan found himself high up the pitch and it was his quick thinking that meant he pounced on a poor clearance from the Aberdeen goalkeeper. After cushioning the ball well he found space at the top of the D and finished low to the Keeper's left.

Half time Gordonians 0-4 Watsonians

Geeg was quick to point out to the squad that despite the score line this was arguably the team's poorest performance so far this season. A point that the team acknowledged before returning to the pitch.

The home side were not done with the match yet though and their intensity increased in the 2nd half. After a short spell of pressure a hopeful crashed ball was sent towards the Sonian's D. As the ball came crashing in Beattie tried to outwit the opposition by dummying the ball but fair play to the Gordonian's attacker as his quick thinking allowed him to pick up and get his shot away. A harshly awarded short corner then led to the home side getting a goal back. A well hit corner was too accurate for Northern Irishman Luke Campbell in goal.

This was not going to stop the away side however and as the Maroon men started to reassert their dominance on the game they were rewarded with another short corner. Sutherland again stepped up and this time finished low and left off the post to get his 2nd of the match.

After this the game fizzled out somewhat. The only other couple of noteworthy moments were Captain Hollis receiving a green card for a display of petulance at the awarding of a short corner against him. As a result of the Captain's dismissal Coach Geeg looked to restore calm to the side and this led to Calum Swann's 20 second cameo as he was tactically subbed.

Overall a very solid display from the travelling side. Always a tough fixture in the calendar a trip to the Granite City and to return to the Capital with 3 points and being top of the table is testament to the hard work and quality of the side.

The League leaders are in action again tomorrow for the 2nd part of their double header in the cup at their true home (Tipperlinn) against Hillhead. Come along and support the squad as they look to continue their process with a win.