Saturday March 21, 2009.

Graeme Macleod reports on Edinburgh Capitals vs. Manchester Phoenix in the Elite League at Murrayfield Ice Rink for Edinburgh Sport Online.

THERE was playoff joy for the Edinburgh Capitals at Murrayfield Ice Rink as they secured their quarter final spot with victory over Manchester Phoenix.

‘We are number eight’ was the chant from the bumper home crowd in recognition of their side clinching the final spot in the eight-team playoffs. But it could get even better for the Capitals if results go their way tomorrow as they could pip the Newcastle Vipers to seventh place.

Either way, coach Doug Christiansen will be relieved to know that the pressure is off the trip to Hull tomorrow as the Northumberland side have been on the Capitals’ tails all season.

The Capitals made a bright start to this match and Mark Hurtubise almost opened the scoring on one minute. His angled-drive from the right was saved by Manchester netminder Stephen Murphy though.

Jason Cassells then saw his effort blocked by Murphy before Kyle Horne’s long-range shot was saved on the line as Edinburgh piled on the early pressure.

Hurtubise then dispossessed Phoenix’s Kenton Smith and tried his luck from range. But Murphy was equal to the shot as he made another save.

Manchester threatened at the other end on five minutes when Tony Hand played a pass into the danger area from the left. David-Alexandre Beauregard looked the apply the finish but he flicked his shot across goal and wide of the target.

A slip by Phoenix defender Josh Garbutt gifted Edinburgh the opening goal in the 6th minute. Mark Hurtubise took advantage of the Manchester man’s untimely misfortune to nick the puck and race towards goal. He then tempted Murphy from his goal-line before flicking a shot through the gap left by the visiting netminder.

Action at Murrayfield where Edinburgh Capitals defeated Manchester Phoenix

And Edinburgh were two up less than a minute later. Martin Cingel picked out Jason Cassells on the right. The Capitals forward then flicked a great shot beyond Murphy and into the roof of the net.

Manchester were handed a powerplay when Edinburgh were given a two-minute penalty as a result of Joe Dustin’s trip. And they took full advantage as they halved the deficit on 11 minutes.

After Kyle Bruce fired past from close range from the right of the goal, the puck broke to Nathan Ward. He picked out David-Alexandre Beauregard with a pass inside and the Phoenix forward applied a close-range finish.

But Edinburgh did not let that set back get them down. And as soon as they were back to a full compliment of players, they re-established their two-goal advantage. Mark Garside raced up the left after winning possession as the Capitals counter-attacked. His shot was blocked but the puck broke to Doug Christiansen. With his back to goal, the player-coach laid it off to Kyle Horne who smashed home from a considerable distance.

The visitors probed for a way back into the game and Luke Fulghum resorted to shooting from almost the half way line. Pasi Raitonen in the Edinburgh net was equal to the shot though as he made the block.

There was controversy on 18 minutes when Hurtubise was clean through on goal and was taken out by a Manchester defender. But referee Moray Hanson did not award a penalty spot to the obvious disgust of the home support.

Manchester should have grabbed another goal back in the last minute of the first period. Bruce split the Capitals’ defence with a grat through pass which sent Ward hurtling towards goal. He had time and space on his hands but he could only send a tame shot straight at Raitonen. (First period 3-1).

The Phoenix did grab their second goal of the evening two minutes into the second period. Fulghum emarked on a mazy run up the left but his shot was blocked by Raitonen. The loose puck dropped to David-Alexandre Beauregard though, who was on hand to knock home the rebound for his second goal of the game.

The Capitals came roaring back again though and netted their fourth goal three minutes later. Hurtubise played the puck from almost behind the Phoenix goal on the right to Mark Paterson at the near post. The Edinburgh forward did the rest as he scored his first goal of the season with a close range finish.

Manchester came close to netting their third goal of the game on 28 minutes. Bruce Mulherin picked out Ward with a reverse pass but his powerful drive was kept out by Raitonen, who knew little or nothing about the save.

Flughum then saw his shot blocked by Raitonen before Edinburgh almost added a fifth but Hurtubise shot over from coming in from the left.

Manchester set up an intriguing final period though when they reduced the leeway to one with a goal on 37 minutes. There were loud shouts from the home fans for a foul in the build up but when the Capitals could only clear the puck as far as Manchester’s Brett Clouthier, he fed Lucas Burnett on the right. The Phoenix man then flicked a shot past Raitonen and referee Hanson was again incurring the wrath of the Capitals’ supporters. (Second period: 1-2).

The Capitals were first to threaten in the final period when Taylor Christie raced in on goal but he flicked his shot past the left hand post.

Raitonen was having a fine night in the Edinburgh net and he again kept the visitors at bay on 51 minutes. Beauregard picked out Hand on the right but his shot was held by the on-form Capitals goaltender.

Paterson almost scored his second of the night when he marrauded up the right. His angled shot though was kept out by the outstretched leg on Manchester’s replacement netminder, Adam Summerfield.

But Edinburgh rounded off a memorable night with two late goals to make the points save. Mark Hurtubise scored a classy goal as he tormented and teased the Manchester defence by cutting in from the right and weaving past two visitng players. The Capitals forward then rifled a stinging shot into the net bia the underside of the crossbar to give the hosts some breathing space on 57 minutes.

Then with less than 30 seconds remaining, Edinburgh added a sixth. Hurtubise raced down the right but was denied a hat-trick by a smart Summerfield save. The rebound fell to Jason Cassells though and he did the rest from close range to secure the Capitals’ playoff spot. (Third period: 2-0).

Final score: Edinburgh Capitals 6; Manchester Phoenix 3.

Edinburgh Capitals – Pasi Raitonen; Kyle Horne, Taylor Christie, Mark Garside, Jordan Steel; Mark Hurtubise, Sean Perkins, Craig Mitchell; Neil Hay, Mark Paterson, Adam Stefishen; Doug Christiansen; Joe Dustin; Jason Cassells; Martin Cingel. Unused – Sean Donaldson.

Penalty minutes 6; Shots on goal 24 (Murphy 21; Summerfield 3); Powerplay 0/1.

Manchester Phoenix – Stephen Murphy; Adam Summerfield; Kenton Smith; Alex Dunn; Tony Hand; David-Alexandre Beauregard; Josh Garbutt; Nathan Ward; Brett Clouthier; Bruce Mulherin; Luke Fulghum; Adam Walker; Kyle Bruce; Carl Graham; Lucas Burnett.

Penalty minutes 2; Shots on goal 26; Powerplay 1/3.

Graeme Macleod speaks to Edinburgh City manager Shaun Steven after his side’s 2-1 win over Heriot-Watt University in the East of Scotland Premier League for Edinburgh Sport Online.

A JORDAN Caddow goal in the second half secured a crucial three points for Edinburgh City in their battle against relegation. The Meadowbank side defeated fellow strugglers Heriot-Watt University at home after the visitors’ Lars Berger had levelled Steven Mullen’s opener before Caddow struck.

And boss Shaun Steven was a relieved man come the final whistle as his side climbed away from the relegation zone. Speaking exclusively to Edinburgh Sport Online, Steven said: “We have dominated our last four or five games but not been able to kill teams off. I felt we dominated again today but the difference was we managed to score near the end of the game to get a good victory.

“We could have really sealed it with a further goal at the death and made it really comfortable. But it was a good result for us because it takes a wee bit of pressure off. We are still in there fighting relegation but hopefully today’s result can help to turn our season round and get us back on the winning way.”

City opened the scoring in the first half through Steven Mullen’s thunderbolt. And Steven was delighted to see the powerful player take advantage of a rare outing in attack. “It was a brilliant goal by Steven. It is the first chance he has had a chance up front this season and he goes and does that. Maybe I should have played him there earlier!”

Next week The Citizens travel to Peffermill to take on an Edinburgh University side that won 4-1 when the two teams last met only last week. The City manager is eager to avoid a repeat. “We always seem to struggle against the Uni,” Steven said. “They are a bit like Heriot-Watt in that they don’t seem to have any players under six-foot tall. They are a strong a side and it is always a physical and hard game there. We will have to fight all the way to the end but hopefully we can avenge the tanking we got from them but I will settle for 1-0 as long as we win.”

Graeme Macleod reports on Edinburgh City vs. Heriot-Watt University at Meadowbank Stadium for Edinburgh Sport Online.

EDINBURGH City eased their relegation worries with a narrow 2-1 win over Heriot-Watt University at Meadowbank. But their visitors now have a real fight on their hands to preserve their East of Scotland Premier League status.

Both teams suffered defeats in midweek as their relegation worries deepened. And it showed in this scrappy affair which consisted of very few moments of true classy play.

City made the better start and after only two minutes they tested Watt goalkeeper Murray Scott. Drew Calladine’s free kick from the left found Michael Bruce. However, the big centre half could only send a tame shot header at the ‘keeper.

Jordan Caddow then picked out Steven Mullen with a low pass in from the left. The City forward took a touch and turned his man but his shot from a narrow angle flew over the top at the near post.

Heriot-Watt University get the game underway at Meadowbank Stadium.

The visitors’ first attempt at goal came on 11 minutes when Banji Koya found himself with space 30 yards from goal. The striker – restored to the starting line up after impressing as a substitute in the defeat to Spartans on Wednesday – tried his luck from long range. But his strike flashed just over Stuart Hogarth’s crossbar.

As the half progressed, the game became more disjointed as both teams struggled to keep possession in what was a tetchy affair.

But out of nowhere, City took the lead on 29 minutes. The visiting defence failed to deal with a Calladine free kick into the box. The ball dropped to Steven Mullen who had his back to goal. The Edinburgh striker took one touch to control it before spinning and sending an 18-yard drive across Scott and into the roof of the net.

Heriot-Watt were the width of the crossbar away from drawing level four minutes later. The City defence could only head a Watt corner from the left upwards and when the ball dropped, Frazer Paterson sent a looping header goalwards. Unfortunately for John Young’s men, the defender’s 12-yard effort came back off the face of the crossbar.

But seven minutes before the break, the visitors were level. Ross Leask raced up the left and played a low pass inside to the feet of Lars Berger. The Norwegian striker spun his marker before rolling a low shot across Hogarth and into the far corner of the net. (H-T 1-1).

The start of the second half saw few chances created by either side but Heriot-Watt were first to threaten. After 59 minutes, Dom Samuel clipped a cross in from the left that substitute Joe Leask met with a header. But his effot flew well over the bar.

The visitors then passed up a golden chance to take the lead three minutes later. Oli Antoni timed his run to perfection to meet Michael-John Henretty’s corner from the right. But the big midfielder could only send his bullet header over the bar from a couple of yards.

The momentum then swung back in favour of the hosts as they took the game by the scruff of the neck. On 64 minutes, Calladine’s corner from the right was cleared to the unmarked Mullen at the edge of the box. He volleyed for goal but his effort from 25 yards flew just wide of the target.

Four minutes later, Kenny Ross raced down the left and clipped the ball back from the by-line to Jordan Hall. The City midfielder met it sweet on the volley from 12 yards but his left-footed effort was tipped over the bar by Scott.

The home side continued to up the tempo and should have scored on 69 minutes. Caddow found himself in acres of space in the opposition box. The forward probably did not realise exactly how long he had as he rushed his shot and sent a tame effort from 12 yards straight at Scott.

But the City forward made amends a minute later when he notched the decisive third goal of the game. Ross Macnamara’s long clearance from the defence tempted Scott from his line to try and deal with the danger. But Jordan Caddow beat him in the race to the ball, as the Edinburgh striker stabbed a 15-yard shot past the advancing goalkeeper and into the net.

City were firmly in control by now as Heriot-Watt struggled to break down the home defence. And Shaun Steven’s men almost added a third when Caddow controlled the ball with his left foot and volleyed it with his right. Scott in the Heriot Watt goal dived to his left though and made the save which denied Caddow his second of the game.

The visitors kept plugging away as they searched for an equaliser and the nearest they came was on 89 minutes. Joe Leask laid the ball off to Koya who blasted it goalwards from 10 yards. But his effort deflected over the bar for a corner.

From the resulting set piece, City retrieved the ball and immediately broke up the other end of the park. Substitute Steven Clee squared it across the pitch to Keven Morrison, who had raced in on goal. With the time and space to pick his spot and team-mate Oayetano Martin square for a tap in, he could only shoot straight at Scott.

But it wasn’t to matter though as City picked up a vital three points to leave Heriot-Watt searching for a first league win of the calendar year.

Edinburgh City – Stuart Hogarth; John Hall; Kenny Ross; Ross Macnamara; Michael Bruce; Jordan Hall; Keven Morrison; Drew Calladine; Jordan Caddow; Steven Mullen (Steven Clee 85); Jamie Speed (Oayetano Martin 78). Subs unused – Juan Carlos Amoros; Dougie Gair.

Goals scored 2; Shots on target 5; Shots off target 9; Corners won 7; Offsides against 4; Fouls committed 14; Woodwork hit 0; Yellow cards 0; Red cards 0.

Heriot-Watt University – Murray Scott; Andy Forbes (Lee Manderson 78); Dom Samuel; Frazer Paterson; David Mowat; Simon Ferrie; Ross Leask (Glibert Paterson 58); Oli Antoni; Lars Berger (Joe Leask 58); Banji Koya; Michael-John Henretty.

Goals scored 1; Shots on target 2; Shots off target 7; Corners won 5; Offsides against 0; Fouls committed 13; Woodwork hit 1; Yellow cards 0; Red cards 0.

Friday March 20, 2009.

Graeme Macleod speaks to manager Les Fridge about Rothes vs. Nairn County and previews the Nairn County vs. Deveronvale quarter final cup tie for Nairn County FC Online.

A Glenn Main hat-trick at Rothes helped Nairn County to progress to the quarter final of the Highland League Cup. But manager Les Fridge had little time to reflect on the first round win as he prepares his team for tomorrow’s last eight clash against Deveronvale at Station Park.

County took the lead when Rothes defender Steven Sim put through his own net following some goalmouth confusion caused by a Gregg Main corner. But despite Nairn’s dominance, the home side levelled when Kevin Shortreed turned home Mike Smith’s mis-hit shot.

Just before the interval though, Nairn re-established their lead when Shaun Kerr fired home after Lewis MacKinnon’s effort was blocked.

Main then struck for the first time to put County 3-1 up before all but securing his side’s place in the next round with his second of the evening soon after. Rothes did pull one back but that man Main struck again to complete his treble and put Nairn 5-2 before Michael Dunn’s late consolation for The Speysiders rounded off the scoring.

Fridge was pleased to see his team progress and felt they were comfortably ahead throughout the evening. Speaking to Nairn County FC Online, he said: “Up until when it was 4-1, it was a very good performance from us. I thought we were cruising then but we went on to lose a couple of cheap goals which made the scoreline look a little different and made life a little bit more difficult for us. But I don’t think we were ever in any danger.”

The boss had praise for goal hero Main, who now has four goals in two games after breaking his duck for the club only last Saturday. “I’ve been saying for the last couple of weeks that he (Main) is growing in confidence and he is fully deserving of all the accolades and the goals that he is getting at the moment. He has waited for his chance and he’s been working hard. Now it is up to him.”

Fridge now leads his side into his third quarter final in five seasons having beaten Buckie Thistle on penalties and Inverurie Locos after extra time in previous years. The manager has doubts over Willie Barron – who missed Wednesday night’s win with an injury picked up last Saturday – Callum Donaldson, Wayne Mackintosh, Gregg Main, Steven Edwards and David Hind who are all struggling with knocks. Meanwhile, Chris Finnigan, Scott Graham and Gary Black will definitely miss out. “We’ll just have to wait and see what happens come tomorrow,” he said. “Wednesday night was a very physical game and it was something of a scrap. We did expect that going there but it means we do not have a lot of time to recover. It’s not like playing just on Saturdays when we have a week to recover from knocks. We got back quite late and then boys had to get up the next morning to do a day’s work. So from that point of view, it doesn’t give us a lot of time to recover but we just have to get on with it.”

It was four weeks ago when County met Vale at Station Park on league duty and were pegged back in the last couple of minutes to draw 2-2 after holding a two-goal lead. “We played really well that day but we lost a couple of bad goals again which has cost us dearly throughout this season. We are scoring lots of goals and creating lots of chances. We just have to be a bit more switched on against the so-called better teams.”

Wednesday March 18, 2009

Graeme Macleod reports on Heriot-Watt University vs. Spartans in the East of Scotland Premier League for Edinburgh Sport Online.

IT is often said that ‘football is a funny old game’. And this match at Riccarton proved that theory to be bang on as Heriot-Watt University and Spartans served up a thriller.

In front of a healthy crowd, Spartans raced into a three-goal lead before the home side hit back early on in the second half. Two quick-fire goals gave the visitors a 5-1 lead but the students rallied again with a couple of further counters to make it an uneasy end to the game for Mike Lawson’s men.

Lawson named the same side that won the Challenge Cup on Sunday with a 6-0 thumping of Edinburgh University in the final. Watt boss John Young handed Chris Donnelly a debut in midfield.

Omar Kader whips in a corner for Spartans

After Keith McLeod had fired into the side-netting, Spartans took the lead on 19 minutes. Forward McLeod out-muscled Watt’s Frazer Paterson on the by-line, before turning the ball back into the danger area. And Omar Kader was on hand to volley home the cross from four yards.

Spartans doubled their lead after 32 minutes when a defensive mix up saw the ball break to Danny O’Donnell. The full-back showed great composure as he caught Watt goalkeeper Murray Scott off his line with an exquisite 20-yard lob.

And four minutes before half time, the visitors added a third to seemingly put the game to bed. Nicky Walker raced into a long ball down the right and despite the striker looking offside, play was allowed to continue. His low cross found Donal Henretty at the near post. He laid the ball off for Alex King to place home from eight yards, although the strike needed a wicked deflection to beat Scott. (H-T 0-3).

Heriot-Watt manager John Young changed tact at the interval, throwing two big strikers on in the form of Lars Berger and Banji Koya. And the move paid instant dividends as the home side grabbed a goal back seven minutes after the restart. Koya hit the by-line on the left and sent over an inch-perfect cross for Norwegian forward Berger to power a header beyond Spartains goalkeeper Chris Flockhart.

But the visitors re-established their three-goal lead only four minutes later. Ross Archibald’s deep cross from the left found McLeod at the back post. And the towering front man made no mistake as he bulleted home his side’s fourth of the evening with his head.

And only 60 seconds later, Spartans made it five as the home defence threatened to capitulate. Walker rolled a short free kick to Robbie Manson on the edge of the box. The visitors’ midfielder then picked out Omar Kader with a low pass into the box and he made no mistake as he stroked home his second of the game.

On the hour mark though, Heriot-Watt pulled another goal back. Berger laid the ball off to Simon Ferrie and he drove into the space in front of him before firing a rocket into the top right hand corner from 25 yards to complete a whirlwind start to the half.

The hosts were then reduced to 10 men though when defender Jimmy Rae was shown his second yellow card. It was harsh on the influential left back and a Spartans rout looked like it could be back on the cards.

Visiting boss Mike Lawson was desperate for his side to grab another goal to ‘win’ the second half. And the gaffer almost got what he wanted when substitute Struan Preston weaved down the right and cut inside two Watt defenders. However, his angled shot with the outside of his right foot flew across goal and wide.

Indeed it was the hosts who netted the final goal of the game to add a more respectable slant to the score line. Koya chased a hopeful ball forward and despite Spartans’s Dan Gerrard having a five-yard headstart, the Watt forward won the race to the ball. He then went round Flockhart before placing a left-footed shot into the unguarded net.

Watt boss John Young will be looking for his team to replicate their second half performance from this game when they visit Edinburgh City on Saturday. Meanwhile, his counterpart Lawson will be hoping his side can continue their  seven-match winning run at Easterhouse Lily, the last team to beat them. (F-T 3-5).

Heriot-Watt University – Murray Scott; Andy Forbes; Jimmy Rae; Frazer Paterson (Banji Koya 46); Dom Samuel; David Mowat; Chris Donnelly (Gary Macbrayne 65); Olivier Antoni; Joe Leask (Lars Berger 46); Simon Ferrie; Lee Manderson. Subs unused – Michael-John Henretty; Chris Rae.

Goals scored 3; Shots on target 6; Shots off target 2; Corners won 8; Offsides against 0; Fouls committed 17; Woodwork hit 0; Yellow cards 3 (J. Rae 57, 63; Ferrie 87); Red cards 1 (J. Rae 63).

Spartans – Chris Flockhart; Danny O’Donnell; Stewart Fowlie (Michal Opilka 65); Ross Archibald; Dan Gerrard; Omar Kader; Alex King (Gavin Malin 58); Robbie Manson; Nicky Walker; Keith McLeod (Struan Preston 70); Donal Henretty. Subs unused – Dean Hoskins; Daryl Devlin.

Goals scored 5; Shots on target 9; Shots off target 9; Corners won 8; Offsides against 3; Fouls committed 18; Woodwork hit 0; Yellow cards 2 (King 43; Archibald 89); Red cards 0.

Saturday March 14, 2009

Graeme Macleod reports on CALA Edinburgh vs. WebEnergy Hillhead in National League One for Edinburgh Sport Online.

GOALS at the start of each half left CALA Edinburgh facing an uphill struggle when they hosted WebEnergy Hillhead at a blustery Meggetland.

The early-morning match pitted the league leaders in National League One against the bottom side. And table toppers Hillhead just had too much in their locker for the hard-working hosts.

The visitors opened the scoring with only two minutes on the clock. A penalty corner from the left was flicked up for Meible to smash home.

It was the worst possible start for CALA but they started to get to grips with their opponents and came into the game as it progressed.

But it was Hillhead who had to next chance on seven minutes when influential captain Hilton fired a low shot across goal and wide.

Two minutes later, Meible beat two Edinburgh players but he could only flick his shot past goalkeeper Chapman’s goal.

Edinburgh probe forward in their defeat to league leaders Hillhead at Meggetland

The CALA shot stopper was called into action again on 18 minutes. McAdam found Adams with a pass but the Hillhead man saw his shot from close range bravely blocked by Chapman’s legs.

Chapman came to his side’s rescue in the 27th minute. McAdam was played in on goal by Hilton for Hillhead but the alert goalkeeper raced from his line to narrow the angle, allowing him to deflect the shot wide of goal with his legs.

CALA looked dangerous when they broke forward but they just couldn’t find that incisive pass to penetrate the Hillhead defence.

Lind twisted and turned his way down the right for the home side but his pass across goal eluded his team mates.

And it was Hillhead who grabbed the all important second goal of the match. Adams was on hand at the back post with the easy task of knocking a low cross from the right into the net.

The hosts almost pulled on back before the interval but Lams’s 22-yard shot deflected wide of goal. (H-T 0-2).

Just like in the first half, it took Hillhead only two minutes in the second half to breach the CALA goal. Smith burst down the right and jinked in along the by-line before squaring the ball across goal. No one had tracked the run of Hilton who arrived at the back post to tap in his side’s third goal of the game.

Then the goal of the game arrived on 42 minutes. A great passing move saw Meible feed Van Der Hosin, who then played it first time across goal for Adams to slot past Chapman.

A great goal-line block by Edinburgh’s Milne prevented Hillhead from adding a fifth on 46 minutes. Meible squared the ball past Chapman, taking the goalkeeper out of the equation. The pass reached Hilton who – with two defenders in front of him on the goal line – shot for the top corner. But Milne somehow managed to acrobatically flick the ball over the bar with his stick.

The hosts almost grabbed a goal back 10 minutes later. A botched Hillhead penalty corner allowed CALA to break forward. The impressive Flynn fed Waugh on the right but the Edinburgh man’s angled shot flew high across goal and wide.

The same duo combined again on 68 minutes when Flynn’s long pass forward found Waugh. But again his shot was of target as he fired the ball across goal and wide.

CALA will take heart from this performance when they travel to take on AAM in Aberdeen next week in a bottom-of-the-table clash. Neil Allan’s side acquitted themselves well against unbeaten Hillhead but they will be looking to cut out the habit of conceding early goals next time out.

CALA Edinburgh – Chapman; Miller; Bernard; Waugh; Russel; Flynn; Lams; Patterson; Milne; Inder; Lind.

WebEnergy Hillhead – Darno; Sherrad; Dorman; Pollock; Boyce; Meible; McAdam; Adams; Van Der Hosin; Hilton; Smith; Marshall; Mackintosh; Cruicks.

Friday March 13, 2009

Graeme Macleod speaks to manager Les Fridge about Nairn County vs. Lossiemouth for Nairn County FC Online.

Les Fridge was glad to see his Nairn County side bounce back from last week’s defeat at Cove Rangers with a defensively sound performance in the 1-0 win over Lossiemouth. The manager must now prepare his players for Saturday’s match against Rothes, which has now been switched to Station Park and will be played as a league fixture. The Highland League Cup tie will now take place at MacKessack Park on Wednesday March 18, kick off 8 pm.

On Wednesday, Fridge saw Lewis MacKinnon’s solitary strike earn County the three points as they climbed above Wick Academy in the Highland League table. Speaking to Nairn County FC Online, he said: “It certainly was not the best we have played. We will play a lot better and get beat.

“They (Lossiemouth) were well organised but we had spells in the game where we passed the ball about well. The main thing though is the three points and another clean sheet so overall we have got to be happy enough.”

The manager will have hardly any time to reflect on the win with his side back in action only three days later. It will be the first of a double-header against Rothes on Saturday as the two sides meet again the following Wednesday as County continue to embark on an intense period of fixtures. All in all, the side are guaranteed to play a total of seven games in the month of March. But the manager was optimistic that the team can cope with the gruelling schedule. “The main problem with the midweek games is getting people off work,” he explained. “With the current climate, everyone is looking to hold onto their jobs and that was evident when we went to Cove last week.

“That is my only concern because these games have got to be played and we have games Saturday, Wednesday, Saturday, Wednesday for about a month and we’ll just have to get on with it. We’re working off quite a tight squad at the moment but it will give boys a chance if there are injuries or suspensions.”

He added: “Obviously it has a big impact on our training as well. But at this stage of the season it’s not as noticeable because we have been working hard throughout the season. We were still training every Saturday we didn’t have a game so it’s just a case of keeping it ticking over just now and concentrating on the games.”

The manager will welcome Gregg Main back into the squad tomorrow but is again expected to be without a couple of players including Scott Graham, whose long-term future at the club is now in doubt. Fridge explained: “Steven Edwards’s partner has just had a baby so he is a doubt.

“Scott Graham has just taken up a new job on a fishing boat. Obviously with along with where he stays (Skye), it is something we will have to monitor over the next couple of weeks and see how available he is. His own words were that is was an opportunity he couldn’t turn down so we will keep an eye on how it goes. But we don’t know yet if Andy Coletto’s suspension will be through or not.”

Meanwhile, with Rothes’s MacKessack Park again waterlogged for their match with Clachnacuddin on Wednesday night, Saturday’s rearranged Highland League Cup tie between the Speysiders and Nairn at the ground has been postponed. Instead, the managerless side will travel to Station Park to play County in a rescheduled league fixture, with the cup match now due to take place at Rothes on Wednesday with an 8 pm kick off.

Nairn club secretary Ken Houston commented: “It is great that Rothes have been proactive about making the decision early which gives us as a club time to prepare for a home game on Saturday and also allows our fans to make their own plans for the weekend as well.”

Wednesday March 11, 2009

Graeme Macleod reports on Edinburgh City vs. Edinburgh University at Meadowbank Stadium for Edinburgh Sport Online.

EDINBURGH University came from one goal down to record a comfortable 4-1 win over Edinburgh City in the East of Scotland League.

This Edinburgh derby pitted the power and force of City against the pace and speed of the university side. And if Saturday’s capital clash between Hearts and Hibernian is anywhere near as entertaining as this game, then the 17,500 fans who pack into Easter Road will be in for a treat.

City made the better start but after going in front, they will feel aggrieved at finding themselves behind at half time. But after the break the clinical students made sure of the win with a further two goals while their hosts were restricted to a range of half chances.

Edinburgh University almost opened the scoring on 13 minutes with their first foray forward. Andy Watkin’s corner from the right was met by Benji Antoni’s near post header but his effort was cleared off the line.

City took the lead four minutes later when Kenny Ross crossed from the by-line on the left. His low delivery was parried by Uni goalkeeper Mark Tait – who probably should have left the ball to run through – straight into the path of the unmarked Steven Clee who drilled home from 10 yards.

Edinburgh Uni were playing with the strong wind and found it difficult to weight their forward passes which were being carried by the conditions.

City almost made it two on the half-hour mark when Clee held off two defenders as he cut in from the left. But his curling, right-footed shot from 18 yards was parried wide by Tait.

A minute later, the woodwork denied City a second goal. Jordan Hall fired a 25-yard piledriver goalwards but his effort rattled the right hand post with Tait beaten.

The home side were back on the attack after 37 minutes when Dougie Gair’s free kick from the 30 yards out on the right flashed into Tait’s arms with Hall just inches away from flicking the ball beyond the goalkeeper.

But two minutes later, the visitors levelled the game against the run of play. Darren Jarvie picked out Steven Galloway on the left with a long ball out of defence. The Uni striker saw his shot deflect off Shaun Harrison and go behind for a corner. From the resulting flagkick, a mix up between City goalkeeper Duncan Monteith and his defence saw the ball break to Michael Dick at the back post. He took one touch to control before firing a 15-yard volley across the ‘keeper and into the far corner of the net.

Edinburgh City prepare to restart the game after losing a goal to Edinburgh University at Meadowbank.

And a minute before half time, Edinburgh University had completely turned the game on its head. Ryan McIntosh twisted and turned his way past Ross on the right before whipping in a great cross which found its way through to Benji Antoni who knocked the ball home at the back post. (H-T 1-2).

City had a great chance to level things a minute after the break. Clee’s cut back from the by-line on the left found the unmarked Hall but he could only scoop his six-yard shot well over the crossbar.

Ross MacNamara then went close for the home side with a powerful free kick from 30 yards that flew inches over the top.

But it was the visitors who grabbed the crucial fourth goal of the game as they established a two-goal lead. Again it was McIntosh who was the creator as he again tormented Ross on the right. His cross from the by-line as inch-perfect for Benji Antoni to volley home his second goal of the night from 10 yards out at the back post.

And the University side sealed the win 20 minutes later when Andy Watkin’s corner from the right was flicked on by Galloway at the front post for Stuart MacPherson to toe home.

City continued to look for a way back into the game and their best chances fell to striker Clee. But he could only head Hall’s cross straight at Tait on 80 minutes before sending a low volley from 25 yards into the goalkeeper’s arms two minutes later.

The win gives Edinburgh University the perfect boost going into their Challenge Cup final on Sunday against Spartans while City will be looking to bounce back at Peebles in the league on Saturday. (F-T 1-4).

Edinburgh City – Duncan Monteith; John Hall; Kenny Ross; Shaun Harrison; Michael Bruce; Jordan Hall; Jordan Caddow (Neil Campbell 68); Ross MacNamara; Peter Stenhouse (Alan Flannigan 68); Steven Clee; Dougie Gair. Sub unused – Drew Calladine; Steven Mullen.

Goals scored 1; Shots on target 6; Shots off target 5; Corners won 6; Offsides against 2; Fouls committed 10; Woodwork hit 1; Yellow cards 0; Red cards 0.

Manager Shaun Steven said: “In the first half, the University had two shots on goal and scored with both of them. Even in the second half there was not a lot between the sides and in footballing terms, we were probably the better team.”

Edinburgh University – Mark Tait; Scott Fusco; Darren Jarvie (Paul Thomson 60); Ruaridh Scott; Stuart MacPherson; Neil Irvine; Ryan McIntosh (Gordon Milne 60); Andy Watkin; Michael Dick (Peder Beck-Friis 71); Steven Galloway; Benji Antoni. Subs unused – Scott Macfarlane; Cameron MacKinnon.

Goals scored 4; Shots on target 5; Shots off target 2; Corners won 8; Offsides against 1; Fouls committed 17; Woodwork hit 0; Yellow cards 1 (Scott 43); Red cards 0.

Head coach Dougie Samuel said: “For the first 35 minutes, City were superb and deserved to be ahead. They could easily have scored more goals and we certainly rode our luck.

“Our first goal gave us belief and we pressed further up the park, scored again and were 2-1 up against the run of play. In the second half we defended much better and City only looked dangerous from set pieces.”

Graeme Macleod reports on Heriot-Watt University vs. Whitehill Welfare in the East of Scotland League for Edinburgh Sport Online.

TWO early strikes ensured that Whitehill Welfare picked up full points from their league visit to Riccarton. But Heriot-Watt will have an immediate chance to make up for the defeat when they take on Whitehill again on Saturday, this time in the King’s Cup.

On this occasion though, the speed and movement of Gary Aitchison’s men was too much for the students as they were forced into some sloppy passes and struggled to retain possession. In fact, chances were at a premium overall and the Whitehill’s flying start – which saw them two goals up inside the first 17 minutes – was too much for the hosts to contend with.

Watt manager John Young said in his programme notes that he wanted to see his side be more clinical in front of goal. But after this game, the former Brechin gaffer will be more concerned about the lack of opportunities his team created.

The visitors broke the deadlock on 10 minutes when Mark Ellis hit the by-line on the left. Despite Watt appeals that the ball had rolled out of play, the Whitehill winger was allowed to cut the ball back to Andrew Kidd at the near post. His shot was well blocked by alert Watt goalkeeper Murray Scott. But the loose ball fell perfectly for Darren McGlashan to drill home from 10 yards.

Heriot-Watt registered their only shot at goal of the game six minutes later. A sweeping ball over the Whitehill defence was not dealt with by centre backs Ross Johnston and Steven Campbell, who allowed the ball to drop to Michael-John Henretty. But the Watt midfield’s tame, right-footed shot from the left edge of the box was easily gathered by visiting goalkeeper Youssef Bejaouli.

The visitors doubled their advantage in the 17th minute. Ellis was again the archetect as his delightful clipped pass looped over the head of Watt’s Dom Samuel and sent Scott Gormley haring in on goal. The Whitehill striker twisted inside Frazer Paterson before being brought to the ground inside the box by the big centre half. Referee Paul Reid pointed to the penalty spot and Paterson was lucky to escape further action. Darren Pryde was coolness personified from 12 yards as he slotted home the resulting penalty.

It left The home side with a mountain to climb and manager Young was quick to act as he made a sub with less than half an hour of the match gone. Forward Ewan Watson was replaced by Joe Leask.

The hosts persisted with long balls into the channels and it was from one of these raking passes that they nearly got themselves back into the game. Banji Koya was picked out wide on the left but his cross found no takers as it flashed across the face of goal.

Indeed it was Whitehill who came closest to adding to the scoreline 10 minutes before half time. A great, one-touch passing move wide on the right involving McGlashan and Gormley saw Ellis teed up for a shot. But his curling, left-footed effort from the right edge of the box bounced off the top of the crossbar on its way over the top. (H-T 0-2).

the second half saw little in the way of goalmouth action as Heriot-Watt struggled to break down a Whitehill side who were content with their two-goal advantage.

On the hour mark, Watt left back Jimmy Rae surged forward and his cross was spilled by Bejaouli. But there were no takers from the rebound which allowed the Whitehill goalkeeper to gather at the second attempt.

Whitehill were back on the attack five minutes later when Gormley’s cross-come-shot was tipped over the bar by Scott. From the resulting corner, Alan McDonagh almost netted an overhead kick from six yards. But his effort was instinctively blocked by Scott, who knew little or nothing about the save.

And with nine minutes to go, Gormley cut inside Watt substitute Simon Ferrie on the left but saw his 20-yard shot flash across the face of goal with Gary Calvey just failing to divert the ball home with an outstretched boot at the back post.

The sees Heriot-Watt now trail Whitehill by six points in the East of Scotland Premier League table but they will be eager for revenge when the two sides meet again on Saturday at Ferguson Park in the King’s Cup third round. (F-T 0-2).

Heriot-Watt University – Murray Scott; Paul O’Brien (Simon Ferrie 75); Jimmy Rae; Frazer Paterson; Dom Samuel; David Mowat; Michael-John Henretty; Olivier Antoni; Ewan Watson (Joe Leask 28); Banji Koya (Lars Berger 67); Lee Manderson. Subs unused – Ross Leask; Manuel Martinello.

Goals scored 0; Shots on target 1; Shots off target 0; Corners won 2; Offsides against 1; Fouls committed 8; Woodwork hit 0; Yellow cards 0; Red cards 0.

Whitehill Welfare – Youssef Bejaouli; Alan Cornett; Darren McGlashan; Ross Johnston; Steven Campbell; Alan McDonagh; Mark Ellis; Darren Pryde (Chris Russell 85); Scott Gormley (Mark Turnbull 89); Andrew Kidd; Mark Duthie (Gary Calvey 46). Subs unused – Jamie Butler; Jack Lynch.

Goals scored 2; Shots on target 4; Shots off target 3; Corners won 5; Offsides against 2; Fouls committed 6; Woodwork hit 1; yellow cards 0; red cards 0.

Saturday March 7

Graeme Macleod speaks to Capitals goal hero Brad Bonello and player-coach Doug Christiansen about Edinburgh’s convincing win over Newcastle for Edinburgh Sport Online.

EDINBURGH Capitals gave their playoff hopes a boost with a 9-2 thumping of the Newcastle Vipers at Murrayfield Ice Rink. And the night was made even sweeter for the home side when new filtered through that fellow playoff hopefuls Hull had lost at Manchester.

Brad Bonello grabbed an eight-minute hat-trick in front of the bumper home crowd. And after the match, Edinburgh Sport Online spoke to the Capitals’ man of the match, who was delighted with his three goals. “It felt really good,” he said. “I had been struggling for a bit to score and but tonight was one of those nights where it is a like a snowball effect – it just kept going for me and I hope we can carry that into the playoffs.”

He added: “We came flying out of the gates and everything went in the net. We capitalised on our powerplays and we didn’t give them (Newcastle) any room to breath once we had gone up by a couple of goal and we have got to keep doing that throughout the rest of the season.

“We needed that win tonight and with Hull getting beat, it gives us a better position in the playoffs. But we have to get right back on the wagon tomorrow to play in Cardiff  and heopfully we can pick up some points there.”

“But tonight was one of those nights for everybody. Everyone was working hard and we did well defensively. We did have a couple of lapses but the guys played really well tonight.”

Player-coach Doug Christiansen was also delighted with the win. “It was a huge win for us,” he said. “Newcastle are a team we have a rivalry with so it is great to pick up points against them at any time. But tonight’s win is magnified by the fact we are in the playoff hunt.”

The American believes his side have a great chance of qualifying for the end of season playoffs. He declared: “I have confidence in myself, I have confidence in the players we have in the room and I have confidence in this organisation. We are going to push for the playoffs and try to achieve our goal.”

A flying start by the Capitals saw them lead 7-1 after the first period and left Newcastle with virtually no hope of clawing their way back into the game. Christiansen revealed: “It was definitely part of the game plan to get after them right away. We weren’t going to wait around for them to come to us. We wanted to initiate, not retaliate and we were fortunate to get the goals early.

“I don’t think Newcastle had their best night either so we were able to pick up the two points.”

With the visitors losing badly after the first period, they picked up the tempo for the remaining 40 minutes. But Edinburgh defended stoutly to restrict the Vipers to only one goal in periods two and three. Christiansen added: “I think our defence were great and when they play well as a unit it really helps. Our forwards came back to support them and I am really happy for them because some of our young, British players don’t get a lot of ice. But they came in and did an admirable job.”