The 2004’s visited Wallyford to play Musselburgh Youngstars (MYS)on Saturday morning. After heavy rain on the Friday there was some doubt on how the Wallyford pitch would stand up – but with drier overnight conditions the game went ahead. Given the “Easter Road” like slope at Wallyford the match was played as 2 x 22mins halves as opposed to 3 x 15mins to ensure no team had an advantage. The hosts started with the slope and soon had the majority of the ball although when presented with the ball the Gullane team continued to try to play passing football, particularly with Angus picking up the ball deep and playing passes out of defence, something the coaches are keen to encourage. Further up the field, the passing play on a number of occasions finished with attempts on goal from Ella, JJ, and Cole. Gullane’s 1st goal proved highly expensive for one supporter when Arran placed a long range shot just inside the far post to earn himself not only congratulations from his teammates but a fiver from his Dad! Perhaps the rest of the team can agree similar incentives with parents?! Gullane continued to press and some excellent passing between Cole and Ella saw a shot from our ever improving attack. Eventually Ella got the goal she and the team deserved, though she has to improve on her goal celebrations (training session for Wed). It was pleasing to see Shona continue to develop her awareness and decision process on when to pass and when to take on opponents. In difficult conditions Finn was excellent in breaking up the opponent’s attacks in the 1st half. Ali kept the scoresheet respectable at half time with Gullane turning around 4-2 down. With Archie spraying the passes around it was not long before a run from him ended with a low cross which was turned in by Cole. Next it was Angus, now playing up front, to take a pass out of defence and with a deft touch controlled the ball in his stride and slid the ball into the opponent’s net. The most pleasing about this was how he positioned himself to look for the pass, then took a controlling touch to give himself the opportunity to score. Gullane’s next goal from Jamie from close range followed on from the control of the game. Jamie had made a couple of good runs down the left flank and with more composure played a couple of excellent crosses into the danger area. Gullane’s final goal had everyone in awe at Cole’s version of “taking a touch, setting yourself and shooting”. A shot /cross from Archie was met by Cole whose 1st touch on the volley sent the ball skywards about 20 feet, after waiting for it to drop he lashed the ball home again on the volley – superb. The game finished with our hosts pulling a goal back but with a 6-5 win the Gullane 2004s continue their run of good form.
Next Match at Home v Pencaitland – 9 am Kick Off – meeting at Park at 8.30am .