Banchory BC Swifts v Kemnay FC Juve

Banchory BC Swifts 4 Kemnay FC Juve 8

With Reuben off competing in a running event and Liam ill, it was a slightly depleted Kemnay squad that made the journey to Banchory for this Development League fixture. And after so many missed games due to adverse weather the game kicked off under clear blue skies and perfect conditions.

It was Banchory who came out of the blocks quicker from the very start. They were sharper on the ball, stronger in the tackle and more determined all over the pitch. Archie had to look lively to react well to a couple of half chances, however it was the home team that took a deserved lead. A long clearance from their goalkeeper deceived the Kemnay defence and as they delayed the striker strode on to the ball and placed a shot past Archie. Kemnay quickly struck back though and the goal came from an unlikely source. Cameron took a pass in his stride before creating space and shooting low past the goalkeeper's outstretched arm to tie the game up at 1-1. Soon after Sebastian forced the Banchory keeper into a good save before Archie was forced to do likewise at the opposite end. Kemnay were more in the game now and Ethan came close to scoring only to see his shot deflected wide.

The game was ebbing and flowing from end to end now and Banchory scored again to make the score 2-1 to the home side. They increased their lead soon after after some uncharacteristically sluggish play by Kemnay. They did cut the deficit shortly before the end of the first 20 when Ethan took a lovely pass from Sebastian before shooting beyond the Banchory keeper.  

Kemnay made one change for the second 20 with Matthew Law replacing Ethan and it was Kemnay who made the brighter start. Good midfield play saw Lewis get a sight of goal and he made no mistake with a crisp low left footed shot. Soon after Kemnay almost took the lead. Matthew Law picked up the ball and made a good run forward but his shot on the run narrowly missed the far post. Kemnay were now playing better football and good build up play by Sebastian gave Lewis another opportunity, but this time his shot was slightly off target.

Banchory were giving as good as they were getting and Mason and Cameron had to be on their toes to deny the speedy Banchory attackers clear chances.

Then the game saw it's very own Question of Sport 'What Happened Next?' moment. With the ball bouncing around in the Banchory penalty box the home side managed to partially clear it to the edge of the box. Matthew Law stepped forward onto the ball and struck the ball on the volley a la David Beckham. It deflected off Lewis and went fizzing past the Banchory goalkeeper and towards the goal. As the keeper looked round expecting to see the ball nestle in the net, it cannoned off the crossbar, then hit him on the head before bouncing out for a corner to Kemnay! From the resulting corner Sebastian came close with a good shot. Kemnay were playing well now and Matthew Law again came close with a shot that narrowly missed the far post after a good run.

The visitors did take the lead soon after and again it was Lewis on ths score sheet. He controlled the ball well before cutting inside his marker and beating the goalkeeper with a good low shot. Kemnay increased their lead almost immediately, Sebastian this time the scorer after good build up play.

Kemnay scored a lovely goal soon after to increase their lead. Sebastian did really well to find space before releasing Matthew Law. He slipped the ball forward into the box where Matthew Robertson was waiting. With his back to goal he found his path to goal blocked so he showed great presence of mind to roll the ball back into the path of Matthew Law who had continued his run and he passed the ball into the corner of the net to make it 6-3 - lovely football!

Soon after Matthew Robertson got the goal his tireless play deserved and after being set up by Sebastian, he found a yard of space before shooting beyond the Banchory goalkeeper to make it 7-3, and that's the way it finished after 40 minutes.

The final 20 was as entertaining as the previous 40. Kemnay started by playing some incisive football and good interplay between Ethan, Sebastian and Matthew saw the visitors force a corner, from which Ethan saw his goal-bound shot well saved. Banchory cut the deficit soon afterwards. Kemnay had a throw in and from it, Banchory pinched possession and their striker beat the Kemnay defence before unleashing a powerful shot beyond Archie. Kemnay hit back and Lewis played a fanastic ball across the goal, unfortunately there were no takers in the middle. Ethan was the next to come close. He took a delicious pass from Sebastian in his stride before shooting over the bar. Banchory were continuing to look dangerous though and their striker showed great pace to outstrip the Kemnay defence. However he lost control of the ball allowing Archie to smother the ball.

Kemnay forced a series of corners and from one Matthew Law headed just over. Ethan then showed great instincts to intercept the goalkeepers throw and unleashed a tremendous shot. The keeper made up for his error with a brilliant fingertip save onto the bar. The final play of the game saw the final goal of the game. With the ball bouncing outside the box, Ethan unleashed a vicious dipping left-footed volley that flew over the goalkeeper and into the net. Final score 4-8.

After a sluggish start in the first 20, Kemnay played some really good football for the remaining 40 minutes. Banchory too played some lovely stuff with their number 14 proving to be a real handful when he got on the ball. Most important of all it was a game played in a terrific spirit between two well-matched teams, with referees keeping their whistles quiet and players to the forefront. Many thanks to Banchory BC Swifts for agreeing to the game at reasonably short notice.

Kemnay FC Juve Player of the Match - everyone played their part in this performance today. When we had to defend, we defended strongly, in midfield there was plenty running, endeavour and good interplay, up front Ethan and Matthew led the line well and both got goals that their efforts deserved but for an all-energy performance full of running and determination, this week it goes to Sebastian Ross.