Kemnay FC Juve v Stonehaven YFC Astros

Kemnay FC Juve v Stonehaven YFC Astros

With Bogbeth Park still covered in a layer of snow, this fixture was switched to the Aberdeen Sports Village and the excellent astroturf surface there. This proved to be a good choice, giving the kids an opportunity to play in perfect conditions and the spectators a chance to avoid the cold weather and to grab themselves a tasty coffee from the on site Starbucks!

With the pitch booked for an hour, the respective coaches agreed on a game of 2 x 25 minute periods. When the game got underway the first half proved to be an extremely competitive and close fought affair.

It probably took both teams a little while to adjust to the astroturf surface but once they did both played some attractive football. Both teams however found defences on top initially. Kemnay created a couple of good chances, Sebastian forcing the Astros keeper into an excellent save low to his left and Lewis rattling the bar with a great shot. At the other end Mason and Reuben had to show great pace to snuff out any Astros attack. On occasions when the Stonehaven striker did get a glimpse of goal, they found Archie in great form.

Lewis and Sebastian were finding some great positions in wide areas and one left hand side move led to the opening goal. Lewis played the ball inside, Mason won a challenge before setting up Sebastian and he rifled a low shot into the net, despite the Stonehaven keeper's best attempts. This proved to be the only goal of the half.

Kemnay started the second half in the best fashion, by doubling their lead. Matthew Law set off on a terrific run before releasing the ball perfectly for Sebastian. His initial shot was brilliantly blocked by the keeper but he slammed the rebound high into the net to score his, and Kemnay's second goal. This gave the 'home' side added confidence and they scored again shortly thereafter. Mason won a throw on the right and Sebastian found Matthew Robertson in front of goal. He took a touch and made no mistake from about 10 yards with a good finish to make it 3-0.

Kemnay scored their fourth shortly after and it was a smashing footballing goal. Matthew Law won the ball in the midfield and showed quick feet to find himself some space. He released the ball to Sebastian and he in turn played in Liam, who shot low and hard past the keeper. Kemnay's fifth goal wasn't bad either. An Archie clearance was controlled near the centre spot by Mason. He looked up and headed of on a great run forward. As the defence backed off, he took advantage, striding forward before unleashing a powerful shot that evaded the keeper's left hand on its way into the net.  

Kemnay's final goal again came from some excellent build up play. Lewis, Liam, Sebastian and Matthew were all involved in the build up and when Liam's shot was brilliantly parried by the keeper, Matthew Law was in the right place to poke it home from close range.

Stonehaven were always in the game though and they did get the goal that their good play deserved. After good build up play their striker took a shot which in turn took a slight deflection as it headed into the top corner.

All in all a good game, on a fantastic surface and played between two well matched teams. Most importantly a game played in a terrific spirit, with both referees able to pretty much keep their whistles silent for the duration.

Kemnay FC Juve Player of the Match - Sebastian Ross