Stonehaven YFC V Kemnay FC 97

Stonehaven YFC  3   V   Kemnay FC 97  1  (aet)

Kemnay FC 97, were on cup duty again today, away to League B opponents, Stonehaven in the 3rd round of the Colony Park Cup.

It was a beautiful morning, ideal conditions for football, a welcome rest from Kemnay where the snow still lies thick!!!

A large Kemnay travelling support, were in good voice, once half of them had returned from their, bacon rolls!!

The game was very even in the 1st half, with both teams threatening each others goals. James Duncan had to look sharp on the 10 minute mark and handled the shot well.

Kemnay were keeping their shape really well, with the defence of Charlie, Ryan Macrae and Connor Ross, looking organised and determined, clearing their lines well.

Connor Hunter and Alex were putting in great shifts just in front of the defence and made some crucial tackles and good passes.

Some of Kemnay's link up play was great, with Alex and Fraser trying out some clever 1/2 passing, trying to get service through to James M and Chris up front.

Adam managed to carve the Stonehaven defence apart with a couple of passes through to Chris and Iain, but Kemnay were unable to convert. 

Stonehaven looked very dangerous at times and they too had a few chances to take the lead, with a combination of poor shots, determined tackling and great saves from James Duncan, denying them.

Half Time :  0   -   0

Kemnay made 3 changes for the start of the 2nd half. Minutes into the half Kemnay won a free kick, which Connor R took, it found Iain who released a shot, which resulted in a corner.

Stonehaven then had a period of pressure, which was soaked up by Ryan Cowley, Charlie, Connor R and James D, inparticular making a couple of excellent saves.

A tactical switch by Kemnay, began to give Stonehaven new problems, Sean was put into R midfield and Iain was pushed up front, his pace enabling him to get onto passes and he was really unlucky not to score on several occasions, thwarted by some good goalkeeping. 

Iain attempted to lob the keeper, but he recovered well to hold the ball.

With the balance of play very even between the 2 teams, Stonehaven were then awarded a soft penalty. Which their player struck off the upright, with James running out and bravely smothering the ball, with close attention from the Stonehaven striker, who got a yellow card for his troubles.

The whistle then blew 30 seconds later, tied at  0 - 0, extra time ensued.

Stonehaven had an early corner, which was cleared off the line by Alex. The big No 5, then managed to get a yard on the Kemnay defence and struck a powerful shot into the Kemnay net, to make it   1 - 0.

Stonehaven, then added a second, with the player a good yard offside!

Kemnay then began a mini revival, with a terrific run from Iain down the left, he homed in on goal, to score and make it 2  -  1.

With Kemnay pushing forward in seach of the equaliser, they had some good play, Leon passed the ball to Fraser on the edge of the box, who shot but with not enough power and the keeper gathered easily. Stonehaven then broke clear and netted a good goal to go 3  -  1 up and win the tie.

Very encouraging performance from the Kemnay side, who should all hold their heads up high, what a cracker of a game. Well done.