A frustrating victory at Riverside

The Mamas and the Papas 1965 hit accurately described the weather conditions down at Riverside today. There was some anticipation around the team today because of a strong line up, possibly the strongest for a while. Some of our senior junior players were called upon to lead the line having played games in the 1s in recent weeks.

The game started briskly with Grove having the best of the early pressure. The Harris keeper was forced to work hard by several forays into his D. Eventually the breakthrough came from open play when Alfie Bonnar drove a crisply hit reverse into the opposition net. Harris raised their tempo and made life uncomfortable for Grove in midfield.

Both our keepers (Finlay Ross and Xander Swan) made fine saves at the right time to deny breakaway goals from Harris but eventually Harris drew level just before half time via a weakly conceded goal that was more due too our poor defending than their attack.

Stalemate in the third quarter proved frustrating for our young team. Several penalty corners came and went and silly errors crept in. The coaching team's systolic reaching critical. Simplification was needed and better movement off the ball. However, our fitness provided the undoing of a tiring Harris team.

In the final quarter the second goal came from a further penalty corner and a fine drag flick from John Donald and a breath of relief from the spectators and your correspondent. Further goals could have come with slightly better finishing, but a win is a win.

Special mention to Angus Duncan and Oggy (all the best players are known by their nicknames) for their effort against some players more than twice their size.

On the the next game, after a sociable evening at Forthill tonight (please do make the effort to come along for a blether and a pint!).