ESSDA Soccer-Sevens Maradona Division 2008
Fixtures shown here are for Information Only
Any changes will be advised by the Coaching Team directly to players and/or parents

9 Mar 08

AC Oxgangs  v.  Musselburgh Windsor Milan
[League]

Postponed

16 Mar 08

Inverleith Spartans .. 5  AC Oxgangs .. 2
[League]

23 Mar 08

AC Oxgangs  v.  Edinburgh Star
[League]

Postponed

30 Mar 08

Tynecastle FC  v.  AC Oxgangs
[League]

Postponed

6 Apr 08

AC Oxgangs  v. Preston
[League]

Postponed

13 Apr 08

Currie Boys  v.  AC Oxgangs
[League]

Postponed

20 Apr 08

AC Oxgangs .. 3  Dalkeith .. 11
[League]

27 Apr 08

Bonnyrigg .. 5  AC Oxgangs .. 5
[League]

4 May 08

AC Oxgangs .. 5  Hutchison Vale .. 6
[League]

11 May 08

Easthouses A ., 8  AC Oxgangs .. 0
[League]

18 May 08

AC Oxgangs  v.  Edinburgh South
[League]

Postponed

20 May 08

AC Oxgangs .. 3  Musselburgh Windsor Milano .. 2
[League]

21 May 08

AC Oxgangs .. 2  Edinburgh South .. 8
[League]

25 May 08

Salvesen BC .. 5  AC Oxgangs .. 0
[League]

1 June 08

AC Oxgangs .. 6  Currie Star .. 3
[League]

8 June 08

AC Oxgangs .. 5  Loanhead .. 1
[League]

15 June 08

  AC Oxgangs .. 1  Leith Athletic Lynx .. 3
[League]

22 June 08

AC Oxgangs  v.  Edinburgh City
[League]

Pele Coaching Team

Chris Kenny

Telephone : 0131 477 6755

E-mail: dougie.begbie@acoxgangs.com

Mobile : 07729 334 091

E-mail: chris.kenny@acoxgangs.com

Telephone : 0131 445 3670

E-mail: graeme.finnen@acoxgangs.com

EC went just wide almost straight from the kick-off, the ball going out for a corner, but EC could only hit the side net. But before long they had the breakthrough with a nice move that started with a throw-in on the right, 0-1.
ACO had started brightly but were having to play well to match up against the very well organised EC and Jack played a lovely pass through which Rory did well to get on the end of, his shot not troubling the EC 'keeper. EC had a nice counter attack but Steven did well to put it out for a corner - nothing coming of it.  ACO were still playing nice Football and Rory had another shot at goal that the 'keeper did well to push round for a corner - Rory taking a sore one in the process but was on his feet again quickly. James worked his socks off down the left and did well to keep the ball in a tight situation before playing off a lovely ball for Rory to knock in the equaliser 1-1.
EC hit ACO on the counter-attack again but the players hesitated when James was down but forgot the golden rule of playing to the whistle - EC capitalising making it 1-2 ... and it was 1-3 not long after and it would have been another but Steven did well pulling off a nice double save to thwart another EC attack. EC got another after a goalmouth scramble with ACO not able to clear their lines.
ACO were still in the game, battling for everything and saw a fair bit of possession, pinning EC back and forcing a corner but EC did the usual counter-attack when defending corners but Steven did extremely well coming charging out, sweeping up at the back - Andrew helping him out too with a timely challenge. James' hard work saw him get on the score sheet too with a lovely back heeler, leaving the EC 'keeper stranded, 2-4.
That goal seemed to get EC's back up as they went up the other end from the kick-off to immediately get a goal back, 2-5 ... and another, 2-6 ... and one more for good measure, 2-7.  Demoralising but the boys head's didn't go down and James nearly got one back after ACO tried to play EC at their own game with a nice counter-attacking move too but James went wide with the final ball of the half. An incredible 2-7 deficit with ACO feeling a wee bit hard done by as there didn't feel like a 5 goal difference in play.
Half Time 2-7

Bradley did well at the back clearing his lines and ACO played the ball up the pitch - James' shot being cleared out for the first corner of the 2nd half. Josh had a ferocious shot well saved too and ACO were doing well.  James had a shot that went very close, but just when you think you're doing well against this side, they pop up with another goal! 2-8.
ACO still pushing on, were awarded a free-kick after a challenge from behind. The resultant free-kick was a piece of class ... Jack laying it off for James who hit a cracker but somehow EC managed to put it out for a corner. Jack had a shot but that too was kept out before Ryan saw his go wide. ACO were doing well and put together a nice move that the EC 'keeper came out to clear. Ryan and Jack both shot at goal but, despite our pressure, EC go up the other end and score another, 2-9. The game was end to end but EC showed us again with a great sweeping move finishing with some aplomb, 2-10.
ACO were still full of vigour and Ryan had another shot wide and EC went wide at the other end with the play swinging either way. Ewan went wide for ACO before Ryan had a great strike at goal that wasn't far away and EC would feel unlucky not to nick another on the stroke of full-time with a near thing ... but that was it.
Full-Time : 2-10

Scorers : Rory, James.

Man of the Match : Hard call this week - the last game before the winter break - but for shear audacity with his back to goal, James gets it this week for his back-heeled goal - great skill.
The last time the two sides met James scored 4 and was MotM that day too, so this is obviously a fixture the young striker enjoys. Well done to all.

Iain Bruce
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They have a nice set up, down at Wardie and as would be expected from such a facility, they also have decent teams out on the pitches to match - strong, organised and quite a bit of skill on display too.

They had a strong powerful shot at the ACO goal early on but it sailed over the bar as ACO were finding it hard to get out of their own half with DBC pressing forward. They were good at playing crosses over from the bye line, a skill ACO could do with adding to their game, and these passes were pinpoint and usually found a body in the box ... Steven having to be on his toes this morning.
The first goal came from one of these passes, a corner this time, 1-0, and it was very nearly two straight after when Steven produced a great save but couldn't hold it but luckily Jack was back defending, clearing it off the line. They went wide again and ACO were struggling at times to contain them but could do nothing about the next goal, it can only be described as a THUNDERBOLT! 2-0.
Eventually ACO put a move together and managed to get out of their own half, Robbie to Jack to James, who played a really nice ball in for Rory but DBC did well to avert the danger. It was 3-0 with a lovely sweeping move from DBC that finished with another of those crosses, inch perfect to the man in the area who only needed to tap it in. DBC hit a post and then Steven pulled of another good save but DBC were threatening and there was a sigh of relief from ACO to see a DBC corner go over the bar.
The fourth goal was a piece of brilliance ... with his back to goal the DBC player controlled the ball, turned and shot, 4-0. ACO found the breakthrough with a good goal - Rory chased a ball that looked like the 'keeper would be first to it but Rory managed to nick in before him and jink it past to score a poachers goal, 4-1. Jack made it 4-2 shortly after with a powerful shot from a fair distance out.
There was something fortuitous about the next goal ... despite ACO's best efforts the ball somehow found its way through and into the back of the net, 5-2. And it was very nearly another after a good DBC move but the final ball was the wrong side of the post as it touched it on it's way out.
Half Time 5-2

Within 15 seconds of the second half DBC scored again, this time it was a nice piece of individual play with their player going on a mazy run before slotting it into the left hand corner of the net, 6-2. The same player got the next one as he was unmarked at the back post to head it home, 7-2. ACO went close with James wide, then a goalmouth scramble that no one could stick a toe on, and DBC went on the counter attack scoring a good goal to make it 8-2. DBC had a double corner - the first Steven saved with his face before the post came to ACO's rescue with the second.
The DBC 'keeper, not having had too much to do, did well when Jack had a shot and Steven did well to block at the other end putting it out for a corner. Robbie had a shot but DBC dealt with it before the ball popped about in the area like a pinball before eventually DBC cleared their lines.
Rory had a good strong shot at goal but the 'keeper rose well to put it over the bar. James had a shot that went wide and Andrew was doing really well playing good solid passes out of defence that were setting up ACO with some chances ... James latched on to one and did very well scoring a good goal, 8-3. Jack was doing well this morning too and with players around them he first passed it through to Rory before Rory laid it back off to him which gave Jack the room to engineer a shot at goal, the 'keeper saving this time but the nice play was telling and James popped up with another goal after some good passing around between the boys, 8-4. ACO seemed to be getting into their stride playing some lovely football but got hit with a sucker punch as DBC swept the ball up, producing a nice move that ended with another goal, 9-4.
The game opened up a bit and at times was end to end but again, somehow through a ruck of players in the goalmouth DBC capitalised with another, 10-4.
This was proving to be a great game though as both teams were playing some nice stuff, a good advert for grass roots football, played with both skill and passion.

That's how it ended, ACO only had seven players to play this morning so every one of them had to put in a shift as there were no substitutes to call on, so well done to all.
Full-Time : 10-4

Scorers : James (2), Rory, Jack

Man of the Match : Andrew was solid and composed, didn't get flustered, strong in defence and played some nice balls out when the midfield was congested, well done.

Iain Bruce
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The talent scouts were again evident this morning and there was plenty skill on show from both sides ... thankfully the scoreline was a bit closer than the 17 goals ACO conceded last time they met. There was a wee added twist in this fixture as Brandon, an ACO player last season, lined up against them as a Hutchie player but, as is often the way with Hutchie and their big squad, his game time would be severely restricted playing for his new team.
ACO started brightly and James played a nice ball in from the right wing but the Hutchie 'keeper was the first to it. The sides were looking quite even and the ball was getting played about in midfield by both teams. Hutchie played it up and were unlucky to see a good ball from the left go straight through for a throw-in on the other side.
The next bit of play was bizarre as the ball was clearly out on the left wing with all players and coaches under the impression it was a throw-in. Perhaps, however, the ref was unsighted as play was allowed to continue as Hutchie worked the ball up the wing and, despite Jacks efforts back defending, somehow they sneaked a goal through a ruck of players, 1-0.
Hutchie played another ball across goal but ACO started to get their composure and there was a really good bit of play from the youngsters with Jack, James and Rory showing great movement and passing, working together trying to carve out an opening. But for all the nice play they couldn't find a goal and ex player Brandon showed his skill whipping in a lovely ball in front of goal. ACO had another scare moments later when Hutchie hit the crossbar and were piling on the pressure with two corners but ACO dealt well with it.
ACO were awarded a free kick when Jack was tackled from behind with a strong challenge. Rory did well picking up a ball and running at goal but the Hutchie 'keeper produced a good save to thwart the young forward. James had a shot from quite far out that didn't trouble the 'keeper and at the other end Steven did really well as he came charging out of his area to mop up. Bradley, having a good game today, played a sublime pass out of his area to James who in turn played a nice pass to Rory 10 yards out - it looked like a scoring opportunity but Hutchie nicked in to clear for a corner ... unfortunately nothing came of it.
Half Time 1-0

It was 2-0 before long with a bit of a flukey goal - again the ref's decision being decisive when a ball that looked like a goal-kick was deemed to be a Hutchie corner. Hutchie played a ball across the ACO goal and then Brandon, dying to score against his old side had a good shot that went wide and moments later Hutchie had another attempt that finished wide.
ACO started getting back in to the game and Jack played a nice ball in for James who did extremely well, the 'keeper only getting fingers to it, but enough to clear the danger. James had another shot that finished just wide too.
Hutchie played a nice counter attack and Jack tracked back well to advert the danger. ACO working the ball forward nicely but James finished the move with a wild shot that their 'keeper dealt easily with. With Hutchie pushing forward, Steven came out of goals to deal with it but Josh was taking no chances and elected to nick in front of him and clear his lines himself. Hutchie played another ball across the goals at one end and at the other James had another ambitious shot at goal but the 'keeper, possibly hindered by the sun in eyes, had an unorthodox Karate kick clearance that skewed out for a corner.
Andrew became supersub for ACO, playing as an outfield player these days. He played the first half and was subbed at half time with Ewan coming on for him ... but he didn't have long warming the bench as first Rory took a sore one in the face, Andrew replacing him, then with ten minutes to go Rory came back on and Andrew came off, but was only off for a minute before Jack was left winded on the deck and Andrew was back on again in his place, doing well. 
With Hutchie pushing on Steven chose to come out to clear but the quick thinking Hutchie No.4 saw them get another as he lobbed the ball over Steven to make it 3-0.
Josh did well defending, again putting the ball out before Steven produced another top drawer save. Shortly after he kind of saved the ball with the side of his face but the young 'keeper was fine. Hutchie played yet another ball across the face of goals and Josh looked alert again as he cleared the danger for a corner. Hutchie scored from it with another freak goal, where the taker actually scored as the ball sneaked in from a fraction in front of the cross bar and the controversial ref blew for full-time as soon as the goal went in.
Full-Time : 4-0

Given the fact there was 17 goals in it last time, at home, with it finishing 4-0 you think ACO would be pleased, but there was something about three of the goals and in the end 4-0 flattered Hutchie a wee bit .Definite signs of improvement from ACO though.

Man of the Match : Hard call this week with Rory doing well in the first half and Bradley too having a very good game this morning - but James deserves it. Although his Dad and coach was exasperated at times with his decision making, with the ball at his feet, no one can fault him for his tireless running and all round work ethic; he really put in a hardworking display and for that James is this weeks MotM.
Well done to all eight who featured, they all did there bit for their team.

Iain Bruce
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The last time these two sides met, on the 9th of September at St Mark's, it was 1-8 for Leith so ACO were under no illusions as to how tricky this fixture would be. ACO have been playing a lot better recently so this game would be indicative as to where they are now.

LA had a ball deflected out for a corner in the first minute but ACO dealt with it and got a corner themselves but LA went on a sweeping counter attack which finished with a good goal after 2 mins, 1-0. ACO kept working away though and the LA goalie had to save a shot after nice attacking play from the ACO strikers but could only put it out for a corner. The game swung up the other end and Bradley did really well putting the ball out for a corner and nullifying the threat.
Jack and James combined well down the left wing but couldn't find the final ball and Jack was doing well again this week after his Man-of-the-Match performance last week, driving his team forward at every opportunity as ACO enjoyed the bulk of play -  but LA are always dangerous on the counter attack and did it again with a great move that finished with a fine goal making it 2-0.
LA maintained the pressure for a while enjoying a couple of corners too but couldn't capitalise from it and ACO eventually played a ball out of defence that looked like it was going out of play on the right wing but James did extremely well to keep it in and went on a nice wee run with it and had a shot at goal ... but wasn't going to trouble the 'keeper from that distance. LA had a shot at the other end and Steven put out a foot and cleared for a corner. LA had three shots at goal from it but ACO dealt confidently with the pressure - good work from the defence and the other boys back helping out as well.
ACO were awarded a free kick for a late challenge - Rory tapped it to James who took a crack at goal which the 'keeper saved - a nice move that looked like it was straight off the training ground. Steven did well again putting a LA shot over the bar with his save ... unfortunately LA scored from it to make it 3-0.
There was then a period of the game that could only be described as a midfield tussle. Neither team able to stamp their authority initially, before LA put a nice move together that Bradley did well to put an end to, putting it out for a corner that LA came close from - putting a ball across the face of goal ... no takers this time but they didn't have to wait long to get that other goal. After a goalmouth scramble LA managing to find the back of the net after several attempts, 4-0.
James went on a nice run down the wing again finishing the move with a shot that the LA 'keeper saved. The next ACO move saw Jack play a very intelligent defence splitting pass in for James but the 'keeper dealt with it. James turned provider with a nice pass in for Rory to get a goal ... far left corner when it looked like LA had it covered, 4-1.
Jack played another one of those nice passes again for James who played the ball across goal with the goalie beaten but there were no ACO players to tap it in. LA went close at the other end again, Steven saving once more. ACO were playing some nice football too and again they put a move together, Rory getting stuck in, playing it to Jack who passed a lovely wide ball out on the right for James who went down the wing with it and delivered a cross - it should have finished with a goal, as it was a great bit of play, but this was a battle with ACO going on a nice counter attack ... but there were to be no more goals in this half.
Half Time 4-1

LA put ACO under pressure for the first few minutes of the second half, Josh standing strong at the back was doing well and at times it was backs to the wall. Ryan, on as a second half sub, was back helping out at the back too, doing well, clearing the danger, putting the ball out for a corner. LA didn't score from it but the pressure eventually told and it was a freak goal when it came, rebounding of a melee of players in the box, 5-1.
LA went on another good move that Bradley did really well to snuff out and ACO set off on another counter attack, but it finished with James having a wild shot at goal. LA kept pushing forward and Josh was solid again, putting it out for a corner on this occasion - nothing came of that one but, as we remembered from the last time ACO met this team, it was the son of a former Hibs player pulling the strings that day - he was involved in most of the good play LA were producing, pushing forward with some lovely passing. They got two corners in quick succession, the ball coming crashing of the post from the second one.
Jack popped up in the middle of the park, winning the ball back, breaking up the LA play and was doing well, but LA counter attacked again in the 12th minute, making it 6-1. ACO got a goal back themselves ... the quick throw-in from James found Jack who just turned and hit a shot across the 'keeper finishing up in the far left corner of the net, good goal. 6-2.
Jack was involved again doing some good work winning the ball and playing it forward, LA putting it out for a corner but ACO couldn't make anything from it and LA tried to hit on the break but Josh did well clearing the ball. Jack, back helping out, making the angles ready to take the ball but LA had a good shot after a bit of pressure but they got another one and this goal was stunning from wide and far out ... rocket. 7-2.
There was an anxious moment when Robbie went down with what looked like a sore one in the 20th minute but luckily he was able to continue after a wee rub! Ryan did well to hold the ball up in the corner and put in a good cross from the bye line but LA had another push up and Josh again did well to clear, putting it out for a corner which LA finished with hitting the side netting, bringing a good game to a finish.
Full-Time : 7-2

Scorers : Rory, Jack

Man of the Match : Jack, for the 2nd week in a row, terrific work rate again.

Iain Bruce
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Salvie went down the pitch from ko and made it 0-1 immediately, but you could already see it was going to be an enthralling match as ACO tested Salvie as they were forced to make a goal line clearance, the ball going out for a corner - then a second one but nothing came from either. Steven also had to look lively at the other end coming out his area and forcing the wee Salvie captain wide. Jack was looking lively today, playing on his birthday, sporting a cracking new pair of boots that matched smartly with the colour of the ACO strip ... and the new boots seem to be helping the young striker this morning as he opened the scoring for ACO after a nice pass in from James, 1-1.
The Salvie No.6 played a nice ball across goal but there were no takers this time but they were to get their reward shortly after as Steven put in a good save but Salvie were able to capitalise from the rebound in the 4th min to make it 1-2. The Salvie coach was left with a tear in his eye as a fierce shot caught him in an awkward area, much to the amusement of the assembled crowd. ACO put some passes together but the final ball from Rory finished wide. At the other end again and Steven came charging out again to prevent a Salvie opportunity, the goalie operating as an auxiliary sweeper at times.
The birthday boy produced another piece of magic, winning the ball in his own defence and taking the ball up the park and scoring another good goal to level it again, 2-2. The Salvie star player, their No.7, hitting a post as the game was swinging from end to end. The Salvie captain taking a swipe at fresh air in front of goal before Jack hit the side netting at the other end, James forcing the 'keeper into a good save just after.
Josh, solid as ever, put in a great clearance, defending the ball high up the pitch. Jack back helping out as well, he was literally involved in everything today as he showed a tremendous appetite for the game with a superb work rate but it wasn't Jack who got the next one as Bradley, pushing up from the back, hit a ferocious shot that the Salvie 'keeper could do nothing about ... great goal, 3-2. The first time ACO have had a lead in a long time, but it was short lived as that No.7 showed his skill again, this time playing in the captain to level it again in the 14th min, 3-3. And it was the wee captain again, their No.5 who went on a sweet counter attack from an ACO corner but his final ball was wide.
ACO regained the lead again when some great work from Jack and a nice move with Rory resulted in James scoring a good goal, making it 4-3 ... but Salvie managed to level it again and there was nothing Steven could do about the rocket that their No.7 unleashed, tremendous goal, 4-4. There was a slight panic on the stroke of half time when the ever reliable Steven opted to walk the ball out of a spot of danger when all he had to do was pick it up but no harm done this time.
Half Time : 4-4

2nd Half subs; Rory & Ewan off, Robbie and Andrew on. That No.7 went just wide in the 1st min of the 2nd half but James went on a nice run down the left wing and supplied a lovely cross to Jack but his shot was well blocked by the Salvie defence, pinpointing him as the ACO danger man. The No.7 played a lovely cross at the other end, Salvie managing to score from it, 4-5 in the 3rd minute and before you knew it, it was 4-6. Then Steven did well to clear a dangerous ball before ACO went on a nice counter attack but there wasn't an end product this time. The play swung up the other end again and Steven did well again before the Salvie 'keeper had to move quickly as Robbie was just about to pounce, but the No.7 had another crack at goals that Steven did well to save and Andrew also did well in defence clearing the danger, but the No.7 had another try but Steven was equal to him again, and another attempt from a different Salvie boy this time too.
ACO were awarded a free kick when there was a wee flare up but came to nothing and Salvie put a good ball across goal again in the 11th min. Jack capped off his Man of the Match performance with his hat-trick, scoring a good goal to make it 5-6. Well done Jack. Salvie went just wide but their man of the match, the No.7, scored another one making it 5-7 in the 13th min. Jack thought he was on for another and would have been if it hadn't been for the agility of the Salvie 'keeper saving at his feet ... incredible, but ACO got the reward for the hard work they were putting in, with Robbie getting on the score sheet 6-7 and Jack went just wide again and was nearly in again when a mix up in the Salvie safety zone allied with Jack's quick thinking allowed him to sneak in and fire off a shot that went wide - but it was quick thinking from the MotM and he was involved helping out his team, back tracking, winning the ball back and then got himself forward into a good position waiting on a pass from James on the wing but James elected to try it himself, the opportunity passed up that time.
Salvie seemed to wake up again after the ACO pressure and started piling the pressure on to ACO again, making it 6-8 and quickly after 6-9 and it would have been another but for another top drawer save from Steven once again. Salvie also managed to play another great ball over the face of goal but no one was ready to follow up for the third time, perhaps thankfully! The last attempt was from Robbie but the Salvie goalie did well again too, saving the shot.
Full-Time : 6-9

Well done to all the boys.

Scorers : Jack (3), James, Bradley, Robbie.

Man of the Match : Jack - well done, great performance on your birthday, fantastic amount of work.

Iain Bruce
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From the kick off, HS went down the park and their No.10 had a good shot well saved at the feet of Steven but the ball went out for a corner in the first piece of action in the game. The same player scored from the corner 0-1.
Bradley made an excellent block when the ACO goalie was beaten, but all the early action was taking place in the ACO half, ACO having to wait until the fifth min for their first shot at target, Jack going just wide after some good build up play. HS were still piling on the pressure and Steven made another great save but ACO were finding it difficult getting out their own half against a tall and athletic side and Josh was in the right place again putting the ball out for a corner this time.
HS went wide but were playing some good stuff and it was maybe a wee bit against the run of play but ACO worked the ball well, James unlucky to see his shot parried by the 'keeper but Jack was on hand to tap in the equaliser 1-1. There was a goalmouth scramble in the ACO penalty box and the HS No.7 tried a cheeky back heel shot with his back to goal that just went wide.
Steven did well to save a good shot with his feet but unfortunately the rebound went through his legs to make it 1-2 and shortly after it was 1-3 and the tall HS No.5 made it 1-4 with a good goal that ACO couldn't do much about. Steven did very well making a good save from the next HS attack in the 15th min, then there was the unusual sight of the ref taking a call on his mobile, you don't see that very often! ACO put some passes together and James was just about to pull the trigger when the HS No.5 pops up to steal it away. Ewan did well to clear the danger when he was the last man back and Josh also did well in the 18th min with a good block. Andrew playing as an outfield player showed his skills on the ball with an incisive defence splitting pass through for James to make it 2-4, a move perhaps honed in their school team. HS regained the advantage shortly after with that danger man, their No.10, making it 2-5. The ACO defence got in a pickle at the back but Bradley did well to clear but Andrew then popped up again to clear the area before the ref blows for Half Time.
Half Time : 2-5

Steven carried on the good work in the second half with yet another great save but HS made it 2-6 with some good passing football and the No.10 got in a position and showed his skill by feeding in another boy to make it 2-7.
Robbie, on as a 2nd half sub, made a good clearance and he also did well shortly after when Steven made a save but couldn't hold it and the ball bounced about in the penalty box but Robbie cleared the ball again. HS kept up the tempo and it was 2-8, then 2-9 before Steven saved again and ACO went on a sweet counter attack that finished with James making it 3-9 and ACO could have had another when James had an ambitious shot at goal that went wide on the other side when maybe he should have played one of the runners in, something I'm sure the coaches will be working on when they move to the new Astroturf training area next week.
Steven showed why he is this weeks man of the match despite conceding a few goals, the fact it wasn't a lot more was down to the form of the young 'keeper and he did it again with a near point blank range save, fantastic. James had another shot saved and Robbie was unlucky to see his shot from the rebound go wide. It was 3-10 after some good work by HS with a patient build up.
Ewan was through on goal but for a great last ditch tackle by HS putting it out for a corner. James got his hat trick with a good goal, 4-10, ACO passing it around better with some nice touches from Rory and Jack but HS did what they had done throughout this game and scored at least one every time ACO did, 4-11. Again ACO played the ball really well between Rory, Jack and James but just couldn't find the final ball this time.
Full-Time : 4-11

Scorers : James 3, Jack

Man of the Match : Steven

Iain Bruce
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Rory had a crack at goal through a ruck of players but Edina went down the other end and scored, 1-0. It was a big wide pitch and was spreading the play and Steven, in goals for ACO due to Andrews holiday, managed a fine save to stop a certainty.
Jack went on a mazy run down the left hand wing before being taken down, Free kick to ACO but comes to nothing. Josh was the last man back to clear off the line, the ball goes out for a corner and the resulting Edina shot went over Steven's head but finished wide. Josh cleared again being in the right place again before ACO were left with two players down, James and Rory taking sore ones in the process, the ACO free kick no trouble for Edina this time.
Edina had a crack at goal but it was away over the bar much to the annoyance of the players coaches. Ewan did well to intercept the ball just before Edina were in on goal but could only put it out for a corner. Edina did well to score a good goal from the corner to go two up. They then hit the side net just after that. Josh was doing well as usual and he played a nice pass out from defence that split the Edina defence but Rory's shot at goal was a bit weak and too far out to trouble the Edina keeper.
Edina had another ambitious shot from far too far out that sailed over the bar again, but Steven produced another really great save from a good shot by Edina who were showing some nice skill passing the ball about well. They hit the post before seeing another shot saved by Steven. Incredibly they then put another over the bar, maybe been watching too much rugby on telly recently. Ewan did well with a nice move down the wing that saw James finishing with a shot at goal well saved, but Edina kept up the pressure with another shot off a post and another one over the bar. Steven did well to save another shot but couldn't hold as the Edina player came running in to hit the rebound but could only smash it over the bar. They then hit it into the side netting, but it didn't stop there with Edina getting another just before the break ... it was a nice move which finished with a sleek goal.
Half Time : 3-0

After four minutes of the second half, Edina produced a good move that finished with a goal to go four up after some good end to end play. Steven saved well again and Ryan had a good shot at the other end. Josh was producing another polished performance driving the ball out of defence finding James with a good pass before James had a crack at goal that was well saved again. Steven produced an incredible save in the 8th minute but couldn't stop it from going out for a corner and as happened earlier in the game Edina scored from it to make it 5-0.
ACO brought on an extra player due to the score line but the advantage didn't tell immediately Edina making it 6-0 in the 13th min after a cross bounced off Bradley and in. ACO produced a good move that finished with Jack scoring a cracker to make it 6-1. Edina went wide again after Jack did enough, back helping out in defence, to put the player off, then Steven did well - he came charging out his area to clear the danger before he eventually just smothered the ball to prevent any further shots. Edina were to get another with the beaten keeper not able to do anything as the ball just trickled over the line for a goal and a 7-1 lead.
Jack had another shot at goal but his shot was just over in the 20th min. Bradley was having a good game and he showed his strength and effectiveness as he cleared his lines by driving out of defence with the ball at his feet, great play. Jack thought he scored his second of the game just before full time but like Josh had done twice for ACO an Edina player popped up on the line to clear it.
Full-Time : 7-1

Well done to all the boys though ... they all did well.

Scorer : Jack

Man of the Match : Josh had a great game after his week in the sun must have agreed with him.

Iain Bruce
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It was fairly evenly contested in the early part of the game, end to end stuff with chances for both sides. Jack had a nice lay off for James before Ewan got on the end of it having a crack at goal from a good distance out, going wide that time.
EC were passing the ball well and using the wings, they swept a ball out wide on the right and the ball in from the wide area didn't look to be causing ACO any problem but Andrew had an uncharacteristic fumble and EC were 1-0 up after 6 mins. EC followed that up by seeing another shot coming off the ACO post and it was these crosses from the wings, the right in particular, that were causing ACO problems and another one found it's way in - the EC player on the right wing floated in a shot-cum-cross that evaded everyone and ended up in the far left corner of the net. 2-0
ACO worked themselves into a good position before Rory unleashed an ambitious effort that never really troubled the EC keeper before EC launched a quick counter attack that Andrew had to look lively to prevent another goal. Steven was also doing well putting in a timely interception and EC hit a shot into the side netting. Andrew blocked a shot then did well catching the rebound. From a throw-in Bradley through and Rory was brave, small but managing to get his head on the ball putting it into space for Jack who did well to break the deadlock for ACO. 2-1 Then James was unlucky to see a good shot held well by the EC keeper, but EC then saw another shot kept out by the woodwork, this time the ACO crossbar. They were starting to put ACO under some pressure now and it paid off with another goal 3-1 then it was 4-1 with a cracker before they made it 5-1 with another brilliant finish that ACO could do nothing about.
EC were passing the ball about well and had really good movement with crisp accurate passing and it was one of these moves that developed into another goal scoring opportunity for them again, this time 6-1. Andrew had an excellent catch to stop another goal but EC were a threat and saw another shot go right across the face of goal but finishing wide. They then put another shot over the bar near the end of the first half so it was maybe against the run of play but ACO managed to get a goal back on the stroke of half time, Jack passing to Rory who somehow chipped the ball to James who did well to slot it home.
Half Time : 6-2

ACO started the second half well, passing the ball about nicely but EC were a threat every time they moved forward and Ewan did well to block and snuff out the danger ... but EC went just wide after that and ACO shot themselves in the foot with an old problem rearing its head again ... first time for a while but the mix up in the safety zone came back and EC scored, making it 7-2. The ACO defence were having to deal with the absence of the solid Josh who is on holiday this week and it told at times but they could do nothing about another cracking bit of wing play from EC, the player crashing an absolute beauty from the left wing this time. 8-2
ACO changed keepers at half time and Steven carried on the good work Andrew had managed in the first half with some superb saves in the second half - he charged out to prevent an attack then got fingertips to put another over the bar before producing an incredible one handed save after a good initial stop. ACO then went up the park and had the cheek to score another goal!! 8-3. James scoring his second of the game, the young striker was then unlucky to see his next shot hit the side netting.
Andrew, playing as an outfield player in the second half, did well back-tracking to clear off the line, ACO had another shot into the side netting before James got his hat trick, 8-4. Ryan had an ambitious shot high wide and handsome, EC hit the woodwork again but made no mistake from the resultant corner, playing in an effective cross before the player turns and swivels on the spot scores a very good goal, 9-4.
Steven carried on his heroics between the sticks with his second shot fingertipped over the bar and was definitely a contender for the Man of the Match but up pops James with his fourth goal of the game to make it 9-5 and take the accolade.
EC produced a nice counter attack move with an end product, sweeping the ball from an ACO corner and up the park to make it 10-5. Impressive as was the next which saw a nice move finish with another quality goal.
Full-Time : 11-5

Well done to all the boys, you all did really well.

Scorers : James (4), Jack

Man of the Match : James for his 4 goals well done, with Steven a close second for his heroics in goal.

Iain Bruce
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It was ACO's first test against this team, not having come up against them in their present guise - previously known as Royston Rangers - they looked a smart and well organised team donning a nice black and white strip for this outing.

ACO saw the ball in the early part of the game, James taking the game to them, doing well down the right wing and working the ball well with Jack, Robbie and Ewan contributing before James managed to get a shot off which finished just wide of the goalies left hand post. DBC had a good move that Ewan had to look lively, putting it out for a corner but DBC never threatened from it and again the play moved back up into DBC's half with ACO doing well before DBC worked a quick sharp counter-attack which Ewan did well again to avert the danger.
The game was end to end and ACO worked the ball really well from the back up to the front, the final ball going just wide again but DBC were giving as good as they were getting, coming close from a corner in the 6th min, then a good shot at goal just after. Andrew did well again, the ACO goalie reading the game and coming out to act like an auxiliary sweeper to clear the danger. At the other end the DBC goalie did well to save a certain goal, scooping up the ball at James' feet. ACO got into that position through good work by Robbie who was having another good game, playing a lovely cross this time.
Andrew produced another fine save in the 14th min after some nice play by DBC, stretching ACO, and Andrew pulled of another one quite quickly after that with Jack back defending too and Ewan did really well taking the ball out of defence, driving forward. Jack had a long range shot come back off the post but Ewan popped up again to get back in time to clear but not at the expense of a corner either, doing well to clear for a throw and he was there again to sweep up from that throw- in too ... he really was having an exceptional game.
DBC had two shots at goal in quick succession, first over the bar and the second hit the side netting. James was through on goal with the goalie to beat but hit it wide before Robbie pops up with the first goal of the game, finding himself in a similar situation to James but was calmness personified dinking it round the 'keeper, cheekily with the outside of his boot, nice goal.
Half Time : 1-0

It was two R's on for the two J's at half time, Rory and Ryan replacing Jack and James, and that changed the balance of the team at first. Rory usually does well with Jack and James around him but it was going to be a hard shift for Rory and Ryan without the guile and running of either Jack or James ... and both immediately realised they needed to increase their work rate with a few 'words of encouragement and instructions' from parents and coaches on the touchline, bucking up their ideas!
Andrew was called into action again early on, first of all with a nice shot then a great catch from a long range speculative DBC effort, but all this action had to give and DBC got the equaliser their play deserved with a rifling shot across the goals into the far left corner, 1-1. DBC hit the side netting again before a unfortunate Steven found himself in the wrong place at a DBC corner, the ball hitting off the oblivious ACO utility player and into the net, 1-2
It was 1-3 not long after, with DBC growing notably in confidence and it was only the ACO woodwork that stopped another one after a customary ACO goalmouth scramble. Jack and James were re introduced into play but DBC had another fine shot across goal but no one was  there to stick a toe on it in the box.
ACO were to lose another three goals in a short space of time, whether that was down to the DBC subs or the ACO formation, it was definitely about good football too, with DBC making it 1-4 from a corner, 1-5 from a stunning goal, Andrew had no chance as the DBC player struck it with both force and precision and some distance out as well, goal of the game. The next one was from a nice passage of play from DBC ending in a goal to make it 1-6. ACO did manage to get one back with James doing well to score a good goal in a ruck of players.
ACO did well to clear their lines but DBC went close hitting the side netting for the third time in this game. James found himself in a good position again but his final ball was dealt easily by the DBC goalie. ACO went close again just after that from a corner and DBC hit a spectacular shot from a fair old distance out that finished well over the bar - then Jack played a superb through ball, weighted perfectly for James, who in turn was closed down, the ball fell nicely for Josh who hit a nice long range shot that went just wide, good try though.
DBC sneaked in a late one against the run of play but because ACO were pushing up, were caught out with a cute ball over the last man, well taken and delivered move from DBC - that was the final action of the game. 
Full-Time : 2-7

Scorers : Robbie and James

Man of the Match : Ewan ... industry, grit and skill in abundance today.

Iain Bruce
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Hutchie attacked almost straight from the kick off and it didn't come off ... but they didn't make the same mistake the next time they got the ball ... it was 0-1 to them within the first minute. Hutchie are a well organised team with lots of individual skill too and were a real threat coming forward.
Andrew in the ACO goal read the situation well and came charging out his area to do well in clearing the immediate danger that the impressive Hutchie No.7, who we have come across on previous outings, poses up front. Andrew did well again with a fine double save to avert the danger but Hutchie were having the balance of play and were awarded a corner which they worked very well and, who pops up in the middle but their No.7 again - just heading over the bar on that occasion.
Josh was solid in defence for ACO as usual and again producing a top drawer clearance putting the ball out for a corner. It was with some aplomb the variety Vale produced from set pieces and it was another impressive one that caused ACO a problem with a mix up between goalie and defenders, but somehow Andrew ended up with the ball in his hands. But Hutchie were soon back with another excellent move that resulted in another goal to go two up.
Shortly after there was another scramble in the ACO box and Hutchie made it 0-3. From the re spot Hutchie moved the ball about again before their version of Peter Crouch hit a long hard drive to breach the ACO goal again to increase their lead to four. Rory was introduced as ACO were allowed to field an extra player due to being 4 goals down in the 13th minute and, as usual, he was linking up well with Jack and James. Hutchie made a substitution, their player doing a super-sub impersonation, making it 0-5 with almost his first touch of the ball. The Hutchie No.5 put in a really good cross for the dangerous No.7 but Andrew saved well again.
ACO were playing well until one of the Hutchie players hit a fierce shot that accidentally caught Rory square in the face and he had to go off to recuperate. That change seemed to affect ACO a bit with the Hutchie No.7 popping up again to make it 0-6 and shortly after it was 0-7, then 0-8 and then 0-9 before the ref finally gave the home crowd a spot of respite by blowing for half time.
Half-Time : 0-9

A minute in to the 2nd half and it was 0-10 before Steven, in goals for the 2nd half, produced a good save. Hutchie had a nice sweeping move that should have finished with a goal but instead going just wide this time. They produced a carbon copy of this move and it finished with a goal at the 2nd time of asking to make it 0-11.
The 12th goal was a thing of beauty ... the excellent Hutchie No.5 scoring another fine goal. Steven produced another good save in the ACO goal but couldn't hold on to it as Hutchie went thirteen up. The wee No.7 was causing ACO all sorts of problems again and it was perhaps fitting that he should score the next one after some really good football from him. There were another three goals in fairly quick succession 0-15, 0-16, & 0-17! Thankfully the ref blew for full time before there were any more and amazingly it was only when the seventeenth went in that the boys heads were noticeably down. Fair play guys you never played badly at all.
Full-Time : 0-17

Man of the Match : No MoM this week ... just a big well done to all for keeping going and still playing well, despite the difficulty the opposition offered for the whole game.

Iain Bruce
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ACO have played LA several times before and would be under no illusion the task that faced them this morning.
It was LA that had the early pressure, playing nice football and passing it about well but LA hadn't bargained on the reserve keeper - Steven in the ACO goals - having such a good game, but it became a repetitive theme from this game. Even as early as the 2nd min of the game Steven produced a fine double save to thwart LA who were playing really good football. An ex-Hibs players' son was pulling the strings for LA but again Steven saved and they continued to cause ACO defence a few problems. LA took a fantastic crack at goal but Steven caught it comfortably, LA came again and it was only a last ditch tackle from Josh who was the last man, a good interception from the ACO defender.
Jack took a run with the ball taking it down the left wing but ACO couldn't penetrate the LA goals and LA came on a counter-attack from that move which again finished up with Josh making a timely challenge, putting it out for a corner on that occasion and Steven again provided a safe pair of hands making a good save from the corner. It was audible to all there, hearing the LA officials complimenting Steven in Goal, scratching their heads in disbelief at the saves the stand-in (and stand-out) keeper was pulling off.
Josh put in his 3rd interception in so many minutes popping up at the right time to put it out for a corner, then Bradley did the same from the corner. The second corner saw ACO managing to break out at last but again LA went on a great counter-attacking move which finished off with another fine save from Steven. LA were putting some nice moves together and in the 10th min swept a lovely ball right across the face of goal that the ACO defence failed to deal with and appeared to have switched off when LA got the goal their play merited in the 11th min. 0-1 LA and they made it 0-2 almost immediately after the re-spot. This time ACO managed to keep them out for a bit longer and Jack saw a good shot well saved by the LA keeper.
In the 15th min ACO had a nervous moment when they made a goal line clearance but couldn't hold out much longer with LA getting another, with a misunderstanding between Goalie and defenders - Steven came out to clear and quick thinking by LA to slip it past him to make it 0-3. Steven pulled off another save shortly after, sticking his foot out to prevent a certain goal and LA thought they had scored from the rebound but the woodwork kept them out. LA hit a long range shot to nick another goal just before HT. 
Half-Time : 0-4

LA kept the same pace after the break hitting the post on two occasions but ACO managed a breakthrough - Ryan having a shot parried into the path of James who did well to hit a powerful shot into the back of the net. 1-4
LA hit the woodwork again but were able to shoot from the rebound in the 4th min. 1-5. Two mins later and it was 1-6 after another fine counter attacking move from LA. Rory, on as a 2nd half sub following a bout of tonsillitis, was through on goal but the LA goalie did well, charging out of his area to clear the danger and then at the other end the ACO goalie and defenders were having a game of pinball with the ball pinging off them and somehow being kept out before James, back helping out, was in the right place to make a very timely goal line clearance. ACO had 3 corners in quick succession and from the 3rd James saw his shot saved and Rory hit it wide from the rebound in the 15th min.
Steven produced a finger tip save to force a corner before producing another fine save, incredible!! Rory, James and Jack combined well, as usual, playing some great football working the ball up out of midfield, which finished with James having a crack at goal which was well saved in the 18th min. LA put a nice move together to make it 1-7 in the 19th min - they then hit the side netting before sneaking another just before full time after a lovely move with some great football.
Full-Time : 1-8

Scorers : James

Man of the Match : Steven in goals, what a game!

Well done to all.

Iain Bruce
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Edina had the first shot at goal after only a couple of minutes but it went wide - ACO then had a nice sweeping move with clever passes between Brandon, Jack and James but it was going to be hard scoring against a well organised Edina Hibs side. Edina worked a nice corner that culminated in a fierce header going over the bar. ACO showed a wee bit of indecision in defence and an uncharacteristic slack pass-back from Brandon, playing in defence today, allowed Edina in to nick an easy goal to go one up.
That goal gave Edina Hibs a wee lift that they really didn't need, but good work from Josh blocking another Edina attack, kept them out a wee while longer, but not for long ... Edina just worked it back over from the right wing and attacked down the left instead which ended with a fantastic goal from some distance out to make it 0-2. ACO had a good shot from James well saved by the Edina 'keeper and then some nice individual play from Josh, pushing out from defence, started a move that saw us playing nice football, passing well between them but no end product in the shape of a goal this time.
Edina Hibs made it 0-3 with a great move by their star player down the left wing who hit a nice crisp strong shot across the face of goal that landed in the far corner of the net. ACO got caught out with the timing of their substitutions, with Edina not realising that there wasn't a full compliment of ACO boys on the pitch they went four up ... and it was five shortly after with the Edina wingers causing us all sorts of trouble - this time the ball came down the right and was crossed over and the left winger was there to meet it - a combination that will cause most teams in this division a few headaches this season.
Unperturbed, ACO went close again with a nice strong bit of play from Brandon surging forward before launching a spectacular strike from a fair distance that just went wide. ACO changed things and brought on the bigger and more powerful Ryan and Steven and it was the latter that finished a nice move that had the Edina defenders tracking back as Steven swept through to unleash a great strike to pull one back. Edina went close just after that but hit the side netting but ACO couldn't hold them off for too much longer when, in a repeat of the 3rd goal, the same player hit an identical strong shot that ended up in the top right corner - a great goal.
Half-Time : 1-6

In only the second minute of the 2nd half, ACO managed to get a goal back when Steven did well again, this time as provider, feeding in James who dealt with it well with a nice finish from close range to make it 2-6. Andrew in the ACO goal had a great save, pulling off a fantastic dive to turn the ball around his right post for a corner. Edina put in a good ball to the front post that ended up coming back off the woodwork. Then the Edina 'keeper had a good save at the other end putting it out for a corner too, but ACO could only hit the side netting. ACO got themselves in a good position and maybe Ryan could have laid it off for someone but decided to have a crack at goal that went high, wide and handsome on this occasion. Then Brandon saw not just one, but two very good shots well saved by the Edina 'keeper.

But ACO eventually got the breakthrough their play merited with a wonder goal from Steven again - the young lad putting in a MOtM performance - well done to make it 3-6. I don't know if that goal broke our concentration but Edina sneaked one back almost immediately to restore their four goal lead. Our MOtM almost got his hat-trick when the Edina 'keeper did well, this time to save another fine shot from Steven. Edina played some nice football and showed their composure and patience in building a move that took time, but importantly they kept possession throughout and the move finished deservedly with a goal to put them 3-8 up.
ACO were playing nice stuff at times too and there was good play between Josh, James and Rory that finished with Rory hitting a weak'ish shot just wide. Edina then had a free kick in a dangerous area but it ended up in the side netting. Brandon was playing well and putting in a power of work but couldn't breach the goals today - he hit another cracker from a good distance out but it also went high over the bar ... not his day. Edina Hibs left ACO dizzy after an impressive counter-attack that swept from an ACO corner and finished up with a breathtaking Edina goal to make it 3-9.
For all Jack's good play today he deserved a goal but this one was bizarre with his final ball coming of the face of the Edina 'keeper and in, but they all count! At 4-9 James got his 2nd of the game to make it 5-9 to Edina Hibs. Bradley put in a superb block to end an Edina attack on the brink of full-time and that's how it ended.
Full-Time : 5-9

Scorers : Steven 2, James 2, Jack

Man of the Match : Steven

Iain Bruce
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