Share of the Spoils a Fair Result

Great Western United 2 – 2 Old Aberdonians

Premier Division on Saturday 22nd May at Woodside Sports Complex

It was three weeks since Great Western last played as they waited to complete their league campaign with two matches against Old Aberdonians. The first of those matches took place at Woodside Sports Complex on a sunny hot day. Both teams were close to full strength with Brown surprisingly lining up in goals for the home team. Seemingly his suspension for his 2 red cards against the Abos in a recent cup clash has yet to take effect.

It was the home team who were quickest out the traps with Reid being fouled on the edge of the box. Duncan’s left foot strike from the resulting free kick was close enough to Pocock to parry to safety. A couple of corners were dealt with before the Abos began to come into the game.

A neat move down the left involving Craig, Fraser and Wilson resulted in the Abos winger/captain/temporary manager whipping in a dangerous cross that found Marshall 10 yards out but his shot on the half volley went over the bar.

Great Western’s main threat was coming from the lively front pair of Reid and Duffy who were taking advantage of their opposite men getting too tight and being able to turn them time after time. On one occasion Duffy found space to test Pocock with a low shot at his near post that was pushed round the post.

The return of Marshall helped Fraser get back to his best form and after some excellent pressing from the duo the supporting Roper had two efforts on goal, one blocked before his second strike flew wide.

After Good had won a strong challenge on halfway the ball was played out to Fraser on the left wing where he was cynically tripped by McDonald who was shown a yellow card. Worse was to follow as Wilson’s dangerous free kick was headed back over the keeper into the corner by Cameron.

Great Western thought they had drawn level 5 minutes later when Pirie managed to beat Craig and swing a cross into Reid who clearly controlled with his hand before shooting in off the post.

With just 5 minutes until half time Wilson broke a couple of challenges in the middle of the park before slipping in Fraser. The little striker’s left foot shot was well struck but close enough to keeper Brown who blocked, the rebound eventually reached Wilson via Marshall but he shot high and wide from the edge of the box.

The Great Western front two combined once again, this time Duffy supplying Reid who was unmarked just 8 yards out but his rising shot was tipped over by Pocock when he really should have scored. However from the resulting corner, the Abos failed to clear and when Reid turned Wyness on the byeline his cross was volleyed in by Duffy with the last kick of the half.

Half-time: 1-1

The goal right on half time was bound to give the home team a massive boost and their confidence was evident as the second period began. Within 8 minutes they were ahead, the goal coming from a couple of defensive errors from the Abos backline. Firstly Good stretched to clear a long ball when a shout from his centre back partner Edwards would have left himself with a simple clearance. Pirie pounced on the loose ball and attacked Craig but the left back put in a good challenge with the ball running free to the edge of the area. As Duncan went for it Wyness came in with a wild challenge and the referee had the simple decision of pointing to the spot. Duncan stepped up and smashed it high past Pocock giving the keeper no chance.

The goal knocked the Abos for a while however Sullivan replaced Wyness with Murison moving to right back, which helped lift the team. Some good pressure forced a corner that Wilson played short to Craig. His cross was attacked by Cameron who headed down into the 6 yard area where Marshall helped it onto Fraser who smashed the ball home from close range.

Soon after Wilson received the ball on halfway, spun his man and drove at the defence before releasing Fraser on the left. The striker returned the favour by finding his captain bursting onto his pass at the edge of the box, driving past the last defender and as he went to shoot from 8 yards he was scythed down from behind for a stonewall penalty. There was a delay as the referee booked the culprit plus keeper Brown who was protesting about god knows what. Cameron stepped up with a 100% record so far this season but saw Brown stretch full length to his right and save the kick. Cameron was first to the rebound and seemed to be kicked only for the referee to give a free kick to the home team.

The let off spurred on the home team with Duffy bursting through but his early shot sailed over. At the other end Sullivan beat his man and picked out Marshall at the back post but he miscued his volley. Further efforts followed with Roper shooting wide from range and Cameron seeing his powerful effort tipped wide.

The Great Western sideline were justifiably enraged by a couple of offside decisions by the referee which went in the Abos favour despite the attackers seeming to be well onside.

Great Western were presented with a golden chance to win the game late on when Good was caught on the ball on halfway. Being the last defender it left Reid with half the pitch to go but all the time in the world and Duffy in support. Perhaps he had too much time to think about it as a heavy touch was all Pocock needed to charge from his line and make a crucial block and with that the points were shared.

Full Time: 2-2

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Team: F. Pocock, S. Wyness (L. Sullivan), D. Craig, G. Edwards, K. Good, M. Roper, S. Murison, A. Cameron, C. Marshall (B. Munro), S. Fraser, E. Wilson.

Unused Subs: A. Russell, G. Ashton.

Goals (Assists): Cameron (Wilson), Fraser (Marshall)

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Management Speak

A draw was probably a fair result over the piece but both teams had golden opportunities to take the three points which would have made a massive difference in what is a very tight league. Only 7 points separate 5th to 12th so a good finish to the season could see the Abos finish the in their highest position in their history. It was a good hardworking performance in hot conditions with perhaps conceding right on half time being a big moment in the end result. Sportsmans at home on Wednesday will be a tough game but the Abos should have a very strong squad for the game.