Lacklustre Start to League Campaign
Sportsmans Club 5-2 Old Aberdonians
Premier Division on Saturday 7th August at Hazlehead Park
The Abos began the game brightly with debutant Farrell almost converting Marshall’s dangerous cross inside the opening 30 seconds. However despite starting the game positively the away team were guilty of some poor defending for the rest of the afternoon.
After a half clearance was returned back into the box Law found himself with enough space and time to square for a simple tap in for teammate McKenzie. The second goal arrived shortly after when Edwards was caught in possession and Law had time to bear down on Clark before sliding the ball into the bottom corner.
Despite the double blow the Abos tried to find a way back into the game. Marshall had a chance but saw his well struck low shot saved by Beattie and although Fraser looked favourite to net the rebound, the Sportsmans defender somehow got back to block his shot on the line.
A third goal arrived after a quick counter attack following an Abos corner. It was Law again, who was having an excellent game, who broke through and was caught by Clark as he tried to round the veteran keeper. McKenzie took responsibility for the penalty kick and although Clark saved well low to his left, the Sportsmans midfielder was quickest to the rebound to net his second of the game.
Clark had to save again after Law found space at the back post to control a corner and unleash a powerful drive with Murison alert enough to clear the loose ball with a fourth goal looking a possibility. Law had another shout for a penalty but the referee waved play on.
Shortly before half time the Abos gave themselves a lifeline after Wilson had won two strong challenges in midfield. Fraser picked up the loose ball and played in his strike partner Marshall who unselfishly returned the pass for Fraser to supply the simple finish. A mix up between Munro and Craig allowed Law in for another excellent chance but Clark stood up well to keep the deficit to two goals at half time.
Half-time: 3-1
New manager Morrison made some tactical changes as well as one personnel with Roper coming on for Farrell at half time as the Abos still believed they could get something out of the match.
Some early pressure brought its reward, albeit in a scrappy manner. Wilson’s corner was cleared as far as Roper who struck a left foot shot from the edge of the box. Last season’s top scorer Cameron cheekily flicked the bouncing ball through a couple of pairs of legs and into the bottom corner.
The Abos were now the team on top but were again caught by a quick attack. Law picked the ball up on halfway on the left touchline where he turned Edwards before driving towards goal. As he seemed to glide past the remaining defenders Munro felt he had no choice but to take down the danger man leaving the referee no option but to point to the spot for a second time. McKenzie happily took the opportunity to send Clark the wrong way and complete his hat-trick.
The Abos kept battling, with Barr being given a chance to make an impression. Edwards had a shot spilled by Beattie but with time running out Sportsmans scored a fifth. Man of the match Law picked the ball up in the left channel before beating the final man and shooting past Clark to seal a comfortable opening day victory.
Full Time: 5-2
Team: G.Clark, G.Edwards, S.Murison, D.Craig, B.Munro (A.Russell), G.Ashton (A.Barr), C.Farrell (M.Roper), A.Cameron, C.Marshall, S.Fraser, E.Wilson.
Unused Subs: R.Stainthorpe.
Goals (Assists): Fraser (Marshall), Cameron (Roper)
Man of the Match: Cameron
