Kintore to the Four

Kintore 4 – 1 Old Aberdonians

Premier Division on Wednesday 25th August at Kintore

The two remaining pointless teams in the division came face to face in the last midweek fixture of the calendar year. The Abos welcomed back Wyness from suspension and hoped he could help shore up a defence that had leaked seven goals in their opening two games.

With the slope to their advantage Kintore began the game on top although Clark was untroubled as a few half chances went wide of the target. The Abos began to come into the game but as has been the case before they are often most vulnerable to conceding when they are on the attack themselves.

From a corner Kintore broke down the pitch and despite Craig winning a tackle out wide the quick throw caught the Abos backline sleeping. The home striker had enough time to find room 18 yards out before finding the bottom corner.

The Abos pushed forward to try and get back in the game with Fraser seeing his low shot well saved after a positive run. Wilson had the next chance after breaking from the halfway line and riding a couple of challenges. He outdid the home defence for pace but the keeper was quick off his line and blocked the shot. The ball broke free but the follow up shot was cleared off the line.

As half time approached Kintore doubled their lead against the run of play. A long throw was flicked on and a midfielder ran in unmarked to knock it past Clark from close range.

Half-time: 2-0

The Abos came out positively with Roper seeing more of the ball having moved into centre midfield. It was his strong run and low cross that saw a home defender smash the ball off his own bar and away to safety. Pocock also saw a free kick go just over as they continued to push for a way back into the game.

However it was Kintore who all but sealed the game on the hour from a set piece. The corner was chipped to the edge of the box where an unmarked player headed it into the danger zone. A lively striker was there to slam home from 6 yards despite the efforts of Clark and Barr on the line.

The Abos did pull a goal back when Barr fed Roper just inside the box and he beat a man before driving a powerful shot across the goal keeper and into the net.

With a glimmer of hope the Abos threw more men forward with Farrell on for Edwards. Fraser had a chance when put through by Wilson but he sliced his left foot shot wide. The frustration began to tell with Wyness’s wild challenge resulting in his name going into the referee’s notebook alongside Craig and Pocock.  Kintore were then awarded a penalty in the final minute after Roper tried to win a header in his box and made minimal contact with the Kintore player. The striker calmly slotted the ball past Clark and sealed a comfortable win that took his team off the bottom of the league.

Full Time: 4-1

Team: G. Clark, D. Craig, F. Pocock, G. Edwards (C. Farrell), S. Wyness, G. Ashton (A. Barr), M. Roper, S. Murison (B. Munro), C. Marshall, S. Fraser, E. Wilson.

Unused Subs: A. Russell, M. Horne

Goals (Assists): Roper (Barr)

Yellow Cards: Craig, Pocock, Wyness