Association Trophy First Round on Saturday 28th August at Sheddocksley

Manager Morrison rang the changes following the Abos poor start to the season. Murison and Russell started in the back four while Barr was restored to the team on the right of midfield as they faced Division One (North) side Bervie Caley in this cup clash.

The Abos started brightly and almost got their reward in spectacular style. Wilson’s lay off found Roper 25 yards out and his sweet strike came crashing back off the bar. Wilson had the next effort after cutting in from the left but his low drive was saved by the feet of the keeper who was in for a busy afternoon.

The breakthrough came after 23 minutes although it did come with a bit of luck. After finding some space on the right wing Fraser’s looping cross seemed to be going straight to the keeper however he got himself in a mess and ended up palming the ball into the net for an embarrassing own goal.

Leading a game for the first time this season seemed to boost the home team who at times were playing some excellent one and two touch football. After Roper and Cameron combined in the middle of the park the latter sent a precise through ball for Fraser to burst onto but his shot was straight at the keeper.

The second goal duly arrived following a strong run from Roper to win a corner. Wilson’s set piece was met by an unstoppable header from Pocock. The big defender almost repeated the trick 10 minutes later when an even better header was brilliantly tipped round the post. Marshall also came close to extending the lead but he headed over from close range from Barr’s teasing cross.

At this stage there was only one team in the game however a stoppage following a head knock to Murison seemed to break the Abos concentration. Shortly before half time the Bervie winger was able to keep the ball in at the byeline and squeeze a ball across goal which wrong footed Russell and allowed the striker to knock the ball home despite the best efforts of Pocock on the line.

Half-time: 2-1

Within minutes of the restart the away team were level. A simple ball into the feet of the striker allowed him to turn Pocock who seemed to stumble and when the ball was squared again there was an unmarked man to score the equaliser.

The dramatic turn around was complete before the hour mark when the Abos failed to deal with a corner and after a bit of pinball the loose ball was slammed home to give Bervie the lead for the first time.

The Abos were temporarily shocked which was no surprise having dominated for much of the game and had in general looking solid defensively. However Caley had taken their chances and were now determined to hold their lead.

Wilson created the next chance after beating his opposite man for the umpteenth time and as he found Marshall at the edge of the box the striker saw his shot beat the keeper but not the crossbar. Cameron had moved up front in place of Fraser and had a half sight of goal but his shot from the right of the box went sailing over as he was a little off balance.

Another swift move involving Cameron and Roper saw the ball crossed for Marshall who cleverly dummied allowing the supporting Wilson to beat the keeper only to see his shot cleared from the line by the covering defender. Two more chances quickly followed with Wilson again being denied by the keeper from his angled shot before the next attack he cleverly played in Russell with a backheel but the left backs shot went agonisingly across the face of goal.

The equaliser did arrive when Edwards was fouled on the right wing. Barr took the free kick and his deep cross found Edwards unmarked at the back post and he did the rest with a well directed header into the far corner.

The ball was in the net again shortly after when Roper burst from midfield, drew the keeper and squared for Marshall to tap in however the referee judged the striker to be offside which looked like a tough call.

In the final 15 minutes the flow of the game changed with Bervie suddenly getting on top and showing greater levels of fitness. Pocock came close to scoring an own goal after cutting out a dangerous cross while Clark also had to be alert to save from a corner. Another excellent chance came the way of the underdogs as a clever ball to the back saw the winger come in but his shot from a tight angle missed the near post.

One more chance fell the way of the Abos when Wilson again burst into the box from the left but he perhaps delayed his pass to Cameron too long and the Abos top scorer from last season saw his shot blocked.

Full Time: 3-3

Morrison freshened up the team by replacing the right hand side with Craig and Farrell as the Abos looked to regain control of the match. Marshall should have given them the lead when Wilson fed him 8 yards out but the ball sliced off his foot and went wide. Cameron had a couple of half chances but under pressure was unable to find the target.

At the other end Bervie were causing few problems with Murison in particular winning every challenge and not showing the affects of the three head knocks he had suffered during the course of the game.

The teams changed ends still level but the deciding goal finally arrived when Pocock released Marshall with a ball over the top and this time he kept his cool to fire a left foot shot past the keeper.

The Abos saw out the remainder of the game which had begun to get a bit heated with the referee producing 3 yellow cards in the last 5 minutes. Over the piece the Abos were worth their victory but had been given a scare by a committed and clinical Bervie team.

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

Unused Subs: M. Horne

Goals (Assists): Own Goal (Fraser), Pocock (Wilson), Edwards (Barr), Marshall (Pocock).

Yellow Cards: Edwards

Man of the Match: S. Murison

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

Premier Division on Saturday 21st August at Mineralwell Park, Stonehaven

The Abos waited two weeks before being given the opportunity to make up for their opening day defeat to Sportsman’s Club. The team travelled south to Stonehaven on a sunny afternoon to face AC Mill Inn who had lost their opening four league games. Mike Horne was given his debut at left back while Johnston was available to take up the defensive midfield role.

It was the home team who started brighter and were sharper to the ball all over the park. Most of their success was coming down the right where their speedy winger was seeing plenty of the ball and getting in behind the Abos defence. Fortunately the Abos were able to withstand the opening 20 minutes of pressure with Murison in particular finding himself in the right place to make important clearances.

As confidence grew Cameron saw a long range snap shot go harmlessly wide before Fraser played Marshall through for an excellent chance. As the keeper hesitated, the Abos striker knocked the ball past him only to see it rebound back off the post to safety. Chances were limited as both teams struggled to keep control of the very bouncy ball provided by the home team.

Barr saw a shot deflected over the bar and from the resulting corner the stretching Marshall shot over after the ball fell into his path at the back post. The match reached half time goalless with neither team deserving any more.

Half-time: 0-0

The Abos came agonisingly close to taking the lead within 5 minutes of the restart after good work from Wilson on the left. His dinked cross was headed goalwards by Marshall and what should have been a simple save for the keeper almost resulted in a goal as it slipped through his hands before he recovered and grabbed the ball on the line.

Shortly after it was the home team who took the lead with a quick counter attack. Again the space came down the right wing as the No 7 made it to the byeline and although his cross fell behind the unmarked Muir, the striker had time to control the ball before cleverly back heeling past keeper Clark.

Russell replaced the tiring Horne as the Abos looked for some inspiration to get back into the game. Marshall did well to rob a defender and square for Fraser but the strikers shot from 12 yards was straight at the keeper. Half chances came and went with Mill Inn generally looking comfortable.

Darren Clark replaced the injured Johnston with 20 minutes to go. The home side then doubled their lead from a long throw. The loose dropped in the box and Comfort was quickest to react and fire a volley over Clark and into the top of the net. Although the Abos pressed late on, with Farrell also thrown into the action, they never looked like scoring twice. Clark’s glancing header that went just over was the closest they came.

With the last attack of the match the Mill Inn captain latched onto a through ball and saw his shot hit the crossbar. With no more goals Mill Inn got their season off and running while the Abos travel to Kintore on Wednesday hoping to get their first points of the season.

Full Time: 2-0

Team: G. Clark, D. Craig, M. Horne (A. Russell), G. Edwards, S. Murison, S. Johnston (D. Clark), A. Barr, A. Cameron, C. Marshall, S. Fraser (C. Farrell), E. Wilson.

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

Unused Subs: R.Stainthorpe.

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

Man of the Match: Cameron

Win % = 52.2%         Loss % = 32.6%

The campaign began strongly with the confidence from the successful 08/09 double winning season continuing in the opening few games. After 6 league games the Abos sat top of the table with the only dropped points coming in a 3-3 draw with eventual league winners Bon Accord.

The season was very much one of two halves. At the turn of the year the Abos were still involved in every cup competition and were sitting 4^th in the league with a chance they could mount a surprising push for the title.

Due to the horrendous weather over the winter only two games were played between 5^th December and 6^th March which seemed to really affect the team. Cup exits to lower league teams Hazelhead and Rattrays were followed by a poor run of league results including 7 consecutive defeats when the team was faced with 3 games a week from the beginning of April. A number of injuries and suspensions to key players didn’t help and it wasn’t until the likes of Clark, Roper and Marshall returned that results began to improve and a strong finish meant an Abos record of 4^th place was secured in the league.

Over the course of the 43 matches the team scored on average 3 goals a game whilst conceding 2. As a team we conceded too many goals over the season with just 8 shut outs and 3 or more goals conceded in a game on 17 occasions which makes it very hard to win no matter how good a team you are attacking. On the plus side we scored 3 or more goals in a game on 22 occasions.

The main problem was the lack of continuity in defence with a lot of unavailability. Good, a key player of the previous campaign only appeared 19 times while 2 red cards early in the season meant Craig was also badly missed through suspension.

Goals scored from set pieces (corners & indirect free kicks): 19

Goals from direct free kicks: 0

Goals from throw ins: 13

The Abos scored 29 headers over the season, many of those coming from set pieces, mainly against the weaker teams. Cameron and Pocock were often the ones to get on the end of Wilson’s corners and free kicks while the Edwards/Pocock long throws caused enough problems over the season to bring 13 goals. Direct free kicks reaped no reward with Wilson, Cameron and Pocock the most guilty of wasting any opportunities.

Goals conceded from set pieces (corners & indirect free kicks): 9

Goals conceded from direct free kicks: 3

Although it’s always frustrating to concede from set pieces, 9 in 43 games is not a bad effort.

Penalties Awarded (Scored): 5 (4)

Penalties Conceded (Scored): 11 (6)

We seem to be a team that gets very few penalties while being guilty of giving away a number of soft ones at the other end. Cameron ended with an 80% conversion with just the one miss against Great Western while a sterling effort from Clark and Pocock saw almost 1 in 2 penalties saved.

League Campaign

After a strong start the league campaign was put aside for a few months as cup matches took priority. A run of 5 defeats in a row sent the team tumbling down the table and were briefly threatened by relegation. A strong finish with 13 points from the final 6 games meant 4^th place was sealed which was a fair reflection of the team’s ability. Not quite good enough to challenge at the top as shown by the gap between the top 3 teams and 4^th place but the best of the rest.

 Most Goals in a match: (13) 4-9 Vs Echt 

Player Stats

A total of 32 players were used throughout the season with 10 starting 29 games or more while 12 appeared less than ten times.

Outstanding effort from Cameron and Fraser in particular who were responsible for 46% of the Abos goals. Even more remarkable was the fact that Cameron played 27 of his games in midfield and 2 in defence.

Wilson lead the way on assists in part due to the fact he takes most of the set pieces. The strike duo of Fraser and Marshall proved how crucial they are to the teams attacking play by contributing 34 assists between them to go with their 43 goals.

Hat-tricks:

Graeme MacLennan Vs University Strollers – 26/09/09 

Stewart Fraser Vs Windygates – 07/11/09 

Andy Cameron Vs Bankhead – 06/03/10 

Matt Roper Vs United Services Glendale X1 – 10/04/09

Andy Cameron Vs Echt – 05/05/10

Stewart Fraser Vs Sportsmans Club – 26/05/10

End of season awards:

Players Player of the Year: Andy Cameron

Committee Player of the Year: Stewart Fraser

Golden Boot for Top Goalscorer: Andy Cameron

Goal of the season: Andy Cameron Vs Cowie Thistle – 19/04/10

Pre-season training is scheduled to start in July, with the AAFA season getting underway on Saturday 7th August, and the club is now looking to appoint a new manager or management team for season 2010/11.

Anyone who is interested in the role or who wishes any further information is asked to contact the club secretary, Geoff Clark, on 07729 046103.

Premier Division on Wednesday 2nd June at Balgownie

The Abos 43rd and final competitive fixture of the season had a lot more at stake than most end of season games do. Great Western were the visitors and required all 3 points to avoid relegation and send down AC Mill Inn in their place. The Abos strong finish to the season meant they still had a chance of finishing fourth which would result in qualification for next season’s John Todd Memorial Trophy.

The early stages were focused more in the middle of the park than any threat to either goal. Ashton put in a couple of hefty early tackles while one blatant foul on Chisholm saw the Great Western captain react angrily to the Abos number 6. The home skipper Wilson was also on the end of a couple of challenges that saw promising runs down the left brought to an end.

Some growing pressure brought Great Western and their large travelling support the reward they were after when the Abos failed to deal with a long throw. Although Ryan Wilson’s shot was blocked by his namesake the loose ball was only cleared as far as Duffy at the edge of the box and his sweetly struck left foot shot flew past the unsighted Clark and into the net.

The Abos gradually came back into the game and Brown made a smart save with his feet from Pocock’s close range effort following a set piece. The equaliser arrived shortly after when Ashton picked up a loose ball 40 yards out having appeared to trip his opposite man off the ball. The referee waved play on and when Ashton returned the ball into the box it was the Great Western defender McDonald who inadvertently headed the ball over his own keeper from 15 yards.

The away side briefly fought back and had a claim for a penalty when Duffy went down under Craig’s challenge but again the referee’s decision failed to go their way. Roper came close to giving the Abos the lead when he picked up a weak defensive header but his shot on the half volley sliced just wide.

The ball was in the net for a third time when Cameron’s scuffed shot landed at Fraser’s feet in the 6 yard box. He passed to Marshall who knocked it past Brown only for the goal to be correctly ruled out for offside.

In the last minute of the half the Abos did get the goal. Murison, playing at right back, brought the ball forward before picking out Cameron’s diagonal run into the box with a clever chipped pass. The Abos top scorer did the rest with two neat touches, the second delightfully knocking it over the advancing Brown and into the empty net.

Half-time: 2-1

The Abos carried on from where they had left off and were seeing plenty of the ball especially down the left flank. With the front two of Fraser and Marshall always making themselves available and bringing the supporting midfielders into the game, Great Western were at times being run ragged.

Pocock found space on the left to swing over a perfect cross onto the head of Fraser who looked like he had directed his effort perfectly into the corner only to see it rebound off the post with Ashton stretching as he knocked the rebound wide.

It was all one way traffic and Pocock had a barnstorming run forward, beating two men before cutting inside Chisholm in the box however as he awkwardly wound up his right foot it was no surprise to see the ball sail high and wide. Another swift move started by Wilson and involving Fraser and Pocock saw the Abos winger break down the left, riding one challenge before crossing for Roper at the back post. Unfortunately the ball sat up at the crucial moment and his shot went over.

Despite being under the cosh for the whole half Great Western were still in the game and a 5 minute spell of pressure almost got them level. Three successive corners were swung in and twice Clark had to make impressive saves, one low down from a close range shot and the second a flying one handed save from a header.

The Abos used all three of their substitutes in the last 20 minutes with Sullivan, Munro and Wyness all given a run out. Pocock went on another strong run from the halfway line and this time he was able to shoot with his left foot however the ball ended up going right across the face of goal and away to safety.

With just 5 minutes left the victory was sealed and it was done in some style. Sullivan fed Wyness some 35 yards out who looked to wind up for a shot. Having heard about the veteran’s shooting all season the Great Western defence were happy to stand off but as the ball left Wyness’s foot it rocketed straight as an arrow into the top corner.

Full Time: 3-1

Unused Subs: A. Russell,

Goals (Assists): Own Goal (Ashton), Cameron (Murison), Wyness (Sullivan)

Man of the Match: Cameron

Management Speak

A really good performance, possibly one of our best of the season, especially after having to come back from a goal down against a team who were fighting for their lives. The whole team played well with Murison having his best game since the turn of the year, Pocock at his best charging up the left, and Craig and Edwards both solid and disciplined in the middle. Wyness’s strike to finish the season was special, and arguably a last gasp winner of goal of the season.

With Westdyke losing to Bon Accord the team have finished the season in 4th position, an Abos record, and a reward for the hard effort that has gone in over the last 11 months. The boys will look forward to a few weeks off and hope our performances of late have attracted some interest from any potential new players and more importantly a new manager for next season.

Premier Division on Saturday 31st May at Balgownie

With league safety assured the Abos were able to go out and enjoy their last two games of the season and had their sights set on finishing as high as possible. The first opposition to stand in their way were Cove who had fought back from three goals down to beat the Abos in a recent meeting. However the Abos knew that a victory today would relegate the reigning champions.

It was the home team who were much the brighter in the opening stages and if Wilson had had his shooting boots on then the game could have been over inside the first 15 minutes. His first chance was a close range volley from Johnston’s cross that he failed to keep down. Shortly after Marshall’s well weighted pass released the winger on goal but his shot was saved by the keeper before a neat pass from Fraser saw Wilson burst through beating two defenders only to slice wide.

The Abos were playing some excellent football and it was no surprise when the breakthrough came. A neat move saw Roper release Marshall with a ball over the top. The striker waited for support from Fraser whose scuffed shot fell kindly for Cameron to net his 30th of the season.

One move in particular must have involved 15 passes finishing with Craig of all people hitting the bye line only to see his cross knocked out for a corner with Fraser lurking. Johnston, Cameron and Fraser all combined to release Marshall moments later who saw the keeper get a crucial touch to divert the ball wide.

The second goal came before the break when Fraser and Wilson combined on the left with the latter squaring for the unmarked Marshall to knock home despite the keeper getting a hand to the ball.

Half-time: 2-0

In hot conditions the second half turned into a typical end of season affair. Cove never really looked as if they get back into the game with Edwards and Good looking solid and Pocock merely a spectator.

Another common theme of the half was the number of offside decisions that constantly brought to an end promising moves. Cameron had an excellent opportunity to seal the game but saw his initial effort and rebound both saved by the keeper before Fraser’s follow up was also blocked.
Although the game was very open the home team were guilty of trying to walk the ball into the net at times. Pocock finally had to make a save when the Abos were caught short in defence and the loose ball was struck towards the corner of the net only for the big keeper to show good reflexes and palm the ball wide.

The only drama in the closing stages was when Wyness’s challenge brought further anger from the Cove No 10. Despite a number of warnings throughout the game he was finally booked before continuing his back chat to the referee who had no option but to follow to follow it with a red card.

Full Time: 2-0

Unused Subs: S. Murison

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

Management Speak

A comfortable victory that could easily have been by a wider margin but for some careless finishing. The shutout was the first in 12 games and was a credit to the defence who looked solid throughout. Hopes of finishing fourth are still alive if the team can produce a victory over Great Western in their last game of the season on Wednesday.

Premier League on Wednesday 26th May at Balgownie

The Abos entered this midweek encounter knowing a win would confirm premier league status for another season and also keep alive their hopes of finishing as high as 4th. Clark returned in goals meaning the home team were at full strength on a wet evening at Balgownie.

The slick surface allowed both teams to pass the ball about and following one good spell of possession the Sportsmans right winger broke into the box and saw his angled shot pushed wide by Clark. The Abos then had a chance to break the deadlock when Wilson worked a neat one two on the edge of the box with Marshall before nutmegging the last defender. However his left foot shot was close enough to keeper Beattie to stick out a leg and divert wide.

From the resulting corner Sportsmans broke in numbers which resulted in a chance for their striker who was caught by the leg of Clark and a penalty was awarded. Having faced a penalty earlier in the season from McKenzie, Clark anticipated he would go the same way and made an excellent save low to his left.

The let off was short lived as on 14 minutes and Abos attack broke down near the Sportsmans box and a long first time pass released McNamara on goal who despite pressure from Edwards was able slip the ball past Clark. The Abos then lost Murison through injury with Barr his replacement.

Sportsmans doubled their lead when their winger found space on the left and his cross found Buchanan unmarked at the back post to volley in via a deflection off Pocock. Marshall had a chance to half the deficit when picked out by Barr but his shot from close range was straight at Beattie when he had more time than he thought.

Further half chances fell the way of Roper, who saw a 25 yard left foot shot fly inches wide, and Cameron whose low shot was well parried by Beattie. The game was then to change dramatically in a 10 minute spell either side of half time.

On 40 minutes Roper received the ball on the left touchline and drove positively to the bye line before drilling a low ball across goal that Fraser flicked in via the back post. The goal visibly lifted the home team and they equalised just before half time. A short corner saw Pocock whip in a dangerous cross that was only headed as far as Marshall. His shot from 12 yards hit the bottom of the post and fell to the feet of Fraser just 4 yards out who was left with a simple finish.

Half-time: 2-2

Straight from kick off the Abos took the lead for the first time. Pocock found Fraser who turned his man down the left side before crossing to his strike partner. Marshall had enough time to take a touch and was happy to see his rather sclaffed shot find the bottom corner for his first goal since 13th March.

Sportsmans seemed shell shocked by the turn around and by 50 minutes they were further behind. Good play by Wilson released Craig down the right and when he fed Barr the winger turned his man and whipped in a deep cross. Fraser had peeled off his man at the back post and showed good composure to feed it to Marshall who happily tapped in from close range.

The goals kept coming for the home side, next on the score sheet was Roper. Having been found in space by Wilson he drove forward and floated a long range shot over the static Beattie and into the top corner. Goal six was again down to the Abos front two who were showing the form that had helped the team start the season so well. Edwards’s long free kick was misjudged by the Sportsmans defence and Marshall quickly pounced onto the mistake before feeding Fraser who sealed his hat trick with a composed finish with his left foot.

Wilson again showed clever skill to beat the last defender but as with his effort in the first half it was a tame finish. With the next attack the ball was in the net again. Fraser fed the ball back to Barr on the corner of the box and his first time shot was perfectly whipped over the keeper and into the far top corner.

Further chances came and went with both Marshall and Roper guilty of taking heavy touches when through on goal. Ashton replaced Roper who had a slight knock before Pocock saw a 25 yard shot well saved by the busy Beattie. Ashton was then neatly played in by Marshall but his shot from a tight angle was touched onto the near post by the keeper.

The eighth goal came courtesy of an excellent move between Ashton and Cameron. Having received a neat return pass Ashton drove at the last defender before unselfishly playing it back to Cameron who slid it past Beattie to re-take the lead as the teams top scorer on 29 goals. Cameron shot wide from Wilson’s lay off before Sportsmans grabbed a consolation when Buchanan beat the offside trap and gave Clark no chance with his finish.

The final goal of the game was scored by Ashton who had made a good impression having started the last two games on the bench. Some more Abos pressure wasn’t dealt with and when Ashton picked up the loose ball he curled a low shot in from the edge of the box.

Full Time: 9-3

Unused Subs: A. Russell, S. Wyness

Goals (Assists): Fraser (Roper), Fraser (Marshall), Marshall (Fraser), Marshall (Fraser), Roper (Wilson), Fraser (Marshall), Barr (Fraser), Cameron (Ashton), Ashton (n/a)

Man of the Match: Fraser

Management Speak

An excellent comeback from the team after a slow shaky start. The confidence grew with each goal that went in and the front two in particular terrorised the Sportsmans defence. The team deservedly sealed their place in the top division for next season and will look to win their last two games and try and finish fourth. First up is Cove at home on Saturday followed by the team’s end of season night out which promises to be a great night.

Picture Gallery

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

Unused Subs: A. Russell, G. Ashton.

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

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.