Match Cancelled: Fraserburgh Link-up

Today's match was cancelled due to a waterlogged pitch and unplayable weather conditions.

Hopefully our last match next week will be on!

Match Cancelled: Dee BC

This match was cancelled due to a frozen pitch.

Colts 2 Fernhill 2

Today's match was played in dry, but very cold and windy conditions.

Only 10 boys were available as Craig was away with family and Fraser called off late due to illness.

Matched was to be played over the usual 2 x 25 minute periods (or so we thought)

Starting team: Michael, Chris, Alex, Logan, Jordan, Matt, Martyn & Reece.

Fernhill kicked off with the wind in their faces, but were not fazed by this and looked to play the ball to feet where possible. It took Colts a couple of minutes to adapt to the conditions, but were not trouble by the physical and very tall Fernhill. Colts were making good use of the wind with good kicking from Michael in goal creating several chances for Reece, who was back up front, and for Martyn on the right. Neither very to make anything of these early chances.

Fernhill were pushing 4 or 5 forward with every break, with Colts finding it hard to cover, and they paid the price when Fernhill got ahead of the last man and got a good cross in for an easy finish past the helpless Michael.

The seemed to spur Colts on and they started to create chance after chance with Matt, Martyn and the ever improving Jordan getting forward and firing ball in at the Fernhill keeper. From one of those efforts the keeper made a good save, but played to ball out to Reece whose strong shot was very well tipped over by the recovering keeper.

Play had to be stopped due to a facial injury. Jordan to a full force hit in the face, and broke a tooth in the process. He was replaced by Ross.

Ros was making a good impact in the game, as was Logan who had his first start outfield, but seemed to be reading the game well, but found the pace hard going at times.

Half time : Colts 0 Fernhill 1

No changes were made at half time as we felt it may change the rhythm of the team, who were clearing on top, but just needed the breaks.

Straight from the off Colts were again creating good chances with good running from Matt and some good covering and harrying by the rest of the midfield.

Colts got a free kick wide on the right about 10 yards outside the box. Matt proceeded to score what can only be described as a spectacular curling shot into the top left hand corner of the goal.

Fernhill went straight on the attack, but Michael was up to the challenge, but to a sore one in the process, but the ref decided that the knock was not sufficiently bad to warrant stopping the game (not sure why?).

Chris and Alex were both having good games dealing comfortably with what Fernhill could throw at them, and were both able to make good surging runs forward in the process.

Play had to again be stopped (much to the annoyance of the ref) as Reece had taken an elbow in the chest from the Fernhill keeper and was in some distress. He was replaced by Stuart.

Stuart was getting the time to hold the ball up and from one of these, Matt tried his luck from about 15 yards, and beat the advancing keeper to his left. Another top drawer goal to add to his collection.

Logan took a sore knock to the ankle (spot the pattern) and had to be replaced by the recovered Jordan.

Matt had another chance going for his hat-trick, but did not get right behind the ball and the Fernhill keeper saved well on the ground.

With time running out Colts started to tire, Colts stillcreated a 2 on 1 with the keeper. After some hard running from Martyn, who was having his best game to date, he laid off Stuart but he failed to strike the ball cleanly allowing the keeper to tip round the post.

With 25 minutes on the clock, and the Colts touchline screaming for the whistle, the ref decided to keep playing. Chris, Alex and Jordan were having to be at their best , as was Michael who had several god late saves to keep Colts ahead.

With 26, 27 then 28 minutes gone, still the ref kept playing. This was starting to become ridiculous. Fernhill were gaining momentum from this and were throwing caution to the wind and were creating chance after chance.

With 28 minutes 30 seconds on the clock (even with the watch stopped for the Reece injury) Colts paid the penalty for not taking their earlier chances. Fernhill got a ;ate equaliser from a deflected cross high into the top corner past the stranded, and very unlucky Michael.

This was still not the end however, as somehow the ref still managed to find another 90 seconds before blowing for full time.

Full time : Colts 2 Fernhill 2

A superb performance from all boys today. Based on normal time the match was won, but cruelly snatched away by a disgruntled referee. Special notes today go to Michael who kept Colts in the game with some inspirational saves and 2 good goals from Matt. Keep this up and we can go on to better things.

If there is a lesson to be learned today it is to kill a game off so the opposition has no chance of stealing a draw courtesy of any very poor refereeing!

Colts 1 Culter Colts 1

Today's game was played in rainy conditions with the pitch very wet under foot.

We only had 11 today as Logan was suffering the effects of a cold.

Matched played over the usual 2 x 25 minute periods

Starting team: Michael, Chris, Alex, Reece, Jordan, Matt, Martyn & Fraser.

Culter kicked off and were keen to play the ball over the top of Colts at every opportunity for their quick forwards to run on to. Chris and Alex seemed to cope in the early stages but did get caught a few times when pushing forward, but Culter had no clear shots of note in the early stages.

With Fraser starting up front, Colts were able to hold the ball up, but the midfield were slow to follow the play and most chances were lost. Jordan was making some forays forward but did not manage to get the ball to a Colts player.

Culter were now starting to find space in the Colts midfield due to poor tracking and closing down by Colts. This led to Culter taking the lead. Some neat play on their right led to an opening and a cool finish opened the scoring.

Colts did not learn from this and were still slow to get to the first and second ball in midfield. Martyn had also taken a knock on his knee so he was replaced by Ross on the left of midfield.

This change gave Colts the drive and Ross's direct running led to Colts levelling the match. Ross had a strong run and shot blocked by Culter defence, but the rebound was picked up by Jordan who shot straight at the keeper. This shot was spilled and Jordan slotted home from close range.

The play went from end to end, but neither team creating many clear chances.

Half time : Colts 1 Culter 1

Fraser was replaced by Reece up front and Craig replaced Reece in the holding midfield role.

Ellon kicked off and the changes made an immediate difference as the tempo of play increased with Colts giving Culter no room to play. The best chances created by Culter were from Colts attacking and being caught with too many players forward. Culter hit the post twice and the bar once, and Michael had a few good stops in goal. Craig also had a great clearance off the goal line to save Colts.

Matt was still creating space for himself but was failing to find Colts players with his passes and crosses. Ross too was making his space but was holding on to the ball too long and being caught.

Stuart replaced Reece up front and Reece replaced Jordan on the left of midfield. Stuart almost immediately had a chance to put colts into the lead but rushed his shot and it went harmlessly past the post.

In the dying minutes Fraser replaced Reece on the left but no further chances were created.

Full time : Colts 1 Culter 1

A hard game today with a different type of opposition to recent weeks. Culter were quick and Colts did not adapt their own game to cope with this and were lucky not to be punished. They improved in the second half but were still vulnerable to long balls over the top for the quick players to run on to.

The boys battled to the end and deserve credit for this as they held on for a draw.

Next Match v Culter Colts (Home)

This week we have a home match against Culter Colts.

The match will be at the usual place and time, Deer Park kick off at 10:30. All boy to be there no later than 10:00.

Match Cancelled: Byron Utd.

This match has been cancelled due to a waterlogged pitch.

Colts 3 Cove BC 1

Today's match was played in good weather, but the pitch was very heavy.

We had a full squad, but Logan pulled out of his goalkeeping duties at last minute due to a sore shoulder. Michael stepped up to take over the gloves.

Play was over 2 x 25 minute periods.

Starting team : Michael, Alex, Fraser, Reece, Martyn, Matt, Ross & Stuart.

Cove kicked off but were straight on the defensive as Colts launched wave after wave of attacks. Stuart had an early chance, but shot just past the post, then Reece had a chance with the same result, then Martyn did the same.

Colts were have all the play which was good to see, with some great passing from Matt and from Reece, playing a deeper midfield position.

Colts forced a corner, and following some goalmouth action the ball was rolled out to Ross who smashed the ball into the back of the net.

Any long ball that was coming through was being dealt with easily by Alex and Fraser who both had good runs with the ball putting Cove under pressure.

Continued Colts pressure was again to pay off when a good through ball was put away high in to the net by Stuart.

Stuart had another shot at goal from a Reece cross from the right only to blast over the bar from close range.

Cove were getting in to the game a bit more towards the end of the half, albeit by use of some strong tackles and some pushing. On a rare attack up field Alex put in a strong tackle, but was slightly late, giving away a free kick just outside the box. Cove got a goal back direct from the kick after Colts decided to align their wall outside of the goals (something for the coaches to work on).

Half time : Colts 2 Cove BC 1

Several changes were made at this point with Chris replacing Alex, Jordan replacing Stuart and Craig replacing Ross.

Colts started this half in the same manner they started the first with wave after wave of attack, but failing to convert any chances.

Colts were now starting to put themselves about in the same manner as Cove with some good tackling from Craig and Fraser, and some calm defending from Chris.

Colts continued to play some neat crisp football in midfield, with a speculative shot from distance ending with a good goal from Matt.

Some slack play by Colts (too many players pushing up field) resulted in a 4 on 1, but Michael came out well and saved at the feet of the Cove player.

The Cove boys were not so keen on the strong tackles from Colts, and were now being encouraged to take dives by their coach, but this was to no avail, and they were starting to get a bit despondent.

Colts continued to create some chance, with good footwork from Jordan creating a chance well held by the keeper.

Reece to a knock on the knee and was replaced by Logan. Alex also replaced Fraser. Colts were now coasting and had nothing to do defensively. A late run by Alex resulted in a good shot going wide of the post. Logan seemed to enjoy the new role outfield and too was not shy in getting stuck in.

Full time : Colts 3 Cove BC 1

A great match where Colts showed for the first time this season that they can beat a team by playing good football, and also handle a physical battle when required. There were some very tired boys out there at the end which from a coaches point of view is great to see as there was plenty of effort from all the boys, with a great result.


Well done, bring on the next match.


Also a quick thanks to Craig for being so kind in letting the boys and families help celebrates his birthday with him in the time old tradition of egging. Thank goodness my birthday is only just past!

Stonhaven Madrid 3 Colts 2

We had a reduced pool of boys today with Cailean now away as well as Logan and Chris on holiday. This meant Michael making a surprise return in goal and Alex returning to defence.

The starting team was : Michael, Alex, Fraser, Craig, Jordan, Matt, Ross and Reece.

The match was played over 2 x 25 minute halves in mild sunny weather.

Straight from kick-off Colts appeared to be up for the match with wave after wave of attacks, but no clear cut chances from the possession.

On a rare foray up field Madrid punished Colts for a weak clearance with a good strike from.

Almost straight from the resulting kick-off Colts went up field and equalised. A good passing move and a strong shot from Matt brought a good save from the Madrid keeper, only for Reece to pick up the ball and roll in an easy goal.

Colts maintained the pressure and created several opening after some good play from the midfield of Jordan, Matt and Ross.

Colts were again their own worst enemy when Madrid scored 2 goals in quick succession, both from throw-ins where the boys seemed to switch off and lost their marking.

HT : Madrid 3 Colts 1

the exhausted Jordan was replaced by Martyn on the left and Stuart replaced Reece up front.

Colts seemed to raise their game in this period taking in some of the advice at half time with Matt pushing wide and taking players on, Ross and Craig combining well in the middle and Alex and Fraser coping well at the back. Michael was in good form in goal keeping his players in check with constant shouting and also eager to come off his line to take possession.

Fraser to a knock below the knee after only 2 minutes of the half and had to be replaced by a very surprised Reece being pushed into a defensive position for the first time.

Wave after wave of attack by Colts and corner after corner eventually paid off for Colts with Madrid failing to clear and a defender played the ball into his own net under pressure from Alex and Martyn.

On the odd occasion Madrid broke forward Craig, Reece and Alex defended well as a unit and prevented Madrid from getting a single shot on target the whole period.

Colts nearly snatched a draw in in the dying minutes. Stuart had been holding the ball up well and laid a pass on to Matt to cross, but Martyn failed to make clean contact and left the Madrid keeper a chance to save.

FT : Madrid 3 Colts 2

A disappointing result today as Colts deserved at least a draw from this match, but this is the best they have played this season. Some inspirational displays from some surprising players. If they continue to play this way then we will start to see the results to come our way.

Well done boys for your effort, you have given your coaches a real headache for team selection next week!

Sunday 28th October : Stonehaven Madrid (Away)

After our short break, we are off and running again away to Stonehaven Madrid, at Mineralwell, Stonehaven.

Usual arrangements, arrive no later than 10:00 for a 10:30 kick-off.

If anyone is unavailable, please let me know as soon as possible.

Directions

Take the old road in to Stonehaven from the north past the golf course. Go straight on at the mini round-a-bout. After this you cross a small bridge. Immediately after the is a turning on your right (Belmont Brae) which is a steep up hill and there is a small lane to the right of this that heads down hill. Take this lane and follow it for at least 500 yards. The pitches are to your right.



View Larger Map

Meadows Colts 1 Kemnay 6

Colts played their 3rd home game in a row with the weather favourable for good football with the sun out again.

Jordan made his debut today, and Cailean replaced Logan in goal just before kick-of due to an injury.

Today's game was played eight a side, and over 2 x 20 minute halves.

The starting line was Cailean, Chris, Fraser, Jordan, Alex, Michael, Craig & Reece.

Kemnay kick-off and were straight on the attack with some good direct running from their forwards. Colts, having been told earlier, were still not closing down and tackling enough and were soon punished after again some good direct running from Kemnay. This got Colts going and had a good 5 minute spell where they could have got 3 on another day. Michael forced a good save from their keeper from the edge of the box, and from the corner Reece got the ball wide left and tried a looping shot from 15 yards out, beat the keeper, only to see it cannon back of the crossbar. Craig was next to try his luck with an overhead kick, but again saw the keeper pull off a fine reflex save with his elbow. From here the game was going from end to end, but Kemnay were looking the most dangerous. From an Ellon corner, Kemnay got the ball in the middle of the park, and again ran straight at goal and found the net despite a valiant effort by Cailean in goal. A 3rd goal was score by Kemnay, but this time it was from a goal mouth scramble where Colts did not seem to be able to clear the ball. Right on the stroke of half-time Kemnay got a 4th from a good run and shot from their striker.

Half time Colts 0 Kemnay 4

Colts kicked off and seemed to be more up for a battle this half, with Ross replacing Craig, and Matt had replaced Alex late in the first half due to an ankle knock.

Ellon started to move the ball around alot better and was using the width of the park better with Jordan, Matt and Ross all getting wide and getting forward. A good run forward by Michael led to a chance, with Michael choosing to strike, where a pass would have left a tap in for Matt. With Colts pushing forward it left Chris and Fraser a little exposed, but they dealt well with what Kemnay had to offer. Again some good passing between Matt and Michael led to a chance for the advancing Ross, but his strong effort was held well by their keeper. A lapse in concentration by Colts led to another goal for Kemnay with a good shot from distance beating the diving Cailean. Martyn replaced the tiring Jordan. Some good passing and tackling by Colts led to a good ball through for Reece who controlled the ball well before turning and beating his marker and left the keeper with little chance with his swerving shot. Again Colts got forward again with Matt, but his shot went past the post, where a cross or pass would have been the better option. Stuart replaced Reece and Alex replaced the tired Michael. With the final kick of the ball Kemnay scored their sixth.

Full time Colts 1 Kemnay 6

Some good individual performances today, but as a team a better second half performance. We need to learn from this and keep the pressing game going in all of every match, not just in patches.

Meadows Colts 1 Westdyle Thistle 4

A pleasing performance for a beautiful autumn day.

Colts very without Stuart for this match, but all others were available.

The match was played over 3 x 15 minute periods.

Colts kicked off and right from the off they looked to be playing and chasing a lot better than our previous match. Alex was finding some good space down the left as was Matt down the right. The match was being played in good spirits and play was going from end to end without either keeper having too much to deal with. Good passing movement between the Colts midfield led to the first goal of the game with touches for all the midfield and Reece, the lone sticker, before Matt laid to ball off to Michael to open the scoring.

Logan, Chris and Fraser were all in fine form and keeping the Westdyke boys at bay. As the period drew to an end, some strong running and a good through ball led to Westdyke levelling the score in injury time, after a small knock to Alex.

End 1st period : 1-1

Cailean replaced Reece, Martyn replaced Alex and Craig replaced Ross.

Westdyke kicked off and tried to carry on where they left of, but Colts were pressing the ball really well and not giving the opposition any room to play. Chris was starting to gain some confidence and was playing the ball out of defence really well and had some strong runs forward. Fraser to was moping up a lot in his now usual place on the left of defence. No real efforts on goal in this period for either team of note, but some good possession play from either team making each other work hard.

End 2nd period : 1-1

Ross replaced Michael.

Colts kicked off the final period, but were starting to show some signs of tiredness, and the legs were weary as they did not seem to pressing as much. A long range effort from Westdyke forced Logan in to a spectacular diving save to his left tipping the ball round the post. The signs were there for all to see, as Colts seemed to have run out of steam. A period of 5 minutes in the middle of the final period led t 3 quick-fire goals from Westdyke that killed off Colts. All coming straight down the middle and boys failing to do the easy stuff in getting to the ball first. Late substitutions of Reece replacing Cailean and Alex replacing Martyn seemed to settle Colts but it was too late to make any impact.

Final Score : 1-4

A good battling performance for the first 2 periods led the boys to tire, but a great performance from all and a big improvement on last week.

Keep the effort up and we will get there.

Next Match v Westdyke Thistle (Home)

This week we have a home match against Westdyke Thistle. The match will be at the usual place and time, Deer Park kick off at 10:30. All boy to be there no later than 10:00.

Please remember thatall subs are to be paid before then end of September. You childs involvement in matches beyond Septteember will depend on prompt payment of this fee.

If you have any issues regarding this fee, please feel to caontact one of the coaches to discuss.

A map for Deer Park is available as a link to the right of this post.

Sunday 16/9 v BoD SC (a)

Not a good day in all senses of the word.

The weather was certainly not what you want for the first game of the season. To be honest we were even lucky to have a game!

With all boys available, including Cailean, Craig & Martyn out 3 new recruits, we had some tuff decisions to make before we even got started.

After some detailed instruction from the coaches about closing players down, sticking to their own positions, and also about taking instruction from the coaches, the boys took to the field full of enthusiasm. It would appear that they were a bit to eager as most seemed to take little heed of anything they had been told.

Our closing down of the opposition was poor and this is what lead to all bar 1 of the goals.

Within 5 minutes BoD had taken the lead after some neat passing. The second came via a poor clearance from Ellon giving BoD a clear shot at goal.

Ellon did create many chances on goal, but lacked the composure to take them.

A third came with 5 minutes to go to half time again from slack play by Ellon allowing BoD to play a long pass from defence right in to the Ellon box without anyone trying to stop or clear the ball.

HT 3 - 0

The rain was now coming down in torrents and the pitch was now showing sings of water sitting on the surface.

Ellon came out in this half a lot more fired up and were now starting to close down the opposition but again they let BoD run at them and left them 2 on 1 with our keeper giving him no chance for their fourth.

Some good wing play on both sides for Ellon did lead to a few chances at goal, but again we did not take these chances.

Bod again broke up field with relative ease (the Ellon boys head were now going down and the weather was also taking it's toll on our boys) and popped in a fifth.

At this point, with a lot of standing water on the pitch, and loads of water running down of the surrounding banks, it was decided it was best to abandon the match after only 10 minutes of the second half as the the conditions were now farcical.

MATCH ABANDONED

There were a few good performances out there today, but were few and far between.

VERDICT : Must do better.

Roll on next week!

Buchan 7's Irvine Chalmers Memorial Salver Winners

For those that are interested, try viewing the video below for a taster of the action from our recent success over the summer.

Sunday 09/09 Friendly v Colony Park & Colts

Together with the Meadows team we plan to play both Colony Park & Colony Colts (we propose to play 20 mins against each side) in a warm-up match for the new season. The match will be played at the Garioch Sports Centre, Inverurie.

The kick-off is 10:30 with boys required to be thre at least 30 minutes prior to kick-off to allow for a reasonable warm up etc. Please make sure all boy bring their shin guards.

Directions taken from the Sports Centre website are as follows:

From Oldmeldrum

On entering Inverurie you will cross a bridge with traffic lights. Take the second right after the bridge. At the roundabout go straight on through West High Street, you will then come to a second roundabout where you will again go straight on up Blackhall Road and you will come to a third roundabout. Take a right round the roundabout and then take the exit on the left after Morrisons entrance. You are now on Burghmuir drive. We are located approximately 200 metres along the road on the right hand side.

See you all there.

Next Match : Newmachar Colts (A)

Directions to Newmachar Colts are noted below. If anyone requires further directions, please get in touch.

Click on the map for directions to Newmachar

On entering Newmachar at the south, turn right to go through the village. Once through Newmachar, you will see the Hotel on your right, and a garage on your left. Turn left immediately after the garage. About 50 yards down the road, the pitch is on your left with a small car park in front.

Click on the map for directions to pitch

2006/07 FINAL Scorers Table

Marc Lawrence 13

Reece Dempster 6
Matt Wilson 5
Ross Kirkpartick 2
Fraser Gill 2
Michael Macintosh 2
Stuart Beaton 1

Alford Soccer 7 Festival

Well done to Ellon Meadows Colts for finishing 3rd in the laegue at the festival, missing a place in the Final by only 1 goal.

Results

EMC 0 Quarryhill 0
EMC 1 Stonehaven Ajax 0 (Goal - Stuart Beaton)
AC Culter 0 EMC 0
Colony Park 0 EMC 0
Kemnay 1 EMC 1 (Goal - Reece Dempster)
EMC 1 Donside Dynamos 0 (Goal - Marc Lawrence)
EMC 0 Donside Bulls 0

To walk away from a tournament being disappointed that we did not reach the final shows how far the boys have come in such a short space in time.

Some key point for us all to remember, on the first day of the season EMC were beaten 10-0 by Stonehaven Ajax, to beat them 1-0 today was a great result. To go a goal down to Kemnay, only to see the boys raise their game to fight back for a draw shows the spirit that has developed within the team.

We lost only 1 goal in 56 minutes of football, and did not loose a game, is an achievement not to be underestimated.

Every boy that took part played an important role today and they should all be proud of this achievement.

I would like to congratulate Donside for a very well organised event today. This is something perhaps Ellon Meadows could consider for the future.

If anyone has any photos they would like to contribute to this post, please get in touch and I will have them added.

Ellon Meadows Presentations

Conratulations to all Colts boys on their efforts across the course of the past 9 months or so, if we could reward the entire team we would as every boy has improved massively in this time and deserve all the praise they got.

Well done to Marc Lawrence. To be nominated as Players Player of the Year is a great honour.

Also well done to Chris Argo for his award as Coaches Player of the Year, awarded for his developemnt as a player and also his great attitude throughout the entire season.

Keep up the good work and there will be even bigger rewards to follow for all the boys involved.

On a personal note both myself and Craig would like to extend our great thanks to all the parents and the other kids for their efforts and support thoughout the year, without this we would really have struggled.

As for the trophies and cards presented to us coaches, we were very surprised and taken aback, this was a very nice gesture, one that was not necesary, but one that will be treasured by us both for a long time to come.

Thanks.

Steven & Craig

Chris Argo & Marc Lawrence

A fitting end to a great 1st season

Alford Soccer 7 Festival

The festival on Sunday 27th is due to start around 11:00, running to around mid afternoon.

Please arrange to be at Alford no later than 10:30 to allow for registration etc and to get ourselves organised.

For those who need it, click here for a route plan to Alford from Ellon.

Parking details are also shown below, please follow these as far as possible.

Kemnay Football Festival

Colts enjoying the sun before the match

I have finally got round to getting a summary of Saturdays events onto the web.

It was a fantastic day for all who attended, and Kemnay should be pleased with the event as it went without any major incident, except their tent ending halfway up the tree!

All boys fully deserved their medals as they all did very well in what was their first experience of a tournament of this nature, although they found the short format matches just a bit too short, but this will come with experience.

I'm sure all parents will agree that this was a worth while exercise and we can all look forward to another great day at Alford this Sunday.

Thanks go to Julie for the photos!

Fun in the sun after the last match

Colts with their deserved medals

Meadows with their medals too

Presentation Night, Sunday 27th May

Looks like we have a very busy day on Sunday 27th May, as well as the Alford Soccer 7 Festival, we have the annual Presentation Evening.

The evening will be held at The Station Hotel, Ellon, from 5:30 to 7:00.

As well as all players, all parents and brothers / sisters are encouraged to attend.

This should be a good evening with each team being given some recognition and a small awards presentation will round off the evening. Each team has 2 trophies to award (Coaches Player of the Year & Players' Player of the Year) as well as a couple of club trophies to be awarded.

A light snack of juice and crisps will be laid on for the boys.

Hope to see you all there.

Kemnay Tournament, Saturday 19th May

The details of the Kemnay tournament have just been published.

All teams will consist of 7 a side with up to 2 substitutes.

The Morning Sections will have 9:30 Registration, 10:00 Kick Off, Estimated finish 12:15.

Section C - P4This section consists of 10 teams split into 2 groups of 5 (Groups C1 and C2) competing in 2 different periods.In the first period the five teams in each sub group will play each other once (4 games).

At the end of the first period the top 5 overall in the C section will form a group of 5 for the second section with the lower 5 also forming a group.

The teams within these new sections will also play each other once giving them a further 4 games.

Each team will therefore play a total of 8 matches over the course of the morning.

There will be no finals in this group as it will be played as a Football Festival with medals for all participants.

All Section C games will be played on the "Hampden" and "San Siro" pitches.

These will be the pitches furthest from the pavilion.Each game will last 5 minutes, without break, and up to 2 minutes will be allowed as a turnover time between games.

ALL PARENTS, COACHES, AND PLAYERS PLEASE NOTE

Due to the high number of games to be played (about 240 during the day) it is important that teams are ready to go onto the correct pitch at the correct time.

Labels for each pitch will be attached to the goalnets. Coaches will be issued with a detailed timetable of each match time and location at registration on the day, as well as a set of tournament football rules.

It will be the responsibility of parents/carers to ensure players are on time for matches.

The football rules will generally follow the SYFA developmental football guidelines.

Directions to Bogbeth Park, Kemnay can be found at this link : Kemnay FC Directions

It is likely to be very busy and congested around registration time so would be best to arrive early if possible.

Glentanar Colts 3 Meadows Colts 3

A very enjoyable match today played by two teams that gave their everything.

The match was played as 8-a-side given Glentanar's large pool of players and over 3 x 20 minute periods. I think this may have been to much for Ellon as the boys did tire late on.

Ellon started with only 1 change to the starting line up against Culter, with Michael coming in for Stuart. Fraser was the other substitute.

Glen's kicked off and immediately put Ellon under pressure, but the defence of Alex and Chris dealt with this comfortably.

Ellon went straight up field from the kick-out with Alex playing a long ball over the defence but Reece failed to find the net when he had time to settle. From this point it was to be all Ellon during this period with constant shots at the Glen's goal, but most missing the target, or their keeper dealing with them.

Ellon were starting to become very confident, with Matt and Ross dealing with the Glens midfield, and Mark picking up the loose balls and running at their defence.

Michael was using his strength well with hold up play and was helping to bring the rest of the team in to play with some neat passing and through balls.

The breakthrough eventually came with a strong run and shot from Mark. The struck the post and then the keeper, but REECE was on hand to blast in from 6 inches!

Further good play lead to Michael getting in to the box, a small tap to his heal knocking him off his feet and a big shout for an Ellon penalty was waived by the referee. The Ellon boys felt hard done by and dug in even deeper.

Despite continued pressure from Ellon no further goals were to come in this period.

1st Period Glens 0 Ellon 1

Reece was replaced by Stuart up front and Ross replaced by Fraser on the right of midfield. Ellon seemed to carry on where they left off with several good opportunities created from corners, but no clear shots on target failed to inrease the lead.

Logan made a good block with his feet from a rare strike by Glens. This was a reminder to Ellon that a single goal was not good enough.

Some good movement from Ellon lead to a good shooting chance for MATT which he hit well, but low. Stuart followed the ball towards goal and did enough to put the keeper off and MATT's shot found the bottom corner to double Ellons lead.

Again some strong play from Ellon put the Glens defence under pressure and a goal mouth scramble ensued with a shot from Stuart being fumbled past the post by their keeper.

From the resulting corner Ellon were awarded a penalty after a Glens boy had used a hand to take the ball down. STUART stepped up and blasted the ball in to the top left corner of the Glens goal, 3-0 Ellon.

By now the Ellon boys were all starting to push forward and Glens to their credit took full advantage of this and broke up field and fired in a great shot past the luckless Logan, 3-1.

Alex had to be replaced after taking a knock in his arm, with Ross going back in to midfield and Mark moving back to cover in defence.

The swung the game totally in favour of Glens and wave after wave of attacks where Ellon did not clear their lines. They paid the penalty for this with another fine strike which could have been dealt with earlier, but left Logan with no chance.

2nd period Glens 2 Ellon 3

Ellon shuffled the pack again with Alex returning and Reece replacing Stuart, but more importantly Logan had twisted his knee and was replaced in goal by Michael.

This period was now far more open with the ball going from end to end with chances for both teams, but Ellon were still finding it difficult to clear their lines.

Glens struck again to level the match with a fierce shot past Michael after some poor defending.

Ellon reacted well to this, but were still slow to clear the ball and were getting caught by Glens and Chris having to make several last ditch tackles.

Fraser was coming more in to the game and was running at the Glens defence as often as he could, but they were now defending in numbers.

A late tackle by Reece resulted in him being lectured by the referee which did not please him, but he reacted well to this and started to channel his energies in to what he knows, running and pressuring the defence. This almost paid off with a few chances just squeezing past the Glens post.

The match was not over quite yet with Ellon & Glens having several chances, with Ellon having the better of them, but neither was to score.

Full time Glens 3 Ellon 3

A very entertaining match for what had become a sizable crowd, played in very good spirit and good weather.

A nice way to finish up the first season for the boys, pity we could not hold on to a win.

Well done to all 10 boys, keep up the hard work.

Roll on under 10's!

Donside Soccer 7 Festival : 27th May

Ellon Meadows Colts have been invited to participate in the Soccer 7 Festival in Alford, organised by Donside Juvenile FC.

The format of the event in 8 teams in a league (all U9's) playing each other with the winners and the runners-up playing each other for the trophy.

The Festival kicks-off at 11am shapr, so we shoyld arrive no later than 10:30.

The Festival is held at the Pleasure Park. Directions can be found on the link below.

Map of Alford and parking areas.

Sunday 13th May v Glentanar Colts : 10am start

Due to Glentanar having 2 home matches our match is now an early start at 10:00.

Please be there no later than 09:30.

Click here for directions.

Directions to Glentanar Colts, Aberdeen

Glentanar Boys Club play home fixtures at Woodside Sports Complex, the home of Glentanar Junior Football Club, which is located just off Great Northern Road in Aberdeen.

Head in to Aberdeen along the Parkway, straight on at the Tesco roundabout, and over the bridge at Persley.

Take a left and head up the hill to the Haudigan roundabout. Take a left at the roundabout and then head alonf Great Northern Road for atout 1/4 of a mile.

Just before the Video Drive In there is a turning on the left (Station Road) that takes you over a small bridge. Follow this road and it will take you under the railway line.

Take a left at the 'T' juction an then the next left before the housing.

The club is on your right.

Go to Google Maps

Kemnay Summer Tournament, Saturday 19th May

We have entered the team into the Kemnay Summer Tournament which will be held in Bogbeth Park, Kemnay on Saturday 19th May.

Our age group games will be held in the morning and will be in a league format.

Start time is currently estimated at 10:00 am.

More details to follow once we receive them.

If you are not going to be available to play on this date then please let us know a.s.a.p.

Sunday 6th May : Match Cancelled v Colony Colts

Unfortunately Sunday's match v colony Colts has been cancelled as Colony cannot field a team. This is most disappointing given how few matches we have played recently.

A training / fun session has been arranged for Sunday at Strickers Bridge of Don (behind McDonalds), at 10:15 for around an hour. Cost will be £4.

All parents are welcome with their boys, and any brother that may be interested.

Thursday Training, 3rd May onwards

Thursday training from 3rd May until the end of season will now take place outdoors on the All Weather Pitch, from 6 'til 7:30.

Please come prepared for cold weather (hope this is not the case).

Boys can only wear trainers or proper Astro Trainers. Absolutely NO studded boots (moulded / metal / blades) will be allowed on this surfaces. Boys turning up with these boots will have to sit at the side and watch. These rules are dictated to our club by the landlord. There will be no exceptions.

Lets look forward to some nice weather!

Culter BC 2 - 1 Meadows Colts

Today was a new venture for Meadows Colts, with an away visit to Peterculter to face Culter Boys Clubfor the first time.

The kick-off was delayed as an earlier game had kicke-off 15 minutes later than scheduled. This was perhaps just as well as several parents decided to take the scenic route out to the match!

Todays match was to be played as 8-a-side, over three 15 minute periods, another first for Colts.

Colts started with Logan, Chris, Alex, Ross, Mark, Fraser, Reece and Stewart. Matt and Micheal were subs.

Culter started the far brighter team, with the rusty Colts (from a 5 week lay-off) taking 5 minutes to even get going.

Despite the slow start very few clear chances were being created by the stronger and far taller Culter, who were choosing to use their height by throwing high balls in to the Colts penalty area whenever possible, but Chris and Alex, with support from Marc, were dealing with easily.

Some good wide play from Colts led to their first venture up field with good holdup play from Stewart, and some good chasing from Reeceleading to the Culter keeper being forced to concede a corner, which led to an easy clearance by Culter.

Some sustained pressure from Culter lead to a few corners one afetr the other, with Colts looking vulnerable each time, but fortunately nothing came to be for Culter.

Michael came on for the tiring Fraser and Stewart making way for Matt. This gave Colts a better looking shape, with Matt using the wide areas a bit more, and michael giving a bit more grit in midfield.

End of 1st Period 0-0

The second period seemed to be played with a bit more purpose from both sides with some good end to end football. Neither side looked to dominate and a few early chances were passed up by both sides. Ross was now starting to find his feet and was getting his tackles in when needed and bringing in other players where he could.

Some good interplay again from Culter led to a corner where Colts copuld have cleared, but from the resulting corner Culter took the lead with an easy shot from their unmarked player. Colts had failed to learn from earlier problems at corners and paid the price.

This seemed to bring out the fighting spirit in Colts and they started to play the ball around with a bit more purpose, again using the wide areas well with Matt and Marc getting down the flanks and getting crosses in.

Colts nearly got level from one of theseruns with Matt getting in a good cross which Reece volley high towards the top corner, but the Culter keeper making a good saving parry, and the rebound was fired in by Ross and again saved well by the keeper.

End of 2nd Period 1-0

Colts started the final period by far the hungrier team. afetr the first few minutes Fraser was back on for Alex, moving Michael back in to defence. Marc was now starting to run the midfield and getting the ball wide for Matt and Reece. Both had chances to get forward to challenge the keeper with shots, but both failed to convert.

A well worked move starting in their own half was to lead to the Colts equaliser.

Chris won the ball in defence, and the clearance falling to Fraser wide right. His forward run and lay-off to Matt lead to a fine cross which was smahed in to the back of the net by MARC in some style. This is the football Colts are capable, but has not been there earlier in this match.

Cpolts almost stole the lead only minutes later, Marc playing the ball forward to the battling Reece. After a tough challenge from a Culter full-back, Reece reclaimed the ball and a spectacular lob only just missed the target, hitting the top netting, with the Culter keeper stranded.

Some good posession football by Culter lead to sustained pressure with several shots being dealt with by Logan with easy. But this pressure was always likely to pay off, and from a needless goalmoth scramble, where several Colts players having a chance to clear, a Culter player managered to stick out a toe and force the ball over the Colts line.

As there was only a few niutes left, Colts took of Ross from midfield, putting Stewart back on up front and pushing Michael back in to midfield, leaving Chris on his own, and playing 3 up front.

Several chances for Ellon came and went with no real cutting edge to their play.

Final score 2-1

An good fighting performance fromall the boys today, but the extended break for Colts perhaps being the deciding factor in the match. Lots of positives from the game for Colts, but the better team on the day just edging it.

Lets look forward to next week.

Directions to Culter BC, Peterculter

Kick-of 10:30. Please be there no later than 10:00

Culter BC are based in Peterculter and play their games at Peterculter Sports Centre (AB14 0RQ).

Head out from Aberdeen to Peterculter along the A93 North Deeside Road.

On entering Peterculter turn right into Coronation Road at the Ploughman's pub.

Carry on up Coronation Road until you come to the sports centre on the left hand side.

The pitches are down below the car park.

Click Here for Google Maps

Sunday 22nd April : Match Cancelled

Due to a waterlogged pitch, apparently, the match against ALC Pumas has been cancelled.

Sunday 15th April : Match Cancelled

Due to coaches and boys being away on holiday, Sunday's home match against Westdyke Thistle, 15/04/07, has been cancelled.

Sunday 8th April : Match Cancelled

Due to boys being away on holiday, Sunday's match against Stonehaven Ajax Team 2, 08/04/07, has been cancelled.

Thursday 5th April : No Training

There will be no training at the Meadows on Thursday 5th April.Training will resume on Thursday 12th April.

Banchory Swifts 0 - 8 Ellon Meadows Colts

Starting line up Logan, Alex, Chris, Ross, Marc, Michael, Stuart
Subs Reece and Fraser

We did not have Matthew available due to an ear infection but hope he better and be back with us for next weeks game, also Steven was offshore so I was home alone this week!

We opened confidently with good passing through the midfield , fantastic control by Michael, Ross and Marc which resulted in a corner and MARC opening the scoring with his first of the game!

Within minutes MARC pounced to snatch his second.

At this point I have to confess the excitement was getting to much and with out my fellow coach Steven and his memory for detail of who did what and which subs came on and off I will have to re call the game as best as I can!

Within a matter of minutes MICHAEL was quick to pick up on some slack defending and with great skill scored making it 3 - 0 for an on fire Colts side.

Alex and Chris broke up an attack from midfield and both continued to put in some great solid goal stopping challenges through out the game. Reece received a great pass from Ross out to the left, REECE controlled the ball well and ran up the left taking on the defence and finished perfectly with the ball in the back of the net.

Just before half time MARC had another great run and hit the target again to ensure his hat-trick (much to the pleasure of Marc as his Granda had promised him £2 per goal!!)

HALF TIME 0 - 5

Banchory were playing 8 men after half time but the Colts were proving unstoppable. Marc played the ball through to Reece and a great cross to Michael, allowed him a brilliant ball to FRASER who had a great finish with a volley making Colts goal tally 6.

Some great running and closing down from Stuart, who played his best game for Colts so far, as did all the boys. Ross had some great solid tackles in the midfield and a good pass out to MARC, who ran the length of the oppositions half, taking on 2 or 3 players to confidently sink the ball in the back of the net.

By this time the team were running rampant with some great tackles and passing setting up MARC for his 5th and our 8th goal.

FULL TIME 0 - 8

Overall an outstanding performance from every Colts player including Logan, who did not have much to do during the game but was always alert, had some brilliant saves during the penalty shoot out. This game goes to show what all the boys are capable of and what hard work, concentration and positional play does during a game.

There was a lot of great support (as always) from the side lines with some very proud and hoarse family and friends (although Marc's Granda looked slightly dismayed at being so out of pocket!)

Marc Lawrence, Colts 5 goal hero

Well done boys keep up the good work, and just to let you know that the referee of the game, who I know through me playing football for Ellon Thistle, said that we were one of the best under 9 teams he had seen! Remember that all of you, a job well done!!

Craig

Note from the Forties Charlie Platform, somewhere in the North Sea :
Well done boys, hear you played really well for each other, keep up the good work. Hope Marc's Granda has some money left!

Steven

Directions to Bachory Swifts, Banchory

Directions :

Enter centre of Banchory along A93. Turn left down hill at traffic lights at town centre, just past the Bellfield carpark the playing fields are signposted on the left.

(The playing fields are situated behind Codona’s funfair and amusements)


Click for Google Map

Easter Fixtures

Can parents please advise the availability of their players for the forthcoming fixtures over the Easter period i.e. 1/4, 8/4, 15/4.

We need to know in advance if we are going to be able to field a team on these dates.Please either leave a comment on this blog or email emfcu9s@f2s.com stating if your players can make all these dates or if they are going to be away for some of them.

Thank you.

Kemnay Football Tournament

Kemnay FC are holding a 7-a-side tournament on 19th May.

In the morning there will be an Under 9's competition which will be played in a league format. There will be no trophy winners but all participants will receive a medal for taking part.

This sounds like a fun competition and a good morning out, we would therefore like to enter an Ellon Meadows side if we can raise the numbers.

Can parents please advise if their players would be available on this date.

Meadows Colts v Byron Youth

This match was cancelled due to inclement weather.

Let's look forward to the next match, away to Banchory.

Ellon Meadows Colts 1 - 4 Donside BC

Another disappointing result for Colts.

Nothing much I can add to this as I was not present, but hear boys did not do themselves justice.

The team is still young, as are the boys. We as a team al need to learn from this and move on.

There is always next week.

MATT scoring for Ellon, making it 2 goals in 2 games for the attacking midfield player.

Byron Utd. 1 Ellon Meadows Colts 6

The Colts travelled to Aberdeen to take on Byron Utd. for the first time, playing at Kettleshill. They were minus Fraser Gill due to illness overnight.

The match kicked off slightly late due to a mix-up with keys, and to be honest it was not the most encouraging weather for good football with a very wintery wind picking up on the exposed pitch. The pitch was also small in comparison to what we are used to.

Starting 7 : Logan, Chris, Alex, Ross, Marc, Matt, Stuart (subs : Reece & Michael)

The opening 5 minutes were pretty end to end with neither team making any headway. Stuart came close to opening the scoring, but the ball was forced out for a corner.

From the resulting corner ROSS opened the scoring direct from the flag kick.

After the goal Colts made their 1st change bringing on Reece for Stuart.

Ellon kept the pressure on with numerous close calls from Matt, Marc and Ross again.

Michael came on for Ross.

After some clever interplay between Marc and Matt, Colts got their 2nd with MATT scoring from 10 yards shooting across the helpless keeper.

The next period of play saw Colts dominating the play and carving out plenty of chances, with Reece, Michael and Marc all failing to addto the goal tally.

In the last few minutes of the half Byron took advantage of some slack play to apply some pressure down the right. From a kick-in Byron scored directly, barring a slight deflection off Logan. This was to be Logan's sole contribution to the match.

HT : 1 - 2

Colts made a double change at half time brining Stuart and Ross back on for Marc and Alex.

Colts started the period well and applied pressure right from the off. The Byron keeper was kept busy and made a few timely inteception.

The pressure paid off with REECE bursting through 1 on 1 with the keeper and sloting the ball home with ease.

Almost immediately Colts made it 4 after being picked out well by Matt. Under some pressure from the closing Byron defenders, REECE played the ball across the keeper into the bottom corner.

Marc and Alex returned to the play at the expense of Chris and Matt.

Colts seemed to back off a little with the exception of Reece who was now on the hunt of his hat-trick. He stayed wide right where he was found by both Marc and Ross, but he wasted these efforts by shooting over with the first and hitting the outside of the post with the other.

Byron had a few chances of their own with several well timed clearances from Alex, and a few heart stopping moments when Colts all decided to push forward and leave 3 Byron players up front unmarked. A well time run and tackle from Michael and some good back tracking from Chris meant Logan never had a touch of the bal in anger.

The 5th was not far away after some neat play in the middle of the park, ROSS bust through on goal and finished well for his second.

No to be out done, REECE got on the end of another fine pass from Marc and fired home under the keeper for the last of the goals, but not the last action.

Colts had several further chances, but the post and some poor finishing prevented further pain for Byron.

FT : 1 - 6

A fine display from Colts and a well deserved vitory.

Ellon Meadows Colts - Deer Park

Enter Ellon, cross bridge and carry straight on at roundabout into Bridge Street.

Turn right into Station Road at Ythan Bakery.

Turn left into Schoolhill Road at Costcutters Supermarket.

Turn right into Medical Centre for car parking.

Deer Park is reached via a track leading from car park (pedestrian access only please).

Click Here for Google Maps