Meadows Colts 7 Cove BC Colts 1

Today's match was played in fine sunny weather, but very wet and heavy under foot, with2 x 25 minutes halves the format of choice.

Colts were starting to have a familiar look to there team in recent matches, but were forced to make a couple of changes with Craig, Matt & Stuart away on holiday.

Starting line-up: Logan, Alex, Chris, Ross, Jordan, Michael, Fraser & Reece. Martyn was our only sub this week.

Ellon kicked off, but lost the ball and Cove attacked up field, but Chris and Alex dealt with the on-rushing Cove forwards. From the clearance Michael drove forward and played the ball to Reece, but his shot was easily dealt with by their keeper.

Ellon were pressing well and Jordan was next to push forward, but he held the ball too long and failed to find a team mate with his pass.

Cove had another chance going forward, but Alex cleared with ease. From the corner Cove got a free header, but fortunately for Ellon this went past the post.

Fraser was getting forward well and showing some great skill with the ball at his feet. His shot from range went past the near post.

Again Cove got forward, this time Ross had to clear. From the resulting corner the ball ended straight in the back of the net with Logan only managing to help the ball in.

Ellon went straight back on the offensive but Reece and Michael both missing chances.

Ellon were not to wait long for their opening though. Some great passing across the Ellon midfield left Michael with space and he fired home into the bottom corner from the edge of the box.

Ellon kept the pressure on and Fraser was next. From a Logan kick-out Fraser played a neat 1 2 with Ross which left Fraser with loads of room to run in to, but rather than using that space he fired in a fierce shot from 20 yards out.

Ellon were now really calling the shots and were pulling Cove apart with every opportunity. Some great interplay between Ross, Fraser and Michael left Ross to fire a ball across goal which Reece nipped in front of Jordan to poke home the third.

Jordan was now getting up and down his flank really well and combining well with Reece. This lead to Reece trying his luck from out wide left with the keeper stranded, only to see his shot whistle past the near post.

Half Time : Ellon 3 Cove 1

Jordan was replace on the left by Martyn for the start of the second half.

Cove kicked off and put Ellon under some pressure early on as Ellon were sitting to deep and allowing them to run at them. This led to a few nervy moments, but Chris and Alex dealt with these.

From one of the Cove forays up field Chris intercepted and played a ball to Ross who in turn played Fraser in. Fraser turned his man well and played a delightful pass to Michael who left the Cove keeper no chance with a fierce drive.

Ellon were now in overdrive and pushing forward at will. the boys were now playing the best football yet and their passing was excellent. Martyn was getting room on the Left and from this he played a great through ball for Reece, but he miss-time his shot.

The same move repeated only seconds later wit another fine pass to Reece, but this time he fired the ball high into the Cove net.

Fraser was replaced by Jordan on his favoured left and Martyn moving to the right.

This only seemed to spur Ellon on more. Alex was cutting out most chances that came his way. he pay a neat pass out of defence to Martyn, his pass went on to Michael who played the ball to Ross. Ross then picked out Reece who played the ball back to Michael who finished well between the diving keeper and the post.

Ellon was keeping the pressure on and was getting the ball in to the Cove box with almost every move. Chris had a great surging run forward after collecting the ball deep in his own half, only to see his fine effort on goal deflected wide for a corner. Michael played the ball in but the Cove keeper held the ball well.

By this time Logan was having very little to do other than to keep Chris and Alex on their toes.

From another Ellon move Reece had a chance, but was clipped as he struck his shot and went down. Despite appearing to be injured he was determined to carry on. From the keeper's kick-out Reece controlled the ball with his knee and calmly fired a lob straight back over the outstretched keeper into the back of the net. Perhaps he was OK after all!

As the game was nearing an end Ellon git a corner. The ball fell to Alex who fired well, but his shot was blocked by a stretch Cove defender.

Full Time : Ellon 7 Cove 1

Today's performance is what makes coaching kids worth while. I'm sure all those there would agree that this was probably the best footballing performance to date from our Colts. The passing was great, the boys showed great awareness of each others movement, and a willingness to get stuck in when needed. Well done to you all.

Keep this performance level up and you will get the rewards it deserves.