Colts 2 Fraserburgh Link-up 1

Today's match was played in glorious conditions over 2 x 25 minute periods.

Both Fraser & Michael were absent having been away for the weekend.

starting line-up: Logan, Chris, Alex, Craig, Jordan, Ross, Matt & Reece; Subs were Stuart & Martyn.

The game started with both teams playing free and open football with the ball going from end to end in the early stages. As things settled Colts were on top of things, but making little of any chances they got.

Midway through the period Fraserburgh got the opener. From a needless free-kick in the middle of the park the Fraserburgh fired in a delightful free-kick direct in to Logan's top right hand corner.

Chris and Alex were both making good runs forward but neither carved out clear shooting opportuniteis. Craig and Matt covered Chris and Alex in defence any time either went forward which was great to see.

Ross was starting to dominate in midfield and was using both Jordan and Matt well. Matt was getting loads of time on the ball and firing in crosses but they ewre being dealt with by the Fraserburgh defence. As a result Reece seemed a lone figure up front as he was not receiving the usual level of service, but this was not for the want of trying by Colts.

Colts got a free kick wide on the left which Matt took, only putting the ball narrowly past the near post.

Colts also had a spell with 4 or 5 corners in a row but failed to convert anything from these.

Half time: Colts 0 Fraserburgh Link-up 1

No changes were made at half time.

Colts kept the pressure on with several chances being created with shots from distance and a few neat passes in to Reece, but nothing was converted.

Martyn replaced the hard working Jordan and soon after Stuart replaced Reece to try and change the balance of the game.

This worked well as soon after Matt scored a well deserved equalliser for Colts with a fine finish.

Colts continued to dominate the match and were now creating lots of chances. These were coming through the midfield where Martyn ws using the ball well wide and also from Stuart who was seeing more of the ball now as Fraserburgh were having to now chase the game.

With 5 inutes remaining Colts got their reward for their efforts. After fine play through the middle of the park Stuart got on the end of a fine pass and fired had and high into the Fraserburgh net.

Colts did not sit back, but instead continued to push for another. They were caught out a couple of times with Alex and Chris pushing forward, but Craig and Matt both sat back to cover and clear.

Alex had a fine run up the left wing and cut in well beating a couple of Fraserburgh players in the process but could not find the finish his fine run deserved.

From a late Frsaerburgh corner Matt did well to clear at the near post, just squeezing the ball away from his own goal.

Full time: Colts 2 Fraserburgh 1

Well done to all the boys. This was a real team effort with all boys making the effort required to win a hard fought win.

Keep this performance levels up.

Colts 10 Byron Utd. 0

With the previous weekend's game still fresh and hurting, Colts looked to bounce back with a fine performance. The weather was perfect for this evening kick-off.

Several changes were made with Chris & Alex back, Ross and Fraser made way for their return.

Starting team: Logan, Chris, Alex, Craig, Jordan, Michael, Matt and Reece.

Colts started well and created several chances, but the Byron keeper, poor finishing kept the score level. Colts had to weather a few attacks from Byron, but nothing was troubling Logan.

Chris and Alex were both getting time to push forward but still colts could not break down Byron.

Michael finally opened the scoring after 20 long minutes with a fine strike. This was followed shortly after by an easy tap in from Reece after a fine cross from Matt.

Craig was replaced by Ross and Martyn replaced Matt.

Half Time: Colts 2 Byron Utd. 0

Reece was replaced by Stuart and Jordan replaced by Fraser.

Colts carried on where they left off with some great passing and flowing football.

Fraser seemed to be on a mission as he scored 3 goals in as many minutes. 2 were from good individual skill and the other the result of good passing from defence to attack.

Matt was next with another fine strike. Not satisfied with his hat-trick, Fraser then grabbed another from close in.

Fraser was replaced by Martyn, Alex pushed forward to where Martyn had been and Craig came on in defence. Chris was also rested and replaced by Reece.

Byron were allowed to take on an extra player at this point.

Matt then added to his tally by getting his second of the night. Stuart then took his chance and slotted home well from the middle of the area.

Byron then took on yet another player.

Chris replaced Martyn and wen't to play up front.

To round things off Reece popped up from his defensive position to make it 10 for Colts.

The match was brought to an early finish to prevent any further loss to Byron.

Full time: Colts 10 Byron Utd. 0

Well done to all boys for bouncing back well with a great team performance. Keep this up on sunday and well do fine.

Stoneywood 3 Ellon Meadows Colts 8

The start of the new phase of the league was kicked off at a new venue, Stoneywood, in perfect conditions for football, with the only exception being a heavy pitch.

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

Colts almost directly from the Stoneywood kick-off. A lofted clearance saw Fraser with room on the right. He provided a through ball to Martyn who calmly stroked the ball past the helpless keeper.

Within a minute Colts doubled their lead. Another great through ball, this time from a long kick out by Michael, left Fraser with a one on one with the keeper and he too calmly placed the ball past the diving keeper.

From here I'm starting to struggle to remember the order of the goals (notepad required for the next match) but Fraser scored again after some good play by Colts.

At this point Colts had the game all their own way and were breaking forward with ease. The Stoneywood keeper made a few good saves to keep Colts in check, and a few timely tackles from their defence hindered the Colts progress.

Colts were not without their own problems with several players trying their luck, but some poor finishing prevented an even bigger score.

Matt was next on the score sheet with a fine run and shot leaving the keeper no chance.

Colts were finding some much space down the right of the field it was only a matter of time though before Fraser completed his hat-trick with a fine finish.

Colts made 2 immediate changes with Fraser and Jordan making way for Craig and Ross.

As a result of these changes some confusion resulted in the Colts box from a Stoneywood corner allowing them in to grab what may have become a lifeline.

After another fine move by Colts leading to a good save by the Stoneywood keeper, Reece was on hand to fire in the loose ball to make it 6-1 and restore the 5 goal cushion.

Matt had another chance and stoked the ball past the diving keeper to take the tally to 7.

Martyn was then replaced by Stuart.

As the half was nearing a finish Stuart was presented with a shot at goal and scored via the post and the help of the Stoneywood keepers back.

Colts even managed to have a claim for a penalty (of the stone wall variety) before the end of the half when Stuart was recklessly taken down from behind, but the referee turned this down.

Half Time : Stoneywood 1 Colts 8

Another 3 changes were made with Alex making way for Fraser, Matt for Jordan and Reece for Martyn.

Stoneywood were given the nod to field an extra player this half given the score.

Colts were a lot less eager to close down in the second half, but credit to Stoneywood as they seemed to raise their game, but perhaps a little to eager at times.

Colts were to pay an early penalty for not clearing their line when Stoneywood grabbed another goal back after a scramble in the Colts box.

Colts continued to make heavy weather with the fluency of their play gone and no grit in midfield. This may partly be due to the wholesale changes being made by the coaches.

Stoneywood got another goal deservedly from the pressure they were applying, but this was due to a mix up between Michael and Craig. Michael came for the ball, but Craig tried to clear only to miss hit it into his own goal, 8-3.

Chris was getting forward more and more and even had a few runs in to the Stoneywood box, but with nothing to come from these efforts.

More changes were made with Reece replacing Stuart up front, Matt replacing Ross and Alex replacing Chris.

Some good link up play between Reece and Matt made several chances, but no clear efforts on goal.

Alex had a great run from his own half leading to shot which narrowly went past the near post.

Full Time : Stoneywood 3 Colts 8

A great performance today, with a few players putting in their best games so far. A few players were tried in some unfamiliar positions which was good to see and gives us coaches some good options for future games. One lesson from today's game though is despite the score you can never play as if the game is won by half time. We need to keep the same effort from first whistle to last.

Great team effort, keep up the good work.

No Logan today as he was away on holiday.

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 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!

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!

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.