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.

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.

Colony Colts 0 Meadows Colts 2

Today's match was played in pleasant conditions, sun shining and no wind. Today we played the unfamiliar 3 x 15 minute periods.

We went a more familiar line-up for this match. Alex was missing with an ankle knock so Ross took his position in the starting line-up at the back, Michael starting in the centre of the park with Reece again up front. Matt was omitted from the starting team as he missed training due to illness.

Starting team : Logan, Chris, Ross, Craig, Jordan, Michael, Fraser & Reece. Stuart, Martyn, & Matt were subs.

Ellon started well and were well fired up from the off. A good through ball from Michael led to Reece breaking through the Colony defenced but fired straight at the keeper.

Fraser was making great runs down the wing and even displayed some of the step over turns we had been working on in training giving him loads of time to cross, but no-one from Ellon was on hand to capitalise.

Jordan too was using some of our training with a few neat turns to create space for himself to great effect.

Ellon got there rewards when after some sustained pressure and a few efforts on goal, Michael played a neat through ball to Reece who placed his shot round the stranded Colony keeper.

Chris, Ross and Craig had hardly had a touch up until this point, but dealt with everything Colony had to offer with ease.

The second goal was not long in coming. After some goal inter play in the Ellon midfield several chances fell to them, but eventually Jordan finished the moved leaving the keeper with no chance.

Ellon were playing with bags of confidence now and breaking for at will. Reece, Michael, Fraser & Craig all had chances but failed to beat either the woodwork or the stubborn Colony keeper.

End of 1st period: Colony 0 Ellon 2

No changes were made at the end of this period as the team were playing very well.

Colony were starting to show some spirit and were dragging the Ellon midfield around and creating openings, but Logan, who has had a quiet start, was up to the task and came out to clear.

Ross was pushing forward on occasion, but Craig was doing a great job in covering him. Chris too was getting forward with some great runs, but at time failed to get the final ball away.

Fraser had a good chance when 1 on 1 with the Colony keeper, but his strong effort just narrowly went past the post.

Matt came on midway through this period for the tiring Fraser.

Colony were still pressing and Craig, Ross and Chris had to be switched on to clear their lines as Colony were getting boys in from balls played over the top, but were denied any clear chances.

Reece had another chance from a through ball, but his attempted lob bounced of the top of the bar.

Jordan and Reece were linking well, and from a Chris layoff Reece neatly turned his marker on the byline and laid the ball on to Jordan, but his cross was just too far ahead of the rushing Michael to finish.

End of 2nd period: Colony 0 Ellon 2

Stuart replaced Reece who was complaining of a sore head, and Martyn replaced the exhausted Michael with Matt returning to the centre of the midfield.

Colony again started this period the brighter team, but Ellon managed to deal with the strong play, with Logan making a few timely saves at the Colony players feet.

Craig had a strong effort towards the end, but the keeper showed great strength to hold the ball.

Colony had a spell of prolonged pressure, with a few corners in succession coming in on top of the Ellon goal, but the ball being cleared each time by the had working Ellon defence.

Martyn had a close shot towards the end after some good hold-up play from Stuart bringing in other Ellon players.

End of 3rd period: Colony 0 Ellon 2

A really good team effort today with all boys showing what they are capable of when they put the effort in to close the other teams down, and dig in to help each other out. If we continue to play with this spirit, determination and togetherness we will make some great progress, as was shown today. The only weakness now is fitness, so training will help this.

Well done boys, us coaches now have a problem with who to leave out of the starting team next Sunday. Keep up the good work.

Colts 1 Middlefield 2

Today's match was played in pleasant conditions, with a slight wind.

We went with an attacking line-up for this match. Alex returned to the starting line-up in his usual slot at the back, Michael starting up front with Reece.

Starting team : Logan, Chris, Alex, Jordan, Matt, Ross Michael & Reece. Stuart, Martyn, Fraser & Craig were subs.

Colts started well and were playing the ball about which was great to see as this has been missing from the last few weeks.

An early chance was set up after some fine play in midfield led to Michael playing the ball across goal, but Reece failed to get on the end of the cross.

Colts were making their pressure pay and got corner after corner with some great deliveries from Michael.

The pressure paid off with some good work down the right from Matt feeding Michael who played the ball to Reece to fire a delicate lob over the head of the advancing Middlefield keeper.

Colts were full of confidence and surging forward with every opportunity. Chances fell to Michael, Reece and Jordan, but all went a begging.

Ross was replaced by Fraser. Fraser's introduction led to an immediate impact with his surging runs causing the Middlefield defence problems, but more chances went a begging.

Middlefield did not let the Colts pressure get their heads down and did cause Colts problems on the counter as the Colts midfield were slow in recovering the positions and marking.

Half time : Colts 1 Middlefield 0

Jordan was replaced by Craig at the break.

Middlefield kick-off the second half and seemed to raise their game for this period as they seemed to be hungrier for the ball and would stop at nothing to get the ball. This could not be said for Colts as they seemed to be content to be second to everything and be pushed off the ball without and fight.

Colts were still creating chances with Fraser having several chances along with Reece but neither would make them count.

With every passing minute, and missed chance, Middlefield looked the more likely to score. With some good battling in midfield by Middlefield they would get the reward as Alex and Chris were badly exposed by the lack of midfield in the Colts team, leaving them to cover 4 or 5 players every time Middlefield went forward. A fine passing move led to an easy chance which was well converted by Middlefield.

Colts did not learn from their loss and left the middle of the park to be dominated by the opposition. The second goal came from a mis-timed clearance by Chris, which left Alex exposed. He could do nothing when surrounded by 4 Middlefield players leaving an easy goal.

Stuart replaced Craig who had picked up a knock from the strong Middlefield. Reece was replaced by Martyn. Later Matt had to leave the field after a knock to be replaced by Ross.

Colts failed to rally and the rest of the match was played out mainly in the midfield.

Late in the game Alex had to be replaced by Ross as he was exhausted.

Full time : Colts 1 Middlefield 2

A very disappointing result today as Colts had their best attacking football performance to date. But playing good football does not win you matches if you fail to do the dirty work and stop other teams from playing. Middlefield were by far the hungrier side who would do what ever was necessary to get the ball, and sometime beyond the rules, but this showed how much a win meant to them. Colts must learn from this and show the spirit and determination that is necessary to win at this level.

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.

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!

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.

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!

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

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.