UNDER 11 FOOTBALL

St Mary's v Merchiston Castle Juniors

St.Mary’s 1; Merchiston Castle Juniors 2

After a great 3-1 victory in last weeks encounter against Melrose Primary, the St.Mary’s boys were full of confidence heading into this game. However, a bright start by Merchiston Juniors soon focussed the players’ minds, and a tough and extremely competitive fixture ensued.

Merchiston, playing against the wind, had the better of the first half. They were superbly led by their Captain in the centre of midfield, who constantly drove through the centre of the field. The early threats were well dealt with by the defenders Fraser, Rutherford, Burn and Edwardson, and the safe hands of Bell in goal.

The best chance of the half for St.Mary’s fell to Captain Fairnington, but he saw his shot blocked by the Merchiston defender.

After half-time, a change of formation and personnel led to the opening goal for Campbell. He is on a goal-scoring streak, after getting a hat-trick last week! The goal came from a super team move.  Farnington passed out to Lyons on the right who dribbled to the goal-line and crossed to Campbell who then finished with aplomb. Lockie came in to his own this half, with some super tackles and charges upfield. Salveson also made regular contributions to the team effort.

However, it was not to be for St.Mary’s who conceded a goal after 10 minutes of the second half. They then conceded a superb Merchiston goal in the final minute of the game, despite the efforts of Bell and Rutherford, to lose the game 2-1.

It was a very good fixture played in tremendous spirit, with, in truth, the better team being victorious. There were many positives for the St.Mary’s boys, who will continue to work hard together and improve in their performance.