A home match this afternoon, but played at Hazlehead due to the fact Lawsondale is still covered in ice. Today’s was our 3rd meeting of the season with Ellon Amateurs. The first 2 both resulting in defeats so we knew it would be hard this afternoon. The squad were reminded of the importance of this game as 3rd played top. We would need to up our game following a doing last week in the AFC, the effort had been good however we must now step up if we are to remain in contention. Sct Marlow was in goal, Wood, Simpson, G.Fulton & N.Duncan formed the defence. In midfield were Mutch, McDonald, Morgan & Mair behind R.Fulton and Laing. In reserve were S.Duncan, Wallace, S.Jaque & trialist Vaughan.

A good opening from Halli saw us on top during the early stages, some excellent passing moves saw us attacking the visitors but it must be noted never, in truth, testing the keeper. Morgan, Mutch and Laing linked well and R.Fulton was busy up front. At this point Mair was isolated on the left as inexplicably play seemed to be confined to the right which due to the slope was about 4 feet higher than the left ! Disaster for Sct Marlow in 20 when the keeper completely mis calculated and allowed a corner to float over him. The ball prodded home. Bad mistake however no one attacked the ball after the keeper missed it. Ellon were given a lift by that and not for the first time this season, their number 8 started to pull the strings. He was finding space far too easily and was the main threat. In 30 we gifted another soft goal when a route one approach paid off for Ellon. The keepers kick out in fairness appeared to be miss hit however cut through the heart of our side like a hot knife through butter. Morgan got no where near it then 2 others had a pretty good chance of clearing but again got nothing on the ball. Sct Marlow was left facing an attacker who slotted it home. We rallied and looked to have a way back in when Laing was pulverised by the keeper. This could only be described as the most stick on penalty in the country this afternoon, but that does not take into account our referee who claimed there had been an expectable coming together of bodies ! As always seems to be the case when a blatant balls up is made, the opponents ventured upfield to score a 3rd when yet again we left players unmarked all over the pitch. Notably the number 8 once more all on his own set up the goal. In 43 we scrambled a lifeline which in truth looked to have been secured from an offside starting position. A ball forward picked out Mair who along with Laing appeared to be offside. Both correctly played to the whistle and Laing was released to smash home low at the near post. (H.T.3-1).

Our first half display had started well but the way we had lost the goals was totally unacceptable. Manager Marlow made 3 positional switches with Mair tasked to track the Ellon playmaker in the centre of midfield. McDonald was moved wide right and Mutch went on to the left. These changes paid instant dividends as Halli blasted out of the blocks. We attacked from the off and spent the entire second half on the offensive. Chance after chance was created with the woodwork coming to the rescue of Ellon on 3 separate occasions. The penalty decision seemed to act as an incentive to the boys as they pressed forward. Laing was first to threaten with a smouldering shot that pulled the very best out of the Ellon keeper. The striker then hit the post with a snap shot before Mair came close firing over the top following a right wing corner kick. Laing came close again and in truth should have scored. He awaited a bouncing ball to drop perfectly but mis- hit his shot from 10 yards off the far post. Sct Marlow was a virtual spectator as play raged on at the opposite end. Finally our constant pressure was rewarded when Mair slotted home his first club goal firing home a half clearance from 18 yards. Wallace replaced a tiring R.Fulton after Simpson making his 50th club appearance recovered from a knock. Wallace chased back well to retrieve as Halli went for the equaliser. Mutch came close with a long range free kick, but the keeper took it confidently. Mair and Morgan were dominating and Mutch was working very hard. Morgan passed a comment to an opponent after he had been walked on which resulted in some jovial Clackmannan type banter between him and the Ellon bench. We won a free kick however G.Fulton wellied it high over the top. (F.T2-3).

So hard to get nothing out of this one. Albeit self inflicted by the nature of goals against. Our second half display however more than merited reward. Without doubt the switch made at half time made a huge difference and of course the penalty decision implicated big time on the final result. This defeat sees us drop a slot in the league and so out of the top 3. With exactly half the league games still to be played we are still in there but it is now becoming vital that wins are recorded. Great second half from John Mair edged Tony Morgan for the Hallitopman accolade. Next up is a home league match against Continental.


Manager's View
Disappointing in the extreme not to take anything from this proverbial game of two halves. 3 terrible goals to concede but a second half display worthy of at worst a point. The change at half time totally justified with John doing a first class job against the visiting number 8. Tony was buzzing as was Bruce but the whole side dug in and must be considered unlucky not to get a reward. Our defending without question was disastrous at all 3 goals. Scott holds the blame for the first but he has some degree of right to expect a challenge on the ball after he had missed it. The second was a joke with route one cutting right through the spine of the team. The 3rd another that marking was none existent. What we need now is a bit of a consistent run of games hopefully with the weather improving then we can go on to string games and wins together. Victories breed confidence and Im pretty sure we can take confidence out of Saturdays second half and push on to get back in contention for promotion.