Yet again some big players missing as we arrived to face Stoneywood. It had been a closely fought match in the previous meeting and this afternoon both sides would be going all out for the points in an effort to secure promotion. Halli had 15 players available. Manager Marlow did not strip leaving us with 3 substitutes, S.Duncan, Wallace and 90 per cent fit Webster. The side lined up Sct Marlow in goal, Wood, G.Fulton, Simpson & N.Duncan in defence, Mutch, Bews, R.Fulton & Jaques in the midfield behind front pairing Laing and West who was coming in for a rare start. With both sides out , the ref out and ready, Stoneywood decided to play charades and all trotted back into the changing rooms ?? Presumably they were pretending to be a superstar team going to get themselves mentally attuned or something similar !! The play opened up quite evenly however in truth it was Halliburton who had the lions share of possession. As however, has been the case recently, we failed to put too much pressure on the visiting goalkeeper. We did put a good number of passing moves together one on the right wing started with G.Fulton clearing wide to Mutch who held it up before squaring inside to Wood, his first time pass released West who laid it back for Mutch to cross. Good move however the defence cleared. We won a few corners which came to nothing then in 25 Stoneywood took the lead somewhat against the run of play. They all too easily went down the right and were allowed to cross the ball into the area. Sct Marlow came for it but the attacker got there bravely to head his side in front despite being dumped by the keeper. West was putting in a lot of running up front and was always willing to chase down defenders. In 35 we eventually forced a save out of the keeper and in fairness he did very well to turn a fierce drive from Jaques round his far post. (H.T.0-1).

All very much still to play for as we went back out to now play into the pretty strong wind. Laing and Bews were both toiling against injury but working hard. Halli continued to put in the effort, however lacked a bit of dig that would have been provided by Morgan. The killer instinct up front has also deserted us purely due to our injury crisis which has already proved to be costly this season. Stoneywood has one of their players red carded TWICE for apparently foul & abusive aimed at the referee but this did not really hinder them. West pulled up with cramp after running himself into the ground. He was replaced by Wallace with Mutch moved into the centre of midfield, R.Fulton up front and the sub out wide right . Webster was chucked on in hope of pulling back the equaliser. With 5 minutes remaining S.Duncan went on up front and immediately knocked a header down to the edge of the box, however the defender cleared. Right on the final whistle we awarded a free kick wide on the left flank. Webster stood over it awaiting the arrival of Sct Marlow into the Stoneywood box. The free kick was whipped in low and only looked to need a touch to take it past the keeper. Unfortunately we had no takers and the game ended seconds later (F.T.0-1).

No complaints. Perhaps Halli should introduce the charades prior to their games, as clearly believing you’re good helps. A steady workmanlike performance today but just as previously mentioned lacking a killer touch. Again our injury list hampered us this afternoon but credit in particular to West who came in and did well enough to pick up the Hallitopman award and put himself in contention for a starting place in our next match against Bankhead. A poor return from the last four games but it is not over just yet. Still 5 massive games for us to play 3 at home and 2 away. All about desire now starting with a home encounter on Monday night.