As I mentioned in the match report this is exactly the type of games we need to win if we are to mount a serious promotional challenge. The pitch proved to be a leveler and in the end we had to dig deep. I felt we were comfortable until we were forced into withdrawing Derrick. Just for a 5 – 10 min spell the visitors took charge but credit to our guys we dug deep to defend our lead. It is always difficult playing against 10 and had we been able to keep young David up front longer with Beaver then we could have forced Mintlaw back by making them sit deeper. As it was Greg bailed us out with a double save before being in the way of what in truth was a pretty weak penalty. I have no doubts that we deserved the 3 points which saw us up to joint second in the table. With yet another injury to contend with it was pleasing to see David Spalding come on and do very well. He can be Im sure a real addition to what is rapidly becoming a depleted squad. No poor performances today a good team effort to bring home the points.

Another comprehensive victory which in truth should have been even greater than the margin achieved. 5 -0 Up at half time means game over and it is only natural that the foot comes off the gas. That said we continued to create chances and who knows if it had been 0-0 then probably some of these chances would have been converted. 14 from 2 games if very good however we must take into consideration the caliber of opposition, last weeks opponents were promoted from 8th or 9th place in the 3rd Division last season and it now looks that they are struggling to step up a league. Mugiemoss rallied very well but had it all to do after the break. A much stiffer test awaits us next weekend when we travel to face Postal in the AFC. We will be punished if we sit off them as we did against Mugiemoss.

Looking at it from a neutral point of view. A draw was probably the correct outcome. I felt over the 90 we had the best and the bulk of scoring opportunities and although pleased to come back from 0-2 this was definitely a game we should have won if we want to get into the top 3. No doubt that Ferryhill also had their chances and a great save from Grant kept us in it but we had more chances to win the game. We scored what to date this season was the best goal I have seen. The move and finish for Bruces goal was fantastic, a classic break forward with perfect passing, control and finish. We put together a number of moves and on another day would have scored more than the 2 goals. Bruce responded to what was asked of him and did very well in an unaccustomed role. Tony was as usual none stop and Greg put in a strong performance in his first 90 outfield. All in all a good team display to come from behind but at the end of the day it was two points lost. A bit of a crises for our main strikers but if we continue to create the chances we have in the last two games then they will both be back among the goals in no time.

The wind won this one 2 -1. The wind scored twice the players only managed one. A bit of a lottery but it was the same for both sides. I felt that we were very unlucky towards the end when we were camped in and around their box. Had Gregs effort gone in then it would have been a hard one to call in extra time. It would also have been interesting to see which dirtection the penalties would have been taken had it gone that far. Good to see a full squad. Which of course produces it’s own problems, that said I would hope to where possible keep everyone happy although through experience I know that will not be easy.

Well done to Ellon for a good come back, however it was a give away rather then a comeback. All four goals should have / could have been prevented. At the other end we had enough chances to score double what we did, that said if we score 2 goals then we should have been strong enough to hold that lead. We lost nearly every big tackle and stood off far too much. Credit to Grant who will be disappointed to lose 4 on his comeback. He was at fault for none of these. One to put away in the memory bank and move forward next week in a cup we have a real opportunity to progress in.

What a finish ; At 0 – 0 and 4 minutes left a draw looked the safe bet, so to walk away with all 3 points after going one behind on 87 was fantastic. If ever a lesson in playing until the final whistle was evident then it was this afternoon. Before the match I was particularly keen to get Nicol & Beaver up front and had to juggle a bit to make that possible. That meant starting young Stuart at full back and credit to him for working hard in there. The two late goals vindicated the decision to have Nicol in attack. Despite not enjoying his best performance in terms of first touch in particular. He continued to battle and his effort was rewarded with a brace the 2nd being his 100th Halli goal. I felt that Tony was outstanding in midfield and Bruce was not far behind. Nic however stole the show with a faultless performance with the stand out moment for him being a fantastic challenge inside our area in the second half. He also spoke more this afternoon than he has in any game before, this was a big plus which helped his fellow defenders. A big win which see’s Halliburton rise up into the top 3 , 6 points behind the leaders , but with an all important two games in hand.

Gutted. This should have been 3 points and nothing else. Given that Grammar had 2 off the line we still had ample opportunities to move into the top 3 in the league. Beaver can not be faulted for his great return to date this term but that miss cost us big time. Scott hands to hold his hands up for their goal and I believe a fair result would have been perhaps 2-4 or 1-3. Credit to Grammar who kept coming at us particularly in the second half and I do not believe they will be at the bottom of the table for too long. I felt we did well to create so many chances but our return in front of goal was not good enough. Difficult when 3 changes were made but pleasing to see Mark come back in and do well in an unaccustomed role. Great of course to see the dynamic duo back but not sure if Bewsy is really ready for a full 90 just yet.

I would also like to take this opportunity to wish Greg and Rebecca all the best for Saturday.

Good to get back on track and to pick up 3 points against a side sitting 2nd top of the table was pleasing. We produced some good football at times and it was clear that when we kept the ball on the ground we caused Mintlaw problems. If we had a failing this afternoon it was that we did not attack corners and throw ins more positively at both ends. We had numerous throws launched across by Bruce but for some reason these were cleared under little pressure from Halli. At the other end again we did not attack corners and throw ins and that allowed Mintlaw some half chances. Over all however I felt we were worth the 3 points and had the lions share of play for an hour with Mintlaw on top for 30 mins. Scott in goal did a good job and seems to be improving regards coming off his line for cross balls. That I believe is something that helps the defence who should now start expecting their keeper to dominate the 6 yard box. I made the change leaving Mark out following a disappointing display midweek, I have no doubts that he will have many more good displays in him and he played his part this afternoon with a spectacular goal line clearance on 90 minutes