Reporters View: Huntly v Deveronvale (Aberdeenshire Shield)

Reporters view: Huntly v Deveronvale (Aberdeenshire Shield)
I'm not really a big fan of this midweek competition but I thought the right team won thus leaving us searching for our first win in 3 games.

GOALS

Huntly:
1) Richard Craig was pushed in the back by Stuart Gray in the area. penalty was given and Gary McGowan slotted it away to put us back in the game.
2) Typical Gordon Farmer - good run down the left and a cross into the box for Richard Stainer to head his first for the club.
3) Farmer again the provider and great left footed drive from Simon Scott but it was just too late in the game.

Deveronvale:
1) Mark Chisholm in unmarked to head home Levi Stephen's cross.
2) Barrie Stephen had struck the woodwork and had a few chances prior to a fantastic strike which found the top corner from outside the area.
3) again - where was the marking? great play from Mike McKenzie on the left wing before Chisholm was given another free header.
4) Unsure if the pass from Levi Stephen was meant or if it was sclaffed shot, however McKenzie finished the goal well.

OPPOSITION:
Strong at the back in the early stages. eager to win the ball and close players down. Levi Stephen pulled the strings in midfield while Barrie Stephen had an outstanding game in the absence of the suspended Ian Murray. Mike McKenzie is a big powerful forward who is a major threat to any defence.

OFFICIALS: Steven Duff handled the game well. Gary Cheyne did a good job on the line also.
Decision over the McGowan booking was a really soft one. The thing that made it worse was the reaction of the player who lay on the ground as if it was more serious (Chisholm) and the scuffle in which almost the entire Vale squad had to get involved with.
Robbie Brown was yellow carded for his comments while Duff called the further booking for Paul Urquhart (retaliation) and Scott Anderson (dissent) right also.

TEAM ANALYSIS:
Again like in the past couple of weeks, there are still cheap goals being given away.
At both of the Chisholm headers, the player was left unmarked to head the ball in.
Defence had better tighten up or Cove may get their first win on saturday!!
Gordon Farmer returned to the starting XI with shades of his early season form and provided the last two goals.
With Jerry O'Driscoll absent, Martin Stewart injured and Derek
Craigie on the subs bench I felt we lacked a target man and someone who isn't afraid to threaten a defence.
One thing I have heard is numerous supporters saying for quite a while now is that we need a leader on the pitch. Someone like a Martin Stewart, Eddie Copland and Don McVicar of recent years who keep urging their team on for a full 90 minutes.
At times Jerry and even David Henderson have been good at encouraging the young lads at short spells during a game.

Grant 'Neep' Turner