By Allstars #9
October 4 2003

The Allstars went into this tough away fixture on the back of their first league win, McGinns were sitting pretty at the top of the league scoring a few goals in the process.

With work commitments ruling out both keepers it was down to your’s truly to take to the sticks ( not an unfamiliar position but a good 3 years since the last time)

Neily

Gordy – Mitch – Col

Sonic – Ally – Hendrie – Kenny – Pardoe

James – Walker

Subs made

Darran for Sonic 45 mins

Craig for Walker 65 mins

The game started of stale with neither side creating any clear chances and a midfield battle ensued with McGinns slightly shading it but coming up against a solid back 3 found it difficult to make progress. Like wise the Allstars front line had only a few scraps to feed off, the only shot of note was sliced wide by Hendrie from outside the box. McGinns did manage one effort on goal but the weak shot was easily mopped up.

The second half began with a slight re-shuffle, Darran going on up front beside James with Walker moving to LWB and Pardoe switching sides to RWB for the departing Sonic. The midfield adjusted well to the changes and looked the brighter team in the opening exchanges. Ten minutes into the half Allstars took the lead with a move up the right hand side which allowed Kenny to spring through the defence and just inside the box unleashed a shot into the keepers top right hand corner . McGinns came back strong but were still unable to breach the Allstars back three who were well in control.Then came a turning point, McGinns #8 broke through the defence and round the keeper and then bizarrely with an empty net there for an easy tap in seemed to dilly dally allowing Gordy to get back and force him wide, much to the disgust of his team mates who were by now at each others throats. The game should have been wrapped up with 15 mins to go when a good run from Darran was ended just inside the area for a clear penalty. Kenny was handed the responsibility and proceeded to fluff a shot wide of the rather rounded McGinns keeper’s post. He now joins Hendrie on the “ never taking another penalty” list. This gave the home side a lift and the Allstars were under constant pressure till the final whistle but with little goal threat.

A well deserved victory in the end leaves the Allstars unbeaten in the league with 7 points from 3 games, a second clean sheet and no booking’s was as welcome also.

Man Of The Match – Ross Hendrie