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Report coutesy of the Guide & Gazette
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Oakley kicked-off playing up the slope, but it was Carnoustie who were first to threaten with three minutes gone. Scott played a long ball right into the home goalmouth, looking for Voigt or Reilly, but Parkin rose to take it cleanly and the chance was lost.
Oakley began to come more into the game and had a half-chance to open the scoring in nine minutes. A long throw-in by K. Connors was knocked on by Celentano towards Blackadder, but McCafferty came smartly off his line to claim the ball.
The home side were now doing most of the attacking and in 14 minutes again came close to going ahead after Celentano sent a good cross into the Gowfers' goalmouth. M. Connors rose and powered in a header, but McCafferty brought off a great save at the expense of a fruitless corner.
In 20 minutes, a Parkin goal kick was played through to M. Connors, who beat A. Campbell, then fired the ball across the face of the goal. Robertson got a touch and deflected it out to HUGHES, who lashed a first-time shot past McCafferty, giving the 'keeper no chance.
Carnoustie immediately set about trying to get back on level terms and just two minutes later should have equalised when a long through-ball fell to Hendry inside the home box. He was crowded out by Lumsden and J. Sinclair, with the latter making the clearance.
The Gowfers came close to drawing level after Reilly was fouled by Hughes. Clark touched the free kick through to Scott, whose fierce drive was deflected over the top for a corner. Clark again took the kick and picked out Hunter, who headed well wide.
Right on the half-time whistle, Oakley came close to doubling their lead after another long throw by K. Connors was headed away by Robertson. The ball, however, fell to Blackadder, who fired in a shot, but McCafferty brought off another great save to deny the homesters a second counter.
Half-time: Oakley United 1, Carnoustie Panmure 0.
With 60 minutes on the watch, A. Campbell played a long ball through towards Voigt, who got a foot to it, but Parkin saved well to keep his charge intact.
In 72 minutes, Carnoustie had another lucky escape when a ball over the top found both Sinclair and Celentano well offside, but the referee failed to spot this and allowed the latter to fire off a shot, which McCafferty again did well to save.
Shortly afterwards, a further spell of Carnoustie pressure was rewarded with a corner. Clark's cross was flicked on by McLaughlin to Cook, whose shot was just off target and went out behind for a goal kick.
With 10 minutes to go, Reilly took a pass from Robertson and fired in a rocket shot, but Voigt got in the way and went down injured, with Milne then thumping the loose ball clear.
In 85 minutes, Robertson landed awkwardly and had to be helped off. He was replaced by Steele.
In the dying seconds, Hendry sent in a deep cross looking for Voigt, but Parkin came quickly off his line to intercept and take it cleanly.
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It's all about team work
Oakley visited Arniston at their temporary ground in Musselburgh today.
A tough game was always on the cards. We were not let down. A single goal from Celentano secured the points but it turned out to be a Right Royal Rumble. The weak hearted need not turn up, let alone apply.
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Oakley turned up at Musselburgh on Saturday afternoon, Arniston's make shift home for the season, knowing only a win would be good enough. Running out of games, everyone from now until the end of the season has become a cup final. The pressure of relegation hangs around Oakley like a bad smell – it is the thick, pungent odour of defeat. It is a reminder that the time for pussy footing around has ended. If you want to run on the pitch and not need to clean your boots when the game is ended, you are definitely in the wrong camp.
The 12 players that donned the maroon and blue on Saturday afternoon new they were in for a battle. Everyone new this yet, to a man, they stuck their heads above the parapet and declared “I am here”. I have played and followed football all my life. I have seen some truly gifted player. Some, not so gifted but with the heart of a lion.
But nothing thrills me greater than a team of multi-talented players all fighting, running, working for each other. No superstars, no prima donnas, just 11 players working as a single unit to achieve their unified goal… winning the game.
On a beautiful summer's afternoon I was pleased, nay, privileged to watch 12 guys stick up for one another, fight for one another and ultimately win for each other. The downside: they have to do it all over again next week. Who's going to stand up and tell the management team “do not leave me out!!!!”.
Both half's were a little end to end with some individual pieces of skill in the middle. It wasn't going to be considered a classic by any stretch of the imagination. Too much was at stake for one team, pride for the other.
Apart from a 30 minute wonder strike from Lee Celantano, it probably could be classed as a bit of a damp squid. The victors would be the only team that would take anything away from this encounter: thankfully, it was Oakley.
Martin Parkin: Martin produced another fine display that can only help his defensive lineup. The assuredness with the ball at his feet, distance on every kick, superb handling and his, thankfully not needed on Saturday, incredible shot stopping must put him in the running for MoM.
Of course, he has help from his defensive lineup in front of him.
Kevin Connors produced another showing which belays his age. This youngster is getting better with every game. He has put his name down on the left back slot and given the management team no option but to pick him.
The opposite side of the pitch has seen another youngster stake his claim on the other full back position. Chris (I can fly) Hughes was immense all game. If he lost an aerial dual, it must have been when that fly went in my eye. His strong tackling must have put fear into his opposite number and Chris's clearances always found their way deep into the Arniston half of the pitch. From minute one until the final whistle, the full backs concentration and determination to win was there for all to see - a definite candidate for mom.
The central pairing…what can we say.
John Sinclair was a giant. I have rarely seen a player attempt so many tackles, both in the air and on the ground and win, quite possibly every single one, Not only did John win all of his tackles but, he composed himself enough to clear any underlying danger that may have developed after the initial challenge. He was a constant thorn in the side of both the opposition's forwards and defense where he would stride forward for every corner or free kick within goal scoring distance.
His partner in the middle looked as though he had a packet of ciggy's out there with him. Craig Lumsdon's display was that of a man that can and should be playing at a much higher level. His composure on the ball, his timing of his tackles, and ultimately, his positional sense was exceptional. He appeared to cruise through the game. I know for a fact, not one of the players cruised through that game but Craig's reading of the game mixed in with his timely interventions certainly gave him the look of a player at ease with himself and thoroughly enjoying every minute. Mom, yet another candidate.
Willie Campbell, occupying the left midfield position, produced the best game I have seen him play since he arrived at the club. Injuries and work commitments make maintaining his fitness levels even more difficult but none of these points were on show on Saturday. The proverbial old head came into play and his robust tackling and “never say die” attitude stood him, and the team, in good stead. Willie, however, must prepare himself for the shock. He may well be removed from a few of the opposition's Christmas card list.
Mark Connors on the other flank…a warm welcome back Mark. Another “Connors” display was produced. This young man's energy levels go off the chart. His opposite number must have though he was up against a machine. Mark's commitment and work rate for the team was incredible. His unselfish work is an example to one and all - something I believe the team greatly appreciates. Although well worthy of mom, one is a little sceptic about awarding anything to the gentleman. One has the feeling; he may read and start believing his own press…. joking aside; another fantastic display from a young man that looks as though he just loves playing football for Oakley.
The middle of the pitch looks as though there is a partnership developing – a partnership with a lot of potential. Although a vested interest, Both players appear to compliment each other with the younger of the two getting the most benefit out of the pairing.
Brian (wake me in 20 minutes) Ritchie is beginning to understand just what is required to be a junior footballer. Skill alone will not take you through. You have to be prepared to work hard, constantly improve your ability and develop an awareness of your position in direct relation to the opposition. Lastly, a game lasts 90 minutes. A game can be lost by the 10 th minute. But for all that, Brian eventually produced a performance that was worthy of a stint in front of the mirror. ”Did I give it my best?”
This reporter believes this teenager can answer in the affirmative.
His partner in crime, Ryan Blackadder's display of football was a joy to watch; although only 25 years of age, this “old head” showed his colleagues just how to keep hold of the ball. His retention of the ball was a master class for any budding youngsters to watch. His attention from the opposition in the last 15 minutes alone was shocking. How he managed to walk off the pitch is still a mystery to me. Candidate for mom? Most certainly.
The three forward:
Lee Celantano arrived at the pitch with severe stomach pains. How he managed to play for eighty minutes is a complete mystery. His work rate and effort at harassing and tormenting the opposition's defense was nothing short of super human. To play,. let alone for eighty minutes merely enhancing this young man's reputation as one of the best strikers in the Junior football league. His ultimate torment was of course his goal. A mixture of some superb individual skill, movement of the ball and, the strikers only real yard stick, his finish. Lee moved along the line from left to right breaking off and finding himself in space just inside the oppositions right hand penalty box area. The ball he controlled with his right foot arrived over his shoulder. Having killed the ball with his first touch, he dragged the ball over to his favoured left, pushed it wide of the retreating defender and unleashed an unstoppable curling shot that ended up in the postage stamp. This 30 th minute goal was to be the only one scored at Musselburgh that day. Lee was replaced with and energetic raring to go substitute who was out to show the Oakley management team exactly what he could do. He did not disappoint them.
Greg Sinclair, potential mom when he was on the pitch just over 10 minutes? Undoubtedly yes. Greg's display for that short period of time was brilliant. If asking any of his fellow players if he contributed to the great result, I don't believe there would be many negative responses. Too join a game that was going at 100 mph and to then make such an impact was simply tremendous. His harrying of defenders and, probably his greatest asset, his clever retention off the ball, under extreme pressure it must be said, was worthy of many a mom award. His contribution allowed Oakley to maintain the lead and ultimately pick up the 3, much needed, points.
Lastly, but most certainly not the least, Coco Mullen: Coco seems to have cottoned on to the Oakley “work ethic”, team first then me. Coco joined a few months ago and in that time, has always produced a game full of energy, commitment and skill. On Saturday afternoon in Musselburgh he not only produced the above listed but heaped on top of that a helping of desire and a willingness to take some big hits for the team. Bravery has never been a word that was used in the negative form whenever this young man mentioned. On Saturday, he moved up to an other league. Mom candidate? I'm not leaving him out.
The moment of truth for Oakley Man of the Match: This was an impossible task. I am way too clever (or not stupid enough) and far too much of a coward to select any one individual - but here goes:
Oakley Man of the Match: Every last one of them
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Must give more support
With enough possession and shots on target in the first half alone, this game should have been finished by the interval.
A rash challenge leading to an uncalled for red card, changed the game completely.
That said, there must be more support play up front for the centre forward.
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Oakley, missing half a dozen players through injury, started the game sprightly enough. Within 10 minutes, Celentano did brilliantly; with his run round the keeper, keeping the ball just in on the bye line, and then having the composure and skill to seek out and deliver a telling pass straight to the feet of Ritchie. The supporting midfielder needed no invitation and smashed the ball high into the back of the stranded Blairgowrie keeper's net. 1-0.
The defensive mode then set in for Oakley for the next 15 minutes with Blairgowrie having, not the lion's share of possession, but definitely the better of the goal scoring opportunities. These were mainly breakaways but still looked dangerous.
This was made evident in the 30 th minute when, from an Oakley corner, the ball went over the top of every player allowing the visitors full back to run onto and away from the majority of the playing staff. He was closed down, but not before he put a seemingly harm les s pass on top of the centre spot. Oakley had two defenders patrolling that area but somehow, the lone winger from Blairgowrie came out with the ball at his feet, racing towards goal with both defenders behind him. With only the Oakley keeper to beat, he moved slightly to his left, pulling the keeper over also, affording him a little more space then on his right hand side. The attacker finished well with a deft little lift over the sprawling Parkyn which ended inside the far side post.1-1.
Oakley did finish the stronger of the two teams. On the 40 minute mark, Ritchie, receiving a ball from out wide, fully 25 yards out, struck a sweet shot that saw the dipping ball finish only a few inches over the bar. A few further chances, which if the truth be told should have at the least hit target - failed which left the interval score 1-1.
The second half was more of the same.
12 minutes into the second half saw an unfortunate Peter Fyfe receive a straight red card for a challenge from behind on the centre line. There didn't appear to be any malice in the challenge, merely quick feet from his opposite number but any challenge from behind is a lottery. This is a lottery which must be won or the consequences have to be faced.
To say this didn't change the game would be foolhardy. Blairgowrie accepted their present with grace and decided to make their extra man pay dividends.
The pitch was a little bumpy and heavy, due to the adverse weather conditions, which ultimately dictated the quality of the football that was to be played during this bottom half of the league decider. The resultant “hump up the pitch” approach did set in with over 20 minutes to go,
Contrary to what was being played, some individual pieces of skill did make the game well worth the entrance fee. No more so than the second goal for Oakley from debutant Ryan Blackadder. Some were talking 45 yards, others were unsure if he was not in his own half or not but this reporter had it down at approximately 33 yards from goal. The Oakley midfielder controlled the ball with one touch, didn't seem to look up but set the ball up and struck a peach of a shot which rose, flew over the retreating visitor's keeper and dipped just under his crossbar. Without fear of contradiction, the best goal I have seen this year. This was with only 12 minutes to go…could Oakley hold out. 2-1.
Blairgowrie did have the ball in the net but was adjudged to have been offside. With approximately 5 minutes on the clock, the visitors equalised. The goal came from a corner, driven hard towards the near post. The smal les t man on the pitch rose and with a glancing header, the ball rocketed into the top of the Oakley net. A superb header which merely required redirection as the pace was all in the cross. 2-2.
Blairgowrie also had a man sent off in the dieing minutes when a second offence worthy of a yellow card meant a red was given; he had only scored moments earlier so I don't think it dampened his spirit too much.
Nothing more of note occurred and the game fizzled out with a 2-2 draw probably being the fair result.
As a reporter, I have seen many vicious, violent and brutal games where football fell second to the physical law. Anyone reading the card count for this game must have shuddered – spines tingling at what could have occurred for the number of bookings and red cards shown in this game.
I watched this game from start to finish, a few meaty challenges did go in, that is a certainty, but the card count was way in excess of what actually occurred on the pitch. This was an important game for both teams but no serious foul play or violent conduct was on show - merely a healthy requirement to win.
I would like to finish with something of a non football nature I happened to see after the game. Something which, 24 hours on, I still cannot believe I saw. The Blairgowrie player, who had been red carded, offered his hand to the referee in a “no hard feelings” gesture - as did most of the players. This is a gesture – a notion of fair play which we try instil into our kids as early as their first football game – shake hands with the opposition and the officials.. The referee, and I am still flabbergasted at this motion, chose to look away and not accept the player's hand.
Never have I seen such disrespect, lack of professionalism and sheer ignorance emanate from one individual in such a short space of time. Yes, it is the prerogative of each individual to accept or decline the offer of a handshake…and in all fairness, many players do not, will not shake any oppositions hand - presumable their grievance “we were robbed”…but for an official not to shake the hand of a player – a player it must be said, who was sent off for hand ball, not for violent conduct or foul and abusive language to the said official – is not only unheard off but totally unacceptable.
Unfortunately, this picture will stay with me long after I have forgotten this match.
Surely this is not what football is all about?
MoM: for his honesty, work ethic and clever use of the ball.
Oakley Man of the Match: Lee Celantano
Blair Wood |
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