Local football

Nov 5 2008 by Jean Pedder, Stirling Observer Wednesday

A FREE week for both teams saw them play a friendly match at Borestone Primary.

For the second game City found themselves playing with a reduced squad with injuries and illness playing a large part.

City started the game brightly but the missing man was allowing Riverside to play through the gaps in central midfield. The Blues were confident in their attacking play and tall defensive players were able to clear high balls as City tried to get round the back.

Riverside took the lead after picking up a slack pass in midfield and driving through the City defence, just as the ball was about to be cleared, it was snapped from Adam’s toes and driven past Colin into the back of the net.

City were too often looking to play narrow and slice open the Blues defence with one killer pass instead of the pass and move play the supporters and coaches had become accustomed to, which became frustrating for the wide players who continued to create space out in the wide channels.

The Blues were unable to take further advantage of the City desperation which began to creep in as the game went on and this allowed City time to regroup and create space down the left side as Adam redeemed himself going on a run down the line and driving the ball into the penalty area. The Blues defence were turned and running towards their own goal to catch up.

The defender tried to clear the ball but hit it past his own keeper to bring City level. Riverside had a couple of corners as they continued to put pressure on the City back line but there was no further scoring before half time.

City’s discipline and awareness was much better in the second half and with passes now weighted to compensate for the heavy pitch, they were zipping the ball about around the park and no longer trying to force a goal. This created space for players to advance and was at last giving the Blues defence something to think about.

Riverside were caught out on several occasions by the offside trap as Scott, Richard and Matt kept a good line. On the occasions when they did manage to time their runs to perfection, City’s defenders were quick to recover and clear the danger.

From a corner Riverside almost went ahead for the second time but Colin was quick to react at his near post and prevent the goal. City took the lead after Adam was fed a ball from the middle of the park by Ewan, he ran to the goal line and gained a corner. Ewan floated a ball over which was cleared as far as Scott who hit it low and hard through a group of players. It looked like it was going in but the Blues keeper was able to get down quick enough to parry it out but only as far as Liam who had reacted quickest and was able to slot it into the net.

The full time whistle was blown, City winning this encounter 2 - 1.

It was a worthwhile exercise for both teams who now return to league duty next week.

Ewen Cooper Cars Man of the Match was given to the whole team.

FVFDA 17's League results for November 1:

Claremont 5, Callander Thistle 0; Riverside 0, Tillicoultry Colts 2; Friendly: Riverside Blue 16's 1, Stirling City 2.

Fixtures November 8: Riverside v Stirling City.

S.Y.F.A. 17's Central Region Cup Round One: Bonnybridge YFC v Claremont, Tillicoultry Colts v Larkhall Thistle, Milton v Callander Thistle.