Match Report

Saturday 28 August

Monklands 0 v 0 Strathclyde Uni

Monklands started the tournament against an impressive Strathclyde University team in the first of their 25 minute group games. From the first centre pass, Monklands were put under heavy pressure and the defence including goalkeeper, George Armstrong, had to be on their toes to keep a clean sheet. Monklands held firm as Strathclyde Uni pushed men forward in search of a winner and managed to launch a couple of counter attacks, which could have given them a win somewhat against the run of play. However, on balance of play, Monklands were definitely the happier of the two sides as the final whistle blew and knew that improvement was necessary in the coming games.

Monklands 3 v 0 Ayr Legends

Following some post-match discussion after the first group game, Monklands looked much more like themselves in their game against the experienced Ayr Legends side. Their passing game began to take full effect as they moved their opposition from side to side creating numerous chances throughout the game.

Lewis Fitzpatrick-Lane swapped with George Armstrong in the Monklands' goal but was a virtual spectator as Monklands played much of the game in the opposition's half.

Monklands' top scorers from last season showed their quality in attack with David Aitken scoring two and Colin McAdams rounding off the 3-0 victory, both showing signs of a partnership that will worry many defences in the coming season.

Monklands 1 v 0 Ayr (First Eleven)

With Strathclyde Uni winning their other group games, Monklands knew that victory was necessary to have any chance of topping the group. A slight tactical change was made before the game with Monklands opting to play with two strikers allowing an extra player to drop into midfield to combat the increase in quality of the opposition. The match proved to be very competitive with both sides going for the win.

Monklands' passing-play was not as fluent as they would have liked, but the team were solid and remained resilient to neutralise the attacking threat of the Ayr team. McAdams and Aitken always looked threatening, but both missed chances to give Monklands the lead they were searching for. As the game progressed, it seemed that a nil-nil draw was a distinct possibility until suddenly Lewis Fitzpatrick-Lane burst from deep in midfield and drove into the Ayr 'D'. He tangled with an Ayr defender, who looked at the umpire for a foul, but the ball broke to David Aitken who made no mistake from eight yards out when he buried the ball into the back of the net.

Ayr launched a few late attacks in an attempt to find an equaliser, however, the back-line of Cheung, McKellar and Ford were equal to their efforts.

Sunday 29 August

Monklands 4 v 0 Aberdeen Uni

An earlier victory from Strathclyde University meant that Monklands went into this game knowing that a 2-0 win was required to top the group. Team Coach, Sheila Moodie, made sure that the team were fired up from the first whistle - they did not disappoint, with a great show of attractive attacking hockey and goals to match. Monklands certainly moved the ball much better than the previous day and they seemed to be finding their form once again.

Monklands decided to stay with the duo of McAdams and Aitken leading the line in attack and they did not disappoint.  McAdams showed his killer instinct to score two great goals and was a threat throughout. David Aitken typically got himself on the score sheet and Darren Leaker completed the scoring by timing his arrival in the 'D' to perfection and slotting the ball past the helpless Aberdeen Uni keeper.

Overall a great performance from Monklands who showed some exciting free-flowing hockey whilst maintaining their run of 'clean sheets'.

Semi-Final: Monklands 0 - 0 Anchor (Monklands win 3-2 on penalties)

After finishing top of their group, Monklands found Anchor lying in wait in the semi-final. Anchor will be West District Division 1 opponents for Monklands in the coming season - they proved to be tough opposition in a hard-fought match.

Chances were few and far between with most of the game being played in midfield. Anchor came close to opening the scoring as their No. 11 found half a yard in the Monklands 'D' and released a reverse-stick drive, which flew past George Armstrong in the Monklands goals but thankfully cannoned off the post and away to safety.  Monklands did not take long to reply when McAdams showed great skill and pace to skip clear of two Anchor defenders before squaring the ball to strike-partner Aitken who, with the goal at his mercy, somehow failed to connect and the chance was gone. Cheung, McKellar and Ford gave little away in defence, however, when anything made it through George Armstrong was in inspired form and refused to be beaten.

Penalties:-

•George Armstrong makes a superb diving save to his right, one for the cameras.

•Ed Cheung thunders his PF into the roof of the net - no keeper would have saved that. (1 - 0)

•George Armstrong dives low to his left to turn the ball round the post, great save.

•Colin McAdams firmly puts his penalty past the Anchor goalie. (2 - 0)

•Anchor score their third penalty, sending Armstrong the wrong way. (2 - 1)

•Monklands hit the post with their 3rd penalty.

•Anchor score, George Armstrong unlucky not to keep it out. (2 - 2)

•Aitken puts his flick past the helpless Anchor keeper. (3 - 2)

•Anchor hit the post with their penalty.

Monklands win 3-2!

Final: Monklands 3 v 2 Perthshire

With Monklands having progressed so far in the competition in their debut at the Ayr Festival, they were determined not to fall at the final hurdle. Perthshire made it clear from the start that they too would not be happy to finish as runners-up and quickly pushed Monklands deep into their own half. Despite the Perth side's territorial advantage, the Monklands defence (protected by Chris Walker in midfield), were handling all Perthshire could throw at them.

Following a clever interception deep in the Monklands half, the ball was quickly released to Colin McAdams who combined quickly with fellow forward Aitken to slot Monklands into the lead - a truly brilliant counter-attack.

Perthshire came close to equalising as their striker beat McKellar on the edge of the 'D', but George Armstrong raced from his line to win the ball before the attacker and the chance was gone.

Monklands' second goal was almost a carbon copy of their opener with Monklands soaking up the pressure and hitting the opposition on the counter attack, this time, Aitken supplying the finishing touch.

The second half began with Monklands determined to hold on to their advantage, however, all did not go to plan. Too much time was given to a Perth midfielder outside the Monklands 'D' who slammed the ball in and was deflected into the net, leaving Armstrong with no chance. This seemed to lift the Perth side who quickly equalised from a penalty corner and suddenly the game was turned on its head. A Perth defender was heard saying that they had Monklands ''on the ropes''. However, within minutes Monklands showed the attitude that has won them three consecutive West District titles with McAdams scoring an amazing individual goal by turning in the opposition's area before beating the keeper at his far post thus giving Monklands the lead once again.

Perthshire really pushed for an equaliser late on with a series of free-hits and penalty corners, however, George Armstrong would not be beaten again as Monklands held on for the win.

As this was Monklands first appearance at the Ayr Festival, they began the tournament largely unknown to most. However, after this impressive victory, teams were made to stand up and take notice following a string of impressive results and some fantastic, attractive hockey. This win was a great team achievement and will provide everyone with a confidence boost for the coming season.

Special mention is made of the following:-

•George Armstrong - Simply outstanding in goals throughout and great penalty saves against Anchor.

•Andy McKellar - Impressive in defence along with David Ford and Ed Cheung.

•Colin McAdams and David Aitken - This duo formed an amazing strike partnership to give the team a real cutting edge on the counter attack.

Monklands now face Clydesdale (iii) next Saturday at Titwood in the last of the pre-season fixtures.