Date: 28-Mar-10
Competition: Atholl Cup Rd 1
Scorers: Alex Dick
Man of the Match:
Match Report:

Hamilton Harvest played their second game in 2 days when they took on Motherwell Kings on Sunday. Harvest lined up in a 4-4-2 formation with Shug in goals, right to left in defence was John, Steph, Hawky & Omar, right to left in midfield was Davy, Hammy, Alex & James, with Paul & William leading the attack. Wullie & Rab started on the bench.

The first 10 minutes were cagey with both teams settling in to the game then a ball up the wing to James resulted in him turn and the midfielders attempt to win the ball saw him clatter in to James who hit the deck in agony. There was concern of the face of everyone at that moment and the game was held up for 40 minutes while James was attended too in which turned out to be a double leg break. The Motherwell midfielder received a caution for the challenge and Harvest had to re-shuffle the pack with Wullie coming on at right back, Alex moving to left midfield and John moving to central defence. The game restarted after the long delay and it was Motherwell who grabbed the lead, the striker done well to hit the bye line and chip the ball to the back post where the Motherwell right midfielder was on hand to head the ball in to the net to make it 1-0. Motherwell were then reduced to 10 men when the midfielder who was already cautioned for the challenge on James caught John after he had played the ball and the referee produced a second yellow and then a red card. Despite being down to 10 men it was Motherwell who doubled their advantage when a quick throw in was taken to the right back who was allowed to advance unchallenged cut inside and fired a shot in to the top corner to make it 2-0. With the man advantage Harvest were dominating possession but with no rewards and had to defend well at times as Motherwell were very quick on the break. Harvest then got a goal back when Alex picked up the ball, jinked past 2 challenges and fired a low shot in to the bottom corner to make it 2-1. As the first half drew to a close Motherwell regained their 2 goal advantage when they won a free kick and the big midfielder stepped up and fired his shot at goal, despite Shug getting a hand to the ball he couldn’t prevent the goal and the half ended with Motherwell 3-1 up.

The second half wasn’t much to write home about as Harvest dominated possession but to no avail, the Motherwell defence stood strong and limited Harvest to 2 shots on goal, 1 of which went past the post and 1 crept just over the bar. Motherwell were limited to hitting Harvest on the break and good passing opened up and opportunity but Shug was a full stretch to save the shot and Omar was on hand to clear the danger. The remainder of the game was played out and Motherwell ran out 3-1 winners and advanced to the next round of the cup.

Unlucky today guys, in the circumstances we played well at times and kept the ball well but I think the injury to James was playing on everyone’s minds. Let’s forget about this game and look forward and I’m sure you’ll all join me in wishing James a speedy recovery and we hope you’re back playing soon wee man. Take care guys, God Bless.