Aberdeen FC U14's v Dyce BC U14's

Aberdeen FC U14's v Dyce BC U14's

Match Report by David Barry

To the local football fans this game was expected to be a close match up between the two teams and they did not disappoint.

Within the first two minutes Dyce were in the oppositions box after a good counter and were awarded a penalty after a foul in the box. Ross Cochrane stepped up to take the penalty for Dyce and slotted into the bottom corner. 1-0 to Dyce.

Aberdeen came close to equalising just a few minutes later with Craig Storie hitting a volley from the edge of the box that went over the bar. Aberdeen began to have more of the possession but the Dyce defence stayed strong and were coping with the mounting pressure.

Against the run of play, Dyce went 2-0 ahead after some quick feet from Cameron Buchan played saw the ball hit across the box to Ross Cochrane who got his second of the match.

Aberdeen however kept pressing and on 25 minutes their persistence paid off. An attack down the right side left Craig Storie with some space in the box and he made use of it with a low powerful shot into the keepers far post. Both teams went looking for the next goal as both knew it would a crucial one.

Half time 2-1 Dyce.

In the opening ten minutes of the second half it looked as if Dyce would be next to score, a terrific save from Leonard Wilson and some off- target attempts was all that prevented Dyce from increasing their advantage.

It was clear to see how much this match meant to all the boys on the pitch with a lot of determination and commitment on show. Still searching for that goal to level the score line, Aberdeen came close with 5 minutes to go but good goal keeping from Kyle Donald prevented that. Dyce were able to hold to their lead and won the match.

Full time 2-1 Dyce

Man of the match: Ross Cochrane

Hibs vs Motherwell

Tuesday 20th July
1.00pm
Hibernian FC v Motherwell FC

Match Report by Kimberley Middleton

Hibs and Motherwell battle it out in a 1pm kick of in the sunshine. Motherwell got the game under way.

In the opening stages it was Hibs who created the pressure with an early attempt on goal going wide.

Hibs maintain the pressure with a corner taken by Ryan Baptie allowing Jay Doyle to come close – this is followed by a nervous few moments for Motherwell in front of their goal.

10 minutes into the game it was remained fairly even but with Hibs edging the majority of the possession.

GOAL!
Hibernian 1-0 Motherwell.
As the game moved on Hibs began to dominate and after roughly 20 minutes their pressure pays off as Jay Doyle opens the scoring with a powerful drive. Motherwell's keeper got his fingertips to it however it found its way to the back of the net.

GOAL!
Hibernian 2-0 Motherwell.
Almost within no time at all Motherwell are left shell shocked as Hibernian double their lead. Two goals in as many minutes for Hibs - this time headed in by Jack Brady after the ball was played in from the left.

Shortly after Hibs came close again with a Jay Doyle chip punched away and Sam Stanon putting the re-bound just wide.

A Motherwell free kick is shot directly to goal which is forced to be cleared off the line – however it would not have stood after the linesman flagged for a foul.

With the game approaching half time Hibs applied more pressure in and around Motherwell's penalty box.

Half Time.
The half time whistle goes with a deserved 2-0 lead for Hibs – it could have been even more. Motherwell have shown glimpses of potential yet have been dominated for the majority of the half.

A half time change saw Motherwell switch goal-keepers.

Second half begins and initially it looks to be heading the same way as the first half did with Hibs immediately applying pressure with an attempt on goal going just over the bar within the opening minute of the half.

As the second half progresses Motherwell brighten up and begin to threaten the Hibs goal.

Motherwell break and earn a corner – following which there is a spell of Motherwell pressure with Jonathan Dodd going just wide. It is now all Motherwell – the half time talk must have worked.

Another opportunity from Motherwell proves they have not lost their belief or determination to get back into the game.

10 minutes into the second half and it is as if we are watching a different game – all Motherwell – Kyle Jackson with a chance going marginally wide with a diving header. Motherwell looked more and more threatening but clearly needed that goal.

Motherwell change – Adam Ashgar coming on almost making an immediate impact after coming close to getting the goal Motherwell need.

GOAL
Hibernian 2-1 Motherwell
Game on! Finally Motherwell get their and it had been coming. Ross Stewart sets the goal up for Darren Brownie – suddenly the game has become very interesting.

The game becomes an end to end affair as both teams are aware how significant the next goal is.

Motherwell push and push for an equaliser and the game becomes extremely competitive – becoming more physical in the closing stages.

Full Time.
Motherwell did not want that whistle to come, but relief for Hibs as they manage to see out their 2-1 win. Spirited second half performance from Motherwell and it looked as if they were heading for an equaliser. Credit to Hibs for their outstanding first half performance and for hanging on to their lead. This was very much a game of two halves! Thoroughly entertaining.

Score
Hibernian 2-1 Motherwell.

Managers Comment:
Hibs manager:
“Delighted with the first half fantastic performance – perhaps one or two became a little tired in the second half and Motherwell played very well and could have equalised. Overall I feel we did deserve the win however if Motherwell had equalised then I couldn't have argued with that.”.

Man of the Match:
Bradly Donaldson

Keith v Middlefield

Keith v Middlefield

Match report by Dana McIntosh

The match opened with an early own goal, which was put into the back of Middlefield's net by Christopher Polson of Middlefield. Keith continued to dominate possession and didn't take long to double their lead with a goal from Lee Youngson making it 2 – 0.

Shortly after, Christopher Polson went close to scoring another - his shot from a free kick on target but well saved by Keith's keeper.

Middlefield went on to have a few decent chances , however, Keith's defence remained extremely strong. Middlefield's chances continued and when the ball was driven into the box, the keeper, despite his best efforts, couldn't hold the ball and it was then knocked passed him into the goal. The celebrations were short lived as the linesman flagged, ruling that the goalie's efforts in the build up had been enough to see the ball cross the line for a corner.

Keith's luck continued when Jack Henderson scored their third goal finishing the first half on 3-0.

The second half began similar to the first, with both teams battling hard against one another.

Middlefield came close to scoring from a corner but it was Keith who went on to score.

A crossed ball into the box was met by Keith's number 9, Liam McCall, who went on to fire the ball into the bottom corner of Middlefield's net.

In the remaining minutes, Middlefield continued to press on for a goal but the solid Keith defence proved itself to be unbeatable.

Man of the match: Liam McCall

Buchan Quines v Aberdeen East End FC

Buchan Quines v Aberdeen East End FC

Match Report by Rachel Walker

Both team kick off the match determined to fight for possession of the ball.

Aberdeen nearly opened the scoring with an early chance and had a cracking shot at goal.

Buchan then adapted tactically and began to challenge Aberdeen's every move. As a result neither team was dominant and as the half went on both sides saw good opportunities missed. There were plenty of shots on goal but far too many were off target, sailing high above the net.

Aberdeen finally opened the scoring with a smashing goal straight into the top corner by number 5. Buchan responded immediately and were quickly back on level terms before another goal from Buchan, by their number 10 this time, gave them a hard earned lead.

Aberdeen were still fighting back and didn't let there heads drop but at the break the sides went in with Buchan leading 2-1.

The half time team talk by the East End manager clearly had an effect with Aberdeen equalising straight after the break.

Things went from bad to worse for Buchan when the keeper was injured in the move leading up to the goal. The replacement goalie for Buchan, no 6, had a great second half.

As the game went on both teams were making big efforts to try add to the scoreline but it wasn't to be. An engrossing second half ended 2-2.

Player of the match: Katrina Innes number 11 for Buchan Quines. She played consistently to a high standard and was solid in defence from start to finish.

Aberdeen U14's v Falkirk U14's

Aberdeen U14's  v  Falkirk U14's
Match report by Kimberley Middleton
 
Opening stages promised a tense and competitive game – which proved to be the case.  The first 10 minutes were fairly even, both teams appeared to want the win as much as each other and both were really going for it. 
 
It became somewhat physical and after around 10 minutes Falkirk's No.9 – Connor Hogg  picked up an unpleasant injury.  It appeared worrying as he was down for a fair amount of time and required treatment.  He managed to struggle on but after around 10 minutes he had to be replaced by Falkirk's No.14 Michael Martin. 
 
Falkirk soon after were forced to make yet another change through injury.
 
The game remained fairly even, if anyone was edging slightly in possession it was Falkirk, however Aberdeen's defence remained solid.
 
The game continued to be a clean game, yet remained a fierce and competitive encounter. 
 
Goalless at half time.
 
Second half continued in the same vein as the first with both teams giving their all for a breakthrough.  Aberdeen began to dominate possession – yet they could not capitalise from it despite a couple of half chances.
 
Somewhat against the run of play Falkirk took the lead with a scrappy goal - No.10. Cameron Armstrong making it 1-0.
 
Aberdeen recover well however, they are awarded a free kick taken by No.18 Michael Kelly, which Falkirk fail to deal with completely, a scrappy clearance allowing a powerful header from No.8 – Craig Storrie found the back of the net following a deflection off the post, 1-1.
 
Neither team looked ready to settle for a draw, the game remaining as competitive as it had from kick off until the final whistle. 
 
A very competitive and physical game overall, however nothing malicious occurred.
 
Very positive to see two teams go for the win from start to finish. 
 
Man of the Match: Aberdeen defender No.4 Glen Smith for a consistent and solid performance.

Message to AIFF Players from Alex McLeish

Aberdeen and Scotland legend Alex McLeish took time out today from preparation for the new Premier League season with Birmingham City to send a personal message to players taking part in the Aberdeen International Football Festival.

The Birmingham City manager was speaking following the launch of a Grampian Police campaign that will run throughout this years tournament and is designed to combat substance abuse, racism and promote road safety.

Police officers will give talks and demonstrations and will be on hand at Balgownie at various points throughout this week and are more than happy to respond to any questions from players or to have a chat.

Speaking last night, Alex McLeish said:

"The Aberdeen International Football Festival has gone from strength to strength over the last 30 years, attracting clubs from all over the world. It is fitting that the 30th anniversary should be used to promote messages against racism and underage drinking.

And the former Scotland manager added: "There is simply no place for racism in the game and I'm pleased to see young people are being given the right advice about how to conduct themselves.

"Becoming a professional footballer is more competitive than ever and the physical demands required to make it in the game mean that kids need to look after themselves and make healthy lifestyle choices.

"Young people cannot be expected to be taken seriously as athletes if they go about getting drunk or using racist language. Having the right attitude is key to making a success of yourself whether it's in football or any other walk of life.

“Football is crying out for young players to be the future of football. There's an opportunity provided they dedicate themselves to the sport and avoid the pitfalls.”

Deveronvale v Regensburg 19/07/2010

Match report by Dana McIntosh

The Deveronvale v Regensburg match was another high scoring, entertaining game.

The scoring was opened by a quick goal for Regensburg. The Regensburg girls kept Deveronvale working right up until half time when the score was 0 – 3.

During the second half, Regensburg scored a further 5 goals making the score 0 – 8.

It was an intense match, both teams were highly determined. There was a glimmer of hope for Deveronvale's when they scored in the second half but the goal, however, was disallowed.

During the second half, Regensburg scored a further 5 goals making the score 0 – 8 at full time.

Annie Regensburg stood out – playing a strong game and using good skill throughout.

Player of the match - Annie Regensburg

Birmingham City v Faroe Islands

Birmingham City v Faroe Islands - Monday 19th July 4.15pm

Match Report by Kimberley Middleton

Birmingham got the game underway in the now rainy late afternoon kick-off.

Birmingham enjoyed the brightest start to the game, playing easy on the eye, one touch football and enjoying the majority of the early possession.

Faroe Islands began to enter the game, however neither team caused any real threat in the early stages.

Around 20 minutes into the game there was a good period of pressure from Birmingham. This was followed by an attempt by Faroe's Rasmus Dan Sorensen - the closest anyone had yet come to scoring.

A nervous moment for Birmingham's saw George Westwood go down injured but he was able to run it off and continue.

Shortly before half time the Faroe's no.4 Allan Hansen had an injury scare however after a short period of time he was able to continue.

Half time whistle goes – 0-0. So far, Birmingham have looked sharp and positive but are yet to produce anything really threatening. Faroe Islands are playing well – when they have possession they look quick and dangerous however they don't seem to keep the ball long enough to create many opportunities. They have however created the best chance of the game so far courtesy of Soresen.

Not long after the re-start, Birmingham were awarded a free kick which was taken by no.10 Liam Trueslove. He went for a direct free kick, a very good attempt that went just over the crossbar.

Around 15 minutes into the second half saw Birmingham change with No.14 Ashley Carter - who has clearly worked hard today – replaced with no.9 Ebancs

GOAL - 1-0 Birmingham. A very good individual effort from Chad Stevens. He has played well so far, despite being a little isolated at times. With great skill he broke the Faroe defence to open the scoring,

Faroe Islands continued to frustrate Birmingham and are by no means out of the game.

Shortly after receiving a yellow card, goalscorer Chad Stevens was subbed, replaced by Reece Webb.

As the game progressed the game opened up with the clear ability of both sides evident.

Full time whistle goes – Birmingham City 1-0 Faroe Islands. A game of few chances but of overall good quality. At times they seemed to cancel each other out. Overall Birmingham deserve there win based on possession, perhaps they should have created more opportunities with it.

Standing out was Birmingham's no.7 Foday Nabay who looked as one of Birmingham's most active players – he was involved from start to finish and impressed despite his relatively young age of 12.

Man of the Match: Foday Nabay.

Match Report: Peterhead U16's v Motherwell U16's

Peterhead U16's v Motherwell U16's

Match Report by Dana McIntosh

This mornings match between north east side Peterhead and Motherwell was a good, highly watchable contest, with both teams clearly motivated from kick-off.

In the first half, both sides were evenly matched. Both had a number of opportunities on goal and an equal amount of possession, with the half time score of 0-0 a fair reflection.

The second half again got off to a good start, with each side playing at a higher level to try and secure the win. The break through finally came when Jonathan Black scored for Motherwell.

The match ended on a high for Motherwell and no 10 Mason Robertson in particular after he secured the man of the match award. Robertson showed good quality and a variety of skills through out the game.

Man of the match: Mason Robertson - Motherwell

Match Report - Celtic U16's v Middlefield Wasps U16's

After a lot of build up, this morning saw the first games of this years tournament take place.

As part of the AIFF blog we will be including match reports from a selection of this years games. Unfortunately we can't cover them all but we will do our best to make sure we get round as many teams as possible. If there are any fixtures you would really like to see covered, leave us a comment and we will do our best.

To get us under way we saw local Aberdeen team, Middlefield Wasps take on Glasgow giants Celtic.


Celtic U16's v Middlefield Wasps U16's

Match Report by Kimberley Middleton

Celtic got this years festival off to a flyer by threatening immediately with a decent attempt from 25 yards. Celtic dominated the opening stages with Middlefield Wasps managing to keep them out with confident defending and a couple of on target Celtic shots saved by the Wasps goal-keeper.

Despite Middlefield's best efforts, Celtic's dominance paid off after 10 minutes after the deadlock was broken with a strike that cut open the opposition defence with some pace.

Following the opener the floodgates opened with Middlefield Wasps struggling to keep the ball for any significant period of time.

The Middlefield keeper continued to impress. His good reflexes, along with a disallowed goal for Celtic, ruled offside despite initial celebrations, prevented Celtic from going further ahead.

Middlefield where unable to hold out however and by the half an hour mark some clinical Celtic finishing meant it was 4-0.

A further two goals in quick succession make the scoreline was 6-0 to Celtic at the break with goals from Christian McKenna, Lewis Kidd and a brace for Paul George and Denny Johnstone.

The second half started similar to the first, with Middlefield Wasps looking to have regained a little confidence and playing sharper.

Middlefield Wasp's showed glimpses of their potential in the opening stages of the second half with a break down the left and a decent cross however the eventual attempt was unfortunately hit over the bar.

Celtic soon continued their dominance and were rewarded with their seventh goal following a break through the centre with pace. The Celtic goals just kept coming but credit must be paid to Middlefield Wasps for their efforts and their never say die attitude.

An injury to the Middlefield wasps keeper forced him to switch with their no.15 for the reminder of the game.

At the full time whistle it finished 12-0 Celtic, with 2nd half goals from
Christian McKenna, Jamie Lindsay, Michael Fulton, Marcus Fraser and two for Jack Kirwan.

Overall, despite a confident start from Middlefield Wasps it was a very one sided match. A very clean game with no bookings to report, only the odd foul with set pieces awarded. Very positive to see such sporting play in one of the first games of the tournament.

Man of the match - Joe Chalmers