Clach 0-2 Elgin City
If the band XTC were Making plans for Nigel, we were hopefully going to be making plans for Elgin.Wooo-ooo!But the sounds coming out of the pre-match home dressing room, were less Post-Punk, and more the stuff that you hear pounding out of a Golf GTI, when you\'re walking through town at 10 in the evening.
Following on from the five goal demolition of Dundee United B in the opening match of our KDM Evolution Trophy campaign, we were hosting, tonight, our friends from along the A96.
The ground looked immaculate, and the teamsheet threw up a few surprises. But regardless of how serious our visitors take this competition, there is no doubting our own hunger or desire, irrespective of its status. Rotation of a squad is often helpful, especially if you are looking to rest some players, while giving others valuable match time.
And so, on a pleasant and warm(ish) evening we entered the arena, expecting the unexpected. Tommy Havlicek, following on from recent displays, made a start, and he looks to have a good football brain. Fortunately, he has the talent to match. Ally Gillies returned, but often cut a frustrated figure. But all the guys should cut themselves a bit of slack tonight. Elgin brought a strong team, littered with first team members.
Troy Cooper, starting on the subs bench, had said two weeks ago that this tournament was going to be a learning curve.
This was a closely fought game, with chances at a premium.
Ross Logan dragged a shot wide in the first few minutes, but generally I cannot recall Joe Morrison in the City goal having to work too hard.
Elgin, obviously missing our old Highland League rivalry, had brought a fair few supporters along, but the overall atmosphere was subdued.
It was almost like watching a game of Chess. It was intriguing but hardly thrilling.
But this demonstrated again, that while we may have lost, we were never outplayed. The first goal conceded was as a result of a clumsy challenge by Jacob Kerr, which in turn, led to a penalty converted not so convincingly by Oli Colloty, as Ridgers went the right way but could only parry it into his own net. Mark was to go on to make a number of decent saves, but could do nothing to stop Booth doubling their lead with a powerful header.
It finished 0-2, and that was probably a fair reflection, but our visitors will go away from this knowing that they will have been in a game.
Harry Nicolson was awarded MOTM, which reinforces just how impressive he is appearing right now. Hopefully he can continue this rich vein of form on Saturday when the guys go to Fraserburgh in the Highland League.
It\'s a long bus trip guys, so I\'ll lend you my Smiths and Morrissey collection. If you want?