Randalstown Ath v Abbeyview 09-09-06 BSML Div2

[musampa]

We should be confident going into this match next Saturday after three straight league wins, scoring 16 goals in the process. Our style of play will surely see us adding to that tally, and if we can keep it tight at the back, I'm sure we can take the points.

It's a pity I wont be marking me old mate Mickey O'Hagan next week, cos I got my Ukranian bride to stitch big pockets in my shorts (only joking pal) to put him in!

Seriously though, should be a cracking game, and bring the boys round to the Kneebre...Massereene House for a pint after the game whatever the result.... very welcome.

[Weeman]

If your buying the beer, I'll definitely be there. ;D

Its going to be a tough match with both teams having pace up front.....as long as Stevie's at the back Your home record is good but we just might bounce back with a good performance after our last match.

[Jeff]

It will be a very interesting game, hope i will be playing after missing saturdays friendly!

Have you beenstarting at left back or centre back for Athletic!! always thought you enjoyed playing in the middle when you got the chance!!

[Weeman]

Started mostly in midfield but have also filled in at both left back and centre half when needed. As long as i get a shirt in the starting 11, I don't care where I play. ;D

Who did you's play on Saturday?

[Jeff]

Just the Upperlands side who we drew with pre season. Drew 4-4 but by all accounts they had improved from the last game. We probably had two as the forst game we played them we travellled up with 12 players and one was only playing as a favour.

[musampa]

Randalstown Athletic 2 Abbeyview 2

Entertaining game played in glorious sunshine at the Forum although much has to be said about the the length of the grass, so bad that young Gary Brown thought he was running around a corn field when he came on, I could only see him from the waist up!! Anyway, the 'view' started the brighter and could have been ahead early on but once again did not take advantage of some good chances. With around 25 mins played a good move involving Jackie Todd and Andy Robinson, saw the ball played in to Rab Murdoch who slotted home from just inside the box to give the 'view' a deserved lead. On 35 minutes, Athletic equalised after an attempted clearance from the 'view' keeper from an Athletic free-kick only managed to fall to Hale, who had the simple task of tapping home from 6 yards to level the scores. A couple of minutes later it was 2-1 to the home side, when after slack marking from a short corner, Andy Mitchell was first to the ball to head home to give Atheltic the lead. Abbeyview pressed strongly for the equaliser but found the home defense and keeper in good form and from a series of corners just before the break Stevie Smith rose highest at the back post to loop a header towards goal but good goalkeeping from Davy Irvine and the help of the crossbar kept Athletic in front at the break.

With Athletic in front, they were content with soaking up the expected Abbeyview pressure early in the second half, and seemed to be coping pretty well, with anything that got through the home defense being well saved by Irvine, particularly an outstanding point blank save from a Chris Perks half volley to turn it over the bar. Abbeyview equalised when after a clearance from a corner, the ball was knocked goalwards and Graham Mitchell cleverly back-headed the ball into the net from 5 yards out. More chances followed for the 'view' with young substitute Gary Brown beating two players before sending an excellent curling effort just wide of the post. The excellent Andy Robinson was causing the Athletic major problems with strong hold-up play and some great runs but a third goal never came for the 'view', while Athletic were always dangerous on the break and without some great tackles and interceptions from centre half Glenn Duncan and full back Scott Magee, could have had the lead themselves. Just before the final whistle, Andy Mitchell's great effort from just inside the 'view' half clipped the angle of the post and almost give Athletic a fortunate win. Some good football played by both sides considering the state of the grass, and lots of positives to take from the game for Abbeyview in terms of possession and chances.

[Weeman]

yeah, you's were lucky to scrape a point after coming back from behind.

[musampa]

Well, if that point keeps us a point ahead of you guys come the end of the season, i'll take that mate! hehe!!!