Postal ALC 1 - Newmachar Utd 0 - Div1 North - Webster Park - 17/8/2024

TEAM - 1.  Grant Cormack 2. Adam Veitch 3. David Russell 4. Travis Raynard 5. Andrew Baxter 6. Doug Russell  7. Euan Brechin  8. James Steele 9. Duncan Mackenzie 10. Steven Able 11. Harry McAuley 12. David Finch 14. Sultan Ahmed 15. Kash Ahmed 16. Peter Frampton 17. Sergiu Cotovici 

OPPOSITION MOTM – Doug Russell 

Postal welcomed new signings Adam Veitch, David Russell and Doug Russell into the starting 11 with no less than 13 squad members unavailable.   

Newmachar kicked off the first half with a long ball in the first minute forcing Grant Cormack to race from his line, scooping up the ball and averting any danger.   

In truth, the game was fairly even, both teams scrapping for a foot-hold with the ball in the air for the majority of play.  McAuley was booked in an uneventful first 20 minutes.   

On 30 minutes a Brechin back pass to Raynard saw the center half slip only for the advancing forward to be thwarted by the impressive Cormack.   

On 35 minutes Euan Brechin picked up the ball in his own half, advancing past three Newmachar players and playing a one two with Mackenzie. Unfortunately the resultant shot was blocked by the Newmachar Center half. 

HALF TIME – POSTAL ALC 0 – NEWMACHAR UTD 0 

At half time the management team asked the team to remain patient and keep the ball on the deck, playing out from the back if possible.  Huge emphasis on fitness and effort to get the first goal.   

Postal started the second half far better than the first keeping the ball on the grass and playing football.  On 48 minutes the tireless Doug Russell found himself inside the Newmachar penalty box following a sharp pass from Veitch however his shot was cleared.   

Postal looked odds on to score at any point now having the majority of possession.  On 50 minutes a great cross from Doug Russell, finding himself receive a throw in from the left, almost made its way into the back of the net following the Newmachar left backs clearance.   

On 55 minutes Sultan Ahmed replaced Harry on the left of midfield and was booked almost instantly for a mistimed challenge. 

On 60 minutes James Steele slipped in Doug Russell yet again this time the Newmachar keeper saving well to tip the shot over the bar.   

On 70 minutes the game took a twist that would see Postal reduced to 10 men.  The Newmachar forward appeared to foul Baxter, play was allowed to continue with Raynard and the tall striker tangling 20 yards from goal.  The referee believed this to be a clear goal scoring opportunity and brandished Raynard a straight red card although Veitch was covering.  Bewilderment fell upon the sideline at this decision.   

Postal moved Brechin back to centre half and he excelled in spraying passes out from deeper while breezing his defensive duties.  Shortly after the sending off a cross from the Postal right saw the Newmachar number 9 sneak in between Brechin and Baxter fortunately heading wide from 5 yards out.   

Postal now made more changes with MacKenzie making way for Frampton moving up top.   

On 80 minutes Adam Veitch was replaced with Kash Ahmed.  Doug Russell dropped to right back, Frampton right mid and Kash up top. The big forward created 2 chances straight away with his hold up play ensuring Postal could get up the pitch.   

It was down the right side that Postal would ultimately get the winning goal.  A long through ball saw the advancing Frampton fouled in the box by number 5. Frampton dusted himself down and took the penalty himself..........which the goal keeper saved.  Frampton on the rebound slipped the ball past the keeper with Sultan on guard to ensure it crossed the line to the delight of the Postal sideline.   

As the game took its dying breath the Newmachar left back was shown a second  yellow card for a rash challenge on Kash.  Sultan racing in was then shown a second yellow for an early bath.  

Overall a great result in the opening game against a good young team which could easily have ended as a draw.  The effort and desire by the squad was excellent with numerous players playing out of position to help the team.  Well done.