Today saw the boys play their last preseason friendly against Carbrain Whites 04, even though we have played them in the past and had some good results against them, the boys still need to be vigilant and play to their best abilities. They were still on a high after last weeks win, however they knew if they played as well as they did last week then they would get the result they deserve.
The weather wasn’t perfect with a strong wind crossing the pitch with at times some fine drizzle. The boys had a steady start with some great passing and tackling all over the pitch and with wind behind them all they had to do was to ensure their strikes were on target then we should convincingly go into the break with a comfortable lead. The first 10 minutes both teams battled hard for the ball trying to break each other down, but cancelled each other out. JBM managed to go through the gears and which resulted in pinning their opponents back into their half for the remainder of the 25 minutes. Some great vision from the midfield making space and some great through balls piercing their opponents defence, on a number of occasions. Jamie, Logan, Reece, Calum, Kenny and Reuben all getting the opportunities on goal, but just couldn’t finish the final ball. The boys missed a bag full of goals, however take nothing away from them as they worked extremely hard to get into that final position, great to watch and should be commended for their efforts. It was inevitable that the boys would at some point in the game lose some concentration and Carbrain would counter attack, after all their hard work. The boys were very unlucky when Carbrain were awarded a penalty for what you could call a very good challenge in the box by both boys, however the referee pointed to the spot with 15 minutes on the clock. This was then converted by Carbrain. They boys, parents and coaches were all in shock after the referee’s decision, however the boys picked the ball out of the net, looking hungry to get the game back on level terms, more so after all the domination up until the penalty. The boys battled back and yet again were all struggling to find the back of the net, they did everything right but just couldn’t finish the final ball. Very frustrating for all! All the boys needed was a goal, which would then open the flood gates and lift the boys. Growing in confidence, McTavish broke free on 28 minutes and put the ball into the back of the net, a great finish and move by the midfield. Then wee McT scored another two superb goals with the quickest hat trick for JBM 04, of 7 minutes! The boys were bouncing and well deserved the lead.
HT 3-1
The boys came into the second half, against the wind, with a superb attitude and on fire. They started the second half like the finished the first. However the boys gave away a silly free kick on the edge of the area, which was converted by Carbrain. A very good free kick. The boys immediately came back with two great goals from Logan Jarvie, which settled the boys and took control of the game. A few changes were in order to bring on some fresh legs, Logan Jardine taking over from Reubens great shift on the left hand side of midfield. Stewart Kennedy and David Wood replaced Logan Jarvie and Jamie McT. The dynamics changed in the team seeing some of the boys getting an opportunity to star, and on the 43rd minute after a corner Kenny Gemmill slotted home a great goal, his first for the club! A further few more changes were made giving Aron Stevenson and Dean Kelly had a run out and get some game time under their belts. The boys continued to battle away and we had no doubt that the boys would go on and win the game, but yet again with a lapse of concentration Carbrain broke free and scored another goal! Another change was made which saw Calum Roberts play on the left hand side and within a matter of minutes he put the ball into the net with a great solo effort! The boys looked tired at the end of the second half, however I cannot complain due to the amount of effort they put in today, they all played out of their skins, some of them out of position, but showed their versatility, enabling us coaches to slot player into different positions in times of players absence. The last kick of the game was a penalty, after a great move by Jamie who was then brought down in the area. Ben Brown stepped up and smashed into the left hand corner of the net, another first goal of the season!
FT 8-3
This was a convincing victory today for the boys today with some great play. Their finishing was questionable, but in the end they came good. There is still a long way to go with all of them and I am sure with continued hard work the boys will be superb both in the league and all the cups they will be entered in.
A great performance by all!!!! Well done boys, keep working hard both on and off the pitch and reap the rewards!
