Saturday 12th February 2011

EOSPL Selkirk v Whitehill Welfare

Whitehill Line Up:

Bejaoui, McGlashan, W Kidd, Robertson, Morrison, Taylor, A Kidd (capt), Hall, Allum, Beattie, Gormley,

Subs; Cornett, McBrayne, Lunn, Caddow.

On a sunny day in the Borders Manager Paul Cavanagh made acouple of changes with McGlashan moving to fulll back to allow Taylor and Andrew Kidd to fill the central midfield roles. Up front Beattie replaced the absent Daryl Devlin in partnership with Scott Gormley.

Whitehill were keen to continue their winning run during 2011 and were given great chance to open the scoring when Gormley was pulled down in the box in the 13th minute. The striker picked himself up and taking responsibility himself for the penalty kick, coolly chipped the ball past the Selkirk keeper into the back of the net. 1-0 Whitehill.

Selkirk immediately repsonded by pushing forward, but Bejaoui was equal to the task, punching clear from a cross deep into his area.

In the 26th minute Whitehil lwere given a golden opportunity to double their lead. After a handball and a resultant red card for a Selkirk defender, Gormley was given the task of beating the keeper from the penalty spot for the second time. This time with the keeper remaing static, Scott calmly slotted the ball into the corner of the net for a 2-0 lead. Whitehill continued to dominte the 10 men, but were unable to increase their lead before the half-time whistle.

Half Time Selkirk 0 Whitehill 2

With no changes at the break Whitehill went out looking for the third decisive goal to finish off the game. Selkirk were by no means out of the game however the Whitehill defence looked solid when under any pressure. The breakthrough just on the hour, after a nice move through the middle of the park, the ball was played wide to Allum who crossed to the back post where Beattie controlled the ball on his chest before firing past the keeper for his first goal for the club.

Within 3 minurtes Whitehil lhad scored again, McGlashan fed Gormley who beat the defence on the right hand side, and despite having the chnace of a hat trick he unselfishly squared the ball back to the onrushing Andrew Kidd who struck a superb first time shot that sailed into the back of net for a brillianty worked team goal.

Whitehill introduced Cornett, and Caddow for the impressive McGlashan and Gormley with 20 minutes left to play.

Hall and Morrison were combining well on the left and the two combined to create a chance which just eluded Beattie.

With 15 minutes left Gary McBrayne was introduced to the play for his first appearance of the season after a serious injury.

Whitehill then had the ball in the net for a 5th time, however Beattie was adjudged by the Linesman to have strayed offside and the goal was disallowed.

With 5 minutes to play, Selkirk broke away but were foiled by a sliding tackle by Willie Kidd. The Linesman flagged and after a conversation the referee awarded a free-kick to Selkirk on the edge of the box and red carded the Whitehill defender much to his astonishment.

The final few minutes were played out with no more goals.

Full Time: Selkirk 0 Whitehill Welfare 4

____________________________________________________

Saturday 15th January 2011

Craigroyston v Whitehill Welfare, King Cup 1st Round

Whitehill Line Up:

Bejaoui, Cornett, W Kidd, Adamson, Morrison, McGlashan, A Kidd (capt) Hall, Devlin Gormley, Allum;

Subs Haldane, Lunn, Beattie, Tayor, Caddow

Due to heavy rain and the last of the snow melting this week, to ensure the game was played Whitehill surrendered home advantage to Craigroyston to allow the game to take place. On a wet and windy afternoon at St Mark's Park, Whitehill had the advantage of the wind at their backs in the first half. Despite having the majority of the play Whitehill were unable to break through the home defence, Devlin coming close on a couple of occasions, Gormley was through one on one, but came off second best to the keeper, and long range efforts from Andrew Kidd and Darren McGlashan ensured the home keeper was the busier of the two in the first half.

HT Craigroyston 0 Whitehill 0

Morrison was replaced at half time, the defender still suffering from the after effects of flu, Willie Lunn slotting straight into the defence in the left side. The game continued as the first half with Whitehill having a lot of possession but not able to breach the home defence. The away fans were shouting for a penalty when Devlin was tripped in the box, however the referee didn't have a clear sight of the incident and no penalty was given.

In the 59th minute the breakthrough came, with Scott Gormley finishing off a good move involving Hall and Kidd, firing past the keeper from 18 yards. within 90 seconds the lead was doubled, Ross Allum beating the keeper from a tight angle at the near post. Ross was then replaced by Caddow. Whitehill continued to press, however Craigroyston were still dangerous on the break, and Allan Cornett was called on to make a timely tackle to thwart a breakaway attack. With a little under 15 minutes left Gormley was shown the first yellow card of the game for a late tackle, however the Craigroyston defender was shown a straight red for retaliation.

McGlashan was next to try his luck, linking well with Devlin and Kidd before hitting a shot narrowly past. Gormley then had a great chance to make it three when he had an easy header at the back post but unfortunately put it narrowly past. Caddow linked well with Allan Cornett, but his final shot was turned round the post by the home keeper.

Full Time Craigroyston 0 Whitehill 2

Whitehill play Edinburgh City in the next round.

____________________________________________________

Saturday 13th November, EOSPL Stirling University v Whitehill Welfare

Whitehill Line up:

Bejaoui, Cornett, Morrison, Robertson, W Kidd, McGlashan, Hall, A Kidd (capt) Devlin, Allum, Gormley; Subs: Haldane, Adamson, Taylor, Beattie, Caddow.

On a heavy pitch at Stirling University Whitehill could easily have had one eye on next week's Scottish Cup 3rd Round tie at Montrose, however on a heavy pitch at Stirling University Whitehill started brightly. Both teams were playing football on the ground, however chances at goal were few and far between in the opening twenty minutes.

Stirling had the ball in the back of the net directly from a throw in, however as it touched no player on the way through Bejaoui cleverly let the ball drop into the net harmlessly for a Whitehill goal kick.

Gormley was then played through by Morrioson, however the Stirling keeper raced off his line to clear the danger just before the Whitehill striker got to the ball. A dangerous Stirling artack was thwarted when McGlashan was in the right place in side his own 6 yard box to clear the danger just as the Stirling striker was ready to pounce.

After a nice three man move involving Andrew Kidd, McGlashan and Hall, Jordan fired a superb angled shot which hit the Stirling crossbar and went over.

Whitehill were putting more and more pressure on the home defence, abd with half-time nearing took the lead. Anice move ended with a fine Ross Allum shot beating the home keeper at the far post.

Stirling 0 Whitehill 1

With the half time whistle blowing shortly after Whitehill went in with a deserved lead.

Half Time: Stirling 0 Whitehill 1

Whitehill made no changes at half time, and immediately went on the offensive looking for a second goal. A goal wasn't long in coming. In the 57 minute after Hall was brought down 25 yards from goal, Devlin took charge and despite th ekeeper lining up a 5 man wall Daryl fired home another thunderbolt shot into the back of the net.

Stirling 0 Whitehill 2

The home side pressed forward looking to get back into the game, however Bejaoui was quick to react and block the Stirling striker's effort.

Whitehill made a couple of substitutions with Caddow replacing goalscorer Allum, and Danny Taylor replaced the superb McGlashan as Paul Cavanagh brought on fresh legs for the last 15 minutes.

Devlin nearly scored his second of the match, arriving late into the box and powering a header only narrowly past the post with the keeper beaten.

Beattie then replaced Gormley for his debut in a Whitehill shirt. Stirling continued to press, however the impressive Whitehill defence held firm forcing the home side to shoot from outside the box rather than allow them near Bejaoui's goal.

Whitehill ran the clock down for the last few minutes, to come away with an impressive display and all three points.

Full Time: Stirling University 0 Whitehill Welfare 2.

____________________________________________________

Saturday 30th October v Wick Academy Scottish Cup 2nd Round

Teams:

Whitehill: Bejaoui, Cornett, Morrison, W Kidd, Adamson, Hall, Allum, McGlashan. Gormley, A Kidd, Devlin. Subs Caddow, Taylor, Lunn, Robertson, Haldane (GK)

Wick: Boukas, Sinclair, Manson, Farquahar, Steven, Shearer, Cunningham, Mackay, Allan, Macadie, Weir, Subs, Gunn, McLeod, Sutherland, McKiddie, Clark (GK)

Referree: John Beaton

Asst Referres: Alan Hogg, Scott Lambie

The Match

In front of Whitehill's biggest crowd of the season both teams were well aware of the rewards awaiting the winners of this 2nd round tie.

The home side were the first to strike when after 15 minutes Scott Gormley pounced on some slack defending by Wick, driving past the defence and beating the keeper at his far post with a delicate left foot shot. Whitehill 1 Wick 0.

The large crowd were being treated to an enthralling match and the drama continued when Gormley was tripped in the box. The striker took the penalty himself only to see Boukas save his effort. This gave Wick more encouragement, and after a trip 30 yards out, Macadie stepped up to place a cracking free-kick past Bejaoui into the top corner. Whitehill 1 Wick 1. Despite more non stop action at both ends half time came with the teams locked together at 1-1.

Half Time Whitehill Welfare 1 Wick Academy 1

Whitehill made no changes at half time however Manager Paul Cavanagh had obviously motivated his team at half time as within 2 minutes of the restart Whitehill had another penalty after Jordan Hall was fouled in the box. Daryl Devlin stepped up and left Boukas with no chance as he slotted the ball into the back of the net. Whitehill 2 Wick 1.

Whitehill continued to press, and in the 51st minute when Gormley played an inch perfect cross to the back post, Ross Allum was on hand to fire a powerful drive into the back of the Wick net leaving Boukas with no chance. Whitehill 3 Wick 1.

If that had left the home fans happy they were ecstatic only 8 minutes later when Gormley and Devlin combined to produce a wonder move, playing one touch football the length of the Wick half, ending with Devlin firing an unstoppable shot into the top corner. Whitehill 4 Wick 1.

The hard working Gormley was then replaces by Caddow in the 65 minute. Wick refused to lie down, and when they were awarded a free-kick on the edge of the box, Macadie stepped up to fire another unstoppable free kick into the back of the net. Whitehill 4 Wick 2.

Both teams were still creating chances and both Bejaoui and Adamson had to react to prevent Wick scoring again. The next goal would be critical and with the clock apporoaching 80 minutes Macadie was played through the middle he completed his hat trick with a well placed shot. Whitehill 4 Wick 3.

Whitehill brought on Danny Taylor for the remaining minutes and the midfielder was involved in setting up Devlin who looked to have also completed his hat trick with a fine shot which was turned round the post by the fingetrtips of Boukas. Bejaoui was again called into action to prevent Wick gaining an equaliser and the keeper saved well from Weir's powerful shot.

Whitehill held firm and when the referee blew the final whistle there was both relief and joy for the Whitehill players, management and supporters. A superb team effort from Whitehill, with everyone playing their part in a great victory, and a trip to Montrose in the 3rd Round as a reward.

Full Time: Whitehill Welfare 4 Wick Academy 3

_____________________________________________

Saturday 16th October EOSPL v Tynecastle

Team: Bejaoui, Cornett, Morrison, Robertson, W Kidd, McGlashan, A, Kidd (capt) Taylor, Devlin, Gormley, Allum; Subs: Haldane, Adamson, Hall, Caddow, Lunn

With both sides needing the points to lift themselves into the top half of the table this promised to be an exciting match and the fans were not disappointed. Within 5 minutes, with the Whitehill defence appealing for offside Tynecastle took the lead, Bejaoui made a great save from the initail shot, however the rebound fell to O'Hara who fired the ball into the back of the net. Whitehill 0 Tynecastle 1.

Bejoui was called into action shortly afterwards when he was again forced to make a superb one handed save from another Tynecastle attack. With Steven Robertson partnering Willie Kidd at the heart of the defence for his first full start since joining the club, the centre-half was showing his aerial skills to deny Tynecastle a chance at Bejaoui's goal.

After 12 minutes there were shouts of penalty when Gormley was brought down, however edepsite falling in the box the referree gave a free-kick right at the edge. Gormley free kick was deflected for a corner. However Whitehill were getting on top, and after 18 minutes equalised in great style. A flowing move involving 4 players, ended with Allum running onto a through ball, beating two defenders, rounding the keeoer and slotting the ball home. Whitehill 1 Tynecastle 1.

The match was now end to end, however in th 33rd minute the referree awarded the home side a penalty after Scott Gormley was impeded as he ran onto a through ball. Tynecastle were outraged and the referre then brandished a red card to Tynecastle Coach David Bingham as well as booking 5 players as a result of their protestations. Despite all this, Daryll Devlin coolly converted the spot-kick for his 5th goal in 3 games to give Whitehill the lead. Whitehill 1 Tynecastle 1. With Taylor and McGlashan working hard in midfield allowing Andrew Kidd to support the front two, Whitehill always looked dangerous however were unable to increase their lead before half-time despite creating a number of chances.

Half Time Whitehill 1 Tynecastle 1.

Whitehill started the second half with the same 11 players and immediately went into attack. The ever dangerous Devlin found Gormley but his shot was well saved by Tynecastle's goalkeeper. Danny Taylor was replaced by Jordan Hall after an hour as Whitehill went for the killer 3rd goal and the chance came when Gormley was again fouled in the box. However Devlin's kick was well saved by the keeper and he reacted quickly to smother the rebound too. This gave Tynecastle heart and again Bejaoui was tested by two quick shots which the big keeper did well to hold. The hard working Gormley was replaced by Jordan Caddow in the 66th minute and the striker was quickly into the action, driving through the defence and shooting across the keeper, only to see the goalie's fingertips turn the ball out for a corner.

Allum then had the ball in the net from a Caddow cross however the linesman flagged for offside and the goal was harshly disallowed much to the annoyance of the home crowd.

As the matched edged toward the 90th minute both teams had chances, Allum again coming close for the home side, and Tynecastle firing high balls into the box which which although dangerous were delat with by the home side. Despite 5 minutes of additional time, Tynecastle could not find a way through and Whitehill picked up three valuable points. The teams meet again at Ferguson Park in three weeks time, another match to look forward to.

Full Time: Whitehill Welfare 2 Tynecastle 1

____________________________________________

Saturday 9th October Image Printers Cup 3rd Round v Civil Service Strollers

Team: Bejaoui, Cornett, W Kidd, Adamson, Morrison, McGlashan, A Kidd (capt), Taylor, Devlin, Allum, Gormley, Subs; Haldane, Robertson, Caddow, Lunn.

Whitehill gave Devlin his first start of the season, with Caddow dropping to the bench and Taylor replacing the suspended Hall in midfield. In a dour frst 20 minutes neither team really threatened , however on the half hour, a ncice move from the Strollers ended with Craig Dickson leaving Bejoaui no chance with a weel taken goal. Whitehill 0 Civil 1. This goal seemed to stir the home side into pushing forward, and when Allum was brought down in the box in the 39th minute the referee had no hesitation in pointing to the spot. Both Devlin who scored against Lothian on Wednesday from the spot and Gormley wanted the responsibility, however, it was Devlin who calmly slotted the ball past the keeper for the home side's equaliser. Whitehill 1 Civil 1.

Half Time: Whitehill 1 Civil 1.

Whitehill made no changes at the interval and started on the front foot. Within 2 minutes Devlin had doubled his taqlly with a well taken shot from outside the box leaving the Civil keeper with no chance. Whitehill 2 Civil 1. Whotehill continued to press and n 55 minutes Devlin completed his hat-trick. He met a low cross at the front post and although the Civil keeper blocked his first attempt, Daryl back-heeled the rebound into the net. Whitehill 3 Civil 1. The home side went looking for a fourth and Gormley should have sealed the game when clean through on goal , however the keeper was equal to the task and pulled off a great stop. Caddow then replaced the hardworking Allum who had earlier received a caution. Civil made the last 15 minutes even more interesting when John Dunn completed a nice Civil move through the centre of the field and lshooting past Bejaoui. Whitehill 3 Civil 2. Both teams went looking for the next decisive goal, however despite chances at both ends, with no further scoring Whitehill moved into the semi-final, a home tie against Tynecastle.

Man of the Match - Daryl Devlin (Whitehill)

Full Time: Whitehill 3 Civil 2.

_____________________________________________

Saturday 2nd October EOSPL v Vale of Leithen

Team: Bejaoui, McGlashan, Morrison, W Kidd, Adamson, Caddow, Kidd (capt), Hall, Lunn, Gormley, Allum, Subs, Campbell, Devlin, Robertson

The first chance of the match went to the Vale, when a bouncing ball was parried by Bejaoui, but the impressive McGlashan was first to react clearing the danger. Within 7 minutes Whitehill were in front, a neat move resulted in Gormley setting up Jordan Hall with a deft back-heel, and he made no mistake with a well placed shot passed the keeper. Whitehill 1 Vale of Leithen 0.

Whitehill then had two free kicks on the edge of the 18 yard box in succession, but both Gormley and Hall failed to add to the scoring. In a mad 5 minutes midway through the half , Allum, Hall and Andrew Kidd were all shown a yellow card. Whitehill defence was looking comfortable with Willie Kidd, and Adamson dealing with the Vale's attacking threat, leaving Bejaoui virtually a spectator. Right on half time, Whitehill doubled their lead, and it was Jordan Hall, notching his 3rd goal in 2 games who provided another great finish.

Half Time: Whitehill Welfare 2 Vale of Leithen 0.

Whitehill made no changes at half-time, and continued where they left off from the first half in the ascendancy. Caddow and Lunn continued to stretch the Vale defence, and Gormley and Allum were a threat every time the ball was in the vicinity of the Vale goals. It took until the 70th minute from another Caddow pass that Scott Gormley scored his first goal of the season, beating the keeper from 6 yards at the second attempt. Paul Cavanagh then intorduced Daryl Devlin for Andrew Kidd, who despite being unable to train all week due to flu had put in another strong performance in the middle of the park. Adamson was then shown a yellow for a late challenge, and then Devlin joined him in the referres book for an innocuous looking challenge in the middle of the park. With 15 minutes left Willie Lunn notched his first goal for the club, with a well taken drive from 18 yards leaving the keeper rooted to the spot.

Man of the Match - McGlashan (Whitehill)

Full Time: Whitehill Welfare 4 Vale of Leithen 0

______________________________________________________

Saturday 11th September - Image Printers Cup v Kelso United

Whitehill welcomed back Kevin Morrison after injury and he slotted into his usual left hand side of the park, however with Willie Lunn nursing a slight injury the starting 11 was;

Bejaoui, Cornett, W Kidd, Adamson, Morrison, Hall, McGLashan, A Kidd, (capt) Caddow, Allum, Gormley

Subs today were Haldane, Campbell, Taylor, Aitchison.

Whitehill kicked off the first half with a strong breeze behind them and were quickly into attack. Caddow and Morrison were getting behind the defence, however the final touch was missing in front of goals. Andrew Kidd, Scott Gormley and the hard working Ross Allum all saw chances blocked or saved by the alert Kelso keeper.

Kelso were dangerous on the break and Cornett had to intervene to intercept a good cross into the box to deny a shooting chance. Whitehill eventually broke the deadlock after 25 minutes, from another corner the ball was fired passed the keeper by Willie Kidd for his second goal of the season. Whitehill 1 Kelso 0. Whitehill went looking to press home their advantage and within 5 minutes a spectacular solo run from Jordan Hall was finished with a delicate chip over the keeper from a difficult angle. Whitehill 2 Kelso 0. The remainder of the half saw no more goals.

Half Time: Whitehill Welfare 2 Kelso United 0

The second half began with Kelso in the ascendancy and Bejaoui had to make a great one handed tip over the bar from a header. Kelso were the better team in the opening 15 minutes of the half, however had Scott Gormley connected better with a cross into the 6 yard box from Caddow the game would have been over. Whitehill made their first substitution when Taylor replaced Cornett who had picked up a yellow card. However the game changed when Kelso were awarded a penalty after challenge in the box. Despite Bejaoui getting his fingertips to the strike, it crashed in off the post. Whitehill 2 Kelso 1.

Whitehill replaced Gormley with Aitchison to freshen things up and the striker was immediately into the action feeding the ever eager Caddow, the winger's shot beating the keeper but also the bar.

A couple of minutes later, Caddow was again the provider, this time Allum made no mistake from just inside the box. Whitehill 3 Kelso 1.

Whitehill's final substitution saw Morrison replaced by Campbell. With the clock ticking down, Aitchison added his name to the scoresheet with a fine run and shot beating the keeper at his far post.

Full Time: Whitehill Welfare 4 Kelso United 1

_______________________________________________________

Saturday 28th August

Whitehill welcomed back Youssef Bejaoui, Andrew Kidd and Scott Gormley after missing last week's match, however Danny Taylor was suspended after receiving two yellow cards last week. The 4-4-2 starting line up was;

Bejaoui, Cornett, Adamson, Campbell, W Kidd, Caddow, McGlashan, A Kidd (capt), Hall, Gormley, Allum

Subs, Haldane, Morrison, Aitchison, Lunn, Trialist.

Mascot for the day from the U11 team was Kayla.

Both teams started out with the aim of scoring an early goal, and Bejaoui was quickly called into action as he got down low to palm away a show from the edge of the box. Stirling were looking dangerous, attacking down the right flank, and the Whitehill central defence of Kidd and Campbell were kept busy clearing their lines from the cross balls into the box. However after 15 minutes, a deep corner was headed out by Kidd, only as far as a Stirling player who fired a first time volley passed the despairing Bejaoui into the back of the net. Whitehill 0 Stirling Uni 1. Allum then beat three player won the edge of the box, but his turn and shot was well saved. Whitehill were far from disheartened and with Gormley leading the line strongly were becoming more and more dangerous. It was the same player who was cynically brought down on the edge of the Stirling penalty box resulting in the first yellow card of the day for the offending defender. Scott returned to the field after treatment. Hall's free kick was whipped into the box, but was cleared at the second attempt by the defence. Stirling continued to attack down the right wing, and on 30 minutes doubled their lead when a cross was whipped into the box, their striker met the ball perfectly with a superb header leaving the Whitehill defence and Bejaoui stranded. Whitehill 0 Stirling 2. The Welfare's problems continued when Gormley was unable to continue as a result of the earlier injury and was replaced by Ross Aitchison. With 10 minutes left of the half, a corner from Hall was met by the towering leap of Willie Kidd, his header bulleting past the Stirling keeper. Whitehill 1 Stirling 2. Both teams continued to press but the half time whistle came with no further goals.

Half Time: Whitehill Welfare 1 Stirling University 2

Whitehill made no further changes at half time as they went looking for an equaliser. Both teams had early chances with Caddow becoming more and more of an influence for the home side, finding space on the right hand side and being well supported by Allan Cornett who wa pushing forward at every opportunity. Whitehill's defence were coping well with the Stirling attacks, but Campbell had to be very alert to win the ball while under pressure and facing his own goals before clearing the danger. Adamson was also keeping a check on the Stirling threat down the right wing, especially on the counter attack. With McGlashan and Andrew Kidd running the game from the middle of the park, Whitehill were on top, especially when releasing long diagonal balls for Caddow who teased the defence before firing dangerous crosses into the box. Unfortunately neither Allum or Aitchison were able to find the final decisive touch for the equaliser. With 15 minutes left and the home crowd nervously looking at their watches Allum found himself in unfamiliar territory out wide on the right. The striker looked up and fired a cross/shot to the back post which sailed over the keeper's head and into the back of the net. Whitehill 2 Stirling 2. Both teams were now looking for a winner, Whitehill pressing and Stirling dangerous on the counter attack. McGlashan was booked for a trip as Stirling looked to attack, but it was McGlashan who set up the last chance of the match, sending Caddow away down the right with an immaculate pass, Caddow's cross was met by the head of Allum, and with the keeper stranded his header came off the bar and went over to safety.

Full Time: Whitehill Welfare 2 Stirling University 2

__________________________________________________________

Saturday 21st August

Manager Paul Cavanagh was forced into making further changes to his starting line up due to suspension and injuries, lining up with;

Haldane, McGlashan, W Kidd, Campbell, Cornett, Haddow, Hall, Taylor, Lunn, Allum, Aitchison,

Subs, Adamson, Trialist x 2

Whitehill started with the wind at their backs however the home side were proving to be dangerous on the counter attack. Haldane was the first keeper to be tested, gathering a shot easily from the University striker. Whitehill were finding it difficult to penetrate the home defence although Lunn and Caddow were both dangerous when they had the ball at their feet. During the half both Hall and Taylor were cautioned for Whitehill with 2 University players joining them in the book. Haldane had to get down low at his far post to stop a well hit free-kick, and at the other end, Lunn's persistance allowed him to get round the back of the defence, but his left foot shot was heading toward goal before being blocked.

Half Time: Edinburgh University 0 Whitehill Welfare 0

The wind had calmed as the second half began making it easier for both teams to play football. Hall fired a free kick from outside the box which the keeper could only block, however the home defence were first to react and the danger was cleared. University played a couple of deep crosses into the box which the Whitehill defence managed to clear. With 15 minutes to go, the deadlock was broken, the Whitehill defence had a couple of chances to clear the danget, however they failed to do this and the ball fell to the University midfielder who fired into the top corner from 20 yards.

Taylor then showed his frustration after a tussle in the middle of the park, and was shown his second yellow by the referee, Whitehill down to 10 men for the second match running.

Whitehill pushed forward looking for an equaliser and the chance came with 3 minutes of normal time left when Allum was fouled in the box. The defender was shown a second yellow and both teams were down to 10 men. Aitchison stepped up, however his penalty was weakly struck and the keeper saved the shot and gathered the rebound before a Whitehill player could capitalise. There was one more piece of action, a ball into the University box appeared to be handled by a defender. Whitehill appealed and after consulting with his linesman the referree waved away the Welfare players' protests.

Full Time: Edinburgh University 1 Whitehill Welfare 0

____________________________________________________

Wednesday 18th August

Whitehill made two changes from Saturday's starting 11 with Ross Allum partnering Ross Aitchison in attack, and Darren McGlashan starting in midfield replacing Willie Lunn in a starting line up of:

Bejaoui, Cornett, W Kidd, Adamson, Caddow, A Kidd, Taylor, Hall, McGlashan, Aitchison, Allum,

Subs Haldane, Campbell, Lunn.

The match began at a high tempo with both teams looking to pick up the 3 points needed to progress up the table. Possession was shared but neither keeper was called into action in the first 15 minutes of the game. Bejaoui was the first called in to action when he made a great save from a shot from the edge of the box. Whitehill were relying on the two Ross' up front however both players were denied scoring chances by a resolute City defence. Whitehill were given a scare when Bejaaoui went down injured, however the big keeper continued after treatment. Andrew Kidd was then booked for the second successive match after protesting too much following a free kick against him. The remainder of the half produced no further chances for both teams,

Half Time: Whitehill Welfare 0 Edinburgh City 0.

With Bejaoui unable to continue due to injury, Scott Haldane became Whitehill's first substitute of the match. The keeper had a quick touch of the ball, dealing comfortably with the City striker's effort. Jordan Caddow was finding plenty room down the right of the pitch, however Whitehill failed to capitalise on his pace and good cross into the box early in the half. The best chance of the match then fell to City's striker who failed to beat the onrushing Haldane, however the rebound fell nicely for City but they missed from only a few yards to keep the scores level.

A second change, with Campbell replacing the solid Adamson in defence was made 15 minutes into the half. Campbell's height was brought to use almost immediately, clearing the danger from a high cross into the box. The game was opening out and both teams were creating chances, with Aitchison and Allum both going close for the home side. On 70 minutes a through ball was chased by Allum, and the striker was pulled to the grouind by the City defender resulting in a penalty for the home side. Captain Andrew Kidd confidently dispatched the kick to put the home side into the lead. However within 5 minutes saint turned to sinner as Kidd was shown a second yellow card for a tackle in the middle of the park. City made a substituition to try and capitalise on the one man advantage. Whitehill left Aitchison as the lone striker with Allum dropping into midfield. Haldane then produced a further two good saves as City threw high balls into the area to try and get the equaliser. Whitehill then had a breakaway when Cornett released a through ball to Taylor who triesd to feed Caddow, but the City defence managed to clear. With time running out, both Campbell and substitute Lunn made teling clearances to deny City. Haldane was then called upon one last time and the keeper proved he was equal to the task with a fine save under pressure from the challenging City striker.

Final Score: Whitehill Welfare 1 Edinburgh City 0

_____________________________________________________

Saturday 14th August

Whitehill travelled to Preston for the opening league fixture of the season to face a home side containing three ex Welfare players in the team, Haynes, Lee and Duthie.

With Kevin Morrison, Gary Macbrayne and Steven Clee unavailable due to injury the Whitehill team to start the match was:

Bejaoui, Cornett, W Kidd, Adamson, Caddow, A Kidd, Taylor, Hall, Lunn, Aitchison, Gormley,

Subs: Haldane, Allum, Campbell, McGlashan.

Both teams started brightly without threatening either keeper in the opening minutes. Whitehill were playing the ball wide to allow Caddow to run at the Preston defence. His crosses were testing the defence and keeper however Whitehill failed to get on the end of these crosses to get the breakthrough goal they were looking for. Gormley then ran on to a through ball, bit after rounding the keeper hs shot was blocked on the line by the Preston centre half. After 20 minutes a nice run and 25 yard shot from the Preston left midfielder smacked of Bejaoui's near post and slipped past the post. This shock gave Preston confidence and 5 minutes later, ex Whitehill striker Haynes slid in to meet a cross from the right to put Preston 1-0 in the lead.

Whitehill were shaken, but continued to play football to try and get back in the game. However within 3 minutes Preston had scored again, a Haynes cross were turned into the net to make the score 2-0. Almost immediately Whitehill made a tactical substitution, McGlashan replacing Lunn in midfield.

Andrew Kidd was then the first player to be cautioned after an altercation with Preston's central defender although only only the Welfare player was cautioned. However within 5 minutes Andrew made amends by scoring with a superb shot from outside the box to make the score 2-1. Then, with 5 minutes to half time, Kidd rose majestically to meet a free-kck from Taylor to head superbly past the Preston keeper.

Half-Time Preston 2 Whitehill Welfare 2

With no further substitutions during the break Whitehill restarted full of confidence and took the game to the home side. Aitchison had two half chances within the first 10 minutes, but just failed to score on both occasion. Gormley then hit the post with a shot and the Preston defence cleared to safety. The hard working Aitchison was replaced after a hefty challenge, Ross Allum coming on and he was immediately into the action running at the defence but his dangerous cross was turned behind for a corner.

After 70 minutes, after a mix up in the Whitehill defence Preston took the leads with a powerful shot giving Bajaoui no chance. Whitehill continued to attack the home side, however although chances were being created the crucial final touch was missing . With 5 minutes left Campbell was introduced to add additional strikepower but despite spending most of the remaining minutes in the opposition half Whitehill failed to get the equaliser they sought.

Full Time : Preston 3 Whitehill Welfare 2

____________________________________________________

Saturday 7th August

Whitehill took on local rivals from the lower division in Easthouses MW. Youssef Bejaoui returned in goal and had seen little of the ball before he was picking it out of the net after a great strike. This spurred the Wefare into action and they picked up the pace to look for the equaliser. Ross Aitchison was the man equal to the task, his persistance at the back post allowed him to beat the defender and slot home a fine equaliser. Within 10 minutes Whitehill took a deserved lead, after a fine move involving four players Scott Gormley laid the ball into the path of Jordan Hall who made no mistake from just inside the box,

Half Time Whitehill 2 Easthouses 1.

Into the second half and both teams made substitions, with Gary MacBrayne, Allan Cornett and Willie Lunn, replacing Danny Taylor, Steven Campbell and Kevin Morrison early in the half. The changes did not alter the team formation and Whitehill continued to press for a killer third goal. Ross Allum then replaced the impressive Aitchison with 20 minutes to go. Gormley put the result beyond doubt with a typical clinical finish to a fine Whitehill move. Whitehill's final change was to replace Bejaoui with Scott Haldane for the final fifteen minutes. Youssef has had busier afternoons, and Scott also had little to do for the final minutes of the game. There was one more piece of excitement for the fans to enjoy, a 30 yard thunderbolt from Ross Allum was tipped onto the bar by the Easthouses keeper. Scott Gormley was the first to react, heading the rebound passed the helpless keeper into the net. The referee then brought the match to an end.

FT Whitehill Welfare 4 Easthouses MW 1.

_________________________________________________________

Saturday 31st July

Whitehill took on Stobswood Welfare from the Northern Alliance 1st Division as part of their pre season schedule. In an even first half both teams were unable to break the deadlock although the visitors came close when their striker rounded Scott Haldane in the Whitehill goal, but could only hit the side net with his shot.

Paul Cavanagh made changes to his side at halftime and within 5 minutes of the restart Andrew Kidd kept up his recent great scoring record to hit his 5th goal in 5 games. Stobswood made a cople of substitions but it was the home side who struck again, a great finish by Ross Aitchison to double the lead.

Scott Gormley then put the result beyond doubt with a typical clinical finish midway through the second half.

Stobswood scored shortly afterwards, a high swinging cross cum shot eluding the Whitehill keeper.

With 10 minutes to go, a superbly struck free kick from 25 yards by Jordan Hall low into the far corner completed the scoring.

In summary a good game of football played in a great spirit, we wish Stobswood all the best for the coming season.

Full time Whitehill Welfare 4 Stobswood Welfare 1