SHINNIE BRACE INSPIRES UNITED!

On a late summers evening at the Haughs in perfect conditions a big crowd were entertained by both teams fielding a blend of youth and experience.

 
Although the passing could have been better at times, the game proved to have a good fast flowing pace about it with excitement never far away from both goal areas. United’s youngsters were initially finding it hard to get to grips with the game but with Shinnie orchestrating passes from the midfield the game began to take shape with the hard working Maitland always asking questions of the Turriff defence.

The first 35 minutes wee played out with both keepers Horne and Fyfe giving little away. Turriff had caused problems down the left side but had failed to capitalise in front of goal. A succession of corners by Formartine with a good aerial presence of Sievewright and Bain in the away box had caused problems but the home defence managed to avert any trouble.

In 37 minutes a crossed ball from left to right found Simpson who then cut inside his man only to be taken down by a Turriff defender. This resulted in a direct free kick which Shinnie stepped up to take. He appeared to outfox the Turriff defence with his low well driven shot which found the inside of the keeper’s left hand post which Fyfe could not stop entering the net.

The second half continued with end to end football with Rhys Fyfe having 2 great stops at the expense of Formartine’s Mackie and Thomas.  However in 75 minutes the ball was played wide on the right whereby Maitland made a deep run with the ball and his low driven cross was picked up by the supporting Shinnie who dispatched a clinical well placed shot past the helpless Fyfe in the Turriff Goal.

This appeared to spur the Turriff team on and Formartine had to withstand a great deal of pressure in the latter part of the game as Turriff shot wide on occasion and forced a number of corners. Horne had to save well at times and Sievewright's commanding aerial power was a blessing at times with Liam Bain gaining in confidence playing along side him.

Formartine stood firm and will be pleased to collect all 3 points in a well contested match. They portrayed a growing team spirit tonight and the first team players must be complimented on the way they worked with the younger players in the side.

18 year old Sam Barret who played his 3rd game in 3 days on the left flank deserves mention for the attitude and desire he showed with a good showing in the second half. Its simple, he never gave up and tried to improve his game at every opportunity.

Keep supporting the youth within the club, it is much appreciated.

Attendance approximately 120.

Team: Horne, Robertson, Imray, Bain, Sievewright©, Shinnie, Simpson, Mackie, Thomas, A. Maitland, Barret.

Subs:  K. Morrison (used), D. Watson, Pugh (used), L. Morrison (used), A. Cadger.