Polbeth were the visitors to Holmes Park on a sunny Tuesday evening. 

Play swept from one end to the other in an even first half. The Diamonds created chances but found it difficult to the ball past the stand in Polbeth keeper who had a fine game, making good early saves from Craig, Callum and James.  

Polbeth, building from the back gave the Diamonds defence some real problems. They were very unlucky not to score when they mounted a quick breakaway. Aaron coming off his line to make a good save, though unfortunately just outside his penalty box. From the free kick a low shot was driven in and saved by the Diamonds keeper. 

As the half drew to a close the Diamonds made a late push. Campbell hit a fierce drive which looked net bound till the keeper tipped the shot onto the bar. The deadlock was broken with the last kick of the half. Niamh outside the penalty box pounced on a loose ball and swerved a shot into the near post. 

The second half took the same pattern as the first, Polbeth playing good football, their two forwards giving the Diamonds defence some real problems, one shot just whistling over the bar. 

At the other end the Diamonds were very clinical in front of goal, Niamh, Campbell, Thomas, James and Craig with a double all finding the net. The pick of the goals was scored by Thomas. Niamh controlled a loose ball and passed wide to Thomas, he took a touch, turned quickly and fired low into the net. 

Well played this evening by the Diamonds, also by Polbeth who are developing into a very good side.

Sunday 20th April   Whitburn Colts  Vs  Uphall Diamonds

The Diamonds 10s made their first ever trip up to Blaeberry Park on a very chilly and windy Sunday morning - but at least it was'nt raining.

Whitburn started much the stronger team and for the first ten minutes it looked as if the Diamonds would never get into their opponents half of the field, they were pinned back by an excellent Colts team playing some good passing football. The Diamonds however defended very well under this pressure, battling for each other and limiting the home side to a couple of shots at goal, all gathered by Aaron. Callum showing the fighting spirit perfectly when he tracked a Whitburn player for half the length of the park, forced him wide, tackled him and won a throw in for his team.

Gradually the Diamonds worked their way back into the game.

Liam had a low shot saved by the keeper. Then Jack, busy as always, chased down a loose ball, won a tackle and quickly passed to Niamh whose shot was also saved.

Whitburn were still pressing however and came close. A superb lofted pass from a midfield player put one of the Colts forwards through on goal, his shot slipped just past the post. An escape for the Diamonds and they took advantage of it. Craig called for the ball from the goal kick, he took a couple of strides forward and sent a defence splitting pass through to James, running in on goal James made no mistake, tucking a shot under the keeper and into the net.

Confidence boosted the Diamonds had their best spell of the game.

Niamh latched onto a loose ball in the penalty box, she turned quickly and in one movement swept the ball into the far corner of the net. A few minutes later Craig was brought down in the box. He picked himself up, dusted himself down and slotted the resultant penalty into the corner of the net. 

The second half saw both teams trying to play football in ther difficult windy conditions and cancelling each other out. Chances were created but good defending at both ends of the park prevented either keeper from having to make any real saves.

Whitburn did find the net, scoring a very similar goal to the Diamonds opener. A defence splitting pass played their forward through, he ran in on goal giving Aaron no chance to save.

                                        The Whitburn defence close Campbell down

Saturday 5th April   Uphall Diamonds  Vs  Livi Hearts Blue

The Diamonds made a storming start to today’s game. In the early minutes Craig, Niamh and then Craig again had shots saved by the Livi Hearts keeper. Keeping the pressure on the Diamonds opened the scoring. The Livi Hearts keeper made a good save from Niamh pushing her shot out, Ciarran pounced on the rebound and lashed the ball high into the net.

Livi Hearts regrouped after the early pressure and were very unlucky not to equalize. A shot crashed off of the Diamonds post, rebounding out, Thomas was first to respond nipping in to clear away from the goal line. They then saw a couple of shots slip just wide.

Pushing for a goal Livi Hearts were caught on the break. Craig picked up the ball inside his own half and drove towards the visitor’s goal, he drew the keeper and slotted the ball home for a very good goal.

Niamh then came close, she hit a fierce shot which was parried by the keeper, latching onto the rebound she looked to have scored but the keeper, who was having a fine game, stuck out an arm to deflect the ball wide.

As the half ended Livi Hearts came close to scoring, a good break down the wing saw the ball flash across the Diamonds goal and wide.

The second half started with the Diamonds playing some very good football. Jack made a strong run down the wing, he cut inside setting up Niamh with a chance. She lofted a shot goalwards, the keeper got his hands to it but couldn’t hold it and the ball found its way into the net. Liam then had a powerful shot saved by the keeper, the ball was cleared but only as far as Niamh, who slipped a pass to Ciarran who quickly drove low into the corner of the net.

Livi Hearts were still fighting hard and put the Diamonds defence under pressure, Ryan and Thomas making a number of good blocks and interceptions, when they breached the Diamonds defence Kenneth was quickly off his line to save.

The home side pushed back and were frustrated, by a couple of goal line clearances, Liam and James seeing their shots knocked away.

Liam who was starting to dictate the Diamonds play made a good run down the left wing, he cut the ball inside to Jack who dragged the ball past a couple of defenders before driving low into the net. Liam then made a strong run through the centre, hitting a good shot he saw the keeper make another good save, the ball rebounded to Craig who slammed it into the net.

With a few minutes remaining Callum came close, he broke up an attack with a good tackle and pushed forward, beating a couple of defenders he whipped the ball across the face of the goal and just wide.

The game ended with Livi Hearts still pushing forward looking for a goal. They were foiled in the final minute with some fine Diamonds defending. Faced with a three against one attack, Liam advanced on the dangerman with the ball, forcing him wide, Kenneth came off his line and the danger was cleared.

A good game of football today and very pleasing to our training ground exercises produce results during the game.

Credit to Livi Hearts who never gave up and were unlucky not to score at least one goal.

                                     Livi Hearts Blue keeper makes a second half save

Sunday 23rd March  Uphall Diamonds Vs Mid Calder

If you like your football with thrills, spills and goals galore then a Diamonds / Mid Calder game is the place to be. Last season the teams shared ten goals, in August it was eleven. Today we had thirteen, with four shots hitting the woodwork and a further two off of the line - it was a thrilling encounter.

Mid Calder were first to strike, with a lightning break from the kick off, catching the Diamonds off guard. Undaunted the home side restarted the game and came close to levelling, Craig controlled a bouncing ball and drove goalwards, the keeper making a good save, making further saves from James and Campbell. Kenneth in the Diamonds goal then making a good save from a Mid Calder shot.

With 8 minutes gone the Diamonds equalized, Campbell cut down the right and pulled the ball back, in attempting to clear a Mid Calder defender turned the ball into his own net. With the Diamonds boosted they pushed forward and James, wearing his shooting boots today, drove a long shot into the corner of the net.

The game then swung to the other end and Mid Calder were unlucky to see a shot crash off of a Diamonds post and bounce clear. Craig then picked the ball up deep in his own half, he powered into the Mid Calder half slipping a pass at the perfect moment to James at the back post who slotted the ball home. Again the visitors pressed the Diamonds and only some good defending by Callum kept them away from the Diamonds goal.

Some more good play from the Diamonds brought a goal. Ryan turned the ball to Thomas who slipped it to Liam, Liam made no mistake with his low drive. Craig then made another strong run, driving a shot just wide.

In the final moments of the half the Diamonds stuck again, Liam glided past a couple of defenders, he gave the ball to Craig who in turn set up Ryan. He drove low into the net. Once again Mid Calder pushed forward and were desperately unlucky not to score. With some good passing they worked the ball up the park, a shot slammed off the Diamonds post and across goal, Kenneth stuck out a foot knocking the ball away from a Mid Calder forward, the rebound was fired goalwards and cleared off of the line and away to safety.

A super first half with both teams playing some good football.

The second half started with a very determined Mid Calder on top. In a repeat of the first half they broke upfield and scored within the first minute. Playing well they pushed the Diamonds back and a few minutes later they netted again, some good passing carved open the defence and a low shot fired home.

The Diamonds were forced into catching Mid Calder on the break, on one of those Thomas shot wide, but the visitors continued to press and scored again. Very dangerous with corner kicks a cross wasn’t cleared and driven home. The Diamonds didn’t panic, they regrouped and started to create chances of their own.

Liam made a good run wide right, his cross was met by Thomas who drove a shot against the post. Campbell then struck the same post with a long drive, Craig pouncing on the rebound and shooting wide.

With Mid Calder were also attacking and they came so close with Jack popping up on the Diamonds goal line to prevent a Mid Calder equalizer.

The next goal was so important and it was the home side who struck. Campbell scoring one of his trademark goals. He picked the ball up, controlled it and slammed a twenty yarder into the corner of the net, giving the keeper no chance. With confidence raised the Diamonds started to knock the ball about well and scored again. Craig made another run into the Mid Calder half, his shot was deflected to Thomas who tuned the ball into the net.

Mid Calder were not out of it though and hit back with a goal, catching the Diamonds on the break. This produced another good spell of pressure from the visitors who came close. Their super corner kicks were causing the Diamonds defence all sorts of bother, one in particular swinging right across the face of goal, fortunately for the Diamonds and unfortunately for Mid Calder it did’nt get the touch which would have resulted in a certain goal.

The match ended with probably its best goal. Craig made yet another strong run into the Mid Calder half, he played the ball through to Thomas, who without breaking stride lofted the ball over the keeper and high into the net ............. A super goal to end a terrific game of football.

                      Thomas tucks away " The goal of the game Vs Mid Calder"

Saturday 15th March BFC Dynamos Vs Uphall Diamonds

Something strange happened in West Lothian, it was a Saturday morning and it wasn’t raining! As a result the Diamonds, after three postponements finally got their season restarted.

Our game against BFC Dynamos last year was a close and keenly contested match and today was no different. BFC made the stronger start and had the Diamonds pinned back. Ryan and Aaron at the back and Kenneth in goals managing to prevent the home side from taking the lead.

As the half progressed the Diamonds started to get back into the game and took the lead. Campbell picked a loose ball up, took a few strides forward and lashed a low shot into the net from about 20 yards.

BFC pushed forward and catching the Diamonds on the break came close when a cross ball flashed into the goalmouth, the BFC forward just miss-cueing the ball wide. It was a sign of things to come …… James had a shot saved by the BFC keeper. The keeper played the ball to one his team mates, on the break they powered up the park and scored the equalizer. Worse was to follow, from the kick off BFC regained the ball and scored again. Two goals in two minutes.

The second half started with the Diamonds starting to find their rhythm. An early good passing movement released Callum who drove a shot past the keeper but into the side net. Craig, who was having an impressive Diamonds debut then came even closer. Picking up a throw from Kenneth he ran the length of the park, beating a couple of defenders he cut in on goal and hit a shot which was touched by the keeper onto the post and wide. Craig took the corner and swung a fine cross into the box, Liam ran in and saw his header cleared off of the line.

BFC were still dangerous came close to increasing their lead, in a goal mouth melee the ball was cleared off of the Diamond goal line, driven back in and saved by a diving Kenneth save.

 The Diamonds then pushed forward, their turn to catch BFC on the break. Craig drove forward, closed down by a defender he slipped a pass through to Jack who cut into the penalty box, waited for the keeper to come off of his line and expertly slotted the ball home. Five minutes later the visitors took the lead. Thomas broke up a Linlithgow attack with a super interception and played a pass to Liam. He powered up the wing and swung a cross intro the BFC box, Jack running in tucked the ball into the net.

With both teams pushing for goals it was an exciting end to the game. Linlithgow pressed hard, their numbers 9 and 10 proving to be a real handful for the Diamonds defence but with Thomas in outstanding form, assisted by Campbell they just couldn’t make the breakthrough. The games final chance fell to Niamh who twisted past a couple of defenders and curled in a shot that crashed off the Linlithgow bar and away to safety.

Well played today from BFC Dynamos showed again what a good team they are.

A slow start from the Diamonds but no surprise really as today was the first time that they had got their boots onto some grass for a long three and a half months. Looking forward now to some outdoor training ….. and more decent weather !

Saturday 1st / 8th March ..... lots and lots of rain !!!

Sunday 6th January            Bathgate Tournament

The Diamonds returned to action today at the annual Bathgate indoor festival, playing four twenty five minute games.

Uphall Diamonds  Vs  Livingston Hearts Blue  :  The Diamonds first game of the tournament against Livi Hearts Blue. In a close game James opened the scoring for the Diamonds, Livi Hearts hit back with an equilizer. The Diamonds then pepered their opponents goal with shots, Callum having a couple of good efforts but just could'nt find the net again. At the other end of the park Livi Hearts came close to scoring, an outstanding defensive display from Thomas mopping up most of the danger.

Uphall Diamonds  Vs  Pumpherston United  : A super game of end to end football. Niamh at her jinking best scored for the Diamonds, Pumperston hit back with a couple of well taken goals and had the Diamonds under real pressure, but marshaled by Campbell at the back the Diamonds held firm and started a fight back, Niamh drilling a shot home from a narrow angle. James then popped up with his second goal of the day breaking down the right and firing home.

Uphall Diamonds  Vs  Murieston White  :  This was the tournaments third game and the Diamonds had now mastered the style of football required for the indoor game. They played some excellent football with Liam in particular dominating the middle of the park. Ryan who was determined to score for the Diamonds found the net with an early goal, picking up a through ball he turned and shot into the far corner of the net, Thomas then beat a couple of defenders before slamming the ball home.

Murieston hit back with a goal but were stung when Jack scored the goal of the day. He controlled a long high pass with his back to goal and somehow managed to scoop the ball into the net. Murieston have shown in previous encounters that they can play some good football and they showed this again putting the Diamonds under pressure, Kenneth who was having a turn in goal had to make a couple of fine saves to stop them mounting a comeback. Aaron, the keeper, who was having a turn outfield then stepped into the limelight scoring a couple of well taken goals.

Murieston would'nt give up and continued to press the Diamonds defence and were rewarded by another goal, some determined play winning possession, their forward making no mistake with his low shot. There was just enough time for the Diamonds to score again with Aaron picking up his hat trick.

Uphall Diamonds  Vs  BFC Linlithgow Dynamos  :  The Diamonds final game was against a very good  BFC Linlithgow Dynamos who passed the ball well and scored a couple of  well taken goals. The Diamonds pressed hard and did everything but hit the net. James hit a shot off the post, Ciaran pounced on the rebound and fired a shot goalwards, With everyone acclaiming a goal the BFC keeper dived low to somehow save the ball on the goal line. With the Diamonds pressing BFC broke away to score again.

A excellent festival and a good way to work off the Christmas turkey and selection boxes. Thanks to the WLSDA for once again organizing a well run event.

Saturday 30th November Uphall Diamonds Vs East Calder Colts

The word on the street was that East Calder Colts were a very good side, and so it proved today at Holmes Park. They were just too strong for a Diamonds team who battled away to the final whistle.

Opening very well the Diamonds came very close to opening the scoring in the early minutes. A shot flashed across the East Calder goal, then a low shot from Jack clipped the post. The visitors then broke upfield and scored. With some more goals before half time they pretty well killed the game off.

The Diamonds to their credit never gave up and created a number of second half chances but just could'nt find the net. East Calder with some bigger and stronger players were that bit more clinical in front of goal. They had to work hard for their goals though with Ryan in good form at the back and Aaron outstanding in goals making a number of super saves.

Well played today by East Calder Colts who are without doubt the best team we have played this season. We look forward to a re-match later on in the season !

Saturday 24th November BFC Dynamos Vs Uphall Diamonds

The Diamonds final away game of the year and a trip up to Linlithgow to take on a very good BFC Dynamos team.

In a terrific first half both teams created a string of chances with amazingly only one goal being scored.

BFC pressed early and came close, following a good passing move the ball flashed across the face of the Diamonds goal. Aaron pushing the ball away.

The Diamonds then hit a good spell of form and created a number of chances. Thomas hit a shot just wide and then saw another cleared off of the line. Callum then saw a low shot saved by the BFC keeper. Niamh then tried her luck and had a low shot saved.

BFC then battled back and were foiled by a couple of superb saves from Aaron. Playing like a sweeper today Aaron was also quickly off of his line cutting out any danger before chances could be created.

More pressure from the Diamonds followed. A great pass from Niamh released Callum on goal but he was stopped by a good save from the BFC keeper. Callum kept trying and came close a couple of times after that, a shot on the turn just slipping wide and another saved.

BFC ended the half on top and opened the scoring with a good goal scored on the break, a good passing moved the ball quickly up the park where their forward finally managed to beat Aaron. The Diamonds then had to thank Jack as he prevented BFC going further ahead with a goal line clearance.

The action did not let up in the second half.

The Diamonds came close in the early minutes, Jack made a powerful run down the wing, his low cross was eventually scrambled away from the BFC goalmouth.

The nippy BFC # 9 had been causing the Diamonds a lot of bother in the first half but with Niamh now marking him he was less effective in the second. Indeed it was from one of her tackles that the Diamonds equalizer came. She won the ball, and lofted a pass to James. He ran through on goal and slotted a low shot inside the right hand post. James came close again with a long shot, saved under the bar by the keeper.

Aaron then once again saved the visitors with a couple of great saves. He looked to have super glue on his gloves with the way he was holding onto the slippy ball.

Another good run from Jack brought the Diamonds second goal. He swept a cross into the goal mouth, it was cleared out and fell to the feet of Ciaran he dispatched the ball low into the net.

BFC pushed hard to get back into the game but were finding it very difficult to get past the formidable defensive duo of Liam and Kenneth.

Once again another good team performance from the Diamonds

                      The mobile Diamonds Coffee Shop doing good business as always !

Saturday 17th November   Uphall Diamonds  Vs Blackburn Utd

An early kick off this morning and it was the visitors who looked the more wide awake team applying some early pressure, forcing Aaron into a good save from a free kick.

The Diamonds came close, Liam worked the ball forward and slipped a pass to Niamh who hit a terrific shot which produced an equally terrific save from the Blackburn keeper who pushed the ball over the bar. From the corner Blackburn won the ball and quickly moved it up the park, their forward running through and scoring into the corner of the net.

Five minutes later the Diamonds won another corner and were hit by the same break away. Good Blackburn passing moved the ball up the park and before the Diamonds could muster a defence the ball was slotted into the net.

The home side came close with a late corner kick. Liam's low driven cross scraped the near post, rolled along the goal line and scraped the far post and rolled to safety - it just needed a touch. Fortunately Blackburn did not manage the devastating break away this time.

The second half started with the Diamonds determined to get back into the game and they did just that. With two minutes on the clock Niamh was brought down just outside the box. She picked herself up, dusted herself down and curled a free kick round the defensive wall and into the net. Two minutes later and Blackburn found the net as well. Aaron in the Diamonds goal made a good save, pushing a low shot out, a Blackburn forward followed up as all good strikers do and tucked the rebound away.

Midway through the second half the Diamonds pulled a goal back. Jack who was causing the Blackburn defence all sorts of problems set off on a powerful run. He raced past a couple of defenders, lost possession but quickly won the ball back, he advanced on goal and saw his shot deflected wide. Campbell following up drove a low left foot shot into the net. The Diamonds just couldn't quite find that equalizer, every Diamonds goal seemed to spur on the visitors and they upped their play. Pushing forward they scored again to restore their two goal cushion.

The Diamonds did not let their heads go down and pressed forward. Liam made a super run down the right, outpacing the Blackburn defenders he cut in on goal side footed a shot past the keeper but unfortunately also just past the post.

With five minutes remaining Blackburn scored the goal of the game. A throw in on the right was controlled and slipped inside to their midfield player, who looked up and let fly with a twenty yard shot which screamed into the net giving Aaron no chance.

Once again the Diamonds rolled their sleeves up and battled hard to get back into the game. James made a good run down the right and fired in a shot which clipped the post on its way wide. Minutes later Jack did the same on the left, his fierce drive was pushed into the top of the bar by a good save from the keeper. The resulting corner was cleared and the final whistle sounded.

Congratulations today to Blackburn who played very well. They passed the ball confidently, created chances and took them. The Diamonds battled hard but it just wasn't their day in front of goal.

Saturday 3rd November    Uphall Diamonds  Vs  Whitburn 1998

The Diamonds welcomed Whitburn 1998 to Holmes Park. Whitburn have a history of producing good football teams and today's visitors were no exception to that rule.

The Diamonds with a spring in their step made a great start to the game, pushing Whitburn back with wave after wave of attacks. Campbell opened the scoring with a drive from the edge of the penalty box. James then hit a shot wide, as did Niamh and Liam. Callum came closest to the net with a long clearance from the half way line, the ball sailed goalwards only to crash off of the crossbar and bounce clear.

Goals did come for the Diamonds.

Thomas latched onto a loose ball and fired the Diamonds in front, Jack met a low corner and drove home, then Naimh ended a good move by casually passing the ball into the net.

Whitburn were not overwhelmed by the Diamonds start and  started to fight back, playing some good football they started to create chances, pullling a goal back from the penalty spot. The spot kick despatched expertly, it must be one of the best penalty kicks that Holmes Park has seen.

The second half had an explosive start with four goals scored in the first six minutes of the half.

The Diamonds were first to strike. Kenneth advanced on a clearance, controlled the ball and knocked a fine pass wide to Niamh who ran in on goal and tucked the ball home.

Aaron made a fine save to foil a Whitburn attack but he was helpless to prevent the visitors hitting two goals in a minute. 

A long shot was fired through a forest of legs into the net and from the restart they struck again. Ryan made a good tackle to block an attack, the ball was rolling out for a corner but in a very positive move the Whitburn forward caught the ball and cut it back into the Diamonds goalmouth where it was driven home.

This was a real test of the Diamonds character and they reponded in the best possible way. In a repeat of an earlier goal Kenneth won the ball on the half way line, seeing Niahm running wide he rolled the ball int her path and from 20 yards she hit a low shot into the net.

Whitburn then had a spell of pressure and came close. The Diamonds goal seemed to have a charmed life, Jack made a last gasp goal line clearance and then the home supporters breathed a sigh of relief when a long Whitburn shot crashed off of the under side of the bar, Callum lashing the ball away from in front of the goal.

The Diamonds struck again. Niamh hit a low shot thet deflected off of the post, the ball rolled across the goal and was thundered into the net, by James, from about 6 inches !

The game ended with some fine play from Liam.  

He made a strong run into the Whitburn penalty area, pushed wide by some good defending he cut the ball across the goal mouth, James met the cut back with a good shot which was saved.

Liam then got the goal his play deserved. He made another run into the Whitburn box, shimmied past three or four defenders and from a very narrow angle fired the ball into the net via the far post.

Another good performance from the Diamonds, once again everyone playing their part.

A fine performance also from Whitburn 1998. This is their first season together and they are already playing good passes, scoring good goals and showing great determination.

Saturday 27th October       Pumpherston United  Vs  Uphall Diamonds

Another Saturday and another great game of football. Today the Diamonds making the short journey down to Pumpherston.

The home side started quickly and came close with a shot which whistled just past the post. The Diamonds were more successful with their first attack, Campbell won the ball and passed to Niamh, she fired a hard and low cross into the Pumpherston goalmouth where Callum was in the right place to glance the ball into the net.

Pumpherston who were playing a very attacking formation hit top form pushing the Diamonds back and creating a number of chances.

A long shot smacked off of the bar, bouncing over.

Catching the Diamonds on the break they broke free and with a Two Vs One chance shot just wide.

They were then very unfortunate to see a long low shot bounce off of the far post, the ball rebounded along the goal line would probably have spun into the net were it not for Jack. He ran back and knocked the ball clear. Pumpherston quickly swung the ball back into the box and saw a header fly just over.

The Diamonds battled hard to get a foothold back into the game and came close to doubling their lead. Campbell made a good run forward and knocked a pass into the box, Niamh and Thomas both had attempts at scoring with both their efforts cleared away.

With 17 minutes gone Pumpherston scored the goal that their pressure deserved. A super cross ball was knocked under the crossbar, Liam running back to clear was unlucky to see the ball cannon off of him and into the net.

If Liam was downhearted by the own goal he didn’t show it. Just after the restart he picked the ball up inside his own half and charged forward, twenty yards out he swung an excellent cross / shot into the far post, the ball dropping into the net for a good goal.

Pumpherston then hit back with more pressure and won a penalty kick No doubt about the decision and no doubt about the finish, Aaron dived the correct way but was beaten by the power of the shot.

The first half ended all square with both teams taking a well deserved breather.

The Diamonds came close at the start of the second half. Thomas was upended in the box and a penalty awarded. Campbell hit the penalty strongly but unfortunately wide of goal.

Like Liam before him, Campbell did not let his head go down and a few minutes later when the Diamonds were awarded another penalty he stepped up to take the kick. This time the ball was swept confidently into the net.

Chances were then created by both sides, the ball slipping past the post at either ends and both keepers making saves.

In a dramatic end to the game Pumpherston came so close to an equalizer. A long ball was swung into the Diamonds penalty box, the ball bounced and dropped just past the post, the in running forward just unable to connect. The Diamonds then made a quick break up the park. Jack picked the ball up and cut into the box, he looked up, took aim, and drove the ball into the net off of the far post.

A great game of football and to be fair Pumpherston must consider themselves to be very unfortunate not to have taken more from the game, they played very well indeed and could have scored more than their two goals………..That doesn’t mean however that the Diamonds were lucky.

A good team makes and earns their luck in a game and the Diamonds are becoming a very good team. When Pumpherston hit the post in the first half the ball would have rolled into the net but Jack would not give up and got back to clear, unlucky for Pumpherston but great play from the Diamonds. In the final minute the Pumpherston player hit a dangerous cross into the box, but if he hadn’t been closed down by Liam he would probably have run on goal and had an easy chance to score. If the Diamonds defence had not been tracking back the forward may not have been distracted and have reached that cross ball.

Just a couple of examples of where determination and effort helped the Diamonds out of a tight spot. In a team game everyone plays their part no matter who scores the goals or draws the headlines.

Saturday 20th October        Uphall Diamonds  Vs  Broxburn Colts

There might have been a Rangers Vs Celtic game today on but the weekend’s big derby games were in West Lothian with an Uphall Vs Broxburn double header. The 10s on Saturday and the 16s on Sunday. The 10s played first and Saturday morning saw a wonderful game of football between two totally committed teams playing attacking football from start to finish.

The Diamonds started the stronger team and created a couple of early chances with Callum twice coming close to scoring. He did however find the net in the 8th minute and a good goal it was as well. Thomas passed to Campbell who slipped the ball wide to Callum, he steadied himself before lashing a 15 yard shot high into the net.

Broxburn then mounted a sustained period of pressure and the Diamonds had to thank Niamh, today’s substitute keeper for Aaron, she made three or four excellent stops to keep the Diamonds lead intact.

With 15 minutes on the clock the Diamonds struck again. Callum swung over an excellent corner, Campbell moved onto the cross and headed into the net from close range.

Broxburn then showed their fighting spirit and came storming back, scoring three times in the final eight minutes of the half to take a half time lead. The third a powerful free kick that Niamh got her finger tips to but couldn’t stop.

The second half started with Broxburn playing some good football, keeping Ken, who had now picked up the gloves, busy in the Diamonds goal.

The Diamonds then re-grouped and started to mount some pressure of their own and in the half’s 9th minute equalized.

Ciaran won a half way line tackle, the ball bounced to Naimh who jinked down the wing before sweeping a low cross into the Broxburn goalmouth. It was partially cleared out to Liam who sidestepped a defender and fired in a low shot ………The keeper made a good diving save pushing the ball out …….It rolled away from goal ……. The keeper scrambled to retrieve it …… a defender raced in from one side to clear …… Callum raced in from the other side trying to score ……..Callum won the race and drove the ball into the far corner !

Two minutes latter the Diamonds were ahead. Jack forced a mistake in the Broxburn defence, Campbell picked up the loose ball, drove forward and hit one of his special power drives into the roof of the net.

The Diamonds were now on top form.

Campbell and Thomas combined, Thomas slipped the ball wide to Niamh whose angled drive clipped the crossbar. Campbell then had a shot flash just wide.

The match ended with Broxburn pushing hard for an equalizer, Kenneth made a good save pushing the ball wide. Another attack saw a shot graze the bar on its way over.

In the final seconds Broxburn looked certain to level the game but Ryan made a last gasp tackle to force the ball out for a corner. The Diamonds survived the corner and celebrated as the Referee blew the final whistle.

A super game of football from both teams.

For the Diamonds ......once again .......everyone playing their part in a fine team performance.

Saturday 13th October         Armadale Blue  Vs   Uphall Diamonds

The weather may have been dull today but the football was far from that, it was a sparkling display from bothe sides today. The Diamonds started off playing well but were shocked by a quick Armadale goal which was a bit of a disaster for the Diamonds defence. A corner was flicked goalwards and not cleared, the ball deflected off a couple of defenders before rolling into the net.

Undaunted the visitors pushed forward and playing some good football created chances, James coming really close, his drive bringing out a great save from the Armadale keeper.

It was however Armadale who came closest to scoring the next goal. A long shot, hit the far post, rolled along the goal line and into Kenneth’s arms, a lucky escape for the Diamonds. A few minutes later they came close again. Their forward was brought down in the box for a clear penalty. The spot kick was fired goalwards, Kenneth dived to his left to smother the ball, an important save.

The Diamonds continued to play some great football, one move in particular saw the ball moved from one side of the park to the other, five or six good passes presented a chance for Niamh whose shot was turned round the post by the keeper.

A goal finally arrived for the Diamonds, Jack and Niamh combined well and a cross ball swung into the Armadale box, Campbell bravely got his head to the ball and looped a header into the net.

With both teams determined to win the game the second half play swung from one side to the other, both teams creating chances.

It was the Diamonds who struck first with two quick goals. A double from Campbell. He cut into the box driving low into the net for his first. His second came from a long free kick, as the ball reached the goals Jack leapt over it putting the keeper off allowing the ball to slip in at the far post. A hat trick now for Campbell.

Armadale then counter atacked, playing well they pushed forward and hit a drive into the net, they were back in the game.

Following a good spell of Armadale pressure the Diamonds scored. Quick on the break Campbell drove forward and slipped the ball to Niamh, she continued her run into the penalty area and slotted the ball home.

Kenneth in the Diamonds goal then made a couple of very good saves to foil Armadale, from one of those saves the ball broke to Campbell. He powered wide and up the wing, running the full length of the park he cut into the Armadale box and drove a shot low into the net for a superb solo goal.

The Diamonds final goal was scored by Jack. Callum played the ball out of defence and passed to Ciaran who slipped the ball to Thomas. He beat a couple of defenders running down the left, getting to the bye line he cut the ball across the face of goal. Jack picked his spot and rifled the ball into the net.

In football it’s not all about who scores the goals so today a special mention for Kenneth who, standing in for Aaron, was confident in goals. Also for Ryan and Ciaran who made some good tackles at the back …… but overall it was a fine Diamonds team performance.

Thanks to Armadale who today played their full part in a great game of football.

Saturday 6th October           Uphall Diamonds  Vs  Livi Hearts CFC

With no league fixture the Diamonds took on Livi Hearts CFC from the Bruce League in a friendly game. A tough game for the Diamonds playing one of the best 10s sides in West Lothian but the kind of game we need to play keep developing our game.

The Diamonds matched their opponents in many area but lost out to the more determined and tougher tackling of their rivals. Livi Hearts closing down any Diamonds attacks quickly and mounting their own very effective counter attacks.

Well played today by Livi Hearts who will do well this season, hopefully we can cross swords again later on in the season.

Saturday 29th September        Livi Hearts Blue Vs Uphall Diamonds