Welcome to the Uphall Diamonds 14s page
NOTE - AS DIRECTED BY THE SYFA No jewellery is to be worn on the field of play. Chains, rings, ear rings etc. Any player found wearing such an item will be yellow carded. "It wont come off" is not an excuse for wearing jewellery. Taping up jewellery is not permitted.
Important
All players, parents, spectators should be aware of Uphall Diamonds constitution, objectives and player protection policy. Please go to the Constitution page for full details and links.
Presentation Evening
Our final act of the 2006 / 2007 season and as an Under 13s team was to have our Presentation Evening. This was held in Renwicks on Friday 29th June.
A very good attendance by family and friends enjoyed a great evening. The boys who played for the team during the season were all given a trophy to mark the occasion and a number of special awards were given out :-
| Top Goalscorer | Jack | |
| Outstanding Achievement | Ryan K, picked to represent the County | |
| Goal of the Season | Darren Vs BFC Linlithgow | |
| Parents Player of the Year | David | |
| Coaches Player of the Year | Lewis | |
| Coaches Sportsman of the Year | Mark | |
| Coaches Most Improved Player | Ross | |
| Players Player of the Year | Ryan G | |
| Players Sportsman of the Year | Marc | |
| Players Most Improved Player - Owen | Owen |
We now look forward to the challenges for the forthcoming season as we move up to U-14's.
The coaches would like to that all who attended the event and we look forward to next season and hopefully we can build on the success of last season.
Latest News
Pink Ladies Night Fundraiser
A big thanks to all involved, especially Loretta and Suzanne, Linda and Angela.
Thanks also to the ladies who helped with and prepared the buffet
Thanks also to Linton and Danny for minding the door.
A great night had by one and all.
Funds raising total £2,127 which will be put to good use.
Results
Friendlies
Fauldhouse Foxes 7 Diamonds 1 Ricky Bo'ness Boys Club 0 Diamonds 3 Ricky (2), Ryan Diamonds 4 Edinburgh City Colts 5 Ricky (2), Mattie, Jack
League
| Diamonds | 0 | Fauldhouse Foxes | 5 | ||
| Mid Calder | 4 | Diamonds | 1 | Mattie | |
| Diamonds | 0 | Newlands | 4 | ||
| Diamonds | 4 | Polbeth United | 5 | Rickie (2), Ryan, OG | |
| Polbeth Colts | 1 | Diamonds | 7 | Rickie (4), Colin S (2), Charlie | |
| Boghall | 3 | Diamonds | 1 | Callum | |
| Newlands | 5 | Diamonds | 2 | Ryan, Colin S | |
| BFC Linlithgow | 0 | Diamonds | 5 | Colin S (2), Marc, Charlie, Colin B | |
| Diamonds | 1 | Boghall | 2 | ||
Scottish Cup
| Prelim | Diamonds | Hunterfield | ( Walkover ) | |||
| 1st Round | Diamonds | 0 | Dalkeith | 5 |
Jason Wardrope Cup
| 1st Round | Livi Villa | 2 | Diamonds | 1 | Marc |
County Cup
| 1st Round | Polbeth Colts | 5 | Diamonds | 4 | Jack, Mattie, Ryan, OG |
Regional Cup
| 1st Round | Haddington | 2 | Diamonds | 3 | Rickie (3) | |
| 2nd Round | Diamonds | 0 | Bonnyrigg | 12 |
Goal Scorers ( up to the 17th November )
CallumRicky 14 Colin S 5 Ryan 4 Mattie 3 Jack 2 Marc 2 Charlie 2 OG 2 1 Colin B 1
Match Reports
15th December 2007 League
Uphall Diamonds 5 BFC Linlithgow 0
Having had a few games postponed, the Diamonds found themselves in a bottom of the table clash against Linlithgow on a very pleasant winters morning at King George V park. The Diamonds pressed forward right from the start determined to get a victory that had proved elusive for much of the season.
The boys had a number of chances early in the match before they opened the scoring after 10 minutes. Jack played a great through ball which carved open the Linlithgow defence and Colin S latched onto it and cooly slotted home from 18 yards. The boys then suffered a blow when Ryan had to limp off injured to be replaced by Charlie. For about 10 minutes the Diamonds although dominating in midfield failed to fashion any chances and Linlithgow slowly started to creep into the game. The Diamonds defence was able to cope with any attacks and Cameron the goalkeeper was a spectator for much of the half.
Just before half time Marc added a second with a bullet header from close range after a pinpoint corner from Jack. This was no more than the Diamonds deserved for a half full of good football from both sides.
HT Diamonds 2 BFC Linlithgow 0
The second half followed the same pattern as the first with the Diamonds controlling the midfield with Marc full of running and Jack pulling the strings in attack. Another slick attack and good cross from Jack allowed Charlie to extended the boys lead with a smart shot.
Colin B added a fourth with a shot from the edge of the box after Jack showed some great skill with a cute drag back which wrong footed the visitors defence. Blair had a good chance to extend the lead and Colin S was denied by a couple of great saves by the Linlithgow keeper.
Colin S rounded off the scoring late on to bag his second of the game. Linlithgow pushed forward in search of a consolation goal and in truth had a number of half decent chances which Dean making his debut in goals dealt with extremely well.
Fair play to Linlithgow for not giving up and it is only a matter of time before they register a win this season.
A good end to the year and hopefully a result the boys can build on.
Man of the Match - Marc had his best game of the season and was at the heart of everything in the midfield and just shaded Jack who also had an excellent game.
1st December 2007 League
Newlands CFC 5 Uphall Diamonds 2
On a cold wet windy day the Diamonds travelled to Bathgate to play top of the table Newlands in the League. Again without three of the first team squad this was going to be an extremely tough assignment against a team who had scored over sixty goals in their previous 10 league games.
The Diamonds won the toss and decided to play into the strong wind. As expected, Newlands pressed forward right from the start and threatened the Diamonds goal a couple of times, without creating any real clear cut chances. Slowly the Diamonds crept into the game with both Michael and Marc beginning to make their presence felt. After 10 minutes the Diamonds took the lead, when Ryan made a great run through to beat the offside trap and calmly slotted the ball past the on rushing keeper.
This knocked Newlands off their stride and the Diamonds started to dominate proceedings without creating much headway in the stiff breeze. With the Diamonds beginning to look comfortable in possession, it was a little bit of a shock when Newlands grabbed an equaliser. The Diamonds defence failed to deal with a long ball and in the ensuing scramble the ball fell nicely to the Newlands forward and he gave Cameron no chance with a clinical finish. This spurred the league leaders on and the Diamonds had to hang on as the pressure mounted.
With 10 minutes to half time a clearance from the Diamonds box was played wide to the unmarked Newlands forward who swiftly moved forward and smashed the ball low into the Diamonds net for a deserved lead.
The Diamonds dug deep and were looking to hang onto half time so that they would still be in the game when they had the elements in their favour. As Newlands pressed forward trying to get another and give themslves some breathing room, they were caught with a sucker punch just on the stroke of half time. A long ball was played forward and there was hesitation in the Newlands defence. This allowed Colin S to burst through and drill the ball into in corner of the net.
A great battling display by the boys who trooped off with a bit of a spring in their step.
HT Newlands 2 Diamonds 2
The Diamonds were dominating the midfield and retaining the ball better than their opponents. With 15 minutes gone in the second half the turning point in the match happened. David picked up the ball halfway in his own half and drifted past the Newlands midfielder and passed the ball onto Marc in the midfield. Next thing a very high and very very late challenge caught David just above the knee. It was so late that Santa had already made his Christmas deliveries. The Newlands player was booked and David was carried off the pitch to take no further part in the game.
Forced to reshuffle, the Diamonds lacked the cohesion that they previously had. Despite this Ryan had a carbon copy chance from another great corner from Jack, but again somehow headed over when it looked easier to score.
Having missed three gilt edged chances, the Diamonds were made to pay when Marc was caught in possession, in midfield and Newlands broke swiftly. Some good interpassing left the forward with only Cameron to beat and suddenly the Diamonds were 3-2 down. A devasting blow but the boys pressed forward trying to retrieve the situation.
With about five minutes to play, the Diamonds were again caught out by a swift break and Newlands wrapped up the points.
In the last minute the boys conceded a soft fifth goal after a needless free kick was given away just outside the box. The ball was swung in and eluded everyone before being scrambled in at the back post.
Again a great performance by the boys against the runaway leaders of the division, however it is easy to see why Newlands are top and the Diamonds are at the wrong end of the table. Newlands do not miss too many of the chances they make whereas the Diamonds just can't seem to score when it matters.
Man of the Match - Michael moved forward into the midfield and didn't look out of place against the league leaders
17th November 2007 League
Boghall Bulldogs 3 Uphall Diamonds 1
The Diamonds tale of woe continued this season when three first team regulars were unavailable for the short trip to Boghall to take on an improving Bulldogs side. Things started brightly for the boys after they won the toss and elected to play into a stiff wind. A couple of chances were made early on but the Diamonds were unable to convert. Slowly but surely Boghall began to get into the game, but some resolute defending prevented Boghall from creating any meaningful chances. The Diamonds continued to dominate despite playing against the elements and fashioned some clear cut chances. However a combination of poor finishing and great defending by Boghall prevented the Diamonds taking the lead.
With the Boghall centre half outstanding, the Diamonds struggled up front, however, with the midfield in command the game was played mostly in the Boghall half. The only scare was a couple of minutes before half time when Boghall fashioned the best chance of the half but the ball was blazed over from 10 yards.
HT Boghall 0 Diamonds 0
Things got worse for the Diamonds as David was unable to continue after the break and the coaches were forced into a quick reshuffle. Playing with the wind the boys appeared to lose their way, resorting to playing the ball long rather than getting it down and playing football. As a result the game became very disjointed with the Boghall defence coping relatively easily with anything the Diamonds produced.
Again the Boghall centre half was outstanding, snuffing out attack after attack. With Boghall dropping deeper and deeper into defence the boys pushed further and further forward and began to lose their shape. Boghall then produced a couple of lightning counter attacks resulting in two quick goals midway through the half. The first Cameron was a little unlucky making an initial good save before the rebound was put away with ease. The second was the result of a soft penalty, which the Boghall forward gave the Uphall keeper no chance of saving.
The Diamonds looked down and out, but managed to drag themselves back into the game with 10 minutes left when they were awarded an equally soft penalty ( to be fair to the referee they did both look like fouls, but both coaches would have seen many similar offences go unpunished ). Calum stepped up an blasted an unstoppable shot past the keeper to make it 2-1. Almost immediately from the kick off the Diamonds poured forward and Ricky had a great chance to equalize but put the ball wide. After that it was continuous Diamonds pressure with Boghall always dangerous on the counter.
With a couple of minutes left, Boghall made the points safe when they caught out the Diamonds with a swift attach and a cool finish.
A good even game spoiled by the weather with not much between the teams. Well done to Boghall who took most of the chances that came their way.
Man of the Match - Calum had a steady game in the heart of the defence and also scored the goal that got the Diamonds back into the game
10th November 2007 League
Polbeth United Colts 1 Uphall Diamonds 7
The Diamonds traveled to Limefields with a full squad for the first time this season to face a side who had previously eliminated the boys from the County Cup a few weeks earlier. Having put in a spirited display the previous week, the boys were confident of picking up their first league win of the season.
Sporting brand new tracksuits and a new all black strip, the Diamonds were hoping the new kit would bring a change of luck. Having won the toss and decided to kick up the slope and into a stiff breeze, the coaches expected the boys to try to keep it tight in the first half and then press forward when the elements were in their favour.
The first few minutes started off that way with Polbeth putting the Diamonds defence under pressure without creating any real chances. With the boys showing a great attitude right from the start, they slowly started to edge their way into the game with Ricky having the first real chance when bursting through to be one on one with the keeper. However he delayed too long and the shot was blocked and scrambled to safety.
From then on it was the Diamonds who applied the pressure, mixing up their attacks with a combination of passing movements and long balls for the strikers the boys dominated and it was no surprise that Colin opened the scoring with a cool finish. Ricky added a second after Ryan was foiled by a great save from the Polbeth keeper.
Against the run of play, Cameron made a spectacular save, tipping a fierce drive over the bar, but in truth it was the only real save he had to make. With the defence rock solid, the midfield full of energy and creativity and the forwards working hard, a number of decent chances were created but squandered, before Ricky scored his second and the Diamonds third just before half time. This was no more than the Diamonds deserved and Polbeth looked a little bit shell-shocked as the referee blew his whistle for half time.
HT Polbeth 0 Diamonds 3
Playing with the elements in the second half the coaches stressed to the boys that they needed to remain focused and not to lose concentration. However, they failed to heed the warning and within 3 minutes of the restart, Polbeth pulled a goal back. The midfield failed to track back and the defence were slack in failing to clear the ball on a number of occasions, before the ball was smashed into the far corner by a Polbeth midfielder.
The boys then came under a little pressure but to be fair defended really well and didn't give Polbeth another chance. At the other end Colin S and Ricky continued to have chances. Colin added a fourth to settle the nerves before Ricky grabbed his hat-trick when adding a fifth. Charlie then scored a sixth before Ricky completed the scoring near the end.
An excellent all round performance and hopefully a sign of things to come.
Man of the Match - Difficult choice as everyone who played contributed a lot of value, therefore the whole squad deserve to share the honours.
3rd November 2007 League
Uphall Diamonds 4 Polbeth United 5
Having not played a league game since the beginning of September, the Diamonds were looking to improve their fortunes against the side who just missed out on promotion last year.
However, early on the same old failings continued, with the boys giving away sloppy goals and being unable to capitalize on the good chances they made. The Diamonds started brightly, with the early exchanges being fairly even. As the Diamonds began to press forward, they were hit with a double sucker punch as two defensive errors allowed the talented Polbeth No.17 a couple of chances he was just not going to miss.
Midway through the half, the No.17 was again given time and space and drilled in an unstoppable shot which had the Diamonds trailing 3-0 and looking down and out. Credit to the boys who after enduring a pretty rough five minute spell, they went up the park and pulled one back through Ricky. This time it was Polbeth's turn to endure some pressure and resort to some desperate defending to keep their two goal lead. Again some good chances were missed before totally against the run of play Polbeth broke forward and again another good finish restored the three goal margin. Just when it looked as if it couldn't get any worse, Polbeth added a fifth (the No.17's fourth of the match) on the stroke of half time.
HT Diamonds 1 Polbeth 5
The Diamonds coaches were left scratching their heads as the boys trooped off four goals down, when the play looked pretty even. The main difference was the quality of the No.17 in the Polbeth ranks who had all the attributes needed of a footballer.
The second half started with the Diamonds pressing forward knowing if they could at least pull a goal back early, there was a chance they could get back into the game. That's exactly what happened when Ryan finished with a deft touch pass the on rushing keeper. Spurred on by this the Diamonds camped in the Polbeth half creating and spurning a few good chances. Polbeth nevertheless looked dangerous on the break and had a couple of good chances of their own to add to their lead.
However as the half progressed, it was always going to be more likely that the Diamonds would eventually get a break and so it happened when the Polbeth defence deflected the ball past the keeper with around 10 minutes to go and it was game on. The boys stormed forward and hard as they tried they could just not break down the Polbeth defence. In the last minute, Ricky managed to get his head on a corner and the ball flew into the back of the net to make the score 4-5. Surely that was the end of the game.
Straight from the kick off the Diamonds won possession in their own half and quickly moved the ball forward. It broke to Ryan on the left and he cut past on defender and was about to go round the second when he was barged over - a penalty and surely the Diamonds were going to pick up their first point of the season in dramatic fashion.
Ricky stepped up to take it but his kick was well saved by the Polbeth keeper who became a hero to his fellow team mates. Spare a thought for poor Ricky who worked tirelessly throughout and was very unfortunate.
A great game with plenty of excitement, played in a great spirit by two teams who tried to play football at all times.
Man of the Match - David who was excellent in for the whole game and didn't deserve to be on a losing side.
13th October 2007 South East Region Cup 2nd Round
Uphall Diamonds 0 Bonnyrigg Rose BC 12
A tough assignment for the boys against a high flying premier league side from Edinburgh. Having put up a decent show against another premier side in the Scottish Cup. The team were hoping that a repeat performance would yield a respectable result if not victory. This however was scupperred when only eleven boys were available due to a combination of holidays and injury.
It was a real backs to the wall effort, although the boys did make a couple of decent chances. They managed to hold the score to a very respectable 2-0 until the last 5 minutes of the first half when Bonnyrigg scored 4 goals as the boys began to tire.
HT Diamonds 0 Bonnyrigg 6
The second half followed the pattern of the first with Bonnyrigg pressing forward and adding a couple of goals, but finding the Diamonds difficult to break down. Again for the first 30 minutes of the half the boys managed to keep it respectable by only conceding a couple of goals, before Bonnyrigg again struck 4 times in the lst five minutes.
A real lesson for the boys against a top class outfit from the Edinburgh Premier division. Despite this they battled hard and never gave up. Severely handicapped by only 11 boys turning up for a number of injuries. Some of the four goals lost in the last five minutes of each half could have been prevented if fresh legs were available but Bonnyrigg were simply much better.
The game was played in a fine sporting spirit and the Diamonds wish Bonnyrigg all the best for the rest of the cup and for their season. On their current form they could go a long way and they may even win it.
Man of the Match - Cameron despite losing so many goals he was outstanding in goals, and on one occasion it took four attempts to beat him.
29th September 2007 Jason Wardrop Cup 1st Round
Livingston Villa 2 Uphall Diamonds 1
Another cup tie, this time the first round of the B Division League Cup and despite being on a losing run, the boys took heart from a number of recent good performances and travelled with some confidence to Craigswood Sports Centre.
Having struggled somewhat last season, Livi Villa had made an excellent start to the season and would have been in a confident mood having beaten the Diamonds in a pre season friendly.
The game got off to a cracking start with both sides creating early chances. The best of these fell to Colin S, who somehow saw his fierce shot hit the inside of both posts before bouncing harmlessly into the keepers arms. The game flowed from end to end with the Diamonds creating the more clear cut chances but Villa nevertheless having their moments as well.
Midway through the first half, Villa took the lead when the Diamonds failed to clear their lines, however the finish from the Villa forward was excellent giving Cameron no chance.
The Diamonds stormed forward and had a couple of great chances to level the score but failed to take them. Just before half time the Diamonds drew level when a weak shot from Marc slid under the keeper and into the corner of the net. Despite this lucky break it was definitely no more that the Diamonds deserved.
HT Livi Villa 1 Diamonds 1
Having leveled the tie just before half time, the Diamonds came out strongly in the second half and dominated right from the first whistle. Again a couple of great chances were not taken and a couple of very good last ditch challenges from the outstanding Villa center half prevented the Diamonds from taking the lead. After about 20 minutes of the second half, Villa scored with their first meaningful attack of the second half when the Diamonds allowed a free header from a corner kick.
The Diamonds pushed forward in desperation to get an equalizer and the game swung from end to end as the Diamonds left gaps at the back. Some great last ditch defending by both sides prevented another scoring chance from being converted and the Diamonds were very unfortunate to go out.
A really good game, played in a great spirit which could have gone either way in truth. Villa made the most of their chances and in cup ties that's what matters. However the coaches although disappointed by the result could not have asked for more from the players.
Man of the Match - Chris had a solid game in defence and made several great tackles near the end to keep the boys in with a chance of saving the game
22nd September 2007 County Cup 1st Round
Polbeth United Colts 5 Uphall Diamonds 4
A great advert for B Division football with a nine goal thriller served up in a fantastic County Cup tie played at West Calder High School. How the Diamonds lost was a mystery, but great credit must go to Polbeth who never gave up and made the best of their chances.
The game started off in typical fashion for the Diamonds with the boys making their customary slow start. Polbeth had the best of the early exchanges without carving out any clear cut chances. After about 8 minutes the Diamonds at last began to exert some pressure and began to create good chances. With Mattie looking extremely dangerous down the left had side a number of good chances came and went before Ryan scored after latching onto a good through ball after 15 minutes.
After that it was one way traffic with a couple of good penalty claims turned down and a host of chances missed. The only real moment of alarm was when Polbeth broke forward and Darren cleared a shot off the line. Minutes later the Diamonds fashioned another chance and Matty was on hand to put the boys two up and cruising. More chances were made and missed as the half drew to a close.
Against the run of play Polbeth broke forward and snatched a goal back when Cameron was beaten to a long ball by the forward. He managed to hook the ball across the goal and it was bundled in at the far post. Coming as it did just before half-time and out of the blue, this proved a crucial turning point in the game
HT Polbeth 1 Diamonds 2
Having dominated the first half, the boys appeared to think the job was done and switched off at the start of the second half. Within the space of ten mad minutes the Diamonds found themselves down 4-2 as the Polbeth scored three times without reply. A mixture of poor defending and bad marking and not tracking back led to panic setting in and Polbeth running riot.
It took a further ten minutes before the boys recovered their composure and began to play in the same way as they had in the first half. Ryan pulled one back and it was game on.
The game raged from end to end with Polbeth adding a fifth before Matty scored again to pull the Diamonds within one. The Diamonds poured forward trying to grab an equalizer and both Charlie and Colin S went close but it was not to be as Polbeth held out.
A game the boys should not have lost but nevertheless Polbeth made the best of their opportunities and we wish them good luck in the next round against Broxburn Colts.
Man of the Match - Colin S had a very solid game and near the end he almost got us level with a great free kick.
15 September 2007 Scottish Cup 1st Round
Uphall Diamonds 0 Dalkeith CYP 5
Having reached the first round of the Scottish for the first time, the Diamonds faced a difficult task against a team from the Edinburgh First Division when Dalkeith came calling to Holmes Park
The boys started off at a great pace and it was difficult to decide who the first division side was. Dalkeith were very skilful and tried to play football as it should be played and the game turned into a real contest as the play flowed from end to end.
The Diamonds had the best chance in the early exchanges when Jack just failed to make contact with a great cross from Mattie. Dalkeith then went up the other end of the park and scored when the Diamonds defence didn't get the break of the ball and it fell kindly to the Dalkeith forward who gave Cameron no chance from 10 yards.
Ryan then had a good chance to equalise but squandered it when he failed to find the target. Ten minutes later another defensive mix up allowed Dalkeith to increase their lead.
The game then again flowed from end to end with Dalkeith further increasing their lead in the final minute of the first half when a great run and cross from the left hand side was finished brilliantly at the near post by the Dalkeith striker.
HT Diamonds 0 Dalkeith 3
The coaches reshuffled the team in order to get the boys back into it, unfortunately it did not work and Dalkeith expertly exploited the gaps that were beginning to appear as the Diamonds chased the game.
Dalkeith began to play some good football and were rewarded with two further goals, Again credit to the boys, who didn't let their heads go down and kept going in search of an equaliser.
The final result was extremely unfair on the boys although Dalkeith did fully deserve their win. Another day when bad mistakes cost the boys dear.
The Diamonds would like to wish their visitors all the best for the rest of their Scottish Cup campaign. The team were great sports as well as being a well drilled and excellent football team. We also wish them well for the rest of the Scottish Cup.
Man of the Match -
New recruit Chris had a great game at the heart of the defence before running out of steam.
9th September 2007 South East Region Cup
Haddington Boys 2 Uphall Diamonds 3
The Diamonds travelled to Haddington for their first ever South East Region Cup tie, to play Edinburgh Division 4 side Haddington Boys FC. Despite a few setbacks in the league, the boys travelled with confidence, looking to win their first ever competitive cup tie.
The game started off at a cracking pace with the Diamonds having the best of the early pressure. However, it was Haddington who had the first good chance, when Cameron produced a wonder save to knock the ball onto the bar before it was cleared.
The Diamonds then produced a number of good chances but could not convert a number of one on one chances with the keeper. Despite having all the pressure it was Haddington who scored against the run of play when a mix up in the defence allowed the Haddington striker to score a simple goal.
Far from letting this knock their confidence, the boys immediately went up the park to score when Ricky wrong footed the keeper before smashing the ball into the empty net.
Again sustained pressure brought a number of good chances but the boys could not convert. However, just before half time Ricky struck again, which was no more than the Diamonds deserved.
HT Haddington 1 Diamonds 2
The second half brought more of the same with the Diamonds creating lots of chances but not taking them. With their only chance midway through the second half Haddington equalised when a well struck shot from just inside the box gave Cameron no chance.
Undeterred the boys kept pressing forward and Ricky scored a spectacular third when he held of at least three challenges before stiking a low fierce shot into the bottom corner.
With time ticking down the boys could not find a killer goal and were almost made to pay when Haddington broke forward in the last minute and had a good chance to equalise, but the referee incorrectly called for offside.
A well deserved victory, but the Diamonds must take their chances and not allow teams to get back into the game.
Man of the Match -
Again a good performance but with a hat-trick Ricky was the obvious choice.
30 August 2007 League
Uphall Diamonds 0 Newlands CFC 4
Our last midweek game before the winter saw the Diamonds tough start to the season continue with the visit of the other team relegated last season. Having previously met twice and lost narrowly on both ocassions, it was always going to be a difficult game.
The game started off with Newlands pressing forward but the Diamonds gradually finding their feet and beginning to exert some pressure of their own. With not much to choose between the teams the game was beginning to turn into a stalemate in midfield with neither team creating too much. With about 20 minutes gone the Diamonds gifted Newlands a goal when the defence failed to put the ball far enough out of play. Newlands took a quick throw as a result and with the Diamonds caught out of position the ball was squared too the striker who had a simple tap in.
This rocked the Diamonds for a spell and before they could recover conceded a soft penalty when the ball struck Owen. The penalty was almost saved by Cameron who managed to get a hand to it but could not keep it out.
HT Diamonds 0 Newlands 2
The second half started at a cracking pace with both sides having chances to score, but neither side finding the net. The Diamonds began to press forward but were beginning to leave gaps at the back as they tried hard to pull back a goal. Unfortunately, for the Diamonds it was Newlands who increased their advantage when some slack play allowed the Newlands striker to capitalise on a goalkeeping mistake.
To compound the misery, the Diamonds had a great chance to pull one back almost immediately, however the referee incorrectly blew for offside when Ricky only had the keeper to beat. Soon after more slack defending allowed the Newlands striker to easily beat three players before smashing the ball high into the box.
In the end Newlands deserved their victory, but the coaches could not fault the boys efforts, although they must learn from theior mistakes otherwise a long and difficukt season lies ahead.
Man of the Match
A good all round perrformance despite the scoreline with Marc putting in a power of work in midfield
25 August 2007 League
Uphall Diamonds 1 Mid Calder Colts 4
Originally to be played away, the Diamonds switched this league meeting to Holmes Park to accomodate Mid Calder. After the hard game on Thursday, the iamonds were without Ricky and Jack who picked up injuries and were unable to play.
The reshuffled side appeared to be feeling the effects of the previous game as they started in a lacklustre and sloppy fashion. Desspite playing with the wind, the Diamonds failed to exert any pressure with Mid Calder looking the most likely to score. After 10 minutes they did so when three defenders failed to clear the danger and the Mid Calder forward smashed the ball high past Cameron.
Normally this would serve as a wake up call, but the boys just didn't respond in the fashion they had for the most of the previous season. With few passes being made by the diamonds they stuttered towards half time. Just when it looked as it couldn't get any worse, the Diamonds lost a second poor goal right on the stroke of half time.
An uncharecteristicly poor first half by the boys.
HT Diamonds 0 Mid Calder 2
After some harsh words from the coaches at half time and a couple of changes the boys game improved and for the first time they began to dominate the game. A couple of half chances were missed before Mid Calder added to their lead against the run of play.
Unlike the first half the boys began to battle for every ball and started to play some decent football. A few more chances were created before Matty pulled a goal back with a fine shot and for a spell it looked as though the Diamonds could get back into the game. Unfortunately some more slack defending allowed Mid Calder to go further ahead and there was no way back.
A disappointing match with some of the boys more interested in trying to look good rather than playing for the benefit of the team. Our poorest display this season and the boys will have to learn quickly otherwise it could be a long hard season.
Man of the Match - After a forgettable first half by the team substitute Owen showed how it show be done with a great second half performance
23 August 2007 League
Uphall Diamonds 0 Fauldhouse 2
A tough start to the new campaign with promotion favourites Fauldhouse being the visitors on the first day of the season.
Having lost 7-1 recently to the them, the Diamonds showed no fewer than 5 changes to the line up. The game started off at a cracking pace with Fauldhouse putting the Diamonds defence under pressure. A mixture of good defending and a little luck saw the boys repel all attacks and gradually get back into the game.
The play began to flow from end to end with Fauldhouse creating the more clear cut chances but these were few and far between. Just when it looked like the tide of the game was beginning to turn, Fauldhouse grabbed the lead with a goal that had more that a suspicion of offside. However, to be fair it was no more than they had deserved.Spurred on by this Fauldhouse again pressed forward and continued to threaten, but the Diamonds held firm until half time.
HT Diamonds 0 Fauldhouse 1
The start of the second half followed the pattern of the first half with Fauldhouse looking the more likely to score and Cameron having to make a couple of fine saves to prevent Fauldhouse extending their lead.As the game progressed, the Diamonds began to get back into the game and started to exert some pressure on the visitors defence.A couple of good attacks were foiled by a mixture of excellent defending and the ball just not falling for a Diamonds forward.Fauldhouse began to look a bit nervous as the Diamonds committed more and more bodies forward. The game raged from end to end as the Diamonds pushed forward and Fauldhouse looked menacing on the counter attack.
With only a couple of minutes left Fauldhouse made the game safe with a swift counter and a good finish.
A well deserved win for the visitors but a great team performance by the Diamonds who never gave up and showed plenty of commitment and whose effort could not be faulted.
Man of the Match : A good team effort but Colin with his overall performance at right back just shaded it
Pre-season Friendly Diamonds 4 Edinburgh City Colts 5
The Diamonds completed their pre season warm up programme with a home game against Edinburgh City Colts from the East Region second division at Inveralmond High School.
Prior to the game a minutes silence was held in memory of the sister of one of the Diamonds players. We would like to thank Edinburgh City Colts and the referee for their participation in this.
The game got off to a slow start as far as the Diamonds were concerned and Edinburgh City dominated the early exchanges. With very little cohesion in midfield and defence, it was no real surprise that the boys fell behind early. A corner swung in from the right, was only half cleared to the edge of the box and it was promptly despatch high into the net, by the unmarked Colts player.
This pattern continued as the Diamonds struggled to pass the ball and could not get near their opponents. With 17 minutes played the Colts extended their lead when again a tremendous shot from the edge of the box gave the Diamonds keeper no chance. Edinburgh City continued to press forward, threatening to run riot and only a couple of good stops by Cameron prevented more damage.
However, the relief was only short lived as some woeful defending allowed the Colts through again to make it 3-0 and the game had all the hallmarks of becoming embarrassing. Suddenly the Diamonds appeared to wake from their slumber and right at the end of the first period, Ricky smashed a free kick against the post with the keeper beaten.
First Period Diamonds 0 ECC 3
After a stern team talk, the Diamonds came out pressing the ball and gradually clawing their way into the game. The first 5 minutes were fairly even with both teams having chances, but again it was the Colts who found the back of the net. Four nil down, the boys refused to buckle and had their best period in the game. A couple of good chances were missed before Mattie hit the post, Jack knocked the rebound against the bar and Ricky eventually scrambled the ball across the line.
This galvanised the boys and they continued to press and really began to dominate. A few more chances were created before Jack pulled another one back when he curled the ball beyond the keeper form 15 yards. There was no further scoring during the second period.
Second Period Diamonds 2 ECC 4
The final period proved a real thriller with the game played at gr