Stalemate Leaves Burgh Hanging

Peffermill witnessed a top-of-the-table clash between Aberdeen 1s and Edinburgh 2s on a bright Wednesday afternoon. Burgh topped the table by two points prior to their encounter, Aberdeen however, have a game in hand over their southern opponents meaning that whoever won had the league title practically in their grasp. Yet, the game left much to be desired both in deciding the final outcome of the table and on the pitch.

Aberdeen had clinched an all important late winner up in the Deen to beat a more fluid Burgh side, enabling them to settle for a draw on the return trip. But it was not that the team in blue set-up for a draw, it was just that they never could create anything against a solid Burgh defence. The partnership of Paterson and Archer has been strong all season, combined with efficient wing-backs Ghamgosar and Senior.

Paterson showed his defensive prowess when the Deen striker went through on-gaol. Yet, despite the frontman’s 3 yard start, from a debatable offside position, Paterson used his extra speed and strength to summon up a last ditch tackle to prevent any strike on goal. Any long balls that came forward after this, Archer cleared up with his head.

Going forward, on the other hand, Burgh struggled to get into the match, with strikers Velez and O’Neill playing too far apart, stifling any potential link-up play. Wingers Antoni and Kenny also failed to make an impact on a dogged pitch which prevented running with the ball. The midfield pair of Meehan and Sime coped well with their defensive duties, but could not provide the spark needed to break through a strong Aberdeen defence.

After half an hour, the game threatened to liven-up a little, when the blonde-curly haired, central midfielder from Aberdeen broke fast from the edge of his own box. However, Ed Senior has not picked up the “dirtiest player in the 2s” reputation without a few bookings, and the left-back was only to enhance this stigma by applying a nonchalant body check to the advancing Aberdonian. Senior awaited his yellow card but achieved what he set out to do and prevented any attack causing any real damage to the Burgh scoreline.

Paterson then made an uncharacteristic mistake, providing a short header back to keeper Agnew. The striker from Aberdeen nipped in but his shot emulated the game, full of potential but no end product, and poked his shot wide of the post.
The second half commenced in much the same way, with both sides cancelling each other out. Archer was at one point caught on the ball, but once more the Aberdeen number 9 failed to capitalise on the mistake and shot wide.

Stand-in manager Scott MacFarlane, brought on the changes in an attempt to provide some quality into the match. Yet, Alex Maxwell, in an unfamiliar striker role, failed to get into the match. Angus Ramsey and Fraser Morrison also came on, but neither player had time to make the required impact. This was Morrison’s first game back for the 2s after being sidelined for 6 months, one of the few positives the Burgh side could take from the game.

The match finally was ended by the referee leaving Burgh now awaiting the results of Aberdeen’s last two games against Dundee and Napier to see if there is still any chance of the BUCS league title for the second year running. Burgh must see off RGU first though this coming Sunday, before they travel up to Aberdeen 1s on Wednesday to face the side in the BUCS semi-final. Let’s just hope that game is more exciting, but at least if it isn’t, penalties will decide the affair.