Edinburgh South CFC 2009s - Division 2

03/05/2025

🚨Match Report: Friendly - Away to Blue Brazil 09s🚨

South travelled to Cowdenbeath for our first end of season friendly on a warm sunny night and an immaculate looking grass pitch.

A few changes to the South line up to give a few of the boys some much needed game time and Cain, Harvey & Leyton from the Whites helped boost squad numbers.

South started well, playing out from the back with the fullbacks, Cain and Amro, both comfortable receiving the ball from Adan and building play.

The first goal was a brilliant move, started from Adan passing to Amro, his combination with Sol and Murray allowed the latter to play Hamish in down the right, he beat his man and cut back to the in rushing Saul to tap home 👏

Leyton came on and was instantly involved in South attacks, his clever pass finding Hamish who smashed the ball across the keeper into the top corner of the net.

HT 2-0 South

Blue Brazil lifted their game at the start of the 2nd half and South had to deal with a period of sustained pressure with Adan making a brave block and Finlay timing a last ditch block to perfection.

South continued to look dangerous in attack and Saul combined with Leyton and Arran to pass round the home defence and then curled a shot in at the far post.

Blue Brazil got a deserved goal with a good low finish, a slight deflection ensuring it was beyond Ben’s reach.

An enjoyable game to watch. Nice for Hamish to get a goal on his last appearance.
Thanks to Cain, Harvey and Leyton for coming along, all 3 fitted in well and looked like they’d been part of the squad all season.

Ben took a heavy knock to the face, bravely diving at the feet of the forward.
Thanks to Ross for expertly dealing with the heavy blood flow and giving advice to myself and Ben’s mum. After a trip to A&E Ben’s home with possible mild concussion 🤕 hopefully see you back at training in a couple of weeks.

Good luck to Blue Brazil for their League Cup final next weekend.

FT 3-1 South

Great performances across the pitch.

Amro takes the MoTM, brilliant to see him make his first start after a long recovery from his broken ankle. Strong defensively and composure on the ball when playing out.

Well done Amro 👏 💪 ⚽️

02/05/2025

🚨Match Report: Division 2 - Home to Lochend FA Colts🚨

Our last league game of the season saw the arrival of Lochend Colts to Holy Rood.

The boys were looking to make amends for our worst performance of the season, going down 8-3 to Lochend just before Christmas.

South kicked off with attacking intent and Max’s early free kick was palmed away by the keeper.

Saul opened the scoring on 20 mins, slotting into the far corner after Max skinned his man and cut the ball back.

Adan pulled off a great save to deny a certain goal from the on rushing Lochend forward.

HT 1-0 South

South extended their lead early in the second half as debutant Roman scored from a great through ball from Amro.

Roman could have had another couple of goals but for a fine save and narrowly missing the target.

Having looked comfortable in the game South inexplicably conceded 2 goals in 2 minutes.

Ali had a good passing combination with Murray that allowed him to burst through the Lochend defence but just as he was about to shoot the Lochend defender swiped his foot.

A red card was shown and Arran stepped up to slot the freekick with a low finish.

You’d think South were home and dry given their dominance in the game and now playing 10 men.

Unfortunately that wasn’t the case as Lochend’s forward conjured up a great finish to equalise and a defensive mix up gifted Lochend the lead and all 3 points.

A disappointing end to our league campaign which consigns South to a bottom half finish.

It’s true that the league table doesn’t lie but some of the teams performances have been excellent over the course of the season and it’s been a pleasure to see a number of players make great strides.

Not least Hamish who stepped up from Division 3, joining as a full back but then establishing himself as one of the divisions most prolific forwards. Unfortunately this marked Hamish’s last game for the team as he moves back to his previous South team.

FT 4-3 Lochend

Amro had a positive impact in midfield from the bench and it was great to see his quality on the ball again having fully recovered from a bad ankle break 😊

However this weeks MoTM goes to Adan who’s had to wait several months to get a start. He made an excellent point blank save and kept the ball out the net in the first half.

Well done Adan 👏 💪 ⚽️

21/04/2025

🚨Match Report: Division 2 - Away to Bonnyrigg Rose Astros🚨

The penultimate game of the season was a tough trip to Poltonhall to face Bonnyrigg Rose Astros.

Whilst South were on a 3 game losing streak the players were in confident mood having felt they should have taken something from those games.

The game started at a fast pace with play switching from end to end.
Hamish had an early shot saved before trickery from Murray enabled him to get a shot away but it was well blocked.

Hamish then found Murray with a cross but he was stretching to reach it and couldn’t direct the header on target.

Ali did well to win the ball and drive forward but his powerful effort was blocked. Then Saul’s good pressing won possession but his shot was too high.

South survived a couple of scares at the other end as Bonnyrigg might have done better with a couple of chances, one rebounding back into Ben’s arms off the inside of the post.

Right on HT South thought they’d broken the deadlock as Max reached a pass and cut back to Hamish, his shot was on target but the home keeper pulled off a fantastic save. 👏

HT 0-0

The boys were encouraged to keep playing at their tempo and have the bravery to go and grab all 3 points.

Another 2 good opportunities were created early in the 2nd half. Ali fired in a shot that the keeper did well to parry then Saul had a shot saved after good work by Arran and Max.

The goal finally arrived on 58 minutes. Arran carried the ball forward and expertly fed Max who calmly dinked the ball over the keeper into the net, a fantastic finish 👏

Saul was denied by the keeper again with ten to play. Bonnyrigg pushed for an equaliser late on and a great chance went begging as their forward knocked it just wide of the target.

Having felt hard done by in recent games the coaches and boys felt the win was deserved, though Bonnyrigg will likely feel they did enough to merit something from the game.

Our last league game against Lochend Colts is up next.

FT 1-0 South
Arran O performed well in midfield and Max got the crucial goal but this week’s MoTM goes to Ali.

Displayed his usual tackling and high energy game but also had his best game yet when in possession.
Well done Ali👏 💪 ⚽️

13/04/2025

🚨Match Report: Division 2 - Home to Gala Fairydean Rovers🚨

South edged the away tie in this fixture back in September with a last minute winner from Jo.
Recent performances had been good in spells without getting the desired results but this looked a good opportunity with Gala travelling up with only 1 sub available.

South started positively and most of the first half was played in the opponents half. An early cross from Max was taken down by Hamish but he couldn’t get a shot away.

Moments later another cross from Max hit the crossbar and bounced clear.

On 14 minutes good pressing from Arran stole the ball and his pass to Hamish set up a shot from the edge of the box that was blocked.

Korey then played a good pass into Murray who rode a couple of challenges before being crudely halted just outside the box. Arran’s resultant free kick was deflected over.

South kept the pressure up as Murray’s corner was dropped by the keeper but Dochy’s follow up shot was bravely blocked by the Galaxy defence.

After the keeper parried another corner Sonny fired in a shot that was also blocked.

In keeping with South’s luck at the moment Gala went up the park and scored on their first attack after some indecision in the South penalty box. 🤦‍♂️

It looked like South would equalise on the stroke of HT, Murray’s ball split the defence and Hamish rounded the keeper but didn’t get a clean connection on his finish and a Gala defender got back to clear via a post. 😮

HT 1-0 Gala

The boys were encouraged to keep being positive and ensure they make the right decisions to turn the game around.

South got the equaliser 7 minutes into the 2nd half. A great passing move started by Ali and Arran, the ball worked to Max whose excellent cross allowed Hamish to tap in from close range.

You felt the momentum was with South to go on and win the game but credit to Gala who broke forward again and when the ball fell to their midfielder he clipped an effort from 30 yards into the empty net.

South huffed and puffed but struggled to create a real clear cut chance.

Saul’s long range effort was brilliantly tipped over by the Galaxy keeper. Then after great work by Ali, Fraser crossed for Arran but his first time effort was just too high.

In the last minute Max burst in behind and his cross found Fraser but his effort was just wide of target.

Hard to believe South took nothing from this game, another hard luck story but the boys were challenged to keep their heads up and work hard going into our next fixture away to Bonnyrigg Rose Astros.

Credit to Gala who defended resolutely and took the couple of chances they created, that will have been a pleasing 3 points to take back down the road.

FT 2-1 Gala

Ali was full of running and won possession for his team on multiple occasions. However Max looked the most likely to create something in this game and therefore is MoTM.

Well done Max👏 💪 ⚽️

05/04/2025

🚨Match Report: Division 2 - Away to Spartans FC Colts🚨

South traveled to Broughton HS for an away match against Spartans FC Colts having won a tight home fixture just last month.

In a half of few chances both teams were quite wasteful on the ball, resulting in a disjointed game with lots of turnovers of possession.

As the half wore on South looked the more likely as Arran and Murray passed up good chances to score.

HT 0-0

In the 2nd half South continued to shade possession and Max had 2 opportunities through on goal but unfortunately couldn’t beat the keeper.

Spartans got the crucial break through on 62 minutes and following a South mistake quickly doubled their lead.

2 more goals were added late on to give some shine to the score. Though by the admission of the Spartans coaches the scoreline didn’t reflect the overall game.

Another tough result that the boys need to take on the chin and look to rectify in a home game against Gala Fairydean Rovers next weekend.

FT 4-0 Spartans FC Colts

South didn’t quite hit form in this one but both fullbacks did well to nullify the Spartans wide players. On this occasion Korey just shades MoTM ahead of Sonny.

Well done Korey👏 💪 ⚽️

24/03/2025

🚨Match Report: Division 2 - Home to Salvesen Reds🚨

An unfamiliar home venue of the WHEC for our league encounter with Salvesen Reds and a slightly earlier KO to let a few of the boys get through to Hampden after (less said about that the better 🙈)

South’s squad was stretched with a number of absences due to injury, illness and unavailability meaning just 1 outfield player and a keeper on the bench. Despite this South started brightly as the game flowed from one end to the other.

The best chance of the half fell to Jo on 22mins but his effort agonisingly rebounded back off the bar.

At the other end Ben pulled off a great save, tipping a dipping shot onto the crossbar.

Hamish’s freekick from deep was met by Arran but his powerful header was straight into the keepers arms.

Ali was next to threaten as he bulldozed his way through a few tackles and made space for a shot which was just off target.

Murray did well to pressure the left back and dispossess him before delivering a ball that Max brought down, unfortunately his shot was well blocked by the away defence.

HT 0-0

South had got stronger as the half wore on, with most of the play in Salvey’s half. Though the away team did look dangerous on the break. The boys were encouraged to dig deep and keep taking the game to their opponents.

Within 2 mins of the restart, South had a brilliant passing move that started deep in central defence with Finlay and Hamish before progressing wide right to Sonny and up the wing via Murray, Arran and Ali with Murray firing a left foot shot towards goal that the keeper could only parry, unfortunately the nearest defender got a toe on it before Max could divert home.

South survived a couple of scares as Salvey fired in dangerous crosses from their right wing.

South had another great chance to take the lead as Jo tried to latch onto Max’s pass, the keeper won the race but the ball deflected back to Arran, who’s quick lob drifted just wide with the away defence all at sea.

Dochy, with a bandage protecting a cut eyebrow, bravely took his place in defence to allow Hamish to move up front. Moments later Hamish thought he’d scored from Arran’s through ball but the referee blew his whistle for a tight offside decision.

As the game wore on South started to struggle with the lack of options from the bench as Salvey sensed there could be a late winner. Finlay averted one goal bound effort, brilliantly hooking it out from under the crossbar. 😰
Unfortunately the winning goal arrived in the 6th minute of added on time 👀 🤦‍♂️ as a corner fell kindly for a Salvey player to volley into the net.

A cruel end to the game for South after the boys had put in a tremendous effort and dictated play for significant spells.

We’ll need to pick the boys up to go again with an away fixture against Spartans FC Colts up next.

FT 1-0 Salvey

Thanks to JP for helping out on coaching duties this week. His choice on MoTM was a close call between 2 players.

Hamish was excellent in defence for most of the game and then pushed up front where he nearly scored. 👏

But this weeks award went to Murray, on the end of a couple of heavy challenges, he caused problems down the right side, tracking back to great effect on a few occasions too.

Well done Murray👏 💪 ⚽️

23/03/2025

🚨Match Report: Division 2 - Home to Dunbar United Colts🚨

South welcomed Dunbar to Double Hedges for the return league fixture having drawn 2-2 on a very windy afternoon back in October. Whilst the weather was calm the players needed to contend with a rutted bumpy grass surface.

Both teams took a while to adjust to the surface but Dunbar were first to threaten as Ben pulled off a couple of good saves.

At the other end Murray’s pinpoint free kick was met by Dochy whose goal-bound header was deflected wide.

South soon threatened again as Murray fed Arran down the line, he did well to beat his man and whip a cross in with Hamish brilliantly improvising to deflect into the net off his hip.

Dunbar went in search of an equaliser but Dochy made a fantastic goal line clearance.

However a minute later Dunbar won a penalty as a clumsy tackle from Murray sent the Dunbar winger sprawling. Their forward made no mistake from the spot.

HT 1-1

The boys were praised for their efforts against a strong Dunbar team and encouraged to take the game to the visitors in the second half.

However Dunbar got what could have been the crucial next goal 10 minutes into the 2nd half.

South heads didn’t go down and the team continued to prob for an opening and one duly arrived as South were awarded a penalty for a push on Saul.
Hamish confidently demanded the ball but his spot kick was saved and he could only direct the rebound over the bar much to his agony.

With time running out Finlay flighted a ball forward that Jo flicked on, Arran beat the keeper to the ball and it ricocheted into Hamish’s path as he gladly steered it into the net.

Another 2-2 draw was probably a fair reflection of the game as both teams did well to try and play football on a difficult surface.

FT 2-2
Strong performances from Dochy, Ali and Arran. Hamish also led the line well and scored the 2 crucial goals. 👏

Just pipping them is Finlay who wins this week’s MoTM. A strong performance marshalling the defence with key interceptions and great use of the ball carrying it out of defence too.

Well done Finlay👏 💪 ⚽️

07/03/2025

🚨Match Report: Division 2 - Home to Musselburgh Windsor Blues🚨

Friday night football was back with South hosting a strong Musselburgh Windsor Blues team at Holy Rood.

Victories have proved elusive in this fixture and South found themselves 1 down inside 8 minutes as Mussie scored with their first attack.

However South’s recent form has brought a new found resilience and the team rallied well. A concatenation of deflections inside the penalty area eventually fell kindly for the Windsor keeper.

Murray then showed a great piece of skill to beat his man and feed Aron, his effort was just off target.

Ben pulled off a great saved as the Mussie forward went through one on one.

But South were soon back on the attack as Murray’s pinpoint delivery from a corner was expertly guided into the net by Saul.

Murray then set up Arran for a shot but the keeper saved well.

South did take the lead shortly after, Saul’s defence splitting as found Hamish who faked to shoot, leaving the keeper sprawled on the deck as he shimmied round him to pass the ball into the net.

HT 2-1 South

South deserved their HT lead after a strong first half performance. The boys knew they’d need to defend well 2nd half to maintain their lead.

Unfortunately 2 minutes in a Windsor player latched onto a ball wide right and fired an unbelievable volley across Ben and into the far corner, a fantastic effort. 👏

South withstood a fair bit of pressure for the next 20 minutes before Windsor were awarded what looked like a soft penalty as the Mussie forward appeared to go down after trodding on the ball. 🤔 The penalty was despatched to give Windsor the lead.

The result was confirmed 4 minutes from time as Windsor scored another penalty, no complaints with that award. 😬

Overall we were proud of the boys effort against a strong team and they can take confidence from a tremendous first half performance in which they dominated.

FT 4-2 Mussie Windsor Blues
A couple of contenders this week with Saul grabbing a goal and assist and Ben producing a tremendous save at a key point in the game. 👏

However MoTM goes to Murray who caused Musselburgh no end of trouble with his skill and direct running.

Well done Murray👏 💪 ⚽️

28/02/2025

Bit of Friday night football for the boys this week as we host Musselburgh Windsor Blues tonight.

25/02/2025

Absolutely fantastic work from Danielle Hayward, JP Mason and the wider club to produce such a fantastic resource for the team

Click here to view our guide:
https://www.canva.com/design/DAGeXbkIWMA/Pstp7aJhBKzlKtkxmRXA0w/view?utm_content=DAGeXbkIWMA&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=uniquelinks&utlId=hec47f799bf

Check out this Presentation designed by Danielle Hayward.

23/02/2025

🚨Match Report: Division 2 - Home to Spartans FC Colts🚨

South managed to beat the weather again by securing Jack Kane Astro for a home game against Spartans FC Colts who hold the upper hand in this fixture in recent times.

However South have been on a good run and approached the game in a positive mood, looking to attack from kick off.

Spartans settled into the game and Ben had to pull off a great save to keep the game level.

South thought they’d taken the lead when Arran played Saul clear on goal and his cool finish beat the keeper. However the referee blew his whistle for offside. 🤔

That only delayed the opening goal by a minute as Spartans raced up the other end to break the dead lock on the half hour mark.

South’s new found resilience was evident again as they quickly struck back. Murray’s out swinging corner was bundled over the line by a Spartans defender with Hamish applying pressure close by.

HT 1-1

The boys were encouraged to play on the front foot and go for a win in the 2nd half.

2 minutes in Arran’s battling run took him to the bye line where he had the composure to look up and pass to Hamish for a close in finish.

South extended their lead shortly after, Ali took a quick throw in to Arran who found Aron and his shot hit the back of the net.

Spartans got themselves back in the game with a dubious penalty award. 🤔

On 75 minutes Max’s endeavour won a penalty that Arran cooly despatched. Spartans were also reduced to 10 men.

Spartans were still a threat and pulled a goal back to set up a nervy finish.

However South sealed the win with 5 minutes to go, after Harry’s powerful header Hamish was on hand to steer the ball into the net.

FT 5-3 South
A few contenders this week, Sonny had a great game at right back and Hamish & Arran were amongst the goals again.

However it’s our newest recruit Ali that takes the award. It’s fair to say Ali has made an impression with his all action approach, he’s a great ball winner and can also drive the team forward with his strong running.
Well done Ali👏 💪 ⚽️

14/02/2025

Having weathered a poor spell in the league the boys are have their confidence back and are looking for 3 straight wins as we welcome our friends from Spartans FC Colts on Sunday.