Exciting Ellon Encounter

Culter 1 v Ellon United 0 Half-time 0-0

Scorer: Neil McRitchie (46 minutes)

Match Result -Saturday 26 March 2005 -Soccer World Superleague

Culter: M Pirie; Collie, Greig, Calder, Rattray, Adam, Stewart, Cameron, McRitchie, Craik, Christie; Substitutes: Davidson, Cowell, Smith, Ord, Edene

Ellon United: Smith; Morrison, King, Clark, Cooper, Dear, Chapman, McDonald, Craigie, Robertson, Palecek; Substitutes: Whyte, Brown, Fleming, Hyland, Willox.

Referee: G Cheyne. Assistant Referees: S Watt and A Stephen.

Match Reporter Ian "Kip" McKenzie was unwell and Albert had to deputise -Kip was caught short!

It was a dull damp raw afternoon for yet another important Superleague match involving league leaders Culter and Ellon United seeking vital points in their lowly table position. Culter are now 8 points ahead at the top of the table but second placed Turriff United could pass us by a point if they win their three games in hand.

Ellon United had many ex Cutter faces in their squad -players Derek Craigie, Paul Morrison and Gordon McDonald whilst Scott Brown was a member of their team management/team substitute.

In the 2nd minute Palecek cut the ball dangerously into Curler's goalmouth but Craik ran back to clear. In 8 minutes Craigie tried to break through but was dispossessed by Greig who turned the ball back to Pirie. Two minutes later Referee Cheyne had words with Christie and Palecek. A 12th minute try by Dear was held by Pirie.

Next minute Christie pounced on a loose ball but his try was saved by Smith then broke to Cameron who shot over. On the quarter hour mark an Adam corner found McRitchie whose try was blocked by Smith and the loose ball went back to McRitchie who missed his second chance. A 19th minute Adam free kick was headed out for a comer. After 24 minutes had been played Stewart danced his way through the Ellon defence but his parting shot was deflected past for a comer. Next minute the imposing figure of Cooper's try from the left flank went just wide of the far post. A 27th minute Christie shot was turned past the post by Smith for a comer which broke to Craik whose drive was blocked in the Ellon goalmouth. After another good run by Stewart in 31 minutes he was intercepted by Dear to put the ball out for a comer. Ellon came so close in 36 minutes when a good try by Cooper was stopped by a brilliant Pirie diving save to turn the ball past for a comer. Just on half time in a rare mistake by our 'keeper Pirie he failed to hold a high comer and the ball broke to give Chapman a chance but fortunately his try was blocked. Half Time: 0 -O.

The second half had barely started when a Stewart cross was dropped by 'keeper Smith and NEil "TOASTIE" McRITCHIE netted from six yards. Over-celebrating Neil was booked apparently for a verbal dispute at this stage. Two minutes later Robertson was clean through from the half way line but shot past In the 50th minute a great try by Cameron shaved the bottom of the post and went past. Three minutes afterwards Cameron dispossessed Goalkeeper Smith but after a scramble the ball landed back in Smith's arms. Next minute Ellon brought on Fleming for Chapman. A dangerous 56th minute Robertson free kick was held high in the air by Pirie with King up in close contention. A powerful Collie cross was headed out for a comer in 65 mintues and off the resultant comer a Calder drive was deflected over for another corner. Two minutes later Ellon's Whyte replaced Robertson. Next minute after a great run by Stewart he slipped the ball to Cameron who failed to take advantage from close range. Culter's Smith came on as substitute for Calder in 73 minutes. Next minute an Adam corner was headed over by Rattray. In a similar chance for Ellon a Palecek was headed over by Whyte two minutes later. Stewart slipped the ball to Cameron who just failed to connect after 79 minutes had been played.       Next minute Culter replaced Stewart with Cowell. A minute before the end a powerful Craigie header went over with the goal at his mercy much to the relief of Culter and despondent Derek went away shaking his head in disbelief!

Just on time Davidson replaced Adam. In injury time the powerful Cooper broke through but his parting shot was a "sclaff' and Pirie held easily. Culter were relieved to hear Referee Cheyne's final whistle.

Match Day Prize Winners ;: Saturday 26 ,March 2005 Half Time Raffle: Bottle

Smirnoff Vodka -Stanley McRitchie, Banchory; Bottle Wine -Watson Smith, Ellon; 6 Cans Tennent's Lager -George Ritchie, Aberdeen, former Culter FC player, (who is thanked for donating same back to Culter FC).

After Match £20 "Choose Your Team" Competition: Steven Davidson, Culter.

Next Week's Fixture -Saturdav 2 April 2005 -Soccer World Superleague

Hermes v Culter (at Lochside Park, Bridge of Don) Kick Off 2.30 pm.

Forthcoming Fixture -Saturday 9 ADril 2005 -Soccer World Superleague

Longside v Culter (at Davidson Park, Longside) Kick Off 2.30 pm.

Committee Convenes. A Committee Meeting of Culter Football Club will be held in Crombie Park Pavilion, Culter, on Tuesday 5 April 2005 commencing at 7.00 pm.

Forty Four. Today marks 44 years ago since I became Secretary & Treasurer of Culter FC to be our longest serving Committee Member. I have been most fortunate to have so many long serving members alongside me over these years -I'm very indebted to have their unfailing support and unique friendships together with similar help from our much valued supporters. Culter FC -we'll support you ever more!