Shand Shaves It For Culter

Soccer World Super League

Hillhead 0 Culter 1 H-T 0-0 Scorer: Martin Shand 62

Culter kept their title aspirations on track with a close win over Hillhead but the match was overshadowed by an horrific injury to Bruce Smith who suffered a triple fracture of the cheek bone in an accidental clash of heads with Paul Cheyne of the home side. Play was stopped for several minutes while both players received treatment from the respective physios. However the Deesiders will be relieved to take all three points to keep the pressure on leaders Sunnybank who have three points more but have played three more games.

The Champions started as if they meant business with Bruce Smith sending in a great ball for Colin Craik but Le Masson did his job and humped the ball out for a throw in. Minutes later Bruce Smith tried his luck from distance but the ball skyted off an opponent and out for a corner. Martin Shand then fed Colin Craik but Mark Kerr in the home goal made a simple save before Peter Stewart had a decent thrash blocked by Jim Sievwright at the heart of `Head defence. Soon after Paul Morrison was cursing his luck when he attempted to steer home but the ball took an almighty stott at the vital moment and his try ended up on the roof of the net. With nine minutes gone Culter kept on pummelling the beleaguered `Head defence and a Peter Stewart free kick shaved the bar with Mark Kerr flailing. Moments later Andy Sim produced a superb cross for Martin Shand but his header was well saved by Mark Kerr. Eventually Hillhead put together a meaningful attack but Steven Morrison could only find the side netting. In a fit of the haybejaybees referee Braidwood booked Kevin Christie and Murray Rattray in quick succession for no apparent reason much to the annoyance of the Culter bench. With half an hour gone Murray Rattray had a half chance but Mark Kerr saved easily as the ball trundled towards him. The home side then had a rare chance to open the scoring in the 26th minute when Lee Masson burst free but his parting shot almost brought down a passing seagull. Soon after Kevin Christie went on a determined run but was pole axed on the edge of the area and from the ensuing free kick the 'keeper pulled off a low save from Murray Rattray. The Champions were playing some entertaining football at this stage and Mark Kerr produced a fantastic save from a marvellous Bruce Smith volley. With half time approaching Peter Stewart had the ball in the net for the visitors but the game was halted for offside before Andy Campbell soared above the defence but his header bulleted wide.

Culter started brightly in the second period and again Andy Sim whipped in a great cross but Colin Craik managed to balloon the ball over from close range. With 8 minutes of the half gone there was a sickening head collision in the Culter box between Bruce Smith and Paul Cheyne which resulted in the Culter star being rushed to ARI. Greg Whyte replaced the injured man but it was the talismanic Martin Shand who got the all important first goal when he gleefully bundled the ball home from close range from an exquisite Peter Stewart corner. A few minutes later Lee Masson of `Head should have been shown a red when he appeared to stamp on Greg Whyte but to the amazement of all a yellow was produced. Half way through the period Peter Stewart once again produced one of his trademark pinging crosses and this time Gary Cruickshank unwittingly scooped the ball over his own bar from all of two yards. Chris Mountford then replaced Martin Shand as Culter sought to extend their lead but it almost took an own goal to do this. Peter Stewart dirled into the box and Neil England attempting to clear sclaffed the ball behind for a corner. By this stage `Head looked a spent force and Culter were desperately unlucky when Andy Sim crossed for Greg Whyte but his stooping header just failed to find the target. Deep into the half 'Head sent on Chris Dillon and Duncan Stewart for Steve Morrison and Barry Steven and Culter sent on Gordon Farmer for Peter Stewart and it was Gordon Farmer who almost got the killer second but his flashing drive flew spectacularly wide.

Culter: Pirie, Sim, Rattray, Craib, Campbell, Smith, Morrison, Stewart, Shand, Christie, Craik.

Subs: Farmer, Ord, Whyte, Mountford, Knox Referee: B. Braidwood

Committee Convenes.         A Committee Meeting of Culter Football Club will be held in Crombie Park Pavilion, Culter on Tuesday 3 April 2007 commencing at 7.00 p.m.

Forthcoming Fixtures

Soccer World Super League - Kick Offs 2.30 p.m.

Saturday 7 April 2007 - Longside v Culter (at Davidson Park, Longside).        Referee: A Lovie. Our special bus will depart from Crombie Park Pavilion, Culter at 11.45 a.m. and will collect the Aberdeen contingent at The Seafield Club at 12 noon.         The bus will depart from Longside at approximately 5.30 p.m. for the return journey to Culter via Aberdeen.        Fares to be £3 for Adults and £1.50 for Senior Citizens/Children. Saturday 14 April 2007 - Culter v Formartine United (at Crombie Park, Culter) Cup Competition - Quartei Final ATR Group Cup

Saturday 21 April 2007 - Culter v Formartine Utd (at Crombie Park).    Kick Off 2.15 p.m. - played to a finish - straight to penalties if level at 90 minutes.

Albert's Anniversary. I took over the position of Secretary and Treasurer of Culter Football Club 46 years ago on Monday 27 March 1961.      I have now entered my BB year-the 47th

Scoring Statistics.     In 36 games played Culter have won 23 games, drawn seven and lost six, scoring 91 and conceding 39 goals in the process. Scorers are: Shand 22, Stewart 12, Rattray 10, McRitchie 9, Mountford 7, Calder 6, Campbell 5, Farmer 5, Christie 3, Craib 3, Morrison 3, Ord 2, Opponents 2, Craik 1, Sim 1 and Smith 1

Bruce Blow.   Our win against Hillhead yesterday was overshadowed by a serious injury to our longest serving player Bruce Smith (he signed for us in 1998/99 season).         Bruce was injured and was taken to Hospital where it transpired that he had suffered a triple fracture to his cheek.            He will most likely be out of action for a long time.       Our best wishes go to Bruce for as speedy a recovery as possible.