Hermes Humped

Rainbow International Super League - Saturday 22 September 2007

Culter 3 Hermes 0 H-T 2-0

Scores: Chris Mountford 29, 60. Peter Stewart 42

Culter claimed outright leadership of the Rainbow International Super League with a fine victory over Hermes although the visitors will be rueing several missed opportunities. Hermes started powerfully and it took some cool thinking by Donny Adam to avert the danger from E Lee Smith cross. Moments later John Brown set up Kevin Christie for the Deesiders but the midfielder blasted well wide. The visitors had a golden opportunity in the 12th minute when Andy Courage set up Ardavan Djhansousi but the striker's header flew past with the goal at his mercy. Al the other end Chris Mountford had a powerful effort blocked before Steve Rintoul set up John Browr but his parting effort left a little to be desired. With 27 minutes gone Martin Pirie was called into action for the first time when he saved well from a decent Neil Dawson hit. The Champions went in front with 29 minutes gone when a Kevin Christie stinger was saved by Gordon Kessack but Chris Mountford followed up to blast an absolute stotter past the stranded Hermes guardian. Chris MountFord almost doubled the advantage two minutes later when he met a deep Steve Rintoul cross but this time his header drifted over the `keeper and nestled on the roof of the net. A few minutes later there was a bit of consternation in the home defence when Martin Pirie flapped at a cross but the danger was averted by Adam Wilson who steered the ball behind for a corner. With half time rapidly approaching Peter Stewart latched on to a through ball and he accelerated past the immobile Alan Clark before thrashing a beezer low into the net from the left. With Referee Cobb looking at his watch there was an uncharacteristic mix up between Andy Cowell and Adam Wilson but Ardavan Djhansousi's cross from well inside the area found no takers.

With the second period barley minutes old Chris Mountford's header struck the bar with the `keeper beaten before the same player brought out a fine stop from the goal minder from a John Brown cross. A few seconds later as play raced to the other end Ardavan Djhansousi had another chance but Martin Pirie saved well. Culter should have sealed the match soon after but Steve Rintoul missed a glorious chance from a Peter Stewart pass. No sooner had this happened when a vicious Peter Stewart pile driver was saved by Gordon Kessack but a delighted Chris Mountford was on hand to stoop and nod the ball into the empty onion bag. This signalled a change in personnel for Culter with Phil McCall, Andy Sim and Gordon Farmer coming into the fray. Culter could have made it four a few minutes later when a John Brown slide rule pass fell to Andy Campbell but he failed to find the target. With the clock ticking away Steve Rintoul had a chance from a free kick but his swerving effort flashed over.

Culter: Pirie, Cowell, Craib, Wilson, Campbell, Adam, Brown, Stewart, Mountford, Christie, Rintoul, Substitutes: Farmer, Sim, McCail, Smith, Riches.

Hermes: Kessack; C. Duncan, Clark, McHattie, Freeland, Smith, R. Duncan, Dawson, Djhansousi, Courage, Jappy. Substitutes: Sharp, Gibson, Robb, Hay

Referee: Roddy Cobb: Assistant Referees: W Duncan and W Gerrie.

Match Sponsor: Simon Cruickshank, Richmond Arms, Culter

Bulletin Produced by Albert J. Moir Tel. 01224 732006 Match Reporter Ian "Kip" McKenzie

 Albert's Anniversary. To-day is my 40^th anniversary of publication of the Weekly Bulletin - see story attached.

Match Day Prize Winners - Saturday 22 September 2007. Half Time Raffle:- Bottle Whisky - George A Gammack, Culter; Bottle Wine - Andy Paterson, Culter; 6 Cans Tennent's Lager -Gerry McCormack, Culter (George, Andy and Gerry are all thanked for donating their prizes back for our next Match Raffle). After Match £20 "Choose Your Team" Competition - David Laing, Culter.

Next Week's Fixture -Saturday 29 September 2007 - Scottish Cup - First Round - Our Historic Match Culter v Hawick Royal Albert (at Crombie Park, Culter) Kick Off 3.00 p.m.         The Wikipedia encyclopedia states: "Hawick Royal Albert FC is a Senior football club based in Hawick, currently playing in the East of Scotland Football League.  Founded in 1947, they play their matches at Albert Park.    A new look team for the 2007 season is made up of local players and two from the city. Prospects are starting to look up for the Scottish Borders team as they have brought in a lot of new signings."

Committee Convenes 1.      A special Committee Meeting of the Culter Football Club will be held on Tuesday 25 Sept 2007 in Crombie Park Pavilion commencing at 7.00 p.m. to finalise Scottish Cup arrangements.

Committee Convenes II.       A Committee Meeting of the Culter Football Club will be held on Tuesday 2 October 2007 in Crombie Park Pavilion commencing at 7.00 p.m.

September Sadness.           On another sad September day the funeral of Jim Birse took place on Thursday in Aberdeen Crematorium.  Jim joined Culter FC's Committee in 1965 and held various positions in the Club - Team Selector, Vice President and Team Manager.     Season 1970/71 was when Culter's success story started with Jim in the role of Team Manager when we won our first ever Trophy, the North of Scotland Cup.    Jim was dubbed "Herrera".   After retiring from the Committee he was appointed as an Honorary Vice President and remained so for the rest of his life. More September sadness came on Saturday with news of the death of supporter Kenny Mortimer. Local lad Kenny was a champion bowler. Our flag was flown at half mast and a minute's silence was observed before the game in memory of our three recent losses - Fred Wright, Jim Birse and Kenny Mortimer.