Stonehaven Stalemate

Culter huffed and puffed against a far from quality Hive side and can count themselves lucky to come away with-a point as the Coasters missed a series of easy chances especially in the first half. To be fair to the Deesiders their fluency was disrupted due to an early injury to the enigmatic Gordon Farmer but it felt as if two points were dropped.

Culter were on top in the early exchanges when Martin Shand interchanged with Chris Mountford but the former's shot was weak and Mike Smith saved easily. In the 7th minute Hive were awarded a free kick but Carson Riches took Davie Glass's attempt with ease. With 20 minutes gone `Hive took a surprise lead when Colin Pirie sped down the right before picking out Martin Foy who beat the Culter goalie at the second attempt with a finish from a tight angle. Soon after Culter almost were back on level terms when a good Chris Mountford cross was nearly headed into his own net by Phil Low but the ball sped into the arms of the grateful keeper. With the half hour mark approaching Martin Shand had a decent chance bu. Mike Smith saved well. At the other end Davie Glass missed an absolute sitter with the Culter defence all at sea. Minutes later Donnie Adam came on for the injured Gordon Farme but it was Martin Shand who almost got the leveller but the keeper pulled off a fine save. With half time rapidly approaching Adam Wilson picked out Mark Hamilton thirty yards from goal and the loan star steadied himself before thundering an unstoppable shot past the hapless Mike Smith.

Early in the second period Andy Sim found Colin Craik but his low effort fizzed harmlessly wide of target. Murray Rattray then replaced the injured Andy Sim but the play was getting very fairly stodgy by now. Culter then went on a concerted series of attacks and Colin Craik missed a relatively easy chance to win the match from an Adam Wilson cross but he somehow managed to squirm the ball wide from deep inside the area. Graham Cadger, on for Chris Mountford, almost broke the deadlock in the dying minutes but once again the ball stayed out.

Stonehaven: Smith, Campbell, Craig, Clark, Barbour, Adam, Sinclair, Pirie, Foy, Glass, Brooks.

Subs: Stewart, Robb, Burnett, Low, Keith.

Culter: Riches, Sim, Wilson, Angus, Campbell, Craik, Hamilton, Mountford, Shand, Rintoul, Farmer.

Subs: Adam, Craib, Cadger, Stewart, Rattray Referee: C. McKay

Next Week's Fixture - Saturday 23 February 2008 – 1ST Round Norsco Regional Cup

Culter v Banks o' Dee (at Crombie Park, Culter) Kick Off 2.15 p.m. - played to a finish - straight to penalties if level at 90 minutes.

Birthday Boy.        Our congratulations go to our former Goalkeeper and staunch supporter John Brown on the occasion of his forthcoming special Birthday - John celebrates his 90th Birthday on Tuesday 19 February 2008.  Our very best wishes go to John for a very enjoyable celebration.

Scoring Statistics. In 29 games played Culter have won 21, drawn 4 and lost 4, scoring 97 goals and conceding 28 in the process.      Scorers: Chris Mountford 27, Martin Shand 19, John Brown 9, Murray Rattray 8, Graham Cadger 7, Gordon Farmer 7, Peter Stewart 7, Opponents 3, Donny Adam 1, Andy Campbell 1, Mark Hamilton 1, George McBain 1, Phil McCalI 1, Ryan Pressley 1, Steven Robertson 1, Andy Sim 1, Bruce Smith 1 and Adam Wilson 1.