Report

Pre-Match

Beechwood continued their journey in the Division three cup at Longniddry. Previous results in their group had included two wins and two defeats meaning aspirations of finishing second in the group and going into the Semi-Finals were still alive. There were a lack of bodies available for this game but Beechwood lined up 4-4-2 with Angus moving back into right back after playing in midfield during the last few weeks while Michael Faulkner returned to the team following injury.

First Half

Longniddry began the game the stronger of the teams with their quick blonde forward causing the Panthers problems. Most of the early part of the game would take place in the Panthers half with the Panthers struggling to create anything going forward and giving the ball away far too easily.  Despite this Beechwood were defending alright and not allowing Longniddry to have any clear cut chances.

However the defence switched off and a long ball forward by the Longniddry defender evaded the Panthers backline and allowed their quick forward to nip in and lob Fraser to give the home side the lead.

The Panthers continued to show some determination and didn't fall further behind in this half but still the fact remained they were not working together enough as a team and the ball was been gifted to the opposition too often who to their credit were closing down the Panthers well and giving them little time on the ball.

Second Half

The boys were urged to raise their performance levels in the second half in order to try and come back into the game, however the early part of the second half followed the pattern of the first with Beechwood pinned back into their own half with Longniddry dominating possession and it wasn't long before the home side added a second goal.

After that the Panthers gave away far too many silly goals in the second half with the only notable effort on goal coming from substitute Chris who forced a fine save from the opposition goalkeeper. 

The total goal tally achieved by Longniddry in the second half was seven goals.

Full Time: Longniddry Villa Blues 7-0 Beechwood Panthers

This was one of the Panthers worst performances of the season. Credit must go to Longniddry who defended resolutely and who took advantage of their chances clinically. The Panthers face a tough home game against league leaders Leith next week in the league and performance levels will need to be raised.