Alford Academy

The senior boys football team played their second game of the season, this time in the Aberdeenshire Cup game against Ellon Academy.  Alford started the game well and were playing some good football.  Harvey went on a mazy run down the left-wing and forced his way into the box, where he was taken down by an Ellon defender and the ref pointed to the spot.  Arran confidently took the ball, stepped up and sent the ‘keeper the wrong way to give Alford the lead.  Ellon got a goal back midway through the first half with a header from a deep corner.  The Alford boys rallied and continued to play on the front foot and got their rewards 10 minutes before half-time when Aiden swept home from inside the six-yard box.  The goal came after Angus had hit the post with a shot from 20 yards, Arran had followed it in and laid it on a plate for Aiden to score. 2-1 to Alford at half-time.  A rousing half-time team talk from Mr Mayo and first team coach Harris saw the boys going out determined to hold onto their lead.  However, Ellon equalised 10 minutes into the second half.  Yet again, the boys kept their composure and the midfield trio of Arran, Angus and Mungo started to get more control of the game.  With 15 minutes left, Mungo pinged a 40 yard pass over the Ellon backline straight to the onrushing Samuel, who produced a ‘mid-air flip flap’ (Zak’s words) before rifling a half volley into the far bottom.  A fantastic finish worthy of winning any game of football.  The Alford backline held strong for the final 15 minutes, captain Blair marshalling the defence expertly.  Final score 3-2 to Alford, with a quarter final away to Mintlaw or Kemnay coming up.  Well done to all 16 boys who put a great shift in to get the win!

The U15 girls faced Peterhead Academy at home in the league this afternoon.  After giving away an early goal they worked hard to compete fiercely in difficult conditions. Two goals from Olivia (S2) and one from Abby (S1) brought us level and the score stayed at 3-3 for the majority of the second half, however Peterhead scored with a minute to go to make it a 4-3 win for them. The girls impressed us with their positive approach and worked effectively as a team and are making progress every game.