Logie Harp 1 AHSFP's 4

Ahsfp's travelled to the city to play Logie Harp in a Midlands first division league game. Manager Smith made only one change from the previous week with Kidd earning his place back at the expense of Cowan who found himself on the bench along side Sharp and Smith. With the Scottish Cup and the Tay Valley Shield cup final just around the corner, the pressure was on the first eleven to retain their starting places for these two elite fixtures.

 With that motivation, from the first whistle the eleven players took the game to their opponents. 'Fp's were first to every loose ball and when in possession were causing havock in the Logie rearguard. The first good chance fell to G.Smith after geat wing play from Kidd but his near post attempt came back off the upright. Kidd was in menacing form down the right wing and when he picked out Mikey Gall at the back post, instead of heading the ball home he attempted an acrobatic scissors kick which flew high over the crossbar.

 After wave of attack 'Fp's broke the deadlock after fifteen minutes. Kidds' pinpoint corner was easily nodded home by the towering MATTY GALL. Shortly after 'Fp's doubled their lead from another set piece. This time a long throw by Dall was flicked on by Matty Gall and FENWICK found the net at the second attempt after his initial effort was blocked.

 Saunderson was a virtual spectator in the 'Fp's goal but had to look lively to tip Logies' only effort of the first half passed the post. 'Fp's then made it three from yet another set play. Kidd was again the provider with another accurate corner. This time he picked out HUMPHREYS who made a brilliant front post run and powered his header beyond the helpless Logie keeper. Again the captain entertained the crowd with his now characteristic goal celebration.

 Half-time Logie 0 AHSFP's 3

 After a near faultless first half it was always going to be a challenge to keep up to the standard set. Also it became apparent that the Logie management team had given their players the blow dryer treatment at the interval as the homesters began to press the 'Fp's deep into their own half. Saunderson was becoming more involved but he was equal to anything that managed to breach his trusty back four. Solid punches and safe catching was made to look easy by the 'Fp's custodian.

 Although Logie were pressing and throwing more men forward it was still the visitors who looked more likely to score on the break. Ferrier on 'Fp's left wing was beginning to make his mark on the game. After a fantastic mazey run, skipping by four defenders of who's attempted tackles wouldn't have looked out of place on a rugby field, he bore down on the goal only to see his effort well saved by the Logie keeper, denying him a contender for goal of the season so far.

 With fresh legs required 'Fp's sent on Cowan for Kidd and Sharp for the hard working Mikey Gall. But before they could make an impact Logie pulled a goal back. A long clearance from the Logie keeper was flicked on by their striker who found his onrushing partner who blasted home from close range. This gave Logie confidence and with the 'Fp's starting to lose their shape they nearly scored another. When their midfielder ran through freely to the edge of the box his strike looked destined for the net but Saunderson somehow managed to get his fingertips to it and help it onto the crossbar.

 Logies momentum was soon halted when their winger was sent off for threatening the referee over a meaningless free kick award. D.Smith then brought himself on for the tiring Dall. Fp's should've sowen the game up with the move of the match. D.Smith collected in his own half and released Cowan down the left, he in turn found Gall down the same wing. Gall then found Sharp with a tremendous switch of play and he headed down into the path of G.Smith who with only the keeper to beat blasted high and wide from close range.

 Finally 'Fp's did put the game beyond doubt. The ever improving teenager Wilson passed to D.Smith who turned and threaded an exsquisit ball through to Ferrier and his perfect cross was finished off by MATTY GALL on the six yard line for his fifteenth goal of the season. 'Fp's then saw out the final few minutes to record a well deserved away victory against potentially tricky opponents.

 Although Saunderson and Wilson gave great performances, the man of the match went to captain John Humphreys for yet another outstanding display at the heart of the defence.

Team:Saunderson, Wilson, Fenwick, Riddell, Humphreys(c), Ferrier, Kidd, Dall, G.Smith, Matty Gall, Mikey Gall, Sharp, Cowan & D.Smith.

It was a successful day allround for the Fp's as the second team also recorded another victory, this time winning 4-2 against Tayside Fire Brigade. Scorers for the second team were Ellis Watson(2), Dave Brown and trialist Chris Triggs.

Next week Fp's travel to Perth to play Bridgeton United in the second round of the Scottish Cup. Due to this game there will be no second team fixture. All players and supporters to meet at 11.30am at Hercules Den.