Match Reports 2005/2006

[Saintkev]

Saturday 31st December 2005

Airdrie Supporters 2 PSJ 2

PSJ recovered from being 2-0 down at half time to have a storming second half where all 3 points would have just about been deserved. Goals from Chris 'Pink' McLaughlan and a 30 yard exquisite finish from Stewart 'Elvis' Reid got the Saints back into the game and they could have won it hitting the post and crossbar as well in the second half. With only 11 men it was an excellent performance and things are looking good already for PSJ in 2006, the year where they will make their long awaited debut in Worldnet.... the world cup of internet supporters teams.

Opposition MoM: Pink
PSJ Mom: Pink

Report Filed By Jesus el Camacho

[Al C]

Saturday 14th Janauary 2006

Airdrie Supporters 2 PSJ 1

PSJ - Beatson; Burn, Rodge, Nelly, Nips; Elvis, Bee J, Kev, Rocket; Jinky, Chopper. Sub - Al.

PSJ slipped to an agonising defeat away to familiar oppostion on Saturday, two late goals spoliling a very good team performance. PSJ played well throughout, defending well and creating chances; it was the failure to convert these chances that came back to haunt them.

The first half was fairly even, PSJ were delighted to come in at the interval a goal up thanks to a long range Nips effort. The gaffer asked for more of the same in the second half and got it. PSJ defended what can only be described as heroically at times against a very obvious Airdrie threat. Christie missed a glaring chance to put them 2-0 up on the break, excellent work by Johnston resulted in him feeding the ball through to him; however critical hesitation ensued and the chance was blazed over. Christie was then unlucky to hit the post again after superb set up work from Johnston. Heller also hit the post and Campbell and Reid both went close to sealing the game. Airdrie looked like there were going to be frustrated and that PSJ would earn a precious away victory but two excellent headers in the space of a minute turned the game on its head. Credit to Airdrie who also batteled to the end; a draw might have been a fairer result.

All in all PSJ can't be too disheartened by the result as the performance was a credit to them. They can look forward to the next game.

PSJ MOM was shared between Beatson and the returning Walker; oppostion man of the match was Beatson.

[Al C]

Saturday 28th January 2006

PSJ 3 Geordie Munrovers 1

PSJ - Nuggets; Burn, Mad Dog, Nips, Juan; Jinky, Bee J, Stewart, Rocket; Chopper, Kev. Subs - Al, Geezer.

PSJ battled to an excellent victory over their Fife counterparts on a surprisingly mild Perth morning. For once PSJ were well and truly warmed up due to the late appearance of the Raith goalkeeper; after watching three goals being lashed past him he probably wished that he hadn't bothered.

Both sides started relatively brightly with half chances going begging at either end. PSJ took the lead however with a well worked goal. A large kick out from Colin Heller in goals was expertly controlled by Chopper and released perfectly for the on running Captain Heller. The Captain was clearly relishing being played in what he considers his natural position of striker, calmly slotting the ball past the keeper off the far post to give PSJ the lead. PSJ then seemed to panic a little bit, passes were going astray and the Raith midfield was finding a lot of time and space. They equalised when the PSJ defence did not clear properly allowing somebody to ghost in and shoot Raith level. At that stage it had to be said that Raith fully merited going in at the break level.

Manager Christie made a couple of changes at the break and also experimented tactically by playing Geezer on the right of midfield and Jinky in the centre. To his credit these changes eventually paid dividends, Geezer performing excellently and Jinky relishing the added responsibilty in the centre of midfield.

It was clear that this game could go either way and if one team was to sneak it then in addition to the battling qualities on display some genuine quality would also need to be shown. PSJ thankfully had that quality with about ten minutes to go; Christie dropped deep as he often does to the frustration of his team mates but this time he took his time, looked up and clipped a delightful ball through to Geezer who had made a great run from the right side through the centre. The ball was weighted perfectly but Geezer still had a lot to do. Thankfully the youngster kept his cool and artfully lobbed the Raith keeper. A cracking goal and PSJ were in the lead.

That seemed to knock the stuffing out of Raith and PSJ wrapped the game up minutes later. A short back pass was seized upon by Christie. As ever his lack of pace meant he was late getting his shot away the ball ricocheting off a Raith defender into the path of Heller who gratefully slotted home. Game over.

All in all a good performance from PSJ and a win they can take confidence from for the rest of the campaign.

PSJ MOM was Nips. Oppostion MOM was Captain Heller.

[G]

Saturday 4th February 2006

PSJ 2 George Annan All Stars 1

PSJ: Nuggets, Burn, Mad Dog, Nips, Sandy, Jinky, Elvis, BJ, Rocket, Captain, Al. Subs: Spew, Mark, G

A frosty North Inch saw some doubt as to whether this game would take place but a 10.50am pitch inspection from Perth's newest referee declared the pitch playable (slide tackles and diving goalkeepers not advisable). A familiar looking PSJ from their fine win over Raith the previous Saturday took the field looking to build on recent promising performances.

After a hesitant start from both sides the first chance of the game fell to GA All Stars - and it was a golden one. A cross from the right was controlled by Mad Dog, firstly by his knee,then his hand. The referee had no hesitation in pointing to the spot. Fortunately for PSJ, the penalty was a tame effort and Nuggets smothered it at the second attempt low to his left. Chances were few and far between after this for both sides until a foul on Captain by GA All Stars Ross led to a tasty position for a free strike on goal. Captain rolled the ball into the path of Jinky who hesitated, slipped, kicked the ball, muttered "Oh ****", then watched the ball glide into the keepers top right hand corner. A lucky break there was no doubting but the shaggy student took the plaudits anyhow.

The rest of the half saw a few corners from GA All Stars come to nothing, BJ and Elvis getting infuriated with the ref's lack of movement outwith the centre circle and Jinky forcing the GA All Stars keeper into a fine save low down. Just as the whistle was about to go for half-time a through ball down the right for GA All Stars found one of their strikers clean though. As the PSJ players looked at the ref for the offside whistle and Nuggets came rushing out to narrow the angle, the striker cooly lofted the ball over him into the empty net. 1-1 and a fair reflection of the first half.

Half time saw Mad Dog, Rocket and Sandy give way for Mark,Spew and G and it wasn't long before Mark repaid the huge transfer fee PSJ gave Donskies for his services. A long throw-in by him on the left sped like a missile into the box and Jinky got the faintest of touches before the defender helped it into the net. Again, Jinky took the plaudits but really it was an OG. The game faded dramatically after this with a poor performance by Perth's finest internet side which was not helped by the icy conditions of the Inch Velodrome. G nearly slicing one into his own net summed up the game. It finished 2-1 but the game was played in good spirits and was a worthwhile excersise for PSJ giving manager Al something to think about in the lead up to their Scottish Cup quarter-final clash with Motherwell.

PSJ Mom: Elvis
Opp Mom: Nuggets

Crowd: 6 (including subs)

By Jesus El Camacho

[jinky]

Captain rolled the ball into the path of Jinky who hesitated, slipped, kicked the ball, muttered "Oh f**k", then watched the ball glide into the keepers top right hand corner. A lucky break there was no doubting but the shaggy student took the plaudits anyhow.

A long throw-in by him on the left sped like a missile into the box and Jinky got the faintest of touches before the defender helped it into the net. Again, Jinky took the plaudits but really it was an OG.

Two points, it was elvis who rolled it to me, Do i really need to make the 2nd point?

[Saintkev]

The ball changed direction completely and I doubt it would have went in... it's an own goal.

[Al C]

Saturday 25th February 2005

PSJ 1 Fir Park Corner 3

PSJ: Nuggets; Burn, G, Daly, Sandy; Geezer, Ans, Stewart, Pink; Kev, Jinky. Subs - Al, Rocket.

PSJ arrived in confident mood at a wind swept North Inch for the Cup Quarter Final against long time adversaries Fir Park Corner. PSJ had an impressive record against them in cup competition over the years and were looking to maintain this. They were aware however that they had a tough task ahead against a young FPC side and were up for the challenge.

PSJ started superbly, forcing corner after corner and not allowing FPC out of their own half. Unfortunately for them they did not get the break of the ball on any occassion. Pink in particular was taking excellent corners causing all sorts of problems for the FPC defence. On the other side Geezer was causing problems. PSJ were also defending well.

As is often the way in football PSJ were then hit by a sucker punch. G looked like he was fouled by the FPC striker but this decision was not given by Chopper. FPC played to the whistle and their striker finished well. 1-0 down and PSJ were gutted.

To their credit though they did not let this get to them and continued to attack impressively. Again lots of corners were forced without much of an end result. An equaliser was on its way however. Good play by Ans found Geezer. Geezer looked up and slotted an excellent through ball to Captain Kev making a diagonal run. There was still a lot for the Captain to do but he finished excellently into the bottom corner. Game on and the very least that PSJ deserved.

PSJ continued to push for the lead but were to be frustrated in their efforts. The most clear cut chance fell to Jinky who when clean through seemed to have the ideal opportunity to lob the keeper. However the first year Uni student hesitated and did not really do anything, the ball rolling easily into the arms of a grateful keeper.

PSJ were to rue these missed chances when FPC took the lead right on half time. A tackle from Daly looked like it was outside the box. However despite vehmenent PSJ protests Chopper gave a penalty. This was well tucked away by the FPC centre half. The half time whistle went and quite unbelievably PSJ found themselves behind.

Al tried to rally the troops at half time, emphasising how well they had played. However PSJ really never got going in the second half, fitness beginning to tell. FPC scored again and could have had a couple more but for saves from Nuggets. PSJ struggled to create anything against the wind, Geezer going close with a good effort from the angle being the only real sign of hope.

So PSJ are out the cup but it all could have been so different. A real lack of belief from the team at times with defeat almost treated as an inevitability. On their day PSJ are among the better teams at this level and showed this in the first half. However the second half did not back this up and PSJ crashed out disapointingly. They quickly have the opportunity to put this right with two games in two days next weekend.

PSJ MOM was G, with opposition going to Nuggets.

[Al C]

Sunday 5th March 2006

Athletico Albino 3 PSJ 2

PSJ - Beatson; Jinky, Burn, G, Sandy; Lamby, Elvis, Captain, Rocket; Al, Chopper. Sub - Fullie

PSJ slipped to a disappointing defeat on the Stirling Uni astro turf in a Sunday afternoon fixture. A number of things went against them but ultimately failure to hold onto a 2-0 lead cost them dearly.

PSJ started well and were using the pitch to their advantage with some good passing moves. They created the first chance of the game with Kevin Heller bursting through from midfield only to see his shot well saved by the keeper. Heller perhaps had more time but the lack of a shout from a team mate meant he hit it first time. Regardless he was unlucky and this gave PSJ encouragement.

PSJ had another couple of close things; Al slotting the ball through to Elvis after a superb dummy by Heller, Elvis shooting just wide. There were also a couple of long range efforts, one of which should definitely have brought a goal; Al angling a low shot from edge of the box, beating the keeper all ends up. Unfortunately it rattled the post but fell perfectly to the unmarked Chopper. It seemed certain that Chopper would put PSJ ahead but fluffed the chance when it seemed easier to score. Memories of Paddy Connolly flew through the PSJ line up.

Stirling were limited to only one chance really with the patched up PSJ defence defending admirably. This chance brought a fine save from Beatson.

Half time came and PSJ could be very pleased with their efforts; well organised and hard working they should really be ahead but there was a feeling that the goal would come.

Thankfully the goal did come relatively early in the second half and it was a superb move by PSJ. Fullie won a header on the right, Elvis took the ball on and slid it into Al who then turned and lofted a delicious cross to the back post. There Captain Heller was waiting but still had a lot to do; he brought the ball down and beat the defender in one movement and then slotted the ball high past the keeper. The Captain had already gone close with a header but went one better this time. An excellent goal and PSJ drew further encouragement from this.

PSJ continued to defend well and dominated the midfield at times. It was not long till they were 2 up and it has to be said this was something special. Chopper earned a free kick outside the box. It was indirect so Chopper laid it off to Al who proceeded to gracefully curl a stupendous shot into the top corner with the keeper nowhere near it. It is about time the much malinged front man produced something like this and hopefully his confidence will now be up for the rest of the season.

PSJ were now in a great position and really needed to just sit tight, not panic and stay well organised. Unfortunately however this did not happen. Albino pulled one back when a quick free kick caught the PSJ defence out and was slotted home. A lack of concentration from PSJ proving costly and it was now game on.

PSJ still had their chances; Elvis hitting the bar and Rocket going close with a header.

PSJ then unfortunately crumbled losing two goals in quick succession. The first one looked suspiciously offside but given the referee spent the game in the centre circle it would be impossible for him to call this either way. A defensive mix up between Burn and Jinky led to a third for Albino and PSJ were deflated.

Sadly the game really wimpered out from them with PSJ not really going close to an equaliser. Certain players seemed to give up and not put any effort in when this was required more than ever. This is something that causes Gaffer Christie great concern and is simply not acceptable for anyone pulling on a PSJ shirt. The whole team let the referee and some quite appalling gamesmanship from Albino put them off and the game was lost.

However there are plenty of positives to take from the display and into next weeks game against TFC Dynamo. A number of players performed out of position and stuck to their task admirably. Some of the football played was very pleasing and hopefully can be built on. PSJ need to learn to stay well orgnaised for the whole 90 minutes. They would then be a side to really be reckoned with.

A quick note on Athletico Albino, fair to say not the most pleasant bunch we have played this season with a striker that seemed intent on kicking anyone and everyone and whose over the top celebrations at the end showed a complete lack of respect to the opposition. Others within in the team also seemed intent on getting PSJ players booked, pleading this to the referee. To my knowledge this in the internet league, a bit of a laugh, not to be taken too seriously. You would have thought they had won the world cup at the end. The referee himself also left a lot to be desired with a series of baffling decisions.

The most disappointing aspect of the whole day for PSJ though was the lack of any social aspect afterwards. Albino showed no inclination to go the pub afterwards to socalise with the opposition, let alone lay on any food. Totally against the spirit of the IFA in my opinion but there you go. We look forward to the return game in Perth.

PSJ MOM was shared between Kevin Heller/Elvis. Oppostion MOM was G.

[Al C]

Saturday 18th March 2006

PSJ 3 Geordie Munrovers 2

PSJ - Nuggets; Burn, Rodge, Nelly, Nips; Spew, Elvis, Captain, Jinky; Al, Mark. Sub - Wonka

PSJ edged another home victory at the North Inch velodrome on Saturday thanks to a spirited second half performance. Munrovers can perhaps feel hard done by not to have got a draw out of this one but some excellent finishing won the day for PSJ in the end.

PSJ were along unfamiliar lines with a number of regulars missing. They started the game relatively promisingly though with new signing Mark bursting through and laying the ball back to strike partner Al. The gaffers shot was well saved by the keeper however. PSJ continued to press with Mark, Captain and Spew all just a whisker away from opening the scoring.

Munrovers started to get a real foothold in the game though and dominated proceedings through to half time. PSJ seemed reluctant to hassle their Fife opponents and this led to them dictating the play. The biggest surprise was arguably that Munrovers were only the one goal up at the break but what a goal it was, a superbly controlled volley from the edge of the box.

PSJ trudged off and were given an earful but a clearly not happy Al. It seemed that too many people were not putting the approrpriate amount of effort in so he let them know in no uncertain terms. This seemed to have an effect and it was a different PSJ that emerged for the second half.

Right from the start they had forced a corner and were unlucky not to equalise. They did not have long to wait however and when the goal came it was a well worked affair. A superb run down the right from Captain Kev who battled his way through with nothing really on saw him turn the ball inside to Elvis who then played it to Spew. Spew composed himself and laid it inside to Al. Al took one touch to beat the defender and then lashed the ball home through the keeper's legs. An excellent, composed finish from the gaffer, reminiscent of his old self.

PSJ were fired up now and had a new found confidence. They were soon in the lead and it was another superbly taken goal. A huge kick from Nuggets was pounced upon by Mark who ran through on goal at a slightly wide angle. There was a lot for him to do but he managed it no problem superbly angling the ball into the corner. 2-1 to PSJ and Munrovers were stunned.

PSJ were playing much better now but lost a goal to make it 2-2 that they can only be disappointed about. A scramble in the box saw PSJ defenders, in particular Burn throw everything at the ball to prevent it going in. Unfortuntaley however a Munrovers player kept his cool and slotted it home. A preventable goal if PSJ had defended as a team.

PSJ to their credit though were not dispirited and regained the lead. A cross from the left was touched on by Al to Spew who hit a good shot that the keeper parried. PSJ's follow up play was excellent though and Captain slid it to make it 3-2. Again an excellent piece of finishing from the Perth outfit.

Munrovers piled on the pressure without creating any real pressue thanks largely to good PSJ defending and excellent handling by Nuggets in goals to relieve any attack. PSJ had a few further chances of their own; the ball just not sitting for Wonka near the end to settle it.

All in all a good win for PSJ that positives must be taken from. A lesson to be learned is that they must perform as a team for 90mins not 45. Hopefully this can be taken into this Sunday's fixture against Queens Park.

PSJ MOM: Kevin Heller

Opposition MOM: Kevin Heller

[G]

Sunday, 26 March 2006 @ Queens Park

Queens Park Supporters 2 – PSJ 4 (Scorers: Captain, Al, Pink (pen), OG)

Team: Jinky, Spew, Rodge, G, Burn, Wonka, Elvis, Captain, Pink, Al, Geezer
Subs: S.White, Grant.

PSJ to the field looking to build on last weeks narrow victory without a recognised goalkeeper or left-back. However, this did not hamper them and a battling, if somewhat unattractive, performance allowed them to leave Glasgow with all 3 points. Pink and G returned to the team with Jinky putting on the gloves to take up arguably his best position for PSJ once again.

A bright start from PSJ saw them take the game to Queens and Al and Geezer were causing problems right from the kick-off. A goal looked like coming and inevitably it was Captain who was in the right place at the right time as he has been all season to tap home a Pink cross at the far post to open the scoring. Both teams were struggling to get to grips with a surface more used to hockey than football and Wonka even took to wearing tracksuit bottoms to prevent serious carpet burns. A second goal came from PSJ through good individual play by Geezer who stayed cool under pressure to square the ball to Al who slid the ball home to an empty net for his eighth of the season. PSJ were playing well at this stage and confident goalkeeping from Jinky and good communication at the back were keeping Queens at bay. A third goal was added for the Saints and the game looked beyond reach for Queens. Geezer was hauled down in the box and Pink stepped up and despatched the resulting kick to make his long journey from down south worthwhile. 3-0 up and coasting and even Burn tried to get in on the act with a 40 yard curling effort that came crashing back off the crossbar. So unlucky for the defensive stalwart for what would have been the goal of his life.

This was not a one-sided affair though and the referee was making countless decisions that left both teams puzzled. However, a free kick for Queens was lofted into the PSJ box and trying to play the offside trap, they were caught out and left the forward with an easy header home. This goal seemed to take the steam out of PSJ and manager Al had a job to do at half time to keep them comfortably ahead. Stewart White came on for Wonka and Grant replaced Spew for the second half.

The second half was really a non-event with the pitch proving the real struggle for first touches and passes alike. Another decision by the referee raised more than a few eyebrows when Rodge was adjudged to have pushed the striker in the box and despite a despairing dive from Jinky, the penalty was tucked away and Queens were right back in it at 3-2. Al had a couple of snap-shots he perhaps should have done better with and Geezer was still looking lively which gave the Perth side hope but it was Queens themselves who put the game beyond their reach. Your match reporter missed what happened but allegedly a defender looped the ball coolly over his own keeper to increase PSJÂ’s advantage. Queens were not out of it yet though and a few heavy legs in the PSJ side lead to huge gaps appearing which Queens really should have exploited but fortunately it didnÂ’t happen and it finished 4-2 to PSJ.

Not the best performance by a long shot but the result was ground out in difficult conditions – team selection and the pitch surface – and bodes well for them collecting another trophy next week in the inaugural Saints Supporters tournament.

PSJ MoM: G
Opposition MoM: G

[Saintkev]

Here's a Queen's Park view of the above game... get ready, some sheer madness...

http://www.geocities.com/qpsfc/26mar06.html

[Al C]

Here's a Queen's Park view of the above game... get ready, some sheer madness...

http://www.geocities.com/qpsfc/26mar06.html

Absolutely superb!! Boran has a lot to learn!!

[G]

"PSJ's vertically challenged but positionally savvy centre half was mopping up every ball we threw towards our forward line"

Is this me or Rodge? :***:

[Al C]

Saturday 8th April 2006

PSJ 0 Erin Hibs 5

PSJ - Nuggets; Rodgie, Burn, Rodge, Spew; Jinky, Captain, Nelly, Rocket; Al, Geezer. Sub - Dunbar.

PSJ slipped to their heaviest defeat of the season at the North Inch against an excellent Hibs side. It would be fair to say that this was the best team PSJ have come up against this season and it showed with the result.

PSJ were missing a number of key players and again struggled to piece a team together. This is arguably the most disappointing aspect of what happened as a full strength PSJ on their day would at least give teams like Erin Hibs a decent game.

PSJ strguggled to create anything of note during the game with Geezer working hard up front, trying his best to create something but to no avail. Hibs took their chances well and their 5th goal was skillfully placed home by PSJ centre half Rodge. An effort that really summed up the day.

It has to be hoped that PSJ bounce back from this and don't let the defeat ruin the season. They had been on a good run prior to this and hopefully the return of some players will spark them back into action.

PSJ MOM - Geezer
Opposition MOM - Geezer

[Al C]

Saturday 22nd April 2006

PSJ 5 Social Work FC 1

PSJ - Nuggets; Spew, Burn, G, Nips; Jinky, Elvis, Kev, Pink; Geezer, Al. Sub - Dunbar.

PSJ recorded another win on Saturday to continue their decent run of form. It was a tough battle against a spirited Social Work side but they ran out comfortable winners in the end with a selection of cracking goals.

PSJ struggled to contend with the twin difficulties of bumpy pitch and swirling wind in the early stages meaning that Social Work managed to gain a foothold in the game and looked the most likely to score. PSJ hung in there however and with a move started by the returning Pink were able to take the lead with a well worked team goal. Pink drilled the ball in from the left to Jinky who controlled well (yes you read that correctly) and darted towards the box. He then picked out Elvis with a sliding pass. The midfield crooner had made a fine run into the box and kept his cool by sliding a low shot under the keeper. 1-0 PSJ.

Social Work continued to have the better of proceedings and came close to equalising without really creating any clear cut chances. However the game slipped out of their reach right on half time. Al released Jinky on the right before collecting the return pass from him. The PSJ gaffer drove towards the Social Work box (I would say at pace but that would be pushing it somewhat) and clipped what can only be described as a speculative shot towards goal to the chagrin of his better placed colleagues. Thankfully though the gaffer had aimed precisely for a divot in the six yard box meaning the ball spun past the belaugered Social Work keeper. 2-0 PSJ and the dog whistle blew for half time.

Dunbar replaced Spew at right back for the second half with the sick infested Carluke gingernut taking over reffing duties. Dunbar was to make an instant impression, slotting comfortably into his role and putting PSJ 3-0 up with a tremendous dipping long range strike. A superb goal from the PSJ new boy who was mobbed by his delerious team mates.

PSJ were playing much better now, getting the ball down and passing. When they do this and work hard for each other rather than argue with each other they are a team to be reckoned with. The game threatened to peter out a little bit but Social Work brought it back to life with a goal of their own - a fine finish from their striker.

To their credit PSJ did not panic and proceeded to kill the game off with two late strikes of substantial quality from Pink and Geezer. This put the shine on a decent second half display and another win to add to the collection for PSJ.

All in all PSJ did well to bounce back from defeat at the hands of Erin Hibs. In patches some of the football played was very pleasing, if this could be maintained for ninety minutes on a week by week basis then they would be laughing.

PSJ MOM was Geezer, opposition MOM was Nuggets.

PSJ now travel to Kirkaldy on Saturday to face Geordie Munrovers for the third time this season looking to finish the season in style.

[Geezer]

This is usually al or G's job but they are still in Kirkaldy arguing with the ref :roll:

So here we go. . .

We turned up.

We got humped.

We left.

Thank you please. Ice Ice baby

[Al C]

This is usually al or G's job but they are still in Kirkaldy arguing with the ref :roll:


Next time I get almost decapitated and no free kick for it will try not to react. Can't promise anything though :roll:

The rest of the match report from Geezer is accurate. Just for the record team lined up as follows;

Saturday 29th April 2006

Geordie Munrovers 7 PSJ 0

PSJ - Jinky; Dunbar, Burn, Rodge, Juan; Spew, Elvis, Kev, G; Geezer, Al. Subs - Rocket, Wonka.

Bad day at the office, not good enough but lets forget about it and move on.