Saturday 8th November - Meadowmill

It was an unusually warm and bright autumnal day as Fidra rocked up to Meadowmill for only their second home game this season so far. Hoping to continue the success from the previous weekend, a full strength side (2 subs and additional supporters) saw newcomers Daniel and Jerome making their first team league debuts. As expected, the Edinburgh Uni team was also fully stocked, and had an average age of about 18 (significantly less than Fidra’s).

The game got off to a brisk start with Fidra catching Uni sleeping to sneak an early 4th minute goal (1-0). Uni then got their motor going to offer some resistance. Although Fidra maintained the upper hand, they were unable to convert any of the several opportunities presented. Uni then adopted the ‘Wright’ technique by lifting a long ball from halfway line towards the Fidra baseline. Fidra’s defence had an AWOL moment allowing the Uni forward to receive the ball unopposed. What happened next is still an open discussion topic, ranging from ‘if it had been any further over the line, it would have been on the A1’ to ‘it was still in’. The main take away from this event (as always) was – DON’T STOP UNTIL YOU HEAR A *@##%$* WHISTLE. Fidra stopped. Uni didn't, and wrestled the ball into the net (1-1). Fidra amazingly managed to curtail their annoyance and not have anyone carded. Still rather miffed, Fidra restarted with purpose, applying enough pressure to be rewarded with a second goal to end the 1st quarter 2 -1 leaders.

The next quarter set the tone for the rest of the game. Fidra attacking strongly, but unable to fully capitalize (couple of missed sitters). Uni countering strongly, but mostly unable to break through a solid Fidra defence. Goals were still scored though. Fidra going 3 – 1 up before a botched penalty corner clearance allowed Uni to get one back. 3 – 2 at half time and a green card for Rohan.

The second half continued as the first had ended. Fidra pushing hard, eventually being rewarded with another goal (4-2). Uni bringing it right on back, and due to an unexpected separation of a Fidra defender from their footwear (IYKYK), resulted in a 1 on 1 with the Fidra keeper who was a bit too slow off the mark (4-3). A little bit of Fidra magic came next when an attacking Uni sideline ball within Fidra’s 25 was intercepted, switched to the other side and collected by Peter who did the expected rocket up the pitch, but then thoroughly surprised everyone by driving into the ‘D’ and burying the ball past the keeper into the net (5 -3) to end the quarter.

The final quarter saw more of the same. Peter did try the same move again, but sadly the shot was a little more hilarious. Fidra were never able to fully get their vibe on, but did manage to add another 2 goals to the tally. Uni, if anything, were attacking more strongly now, but were still unable to fully penetrate the Fidra defence.

Final score 7 – 3 win.
Not our prettiest hockey, but we came away with the required result.
Onwards to next week, away to Inverleith