North Kelvin United 2 - 0 Moorpark
By Trish - Paddy’s Mum

Incredibly it was a sunny day here in Glasgow. Incredible because every time I have visited Glasgow in the last four years there has been the ever present cloud and drizzle, even in June. Arriving at KG5 extensive football and rugby pitches came into view, and the sun still shone. The team went off to get ready for the match and I sauntered over to the ice cream/burger van.
Sadly there was no bacon so I asked for a sausage in a roll. Had a good chat with the woman serving and she said that the sausage was good. When the sausage arrived it was square and I checked with her that it was actually sausage. She said that it was a square sausage? Right I thought, and thanked her, and wondered what I’d really bought. It tasted pretty good though and anyway I was desperate. I’d checked out where the pitch was on the plan, and walked over with great anticipation. I hadn’t seen North Kelvin play for three years and back then they were called Crosslands. (Ok Ok get to the match! - Ed)
I stood in the glorious sunshine and awaited the teams. North Kelvin were impressive from the start with a professional team building warm up. Moorpark sauntered over in dribs and drabs and sort of kicked the ball about a bit and did a few stretches. I was expecting good things from Kelvin and I wasn’t disappointed. I also liked the kit.
Formation 4,3,3. Div in goal. Carl, Craig, John and Stevie in defence. Paddy (who?), Andy and Dobbie midfield and Mark, Mo and Jamie in attack. I must admit that it’s been a while since I’ve stood on the touch line to watch a game so close up. I usually watch Sheffield Wednesday from a fair distance away (which often helps!). The guys were physically strong and determined from the start and really played as a team. Good communication most of the time and thoughtful passes which kept the game wide and fast. The team was strong, absorbing hard challenges at times. They also played against the wind in the first half and the uncanny presence of sunshine added an unfamiliar brightness.
The first goal came from a corner. Andy Easton heading it confidently into the back of the net, a great goal and I wasn’t surprised because the team looked so strong from the start. What surprised me was that there weren’t more goals before Colin Dobbie scored some time later. A couple of real opportunities were missed with the ball seemingly ‘hanging’ around the goal mouth on a few occasions but no-one to complete the task. Well aimed corners didn’t result in goals despite real effort and precision. What was impressive was the creativity of the forward players and how that was supported by the midfield. Lovely fast play, good movement enabling the game to flow and keep the players connected.
This, along with excellent defence and impressive speed in attack created a really enjoyable match. Consequently Moorland were unable to have real impact, despite opportunities, especially in the second half. After Colin Dobbie scored there were great celebrations due to the fact that the goal was the first he had scored in three years - well done Dobbie and nice celebratory roll/dive! I feel loath to mention particular individuals because I wish to celebrate the sense of team work, the calls between the players, the silent acknowledgements and the appreciative looks. However, there is the tradition of naming the man of the match and I feel it had to go to one of the forwards so well done Mohammed!

I can’t complete this report without the mention of the dog who accompanied the opposition’s trainer, obediently lying down beside or carefully circling around players as they were attended to. That dog was impressive, obediently leaving the pitch when asked to, tail constantly wagging. So, sunshine, sausages, seagulls, a happy dog, pies and a good win for North Kelvin made for a great Saturday afternoon. If only Sheffield Wednesday had got three points against Derby - but hey you can’t have everything.

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