Before our trip to the amateurs of Edinburgh University our Reserves won 2-1 away to Ormiston Res on Thursday 27th – Goals from triallist Darren Lavery and 1 late-on from Jordan Hopkinson.
Edinburgh University AFC ( https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edinburgh_University_A.F.C. ) were admitted to the Lowland League in 2014/15 and have finished 11th, 6th, 11th and 11th up until the in game season 2018/19, where IRL they finished guess where – yes, 11th 🙂 Its another short journey in Edinburgh – under 7 miles to just south of Holyrood Park, and we will be looking to bounce back strongly after the robbery of the last game.
Hainey is back up front (I’ve added personalised instructions for him to move into the channels as his Off-the-Ball is so good), Andy Mair is back on the left wing, Faye starts on the right, Churchill replaces Devers and McCulloch is back as the DLP. McVitie is in for the banned Clappers, back 5 stays the same with Kelly showing no injury after pulling up with a tight hamstring against Spartans (I rested him since so hopefully no issues today). Kieran Balfour is back on the bench (His only game of the season before injury saw him get 6 Key passes so looking forward to having him back). Edinburgh Uni start with a classic 4-5-1 low block, hopefully we can break that early doors.
HT Edinburgh University 0 Civil Service 1 (Hainey 20)
It was a bright and breezy opening , very even, but Hainey got in on the act with a mazy dribble and beautiful finish to make it 1-0. We ended the half strongly with 59% possession and 82% pass completion overall, but I’d be much happier if we can convert a bit better in the second half. I’ve moved the attacking line higher as I’d like Hainey to be on the last man – let see how that pans out (Will it stretch us to far) and I’ve pulled McVitie into the BWM (defend) in Central Midfield as opposed to DM – If I see this pulling the formation apart I’ll change it back.
FT Edinburgh University 0 Civil Service 2 (Hainey 20,54) Att 83 (60 Away)
The second half started well, Edinburgh looking dangerous but a beautiful ball over from McVitie to Faye and a lovely cut-back to Hainey led to a tap-in for 2-0. Balfour was brought on for the last 20 mins and we closed the game out efficiently. Our passing improved in the 2nd half and possession went up slightly. We also took 60 fans (More than come to the home games on average) so that is a big positive. We now have a week before the next game so we can get back to some proper training. Up the Strollers!!!!
