Match Report

Update posted 19 February 08
Busby 0 Carnoustie 2 (12/01/08)

Thanks to passing an early pitch inspection, Busby hosted visitors Carnoustie in the Scottish Cup Round 5, one of only a handful of matches played in the whole of Scotland. The Sky cameras could not manage to Overlee in time, so the television viewers had to watch wrestling and darts instead. Surprisingly the conditions were fairly benign considering the recent gales and snowstorms, and Busby started brightly, keen to get a competitive game under their belt. Good work and a turn on a sixpence by Davie Congleton set up the first half chance for Andy Hicks, but the maestro just failed to work the visiting goalie. Carnoustie settled into the game, and maintained a period of consistent pressure on the Busby defence. They were particularly dangerous from throw ins and set pieces, mainly due to 2 extremely tall players, one over 8 feet tall, and the other a mere 7 feet in height. They caused chaos in the Busby box, and any real chance in the opening period resulted from their ariel superiority. Kevin Toner, at a mere 5 feet 2 inches, found the ariel duel particularly taxing. The home team coped well with the second ball though, and managed to clear their area without mishap. Much of the play was confined to the midfield, and lacked any real penetration or imagination. After 30 minutes Brian Carroll received his customary booking, after taking out a Carnoustie forward in the first real dangerous break of the match. Busby responded, and a short corner by Congo to Iain Murphy saw a great shot from the midfield dynamo kicked off the line. After 30 minutes Ross Cumming was substituted after smudging his mascara, and manager Jimmy Roberts threw on the gigantic figure of Barry Shields to help cope with the height of the opposition.

Both teams were playing attractive midfield football, but the home supporters had to wait until 5 minutes before half time, before their only real chances. Firstly, a superb cross from Davie Congleton found Andy Hicks lurking at the back post, and he crashed a close range, left foot shot into the side net. Some of the fans celebrated thinking it was a goal, only for their joy to be quashed as the sprightly goalie ran behind to recover the ball. Immediately after that chance, a great run down the right wing by Barry Shields and a quick ball to Scott Gilbertson, saw the striker cut the ball across the goal to an unmarked Iain Murphy, but the dynamo just failed to connect in front of an open goal. The second half began with the first real chance for Carnoustie, as the Mullett failed to cut out a dangerous, inswinging corner, and the onrushing forward having one eye on the ball, and the other on the rapidly nearing goal post, just could not squeeze the ball into the net. It was obvious this was going to be a close game, and that it would take a flash of magic or the despair of a mistake to win the tie. The latter arrived after a period of Carnoustie pressure, when a bread and butter cross from the Busby left was spilled by the Mullett to the feet of a forward, who rammed his late Christmas present into the net. Busby looked thoroughly deflated after putting so much into the game. The big keeper made a great save minutes later, after some indecision in the home defence, when he dived to tip a goal bound shot round the post. To their great credit the home team responded to the setback, and parked themselves in the Carnoustie half. A bout of ping pong in the 6 yard box, saw the ball just elude the attempts of Congo and Gilbey to thump a bouncing ball into the net. In the closing minutes the visitors doubled their advantage, when another cross from the Busby left, saw defensive stalwart Mark Smith touch the ball past a despairing Mullett into the net. The visitors celebrated wildly, and their travelling support fell over their empty bottles of Stella Artois as they rushed to greet their heroes. The last kick of the game saw Barry Shields belt a great chance into the side net, to really sum up the Busby performance, which was a lot of effort and some good football, but no real cutting edge up front. Ultimately, this cost them the game. Although the winners were certainly a well organised outfit, they could have been beaten. At least the distraction of a cup run is now over, and the boys can really concentrate on the main objective of the season – staying in the Premier Division.


OBAN SAINTS V BUSBY (15/12/07)

Busby took on Oban at Mossfield with the home side having the opportunity of going into third place in the league if they picked up all three points but instead they lost their second home league game in a row going down 3-2 to a spirited Busby side, in what is going to be a really tight league this season at both top and bottom. This was a great performance from Busby who came from behind twice in the match. The game, played on a superb surface at Mossfield, started at a good pace with both teams knocking the ball about confidently. Oban had the early initiative, but Busby showed their intent by playing three up front.The home side took the lead in the 22nd minute when a great ball was played through the Busby defence, and the forward turned his marker before thumping a right foot drive high into the net past the helpless Busby keeper Scott Kennedy. Oban were playing some good stuff and were taking the game to their opponents, but in the 37th minute the referee took a hand in proceedings by awarding a soft penalty against the home side. The ball was played through a ruck of players, then dummied in the box by David Congleton. It hit an Oban defender on the arm and to everybodys amazement the referee pointed to the spot. This seemed a very harsh decision as is was clearly accidental. Ross Cumming was entrusted with the spot kick and he blasted the ball past the helpless keeper to put his side level. It was a shell shocked Oban squad that trooped off at the interval, very upset by the penalty decision.

However, the home side got the perfect start to the second half. A long throw from the right was headed on and an alert Oban forward fired an acrobatic overhead kick into the net to put his team back in front. Credit to Busby though they came storming back and had Saints pinned in their own half for a spell and equalised in the 58th minute when John ONeill sent over a cross cum shot from the left which completely deceived the Oban keeper with the ball sailing over his head and into the net. The home side were stung by this goal and lost their shape after this with players charging forward leaving spaces for the eager Busby forwards to exploit. Oban were living dangerously at the back and were eventually caught out when a slick move involving Ross Cumming and Scott Gilbertson resulted in the ball being played to David Congleton who had the easiest of chances to score. This was a great goal for Busby to score at such a crucial stage in the match. With time running out the home side made a determined effort to get at least a point from the game and Busby keeper Scott Kennedy had to make two fine saves to keep his goal intact. Oban pushed forward with several forwards coming close with good efforts, but alas time ran out for the home side, and Busby won their third game in a row. A great performance from the boys, which must give them a real lift for the remaining league games. No doubt the Buckie Bus was bouncing all the way back to Busby.


Update posted 17 December 07
BUSBY 3 CAMBRIA 1 (08 December 07)

Back to the important task of accumulating vital league points after last weeks confidence boosting victory in the Scottish Cup. Another perishingly cold and wet day at Huntly tested the resolve of the Busby faithful, but compared to Christmas shopping, it seemed like a walk in the park, even though the long johns and the woolly vest were on. A pitch inspection by the blind referee somehow saw the game starting on time. Busby started with Brian Carroll at sweeper, the 25th player to play in this position this season, and he brought all his abundant skills and experience to the role. An early chance was made by Kevin Tonner, who sprinted, yes sprinted, down the wing and crossed to Ross Cumming, who controlled the ball, and shot just wide of the post. Edwin Van Der Sar was absent in goal for the visitors, as he had been recalled to Manchester United, and the substitute goalie was having a difficult time against the Busby attack. After 10 minutes, the early pressure on the visitors caused a stupid tackle in the box on Davy Congleton, and the big man went over like Shrek with a shriek. Ross picked up the ball, and effortlessly blasted the ball past the keeper. This should have allowed Busby to settle into the game, but Cambria equalised minutes later, when a poor passback by Brian Carroll was mishit by the Mullett, straight to a forward, who advanced a few steps, and rifled the ball behind the big chap. So much for skill and experience. This was disappointing, as Busby were guilty of faffing about, and the ball should have been cleared. Mullett made some amends minutes later, with a terrific save from a long range shot. The game ebbed and flowed, as the players tried to keep warm, and Ross Cumming hit the woodwork twice in quick succession, as Busby upped the pace. Just before half time they took the lead, when Davy Congleton took a throw in to feet, danced round 2 defenders, and thundered a thumping shot into the top right hand corner of the Cambria goal. The real Edwin Van Der Sar would not have kept the shot out! A great goal from the big man.

The second half started with sleet and rain driving into the faces of the home team, as Cambria started quickly. Much of the play was confined to the midfield paddy field, and the highly paid footballers began to look more like mud wrestlers. The ball stuck in the mud frequently, and made passing football impossible. Busby were now hemmed in by Cambria, and just could not clear their box. The only moment of respite in the early second half, was a thundering run by John ONeill, and his powerful shot was tipped over the bar. The game became a bit of a shambles, as the state of the pitch deteriorated, but the Busby defenders tackled and defended resolutely, and several were seen making 60 yard sliding tackles. The backs to the wall effort was rewarded 10 minutes from the end, when Barry Shields scuttled down the left, found a piece of grass, and belted a great ball to the little feet of Gilbey in the middle. The old fellow side stepped a defender, and smashed the ball into the left hand corner of the net. The home team went wild, and chased after Gilbey to congratulate the wee man. The points were now in the bag, although credit to Cambria who fought bravely for the last few minutes. Their winger clipped a shot just over the bar, as the referee blew for full time. Another 3 points towards safety, and Busby must now believe there are enough games left to climb above the teams above them. Manager Jimmy Roberts was asked the perennial question about summer football at the post match interview. In a conversation about the state of the winter weather, he was asked whether he preferred grass or Astroturf. The Busby legend stated that he preferred grass, as he had never smoked Astroturf. An oldie, but a goodie.


BUSBY 3 DYSART 2 (01 December 07)

A Scottish Cup tie against the team from near Kirkcaldy gave Busby the chance to break their run of two losing games. The big travelling support dwarfed the Busby faithful, as they journeyed to the big smoke. Early Busby pressure resulted in a good through ball from Davy Congleton almost find Scott Gilbertson in front of an open goal, but the ball was touched away at the last moment. A shot from Andy Hicks, and a shot from Ross Cumming, which landed in the duck pond at Rouken Glen Park, were all that the home team could offer early in the match. The visitors were playing some neat, crisp football, and came close as a cross from the Busby right looped over the Mullet and almost landed in the net. The home team were defending in depth, and even Kevin Tonner was back helping, although with a head the shape of a 50 pence piece, he was causing as much chaos as the opposition forwards. The home team gradually gained the ascendancy, and pushed the opposition back. They took the lead after 30 minutes when a cross from Andy Hicks was palmed into the path of Iain Murphy, and the midfield dynamo thrashed the ball through a forest of legs into the net. As the Busby fans were still celebrating, a bit of dithering in the Busby box saw captain and defensive pillar Mick Elliott robbed of the ball, and the Dysart forward finished cleverly with a lob over the Mullett into the net. Once again, scoring a goal results in a loss of concentration, and an equalising goal follows. Bugger. The game flowed from end to end, a typical cup tie, and Busby regained the lead minutes later, when Barry Shields played a nothing ball into the Dysart box, and their right back inexplicably passed the ball past the keeper into the net.

As the half came to a conclusion, Busby keeper the Mullett, injured himself bending over to place the ball on the ground, and had to be treated by the substitute Busby physiotherapist, Stevie Elliott, standing in for the redoubtable Ian Bruce. The second team stalwart, stopper, captain, manager, and chief tactician, raced on with a cold drinks bottle to apply top notch medical care to the Busby keeper. Confidence exuded from the home team after the break, and they had a solid penalty claim turned down as the ball was handled in the box. Then a great slide rule pass from Kevin Tonner found goalscorer Iain Murphy in the box, but the midfield dynamo just missed the far post with his effort. Busby were well on top now, and Ross Cumming, having retrieved the ball from the duck pond, had a great shot graze the upright after a superb mazy run. For all their effort and commitment, Busby paid for not getting a third, when a mix up between the Mullett and Tonner at a corner, allowed a nippy Dysart forward to pounce and head the ball into the net. The visiting fans suddenly found their voices, and their Buckfast, and called on their heroes to go for the winner. But Busby were determined, and deservedly won the game, when great interplay between Ross, Congo and Hicksey, saw the midfield maestro storm into the box with the ball at his feet. Just as he was about to pull the trigger, he was clattered, and the referee pointed correctly to the spot. Ross grabbed the ball, and almost uprooted the net with his finish. Has he ever missed a penalty? Dysart battled to the end, and hit the bar with a header in the last minute. As the referee blew the final whistle, the Busby faithful found their voices, and their Buckfast, and the end of game banter between the fans began. A solid victory for the boys in red, lets hope they can keep the momentum going in their remaining league games.


BUSBY 0 REDBRAE 2 (17 Novenber 07)

A West of Scotland cup tie at Huntly gave the boys respite from the trauma of the league campaign. As usual at Huntly, it was wet and windy, a bit like Tonner after a drink and a curry. The fans were well protected against the elements, although they were outnumbered by the visiting fans from Redbrae, wherever Redbrae is. A depleted Busby squad could only muster Manager Jimmy Roberts and Assistant Manager Brian Carroll as substitutes, the latter having just returned from a fortnight at the Priory dealing with his affection for the old jungle juice. Linesman Ian Bruce, having taken too much Viagra the night before, could not get his trousers on, and had to watch the match on the telly. Early pressure from Redbrae saw a couple of holes appear in the Busby defence, and one of their forwards had an early open goal, only to strike the ball inches past the post. Busby adopted a new innovative defensive formation, with both central midfielders Andy Hicks and Kevin Tonner playing at right back, as well as the delegated man, Ian Spud Murphy. No, I could not figure it out either. Eventually, with help from Assistant Manager Brian Carroll, they sorted it out, and good work from Ross Cumming on the right, found Andy Hicks in the middle, but his shot just zipped past the post. The Mullett, with his sore finger now better, made a great save to thwart the visitors. A superb Tonner pass, found Gilbey on the left, and little twinkle toes danced round a defender, before firing a wicked shot at the keeper. Ross got to the rebound but could not finish.

A quick free kick for Redbrae resulted in the ball being played down the wing and humped across the goal, to be met by a great volley, and cleared off the line by Liam McGuinness. Busby were playing with the wind and the rain at their backs, and should really have opened the scoring with chances for Ross and Gilbey. The referee was becoming a bit annoying with some of his decisions, and did seem to favour the visitors. Half time came with the game evenly poised. Redbrae started the second half quickly, and created a couple of early chances. The referee also took an early opportunity to take substitute Brian Carrolls name at the side of the park, just to save him doing it when he eventually came into the game. 10 minutes into the second half Redbrae scored after some dithering in the Busby defence, when the ball should have been cleared. It was intercepted, played into the 18 yard line, and emphatically struck behind the diving goalie.The referees interpretation of the advantage rule was causing chaos among the teams, and both sides had a go at the little chubby chap in the tight black outfit. The best chance of the match for Busby was created by a Ross Cumming run down the left, and a great cross to the feet of Davy Congleton, but the keeper saved at the feet of the striker. Another chance was created from a quick Gilbey turn and cross at a shy, but there was no one to stab the ball into the gaping goal. Busby were putting great pressure on the Redbrae goal, but the goal just did not come. To highlight just how little luck the boys have had this season, a nothing ball was pumped into the Busby defence, and as he stepped forward to clear the danger, Liam McGuinness slipped over and the ball bounced fortuitously to a Redbrae striker, who rounded the Mullett and struck the ball into the empty net. Nae luck ! The game ended among some acrimony, after Andy Hicks was twice upended when boring in on goal, and no advantage was forthcoming. The maestro was livid, and charged after the whistler seeking to wring his neck, but could not make up the distance before the final whistle. The man in black had definitely lost the plot, and quickly brought the game to its conclusion. The usual post match banter ensued, but heavy hearts were evident in the Busby camp, as they just don’t seem able to buy a win at present.


BUSBY 2 OBAN SAINTS 3 (10 November 07)

A change of home venue saw Busby face one of the league leaders at Huntly Park. The home team were in good fettle following their comfortable victory against the Scottish Claymores in the Scottish Cup last week.Early play was fairly even, as the ball was passed around on the quick, greasy surface. A couple of half chances round the Busby goal worried the home fans, but the Busby forwards also looked lively, and the heavily pregnant Oban number 3 defender struggled to keep up with boys in red. One moment of early hilarity, revolved round the Busby assistant manager/bag man/linesman, Ian Bruce. The old chap, looking a touch confused, could not decide whether the ball was out as Oban attacked along his touchline. As he hesitated in raising his flag, a torrent of abuse spouted from the Saintly players, who suggested the old fellow might raise his flag a big quicker. The flustered linesman responded that he just could not get it up quick enough, relating to his flag waving, and not his personal life. Maybe some Viagra might be required to please Mrs Bruce.

Busby took the lead mid way through the first half, after Scott Gilbertson finished a half chance, as the ball bounced around the penalty box. Just before half time the visitors equalised, when a vicious corner kick was headed on at the near post, and the ball ended up nestling in the far corner. Another Gilbey goal, as the big man leapt like a salmon to power a header behind the despairing keeper, regained the lead for Busby early in the second half. The Saints evened the contest, when a lob from the edge of the box flew over the Mullett into the net. Minutes later, a wonderful, instinctive save from the Mullett kept Busby in the game, but the big man squealed in pain as the ball thudded into his hand. As he sat on the grass holding his sore paw, the redoubtable Ian Bruce raced to his aid, and quickly peeled off the keepers glove. Unfortunately, one of the Mulletts fingers had stuck to the glove, and broke off as the glove was removed. The highly trained bag man quickly assessed the situation, cleaned the detached digit, and superglued it back on. Oban become more and more dominant as the game progressed, and the pressure eventually told, when their lively substitute did his version of Strictly Come Dancing in the Busby box, and fired a rasping shot past the Mullett. A better performance from the Busby boys, but nil points to show for their effort.

Update posted 13 November 07
CAMBRIA 4 BUSBY 0 (27 OCTOBER 07)

A striking contrast in venues from last week, saw Busby travel to the magnificent, opulent facilities of Strathclyde University at Stepps, to play fellow relegation candidates Cambria. Even at this early stage of the season, with the two teams in the relegation places after slow starts to the season, a win was vital to help maintain Premier Division status.The game began on the bowling green pitch, with a bit of a howling gale behind the home team. Early play was confined to the midfield, and the first real chance came to Busby, when a good, early cross from Davy Congleton was volleyed just past the post by Andy Hicks. A further couple of early chances for Ross Cumming and John ONeill emphasised the dominance of Busby at this stage, as they looked determined to put their early season woes behind them. Cambria responded well as the game flowed from end to end, and an exchange of free kicks from just outside the box heightened the supporters anticipation. The first clear cut opportunity of the match fell to Busby, when a Cambria pass back was punted straight to John ONeill who just failed to hit the open goal. The Cambria keeper was resplendent in his green Edwin Van Der Sar strip, and looked the spitting image of the big Man Utd Dutchman, apart from being shorter, heavier, balder, older, and not being Dutch. To be fair to the big Cambrian chap though, he is one of the best goalies in the league, and his long kicking from the floor is outstanding.

He was a distant spectator a minute later, when an innocuous ball was played into the Busby box, and bounced up and caught surprised defender Paul Madden on the arm. The away team and their supporters were incredulous when the referee awarded a penalty. Despite the protests, the referee was adamant, and the ball was confidently belted past the Mullett. Two really dodgy penalty awards in consecutive games, highlight the paucity of luck for Busby this season. The goal energised the home team, who sensed a degree of vulnerability in the visitors, and they were rewarded with a second goal 10 minutes later. A rash two footed challenge by Brian Carroll in the left back area, was punished when the free kick was expertly curled into the net, just under the crossbar, despite the best Superman attempts of the flying Mullett to keep it out. Both the ball and the erstwhile superhero ended up in the corner of the net. The half ended with bookings for Davy Congleton and Brian Carroll, as frustration grew in the Busby ranks.

They started the second half channelling their frustration positively, and a great half chance was created when Kevin Tonner headed on a corner to Gerry Cummins, whose shot was touched over the bar by the man in the green outfit. Against the run of play, Cambria added a third, when after some dithering and indecision in the Busby defence, the ball was rifled into the net from 18 yards by an alert forward. To their great credit, Busby never gave up, and captain Mick Elliott led by example when he strode forward and passed to Kevin Tonner. The midfield genital saw his shot saved by the jolly green giant, and John ONeill scuffed the rebound just past the post. Both Ross Cumming and substitute Scott Gilbertson went close as the pressure mounted on the home team. Gerry Cummins had a great header tipped over the bar, as Busby refused to give in, and searched for a goal to revive the game. Gerry Cummins again, doing his best impersonation of brother Ross, had his third half chance, when a longer set of studs would have seen the ball nestle behind the big green custodian. Cambria weathered the storm, and adding insult to injury, scored a fourth, when good midfield work found one of their players in oceans of space, and with enough time to turn a supertanker, look up and cleverly lob the keeper from 25 yards. Although certainly the better team, the scoreline did slightly flatter the home team. Busby could not be faulted for lack of effort, and the formation looked reasonably solid. Had Busby a bit more luck, they could easily have found the net a couple of times, but luck never wins games, and 4 nil is 4 nil.

Update posted 23 October 07
KILPATRICK FC 3 BUSBY 1 (20th OCTOBER 07)

A break from the trials and tribulations of the League campaign, saw Busby travelling to the salubrious playing fields at Garscadden, to face one of the teams they replaced in the Premier Division, in the Jimmy Marshall Cup. An unfamiliar blue away strip caused the fans difficulty in recognising their Busby heroes, with the luminous yellow jerseys of the home team causing numerous migraines in the local population, and several aircraft to mistake the pitch for the nearby Glasgow Airport runway. Busby were again missing their first choice strike force, as Ross and Congo were apparently away at a gay pride march in London, and before they could sort out their 4 4 2 from their 3 5 2, were a goal down. A weak goal kick by the Busby keeper was headed back from midfield into the path of a rampaging forward, who crashed the ball into the net for an early lead for Kilpatrick. Busby took a while to settle, especially at the back, as the four defenders had difficulty organising how to play against the two available forwards. This resulted in an advantage in midfield for the home team, and the ball continually coming back at the defence. However, among this early indecision, good play in the midfield by Robin Brownlie and Andy Hicks saw the ball quickly played to the wing and John O’Neill. His fierce cross was right into the path of Andy Hicks on the penalty spot, but the goalscoring midfielder just couldn’t sort his feet out quickly enough to get a decent shot at the goal.

Kilpatrick responded, and a couple of half chances saw a powerful long range shot tipped over the bar by Mullet, and a shot from a cross, blazed over from a few yards out. An element of farce appeared in the match after just over half an hour, when the home side were awarded a penalty after one of the Kilpatrick forwards tried to muscle his way through three Busby defenders in the centre of the box. He was stopped and the ball cleanly taken from him, and then proceeded to overbalance and fall to the ground. As the ball was cleared, the referee blew for a penalty, much to the disgust of the away players and fans. The kick was dispatched expertly past the keeper for a two goal lead. Definitely a homer. Busby pulled one back a couple of minutes later, when Brian Carroll tripped over an earthworm in the middle of the park, and was given a free kick. His quick kick caught out Kilpatrick, and Andy Hicks ran on and shot at the keeper. The ball spilled to John Metters who blasted high into the net. The goalscorers joy was short lived as he was injured a few minutes later, and had to be helped off, after extended first aid from the redoubtable Ian Bruce, and the foxy female physiotherapist of the home team. He was replaced by Kevin Toner as the half time whistle blew. The Busby substitute, with few first team appearances this season, certainly energised the forward line, and linked well with Brian Carroll and Andy Hicks, to create a great early chance for the postman to deliver, but his shot just curled wide. Busby were well in the ascendancy in this period of the game, and a great run down the left wing by John O’Neill, saw Ian Murphy crash a great chance over bar. An equaliser looked on the cards as the home team became disjointed, and were reduced to fighting with each other.

Busby self destructed after 30 minutes when a speculative shot from outside the box trundled under the despairing dive of Big Mullett, who admitted his culpability to the fans by acknowledging his resemblance to a sack of potatoes. Busby had a half chance to get one back immediately, when the Kilpatrick goalie picked the ball up in the box after grounding it. Brian Carrolls quick indirect free kick was cleared by the alert home defence. The game meandered to a conclusion, with several Kilpatrick players requiring prolonged attention from the previously mentioned foxy female physio, and some good verbal sparring between the teams, notably from the ever gregarious Kevin Toner, whose mouth is much quicker than his legs these days. Let’s hope with a full team, Busby can gather enough league points to stay in the top division.

KINGS PARK RANGERS 5 BUSBY 4 (13th OCTOBER 07)

A clash of dates with the big European Championship match against Ukraine at Hampden tested the resolve of the Busby faithful, who eventually decided to watch the boys in red and white, and listen to the boys in blue and gold. The initial early sparring indicated that both teams were intent on playing football on the big pitch, but neither keeper was tested early on. Busby played three up front, with the subtlety of Gilbey complementing the rumbustious, all action style of Rossco and Congo. Both of the big strikers had good early shots saved by the Rangers keeper. At the back, Mullett had difficulty distinguishing the ball from the grass at some of his goal kicks, and several clods of grass were seen in the air over the midfield. Busby settled well, and took the lead after 23 minutes, when a great little ball was threaded through the defence by Gilbey into the path of Andy Hicks, who timed his run to beat the offside trap. The maestro skilfully stroked the ball into the corner of the net. Without having time to settle on their lead, Busby were pulled back. A confused free kick between Brian Carroll and Ross Cumming was intercepted, and the ball humped up the park into the path of a Rangers striker, who struck the ball past the big keeper for the equaliser. The home team took the lead a few minutes later when a pass through the middle of the defence was knocked across, and belted in by the centre forward. Busby upped their game in response, and dominated the last 10 minutes of the half. A great run by Ross, and a pinpoint cross to the bald napper of Gilbey, forced a good save by the keeper. Rangers nearly went further ahead on the stroke of half time, when only a superb save by the big Mullett man kept his team in the game.

As the second half started, roars were heard from nearby Hampden to signal two early goals for the mighty Scotland against Ukraine. This stimulated Busby, and Ian Murphy did some tremendous work down the right wing, crossed into the box to Ross Cumming, who rifled a shot into the far corner for the equaliser. The bold Spud had a fantastic run minutes later, avoiding 4 tackles and 3 assaults before passing to Davy Congleton, who skimmed the top of the bar with his shot. The Busby wide man then had to be substituted, suffering from shortage of breath, and alcohol withdrawal. The normally mild mannered Andy Hicks was having a bit of a running joust with the referee, over some perceived injustice. The referee pulled him aside and told him to keep his toys in his pram. The game really burst into life in the last half hour. Rangers began to control the midfield, and took the lead again from a cross behind a hesitant Busby defence, which was headed into the net from close range. Another one followed soon after, when a great chip from outside the box, was lobbed over Mullett and his mullet. Busby began to rock, Rangers began to roll, and a lovely series of short, incisive passes opened up the away defence, and another was rolled into the net from inside the box. Great credit must then be given to Busby, who could easily have wilted and let the game peter out. They rolled up their sleeves, tackled like dervishes, and really got in the faces of the opposition. Several angry confrontations between opposing players seemed to unsettle the leaders, who had hoped to calmly see out the game. Busby flooded forward, and captain Mick Elliott strode forward and bashed a great shot into the net from the 18 yard line. Good work by Ross Cumming left Davy Congleton free in the six yard box, and he threaded a powerful shot into the pokey. Busby were all over the opposition now, and even Mullett thought about coming up for a late corner, but he could not find a bus or a taxi. They had a couple of other half chances before the final whistle came to the rescue of the home team. Glorious defeat, but defeat nonetheless. If only Busby had started as they had finished, 3 points would have been there for the taking. At least the mighty Scotland got the 3 points.

BUSBY 0 DUNCANRIG 2 (6th OCTOBER 07)

The wheels are not yet off the juggernaut, but they are rattling about a bit, and this game provided the opportunity for Busby to compete against one of the teams they might be fighting with to stay in the Premier League this season. The boys started well, with much of the early pressure, and a long shot from Andy Hicks was almost touched into the net by Gilbey. The Duncanrig keeper flapped at a couple of crosses, and a great shot from Gilbey just missed the far post. Duncanrig responded well, and created their first real chance of the match, when a good run down the Busby left resulted in the cross into the box being skelped narrowly past the post, with the Busby keeper watching admiringly. Big Robin Brownlie gave us his impersonation of Franz Beckenbauer (ask your faither), with a great break from the back, several one twos, and a fine shot saved by the keeper. The big man had to wait for the Clarkston train to get back to his usual defensive position. The game was fairly even, with both teams creating half chances, and the fans were well entertained by some good football. Just before the break, Busby had to make a substitution, as Kevin Toner somehow pulled a muscle, and admitted it was the first thing he had pulled since his holiday in Ibiza last summer.

The start of the second half produced Busbys best chance of the match, when a Jimmy Roberts free kick was powerfully headed on by John Metters, and a great touch by Gilbey resulted in the away keeper scrambling to stop the ball going over the line. Chances followed for John Metters, and even Mick Elliot advanced far enough to rifle a shot over the bar. Duncanrig then had the chance of the match, and their centre forward should have buried a cross from the right to open the scoring. Then the inevitable happened after so much good work by the home team. After 15 minutes of the second half, Duncanrig scored, when a shy on the Busby left resulted in a hopeful ball across the 18 yard line. Jimmy Roberts was short with his pass back to Mullett, and an alert forward ran on to it, rounded the keeper, and tapped the ball into the empty net. The East Kilbride side almost doubled their lead three minutes later when their winger broke through the Busby defence, rounded the keeper, but had to take the long way round the big man. The angle was tight, and his shot was headed off the line by Robin Brownlie. Duncanrig were well on top now, and went close from a free kick on the 18 yard line after Jimmy Roberts upended one of their players. Busby appeared demoralised, and the coup de grace was applied, when, with the ball bouncing about just outside the box, a Duncanrig forward took control, charged through a couple of girlie Busby challenges, and slotted the ball past the Mullett. The final act of a disappointing game for Busby, was a John O’Neill blockbuster, which decapitated a few daisies, but hardly troubled the Duncanrig goalie. The hard work must now begin for Busby, as they are in real danger of becoming adrift at the bottom of the league.

BUSBY 3 INVERCLYDE 4 (15th SEPTEMBER 07)

A lovely autumn day at Overlee saw Busby keen to get their league campaign back on track after last weeks heavy defeat to old rivals Postal United. While the referees whistle blast was still ringing in the ears, and before the fans had taken their seats, the home team found themselves one down, when a speculative cross come shot from the left, found its way through the diving Busby goalkeepers arms and legs and into the net. Everyone looked in disbelief at the big man, as the Inverclyde players celebrated a very early Christmas present.The generous home defence were not finished with the presents, when 3 minutes later a diagonal ball was played between a very square Busby rearguard, and the dainty Inverclyde number 10 with the pretty yellow boots, tapped the ball past the keeper. Two down in 4 minutes. A lot of reshuffling was required at the back, as the consequences of playing a flat back four against two nippy, mobile forwards, dawned on the Busby players and management. To their credit Busby reorganised, and had the majority of the play for the next 20 minutes or so. Jimmy Roberts and his zimmer found some space in midfield, and fired a great crossfield pass to Andy Hicks whose cross was met by Ross Cumming. The big man hit the target with his shot, and the keeper parried the ball round the post. Davy Congleton had a terrific turn on the right wing, leaving two Inverclyde defenders having to pay to get back on the park, but his shot was again saved by the keeper. Mark Smith, settling into a midfield destroyer role, also tested the keeper with a fine long range shot.The rest of the first half was fairly even, with yellow boots and his partner keeping the Busby defenders on their toes. Ross and Congo were always available as good out balls, and had several rampaging runs through the visitors defence.

Ten minutes into the second half the introduction of Brian Carroll and Barry Shields made a big difference to Busbys attacking play, and they looked more dangerous and incisive. Brians passing was sublime, and his neat give and goes were entertaining the crowd, but he does have to refrain from shouting for the ball from some ridiculous areas of the park. It would take someone better than Ronaldinho to find him with the ball sometimes, and even a Cruise missile would have difficulty hitting him at times. Just as the home team were getting a foothold in the game, a moment of madness from Gerry Cummins seemed to have swung the game terminally towards Inverclyde. Having earlier been booked for hand ball, the Busby pillar chased a ball over the sidelines, then tried to run over several Inverclyde players, substitutes, officials and a wee dug standing at the touchline. He complained to the referee that he only clashed with six of them, pleaded stupidity, insanity, and premenstrual tension, but the referee saw through his protestations, and gave him an early shower. Paradoxically, this event galvanised the home team, and before the culprit had the hot water on his back, Busby had a goal back through a great near post header from Brian Carroll. Within 10 minutes, Busby had raced into the lead, when two quick Ross Cumming goals, very similar, and the second after good work from Andy Hicks, raised the roof of the Overlee pavilion. The fans could not believe what was happening, and were celebrating the greatest comeback since Lazarus, when immediately from the kick off, Inverclyde walked up the park, crossed a great ball into the box, and yellow boots ghosted in to level the match. The last few minutes were frantic, with goalscoring opportunities at both ends, especially by Ross Cumming as his mazy run ended with his shot rolling agonisingly past the post. Just as the players and fans were waiting for the final whistle, and a sporting share of the spoils, Brian Carroll demonstrated that his tackling is not quite as good as his passing, with a clumsy challenge on an Inverclyde forward, and an invitation to go to ground. The forward took the chance, and his dive and squeal convinced the referee to award the penalty kick in the last minute of the match. It was duly despatched for the winner, with no time to restart the game. So near, yet so far for Busby, clutching defeat from the jaws of victory.

GREENOCK HSFP 1 BUSBY 2 (1st SEPTEMBER 07)

And so the new season begins with as hard a game as possible, as Busby travel doon the watter to face last season’s Premier Division champions. The big pitch at Battery Park was sunny but blustery as the teams kicked off. Greenock started confidently, knocking the ball about, and pulling the Busby midfield and defence all over the place. Much of the play was confined to the middle third, and no real chances were created. The first chance for Greenock saw the new Busby keeper, Scott Kennedy aka Mullett, make a fine save. Busby eased into the game, and good midfield play by Ross Cumming, saw a great ball threaded through to Davie Lonergan, whose attempt just crept past the far post. An element of self destruction was evident in the Busby play when defender Robin Brownlie attempted a dangerous crossfield pass. The ball was intercepted by a Greenock forward, and his neat lob flew over the keeper, and happily for big Robin, just over the bar. This helped the home team gain the ascendancy, and good play down the Busby right resulted in a wicked cross being volleyed over by the Greenock centre forward. Busby responded, and after 25 minutes scored their first goal in the Premier Division. A great mazy run by Davie Congleton, barging through three big girlie challenges, ended with a scuffed shot into the net from 1 yard by Ross Cumming. This prompted the home team into concerted pressure, and a great shot from 30 yards skimmed the top of the bar. Injury to the new Busby goalie just before half time caused some concern among the away fans, but the big chap managed to repair his tights, and limped through to the end of the first half.

Most of the play at the start of the second period was in the Busby half, but like Toner on a Saturday night, it lacked penetration. Busby defended well, and limited the opposition to long range shooting. A great save by Mullett from one of these attempts, maintained the Busby lead. Greenock pressed forward for the equaliser, and paid the price, 15 minutes from the end, when they committed too many players forward, and were caught on the counterattack. The ball arrived at the feet of midfield maestro Andy Hicks, who lobbed a wonderful shot over the keeper into the net from 35 yards. Or was it 45 yards. Who cared, as the goalscorer wheeled away to celebrate with his team mates. Does this man ever score ordinary goals. The second goal initially deflated the home team, but they responded admirably as the minutes ticked away. They pushed forward their rather large centre half, who caused some mayhem in the Busby defence with his robust challenges and dodgy haircut. The big lad got his reward, with good control, a lovely wheel, and a shot into the far corner, to make it a nervous last few minutes for the visitors. Scott Kennedy, having recovered from his early trauma, made certain of the 3 points for Busby with two great saves in the last minute. The final whistle was greeted by jubilation from the players and supporters. A great start for the boys, lets hope they can consolidate a place in the top division this season.