Braes infiltrated upon Cubs territory, and went home with the share of the spoils in a fiercely contested 5400 seconds.
A colony of bodies were missing from the previous week. Young Stephen, Young Small, Young MacDonald and Young Cruickshank all unavailable/too fucked for selection. There were 15 able bodies though, and Adam captained the Sleuth into battle. This battle happened to come against a Braes team who had drafted in a cluster of bodies from pillar to post. A non reflective starting eleven from their weekly ridings.
The game started evenly, but with the Cubs passing slickly and looking like the better team. The football on show was the best performance in many a week, but this exquisite ball movement proved to be the downfall. Watching the Barca style of play unfold infront of his eyes, Eggo had visions of Xavi as he recieved a backpass from Baird. Unfortunately, the fine touch, and time to compose from Young Eggo allowed traitor Ager to run onto the stroked ball, leaving a net emptier than the brain of todays referee. This despite the desperate attempt to paw the ball from its destination.
Cubs continued to play their game though and just couldn't find the balance from high posession into attacking fluidity. Sword did however unleash a stabbed effort, which looked for all the world as though it was heading into the bottom corner - a great save. Hagger then headed a cross ball from the outstanding Reno which no young Cubs could manage to paw into the net, as it crawled painfully wide.
Young Batchelor was excelling in the centre back role, and Boyle showed he could nutmeg a mermaid on his constant dribbles. Braes left back then departed with a sore vagina as the game was petering out in both final thirds.
A continued theme is the Cubs being given spawns of Willie Collum. The young referee announced we were playing a 'hand-ball permitted match' as the Cubs were not given what looked like a clear handball in the box. A penalty should have ensued, and the frothing at the mouth Cubs ultras behind the goal agreed. Not letting that fester in the minds, captain Caley juggled the ball but just couldn't find the crucial pass in behind for Sunday League veteran Yug.
The Cubs then fell to a 2 0 deficit. Ross of Braes jinked around the box and unleashed a hopeful swerving shot. It bamboozled Eggo as it dropped into the goal frame - a cruel twist for the keeper who's been in high form of late.
As the half came to a close McKendrick played the ball into Thomas following a good move, however, Thomas just couldn't find the target. The half ended 2-0, unjustly, with Braes creating nothing the whole half. A fine defensive performance from the Cubs, who mimicked an Italian style of play.
Cubs leader Paul then gave a positive half-time talk, knowing only a few errors had seen the Cubs trailing.Tails were raised as the second half began with the Cubs going hammer and tongs for a goal. There was some good attacking play, however, disappointingly the end product in attack from midfield wasn't as forthcoming today.
A switch to 4 4 2 was made as the Cubs eagerly searched for the comeback goal. The next goal was crucial, and it fell to the Braes. Mejka done a stunning Cruyff turn on the edge of the box, but fell into trouble. The ball was snatched by the snivelling Braes frontmen before being duly dispatched.
The only remaining goal came from a quick break in a final 15 minutes where the Cubs warranted at least a consolation goal.
Boyle and Brebner had late chances but the game was done and dusted, and the fat lady was singing. Cubs are left to ponder what might have been.
Goals win games, and the Cubs kicked no balls into the net lining.
Cubs 0 - 4 Braes
Match report by Jamie Baird
