U17s Maintain Winning Start

 Peebles u17s maintained their winning start to the season with a 1-0 victory over Kelso.  The match kicked off on a sodden Kerfield pitch which was heavy from all the recent rain.  The coaching team continued with the successful 4-2-3-1 formation which had served them well the previous week against Lauder. Despite some enforced changes to personnell and with some boys being asked to play out of position Peebles started more brightly picking up where they had left off the previous week.  The back four of Michael, Lewis, Jack and Dan were very comfortable allowing Michael in particular to push forward in support.  Indeed it was to Michael that the best chance of the first half probably fell, but a reluctance to hit the shot first time from just outside the box meant that his chance of glory passed.  Peebles continue to press and forced a series of corners.  The variety provided by Scott was a feature of the game and Peebles were unlucky that none produced any clear cut chance with the crowded penalty area proving to great an obstacle.  It was form one of these corners that Kelso broke up field with a clear 3 against 1 but the Peebles defence held firm with a beast of a tackle by Lewis terminating the threat.  The second half beckoned with the teams still level.  Kelso came out in the second half inspired by their team talk to close down Peebles.  Ben, Drew and Scott struggled to maintain any sort of possession with Ryan and Naz conceding possession as they were crowded out by a much fiestier Kelso midfield.  Peebles couldn't find any rythm and were now relying on the counterattack.  The introduction of Adam in defence momentarily gave the home side a lift and he made an immediate impact creating and supporting a swift break.  Despite continued Kelso pressure, particularly from a series of long throws and free kick in and around the box it was Peebles who came closest to scoring.  Again a great corner from Scott was met with a thumping header from Drew who was unlucky to see his effort crash off the bar.  Kelso continued to press but were not carrying any real goal threat with the Peebles defence and Jack in particular having a solid display.  The game seemed destined to end goalless but with 5 minutes remaining Reidy flicked on a long pass from Adam.  Scott reacted quickest getting to the ball just before the advancing Kelso keeper gently lobbing it into the empty net.  It was a cruel moment for Kelso to concede as it left little time to muster any serious pressure and Peebles were able to comfortably see the game out.  Man of the Match Jack Crory for an outstanding display in the heart of a solid defence.  Squad: Will, Michael, Lewis, Adam, Dan, Jack, Robbie, Drew, Ben, Naz, Jamie Ridgeway, Reidy, Ryan, Scott.