Friendly - 29th March 2009
Bishopmill Villa 6 - 1 Buckie United (HT: 4 - 1)
Uniteds 1st game of the year wasn't best timed with most players "under the weather" following Scotland's big match the previous night, and most of our new young players unavailable due to Buckie Thistle under 19's having a match. Bishopmill took the lead straight from the kick off, catching united cold. A couple goalkeeping errors and another before the break with Thain hitting back on halftime. United played a lot better in the 2nd half bossing most of it hitting the woodwork twice, Thain and Fielding missing open goals, a goal chopped off for offsides that looked onside, and a few other chances. Bishopmill scored on the counter near the end though and added a 6th for good measure before the whistle.
Verdict: Bishopmill deserved their victory but the scoreline was maybe a bit flattering considering the amount of chances Buckie missed in the 2nd half and the defensive mistakes that cost 3 goals. Hopefully clearer heads for the next match where United will definitely have to tighten things up at the back and sharpen up in attack and start putting away chances.
Planwell Premier League - 12th April 2009
RUSTY UNITED KILLED OFF BY LATE FLURRY
Portgordon Victoria 5 - 1 Buckie United (HT: 1 - 0)
The season opened with a derby match in Portgordon with the hosts largely controlling the opening half hour. They took the lead in 8 minutes when a deep cross found Anthony WILSON at the back post who headed home. United gradually worked their way back into the game before the break without really creating much chances.
Buckie started the 2nd half a lot better and soon drew level when an excellent ball through by Duthie found Gary MCKAY who drilled the ball into the net. The game was quite even until about midway through the 2nd half when a Portgordon corner was brilliantly finished by Tony GREIG who caught it perfectly on the volley and rocketed it into the roof of the net. Number 3 for Portgordon came not long after when Darren THAIN volleyed in off the far post. At this point Buckie heads went down and the game became one way traffic as Portgordon piled on the pressure. John HARROLD and Mike CAMPBELL added further strikes to complete a superb 5-1 derby victory for the home side.
VERDICT: No complaints here as United were beaten by a Portgordon side who were simply more powerful and a lot sharper. The lack of friendlies showed as Uniteds marking was poor and they looked rusty and lacking match practice. A strange starting 11 perhaps as well as the management team experimented with the new squad to find out how players would cope in positions. But it is early days yet and once the squad gel and we get a settled team then maybe things will get better against other sides
United: Riddoch, Milton (Gordon), Gibbs (Murray), Main, Duncan (Reid), S Thain, Gerrie, McKay, G.Thain, Fielding, Duthie. Unused subs: Geddes, Petyt
Planwell Premier League - 19th April 2009
UNITED THROW IN THE 'TOUL
Buckie United 1 - 3 Tomintoul (HT: 0 - 3)
An uneventful opening period was ended when Iain Innes of Tomintoul ran down the line and squared for Scott ROBERTSON to tap in and give the visitors the lead on 25 minutes. United were playing very poorly with toul largely on top and when Andrew Duncan of Buckie hauled his marker down in the box 5 minutes later, Gary MCCONNACHIE converted the resulting spot kick to increase Tomintoul's lead. Another goal from Adam IRVINE just before the break had the visitors commanding a 3-0 lead at half time against a very poor home side that had managed just one shot at goal.
Buckie did play a bit better in the 2nd half with the sides fairly even. United keeper Scott Riddoch received a bad knee knock and had to come off 10 minutes after the restart. Ross Duncan of 'toul had a goal dissallowed for a foul on stand in keeper Geddes ten minutes later. On 70 minutes United pulled one back when Jordan GERRIE fired home but they couldn't add to it and Tomintoul ran out comfortable winners in the end.
VERDICT: Another poor display from United, especially in the 1st half with just one shot on goal. The 2nd half was slightly better and Buckie just about matched 'toul but a big improvement is needed if we are to do anything at all this season. No fight, no communication, no one wanted the ball, not good signs and things that need to be sorted out quickly. Still not the correct starting 11 but that might take time with so many new players. The next game at home to Rothes takes on huge significance now because if we lose that as well then its going to be a real struggle this season.
United: Riddoch (Amado), Milton (Mackie), Bain, Main, Duncan, S Thain, Gerrie, Fielding, Stewart (Whyte), Geddes, McKay. Unused subs: Reid, Coull
Planwell Premier League - 26th April 2009
OLD GUARD RETURN FOR BETTER DISPLAY
BUCKIE UNITED 1 - 3 ROTHES A (HT: 0 - 1)
After a poor start to the season United hoped for better here and fielded a more experienced line up. Rothes started the brighter of the 2 sides though and took the lead on 25 minutes when a cross found Willie TEMPLETON, who headed in at the far post. Buckie began to play better after the goal but could not find an equaliser before the break.
The 2nd half was just ten minutes old when the united defence was caught napping and Dave WATSON raced through to sidefoot under Coull and increase Rothes lead. Buckie's reply was almost immediate though, Steven FARQUHAR drilling home a rebound high into the net. Buckie pressed for an equaliser but were hit with a sucker punch 17 minutes from time when a goalmouth scramble saw Dave WATSON poke the ball in from 2 yards to get his 2nd of the day. No more goals but definetely a better performance from United than of late.
VERDICT: Still no points on the board for United yet but this performance was definetely a step in the right direction. Buckie had a lot better shape than previous weeks, created a lot more chances and were definetely more vocal. It was the same outcome in the end but on another day United could have easily been the winning side.
United: R.Coull, B.Mair, R.Cormack (J.Gerrie), K.Reid, S.Clark, D.Main (D. Coull), S.Farquhar, K.Pirie, S.Thain, K.Whyte, J.Petyt (J.Amado) Unused subs: Mackie, Geddes
Planwell Premier League - 3rd May 2009
UNITED LEGEND SHOOTS DOWN CHAMPIONS
BUCKIE UNITED 2 - 2 MORAY SOCIAL (HT: 1 - 2)
A sunny day greeted the 2 teams in Buckie as United looked to get their 1st points of the season against the league champions. It was Social who started the stronger though and they took the lead on 20 minutes when a freekick was floated in and headed home at the back post. Social were 2 up ten minutes later when a great run ended up with the winger firing home in off the post. The signs were ominous for Buckie but they managed to pull one back before the break when Kevin PIRIE ran through on goal and slotted the ball under the keeper.
United were a reborn side in the 2nd half and largely controlled the match. They just couldn't find the net though and received a blow when Scott Thain had to go off in 60 minutes with a broken ankle. Buckie continued to press in search of an equaliser but to no avail. You always felt United would get at least one great chance before the end and in the 89th minute a ball floated up the park found Neil Duthie clear of the defence to head over the onrushing keeper but the ball bounced agonisingly wide of the post. Just when it looked like their efforts would go unrewarded United veteran Neil DUTHIE, in his tenth year at the club, broke clear deep into injury time to smash a volley past the keeper into the net to send the home fans wild and give Buckie a point which was the very least they deserved.
VERDICT: Another slow start in this match as it took United about 20-25 minutes to get going again. It looked like another bad day at the office when Social went 2 in front but Buckie put in an excellent 2nd half performance to rescue a point. Its just a pity they couldn't equalise earlier because they surely would've went on to win the game as they were better than Social in every department after the break. Best performance and result of the season so far and its good to see that zero disappear in the points column. Well done lads!
United: S.Riddoch, D.Bain, S.Milton, S.Clark, K.Reid (A.Mackie), J.Gerrie, K.Pirie, S.Farquhar, B.Mair, S.Thain (N.Duthie), K.Geddes (D.Coull) Unused subs: P.Coull, J.Petyt
Planwell Premier League - 10th May 2009
DUTHIE HAT-TRICK AS UNITED ROAR BACK
BISHOPMILL VILLA 4 - 4 BUCKIE UNITED (HT: 1 - 0)
This was a tough fixture for United away to a Bishopmill side who will surely be involved in the race for the title this year. They started the match brightly though, havng the best of the play in the early stages. Kevin Pirie twice tested Bish keeper Ricca Collie with a couple of good strikes. Another shot soon after from Steven Farquhar was also pushed away by the busy Collie. It was the home side who took the lead however when a near post corner wasn't dealt with by the United defence and MCGETTRICK forced the ball over the line from close range.
Injuries forced Buckie to make two changes at the break, Dale Coull replacing Scott Milton and Kris Geddes replacing Davie Bain. Bishopmill started the 2nd half strongly and were 2 up in 50 minutes when Tony FRASER collected the ball 20 yards out and fired a shot high past Riddoch. It was 3-0 just two minutes later when a MCGETTRICK had an easy tap in to increase the lead. Buckie responded immediately though, a clever chip from Kevin Pirie found Alexander MACKIE who scored with a diving header at the back post. Gerrie and Farquhar both went close for United while Riddoch stopped from McGregor at the other end. The moment that turned the game came when Buckie replaced Gibbs with last weeks "Roy of the Rovers" hero Neil Duthie. In ruthless form, DUTHIE'S 1st touch was when he received a pass from Geddes at the edge of the box and turned to curl an excellent finish inside the post. Just moments later Buckie were level, Neil DUTHIE latching on to a long ball through, rounding the keeper and slotting home from a tight angle. Buckie's amazing 5 minutes of football continued when a headed ball through from Gerrie found the devastating Neil DUTHIE, who under some pressure from Bish defenders lifted a sublime lob over the onrushing Collie and into the net to send the Buckie contingent into raptures. Buckie had completed an astonishing comeback but with just 3 minutes remaining Bishopmill managed to salvage a point when MCGETTRICK slid home from 8 yards.
VERDICT: Another superb display from a United side who seem to be getting better every week. That elusive 1st win of the season surely can't be far away now. This was a great comeback against a side who are probably the best team in the league after Portgordon. Very hard to single anyone out but special mentions must go to Main and Clark who were excellent at the back, Farquhar and Pirie who were immense in the middle of the park, Joe Gerrie who gave the Bishopmill defence a torrid time and of course the evergreen Neil Duthie, who tore Bish to shreds with his hat-trick in 5 minutes. Another fine display from a steadily improving Buckie side. Well done again lads!
United: S.Riddoch, J.Stewart, S.Clark, D.Main, D.Bain (K.Geddes), S.Milton (D.Coull), K.Pirie, S.Farquhar, A.Mackie, J.Gerrie, G.Gibbs (N.Duthie)
Mike Simpson Trophy 1st Round - 12th May 2009
ALBION DUFF-US ON SHOCKING SURFACE
ELGIN ALBION 6 - 4 BUCKIE UNITED (HT: 3 - 1)
An excellent night weather wise in Duffus as Buckie kicked off their Simpson Trophy campaign against Elgin Albion. Alarm bells started ringing when United players attempted a kick about before the match and saw how long the grass was on the pitch. One player said it was like playing on a waterlogged pitch because the ball would not travel on the ground and wouldn't bounce properly either, while another asked if it was possible we could refuse to play the match. Anyway the game kicked off and United missed 2 or 3 early chances, Neil Duthie going close. Albion hit the bar followed by Buckie hitting the post a minute later. Elgin took the lead in 20 minutes however when a penalty was slotted home past Roger Coull. Just 2 minutes later however, Neil DUTHIE jinked along the edge of the box past 3 men and drilled home into the bottom corner to make it 1-1. Kevin Pirie's game ended as he tried to kick a ball which had stopped dead in the grass earlier than he expected and he fresh aired it, damaging ligaments in his knee. Albion added another 2 before the break to take a healthy 3-1 lead into the dressing room.
The 2nd half started terribly for United who were 5-1 down within 5 minutes of the restart. You felt Albion were wise as how to play on this surface while Buckie persisted to try and play a passing game which was near impossible. At this point it would probably have been better to put 4 players up front and resort to long ball but United kept going and pulled one back when Neil DUTHIE slotted home. Albion scored a 6th to rub salt in the wounds but with 15 minutes left Sam CLARK drilled a 30 yard freekick into the net. Clark was to put the ball in the net again minutes later, this time with a long throw in into the box which bypassed everyone except the keeper who got his fingers to it before it hit the net. The referee chopped off the goal leaving opposite sides arguing over the rules. With just a minute left Neil DUTHIE forced the ball home from 2 yards for his 2nd successive hat trick and 7th goal in the last 3 games.
VERDICT: A real night to forget for United who just couldn't play on this pitch. 5 or 6 players really struggled on it and were exposed time and again by balls over the top by Albion. A real shame after the steady progress Buckie have been making but there is no point dwelling on a shambolic cup tie that looked like a school playground kick about for most of the 90 minutes.
United: R.Coull, A.Mackie, R.Cormack, S.Clark, D.Bain, K.Geddes (D.Coull), K.Pirie (G.Thain), S.Farquhar, C.Murray (B.Mair), N.Duthie, M.Fielding
Planwell Premier League - 17th May 2009
GOAL MACHINE DUTHIE SCORES ANOTHER 4
BANFF ROVERS 3 - 5 BUCKIE UNITED (HT: 0 - 1)
A sunny but breezy day at Canal Park in Banff as the steadily improving United looked to claim their 1st victory of the season against Rovers. Buckie almost took the lead after only 5 minutes when a through ball from Kris Reid sent Neil Duthie clear but the keeper pulled off a fine save. Banff came close themselves though when a cross come shot hit the bar but was cleared to safety. The deadlock was finally broken on the half hour mark however when United were awarded a freekick out on the touchline and Kevin WHYTE rifled home into the far top corner of the net. Jordan Gerrie and Neil Duthie both had one on ones with the keeper before the break but both fired just past the post.
Buckie were slow to start the 2nd half and found themselves pegged back to 1-1 when Banff slotted home a 12 yarder. Ten minutes later United were back in front, Neil DUTHIE chesting home a rebound from a yard out. United keeper Roger Coulls knee gave way soon after and with no reserve keeper on the bench, Kris Geddes came on to play the rest of the game in goals. Banff equalised just minutes later when Geddes got his hand to a freekick but couldn't stop it hitting the net. Buckie finally stepped up a gear after this and it was soon 3-2 when who else but Neil DUTHIE broke clear to side foot under the keeper. Number 4 and Neil Duthie's 3rd hat-trick in 3 games was completed when excellent work on the wing from Gerrie ended with him drilling the ball low along the 6 yarder for Neil DUTHIE to easily side foot home. United came close again 2 minutes later, a 25 yard strike from Kris Reid smashing off the crossbar. They weren't to be denied though and a ball over the top found Neil DUTHIE who took it 1st time with a superb lob over the keeper into the roof of the net. Buckie were guilty of switching off for a few minutes thinking the job was done and a low ball was sidefooted home for Banff to make it 5-3. With just a few minutes remaining Buckie had the ball in the net again, an overhead kick from Kris Reid looped over the keeper and into the far side of the net but the referee disallowed it for a mystery foul which no-one was sure about.
VERDICT: 1st win of the season at last! Not the greatest of performances to be honest but Buckie never looked in danger of losing this game and had enough good chances to win this by double figures. Still leaking too much goals though and things need to be tightened up at the back. Special mention must go to the incredible Neil Duthie, who is absolutely on fire just now. 3 hat-tricks in 3 consecutive matches and 11 in his last 4 games speaks for itself. United are steadily improving and are now unbeaten in their last 3 league matches against champions Moray Social, title hopefulls Bishopmill and Banff Rovers so the signs are good.
United: R.Coull (K.Geddes), A.Mackie, D.Main, S.Clark, G.Sinclair, K.Whyte (G.Thain), S.Farquhar, M.Fielding, K.Reid, J.Gerrie (K.Stewart), N.Duthie.
Planwell Premier League - 19th May 2009
ABYSMAL 1ST HALF KILLS OFF UNITED
PORTSOY 5 - 1 BUCKIE UNITED (HT: 4 - 0)
Buckie travelled to Portsoy with high hopes of really kickstarting their season after a decent victory in Banff 2 days earlier. These hopes lasted roughly 15 minutes as Portsoy started strongly and took the lead when a nice passing move resulted in the ball being easily sidefooted home from 8 yards. Just 5 minutes later it was 2-0 to Portsoy when a diagonal ball found the winger in plenty space on the byeline and he sent a cross deep which was headed home from 3 yards at the back post. A disasterous spell of football by United was completed a few minutes later when the home side got their 3rd with another sidefooter from 10 yards. Buckie were all over the shop and just before the break Portsoy netted their 4th when Sam Clark was robbed of the ball just outside the box and the striker had the simple task of drilling under Belcher in the United goal.
The 2nd half saw an improvement from United but still nothing to write home about. Paul Coull was hauled down inside the box on 60 minutes and Joe GERRIE fired the resulting penalty into the top corner. The match was a lot more even but Portsoy were still the stronger side and Buckie's miserable night was completed ten minutes from time when a low ball drilled into the box saw Gary McKay slice an OG into his own top corner to hand Portsoy a deserved 5-1 victory.
VERDICT: This was a very poor performance from United. Portsoy seemed to win every ball and won the game simply because they wanted it more. The United manager must shoulder a large portion of the blame for this result also with a bizarre 7 new faces featuring in this game compared to side who won at Banff just 2 days earlier. Surely not the correct way to breed confidence or consistancy, it was a recipe for disaster.
United: B.Belcher, J.Gordon (R.Cormack), D.Main, S.Clark, A.Mackie (G.McKay), K.Stewart, S.Farquhar, K.Whyte, J.Stewart, P.Coull (G.Gibbs), J.Gerrie.
Planwell Premier League - 12th July 2009
VILLA ROB UNITED AT THE DEATH
BUCKIE UNITED 1 - 2 BISHOPMILL VILLA (HT: 0 - 0)
A Buckie side missing six 1st team regulars took the field for what was already a tough enough game against title hopefuls Bishopmill Villa, who were surely expecting an easy victory. This resurgent United squad don't hand out easy victories these days though as Bish soon found out. The 1st half was a very tight affair with neither keeper really having much to do, a Bish shot well held by the 14 year old Buckie trialist keeper and a decent United freekick from Kyle Stewart that was tipped round the post from the Bish keeper the only points of note.
The 2nd half started with Bish going close straight from the kick off but just 3 minutes in Buckie carved open the Villa defence and Kris GEDDES scored a spectacular strike from 25 yards into the far top corner. Surely a candidate for goal of the season. Bish clearly looked rattled as Buckie piled on the pressure and a low shot from Geddes was touched round the post from Mair in the Villa goal. The game see-sawed one way then the other as both sides pushed for the next goal which would be vital. It was Bishopmill who were to hit the net next though in 73 minutes as a great run down the wing and ball inside allowed Gary BURR to drill home at the near post. Both sides continued to throw everything at each other in search of a winner and it finally came in 84 minutes when a Bishopmill corner was headed home by Kelly SIM. Buckie piled forward in search of an equaliser but time was against them and the full time whistle brought a sigh of relief for the Elgin side.
VERDICT: Another excellent display from a severely weakend United side who will feel very unlucky not to take something from this game. When United were 1 up another goal would have surely killed off Villa but the Elgin side kept plugging away and grabbed victory from the jaws of defeat. United matched Bish for every ball though and can take a lot of heart from their performance. The cup game this sunday offers up the perfect chance of swift revenge and I'm sure United will be keen to take it. Hard luck lads, deserved more from this game.
United: M.Trialist, K.Reid, G.Sinclair, S.Farquhar, K.Stewart, K.Whyte, J.Cooper, D.Main, D.Coull (K.Munro)(A.MacRae), K.Geddes, J.Petyt (G.Thain)
Tewnion Trophy Quarter Final - 19th July 2009
BUCKIE SURRENDER TO VILLA IN 2ND HALF
BUCKIE UNITED 1 - 2 BISHOPMILL VILLA (HT: 1 - 1)
This Tewnion cup tie threw up the 2nd meeting between these sides in 7 days at Linzee Gordon Park, Buckie. Buckie were desperate for revenge after being cruelly beaten at the death last week by Bishopmill's 2 late goals. Buckie started the match well and were well on top for the 1st 30 minutes. Ben Mair missing 3 glorious chances then Kris Geddes somehow firing over the bar from 10 yards with just the keeper to beat. Buckie's pressure finally paid off though when a through ball from Geddes released Joe GERRIE, who beat the offside trap to curl the ball past Mair into the net. United continued to be well on top and it looked like a matter of time before the 2nd goal would arrive but just 5 minutes before the break was a real moment to forget for Buckie. A freekick given away by Dave Main 25 yards from goal was curled over the wall by Alex McGREGOR, Buckie keeper Belcher left it to go wide but it struck the inside of the post, hit Belcher on the leg and squirmed over the line.
The 2nd half was a totally different game of football as Bishopmill had their tails up with grabbing the equaliser before the break and Buckie heads seemed to be down. Just 1 minute after the restart Bish delivered another hammer blow as Alex McGregor squared for Gary BURR to drill home. Villa were well on top the rest of the game as Buckie struggled to lift themselves again. No more goals ensured Villa's passage into the semi final on a very disappointing day for United.
VERDICT: If ever a goal changed a game it was this one. Buckie really should have gone in 3 or 4 up at the break after running Villa ragged in the 1st half hour. The equaliser before the break was a huge blow though and the 2nd Bish goal right after half time took all the wind out of United's sails. Heads went down and Buckie never recovered. Same result as last week but there was more of an unhappy feeling with this result as United surrendered the tie so easily compared to last week when they fought til the last whistle.
United: B.Belcher, G.Sinclair, N.Walls, S.Farquhar, D.Bain, J.Cooper, J.Gerrie, K.Geddes, K.Whyte, D.Main, G.Thain
Planwell Cup 1st Round - 23rd July 2009
CUP TIE McKAY SHOOTS PHEASANT
BUCKIE UNITED 10 - 2 GOLDEN PHEASANT (HT: 5 - 1)
This was a hastily arranged cup tie following the expulsion of Tomintoul from the tournament. United took advantage of a match against perhaps slightly weaker opposition than usual to field 4 fringe players and give them a chance to show what they can do. It didn't take long for Buckie to take the lead, just ten minutes gone when Neil DUTHIE slotted home. It was soon 2-0 when young Gary McKAY latched onto a through ball and fired past the keeper. In 25 minutes Gary McKAY scored again with a low shot to increase United's lead. Some sloppy play from Buckie allowed Gregor GORDON to give Pheasant a lifeline on the half hour mark. Buckie were soon 3 goals ahead again though when a trademark solo run from defence saw Greig SINCLAIR get his name on the scoresheet. Just before the break Gary McKAY completed his hat-trick to give United a commanding lead at half time.
The 2nd half continued where the 1st left off and Neil DUTHIE was soon on target with a delightful lob into the far side of the net. A 20 yard low drive from Joe GERRIE made it 7-1 on 66 minutes. 4 minutes later a superb solo effort from Gary McKAY ended with him curling the ball high into the net. Neil DUTHIE made it 9 with 15 minutes remaining, volleying home a superb strike. Pheasant did get another consolation goal however, Kieran HYDMAN netting from 10 yards on 82 minutes. United reached double figures 3 minutes from time though, Neil DUTHIE drilling the ball into the bottom corner to put the lid on an easy cup victory.
VERDICT: A good night all round for United as they strolled to victory without ever really needing to hit top gear. Plenty of goals, a great confidence booster and a run out for some players who maybe don't feature as much as others. It was a chance for the fringe players to show what they can do and none took this chance more than Gary McKay, who was exceptional with 4 goals and a man of the match performance. Special mention also to Neil Duthie who rifled home another 4 goals as he runs away in the chase for the Buckie United Top Scorer trophy.
United: S.Cox, J.Gordon, G.Sinclair (C.Murray), N.Walls, D.Bain, J.Gerrie (P.Coull), S.Farquhar, J.Cooper, G.Gibbs (G.Thain), G.McKay, N.Duthie.
Planwell Premier League - 25th July 2009
BANFF BURIED BY DEADLY DUTHIE
BUCKIE UNITED 8 - 3 BANFF ROVERS (HT: 3 - 2)
A windy day at Linzee Gordon Park as Buckie United looked to pull themselves further from the relegation scrap and hopefully leapfrog Rothes A in the process. Thursday nights thrashing of Golden Pheasant was certainly something to build on and more goals were the order of the day. United had to field a changed side again with 4 regulars missing through holidays or injury. The match was barely 4 minutes old when Neil DUTHIE chipped a delightful finish over the keeper to give Buckie the lead. It didn't last however as Banff replied immediately with A.PIRIE levelling the scores. A really poor spell of football followed from United and it was Banff who struck again on 17 minutes, S.WALKER netting from a freekick. Buckie continued to look a bit flat and lacklustre as the incensed management team tried to fire them up from the sidelines. They eventually responded and hauled themselves level on 37 minutes, Neil DUTHIE slamming home a penalty. Just a minute before the interval United struck again, superb quick feet saw Neil DUTHIE lift the ball into the roof of the net from ten yards.
A rollicking from co-manager Ian McRae at half time let the united players know a much better standard was expected of them and the players responded with a better display in the 2nd half. On 55 minutes it was that man again, Neil DUTHIE jinking into the box and drilling it low into the net aided by a deflection off a sliding defender. 5 minutes later he was at it again, a low cross from Jamie Cooper hammered home at the back post by Neil DUTHIE. Banff pulled one back on 65 minutes when D.SIEVWRIGHT poked the ball under the keeper into the net. United made it 6-3 just 3 minutes later though, a chip across the box from Duthie was volleyed home by Gareth THAIN. In 72 minutes Neil DUTHIE completed his amazing 6 goal display by sidefooting past the keeper at the back post. There was just time for one more goal, Neil Duthie squaring the ball for Jamie COOPER to sidefoot into the net from 12 yards and complete the 8-3 rout.
VERDICT: A comfortable win from United in the end after a poor 1st half display. This wasn't a classic United performance but it says a lot about how far the team has progressed that we can now beat some sides comfortably without needing to be at our best. Since the 6-0 thrashing of Burghead, Buckie have looked very good at times in their last 8 games and are now without a doubt one of the strongest sides in this league when they play well. Yet another mention must go to the unbelievable Neil Duthie, who keeps rolling back the years. He scored 6 and set up the other 2 in this match and with 22 goals from just 7 starts this season its scary to think how much he might have scored by now if he wasn't working offshore. United up to 7th in the league now and the only way is up hopefully.
United: M.Grant, J.Gordon, N.Walls, D.Main, G.Sinclair, C.Murray (G.Thain), S.Farquhar, J.Cooper, S.Thain (J.Smith), G.McKay (P.Coull), N.Duthie.
Planwell Cup Quarter Final - 2nd August 2009
BUCKIE LOSE IN PENALTY HEARTBREAK
BURGHEAD UNITED 2 - 2 BUCKIE UNITED (HT: 2 - 0)
(Burghead win 6-5 on penalties)
United made their 1st visit of the year to Burghead for this cup quarter final with high hopes after they had trounced the home side 6-0 in Buckie earlier in the season. Burghead had made a few additions to their squad since then though and also fancied their chances. The match started with Buckie going straight on the attack. A couple of early chances were floundered before Burghead broke and scored with their first foray up the park in 8 minutes. Poor defending meant a diagonal ball into the box found DODDS unmarked and he poked it under keeper Riddoch from 12 yards. Just 5 minutes later Burghead had their 2nd chance of the match and unbelievably scored again. A ball into the box bounced and DODDS ghosted in behind the defenders to head over the keeper from 6 yards and put Burghead 2-0 up. Gareth Thain missed a glorious chance for Buckie in 25 minutes when he had just the keeper to beat but somehow sidefooted the ball past the post from the edge of the box. Corner after corner came for United but still no goals before the half time whistle went.
The 2nd half started with Buckie missing a great chance straight from kick off. A terrific through pass from Dave Main found Scott Thain in space 12 yards from goal but he screwed his shot past the near post. It took a while but Buckie finally hit the net in 69 minutes when a cross come shot from Kyle STEWART dipped into the far top corner. From this point on United stepped up a gear and threw absolutely everything at Burghead for the last 20 minutes. Three times Burghead managed to clear the ball off the line. A 25 yard strike from Sam Clark was superbly tipped round the post followed by a header that was somehow clawed out of the top corner when a goal looked certain. Buckie were also denied a penalty when Greig Sinclair was hauled down in the box. Just when it looked like Burghead would hold on they chopped down Jamie Cooper inside the box in the 89th minute. The ref awarded the penalty this time and Dave MAIN stepped up to drill home the equaliser. Buckie flooded forward in the 2 minutes of injury time but couldn't find the net again, meaning the tie would have to be settled by a penalty shoot out.
The opening 6 spotkicks were all converted making the score 3-3, with Main, Stewart and Bain on target for Buckie. Burgheads next spotkick was blazed over the bar leaving United with a great chance to edge ahead. Steven "Booj" Farquhar smacked his penalty off the underside of the bar and back out though, letting Burghead off the hook. The next 2 penalties from each team were scored with Cooper and Walls netting for Buckie. Burghead scored again and Sam Clarks penalty was well saved by the Burghead keeper, putting them into the semi finals.
Verdict: Buckie beat themselves in this game to be honest. Burghead had only 2 chances the entire match and scored them both. They were there for the taking but United struggled to get out of 1st gear, especially in the 1st half. It wasn't until United got a goal back that they finally woke up and gave Burghead a torrid last 20 minutes. There is no doubt that if this game had gone to extra time Buckie would have triumphed because the full time whistle rescued Burghead from a third goal which was definitely coming. However Buckie failed to make the chances count, left it too late to click into gear and ultimately paid the price in the end by losing the shoot out.
United: S.Riddoch, G.Sinclair, N.Walls, S.Clark, K.Stewart, D.Main, S.Farquhar, J.Cooper, S.Thain (G.McKay), D.Bruce, G.Thain (D.Bain)
Planwell Premier League - 23rd August 2009
UNITED RAMPANT AGAINST CUP CHAMPIONS
ABERLOUR VILLA 0 - 1 BUCKIE UNITED (HT: 0 - 0)
A downpour of rain greeted the sides at Villa Park in Aberlour as newly crowned Mike Simpson Trophy champions Aberlour Villa looked to continue fridays cup success with a vital league victory over Buckie United. United were not in charitable mood though and went straight on the attack from the kick off. They flooded a bemused looking Villa with pressure, David Bruce going close on a couple of occasions. Buckie's endeavour looked to have paid off when they were awarded a penalty in the 17th minute for handball. Dave Main cracked the spotkick off the inside of the post and across the goal much to the relief of the home side. In the 25th minute a curling 25 yards strike from Kevin Whyte crashed off the Aberlour crossbar and Joe Gerrie somehow sidefooted the rebound over from 8 yards. 7 minutes later a superb united cross was met at the back post by a bullet header from Ali Macrae and was only kept out by a wonder save from Davie Ness in the Villa goal. in the 35th minute another good cross from Buckie found Dave Main, who's header shaved the top of the crossbar. As half time approached United went close yet again, Kevin Whyte's 18 yard shot swerving away from the top corner at the last second.
The 2nd half continued much the same as the 1st, with Buckie dominating proceedings and Aberlour really struggling to get near the United box. Buckie had several corners but didn't really create much more clear cut chances until the 72nd minute when a Joe Gerrie back post header ended up in the keepers arms. 3 minutes later Kris Geddes almost forced home in a goalmouth scramble but the Villa keeper smothered the ball well. In the 78th minute Kevin Whyte screwed the ball wide with a miss hit from 8 yards for united. Then in the 84th minute came a real blow for Aberlour when Roy Coutts was sent off for his 2nd bookable offence. United wasted no time and 2 minutes later the goal they had threatened the entire match finallly came from the unlikely source of substitute Billy DUNCAN when he headed home a cross from 6 yards. The united sideline went into raptures as the hard work finally paid off with the goal Buckie's play deserved. Ali MacRae went close twice more and another Billy Duncan header went just wide as United clinched a fine win from a fantastic display.
Verdict: The performance of the season so far as United were brilliant in this match. Aberlour Villa have just won the Mike Simpson Cup and are chasing for the league yet they didn't have a single chance of note the entire game, Buckie were just too good. They dominated from start to finish and their keeper had not a single save to make. This was United in top gear and probably the most one-sided game I have watched this season. Its hard to single players out but top performers for United were the exceptional Greig Sinclair in defence and Steven Farquhar in midfield, everybody played their part though. The only downside maybe was the lack of goalscoring but one was always going to be enough since Villa couldn't create anything near the United goal. Well done lads, superb performance.
United: S.Riddoch, N.Walls, S.Clark, G.Sinclair, D.Main, J.Cooper, S.Farquhar, K.Whyte (B.Duncan), J.Gerrie (K.Geddes), A.MacRae, D.Bruce
Planwell Premier League - 30th August 2009
ANOTHER WIN FOR ON FORM UNITED
TOMINTOUL 0 - 1 BUCKIE UNITED (HT: 0 - 0)
Buckie made the long trek to Tomintoul for what was a vital match for both sides. The home side badly needed a victory in their battle to avoid the drop while a victory for United would see them move out of reach of the bottom sides. Buckie had to field a changed side with Greig Sinclair and Jamie Cooper out through injury and Kevin Whyte on holiday. Shooting downhill in the 1st half, Buckie were largely in control of the match having most of the play and chances. 20 minutes in came the 1st real clear cut chance for United when David Bruce received the ball at the back post and cut inside the defender to fire in a shot but 'toul keeper Rose saved well from 8 yards. 3 minutes later another piece of good goalkeeping from Rose as a trademark Sam Clark long throw had the home defence in a panic and the defender headed towards his own net but the keeper denied the own goal with a fine save. Steven Farquhar was next up with a blistering 25 yard strike but Rose again pulled off a superb save to dive and turn it over the bar. Sam Clark headed just wide of the far post from the resulting corner. In 44 minutes came yet another save from Rose as Kris Geddes fired a shot in at the back post.
Buckie almost had the ball in the net just 3 minutes after the re-start when a long ball bounced over the toul keeper but he managed to get back and claw the ball wide of the post in a jostle with David Bruce. United were awarded a freekick on the edge of the box on 54 minutes and Joe Gerrie's shot took a wicked deflection but luckily for the home side it spun just over the bar. A couple of minutes later came the save of the match from Rose. A low cross from Gerrie was met by Geddes 16 yards out and he hammered it 1st time just inside the post for what looked a certain goal, but the keeper showed tremendous agility to get down and tip it round the upright. On 66 minutes the goal finally arrived, Dave Main swung a cross in from 30 yards out and David BRUCE slid and connected perfectly with the ball to volley past the keeper from the edge of the box. Tomintoul did start to gain more possession after the goal as they realised the devastating effect that goal could have on their season but they still could not create anything against the stubborn United defence. Buckie keeper Scott Riddoch did finally get called into action for his only save of the match in the 81st minute however when he miskicked a clearance straight to the toul striker but made amends by saving the resulting shot.
Verdict: Another good display from United. Not as dominant as the Aberlour game last week but still largely in control and they never looked like losing to be honest. Keeper Scott Riddoch had only one save to make this week as the United back line continues to be impressive. It could've been a lot more goals if not for the terrific performance from Julian Rose in the Tomintoul goal but still a very comfortable win in the end. Thats 4 wins and a draw in the last 5 matches for United, who are proving to be the form team in the league at the moment.
United: S.Riddoch, K.Murray, S.Clark, N.Walls, D.Bain, S.Thain, S.Farquhar, D.Main, K.Geddes (D.Coull), J.Gerrie (P.Coull), D.Bruce (G.McKay)
Planwell Premier League - 6th September 2009
BURGHEAD CRUSHED BY REBORN UNITED
BURGHEAD UNITED 2 - 5 BUCKIE UNITED (HT: 2 - 3)
Buckie made their 2nd trip of the season to Burghead with revenge on their minds after being cruelly beaten on penalties after a 2-2 draw on their last visit. No Steven Farquhar this week meant a slight reshuffle of the team to compensate the loss. Buckie wasted no time at all in taking the lead as Burghead took the centre, were robbed of the ball and United went up the park and scored in less than a minute when Gary MCKAY poked home a low cross at the back post. A terrific start for the away side. A Joe Gerrie header flashed just over the bar in 5 minutes as Buckie looked to double their lead. Burghead only managed to hold out another ten minutes though as on the quarter hour mark United had the ball in the net again. A long Sam Clark throw had the home defence in a panic and Gary MCKAY poked home from 6 yards. Just a minute later it was almost 3 but David Bruce's shot was just past the post. 2 minutes later Bruce broke clear on goal but screwed his shot wide from the edge of the box. Burghead didn't hold out for much longer though as David BRUCE volleyed a cross into the roof of the net from 8 yards on 27 minutes. At this point it looked like Buckie were going to give Burghead a real thrashing but they were guilty of thinking the game was already won and took their foot off the gas, allowing the home side back into the match. Just 5 minutes later Burghead had clawed one back when a cross was volleyed into the top corner from 16 yards. A shot just over the bar from the home side was followed by another goal in 40 minutes when the ball was headed in at the back post.
The players were given the kick up the backside they needed at half time as they threatened to throw this game away. David Bruce almost had the ball in the net a minute into the 2nd half but fired over from 8 yards. Burghead came close to equalising on the hour mark but Scott Riddoch tipped a well struck free kick over the bar. Ten minutes later Jamie COOPER scored a sensational 25 yard volley which flew past the keeper into the roof of the net. Buckie took control from then on and there was only going to be one winner. Greig Sinclair fired in a well struck freekick but the keeper tipped over the bar. Steven Cox went agonisingly close in 83 minutes when his turn and shot shaved the far post on its way out. The inevitable fifth United goal arrived 4 minutes from time however when Jamie COOPER fired a low drive through a crowded box and into the net to put the seal on another fine win for Buckie.
Verdict: Yet another win as the reborn United continue to look impressive. This wasn't as polished a performance as the previous 2 victories, in fact they probably played a lot less well but they still had far too much in the tank for Burghead. Halftime came at the right time as United had totally switched off and were in danger of throwing away a game they could've won easily. But its another win and another place further up the league as they now leapfrog Burghead into 6th. Well done again lads.
United: S.Riddoch, K.Murray (D.Bain), S.Clark, N.Walls, D.Main, G.McKay (P.Coull), J.Cooper, G.Sinclair, S.Thain, J.Gerrie, D.Bruce (S.Cox)
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Planwell Premier League - 20th September 2009
UNITED IN HANGOVER HORROR SHOW
ROTHES A 5 - 2 BUCKIE UNITED (HT: 3 - 0)
A successful trip to Rothes could've seen United move into the top half of the league on sunday. Both sides went into the game in fine form, with Rothes recording wins over Bishopmill and Portsoy meanwhile United had been in superb form notching 5 wins and a draw from their last 6 matches. It soon became apparent in the opening 15 minutes or so that United were well below par with far too many players unfit due to the previous nights exploits. After just 5 minutes Rothes went close with a freekick that was just over the bar. Greig Sinclair fired over for United in 14 minutes. 2 minutes later David Bruce was through on goal but wasted a great chance by slicing his shot wide. A Rothes corner was flicked into the net on 20 minutes to give the home side the lead. 5 minutes later more shambolic defending from United saw the forward cut inside and shoot into the far side of the net for 2-0. In 37 minutes came the worst of the lot when a low ball sidefooted across the united goal was missed by everybody and the Rothes forward had the easy task of passing it into the net at the back post. Jamie Cooper flashed a header just wide on 44 minutes.
Ian MacRae could've probably been heard in Keith as he furiously tore into the players at the break. It had been a performance nowhere near the high standards Buckie United now set for themselves. The sheepish looking away side did take this on board and played slightly better after the break. David Bruce curled a shot just over the bar in 52 minutes. 4 minutes later a Nathan Walls lob was drilled home at the far post by Ali MACRAE. Steven Farquhar should have done better but his shot was saved 2 minutes later. In the 65th minute Rothes nearly made it 4 when they rattled the underside of the crossbar but the 4th goal soon came when a through ball beat United's sluggish defence and was drilled home at the near post. With quarter of an hour remaining David BRUCE volleyed into the top corner to make it 4-2 but Rothes compounded a miserable day for Buckie when Ricky Thomson ran through and sidefooted under Grant to finish the match at 5-2.
Verdict: This was a disgraceful showing from United. The 1st half was especially shocking with players misjudging the bounce of the ball, passes going astray, nobody looking keen. Players who have been superb the last few months looked like they had never played the game before. There were too many hangovers after Pirie's wedding dance, parties etc the night before and this contributed a lot to the end of Buckie's great run. The 2nd half was slightly better but nobody left the pitch with pass marks. Next weeks match with Portgordon looks ominous now as well with United missing Sinclair, Walls, Duncan and Mair (all holiday), Dave Main (suspended), Kris Reid (injured), Kevin Whyte (offshore), Sam Clark (hospital), Neil Duthie (unavailable) and possibly David Bruce (offshore).
United: M.Grant, N.Walls, G.Sinclair, S.Clark, D.Bain (B.Duncan), J.Cooper, S.Farquhar, K.Whyte (P.Coull), S.Thain (J.Gerrie), D.Bruce, A.MacRae.
Planwell Premier League - 27 September 2009
PATCHED UP UNITED LOSE DERBY
BUCKIE UNITED 1 - 2 PORTGORDON VICTORIA (HT: 0 - 1)
The final game of the season could hardly have been bigger with it not only being the local derby but also a league decider as Portgordon chased their maiden league title. Not much at stake for United except pride, which was maybe just as well with the major selection problems they faced. The United managers were forced to dramatically change the side to compensate for the missing defence and the other missing players. This resulted in virtually every outfield player being played out of position, but it was a neccessary move. As expected it was Portgordon who started the stronger of the 2 sides. Sharp passing and some nice moves were also plentiful from the away side as they bullied a much smaller home side. Mark Wood had a great chance for Portgordon as he broke clear on goal but his shot was awful and flew 10 yards wide. Buckie keeper Scott Riddoch took a crazy risk as he left a shot to go wide but it cannoned off the post. Another Vics attempt hit the woodwork as Scott Riddoch tipped a Neil Mair shot off the post and smothered the rebound on the line. Yet another chance for Vics in a one way traffic first half fell to Neil Mair, who flicked a cross off the cross bar. The inevitable opening Portgordon goal finally arrived just 5 minutes before the break when the Buckie keeper pulled down Mair and Mark WOOD stepped up to slot home the resultant penalty.
Buckie emerged for the 2nd half on the ropes but certainly not out. It didn't take Portgordon long to get a vital 2nd goal though as a low Neil MAIR shot hit the net just inside the post on 53 minutes. Buckie came into the game a lot more after this and had more of the possession than Portgordon although they didn't create any clear cut chances. They did pull one back on 73 minutes however when a David BRUCE cross come shot dipped over the keeper into the far top corner of the net. Buckie were pushing in search of an equaliser but suffered another blow when Scott Thain was sent off on 81 minutes for his 2nd booking. The game fizzled out towards the end and the final whistle brought scenes of celebration for Portgordon.
Verdict: Probably the expected outcome given United's weakened squad but the players who came in did well enough to limit Portgordon to only a one goal winning margin. The 1st half was largely dominated by the away side and on another day they might've went in 3 or 4 up at the break. But United probably just shaded the 2nd half as Portgordon's performance level slipped from impressive to very average. Overall for the season its been a time of rebuilding for Buckie. A lot of young players have been brought in to replace some older ones and they now have the right blend of youth and experience. A disasterous 1st half of the season caused Buckie's 6th place finish but this is a very promising squad who look have looked very impressive at times and I have no doubt they will be challenging for silverware next season.
United: S.Riddoch, S.Thain, S.Farquhar, D.Bain, C.Murray, D.Coull (K.Ross), D.Bruce, J.Cooper, K.Whyte (A.Mackie), G.McKay (K.Geddes), J.Gerrie
