Double Winners

Culter brought down the curtain on what must be considered a most successful season with a hard fought victory over arch rivals Sunnybank at a packed Lochside Park. The surface itself was not conducive to attractive football with the ball bouncing awkwardly on several occasions. The hero, as so often in the past, was Neil McRitchie who scored the winner with a typical poacher's goal. Often unsung, the experienced Cutter defence played a vital part by snuffing out the speedy Heathryfold attack.

'Bank showed their intentions right from the start when Summers hammered into McRitchie direct from the kick off. A minute later with Culter attacking Rintoul broke free and Rattray had to look smart to boot the ball away to safety. The first real opportunity of the game came in the 6th minute when McRitchie flicked the ball onto Cameron but his powerful drive from inside the area flew over. In the 7th minute Jappy of 'Bank escaped down the right but was forced to the line by Thain and could only find the side netting. Summers earned the wrath of referee Burrows when he was yellow carded for persistent fouling in 15th minute before Culter were awarded a free kick just outside the area. Rattray stepped up to drive the ball at goat and Mclntosh spilled the ball but Christie following up was flagged for offside. Moments later Pirie came to the Deesiders rescue when he saved well from a Koc try. Culter went ahead in great style in the 21st minute when Cameron found himself free on the right and he pinged a cross to the back post for Craik who nodded down to MCRITCHIE who prodded home from close range. `Bank then went hell for leather-at Culter and forced a series of comers and from one of these Summers headed wide from a Rintoul comer. CuIter did break free following this and Rintoul had to be alert to boot the ball out for a comer from a Christie cross. With half time approaching 'Bank increased the pressure without threatening Pirie and both Smith and Greig made good clearances.

`Bank started the second period well but it was Culter who had the first chance when Stewart combined
with Craik who set up Christie but his driven cross eluded everyone and went out for a goal kick. Calder of Culter became the second player to be booked when he threw the ball way after play had been brought back. Culter were at last beginning to up the pace and a terrific ball from McRitchie found Cameron in space but he wasted his cross and the chance was gone. Christie then broke on the right but he lacked composure and blasted well over before McRitchie had strong claims for a penalty when he went down under the attentions of Moreland. `Bank did muster an attack and there was an almighty scramble in the Culter box before Jappy slashed the ball wide. At the other end Calder picked out Cameron who fed McRitchie but his shot from close range flashed past the upright with Mclntosh beaten. In the 73rd minute Culter had a good chance to seal the match when a Stewart free kick was met by Cameron but his header went well over. 'Bank almost got the equaliser in the 80th minute when Koc sent in a great ball for Summers but he blasted wide. Greig of Culter was booked soon after before Koc got the same punishment for diving in the box. Christie should have made the trophy secure when Stewart sent him free with a clever ball but with the goal at his mercy he blasted the ball over. Ord the replaced McRitchie as the game reached it's latter stages but `Bank threw everything forward in a last ditch attempt but Culter held firm for a deserved victory.

Culter: Pirie, Thain, Greig, Calder, Rattray, Smith, Stewart, Cameron, McRitchie, Christie, Craik.
Subs: Davidson, Ord, Allan, Collie, Grant

Sunnybank: Mclntosh, Rintoul, Pilichos, Moreland, McHattie, Koc, Summers, Crombie, Fraser, Douglas,
Jappy. Subs: Massie, Mutch, Fuller, Gillies.

Ref: Ian Burrows. Assistant Referees: Keith Will and Brian Spence. Fourth Official: Graeme Catto.

Decision Day Disappointment. In spite of it being anticipated that we were to be given the chance to go for Tennent's Scottish Cup glory next season the SFA in Glasgow's meeting on 1 June 2005 decided against it. Junior Clubs disappointed were Super League Champions Culter, Pollock and Lochee United plus OVD Scottish Junior Cup Winners Tayport who were poised to qualify for the first time.

Final Scoring Table. In 41 games played Culter won 30, drew three and lost 8 games, scored 114 goals and conceded 36 in the process.

R Cameron 41     C Craik 7       M Rattray 3     C Collie 1          M Greig 1

N McRitchie 29    D Adam 4      D Ord 3           A Cowell 1        B Smith 1
 
P Stewart 15       K Christie 4    D Calder 2     G Davidson 1     A Thain 1.

Committee Meeting. A Committee Meeting of Culter Football Club will be held in Grombie Park Pavilion, Culter, on Tuesday 7 June 2005 commencing at 7.00 p.m.

Annual General Meeting. Culter Football Club's Annual General Meeting will be held in Crombie Park Pavilion, Culter on Sunday 19 June 2005 commencing at 11.00 a.m. The Annual General Meeting is open to all enrolled Members and Honorary Members of Culter Football Club. Any member wishing to alter the Constitution and Rules must submit the proposal along with a seconder 14 days prior to the Annual General Meeting.

Bulletins Break. After this week's Issue there will be a close season break of the Kip/Albert Weekly Bulletins. We shall resume at the end of July 2005 dependent on the programme of fixtures.

Bulletin Produced by Albert J. Moir Tel. 01224 732006
Match Reporter Ian "Kip" McKenzie