Victory for Nicolson footballers in cup semi-final

Their only previous game this school year was against Harlaw Academy in the Scottish Cup, losing heavily to a team that has now progressed to the quarter-finals of that competition.

The game started at a high tempo, and the Nicolson Institute quickly imposed their quick passing game on Inverurie, particularly in the middle of the park, where Adam Mackinnon and Luke Morrison dominated from start to finish.

After wasting a number of chances Adam came up with the goods (10th minute), James Macdonald playing on the right wing passed inside to Adam who slotted the ball home from just outside the box.

Kyle MacIver came on after about 15 minutes and made an instant impact with his power and speed.

Luke played a through ball which Kyle ran on to taking his first real chance of the game really well, 2-0.

On the half hour mark Joe O’Loughlin took a throw in to left winger Samuel Duncan, who spun and started running at the Inverurie rear guard. Samuel managed to find his way past two defenders and placed a cool finish into the bottom corner, 3-0 and looking comfortable.

At this point the S1 boys appeared to take their foot of the gas and on the stroke of half-time conceded a penalty.

Luckily for The Nicolson they had an on form Todd Morrison between the sticks. Todd dived low to his left saving the penalty and getting back to his feet to make a second terrific save from the rebound. Todd had ensured the game was still firmly in the Nicolson’s favour at half time.

With the game at 3-0 manager Mr. Lamont asked for more of the same, to continue to press high up the park and to get Samuel and James on the ball as much as possible, with the two wingers having given their opposing full backs a torrid time.

The Nicolson started the brighter team, with John Angus and Liam missing some one on one chances.

With 25 minutes to go The Nicolson conceded from a corner and with the game at 3-1 nerves began to show with some slack play, thankfully they got back into the way of things after a five minute spell.

Adam Mackinnon who was having a terrific game, linked up well with James Macdonald, playing a clever one two, Adam found his way to the byline, played a lovely low cross into the box, and the tireless Samuel ran in to slam the ball home for 4-1.

With only 10 minutes remaining the Nicolson continued to press and create chances and with a few minutes left, Luke Morrison won a header in the midfield that went in behind the defensive line, Liam Mackay galloped through shooting low to the bottom right corner, it looked as though the keeper had saved it but somehow he managed to parry it over his arms and into the net.

Liam could barely believe his luck, but it was a well-deserved goal for the forward.

And with that the final whistle went and the boys had secured their place in the final with the 5-1 victory.

The whole team was terrific throughout and despite the excitement of their first trip away together they behaved brilliantly throughout.

They were a credit to themselves and the school. A special thanks to Mr. Campbell for accompanying the team and driving the minibus.

Score: Inverurie Academy 1-5 The Nicolson Institute

Goal scorers: Adam, Kyle, Samuel (2), Liam

Team: Todd Morrison, Ross Morrison, Cailean Linklater, James Maclennan, Joe O’Loughlin, James Macdonald, Adam Mackinnon, Samuel Duncan, Liam Mackay, Lewis Macleod, John Angus Morrison, Kyle MacIver