Friendly #1 vs. Stenhousemuir FC

Richmond MB United FC (that's Richmond Mercedes-Benz United Football Club) played their first Scottish match Sunday afternoon against Stenhousemuir FC. Stenhousemuir is a town located 45 minutes northeast of Glasgow. I'm sure everyone was a bit nervous at the thought of their first European game and no one was too sure as to how well the boys would play. But everyone was sure that the boys would look terrific in their new RMBU uniforms and track suits (pictures will be posted once I get there on Thursday).

Below is a game report posted by one of the parents with the group. Holy cow they won, 3-0. I'm trying to get more information on the "Andy Ng has provided excellent support to Mitchell despite playing with his previous days training injury" part but am having trouble getting a hold of the Scotland contingent. Having too much fun, I guess (I hope).

Next match is a second friendly against Queen's Park which is 15 minutes south of Glasgow. Then the tournament gets going on Thursday. Here's the game report:

Team introductions and the customary exchange of Team Banners occurred at Mid Field before a balanced crowd of over 200, in the Grand Old Stadium at Stenhousemuir.

2:05 pm Opening kick taken by RMBU, the kick is too soft and intercepted by SHM

2:10 pm Sustained pressure by SHM, but they are unable to penetrate the 18 yd box, and no shots yet

2:15 pm RMBU looking a little disorganized, bending but not breaking. Cole Metcalfe and Max Tagesen are holding the line

2:20 pm RMBU have settled down, the nerves are gone and they are starting to take the game to SHM

2:25 pm SHM are still a little quicker to the ball, but RMBU close down quick and prevent any threats from occuring. RMBU are even faster to counter, their passing accuracy is a little off, but are showing they can be a threat when their timing gets better. If one of those passes can get to Glen Kirkland, he has the space to make his trade mark run down line.

2:30 pm A couple minor scares as Jason Roberts is called to step up, with Jessie Levinkind and Conor McFadyen cleaning up the scraps.

2:35 pm The RMBU players have stepped up to the physical side of the game, this was a concern of the coaches going into the game but they must be pleased with how their boys have held their ground. Jordan Demello is definately putting his hockey training to use. The SHM players are showing how quick they are on the ball, their rust is their only weakness, after a few weeks training, they will be a different team than we are seeing this afternoon.

2:40 pm Theo Lorenz puts away a cracking shot from 30 yards out, into the top right hand corner, the keeper makes a valient effort but really doesn’t have a chance, I doubt Petr Cech would get that one.

2:45 pm Brad Kirkland has to be pleased going into the dressing room up by one, it would be interesting to hear his half time talk.

2:55 pm The RMBU boys have a swagger to their walk back to the bench, the talk must have done its job

3:00 pm So much for the talk, it would appear that the SHM coach talked a little louder, RMBU look lost on the field. Jason Roberts is called to action a couple times, I am sure the RMBU staff is concerned now. Evan Dhaliwal is settling down the midfield, getting the boys to focus on their game. Matt Young has called for a substitution, it looks like injuries will prevent him from finishing on the field.

3:05 pm Wow, the RMBU team not only held off the pressure, but have given themselves some breathing room. Andrew Lipton makes a brilliant run, at times it looks like he will lose the ball but his tenacity doesn’t prevent him from his task, the keeper makes a last man challenge, touching the ball, but not controlling it, Andrew finishes the job by bringing the ball under control and walks it across the line unchallenged. You can see the relief on the coaches faces, standing taller at their bench

3:10 pm RMBU are playing more comfortably now, a 2 goal lead has given them confidence. It helps that SHM have to open up a bit more in an effort to get back into the game. Zachary Pang adds to his injury woes with a gallant effort blocking a sure goal if it got through. Fraser Kirkland is playing bigger than his size, showing some of the older boys how to penetrate the opposition

3:15 pm RMBU are passing better, as well as playing more physical, the officials have called a great game, very fair. SHM have the offside trap down pat, catching RMBU unaware and taking away threat after threat. If Mitchell Jesson gets one of those onside, he will be sure to get his name on the score sheet. Andy Ng has provided excellent support to Mitchell despite playing with his previous days training injury.

3:20 pm The game is going back and forth now, really opened up with both teams taking chances. The RMBU bench is looking thin, with a couple injuries this could be a long trip if any are serious. It looks like Andrew Lipton is trying to emmulate Theo with a long range shot of his own, catching the cross bar with his effort.

3:25 pm Well it looks like the game is put away now, Andrew Lipton figures it out on his second attempt from 20 yards out, I think the coaching staff is back breathing, the St Andrews Ambulance service is no longer required

3:30 pm The game has become accademic, RMBU will be pleased to get inside without any further injuries

3:35 pm The final whistle, a great start to the tour, the lads have done Canada proud.