GAME DAY 126 - Tuesday 28 December 2021 - Sturgeon 500

Game126 - First hop to Beechwood!

STONEYBURN 1 Vs 0 WEST CALDER UNITED

STADIUM - Beechwood Park, Stoneyburn

COMPETITION - EoSFL Conference X

PITCH - Grass

PROGRAMME - No

COST - £12 (Me, Sam and Mason) x2 Adult, 1 Child

SCORE BOARD - No

CLOCK - No

ATTENDANCE - 200+

PENALTY - No

RED CARD - No

GOALS - Trialist Mark Brown (Stoneyburn)

First game back after christmas since wee Nicola decided 500 is a nice random rounded number for this years annual lockdown shenanigans.

We made our first ever trip to Beechwood park the home of Stoneyburn, ready for some East of Scotland football league Conference X action against West Calder United.

We have previously seen each team on one other occasion.

Stoneyburn won 3-2 away to Bathgate Thistle

West Calder United defeated Bo'ness Athletic 4-3 in a massive win at home.

THE GROUND

Looks a really nice set up, with a grass pitch which has been rare on our recent adventures. The fencing which surrounds the pitch curves right out which reminds me of Hampden a little. The club has all the usual amenities at this level including sheltered stand and a pie hut etc.

The pitch was in not too bad condition given the time of year.

THE PREDICTION

Heading into this game our prediction was for a West Calder win, but as usual with the Groundhop league we would be supporting the home team.

DOWN TO THE ACTION!

An error from the Stoneyburn keeper created a huge chance for West Calder early on, but he redeemed himself with a cracking save. The mistake perhaps a foreshadowing of what would come later in the same goals, when the teams switched sides! Soon after the Stoneyburn keeper would be brought off due to injuring himself whilst making a save.

West Calder created the best chances and physically were in more control of the game. A long range effort from Mark Brown and a calamity from the West Calder keeper however, would secure the lead and eventually the points for the home side. With plenty of action right to the final whistle, West Calder created a host of chances, nearly pulling it back with a goal which was disallowed for a foul on the Stoneyburn keeper.

IN CLOSING

All in all it was great to be back at football after 9 whole days without it! (Starting to get withdarwals lol) 1-0 was a cracking result for Stoneyburn, but on the run of play West Calder deserved at least a point. However thats not how football works, so well done to the home side for grabbing 3 more important points for their season.

Stoneyburn started the day in 8th place in the league with 16pts, West Calder in 5th with 26pts having playing 2 more games.

Our NEXT trip to Beechwood park - January 29th 2022

Stoneyburn Vs Bo'ness Athletic - EoSFL Conference X