Scottish Football Journey

Denmore Park, Hall Russell United
 

This was my first visit to Denmore Park and first time seeing Hall Russell United. It is well known in the junior leagues that Denmore Park is located literally next door to Lochside Park of Hermes F.C. Todays game involved 2^nd v 1^st in the North Region Superleague as Hall Russell welcomed Culter Juniors in what looked to be an interesting match. These two sides may be seen as genuine title contenders, the latter most likely being one of the favourites.  Denmore Park is a simple ground with no more than a surrounding barrier and fence along with a pavilion for the changing rooms. There was no cover for spectators so umbrellas and jackets may be needed.

The first half started in favour of the visitors with Culter enjoying large parts of possession and pushing towards the Hall Russell goal. A lot of the opening 20 minutes was played in the hosts half with Culter’s number 9 and 10 causing the defence problems. Number 10 was making runs down the line and providing excellent crosses but to no prevail. The first real chance fell to Culter with a shot taken outside the box but the ball just creeped wide of the post; the Hall Russell keeper being furious at his side’s slackness in defence. Culter then won themselves a penalty when a cross from the left side was handled by the defender. Up stepped Culter’s 9 who made no mistake and showed good composure to slot the ball into the bottom left hand corner, to which the keeper had guessed but could not get a finger to it. Hall Russell tried to get back into the game but they could not proceed any further than hitting long balls to their front man, who had no support and lost the ball.

Culter almost doubed their lead when a cross from the left side found number 9 again, but his header unluckily hit the post, everyone thought it was in! However, they did double their lead not long after when a through ball found  who else but number 9 and he found the same corner his penalty found with an outside of the foot shot which swerved around the keeper. Now Hall Russell really needed to step up their game and straight away they pulled one back; their midfield number 8 went on a run from his own half, beating 3 or 4 defenders before being tripped on the edge of the area. His midfield partner stepped up and blasted the ball into the bottom right hand corner for 2-1. Hall Russell finally found some more urgency to get back into the game and the next 10 minutes saw them in control of possession, but they could not trouble the Culter goalkeeper. It was infact Culter who had the next chance to score as they won another penalty towards the end of the half. A loose ball in the Hall Russell box was chanced by a defender and attacker with the attacker reaching it first and the defender brought him down. The referee had no choice but to award the penalty. Number 9 stepped up to get his hat trick but confidence must have been too high and his shot went high over the bar.

There was little to talk about in the second half as little was created. It started off better for Hall Russell with possession being around 60-40% in the home sides favour. However, yet again they could not trouble the Culter keeper. There was only to be one more goal in this half and it came from the main man for Culter. Number 10 drove down the right flank and picked out number 9 who could not miss an open goal from 2 yards. A hat trick for 9 and well deserved, he was then replaced by their new signing from Cove Rangers, Mikey Taylor. Mikey was out to prove a point after seeing little game time at Rainbow Taxis Park. He almost scored with his first touch when some neat play from their number 2 ended with the ball being put into the net by the striker but he was ruled offside, much to the home sides relief. Chances fell few and far to the home side with their only shot of the half going over the surrounding fence. The ref finished the game and Culter moved clear at the top of the Superleague. Full time Hall Russell 1-3 Culter.