Charles Gordon Park, Newmachar United
It was coming to the end of the season when I came to Charles Gordon Park to see Newmachar United take on Whitehills in the 2nd division of the North Region Juniors. I’ve been here a few times before and have even played on it with juvenile teams. From what I remembered it was not a bad pitch but there fence surrounding the pitch was looking dull and broken. 
Now the amateur team had stepped up to the juniors, they had to clean their ground up to requirements. I saw that there were now turnstiles beside a fence which blocked people from walking straight into the park. It looked as if the fence and dugouts had been repainted too. Newmachar have done well since stepping up to the junior level, challenging for the title along with Parkvale. They didn’t however, look like a team challenging at the top of the small league of 7, as the opening 10 minutes saw Whitehills having the majority of possession and chances. They almost took a lead in the first 2 minutes but their number 10’s header went wide of the post. He then sent his teammate, number 11, through on goal but he failed to loop the ball over the keeper as it looped well over the bar. Number 10 again almost scored with a shot from the edge of the box but the ball went inches wide of the left hand post. Clearly looking favourites for the game, it was looking like a matter of time before Whitehills scored. Newmachar’s number 9 striker was giving his team a piece of his mind due to his frustration at the domination of Whitehills. The next Whitehills player to have a go at the goal was their number 4 who rose above everyone to head the ball towards the goal but the keeper made an excellent save to deny the opener. 
Despite Whitehills dominance, it was Newmachar who were to take the lead against the run of play. Their number 7 was caught shirt pulling number 3 at the back post and the referee awarded the penalty! Newmachar’s number 9 stepped up and scored at the second attempt after a good save from the keeper. This seemed to spur some life into the Newmachar team and number 11 had a volley towards goal producing a save from the Whitehills keeper. Whitehills pressed for an equaliser and their centre back, number 4, drove past four players before playing the ball wide to number 10 who crossed the ball in for number 11 but he headed the ball straight to the keeper. The final chances of the half fell to Newmachar’s number 7 on both occasions. From two crosses in front the right flank, his headed shots on goal went off the bar and wide in succession.
The second half produced mainly the same tempo of action. Firstly Newmachar’s number 11 headed just wide, then Whitehills number 9 hit the side netting and they had a great chance to equalise when their number 6 played 7 through on goal but his shot went miles over and into the field behind the goal. Newmachar looked to score their second when their number 10 was played through by 7 but he couldn’t handle the pressure of the 1 on 1 situation and his shot hit the on-rushing keeper and the ball was cleared. Whitehills pushed and pushed for that crucial equaliser and their number 8 looked to have scored a great curling effort but the Newmachar keeper tipped the ball over the bar. 
Whitehills number 11 blew his team’s chances of a comeback when he got himself sent off for foul and abusive language towards the referee. Stupid behaviour from the boy and he deserved to be sent off. This made his team throw players forward and they were caught loose at the back when the ball was played back to number 4, who tried to take on Newmachar’s 15, but he lost the ball and the forward placed the ball from 30 yards round the Whitehills keeper who was running towards the Newmachar forward. This was to be the last action of the game and it ended Newmachar United 2-0 Whitehills.
A decent enough game infront of a crowd of around 40 who didn't seem to cheer when their team scored. But it was another ground to add to my collection as I continue on to complete them all. The ground hasn't changed much since I played here apart from what I mentioned at the start. It would be nice to see a stand added for cover but they have done an okay job since moving up. Plenty of time for improvements to be made as they push on for the 2nd division title, good luck to them.
