The Diamonds gave up their Easter break to accommodate Newlands in their quest to play a large number of fixtures in a short space of time. Having great difficulty finding a suitable park, the game was played on a beautiful morning at Inveralmond. The Diamonds missing three regular defenders had a bit of a makeshift look about them as the game started off at a frantic pace, with both sides looking to take control. The play raged from end to end with both sides making and missing good chances. After 8 minutes, it as the visitors who took the lead when a defensive error allowed the Newlands striker to burst through to fire past the helpless Cameron. A real set back for the Diamonds, but one they soon recovered from, when Colin S forced his way through and equalised with a well placed shot. There followed a period of play when the Diamonds began to get on top, but again could not capitalise on this. Slowly, but surely Newlands clawed their way back into the game and again took the lead when one of the Newlands strikers held off a couple of Diamonds defenders before slipping in his strike partner to score easily. Newlands then exerted a period of sustained pressure and extended their lead after half an hour and it was an absolute cracker of a finish, which left Cameron helpless. The Diamonds were rocking somewhat at this time, and endured some close call as half time neared. However, the boys dug deep and hauled themselves back into the game when Ricky fired home a superb shot right on the stroke of half time.

Half Time Diamonds 2 Newlands 3

The second half started at the same frantic pace as the first half, with the Diamonds makeshift back four struggling to cope with the strength, pace and movement of the Newlands strike force. It was therefore not a shock when Newlands added to their lead when again the defence failed to track the runner and he had a simple tap in. Worse was to follow as Newlands added a fifth and Cameron was injured in the process and had to be replaced by substitute keeper Ryan. His first task was virtually to pick the ball out the net when Newlands scored the goal of the game. There appeared to be very danger as the Newlands striker picked the ball up just outside the box. However he cut inside and hit an unstoppable shot with the outside of his right foot into the top corner. At 6-2 down it looked all over, but the Diamonds refused to cave in and almost immediately pulled a goal back. Colin S bursting through a static looking Newlands defence and smashing a shot past the onrushing keeper. This galvanised the Diamonds as they took control of the game and forced Newlands back. Midway through the half, there was an off the ball incident, leaving the referee with no option but to produce two red cards, one for each team. The Diamonds continued to press forward and managed to pull another goal back with ten minutes to go, as Colin S grabbed his third and the Diamonds fourth. Sensing that all was not lost, the Diamonds swarmed forward looking for a very unlikely result. For some strange reason, Newlands appeared to collapse and it was no surprise that the Diamonds pulled another back with less than a minute to go of normal time. It was all set for a grandstand finish as the referee played an additional 6 minutes of added time, due to the ball disappearing into the trees on numerous occasions throughout the game. The Newlands keeper made a good stop and the Diamonds went agonisingly close with a couple of attempts, but could not force an equaliser. A very good, exciting game and although physical was generally played in a very good spirit by the boys. A nice touch from Dougie Fleming to come over and compliment the Diamonds on their play. Despite the high octane nature of the clash, also well refereed.