Juniors

Sunday 20th May

Kelso 13s 2 EL & AM United 3

EL & AM got revenge for their defeat in the cup a fortnight earlier in this hard fought match. The game was an excellent advert for youth football with both teams playing some great passing football particularly in the opening third. The first goal was controversial with the home team claiming the ball had gone out of play before a cut back allowed the away forward to score from close range. Unfortunately the state of the lines made it impossible to tell one way or the other and the goal rightly had to stand. Kelso however fought back well to force a deserved equaliser when Connor Gillon made sure a goal bound Ruadhan Scott crossed the line.
The second third was the critical phase in this game with Kelso going behind to not one but two penalties. First of all Alastair Macfarlane inexplicably handled the ball above his head during a goalmouth stramash and then a few minutes later a tremendous shot from just outside the box struck an errant home arm. On both occasions the result was a goal following a perfect execution from 12 yards.
The final third saw Kelso desperately trying to get back into the game. Early on they thought they had when Connor Gillon played in
strike partner Ruadhan Scott, who steered the ball past the advancing keeper, unfortunately his shot also drifted wide of the far post and the score remained 3 -1. A further home goal did arrive when Liam Herdman fired home but despite a couple of further half chances it wasn’t to be on this occasion.
Some strong performances all round particularly from Joe Purves Liam Herdman and Ryan Angus in midfield. The home defence through Aaron Lee and Cameron Rendall Reid also stood up well as play raged from end to end. In behind them Peter Brunton was as dependable as ever between the sticks making some telling saves at key times in the game but Man of the Match this week is Finlay Hogg who excelled at right back before switching to centre half later in the game.

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Wednesday 16th May

Kelso 13s 4 Selkirk 13s 2 (Cup Semi-final)

Having lost at home to Selkirk by 3 goals just 3 weeks ago this cup semi-final was always going to be a hard match for the Under 13s.
That is exactly how it started with Selkirk dictating play and passing the ball around to great effect. The first clear cut chance however fell to Kelso when Ryan Angus was unfortunate to see his effort clip the cross bar. When a goal did come however it was for the away team as Selkirk took a well deserved lead. Kelso at this stage were definitely second best but goals change games and when a hitherto unusually subdued Jasper Lindsay broke down the right wing he checked inside and looked up before lofting a sublime shot over the top of the advancing keeper and into the top corner from a wide angle the balance of the game had changed. With the game suddenly more even it was the homesters who edged ahead when great work from Ryan Angus on the left by-line saw him nutmeg one player and go round another to look up and lay the ball into the path of Connor Gillon who made no mistake from close range.
The second period started with some key saves from Peter Brunton as Selkirk tried to get back into things, but the introduction of the energetic Liam Herdman gave Kelso fresh impetus. The full back pairing of Alistair Macfarlane and Ross Mackay was the starting point for much of Kelso’s play and from one such clearance a determined tackle from Ryan Angus won him a ball he should have been second best to and allowed him to feed a beautiful cross-field pass to the on rushing Connor Gillon who took the ball mid stride and strode forward to slot it under the on-rushing goalkeeper.
With a two goal cushion going into the final third the next goal was always going to be pivotal, but it was Kelso doing most of the pressing now and it was no surprise when a powerful Gillon run and shot saw him complete a hat-trick for the second week in a row and take his season tally to 26. From then on the game petered out slightly as a contest but Selkirk had the last say with a consolation goal with a minute or so of time remaining.
Man of the Match was Ryan Angus for a tireless shift and at least 2 great assists. Kelso 13s now have an extra game to look forward to with the cup final against Eyemouth taking place on Sunday 3 June at the Cameron Gunn Festival.

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Sunday 6th May

Kelso 13s 7 EL & AM United 13s 3

Kelso 13s showed a welcome return to winning ways in this vital cup section match. Although knowing a draw was enough to see them through the team also knew that a win would mean a home draw in the semi-finals as well as avoiding the age groups top team Eyemouth.
The game started at a furious pace and an early Connor Gillon strike was soon cancelled out by the away side. This pattern was then repeated as the persistent Gillon put Kelso back in front after great play by Ryan Angus, only for EL & AM to restore parity then nudge ahead themselves. Greg Gillie made sure however that the teams went in level at 3 -3 after more great work by Gillon. A blow came at the end of the third however when Peter Brunton in the Kelso goal succumbed to the sickness bug that had laid him low all week. This left only 11 fit players on the pitch but every one of them played their part in what was to follow.
First of all a great Greg Gillie run down the right and cut back gave Gillon the easiest of tasks to complete a much deserved hat-trick. Gillie then narrowly missed from a tight angle after rounding the keeper. Oliver Pickford was next to come close when from a corner his initial shot was blocked and he then picked up the rebound and drilled it just wide of the right hand post. Jasper Lindsay was also having a big impact down the right and following another strong run he played in Greg Gillie whose lob was clutched under the bar by the away keeper. It wasn’t one way traffic by any means however and Ross Gillie who had left his midfield patrol to don the gloves had to look lively coming off his line to clear on a couple of occasions as well as making some important saves. The home defence however was resolute with Captain Cameron Rendall Reid mopping things up while his central defensive partner Gordon Fleming pushed forward to great effect at every opportunity. Also having a great game was Alistair Macfarlane both in his defensive duties and in getting forward to support the play in front of him.
Kelso went further ahead when a Gillon cross fell to Kieran Fleming whose great first touch allowed him to step inside a defender and fire home from close range.
Starting the final third at 5 – 3 the next goal was always going to be crucial and it wasn’t too long in coming with the indomitable Connor Gillon muscling his way through once more to fire in his fourth goal of the match. Perhaps surprisingly, despite more spaces appearing there was only one further goal – but it was a cracker. Ross Mackay playing deeper than normal picked up the ball wide left and once it was onto his favoured left foot there was little doubt what was coming next as he fired a rocket through a ruck of players to make it 7 – 3 to the homesters.
Just about every single Kelso player was a contender for Player of the Match this week, but it goes to Jasper Lindsay who along with his usual strong running with the ball showed a great appetite for the game in getting back to help out and cover whenever required.

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Sunday 29th April

Kelso 13s 3 Selkirk 13s 6

Good competitive game - but a bitterly disappointing result. Selkirk started the brighter; opening the scoring after only two minutes and doubling their lead after five. Kelso came more into it but rarely threatened the Selkirk goalie. Selkirk increased their lead shortly after Ross Mackay had fired just over for the homesters in one of their better attacks. Within seconds of the restart the coaches’ pep talk of getting an early goal back was out the window as Selkirk made it 4 – 0 and then only a timely interception by Oliver Pickford prevented it getting even worse. Gradually however Kelso did get a foothold in the game as the introduction of Connor Gillon started to pay dividends when after good work from Ross Gillie and Ryan Angus he managed to outmuscle the Selkirk defence and get a goal back. Further Kelso pressure from Finlay Hogg down the right led to the ball breaking loose on the bye-line and a brave challenge from Connor Gillon kept it alive and enabled him to divert it into the middle for Greg Gillie to make his usual efficient job from close range. The third period was initially tight but gradually Kelso got the upper hand and determined play from Ruadhan Scott allowed him to play in his striking partner Connor Gillon to bring the score back to 4 -3. An equaliser seemed inevitable with Gordon Fleming pressing forward from the back to support and Lewis Elliot and Alistair Macfarlane linking up defence and attack to good effect down the right. Great work from Joe Purves then set up James de Bolle but he saw his effort crash back off the cross bar. If an equaliser could be found there seemed every chance that Kelso could go on to win the game but as so often happens the next goal was to come from a rare counter attack. With the clock ticking down and the Kelso heads dropping it was no great surprise when this was repeated a minute or so later to make the final score Kelso 3 Selkirk 6.

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Sunday 22nd April

Eyemouth 13s 8 Kelso 13s 3

With a number of late call-offs Kelso were down to 12 available players for this match. The dozen who made it however put up a brave performance against the always strong Eyemouth opposition.
Kelso gave as good as they got in the early exchanges with the tigerish Ruadhan Scott and Kieran Fleming doing particularly well in midfield while the back four of Finlay Hogg, Ross Gillie, Oliver Pickford and Ryan Angus in equally determined mood. It took a great save from Peter Brunton however to keep Kelso on level terms before James de Bolle cut in from the left and played in Greg Gillie who didn’t need to be asked twice to dispatch it into the top corner for a well deserved lead. Eyemouth came storming back however to score twice; the latter after a long ball enabled the striker to outstrip the Kelso defence and score.
Kelso again started the third strongly and after some determined play in the middle of the park from Greg Gillie he threaded a great ball through to Connor Gillan who showed both strength and composure to hold off two men to score low to the keeper’s right. The size and strength of the Eyemouth team then came to the fore as they started to dominate possession and reigned in shots from long range scoring four before Greg Gillie replied for Kelso with a good finish into the bottom corner after a determined run and precision pass from the energetic Lewis Elliot.
The last third was more even with play going from end to end as players tired and more spaces became available. Good work on the left by Kieran McKillop led to chances for both Connor Gillan and
James de Bolle but they were closed down before getting shots away. In the end it was Eyemouth who had the last say with goals seven and eight.
Despite the score line this was a spirited performance from Kelso with Greg Gillie having his best game of the season to deservingly earn him the Man of the Match award.

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Sunday 15th April

Gala 13s 2 Kelso 13s 2

This was a smashing cup tie with both teams really up for the game. Gala were strengthened by the return of some of their Edinburgh League players and took the early initiative coming close to scoring from a corner. Kelso however gradually started to get back into things as the midfield four of Ryan Angus, Liam Herdman, Joe Purves and Kieran Fleming started to take a grip of proceedings. This allowed the strong running Connor Gillan and the clever play of James de Bolle to start engineering some openings up front. On each occasion however they found the home keeper on good form as the third petered out without any goals.
Jasper Lindsay and Ross Mackay were then introduced to proceedings and both made an immediate impact with their strong running. It was Gala, however that broke the deadlock with a shot from 12 yards giving Peter Brunton in the Kelso goals little chance. An equaliser was not too long in coming however when after good work from Liam Herdman he played in James de Bolle who finished with aplomb.
The final third continued in much the same vein but this time it was Kelso who came agonisingly close when a typical strong run from Ross Mackay up the left wing continued right along the byeline before his low shot from close range struck the post. In the melee that followed the ball broke to Ryan Angus but although his well struck shot beat the goalie all ends up it also cleared the cross bar and the chance was gone. The lead was only delayed temporarily however as a great turn on the half-way line from Connor Gillan gave him the impetus to outstrip the whole home defence before calming slipping the ball under the outrushing keeper for undoubtedly the goal of the game. To their credit however Gala never put their heads down and stormed straight up the pitch to equalise soon thereafter.
With both teams looking for the winner it looked like Kelso would get the chance when Connor Gillan cut in from the left and was brought to ground for what looked a stone wall penalty. Not in the eyes of the referee unfortunately who bizarrely allowed play to restart with a goal kick despite the ball being blasted behind in frustration by a home defender who seemed to accept that a penalty was inevitable. C'est la vie!
 Some really strong performances from the Kelso team particularly in central defence from Gordon Fleming, Ross Gillie and Cameron Rendall Reid with the latter just shading Man of the Match for a performance where it is hard to remember him putting a foot wrong.

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Sunday 1st April

EL & AM United 13s 4 Kelso 13s 3

It was very much a case of déjà vu as Kelso 13s went down by the odd goal in seven for the second away match in a row and once again were never ahead in the match. The combined might of Earlston, Lauder, Ancrum and Melrose meant this was almost a district select that Kelso were facing. It was perhaps no surprise then when ELAM United took an early lead, but Kelso fought back strongly and gained a deserved equaliser through Liam Herdman after excellent work by Ryan Angus. A triple blow then followed as ELAM regained the lead and then both Peter Brunton in goals and Jasper Lindsay had to come off after the first third, albeit Lindsay later managed to return to the fray. The second period followed a similar pattern as Kelso fought back into the match with an equalising goal through the recently signed Ruadhan Scott from Morebattle who was opening his scoring account for the team; only to fall back behind again before the end of the period.

Yet again Kelso managed to fight back however when Liam Herdman finished off a great run with a composed finish into the bottom corner. At this stage the game could probably have gone either way but it was the home team who managed to get the final deciding breakthrough to emerge victorius.

Man of the Match for Kelso was the strong running Ross Mackay who had a great match on the left both going forward and latterly in defence.

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Sunday 25th March

Kelso 13s 4 Hawick 13s 4

This was a very entertaining game with some good passing football and no little commitment from both teams. Kelso took the lead no fewer than four times during proceedings, only to be pegged back on each occasion by a determined Hawick outfit. Kelso flew out of the traps and were in front with almost their first attack of the game as Connor Gillon made great progress down the right to hit the bye line before cutting the ball back perfectly into the path of Kieran McKillop who made an immaculate job of firing past the Hawick goalkeeper. Encouraged by this early success Kelso continued to take the game to Hawick but the away team were coming more into things as the third went on and managed to square things up before the first break.
Ryan Angus was now on for the home team and combining well with Jasper Lindsay in causing problems down the right flank and following some sustained home pressure Connor Gillan was on hand to slot home when the away keeper was unable to hold an incoming shot. Hawick were quick to counter this however with a goal of their own. Not to be outdone Oliver Pickford played in Ross Mackay on the half way line and Ross took off on a run taking him past at least four defenders as he hugged the left touchline before producing a perfect cross that was just asking to be converted and Connor Gillon was more than happy to do so. Back came Hawick again though and an equally mesmerising run from their number 4 saw him go past several home defenders before he played in his centre forward to restore parity once more. Connor Gillon wasn’t finished yet though and after another good run and shot he completed a very well deserved hat-trick.
Played raged from end to end in the final third as players tired in the heat and more gaps started to emerge. Defensive lapses in particular let in Hawick for a number of chances but each time they found Peter Brunton in the Kelso goal equal to the task. The only goal of the third however did eventually arrive and it was a cracker with the Hawick number 4 picking up a ball in midfield to stroll forward and hit a shot from well outside the box that grazed the underside of the bar on the way in giving the keeper no chance whatsoever. Both teams had chances to win it in the last few minutes but in fairness a draw was probably the right result.
Man of the Match as much for his strong running as his goal scoring prowess just had to be Connor Gillon (now, if only we can translate that to his efforts at training!).

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Sunday 18th March

Selkirk 13s 4 Kelso 13s 3

Kelso 13s were perhaps a shade unlucky to go down by the odd goal in seven on this visit to Selkirk, but in truth they only had themselves to blame following an, at times, lacklustre performance. Selkirk did all the early pressing as the Kelso players appeared to be half asleep despite the late kick-off; albeit this was not helped by Kieran Fleming limping off only a minute or so into the game. Only after Selkirk took the lead did Kelso show something like their true form as they finally started to make inroads on the Selkirk goal. This pressure finally paid off when Jasper Lindsay shook off a couple of defenders to stride forward and stroke the ball into the bottom corner of the net. Kelso finished the period on top but without anything further to show for their efforts. This was a pattern that was to be followed pretty much throughout the match with Selkirk getting their noses in front again in the second period before a good run and shot from Joe Purves, that looked to be going in, was gleefully converted on the goal-line by Greg Gillie (sorry Joe but it has to go down as GGs!) as Kelso got back on top again. Selkirk continued to make their chances of their own though and but for some timely interventions, particularly from Cameron Rendall Reid and Oliver Pickford and good saves from Peter Brunton in the Kelso nets they could have went ahead again.
As it was they did get the next goal shortly into the third period following a good passing move. Back came Kelso again however with Ryan Angus combining well with Jasper Lindsay and James De Bolle for the latter to score a deserved equaliser. Lessons had not been learned however and no sooner had they restored parity than they were behind again and this time, despite coming close on a number of times, there was to be no late equaliser.
Man of the Match for Kelso was Ross Gillie; a stalwart at the back who also tried to drive the team forward whenever he got the opportunity.

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Sunday 11th March

Kelso 13s 1 Eyemouth 13s 4

Despite a spirited display it was very much a case of deja vu as Kelso 13s started the spring fixtures just as they ended the winter ones with defeat to an excellent Eyemouth team. Early play was even with both teams showing some excellent passing and no little effort. It was Eyemouth however who showed the killer touch in front of goal as they established a two nil lead despite heroics in the Kelso defence and the tireless Ryan Angus in midfield. Kelso fell further behind in the middle third before Connor Gillan struck to pull one back with a well taken goal. Buoyed by that goal Kelso pressed forward but were soon outdone by a further Eyemouth counter. Despite the final score this was a good performance by the homesters against undoubtedly the strongest team in the league.
Man of the Match for Kelso was a difficult choice with lots of contenders including Gordon Fleming and the whole of the defence who were at the top of their game throughout; but ultimately it was Kieran Fleming who got the accolade for a spirited and skilful display in the middle of the park where he managed to dictate things for long periods.

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Sunday 27th November

Gala Fairydean 17s 5 Kelso 17s 0
 
The gale force winds and the bottomless pitch meant that there was never going to be any football played but both teams gave it their all. Kelso played with the wind in the first half and couldn't take advantage and failed to score and the teams went in level at the break. Gala did take advantage in the 2nd half aided by some shocking defending and they went on to score 5 unanswered goals. Kelso keeper Clark Skeldon also made a couple of outstanding saves to keep the score down.

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Kelso 13s 2 Eyemouth 13s 5

Despite a spirited display Kelso 13s reached the winter break with a defeat as they went down 5 -2 to an excellent Eyemouth team. Early play was mainly in the Kelso half but against the run of play the homesters went ahead when the excellent Liam Herdman crossed to the far post for Connor Gillan to bravely nod home despite his momentum taking his head onto the post as well. After this the game became more of an even contest with play raging from end to end. The third was to finish even however as Eyemouth got the equaliser their overall play deserved.
Eyemouth came out in determined fashion after the first break and within 7 minutes had gone into a 4 – 1 lead despite sterling work in the Kelso goal from Peter Brunton. After this initial flourish the game settled down again with Kelso coming more into it and pushing hard to reduce the leeway only to find the Eyemouth rearguard in resolute mood.
In the final third Kelso continued to press forward and finally got the breakthrough they deserved when Ryan Angus lashed the ball home from 10 yards. Shortly after that the hardworking Oliver Pickford had to be replaced after a slightly late tackle left him unable to continue. Kelso continued to look to reduce the deficit but were undone when an Eyemouth breakaway produced a goal with the last kick of the game.
Man of the Match for Kelso was right back Alistair Macfarlane who hardly put a foot wrong at the back all game and pushed forward to good effect whenever he had the opportunity.

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Sunday 13th November

Kelso 17s 3 Peebles 17s 2
 
Kelso started the better and were 3-0 up after 30 mins. 2 goals from Stevie Mitchell and the other from Craig Logan but it was the inspirational Kris Tait that was causing Peebles all the problems, and he was involved in all the goals. Kelso never really got going in the 2nd half, and it was late on when Peebles scored their 2 goals, but the home team held on to keep their unbeaten run going.

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AM United 13s 1 Kelso 13s 3

Kelso 13s got back on track with a good all round team display against AM United at Ancrum. Right from the kick-off they took the game to AM with captain Joe Purves and Ryan Angus on the wings causing the home defence no end of problems with their attacking forays. When the goal game however it was from perhaps an unlikely source as Lewis Elliot turned and twisted his way into the box past three defenders only to be tripped up by a trailing leg. Lewis duly dusted himself down to give the keeper no chance with a well struck penalty. Greg Gillie then engineered a great chance for himself with a lovely turn and quick feet but the AM keeper was equal to the task turning his well struck shot round the post.
At the other end the Kelso defence was in fine form with Finlay Hogg and Oliver Pickford mopping up everything that was thrown at them.

Turning round one up Kelso were quickly back on the attack and Ross Mackay and Kieran Mckillop had taken over the mantle of terrorising the home full backs to great effect. The second goal was to come from hesitancy in the home defence when a ball seemed to strike an AM arm in the box they stopped but Kelso played to the whistle and the strong running Connor Gillan took full advantage to take the ball round the keeper before finishing from a tight angle.
Shortly after it was three when after concerted pressure the ball was half-cleared but fell to Kieran Fleming at the edge of the box. His first touch put him onto his favoured left foot to allow him to dispatch an unstoppable shot into the top left hand side of the goal.

As usual the game opened up somewhat in the final third of the match as both teams pushed for goals. There were close calls at both ends before AM United pulled one back with almost the last kick of the ball to make the final result AM United 1 Kelso 3.

For once Man of the Match was an easy pick as, while there was no weaknesses in the 16 who played; the hard working, Liam Herdman really stood out with his strong running in both attack and defence. He also used the ball to great effect and showed a terrific awareness of where to be on the pitch.

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Sunday 6th November

Duns 17s 1 Kelso 17s 2
 
Kelso kept the winning run going after a hard fought win against Duns. It was an even game throughout but it was the home team that took the lead when Kelso failed to clear a goalmouth scramble. Kelso equalised after some good work from Sam Cuthers on the right wing set up Craig Logan to squeeze it home. The 2nd half started fairly even but it was Kelso that went in front when Kris Tait swivelled to volley home from the edge of the box. Kelso went on to miss a few chances to finish the game but couldn`t find the back of the net. Duns were always a threat but couldn`t get past the Kelso defence who held on to claim the 3 points.

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Kelso 13s 2 Selkirk 13s 3

This was a close game throughout with both teams struggling to break down tight defences and chances at a premium. Kelso had most of the territorial advantage in the opening third but on the few occasions they got through they found the Selkirk keeper in good form. By contrast Ross Gillie has little to do in the home nets.
This all changed in the middle third as Selkirk went into the lead with a well taken goal. Kelso fought well to get back into the game and eventually were rewarded when Connor Gillan shook off his markers and made great progress down the right before squaring across goal for Robbie Knox to smash the ball home from close range. Unfortunately Kelso seemed to think the hard work was over and were immediately undone when a good passing move saw Selkirk restore their lead. Worse was to come when with the last kick of the third Selkirk increased their advantage. Kelso played their most determined football of the game in the last third with Liam Herdman and Ryan Angus in particular doing their best to get the team back into things.
In the end however all they had to show for it was a great finish from the ever determined Connor Gillan as they went down by the odd goal in five.
Best for the home team were Alistair Macfarlane who did well in an unfamiliar left back position and Man of the Match Cameron Rendall – Reid who again had a super match and cut out just about everything that came his way. While both Ross Gillie and Kieran Fleming did very well as deputy goalies.

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Sunday 30th October

Kelso 13s 5 Lauder 13s 3

Kelso 13s kept up their winning ways with a hard fought victory over a Lauder team supplemented by some AM United players (both Lauder and AM United teams struggling for numbers). As in the previous week it was the opening third where Kelso did the damage. They opened the scoring through the rampaging Connor Gillan who didn’t give the Lauder defence a moments peace during his time on the pitch. At this point the game was quite even but a wind assisted long range effort from Ross Mackay caught out the away keeper and bounced over his head for number two. Sensing blood the home team now pressed forward at every opportunity and quick feet and a neat finish from Kieran McKillop saw him score his first goal of the season, quickly followed by a further Gillan strike and a Lauder counter.
The second and third thirds were much tighter affairs with Lauder shading the second by a goal to nil and honours even at one each in the last. The Kelso goal followed a great run from Gillan that took him away from three defenders, but despite being on a hat –trick, he looked up to unselfishly square the ball across goal for Robbie Knox who had made a great supporting run and finished with aplomb.
Once again this was a good all round performance with Captain Alistair Macfarlane leading very much by example at the back where Finlay Hogg also made a confident return.
Much of the good work from Kelso however came from central midfield with Man of the Match Kieran Fleming, Joe Purves and Ryan Angus all putting in tireless displays in supporting the attack; as well as preventing Lauder from making the progress they desired.

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Saturday 29th October

Kelso 9s 5 Greenlaw 9s 3

The 9s squad rotation system is finally paying off, with this hard-fought win over a skillful and tireless Greenlaw side benefitting from less substitutions during the game, allowing the players to settle into position and concentrate on the game. Goals from Oscar Onley (2), Archie Mowat, Owen Renton and Matthew Burton, supported by fantastic defending from Ross McIntee and Finn McEwan in particular, saw the boys taste victory after a short of run of close defeats. Well done all!

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Sunday 23rd October

Gala 13s 1 Kelso 13s 7

This was a superb team performance with all 16 players contributing to what was undoubtedly the best performance this group of players have delivered in their time together.
From the kick-off they took the game to Gala with tenacious and determined play in midfield, particularly from Kieran Fleming, and real penetration from the front two of Robbie Knox and Connor Gillan.
This pairing were well supported on the wings by Ross Mackay and James de-Bolle and it was the latter who got the breakthrough goal smashing an unstoppable shot into the top corner of the net.
Kelso continued to press at every opportunity but found the Gala goalkeeper on top form. The pressure however eventually told with four goals in rapid succession towards the end of the first twenty. A brace each for the deadly duo of Gillan and Knox.
Gala came out in more determined fashion but found the Kelso defence marshalled by Captain Gordon Fleming (who just pipped his defensive partner Cameron Rendall Reid for Man of the Match) in resolute mood. Further goals by the industrious Liam Herdman, covering every inch of grass as always, and Knox who completed a well deserved hat-trick saw the away team edge further ahead.
Understandably perhaps Gala came back into it in the final third of the game but with Alistair Macfarlane and Oliver Pickford to the fore their attacks were to little avail until a late shot finally gave them the consolation goal that their play deserved.

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Hawick 17s 1 Kelso 17s 2

There wasn't much between these 2 teams in a game played in less than ideal conditions. Long grass and muddy underfoot meant that there was never going to be a lot of good football played, but both teams tried their hearts out and put in a hell of a shift. Hawick started the better and took the lead after approximately 20 minutes. Kelso upped their workrate and started to get into the game, and levelled when Matt Laidler scored from the penalty after Craig Logan was upended by the Hawick goalie. Both teams were giving their all but it was Kelso who got the winner when Ryan Paterson then Laidler set up Kris Tait to cooly slot home. Well done to the ref for having a good game and to both teams for an entertaining game in difficult conditions.

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Sunday 16th October

Kelso 17s 3 Gala Fairydean 17s 0

Kelso ended Gala's unbeaten start to the season with a dominant display. Craig Logan put Kelso ahead midway through the first half with a stunning strike from 25 yards. The home team kept on pressing without really creating too many good chances but Gala were always in the game and one goal was never going to be enough. Into the 2nd half, another strike from Logan eased the home team nerves then Sam Cuthers slammed home to complete the scoring.

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Sunday 2nd October

Kelso 13s 4 Hawick 13s 1

This match was in doubt following heavy overnight rain that continued throughout setting the pitch up!
Thankfully however both teams were keen to proceed and a very entertaining match was watched by a surprisingly good crowd considering the weather. Hawick were first to threaten but found the Kelso defence in a miserly mood with Ross Gillie in particular all over the pitch making tackle after tackle. With Kieran Fleming and Ryan Angus starting to exert their influence in midfield Kelso gradually started to take a grip on proceedings and took the lead through a well taken James de-Bolle strike midway through the third. The second third was more evenly matched and while Kelso probably shaded territorial advantage it was Hawick who scored after an excellent passing move was dispatched into the bottom corner of the net giving keeper Peter Brunton. Both teams came out for the last third looking for the win.
Good work in midfield from Joe Purves and Connor Gillan led to the latter threading a defence splitting pass through to James de-Bolle who outstripped the Hawick defence before expertly dispatching his shot across the keeper into the bottom corner. Fife minutes later it was déjà vu as the same combination led to a very similar finish, this time from even longer range, as de-Bolle secured his hat-trick.
Man of the Match was, by now, a foregone conclusion but just in case de-Bolle was on hand to lash in his, and his teams, forth goal after the ball rebounded out to him some ten yards from goal. This was far from a one man show however and all the Kelso players showed a great appetite for the game (now, if only we can translate that to training!).

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Sunday 18th September

Eyemouth 13s 5-2 Kelso 13s

On a tight pitch Kelso got off to a slow start as the defence, in particular, gave Eyemouth far too much room and a little bit too much respect. The first period ended with Eyemouth two goals to the good but it could easily have been more but for their poor finishing. Kelso improved in the second period as Alistair Macfarlane made a difference on the right and the midfield started to get more to grips with their opponents. Some determined play and two well taken goals by Robbie Knox were however cancelled out by a further two Eyemouth
goals. Kelso attacked well in the final third period but were still guilty of not closing down quickly enough in their own half and were eventually picked off by a fifth and deciding goal by Eyemouth.
Man of the Match for Kelso was Robbie Knox.

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Sunday 11th September

Kelso 13s 5-1 AM United 13s

The first home game of the season saw an excellent 5 – 1 win for the homesters against newly formed AM United (formerly Melrose and Ancrum 7 a-side teams). The scoreline however does not reflect the closeness of the match as AM gave as good as they got for much of the match with former Kelso player Michael Cocks proving a real thorn in the Kelso side. Kelso goals came from Connor Gillan, Greg Gillie, Liam Herdman, James De Bolle and a great solo effort from Ross Mackay. It was however a day as much about the Kelso defence as it was the forwards with Ross Gillie, Cameron Rendall Reid, Oliver Pickford, Finlay Hogg and Gordon Fleming all performing heroics at times in the match. Man of the Match however was undoubtedly the man with the gloves as Peter Brunton probably turned in his best ever display between the posts for Kelso.

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Sunday 4th September

Selkirk 13s 3-6 Kelso 13s

The new Under 13s kicked off their season with a visit to Selkirk. Both teams took a time to adapt to the rigors of eleven a-side play, but it was Selkirk who broke the deadlock with a penalty mid-way through the first half. Kelso came back strongly however and the impressive Connor Gillan restored parity before the break with a well taken goal. The second period was more open and Kelso gradually began to get control with James De Bolle and Joe Robertson providing a bit more width to the game. A further goal from Man of the Match Gillan and strikes from Greg Gillie, Liam Herdman and Ryan Angus plus an unfortunate own goal eventually saw Kelso through to a well earned 6 – 3 victory.

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Sunday 11th September

Peebles 17s 1-0 Kelso 17s

Kelso tasted defeat after a very poor performance up at Peebles on Sunday. They never really got going and huffed and puffed their way through the 80 minutes. Kelso did create 2 or 3 good chances but they were squandered with some poor finishing and at the other end, Skeldon was never really troubled in the Kelso goal. A 10 minute spell just after halftime, led by the rampant Kris Tait, was the only time that Kelso really dominated, but they couldn't hit the back of the net. Peebles pinched it near the end when they humped the ball up the park and Kelso defence made a right hash of it, leaving the Peebles guy to lob Skeldon to secure the 3 points. No game this weekend for the 17s so it gives them time for reflection!!

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Sunday 4th September

Kelso 17s 3-3 Hawick 17s

Not too bad a start to the season for Kelso. They started badly and had a poor 1st half, and were 2-0 down at the break. A couple of changes at the break seemed to make a difference when Sam Cuthers scored, then Matt Laidler made it all square from the spot after Stevie Mitchell was fouled. It was going a lot better for Kelso but then Hawick sneaked in front again. Duncan Rennie got Kelso level soon after but they weren't able to capitalise from there. Both teams ran out of steam near the end and a draw was a fair result. Well done to both.

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Saturday 3rd September

Kelso 9s v Melrose 9s

The 9s kicked off this new set of fixtures with a home tie against Melrose yesterday. After going behind during a sluggish start, they managed to put together some good passing moves and scored some great goals. They eventually sneaked the game near the end with Travis Woodhead getting the winner with the second of his well-deserved brace of goals.