U8/9s new Monday sessions

Parents are reminded that the U9s sessions will take place on Mondays instead of Tuesday evenings, commencing next Monday 2 September. Sessions will be held at Pilrig Park and school from 6.30-7.30pm and supervised by club coaches Kris Collinson and Mac Tait and their respective technical teams.

U11s game in doubt

The revised ESSSDA fixtures teamed the U11s at home to Beeslack Thistle this Sunday, but the visitors have called off!. Can't remember the last time a Beeslack 7s team ventured down to Pilrig. Something always seems to come up when it's their turn to travel into Leith. Anyway, the club is now left struggling to find an opponent for this Sunday. We're only two games into the season and the no-shows have already begun. If we can find a replacement game for Sunday we'll update everyone by text.

Four goal Albion coast to first home win

Albions 4-2 home win v Prestonfield AFC was gained fairly comfortable, but how they huffed and puffed their way to the win. An early Glasgow goal should have indicated a fruitfull night, but they paddled about in the rain, with some woeful finishing throughout the 90 minutes. A second goal from Marr, after a brilliant 4 man move down the right, was a bright spot in proceedings, but within a minute the visitors had pulled a goal back after some dithering in the Albion back line. Half time 2-1 The second period was a carbon copy of the first with Albion dominating play, but failing to make any real impact in front of goal. They did however, add to their tally with further goals from Rutherford and a second from Glasgow. The visitors earned a late penalty to make the final score 4-2

Will they ever get it right....Update

Well, they did what it said on the tin! After some frantic negotiation between the club and parks services the parks maintenance team did everything asked in order to get Pilrig ready for Monday nights game. Lines were newly laid in the afternoon and our thanks to the guys for moving quickly.

Local authority and Pilrig park. Will they ever get it right?

Picture the scene. Pilrig park looking in great condition for last Monday nights senior home game. Grass nicely cut, sparkling new white lines, great scene for football. Tuesday night, the juniors hold two coaching sessions on the small park, as with the main pitch, grass cut and lines looking great. Wednesday, similar picture post card views of both parks. Roll forward to 1pm Saturday. Seniors training session at Pilrig Park. Where's the lines??. Between Wednesday and Saturday the local authority nipped into Pilrig and cut the grass. No harm in that we might say, but it's a whole new ball game when they cut and obliterate the lines on both parks. It was sheer luck that the seniors had no home game and the 11s were playing away on Sunday morning, because without lines both games would have been postponed. If it wasn't so serious, it would be funny. It's not the first time we've had to contend with this shambles. The seniors are playing a league fixture on Monday evening at Pilrig, and the club will now have to spend time chasing the park services team and ask then nicely if they could get down to Pilrig as a matter of urgency to restore the lines for tomorrow nights game. Given the past history with these requests made by the club, the public servants will probably find an excuse, not to provide a public service. We'd get more sense out of the Chuckle Brothers..

ESSSDA fixtures.....it's all change

After ESSSDA finalised and distributed a list of fixtures for the U11s, taking us up to 9 December, it's all changed. Within the space of a few days a number of teams have resigned before a ball is kicked. The following clubs in the 11s division have folded. Craigroyston - Edinburgh Red Lions - Whitehill Welfare. The club will reissue a revised fixture list when ESSSDA notify us. Wonder how long this one will last for?

Albion 11s lose out in the Saughton sunshine

Albions 11s opened the first phase of their 7s season away to Tynecastle in glorious August sunshine. The early (9.30am) kick off and the AstroTurf surface were the first two hurdles the youngsters had to overcome, but all things considered, it was great way to spend an early morning. Albion played some great football and the game was evenly contested, however, some precise finishing by the home side, and Albion taking a while in getting to grips with the artificial surface, was enough to secure them an opening day win. But for some fine goalkeeping by the home keeper, things would have been different. Very positive performance by the lads.

Club Website now open for the new season.

The club website is now open for the new season. Full up to date senior player stats and ESSSDA fixtures are now online.

Important changes to U8 and U9 coaching sessions

Our closed season review of the clubs community provision gave us an opportunity to "tweak" some of the sessions on offer to local children. Important changes have been implimented to the following age groups. The U8s who previously met at Pilmeny Youth Centre each Friday, will now merge with the U9s. The U9s, will along with the U8s, now meet on Monday evenings at Pilrig Park school. The first session will be held on Monday 3 September from 6.30pm - 7.30pm

Seniors Saturday session

The seniors have no fixture this Saturday. However, with Monday evenings league fixture v Prestonfield on the horizon, the squad will meet at Pilrig for a "loosening" up session from 1.30-3.30pm

11s v Tynecastle details

Details are just in re venue and KO details for Sundays 7s fixture. The game will be held at Saughton with a 9.30am kick off. All players to meet at Pilrig for 8.30am

6 minutes and counting.........

Albion came within 6 minutes of taking the three points at Pilrig last night. The night didn't start too well with the injury list increasing from Saturdays make shift side. The loss of Burnett, Weir and Heaney who all picked up serious knocks from Saturday, left Albion with some serious selection problems. Added to his was keeper Wallace, unavailable due to business commitments, and captain Rutherford, suspended on Saturday, but injured last night due to a niggling shoulder injury. With holidays still an issue, Albion struck a line through nine players on last nights team lines. With only a squad of 12 lining up for the game, it was with some trepidation that Albion approached the kick off. What a difference 84 minutes makes!. From the first whistle Albion stormed at their visitors and Cross should have had Albion in front after only 40 seconds but his angled shot was saved by the outstretched hand of the Academicals keeper. It was fully five minutes before the visitors made their first foray into the Albion half as the home side chased and challenged for every ball and forced their way on top in the game. Albion came close again in 19 minutes when big Robbie Scouse chipped a glorious swerving shot on to the bar only to see the ball rebound to safety. In an eveny balanced first half Albion could be pleased with the reaction. Half time 0-0 It was the visitors who opened the half in a more determined fashion and Albion were under a bit of pressure in the opening 10 minutes. The Albion back line with Grieve, commanding his goal area, stood up well to the pressure. The breakthrough came in 61 minutes when a wonderfully flighted free kick from Reilly found right back Chris Martin who out jumped the keeper to glance home a neat header to give Albion a 1-0 lead. The game ebbed and flowed from there, but slowly, but surely Albion found themselves defending in numbers and the well drilled back line lost concentration for the first time in the game when a low shot across goal found the striker unmarked at the far post who drilled home the equaliser in 84 minutes. The visitors now sensed an opportunity to salvage even more from their pressure and Albion had to pull in some extra effort in order to compete. It was looking like a deserved draw would be the likely outcome, when a dubious free kick was awarded to the visitors on the edge of the area. Albions offside trap failed to deliver, and with four Academicals players stood in the six yard box, Albion waited for the whistle that never came as the ball was headed into the net in the dying seconds. Albion restarted from the centre circle.....and the referee blew for time.Full Time 1-2. The timing of the goals were a sore point. Albion had put enough effort into this game to have deserved more. A draw would have been a fair reflection given the industry of both teams, but in reality the visitors displayed a bit more imagination than the home side in the last third. With strikers playing in midfield and midfielders playing in defence, all things considered, and with Albions pre match selection problems, the effort and display was more than a match for a very good Edinburgh Academiacals side.

ESSSDA 7s fixtures published

The clubs U11s will open their season with an away 7s fixture to Tynecastle BC on Sunday 26 August. Kick off time and venue to be notified.

Seniors at Pilrig for 1st home fixture tonight

Albions seniors host Edinburgh Academicals in their 1st home league fixture of the season at Pilrig Park tonight. KO- 6:30pm

Opening loss to Dunbar.

Albion have only themselves to blame for an opening day defeat. At sun kissed Hall Hill it was a perfect day for football and the immaculate home park looked inviting and just right for Albions style of play. The unknown quantity of the home side, new into the league, and playing their first competitive game, gave the fixture an edge. Albion had six key players missing due to holiday and suspension, so it was a reshuffled side that made the 30 mile journey to Dunbar, with only 12 players available, with a trialist, and one player only half fit, it was with some trepidation that Albion started the new campaign. It was a scrappy opening 15 minutes as both sides struggled to settle into any rythym, and it was the home side who benefited from a poorly cleared Albion ball that left the home striker with a clear site of goal to slam the ball past Wallace to put them in front. Albion woke up at this point and gave an indication that they were finding their stride. In 27 minutes it was all square a great one-two between smith and Glasgow ended with the Albion striker turning his marker and firing home to make it 1-1. Albion were pinning the home side back and three great chances, one from Brown, and two from Marr,were wasted. The second half was more open with Albion in control for long spells,however, a rare Dunbar attack ended in a spectacular, and somewhat speculative shot dipping over Wallace to give the home side an undeserved lead midway through the second half. That's when it all goes wonky!. With Albion totally dominant, it was all one way traffic as they squandered chance after chance. Three close range headers, with only the keeper standing in the way of a goal, were poorly directed and missed. Two strikes from the six yard area from Marr and O'Brien, could be classed as absolute sitters, with only the keeper to beat!. It went on and on. At the full time whistle Albion could only look and wonder at how they lost this one. With enough chances too have won this game with some ease, it all came down to a lack of composure in front of goal. Three points thrown away is the only conclusion we can take from this game. Dunbar Athletic 2-1 Redpath Albion

The Great Unwashed!!!

Picture the scene, 2 squads of players and officials plodding about in the torrential rain for 90 odd minutes and soaked to the skin. Head back to the school changing rooms only to find the boilers broken and there's no hot water!. Now, Pilrig Park school where we change for games, required a special permit from the council to open for tonight's game and to confirm janitorial cover, as the clubs regular let arrangement won't kick in until the last week in August. The special let permit cost the club £84 to cover 6pm - 9pm, £28 per hour. For that price you can't get a F&@()/ wash. Basic hygiene needs don't apply in 2012. The janitor called the club during the day to inform us of the situation, but we were hopeful that the problem would be resolved, before the school closed for the days business. Not so. The school kitchen staff, pupils and teachers, must have had to make do with cold water on the first day of term. This in a special needs school where hygiene standards are of the utmost importance. Obviously, somebody at the council or the cowboy contractors, didn't think the situation warranted an emergency call out. Nobody should be surprised with the lack of a solution to the broken boiler problem given the local authorities track record with projects small and large, and the way it seems to pride itself in doing things the hard way. What a farce.....

Albion's final warm up game fails to impress

Albions final warm up game failed to reach the standards of their recent pre season outings. Although a 3-1 win v Melville Rovers looks a comfortable return, for a game played in torrential rain from start to finish, it was less than impressive as both teams failed to master the conditions. Albion's 2-1 Half time lead, with goals from strike partners Glasgow and Marr, a late first half goal from the visitors, gave them a lifeline,in what was a poor first half. The second wasn't any better, with Albion only having a Smith goal to show for all their possession. As a "dress rehearsal" for Saturdays opening league game this performance is being filed away in the "do not open" file. Albion failed to do what they are good at and play to their strengths. It's been evident in the previous four friendlies where the squads strengths lie, but this evening, whether it was the weather and the fast, wet surface, they never rose to the standards or skill levels that were becoming their trademark. The real stuff begins on Saturday, so the squad will have to shake off this evenings lack lustre display, and rid this display out of the memory bank. Full Time ---- Redpath Albion 3-1 Melville Rovers.

Albion U9s and ESSSDA application

The clubs plan to establish an U9s soccer sevens team within the ESSSDA set up have suffered a few blips. The summer close down didn't help as paperwork lay incomplete and applications to city of Edinburgh council re extended use of Pilrig School on Sundays are still awaiting decisions. Due to circumstances out with the clubs control, it's now likely that the U9s will have to defer their debut in the 7s divisions until sometime in September. Parent will be informed and updated as information filters through to the club.

Last senior friendly before the big day

Albion seniors will have their final warm up game this evening when Melville Rovers head down to Pilrig. KO 6.45pm? The opening day fixtures take place on Saturday 18 August with Albion making the long trip to meet new side Dunbar Athletic.

From Beckham to Zidane.....

Our U11 have applied to move into the ESSDA Zidane division. It's a significant jump from the current Beckham division. The application has been accepted and the lads and coaches are looking forward to a bigger challenge. ESSDA fixtures commence on Sunday 26 August with opening fixtures due to be released this weekend.

Albion 1-2 defeat, but still loads of positives

Albion went down to a similar midweek result in this loss to South Gyle Athletic. An indiffirent first half showing, with Albion looking nothing like the side who'd performed well in their previous three games, it was no surprise that they faced an uphill struggle at 0-2 down. The second half was the time to show some character and Albion proved they had it. A couple of formation tweaks and the second half came alive for the home side. Albion deservedly played their way into the game with a perfect delivery by Glasgow from a corner being expertly headed home by Murray. Alas, for all Albions dominance in the second period and two good chances missed by A Brown and a glaring miss at a free kick by centre half Collinson, Albion rightly felt dissapointed that they had to contend with another 1-2 defeat. The loss, if it had been reviewed purely on the first half performance, would have been a set back in terms of pre season preperation, but the manner in which the home side flipped from poor to great in the second half was pleasing. Five early morning call offs meant a major reshuffle of earlier plans to the game plan and maybe the fact that players had to fill in at positions they probably weren't comfortable with had a part to play. It's hoped Albion will have a full compliment of players for the final friendly on Wednesday, which is the final "dress rehearsal" for next seasons league kick off.

No, the ref wasn't joking!!

Wednesdays referee outlined some new rule changes in his pre match talk in particular one about the tape players used on their socks. It certainly gave us all a pre match laugh as we thought it was a joke. Not so!. The following "directive" has been handed down by the suits at FIFA. Application of FIFA rules for Season 2012~2013 Law 4 – The Players’ Equipment: Stockings - if tape or similar material is applied externally it must be the same colour as that part of the stocking it is applied to. Reason for rule change: An increasing number of players are using excessive amounts of tape externally on their socks. This can be a multitude of colours and it completely changes the look of the sock. This can cause confusion particularly for assistant referees who may need to look at the sock to determine who last played the ball before it has gone out of play. The Edinburgh & District Referee Association confirm that this rule will apply to football in the current season. Whilst it is a possibility that a referee may not enforce the rule, club officials, players and supporters should not contest the decision of a referee who does apply the rule. Yeah, thought it would make you laugh.

Seniors Saturday Fixture

Albion will host South Gyle Athletic in their fourth friendly of their pre season build up on Saturday 11 August at Pilrig Park. KO2pm

Seniors Cup Draws

Albion were handed two away ties in the early season cup competitions. No dates secured for the ties, but Albion, who were given a bye, will face Premier 2 side Fernieside AFC, in round 2 of the Logan Cup. This fixture is a repeat of last seasons cup tie when Albion lost 4-1 at Peffermill. The Centenery Cup paired Albion away to Edinburgh West side Whitburn Bluebell with a long journey to the West Lothian town to look forward to. Date still be arranged.

Albion lose to late penalty

Albion travelled down to Whitecraigs in East Lothian last night to challenge Lothian East side Musselburgh Windsor. In brilliant sunshine, perfect for football on a vast and very large park, Albion were a goal down in just 30 seconds when a speculative shot from all of 40 yards flew over Wallace to give Albion a less than auspicious start. However, Albion quickly got down to business and slowly gained momentum to make a number of chances, the best falling to Rutherford and Brown, before Aldo Marr scored his second goal in successive games to give Albion a deserved half time share of the spoils. The second period was end to end stuff with both sides enjoying good spells of possession and their fair share of chances. It was however, a clumsy clash of legs in the Albion penalty area that gave the home side an opportunity to go ahead with a disputed spot kick. With both sides using their full compliment of substitutions both squads were climbing towards match fitness. Certainly, from Albion's point, it was a step up in energy from the previous two friendlies, and Albions two games per week schedule is proving worthwhile. Result - Musselburgh Windsor 2 - 1 Redpath Albion AFC.

Wednesday friendly....venue change

Wednesday 8 August friendly v Musselburgh Windsor now at Whitecraigs. Squad meet at Strathie for 5:30. Bus leaves 5:45pm

New fixture list

Notification received today of the revised early season fixture list as follows:- Saturday 18 August - away to Dunbar Athletic......Monday 20 August - Home to Edinburgh Academicals......Saturday 25 August - Free Week.....Monday 27 August - Home to Prestonfield AFC

Albion enjoy a day in the sun

Albion recorded their second pre season win as they produced the goods at sun drenched Pilrig Park. Visitors Edinburgh Academicals proved worthy challengers as the first half of this match produced very few chances for either side. But it was a different story in the second as Albion shuffled the pack to 'experiment' with formations and it paid off. Goals from Chris Martin and Aldo Marr were enough to see Albion take the spoils. Both trialists played their part in Albions win and contributed to another solid performance.

New addition to Edinburgh East Division

The club have been notified that Edinburgh Star will replace West Pilton Albion who withdrew L&EAFA. This brings the Edin East division back up to the original 13 teams.

Five new squad additions....and counting

Albion have been quietly recruiting a number of additions to the squad. Making the transition from last seasons senior squad are long serving goalkeeper Wallace, with midfielder Chris Martin and striker Rutherford, expressing their loyalty to the club by resigning. New signings, Aldo Marr (Striker) and ex Albion youth player Scott Weir (midfield/full back)the latest due to pledge their signatures. Two trialists will hopefully make their mark in tomorrows game at Pilrig which will possibly bring the new signings to seven for season 2012/2013. It won't stop there as negotiations are taking place with an additional three players.

Saturday friendly - Venue switch

Tomorrows senior pre season friendly v Edinburgh Academy will now be played at Pilrig Park. KO 2pm

Edinburgh East Division amendment

Last nights L&EAFA meeting, the first of the season, outlined changes and minor amendments to league reconstruction. Albion were directly affected by the announcement that West Pilton Albion were a late withdrawal from our division. The association will aim to plug that gap by reshuffling and allocating a replacement club to cover the WPA withdrawal.

New Division placing - Edinburgh East

After the last minute league reshuffle Albion have been allocated Edinburgh East Division for season 2012/2013. Teams as follows:- Civil Service Strollers Dunbar Athletic Dunbar United Edinburgh Adacemy SP Inverleith AFC LBG Strollers Lothian Star Meadows United Prestonfield AFC Redpath Albion AFC Salters AFC Standard Life FC West Pilton Albion

Seniors re-scheduled training session

Due to tonight's fixtures cancellation the senior squad will have a training session at Pilrig Park. 6:30pm start.

Last minute association tweaks kills tonights fixture

Tonight's friendly away to Dunbar has been postponed. The L&EAFA have had a last minute revamp of the divisions and downsized from six divisions to five. All clubs affected will now have fixtures rescheduled. This includes Albion. Tonight's opponents, Dunbar United, now find themselves in the same division as Albion, and it was agreed by both clubs that it would be to no ones benefit if both sides were to proceed with a friendly. Due to divisional restructure the league season has been put back a week. The season will now kick off on Saturday 18 August and not the 11th as proposed. The association news now leaves clubs scrambling around looking for additional pre season friendlies.