2-2 draw ends in abandoned match

Another jittery performance from Albion was heading for a share of the points when a serious injury to young full back John Martin left match official Mr. McGill with no option but to abandon the match. In the the final ten minutes, with both sides pressing for what might have been the elusive winner, players were stopped in their tracks, when young John slid in for a challenge and twisted his left leg, damaging his shin. A call to the emergency services was relayed within minutes of home officials realising the issue called for expert medical help. However, the drama didn't end there as John lay on the pitch at Pilrig for over two hours. With the call made at approx 3:35pm it was 5:50pm, and two additional calls later to the emergency services, before the Albion player was finally lifted off the turf at Pilrig. We'll post an update on John’s situation as soon as we have it.

U11s home to Musselburgh

The club ESSSDA 7s fixture tomorrow v Musselburgh will also go ahead as planned. No problems with the park at Pilrig and our 10.30am kick off is confirmed.

Albion park beats the weather

The incessant rainfall this week has put many games in doubt with parks waterlogged or being left to referees inspections. Not Pilrig. Both parks are in pristine condition and the Seniors league fixture between Redpath Albion and Meadow united was never in any real doubt. Kick off today at Pilrig is 2pm

Albion win after poor 90 minutes

Albion secured another 3 points with this 3-2 victory over Standard Life, but as a playing spectacle it was a poor performance. A dour 1st half with no goals, although Albion should have been two nil up in the first 3 minutes, the second half was as poor as the first even with five goals on show. It's a testament to the sides improvement that Albion can be critical of a winning performance, but the current squad have played much better and lost!. The drop in yesterday's standard might have something to do with the spoiling tactics of the opposition who in reality gave home keeper Wallace very little to do. Granted the visitors had two goals to show for their efforts, a penalty gifted from a goalkeeping error, and shoddy defending, but it was a disappointing home display from Albion. Two goals from Rutherford and a Brown free kick, gave Albion the win, but the three points is about the only positive you can take, from a scrappy below par 90 minutes.

Albion's U11 heading for Currie

Albion will head up to Currie for their next ESSSDA fixture. With a 10:30 kick off all parents and players will be notified of meeting times.

Albion host Standard in League fixture

Albion's seniors are back to league business after two successive cup ties. Today's opponents are Standard Life and Albion will be keen to build on their last league victory v Prestonfield. Today's game kicks off at Pilrig Park 2pm

Seniors head for winter training

The clubs senior side will decant from Pilrig to their winter training venue at Leith Academy Astro Floodlit complex on Wednesday. Sessions begin at 8pm

U11s produce highly Polished Pilrig Performance

The clubs U11 section produced a text book performance in yesterday mornings ESSSDA game v Danderhall. An almost flawless display of quick passing, movement and finishing was witnessed by the large crowd in the early morning Pilrig sunshine. The young lads took their game to a new level, and with a very good Danderhall side making a very worthwhile contribution to a great game, every young player at Pilrig can congratulate themselves on a day where football was the biggest winner.

U8/U9s news

Parents are reminded that there are no sessions being held at Pilrig Park and school this evening. The school is closed due to Edinburgh holiday. All back to normal next week.

Sunday fun fours at Pilrig

Albion have again teamed up with 3v2 Soccer Academy to offer a new initiative for children aged 7-10yrs. Titled Sunday Matchplay the fortnightly event will offer fun football aimed at children of all skill levels. Starting at Pilrig Park on Sunday 16 September from 12noon with 3v2 coaching teams in attendance. Further details from www.3v2socceracademy.co.uk and head for the match play page.

No rest for U11s

Albions U11 won't have time to enjoy the Edinburgh holiday weekend as they play host to Danderhall Miners Colts at Pilrig Park on Sunday 16 September with a 10.30am kick off in a ESSSDA 7s fixture.

Seniors take early season rest

Albion seniors have been rested this weekend due to the Edinburgh Holiday weekend. After a light training session last night the squad have been given the weekend off with no training planned for Saturday. Players are reminded that the session planned for Wednesday 19 September will move to the winter training base at Leith Academy Astro Complex players meet 7:45pm

Gulf in class dumps Albion from cup

The visit to Whitburn Bluebell for yesterday's Centenary cup clash was a skill step too far for Albions seniors. A culmination of factors e.g a depleted squad due to work and the early kick off, injuries and holidays all played their part, but take nothing away from the home sides 5-0 victory, as it was fully deserved. Albion had no answer to the swift passing and movement of a side that looked like winners from the first whistle. Playing on a fabulous 3G surface the home side were clinical in all areas of the park and Albion would freely admit that it was difficult to come up with any answers to the home sides one-touch passing game. Down 3-0 in the first half, it was a fired up Albion who took the game to the home side and the visitors enjoyed a good 15 minute spell when they could have played their way back into the game with efforts from Murray and Marr that should have given them a lifeline. However, honest effort sometimes isn't enough against class opposition, and Whitburn ran out worthy 5-0 winners. Summary - Even with a 5-0 defeat Albion had their moments in this game. With a bit more accuracy and taking the right options under pressure, it might have allowed Albion to have taken a bit more credit from this game. The highlights from an Albion perspective was the outstanding performance of captain and keeper Wallace. The number of improbable saves made by Wallace, especially a double save midway through the first half were top quality. Given the dominance of the home side Albion relied on the keeper heavily throughout the tie and he didn't dissapoint. The home side will be a match for any side in the association this season and their skilful possession game will be hard to match. Whitburn are certainly a big notch up from what Albion have come up against so far this season and if they produce these diplays consistently they will take some stopping.

11s fill free week gap.

The unfortunate way the fixtures fell, and the withdrawal of clubs from ESSSDA would have meant the U11s having to contend with a second free week this Sunday. Thankfully, the club have managed to arrange a home friendly with Edinburgh City U11s. Kick off is later than usual at 11am

Seniors on early kick off duty at Whitburn

Albions seniors will make the long trip to Whitburn today when they line up against hosts Whitburn Bluebell in the Centenary Cup. With the Scotland world cup qualifier v Serbia taking place later in the day most of the cup ties will kick off early. Albions game will start a 1:15pm. Players are reminded that the bus leaves the Strathie at 11.15am

Seniors training session details

Albions senior training session will be held at Pilrig Park for the next two Wednesday's from 6:30pm. Please note that From Wednesday 19 September all future sessions will be held at Leith Academy Floodlit AstroTurf Complex from 8pm. Details will be relayed to all squad members prior to first Astro session.

11s coaching Postponed

Tonights U11 coaching session has been postponed due to tomorrow nights Danderhall friendly fixture.

Midweek 11s Fixture

Albions U11s will enjoy a rare midweek fixture this Wednesday when they head up to Danderhall for an U7s friendly. Parents have been notified of details and meeting times.

U11s end up idle again...but some good news.

Albion's U11s have been left idling again this Sunday with the recognised opposition calling off and no replacements being found. As the school and park is booked and open, the lads will hold a coaching session from 10.30-12.30 to keep ticking over. The lads will be pleased to know that their individual customised playing kit will be distributed directly after the session. Each of the U11s squad will display their individual surname on this season playing kit. Possibly a first at this level, and a nice touch for the youngsters.

Albion dig in, but undone in final minute

Albion travelled to Premier Two side Ferniehill looking to upset the odds on this Logan Cup second round tie. Albion shuffled the pack for this tie with two changes made from Monday nights win. Both were tactical as Albion new they were in for tough day at Peffermill. The game, played out in a swirling wind, didn't allow for much silky football, but both teams faced each other with no illusions about what they required. Albion chased and closed down everything as Fernieside inevitably stroked the ball on the big playing surface. The 0-0 half time scoreline reflected the effort put in by Albion and although Wallace was the busier keeper, Albion's contribution to a decent first half, couldn't be faulted. Indeed a sweeping move down the right between Martin and Rutherford, almost saw Marr squeeze Rutherfords cut back in at the near post late in the half. Half Time 0-0. For the first 30 minutes of the second half it was Albion who had stood firm after a period of sustained possession and pressure from the home side. However, Albion came into their own from then on and at this point Albion took control. The ten minute spell gave Albion a fresh wave of confidence and Murray almost bundled the ball home in 71 minutes when a headed flick from C Martin left Murray unmarked in the area but his tame shot was saved by the home keeper. A swift four man move left Francis with space in the box, but his angled drive flashed past the keepers far post. In 85 minutes Murray's surging run and cross caused all sorts of problems in the home box, but as Albion lined up to take advantage, Smith shot wildly over the bar. With extra time looking likely, the home side found space down the right and the inch perfect cross was headed past the helpless Wallace to give Fernieside a late lead. It was too late for Albion to conjure up a reply and in injury time, the home side added a second, with Albion throwing everything into a late attack, they were inevitably left exposed at the back. Full Time 2-0 The loss of the late goals, 89 and 92 minutes, left Albion with too much to do. It was however, a very positive performance from Albion with every player playing his part. It was a dogged display, and with a bit more luck, and clinical finishing, it might have finished diffirently.