Greenock HSFP Black And St Andrews Blue Share Spoils In Thrilling Draw

In a captivating friendly encounter at Gourock Park on 30 July 2025, Greenock HSFP Black and St Andrews Blue played out an exhilarating 2-2 draw. The match kicked off at 6:30pm, showcasing a blend of youthful exuberance and tactical nous from both sides.

Greenock HSFP Black lined up in a 4-3-3 formation, designed to provide a solid defensive base while allowing for dynamic attacking play. Liam Shambach occupied the goalkeeping position, shielded by a back four comprising Ben O'Brien on the right, Lyle Buchan and Robert Miller as central defenders, and Taylor Carson on the left. In midfield, Sam Lyons operated on the right, with Ashton Kerr in the central role, and Zack Fyfe on the left. Up front, Ethan Lynch and Kieran Boyd flanked striker Zack Weston, who was expected to lead the line and convert chances into goals.

The substitutes for Greenock HSFP Black included Aaron Smith, who would later make a significant impact on the match.

The action began early, with Zack Weston putting Greenock HSFP Black ahead in just the third minute. Kieran Boyd delivered a precise header from a cross, allowing Weston to finish from close range with his right foot, sending the home fans into raptures. However, the lead was short-lived as St Andrews Blue responded swiftly, equalising in the sixth minute with a stunning left-footed strike from outside the area that left Shambach with no chance.

St Andrews Blue continued to apply pressure and took the lead in the 23rd minute. A well-placed header from close range found the back of the net, leaving Greenock HSFP Black trailing 2-1. The home side needed a response, and it came in the 34th minute when Aaron Smith, who had just come on as a substitute, scored with a header from a free kick delivered by Ashton Kerr, restoring parity at 2-2.

As the first half drew to a close, the teams went into the break level, with both sides having shown their attacking prowess. The referee, Dunky McEachran, signalled half-time at the 40-minute mark, allowing players to regroup and strategise for the second half.

The second half saw Greenock HSFP Black make tactical changes, with Ethan Lynch re-entering the fray in the 60th minute, replacing Kieran Boyd. This substitution aimed to inject fresh energy into the attack. Later, in the 70th minute, Boyd returned to the pitch, taking the place of Zak Fyfe, as Greenock HSFP Black sought to find a winning goal.

Despite several attempts from both teams, the match ended in a stalemate, with neither side able to break the deadlock in the second half. Robert Miller was particularly impressive throughout the match, earning recognition as the standout player for his defensive solidity and leadership.

In the end, both Greenock HSFP Black and St Andrews Blue showcased their talents in a thrilling encounter that left fans eagerly anticipating their next meetings.