Early start on Day 3, 29th June. A bleary eyed team emerged for light breakfast before the bus departed hotel at 8am to take us to our final group match vs Vasconia A, a team from San Sebastian in the Basque country. Vasconia were founded in exactly the same year as Jeanfield, 1928 and are a sports club of similar size to Jeanfield.

The match would take place at another fantastic facility 30 minutes away at Ruidoms;

The facilities we experienced on the trip were of a completely different standard than we’re generally used to in Scotland. All the local clubs had first class stadiums, with great surfaces to play and train on. Ruidoms was a municipal facility with a number of all weather pitches and according to our guide, is just one example of a long term investment in Football and Sport in the area. The result has been a high level of participation from a young age, which has resulted in a high standard of performance and also engaged communities supporting their local teams. Something we should aspire to in Perth and Scotland.

After a hectic day the day before, the players were naturally tired but by now were well aware of the level of opposition we might be facing. Vasconia were only just one point ahead of us in the table having D1, L1, (lost to Fesport 4-0) whilst we were bottom, P2 L2.

This would be our last chance to take anything from our group matches. The conditions were kinder as it was a 9am KO and a mere 24 degrees. Once I shared the formation and starting line-up, it was over to players to do themselves justice in this match. If any more motivation was needed, it was certainly delivered via a barnstorming, Braveheart style dressing room speech from Steve Duncan.

With the cobwebs blown, the team took the field for their warm up, with the sprinklers providing a useful pre-match cooling aid.

The match kicked off and from the start we were more competitive. Mark Cunningham playing as a central striker, let his marker know he would not have it easy, chasing down loose balls and placing the opposition defense under pressure immediately. At the back Jack Burns was sharp to the tackle and overall the whole team looked more confident in possession, with some tidy play from back to middle working the ball wide to Saul Robinson and Joe Jeffers. It seemed as if we had adjusted to the conditions at last. Though Vasconia had greater share of possession they did not trouble Connor in goals in the opening exchanges.

But after 12 minutes a missed tackle out wide was punished. Vasconia took the lead with their first attempt on goal coming via a surging run down the right. A second goal followed before the break with again a costly error in a wide area allowing Vasconia to reach the byline this time the wide man showed great quality to pick out a cross to the back post where an unmarked runner took care if the rest. HT 2-0

It was harsh to go in 2-0 down as the team had worked extremely hard and were much more competitive in an even first half.

The second half kicked off with a refreshed line-up and the competitive nature of the match continued with Jack Burns putting in a determined display at the back. Play was flowing from one end to the other and we were threatening them on the breakaway, a great team move released Daniel down the right hand side and through one on one he flashed a shot just narrowly wide of the near post.

We were still well in the game midway through the half. Jacob Momoh was using his pace an ability to hold the ball and get the team up the park, showing great calmness to carry the ball across the midfield as he searched for the right pass. Unfortunately he had too few options. The opposing midfielder spotted his chance and nipped in to rob the ball, before sending it wide. It was then played across the area where their striker reacted quickest to finish. 3-0.

In the closing phase of the game Vasconia snatched another goal in what would prove to a cruel lesson for Jeanfield. This was never a 4-0 game and despite the loss the team had put in a shift and a competitive performance they could be proud of.

Three games played in 27 hours, but with no points from our group matches and a poor GD, we would go into the Consolation section of the draw. Whilst our three opponents from the group would go fwd to the quarter finals... As we would find out later, all three teams we faced would also take their place in the semi-finals.

Final report from our consolation cup match to follow...