Gordonians 1st XI welcomed champions of the last ten season Kelburne to Pelican Park on what was a bright and sunny Saturday afternoon. If it was a remarkably calm day at Countesswells, the match began at a pace only comparable to that of a tornado as the home side sought to build upon their opening draw against Edinburgh University, whereas Kelburne looked to put to bed their memories of a rare league defeat to Menzieshill.

The home team donned in yellow, were able to retain the ball through midfield, with forwards Dougall, Serle and McCann offering options in attack. Indeed, it was new signing Rory McCann who picked up the ball deep and ran directly at the heart of the Kelburne defence, eluding several challenges before entering the D and managing to slip the ball past the on rushing keeper, only to see the umpire award a short corner for an earlier offence. Frustrated, the Pelicans were unable to convert and less than 1 minute later Kelburne has the ball in the net at the other end.

The remainder of the half was closely contested all over the park, with chances at a premium, as Harper, Mackay and Tom O'Kelly in the home goal ably dealt with anything the Kelburne forward line could muster. Unfortunately, a well worked piece of play by the visitors saw an unmarked man pick the ball up on the Gordonians 25 with time to pick a fine crash ball into the circle which was deflected home by an attacker.

The second half saw bits of indiscipline creep into the home team's game and Adam Walker was sent to the sin bin for dissent. A change in structure combined with a reduced playing complement resulted in Kelburne snatching their third goal. Gordonians were now struggling to cope with the pace and movement of the visiting side and with a number of other offences resulting in yellow cards, Kelburne managed to put the game beyond doubt.

Chances were limited for the home side in the second half. However, Ian Coffey found himself well placed in the D but was unable to finish as he was crowded out by some good defending; whilst Ali Dougal showed endeavour in the forward line by winning a short corner for his side. Debutants Fraser Yates and Jamie Connor acquitted themselves well up front, while Robbie Shepherdson battled valiantly against what was an opposition midfield of high talent.

Gordonians will take some positive from the performance, however a greater level of discipline and effective defensive work rate will be required in order to secure vital points as the season progresses