Sunday marked a welcome return to grass pitches with a full day on the camera at Stonehaven, taking in two matches that had a bit of everything – league tension, cup drama, wild weather, and plenty of goals.

Morning: Stonehaven Youth vs Huntly U13 (League)

The day kicked off at the Stonehaven football pitches with a competitive league clash between Stonehaven Youth and Huntly U13. The pitch looked great, but the conditions were anything but – a swirling mix of cold, wind and passing showers that changed as often as the momentum on the park.

From the first whistle, Huntly looked the stronger and more physical side, pressing high and asking questions of the Stonehaven back line. Stonehaven tried to build from the back and play through the thirds, but struggled at times to get out against the Huntly press. Chances came at both ends, and it didn’t take long for the goals to start flowing.

The game’s main talking point arrived with a controversial red card for Huntly. What initially looked like a routine challenge quickly escalated, with the referee reaching for the red to the disbelief of the Huntly players and touchline. Even from behind the lens, you could feel the shift in atmosphere – a mix of frustration, confusion and a sense that the game had just been turned on its head.

Despite being a player down, Huntly showed why they’re near the top of the table. They reorganised quickly, stayed aggressive in the press, and continued to commit players forward. Two penalties added to the drama, both hotly contested, giving me plenty of chances to capture the tension on the faces of takers, keepers and coaches a like

In the end, Huntly’s quality told. Even with the man disadvantage, they were clinical in front of goal and ran out 6–2 winners, showing real composure in the final third. Stonehaven kept going right to the final whistle and grabbed a couple of goals of their own, but the visitors had just too much on the day.

From a photography point of view, the changing light and weather made it a real challenge – juggling shutter speeds in the rain one minute and adjusting exposure as the clouds broke the next – but it all added to the atmosphere of a hard-fought league encounter.

Afternoon: Stonehaven Youth vs Colony Park U15 (Semi-final at Mineralwell)

After the morning game, it was a short move over to Mineralwell for the afternoon fixture: Stonehaven Youth vs Colony Park U15 in a semi-final. Different pitch, different age group, but the same commitment and energy – and a place in the final on the line.

The first half was a much more even contest than the scoreline eventually suggested. Both sides settled into the game quickly, with Stonehaven and Colony Park trading attacks and half-chances. The midfield battle was tight, and neither team was willing to give much away. For long spells, it felt like the match could go either way, which always makes for great images – tackles flying in, 50/50 duels, and keepers at full stretch.

After the break, though, Colony Park started to take control. Their organisation really showed, especially from set plays, which turned into a key weapon. Corners and free-kicks into the box caused real problems, and they began to capitalise, turning pressure into goals. Stonehaven kept pushing and managed to find the net twice, but Colony’s strength from dead-ball situations and their ability to sustain attacks proved decisive.

By full time, Colony Park had run out 5–2 winners, booking their place in the final. Stonehaven could be proud of a strong first-half showing and their refusal to give in, but on the day Colony used their set pieces and second-half dominance to full effect.

A Day Behind the Lens

For me, it was a classic North-east Sunday with the camera – two matches, two different stories, and a full range of conditions to work in. From the controversy and penalty drama of the U13 league game to the tactical, set-piece‑driven semi-final at U15 level, there was no shortage of moments to capture.

Back on the grass, with rain on the jacket, wind across the pitch and goals at both ends – exactly the kind of day that reminds you why it’s worth hauling the gear out at the weekend. The full galleries will be going up soon for players, parents and coaches to relive a busy Sunday of football in Stonehaven.