Rattrays 2 - Postal A.L.C 1 - AAFA Div1 - 5th Aug 2026 - Rubislaw

Rattrays XI vs Postal

Postal travelled to Rubislaw this evening to take on Rattray’s XI, looking to build on an impressive 3-0 opening-day victory over HR Nicolls. The strong start to the season has given the squad plenty confidence, but we knew that a difficult test was awaiting us against a side that would be eager to start their season off positively. Postal will be aiming to maintain their momentum with another disciplined performance.

Rattray’s XI began their league campaign this evening and were eager to make a positive start in their first fixture. Consistently one of the stronger sides in the division, they have enjoyed an encouraging pre-season, picking up impressive results against junior opposition. They’ll be aiming to carry that momentum into the new campaign and underline their credentials from the outset.

Postal lined up with a 4-5-1. A few changes from the previous game saw Walker and Stuart out of the starting team replaced by Gauld and the returning Clark.

Starting 11

1. Connor Graham

2. Andrew Riddell

3. Bruce Webster

4. Joe Wadley

5. Matthew Hamilton

6. James Steele

7. Blair Gauld

8. Murray Hunter

9. Harry McAuley

10. Phil Wallace

11. Alex Clark

Substitutes

12. Fletcher Stewart

13. Mitchell Phillips

14. Mark Robb

15. Craig Mackie

16. Harley Stewart

17. Ross Webster

18. Fraser Smith

Postal kicked off tonight’s affair.

The hosts were first to threaten from a corner inside two minutes, but Postal defended well before launching a swift counter-attack, with Wallace releasing Clark to win a throw deep in the opposition half. Postal’s first sight of goal came five minutes later when Riddell’s long ball found Gauld, although he was unable to make a clean connection.

At the other end, a loose pass from Steele almost gifted Rattray’s an opportunity, but Riddell recovered well to snuff out the danger. Hamilton then produced an excellent bit of defending to halt another dangerous attack before McAuley tested the home goalkeeper with a comfortable effort after being played through by Clark.

As the half progressed, both sides struggled to create clear-cut chances. McAuley came closest for Postal when a defensive mistake allowed him through on goal, but a recovering defender did enough to force the goalkeeper into a routine collection. Rattray’s best opportunity arrived midway through the half after a turnover in midfield seen their striker clean through, but he dragged his effort wide to let Postal off the hook.

Postal responded with efforts from Wallace, who twice tested the goalkeeper from distance, while Clark saw a dangerous run end with a cross that failed to trouble the home side. Defensively, Graham, Hamilton and Wadley stood firm, dealing confidently with several corners, long throws and dangerous deliveries into the box.

Rattray’s continued to threaten from range in the closing stages, but Wadley produced an important block before Graham claimed comfortably. A late free-kick from the edge of the area was fired straight into the Postal wall, ensuring the sides went into the break level.

Half-Time: Rattray’s XI 0-0 Postal

The first half was a closely fought contest with both sides enjoying spells of possession but creating few clear-cut opportunities. Postal remained organised defensively, standing up well to Rattray’s attacking threat, while also showing glimpses of quality going forward through McAuley, Wallace and Clark. Although both teams had chances to break the deadlock, neither goalkeeper was seriously troubled, leaving the match finely balanced at the interval.

Postal were forced into a half time substitution after Wadley went over his ankle in a challenge in the first half and he was replaced by Mackie.

Rattray’s kicked off the second half.

Postal started the second half brightly and looked to take control of the game, with Riddell forcing an early save from distance before Webster’s dangerous delivery earning a corner. The pressure continued when Riddell’s excellent cross almost created a second-ball opportunity for Gauld and Hunter, while good work from Wallace and Clark eventually saw Steele fire over from the edge of the box.

The breakthrough arrived on 58 minutes when Riddell delivered an excellent free kick into the box, allowing Wallace to rise the highest and power a header into the roof of the net to give Postal the lead. 0 -1.

However, the advantage was short-lived as Rattray’s responded with pressure of their own. Hamilton defended brilliantly in a foot race with their striker, but the hosts continued to threaten and were awarded a penalty on 70 minutes after Gauld committed a foul in the box. Rattray’s number nine converted from the spot to level the game. 1-1

Postal introduced Stewart and Phillips as they looked to regain control, with Stewart immediately making an impact down the right, delivering a dangerous cross just over Clark. Rattray’s found the decisive goal on 73 mins. A turnover high up the pitch allowed the hosts to break quickly, with their winger driving forward before finding a teammate in space to calmly finish past Graham. 2-1

Postal pushed for an equaliser in the closing stages, introducing H. Stewart and Robb onto the park. Rattrays continued to defend well to hold onto their lead. Hamilton was again called upon to deal with a dangerous late attack before the referee brought proceedings to an end.

Full-Time: Rattray’s XI 2-1 Postal

Postal were narrowly beaten 2-1 by Rattray’s XI in a competitive encounter at Rubislaw. After taking the lead through a Wallace header, Postal were unable to hold on to their advantage as the hosts, responded with two second-half goals, including a penalty and a well finished counter-attack. Despite creating opportunities and showing plenty of positive attacking play, Postal couldn’t find the extra bit of quality needed for an equalising goal. However, we can take encouragement from another strong performance against a team that will be looking for a high finish in the division.

Man of the match - Harry McAuley

Another impressive performance from McAuley, who earns his second consecutive Man of the Match. The big striker once again showed his value with good hold-up play, bringing others into the game letting Postal up the park and being a constant nuisance for the Rattray’s defence all evening. He will feel he should have had a goal after a good opportunity in the first half, but his overall contribution and work rate leading the line were key positives for Postal.