YFS
West Region (159)
EKFC Gold started as they intended to go on at Norwood Playing Fields and came straight out of the blocks early on. A few early efforts from target man Daniel Hashim did little to trouble Giffnock goalkeeper Luke Paul, however it didn't take long before the scoring was opened for the afternoon.
On the 17th minute, central midfielder Alexander MacDonald burst into the box after a great run through the middle. It looked as if the chance had gone when the defence regained possession, however a mix up which saw the ball lift off the ground presented MacDonald with a chance, which he brilliantly floated off the bar and over the line when it was spilled by the goalkeeper.
Giffnock tried to respond immediately with shots from Cuthbertson and O'Hagan not enough to properly threaten the goalkeeper who saved easily. However, it was to be EKFC who would double their lead when in the 23rd minute, Jack McKenna floated a ball in to Lee Bowers who struck home fantastically on a first time volley into the roof of the net.
More chances fell for East Kilbride who looked to put the game out of sight before half time, including another effort from Bowers from just outside the box that was well saved by the goalkeeper.
On the 43rd minute an important moment in the match came. Giffnock's John O'Hagan strayed offside however wasn't active which confused EK defender Grant Dryburgh. Giffnock's Max Gillies was alert to the situation and duly swept past Dryburgh into the box where he was 1v1 with the keeper, before Dryburgh bundled him down leading to a Giffnock penalty. Gillies stepped up to take it however his shot was saved by EK's Euan Aitken, but the ball fell right back into the path of Gillies who diverted the rebound.
The referee had to intervene when handbags ensued between Aitken and Gillies, when Aitken regathered the ball to waste time, however the referee kept his cards in his pocket.
Just before half time Giffnock could have equalised after a great run by Aiden Lyons, however a poor ball into the area ensured it was 2-1 to EK when the half time whistle blew.
Gartcairn defeated Barrhead in a West of Scotland Premier Division league match which saw all three goals in the game come in the last 15 minutes. Gartcairn opened the scoring through Ciaran Reilly before Barrhead levelled from the penalty spot through Aaron Boyle, however, the equaliser was cancelled out as Gartcairn got a penalty of their own, converted by Josh Moore.
The game started with both teams looking to play the ball out from the back and the first chance fell to Barrhead. Connor McCabe picked up possession on the halfway line and floated a ball out to Aaron Boyle on the right-hand side, who controlled it and carried the ball across the edge of the box and slipped the ball into the path of Liam McLaughlin who went down in the area but the referee waved away penalty claims.
Gartcairn's first chance of the game came when Jordan Moore dispossessed Aaron Boyle in the middle of the park and the striker raced through on goal but his effort was well saved by Stuart Collins in the Barrhead goal.
Both teams were guilty of being careless in possession at times and in particular from free kicks which were not used to good effect in the first half.
Another chance for Gartcairn came from a set-piece when a corner taken by Luke Kelly found Jordan Moore whose great header was kept out by Collins who got down to his right to push the effort away.
Barrhead threatened the Gartcairn goal just before half time. Good work down the left-hand side by Jason Andrew who played the ball to Philip Lee whose cross was controlled and held up by Andrew Stewart in the box who then laid the ball to the edge of the box and Liam McLaughlin struck a first time effort which was palmed away by Scott Matthews.
Giffnock North lift West Region Cup with late flurry
Written by James CairneyGiffnock North lifted the SYFA West Region Cup after a flurry of late goals guaranteed the trophy for the under-13s side.
Giffnock overcame Knightswood 5-1 in Sunday’s final but the game could have gone either way until the Glaswegian side were reduced to ten men, at which point the floodgates opened.
Giffnock kicked off on a dry Sunday morning at Petershill Park but the game’s first chance fell to Knightswood with just five minutes on the clock. Forward Jack Keenan played the ball to Ben Willis who then returned it to Keenan on the edge of the box, but his low drive was easily held by Marc Newton.
Knightswood had another chance moments later when Gregg McMahon’s corner found Willis at the near post, but Newton saved the ball well.
Then, just a minute later, Giffnock took the lead. Striker Greg Harrower got on the end of a long ball forward and drove at goal, drifting slightly to the left. The angle was narrow but Harrower slotted past the onrushing Ross Faiden, with the ball clipping the inside of the post before crossing the line.
Giffnock North enjoyed more possession than their opponents after the goal but were pressed relentlessly all over the pitch. Where Giffnock were patiently looking for an opening, Knightswood harried them and looked to hit them on the counter.
Knightswood then came within inches of levelling the score. Flynn Kerr attempted to lob Newton from the edge of the box with a looping shot, but the goalkeeper did very well to stretch and catch the ball.
A minute later, Knightswood came close again to finding an equaliser. Willis was released to the right of the box and fired a low shot at the near post, but Newton was equal to it.
Lewis Hill then spurned an excellent chance that could have seen Giffnock double their advantage. Harrower whipped in an inviting cross from the right that Hill got a head on, but his effort didn’t trouble Knightswood goalie Faiden.
Giffnock surely would have made it 2-0 if not for an exceptional block from Knightswood’s Ciaran Grant. Harrower shifted the ball out to Christy Diamond, who swung a cross towards George McKenzie in the box. The forward was about to pull the trigger when Grant threw himself in front of the shot, superbly denying the chance.
Willis always looked dangerous in attack for Knightswood and the striker came very close to scoring a wonderful solo goal about halfway through the first half. Willis broke free of the Giffnock defence and drove to the edge of the box before clipping the ball past Newton, but also just wide of the far post.
Knightswood began to pile on the pressure and were soon rewarded with another goalscoring opportunity. Grant got on the end of a cross from the left and was unmarked at the back post but failed to slip the ball past Newton.
Faiden then produced an outstanding stop to prevent Knightswood from doubling their advantage. Harrower broke down the left and outstripped the defence for a one-on-one with the Giffnock keeper. Faiden was quick off his line and spread himself well to deny Harrower.
Then, with halftime fast approaching, Knightswood grabbed the equaliser their play deserved. The ball fell to Keenan on the edge of the box, who took one look before firing a powerful effort that gave Newton little chance of saving it.
Knightswood almost took the lead on the stroke of halftime when McMahon released Keenan for a one-on-one with the keeper, only for Jed Connell to come out of nowhere to provide a superb block to deny Knightswood their second.
The referee then blew his whistle to call time on an entertaining first half. The match was tight and looked like it could go either way in the second period.
Harmony Row power their way to West Region Cup with 5-1 win against St Andrew's
Written by David WaltonA one-sided West Region Cup final between Harmony Row and St Andrew's BC ended in a 5-1 success for Harmony.
First-half goals from Thomas Seagrave and Chrissy Drennan were added to by strikes from Charlie Freedman, Ross MacKenzie, and a late Ben Harwood penalty to secure the trophy in convincing fashion. Aiden Robertson notched a late consolation for St Andrew's, who just couldn't keep up with Harmony Row as the game went on.
Yet, despite the convincing fashion of victory, it was a very competitive first 45 between the two sides.
Harwood was a live wire throughout, and two early runs down the right saw him cross into the area with nobody there to attack the crosses. It was an impressive start for Harmony, who were often looking down their right flank for inspiration.
St Andrew's were quiet in the early stages, but did get their first opening on 10 minutes when Adam Houlihan rattled a half-volley off the bar. The rebound fell kindly for Ryan Dickson, but he could only head straight at Dylan Austin.
It was a signal of intent from St Andrew's, but they also had to heed the warning that Seagrave was giving them up front. Twice he seemed to get in behind the St Andrew's defence with ease, but was either let down by his control or an advancing Declan Tinney.
Seagrave, however, wouldn't be denied for a third time. A simple long ball saw him run beyond the defence, and there a was a swagger to his stride as he ran through on goal and calmly slotted Harmony Row in front.
The next five minutes or so saw a good response from St Andrew's. Robertson nearly came close after collecting a spill from Austin, but he was quickly shutdown. Meanwhile, Dickson thought he had equalised when he towered home a header from a terrific Robertson cross down the left. However, unfortunately for Dickson, he was flagged for offside.
Robertson was looking like St Andrew's most likely influence, having a couple more moments down the left that could've reaped rewards had their been a better final ball or killer touch.
St Andrew's should've levelled just before the 40 minute mark, when an incredible series saw Robertson glance a header onto the bar before a rebound effort from Jay Devlin was somehow stopped by Austin. The rebound looked certain for the net, and massive credit must go to Austin for how he got himself up from Robertson's header to beat the ball away.
And it would pay off just moments before the break as Harmony Row extended their advantage. Their didn't seem to be a lot on for Drennan. However, after weaving past several challenges into the penalty area, the winger slotted home confidently with his right foot to give Harmony Row a strong lead heading into the break.
Giffnock spark comeback to seal West Region Cup over East Kilbride
Written by David WaltonA top-class strike from Tinashe Mugwanda secured the Under-16s West Region Cup for Giffnock SC as they overcame East Kilbride FC 2-1 at Petershill Park.
A clinical finish from Greig Stewart early on gave EK a priceless advantage. However, 20 minutes later Giffnock were level through Jay Shields as the sides headed into the break level.
And as Giffnock continued to exert pressure in the second half, the game would be won through a wonder goal from Mugwanda on 56 minutes.
The first opening of the game came when Mugwanda laid off Shields outside the box after good build-up play, but the captain saw his low shot trundle wide.
It was a strong opening from Giffnock, who were controlling possession and creating openings. Michael Garrity nearly found Cole Wilson with a cross, whilst Garrity himself had a low drive from 25 yards well held.
Yet, despite the positive start, EK stunned Giffnock with a goal from their first real attack. Terrific strength and hold-up play from Ben Richford allowed him to lay the ball into the path of the advancing Stewart. Stewart saw Daniel Smith come off his line and buried it over him superbly for 1-0.
Giffnock looked to reply immediately, and had a flurry of free-kick opportunities that ultimately came to nothing. Sam Ghoul and Finn Kelly were looking lively down the right, but EK were seeing things out well.
Ohoran Markie blazed over after creating an angle for himself, before Drew Garry and Matthew Connolly combined for the former to have an effort beaten away, as Giffnock looked to snatch an equaliser before the break.
Yet for all of their domination, EK gave Giffnock a short reminder of their own capabilities on the counter. A quick attack saw Richford have a low pop at goal that could only be parried. It was half-cleared to Alistair Murray, who returned it in for Blair Rossiter, who somehow clipped an effort off the bar from close-range.
You wondered whether EK would rue that big miss, and it turns out they would just two minutes later. Garry found space down the right and spotted the run of Shields on the box. After collecting, Shields turned superbly on the ball before curling past Dylan Orr and into the net.
The rest of the half would largely peter out, with both sides happy to get in level and not risk any further damage. Rossiter's free-kick from 20 yards that went wayward aside, there was no danger before the break.
St Peter's take the West Region Cup with dramatic penalty-shootout success over Giffnock
Written by David WaltonA dramatic climax to the SYFA West Region Under-17s cup final saw St Peter's take the trophy in a 4-2 penalty-shootout win over Giffnock SC.
The shootout came after the sides couldn't be separated after 90 minutes, with a thrilling 2-2 draw on display for the supporters at Petershill Stadium during the initial 90 minutes.
First-half strikes from Harry Carlin and Chimwemwe Goma had St Peter's in cruise control heading into the break. However, a strike at the start of the second 45 by Fraser Cowan was eventually added to by a dramatic late effort from Cameron Stewart that secured a shootout for Giffnock.
St Peter's looked lively early on, and were trying to take advantage of any opportunities they were getting from the Giffnock back-line. Marcus Holland caught Ben Kilcoyne napping in his own half, and struck a half-volley on goal that forced Luke Paul into a good low stop.
In truth, the opening stages were extremely cagey yet energetic. The biggest source of that energy was coming from Goma, who seemed to have the responsibility of roaming around the pitch to try and make things happen. Several runs by him and Matthew McArthur led to some promising cut-backs, but there were no takers.
Giffnock had their moments down the right hand side, but in truth it was St Peter's who were starting to look in the ascendancy towards the half hour mark. Chances were still rare, but the best one fell to St Peter's right before 30 minutes. Declan Shaw had a pop from 20 yards, and after Paul parried it straight to McSkeane, it looked as though it would be 1-0. However, Paul did well to gather the rebound comfortably.
Yet St Peter's weren't going to have to wait much longer before opening the scoring. They had been looking the likelier side, but a moment of class sealed their advantage. Lewis Logan sent a terrific, curling ball to the front post that was flicked home superbly by Carlin.
With the momentum now with St Peter's, they went and doubled their lead before the break. A simple corner into the Giffnock penalty area was cleared only as far as Goma, who let a howitzer leave the outside of his right boot and curl into the far corner.
Holland's cross just evaded Goma, whilst Lee McTernan was next to pop an effort wide before the break as St Peter's dominated the contest, with McTernan also clipping the post with an effort with the outside of his right boot on half-time.
Quickfire goals help secure P&JDYFL Division 3 Cup for Kilwinning Rangers
Written by Calum McCafferyHolyrood Under 15s take Glasgow Shield with ding-dong win over Jean Paul Academy
Written by David WaltonA sensational comeback from Holyrood saw them run out 4-2 winners after extra-time against John Paul Academy to win the Under-15s Glasgow Schools' League Shield.
A brace from John Paul's Cameron Sweeney either side of half-time sandwiched a David Hurrel header. It seemed as though John Paul were going to take the shield after holding out for 67 minutes. However, with just minutes remaining, Hurrel came up trumps again to take the game into extra-time.
Holyrood had an extra gear to go to in the two halves of 10 minutes and it showed in the score-line. Michael Thompkins nodded home superb third, before the scoring was rounded off at the death as an unfortunate mix-up between goalkeeper Patrick Okodien and Robert Donnelly saw the latter poke into his own net.
Holyrood showed serious intent in the first 15 minutes, and will wonder how they never stormed into an early lead.
Guy Bullock sliced an effort wide at the back post, before Hurrel controlled a cross from the left superbly, but could only slide his effort off the post.
The pressure continued as Hurrel drilled an effort wide after being played in by Bullock, as the play was going in one-way traffic.
John Paul got their first shot of the game on 11 minutes when Kyle Bryson nodded into the arms of Gabriel Abercromby.
However, much of the play was going through the impressive Hurrel for Holyrood. He was showing some extremely flashy touches on the ball and clever flicks that deceived the John Paul midfield to start attacks for his side.
Yet, for all of their dominance, Holyrood conceded the opening goal just after the 20-minute mark. Billy Owens sent in a tempting cross to the near post that was headed with great power by Sweeney. Despite several Holyrood defenders being on the line, the power forced the ball in to give John Paul Academy a priceless 1-0 lead.
The goal gave John Paul added impetus in the run up to half-time. Bryson, Sweeney, and Owens all combined beautifully to set up Owens, but the latter just couldn't get a clean effort on goal from inside the box.
Yet it wasn't long before Holywood were battering the door down and trying to get the equaliser before the break.
A corner from the left was flicked wide by Dylan MacDonald, before Hurrel tried another effort from 25 yards that flew over. Holyrood were ending the half strong, but couldn't grab an equaliser before the break.
Bannerman take Under-14 Shield with incredible victory over St Andrew's
Written by David WaltonBannerman High School secured the Under-14 League Shield with an impressive 5-1 dismantling of St Andrew's Secondary at Auchenhowie.
First half goals from Sam Christie and Cameron Orr were added to by a second-half brace from Kalvin Higgins and a stunning fifth from Orr towards the death. Tomas Cassidy got on the score-sheet before half-time for St Andrew's with a towering header of his own.
It was a final that promised goals given that both sides were in free-scoring form heading into the match. And it was a game that didn't fail to deliver in terms of quality.
One particular standout was Morgan Graham of St Andrew's, who was notably the only female player in the match as well as one of the top performers in a spirited display from her side.
The game started in blistering fashion, with St Andrew's putting on a high press and forcing Bannerman's back-line into some early pressure. The first chance of the half, however, came from Bannerman, as Orr drilled an early strike over just outside the area.
Orr would then test the impressive Lennon Campbell's palms as he burst through and sent a low effort his way. Fortunately for St Andrew's the young goalkeeper produced a smart stop to tip round from a corner.
Despite a positive first 10 minutes for Bannerman though, St Andrew's started to feel their way into the game, with Cassidy bursting forward and curling an effort on goal that saw Nathan Coyne produce a fine save.
And Bannerman would storm into the lead just two minutes later. A lovely ball over the top by Lucas Wilson sent the pacey Christie away. The right-winger then lashed a low effort under the unfortunate Campbell to give Bannerman a priceless lead.
It wasn't long before Christie was in again down the right, but his low cross was well snuffed out by the St Andrew's defence.
One notable battle that was intriguing was Kai Mitchell of Bannerman against St Andrew's right-back Devon McAllister. Both youngsters were getting in about each other, with Mitchell often showing great flair and energy to win the ball high up for Bannerman.
And it wasn't long before St Andrew's went 2-0 down. A corner into the area was powerfully headed into the net by Orr, leaving St Andrew's with it all to do.
There was almost a quick response when Cassidy held the ball up well to lay of Keon Crampsie, but his well struck effort that looked top-corner bound was clawed away by Coyne again.
However, from the resulting flurry of corners, St Andrew's got themselves back into the contest. It would arrive from a towering Cassidy header - with Bannerman's lead reduced to one.
Cassidy almost broke through just moments before the break, but could only poke wide as St Andrew's had to settle for a 2-1 deficit heading into half-time.
Hillwood beat Glenvale in dramatic semi-final penalty shoot-out
Written by David WaltonA pulsating clash between Hillwood Boys Club and Glenvale FC ended with a dramatic penalty shoot-out win for Hillwood, coming after an incredible 3-3 contest in this West Region Cup semi-final clash.
Glenvale threw away a 2-0 lead after goals from Owen Conaghan and Kyle Deans had them in cruise control just after the break. Hillwood hit back to turn the game around in the second half thanks to strikes from Lewis Cannon, Ceejay McGregor, and Cameron Kelly. Yet the drama in this 70-minute contest wouldn't end there, with Conaghan curling home a terrific free-kick to take the game to penalties.
Hillwood came into the game with a depleted squad that contained no substitutes, showing just how much energy and fight they had to show in order to come away with victory over a very game Glenvale outfit.
The hosts started brightly, and were trying to play the ball through to Ayaan Ali, who was a handful all afternoon with his power. There was also an early penalty shout when Ali went tumbling down in the box after running in from the right, but the referee saw nothing wrong.
Up the other end, Glenvale started flexing their muscles after a slow start. Lewis Brown cleverly slipped in Caden Barr, who made a smart run in from the right side of the penalty box. However, Barr's effort was too high after his clever movement.
Both sides were playing some lovely football, with just a final ball missing from most moves as the half wore on. It was a typical cup semi-final with plenty of commitment in the challenges and a desperation not to give the opposition a sniff.
However, after Glenvale had warned Hillwood about the space down the right side of the penalty area earlier on, they used it again to strike first. It was Conaghan who this time made the run to collect a lovely through ball, and, on the spin, lashed home a superb right-footed effort into the opposite bottom corner.
There was a chance to equalise just minutes later for Hillwood, but Cannon could only blaze Aaron Duff's cross over the bar from yards out. It was a lovely piece of play from Duff, who turned his man expertly before setting Cannon up with an inch-perfect cross.
It was end-to-end stuff towards the end of the first-half, with Glenvale starting to see more of the ball down the flanks. Conaghan drilled wide after a storming run down the left saw him take the ball past Archie Dickson, whilst McGregor miss-hit an effort from 20 yards after space opened up for the Hillwood midfielder.
Both sides huffed and puffed before the break, but it was to be the second-half that would contain all the excitement.
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Gartcairn Academy lifted the Only Sport League Cup after seeing off a spirited Greenock HSFP side on Sunday afternoon in Glasgow.
The Airdrie side raced into an early lead and managed to see the game out, withstanding some heavy late pressure to win the match 4-2.
Gartcairn kicked off the match on a clear but chilly afternoon at New Tinto Park but the game’s first chance fell to Greenock after four minutes.
Greenock won a free kick on the right corner of the box and Robbie McAlpine stepped up to hit it. The full back curled a low shot around the wall but Gartcairn keeper Scott Matthews held the ball well.
Gartcairn then went close to opening the scoring after Luke Kelly demonstrated some neat footwork to release Craig Wright, but the striker was denied by the onrushing Andrew Todd, the Greenock goalie.
Then, with six minutes played, Gartcairn took the lead. Wright chased a pass back to Todd and was rewarded for his persistence when the keeper hesitated on the ball. Todd eventually attempted to clear the ball upfield, but by then it was too late. Wright got in the way of the kick and the ball looped into the Greenock net.
Just two minutes later Greenock came within inches of levelling the scores. Kwame Antoine collected the ball at the far post and was ushered to the edge of the box by the Gartcairn defence. Antoine then produced a phenomenal piece of improvisation, chipping the ball up for himself before firing the ball into the box via an overhead kick. Craig Boyd reached it for Greenock, but his header was too tame and was easily saved.
Then, with 10 minutes on the clock, Gartcairn doubled their advantage. Wright collected the ball in the Greenock box with his back to goal before being tackled from behind by Todd. The referee blew for a penalty, which was comfortably dispatched by Josh Moore.
Greenock then upped the intensity in a bid to pull a goal back and were rewarded within six minutes. Boyd floated a corner towards the back post, where Antoine headed back across goal. Kieran Hendry struck the ball, which took a few deflections, before bouncing into the Gartcairn net.
The game became very tight at this stage, with both sides cancelling each other out in the middle of the park.
Wright then grabbed his second and his team’s third. Moore played a fantastic first-time pass from the right of midfield that split the Greenock defence wide open and sent Wright scampering through for a one-on-one. Todd rushed off his line to stop him, but it was too late. Wright fortunately got the break of the ball and rounded the keeper before rolling the ball into the empty net.
At 3-1, Greenock struggled to retain possession and their high line always looked vulnerable, as Gartcairn were more than happy to attempt to hit their opponents on the break.
Kelly went close to extending Gartcairn’s lead further when he thundered down the left wing, driving at goal, but Todd did well to parry Kelly’s effort wide.
McAlpine came close to reducing the deficit when he struck a free kick from an almost identical position as his first effort. This time, he curled a powerful shot over the wall but Matthews was equal to it.
Greenock were then denied a penalty of their own when Boyd attempted to round Matthews and was brought to the floor, but the referee ruled that the keeper had won the ball.
With the first half drawing to a close there was still time for one last goal for Gartcairn Academy. Some neat passing, twinned with good movement, eventually saw left back Calum Rodger released down the wing. Rodger used all of his pace and his strength to drive into the box before coolly slotting the ball into the bottom corner.
Greenock Morton produce stunning fightback to deny Airdrieonians title
Written by David WaltonAn inspirational fight-back from Greenock Morton saw them halt Airdrieonians' potential title-party with a 3-2 home success on Friday night.
A Kieran Brophy double was sandwiched in between Jack Purdue's equaliser as the Ton smashed home three second-half goals to turn around a game that looked to be dead and buried. Jake Coulter and Calvin Cowie netted first-half strikes for the visitors.
Airdrieonians went into the game knowing that a win would guarantee them the Development League West title, but initially were surprised by a high Morton press. The Ton were pushing Airdrie back into their own final third at times, and it felt like chances would soon start to flow as Airdrieonians struggled to cope.
However, it wasn't long before the visitors were getting the ball down and put themselves on the front foot. Coulter and Thomas Kennedy were threatening to combine, with the former flicking a header through for the latter, but it was too heavy.
Coulter was extremely lively, and it was he who opened the scoring on 15 minutes. Lovely play down the left hand side saw a cross fizz towards goal. Daniel Farrell could only palm the ball straight out to Coulter, who was on hand to poke home from close-range.
It was exactly the start Airdrieonians were looking for, and things started to settle for them after the opener. Coulter got into a variety of terrific positions, with Kennedy and Grant Brennan providing constant service for the striker. However, Coulter continually had efforts on goal blocked.
These openings came after Farrell got a big hand to a Coulter header, and Brennan had a slow drive from inside the area timely blocked and out for a corner.
The chances just kept coming for a confident Airdireonians outfit, and they would have a golden chance to go 2-0 up on 28 minutes. Brennan again spun round Morton's trialist, who took him out to give away a penalty. Robbie Leighton stepped up but his penalty was confidently beaten away by Farrell.
Farrell was yet again called into action moments later as he palmed Brennan's ferocious drive over the bar.
The pressure was relentless, and the visitors doubled their lead deservedly before the break. A lovely ball from Coulter set up Cowie in the box. After sizing up his position in the box, he smashed a powerful effort high over Farrell, who could only get a slight touch, and into the net.
As the referee blew for half-time and a dominant Airdrieonians went back up the tunnel, there was a subdued atmosphere from the Morton supporters, who would've believed it was a case of how many for what looked like the champions-elect.
Yet, nobody could've foreseen what the second half provided.
Simply Spectacular Saints knock out Giffnock North to reach the SYFA Cup Final
Written by Lewis MoynihanOn one of the biggest days in the club’s history, St Andrews BC upset the odds to beat Giffnock North United in the Scottish Youth FA Cup Semi-Final. A delightful double in the second half from skipper Gavin Houten was enough to edge the Saints into the final.
The two sides met at New Tinto Park, both with considerable crowds behind them to try and cheer them onto the Scottish Cup Final at the Excelsior Stadium in May. Coming into the match Giffnock North were the favourites, currently sitting 2nd in the Paisley and District Youth Football League. On the other hand, St Andrews sit in 4th and had lost twice already to Giffnock North this season, one of these being in the Gilbert Baird cup losing a dramatic game 6-5.
St Andrews kicked off the semi-final in a wet Govan and were immediately subjected to a high press by Giffnock North. The first chance of the game fell to the favourites after a deflection in the ninth minute found Giffnock North’s Jamie McDermott on the edge of the box. The striker attempted a half volley but it flew over the bar, failing to test Ross Duncan in the Saints goal.
The Saints first chance of the game came seven minutes later, with Aidan Blaney flicking the ball towards Lewis Darroch who raced goalward against Giffnock North’s Aiden McLaughlin. The tricky striker managed to create a bit of space away from the centre half at the edge of the box, but he slipped whilst taking the shot and dragged it well wide of the left hand post.
In the 18th minute the Saints had another chance, but the wet conditions were proving to be difficult and Joe Morgan also slipped whilst taking a shot on the edge of the box, meaning it also did not trouble Giffnock North’s Kai McFarlane.
A minute later though he was worried when Morgan fed the ball to Gavin Houten, with the striker picking up the ball and showing electrifying pace to burst in the box. Somehow though, after an almighty scramble and a combination of McFarlane and his defence, they managed to stop the striker from scoring.
They were not so lucky in the 30th minute however when more confusion in the box led to the opener for the Saints. A floated in free-kick caused chaos in the Giffnock North box with several shots being blocked before the ball fell to Morgan who prodded it into the back of the net. Captain Houten ran to the bench to celebrate as his side ended the first half 1-0 up.
Johnstone Burgh B.C best Rutherglen Glencairn in a boisterous cup tie
Written by Lewis MoynihanJohnstone Burgh knocked Rutherglen Glencairn out of the cup for the second time this season to progress into the semi-final of the LSK West of Scotland Cup.
An early first half goal was enough for Burgh to see off Glencairn in a feisty affair, with over 20 fouls being awarded. Going into the game Rutherglen were the favourites having beaten Burgh twice in the league already this season, 6-1 at home and 4-1 away in the most recent fixture between the two West of Scotland 21s Premier League sides.
Despite this it was the home side that got off to the brighter start, with the first chance of the game falling their way in the 5th minute. Cammy Armstrong jinking past the Rutherglen defence to burst into the right-hand side of the box. He then unleashed a powerful near post drive, but it was well saved by Chris Truesdale.
Two minutes later, Rutherglen responded with their first chance of the match. A floated in free-kick found the head of Harry Mitchell who flicked it goalward, but it was well gathered by Jack Dunlop. Despite this chance Burgh continued to dominate proceedings and they took the lead in the 21st minute.
Jack McDougal ventured forward from right back to pick up the ball on the right wing and powered forward. He then delivered a superb cross into the middle to his fellow full back, Paul O’Brien, who was arriving at the back post. The left back then tapped the ball into the back of the net past a stranded Truesdale to spark scenes of celebration on and off the pitch.
Rutherglen then immediately tried to respond eight minutes later when Mitchell found Michael Lone on the edge of the box, but his deflected shot was easily saved by Dunlop. Tempers then began to flare and an altercation between Rutherglen’s Tommy Lone and Burgh’s Armstrong caused both players to receive a yellow card. The game then continued in the same feisty fashion before the referee blew for half time, with Burgh leading 1-0.