AC Rovers U14s clinch dream double with win over Little Tekkers

AC Rovers U14s have secured a League and Cup double by defeating Little Tekkers 5-0 in the Central Lanarkshire Youth Football Association C Divisional Cup Final.

Amazingly, a goal inside the first minute from Greg Heaney set the tone for the match.

And strikes from Connor Travers, Cory Leckie, Ross Marshall and Callum McEwan capped off a fantastic season for Rovers, who also won the title with a 100% record.

No sooner had the referee blown his whistle than Heaney put the ball into the net.

Showing their intent from the get-go, Rovers’ number nine Liam Traynor gathered possession on the left-hand side of the box and played a superb pass onto the onrushing right winger to slot it through the goalkeeper’s legs.

Roles were reversed straightaway as Heaney’s cross from out wide was met by the striker, but Luca Fleming saved well.

A second goal came for the Airdrie and Coatbridge side with ten minutes played when skipper Marshall’s strike from distance was beaten away by the Tekkers keeper and Travers was Johnny-on-the-spot to head home.

It was 3-0 five minutes later and what a third goal it was. Central midfielder Leckie had time on the ball just over the halfway line, looked up and lobbed a fantastic strike from distance to put his team firmly in the driving seat.

Not long after, they went in hunt of a fourth. Brilliant combination play down the left involving wide man Jack Gallogly and the strike partnership of Traynor and Travers culminated in the latter getting his shot away. Fleming was there to deny him this time, though.

The Gretna side did not let their heads drop despite the scoreline. Ruaridh Park tried a long-range effort of his own but was unlucky not to get himself on the scoresheet, seeing his strike sail just inches wide.

Tekkers centre-forward Kyan Milligan, who bagged five goals in the semi-final, continued to lead the line well with his energy and pace meaning the Rovers’ defence had to stay alert.

At the other end, Gallogly’s superb cross was headed not far over by Travers in the six-yard box.

Fleming in goal was soon called into action once again, beating away a curling effort from Gallogly who had been picked out by Heaney on the left.

The first chance after the interval fell for Tekkers’ Ross Jarvis. A long ball breached the heart of the AC Rovers defence and allowed the substitute to get his shot away, however, Ross Hamilton between the sticks stood strong.

His opposite number produced another stunning save to deny Leckie a second, tipping the midfielder’s drive from the edge of the area over the bar and behind for a corner with 47 minutes played.

And it was from the set piece where the fourth came. Marshall’s inswinging delivery from the left crept in at the near post and the number seven wheeled away in celebration. In a sweet moment, he ran to the crowd to celebrate with proud relatives.

Still pushing for a consolation, Little Tekkers went agonisingly close to scoring when Jarvis smashed an effort off the bar. Some thought it was in as the ball bounced down and out away to safety, but the ref waved play on.

Jarvis went close again, evading his man brilliantly to latch onto a pass from Harry Irving and head towards goal. His resulting shot flashed inches wide.

It was AC rovers who had the final say when substitute McEwan came off the bench to slot home the fifth. The striker showed great composure to finish after being played in by Leckie.

AC Rovers Player of the Match: Greg Heaney

The winger was the best performer on the day with his cool finish inside the opening 60 seconds which got the ball rolling. He also impressed throughout with his deliveries from wide areas and his work rate tracking back.

Little Tekkers Player of the Match: Tommy Flannagan

The defender put in a great shift for his side with some strong defending and neat distribution from the back.

AC Rovers Magic Moment: Wonder goal

To score from 35 yards in a cup final is the stuff of dreams for a footballer. Cory Leckie can now say he has just done that. A goal fit for the occasion.

Little Tekkers Magic Moment: Great reflexes

When the Vics amazingly opened the scoring inside just five minutes with a sumptuous chip from Ramage, they put themselves firmly in the driving seat in the final.