Bellshill triumphant over resilient Dunbeth side

On a scorching hot Sunday at Sir Matt Busby, Bellshill Athletic Yellows and Dunbeth Juniors put on a show for all spectators.

As soon as 16-year-old referee Jay blew the whistle, the game began its relentless pace.

Both teams were eager for the opener in the early stages and both goalkeepers answered any questions asked of them in the opening five minutes.

It was Bellshill who managed to open the scoring first when Nathan O’Neill used great footwork to evade the opposition’s tackles before finding the bottom right of the goal with a wonderfully placed finish.

Dunbeth were desperate for a quick response, however, two very well-taken corners couldn’t amount to anything and Bellshill began their charge for the second.

Their second came in the form of a rebound after some heroic defending by Dunbeth’s Caelan McFaulds, who cleared the ball off the line from cross. Bellshill’s Liam Fagan was quickest to respond, however, and he hammered home for Bellshill’s second.

Just minutes later Liam Fagan almost doubled his tally for the day, but brilliant defending from Dunbeth’s Callum Brown made sure his shot was going nowhere near the goal.

Dunbeth showcased some great counter-attacking football throughout the full match and young Rio Mackay seemed to be the target man in these attacks.

His lightning-quick pace caused Bellshill’s defence all sorts of trouble and just minutes after Brown’s block at the other end, Mackay looked certain to claw one back for Dunbeth. William Graham had other ideas though, as the captain tracked back from the opposition’s half to secure possession.

Mackay had another bite of the apple just minutes later from a dangerous free kick Just outside the area but the organised wall of Bellshill denied his low-driven shot.

Both teams continued to bear down their opponent’s goalmouth throughout the first half and both Harley McFaulds and Harry Cunningham showed their class, pulling off some wonderful saves to keep the game tight.

Bellshill’s pressure finally paid off on the stroke of half-time when Liam Fagan put the afterburners on at the left-hand side of the pitch before dancing through the opposing defenders and slipping it into the back of the net to double his goal count for the day.

After their half-time team talks both teams continued to play at a rapid pace.

Second-half substitute Aaron Aitchison was desperate to get on the score line from the restart and after numerous good saves by Jack Keir, Aitchison’s attacking presence was finally rewarded as he intercepted the ball deep in the opposition’s half before rifling it into the net.

Bellshill were absolutely deadly in the second half, and if it wasn’t for McFaulds’ expert defensive awareness, Bellshill could’ve run away with it.

Both teams had chances throughout the second half, but it felt as though neither defence was going to let up.

Aaron Aitchison continued to pepper shots at Jack Keir but Keir’s composure was unmatched as he denied several attempts on goal.

His distribution was also to be desired as he released Mackay late on in the second half after a great punt over the line, however opposition goalie Harry Cunningham was switched on and dealt with the break accordingly.

The young referee who was officiating his first match was kept busy the full game and late on in the second half he had his first big call to make as Nathan O’Neill was tripped as he dribbled into the box.

The penalty was awarded and O‘Neill made no mistakes as he rounded off a wonderful game of football from the spot.

Bellshill Athletic Yellows Player of the Match: William Graham

He was the catalyst for Bellshill’s attack whilst also being an anchor at the back. His cool head ensured complete composure across the team and his slick passing also set up several of the goals.

Dunbeth Juniors Player of the Match: Caelan McFaulds

His defending was outstanding throughout the match and he dealt with Bellshill’s pressure like a professional. His well-timed tackling was out of this world.

Bellshill Athletic Yellows Magic Moment:

William Graham’s tracking back to deny Dunbeth their opener. Graham was deep in the opposition half when Dunbeth stole possession and distributed it to Rio Mackay. Graham had no right to catch up to Mackay’s blistering pace, but he somehow caught him and cleared any danger. A real tone-setter early on.

Dunbeth Juniors Magic Moment:

Caelan McFaulds’ defending in the second half was truly incredible, and at times when Bellshill looked as though they had outnumbered Dunbeth, McFaulds’ head never wandered as he pulled off tackle after tackle.