Caledonian Youth FC lift U16 Ricky Caig Cup Trophy after defeating Cumnock Juniors

The Ricky Caig Cup final was the second of the three games that took place at Barfields, Largs today with Cumnock set to take on Caledonian Youth FC which set up an exciting game of football.

Both teams warmed up with intensity knowing how crucial a fast start would be for the tie. As soon as the game kicked off Cumnock pressed high to set the tone of the game and almost had a chance on goal if it wasn’t for the Caley defence.

Both teams looked dangerous, but it was Caley’s captain Calvin Gardiner whose set piece deliveries created plenty of chances for Caley which they were unlucky not to score.

However, whenever Cumnock won the ball they attacked with purpose as their striker, Charlie Bradley, was full of life. He held the ball up well and was close to scoring when he hit a fierce effort towards Caley’s goal which was well saved by goalkeeper Callan Forsyth.

This appeared to be a bit of a wake-up call for Caley however as they started keeping a hold of the ball and whenever they lost it, they closed down the Cumnock midfield quickly.

They continued to apply pressure and got their reward when Charlie Mitchell managed to get goal side of his man and started running through on goal which left Callum Dick no choice but to take him down reducing Cumnock to 10 men.

Cumnock defended well with 10 men but when Caley’s captain Gardiner whipped in another brilliant delivery and there was nothing the defence could do to stop Kal McGonigale who guided his header beautifully into the right side of the net putting Caley 1-0 up.

Just before halftime Mitchell managed to find space and curled a dangerous cross into the box which McGonigale ran onto and hit an outstanding outside the boot effort which rattled off the bar just before halftime.

Halftime 1-0

After the break, both teams started the second half as they did the first with both pressing high and playing quick football.

Caley’s Mason McLean was everywhere in midfield before getting moved out wide and still causing havoc, creating chances for his team and controlling the tempo brilliantly for his team throughout the game, even after breaking his thumb after a heavy landing.

Cumnock keeper Miller Muggridge made some fantastic saves throughout the game keeping the score at 1-0 despite being a man down for 60 minutes.

As the game went on Caley started to take control with relentless attacks but Cumnock’s defenders stood strong keeping the ball away from their box.

It was going to take a moment of excellence to break through this Cumnock team and that’s exactly what happened when left-back  Ethan Kirk pinged a beautiful ball over the top for Mitchell who managed to get to the ball first and head home, putting the game to bed at 2-0.

POTM: Mason McLean

McLean was voted MOTM by officials and today’s sponsor after he created numerous chances for his team and closed down the midfield brilliantly despite his injury.

Cumnock’s Magic Moment:

Bradley’s powerful effort after making a smart run into space which was only just pushed wide.

Caley’s Magic Moment:

Mitchell’s headed goal after Kirk pinged a beautiful ball over the top to secure the trophy.