Cambusnethan defeat Yett Farm to claim CLYFA U13 Div E title in league playoff!

It was a windy but thankfully dry morning at Dalziel Park in Motherwell as Cambusnethan Community took on Yett Farm in a one-off league playoff match to decide the destination of the league title. Both teams came into the game on the same points and same record across the season.

It was Yett Farm who kicked off and they would have the stronger start in the game. Just eight minutes into the game it was Finlay Macleod who fired wide of the post in the first major chance of the game. Ten minutes later and Yett Farm were in again, this time it was Josh McCafferty who’s effort crashed off the crossbar to give Cambusnethan more to worry about as the first half progressed.

Yett Farm’s pressure would eventually pay off though, after 18 minutes, Finlay Macleod ran through on goal and fired towards goal and had his effort saved by Lewis Boyle but the save fell to Josh McCafferty who scored to give Yett Farm the lead and as it stood, the league title!

However after this, Cambusnethan came into the game, two chances in the space of three minutes from Kayden O’Dwyer and Max Cogan forced brilliant saves from Yett Farm keeper Toby Burke.

With half time approaching Yett Farm would have one more chance with a shot from the edge of the box which forced another save from Lewis Boyle.

The interval came and went and it was Cambusnethan who made the better start, eleven minutes into the second half and they were level, a lobbed effort over Toby Burke found the bottom corner to level the score. 

The second half showed both teams were not wanting to let this league title slip. With 5 minutes remaining, a shot from Yett Farm’s Josh McCafferty was brilliantly saved by substitute goalkeeper Logan Henry. In the dying seconds before penalties a low cross into the box found Callum Grant of Yett Farm who couldn’t keep his shot on target in a moment that could’ve decided the fate of the title. The full time whistle blew, we were headed to penalties. 

Both teams had given their all across the season. 10 spot kicks to decide the champions. 

Cambusnethan scored their first four penalties, while a save from their goalkeeper, Logan Henry allowed for the chance for Cambusnethan to win the league with their next spotkick. Instead however, a save from Toby Burke denied Cambusnethan the title, for now.

Yett Farm were on 3 scored from 4 taken, and their last penalty was to be taken. Score, and they were still in it. But unfortunately, football is cruel at times. The penalty was saved by Logan Henry, crowning Cambusnethan Community as CLYFA 2013 E Division Champions!

Before I congratulate Cambusnethan Community on their incredible performance and league victory, I must share my condolences to Yett Farm, who fought so hard to be in this playoff game in the first place and to lose on penalties is one of the hardest moments for a young person. They deserve so much applause for their performance.

But now, to the champions, Cambusnethan Community 2013. The team who lifted the trophy in front of friends and family alike, celebrated their performance not only on the day, but throughout the season as well to get to this stage. A truly happy moment for all involved with the team. A great display of leadership and dedication by all involved in their league winning campaign. 

Congratulations Cambusnethan Community 2013s!

Yett Farm Player of the Match: Josh McCafferty

McCafferty scored the opening goal of the game and had multiple opportunities to double his tally throughout the match.

Cambusnethan Community Player of the Match: Logan Henry

Henry made multiple saves throughout the match and then made 2 incredible saves during the shootout which helped to crown his team Champions!

Yett Farm Magic Moment:

Yett Farm made an incredible start to the match, creating multiple chances and then taking the lead just after the 20 minute mark.

Cambusnethan Community Magic Moment:

Cambusnethan scored their first four penalties to give them a huge advantage that would eventually lead to them lifting the league title!