Cumnock U15s Outscore Glenburn 7–3 in NASA League Cup Action

An intriguing cup tie awaited us this weekend as Cumnock Juniors 2011 hosted Glenburn MWFC 2011 in the North Ayrshire Soccer Association League Cup.

Cumnock came into the clash on the back of a dominant run across all competitions, boasting a series of league victories in the 2011 Graeme Souness League. Defensively solid and with their strikers in prime form, they have established themselves as one of the standout sides in their age group this season and started as favourites on home turf. Glenburn MWFC, meanwhile, have shown flashes of attacking quality but with less consistency. Capable of putting up big numbers on their day, they have also endured heavy defeats in recent weeks. With cup football offering no second chances, composure would prove decisive as two ambitious young squads looked to book their place in the next round.

At a rather dreary Townhead Park, Cumnock’s Ethan Scott kicked us off, although the first five minutes weren’t at all dull. Both teams displayed promise in front of goal, with Ryan Duff of Cumnock holding his own against his Glenburn rivals and feeding Kai Grieve for an early opportunity, but it wasn’t enough to worry Glenburn goalkeeper Mylo Parker. Then Stefan Allan of Glenburn attacked, with Kayden Chafey by his side. Chafey found Louis Gibson in the box with a great header, but he just couldn’t find the space to get the shot away on this occasion.

The first goal followed minutes later. Caleb Lennox, Cumnock’s goalkeeper, looked up and saw Callum McSorland’s run. The spectators erupted in “what a ball” cries as he launched the ball into his path. McSorland sprinted onto the ball beyond the Glenburn defense and as the goalkeeper came out to tackle him, a left-footed flick over the top and in to the goal gave Cumnock the lead.

Lewis Scott made way after one of his Cumnock teammates suffered an injury, and what a statement he made. The striker ran onto the park, stopped a Glenburn pass, and attempted to score, but was stopped by the Glenburn goalie. However, seconds later, as it was played out from the back, Scott pounced once more, this time making sure to find the back of the net to make it two.

While Cumnock’s confidence increased, Glenburn’s was shaken. When Cumnock launched an attack down the right flank thirty seconds later, Ethan Scott was waiting in the box and knocked the ball home to make it 3-0.

Glenburn deserved all the praise for persevering in the face of a barrage of home team attacks. In the middle of the park, Coby Milne was a true star who seized every chance to get on the ball, regain control, and help his team get back into the game.

Cumnock’s high press was working wonders, as Ethan Scott squeezed the opposition and stole the ball just outside the box, playing in Lewis Scott, who displayed excellent vision by running in behind and coolly slotting the ball past the goalkeeper.

The Cumnock high press was just as effective as their build. Callum McSorland dropping in to receive and take the ball on the turn effortlessly showed just how strong the foundations are in this youth squad.

With just shy of eighteen minutes played, Cumnock’s Ryan Duff looked up and switched the ball from left back to right wing, into the feet of Lewis Fleming. A lovely passage of play between Fleming, Harley Leitch and Kai Grieve followed before being knocked into the box for Ethan Scott to get his second.

Glenburn looked disheartened, but were not going to give up. They attacked every ball in the middle of the park, trying to regain their composure, and it paid off with a free kick. Captain Leon Samson stood over the ball as his teammates flooded the box. Samson swung the ball in, and Louis Gibson was first to it. He got his shot away well, but Cumnock goalkeeper Lennox made a great save.

Cumnock’s Lewis Fleming was creating opportunity after opportunity down the right wing, and his excellent use of the space was rewarded with goal number six.

Glenburn was keen to rally as halftime drew near, and Kayden Chafey had a fantastic opportunity, his strike ultimately stopped by Cumnock’s Lennox. A few minutes later, Gibson went running into the box, Chafey and Allan connected in the centre of the pitch, looking to link the play with Gibson. Allan attempted to play the pass, but it was well defended.

Glenburn’s Leon Samson was everywhere, attacking, defending and trying to win back possession for his team.

Moments before half-time, Cumnock’s Ethan Scott stole the ball from the goalkeeper, knocked it past him and got his hat-trick.

Half-Time: Cumnock Juniors 7-0 Glenburn MWFC

As the second half got underway, Glenburn got after it. They battled for every ball in the first few minutes and won themselves a free kick. As the ball flew into the box, Stefan Allan got a foot to it and put it past Cumnock’s goalkeeper. They had pulled one back and they weren’t going to stop there.

Glenburn’s Mcdonald, Chafey and Allan were a great trio in the attacking third; Stefan Allan was in on the action again when he flicked the ball up for Aidan Skeoch, who headed the ball at Cumnock’s Caleb Lennox, but he was poised and ready this time- great save!

Sixty minutes was near, and as the rain battered Townhead Park, Glenburn’s Lyle McLean, Leon Samson, Blair McCrorie and Aidan Skeoch knocked the ball around the Cumnock midfield with purpose. Cumnock’s Stewart Kean showed his strength to try and hold off the Glenburn attack, Kayden Chafey knew he had to dig deep. He got his head up and struck the ball hard into the bottom left corner.

Glenburn dominated the second half, and with full-time minutes away, they weren’t finished yet. Samson, Milne and McCrorie were excellent and played a huge part in the final goal of the game that went to Kayden Chafey seconds before the final whistle.

Full-Time: Cumnock Juniors 7-3 Glenburn MWFC

In his post-match interview, Cumnock’s head coach Jordan Orr said: “The team played a really good first half and went into halftime with a convincing lead. We took a few players off to rest and gave some minutes to as many of the boys as possible.” He added, “That it has been a strong season overall so far.”

Jordan’s player of the match was Callum McSorland.

Cumnock Juniors Player of the Match: Lewis Scott

From the moment he walked onto the pitch, he was a force to be reckoned with up front. He showed a constant desire to win the ball and create as many attacks as possible.

Glenburn MWFC Player of the Match: Coby Milne

A tenacious player who reads the game well. Milne showed how reliable and calm he is on the ball throughout the game in midfield.

Cumnock Juniors Magic Moment: Caleb Lennox’s distribution

Lennox’s distribution throughout the match was spot on; however, his long ball to provide the first goal was outstanding.

Glenburn MWFC Magic Moment: Kayden Chaffey goals

A superb display throughout, even under tremendous pressure. To come back in the second half and score two goals is to be applauded.