Killie Academy emerge victorious in all-East Ayrshire final encounter with Grange

Kilmarnock Academy showed their second-half strength against Grange Academy to lift the U16s Ayrshire Schools Cup at Winton Park.

The first chance fell to the William McIlvanney Campus side within six minutes as Callum McAvoy picked up an over-the-top ball from Kenzie Pollock on the left-hand side. McAvoy looked up from 20 yards out but dragged his shot narrowly wide.

It was the Grange’s turn to have a chance themselves following a corner kick on 10 minutes. Jayden Miller floated the ball in from the right-hand corner which was headed out to the edge for Danile Johnstone whose 25-yard effort went just past the post.

It was KA who broke the deadlock before the 20-minute mark as McAvoy showed great speed into the right-hand side of the penalty forcing a save from Grange keeper Calum Hamilton from the cross, but Cameron Love was there to fire in from close range.

Grange then drew level within minutes of going behind. Evan Darborough carried the ball down the right-hand channel into the penalty area and teed the ball off for Ben Kean who unleashed an effort from the edge into the top right-hand corner.

From one end to the other, Killie were not backing down and could have gone back in front instantly on 25 minutes. Keeper Hamilton was forced into a crucial stop for Grange at his near post from an effort from Love following a cross from the left.

McAvoy would create another opportunity for KA before the halfway point as he tried his luck from the edge of the 18-yard box and stung the palms of Hamilton who parried the ball out for a corner.

Killie began the second period stronger as McAvoy showed some impressive footwork into the box before laying a pass to Caiden McMillen whose right-footed shot found the bottom left-hand corner at the Winton Primary School end to regain the lead.

Similar to the first half, Grange were in no mood to back down. On 50 minutes they went straight up the park from a corner kick and Harry Adams saw his close-range effort denied by a goal-saving sliding challenge from Kenzie Pollock which prevented a certain equaliser.

Grange players swarmed the referee protesting the challenge in trying to gain a spot-kick but Anderson got his challenge spot on as the decision stood for a corner kick.

Killie would take inspiration from that crucial Pollock tackle and continue to be resilient in the defensive third.

They would then reap the rewards in their attack on 65 minutes as McAvoy would be involved again. His cross from the right found Logan Ward charging down the opposite side of the penalty area and his effort across the face of goal was picked up by McMillen in the centre who slid the ball into the corner for his second of the evening.

Ward would then turn goal scorer five minutes later following a corner kick. Pollock received the ball at the opposite side and provided a low cross in the middle for Ward who was able to tap home from two yards to extend the lead.

Grange were not done in this final as Kean would try again to get his side back in the contest before the end. A corner floated towards the back post was met by Adams who touched it down for Kean in a crowd of players but his close-range effort found the side netting at the Neil Carnegie Enclosure end.

Despite some promising phases of attack from Grange, Killie Academy displayed their strengths in the second half to come out victorious in this all-East Ayrshire clash.

Grange Academy Player of the Match: Ben Kean

Kean was a constant presence for Grange and scored a fine goal to get them level in an even first half. His ability to open up his body and have the eye for goal was pleasing to see throughout the game against a firm Kilmarnock Academy defence.

Kilmarnock Academy Player of the Match: Callum McAvoy 

His ability on and off the ball and his involvement in every promising move for his side was a joy to watch in both halves. He proved to be a thorn in the side for Grange with his electric speed.

Grange Academy Magic Moment:

Ben Kean’s equaliser in the first half was the standout moment for Grange. Up against a solid Killie Academy backline, Kean showed great vision to open up space in the box and arrow an effort into the top right hand corner to draw the game level as they looked to put the pressure on.

Kilmarnock Academy Magic Moment:

A goal-saving challenge from Kenzie Pollock straight after Killie Academy went in front was a pivotal moment in the match. Cameron Love for Grange had the goal at his mercy, but Pollock timed the tackle to perfection to prevent another equaliser. Claims for penalty were shouted but referee played on.