Kilsyth Athletic U20s show their class as they chase WOSFDL Conference B top spot

On Friday evening, Blantyre Victoria welcomed strong visitors Kilsyth Athletic to Ballerup Park in East Kilbride in the West of Scotland Football Development League Conference B. Kilsyth came into the game as favourites, sitting only three points off league leaders Finnart, while the hosts Blantyre Vics sit bottom of the league with only one win to their name.

It was a cagey start to the game, neither team willing to take risks as both sat it and defended well, preventing any major opportunities. After a major goalkeeper mistake, Blantyre Vics striker Daniel Docherty found himself with an empty net, in which he slotted home, but was called for offside, giving the away side a huge wake-up call.

Kilsyth began to put pressure on the hosts, getting shots off through Scott Ballantyne and Mark White, both having to be saved by Blantyre Vics’ Colm Maguire. After some pressure from the favourites, Declan Haggerty was gifted an opportunity which he took around the goalkeeper, slotting the visitors in front on the stroke of half-time.

Kilsyth went into the break in front, with a big second half needed from Vics. Kilsyth wanted to put a seal on the game with a comfortable second period. Kilsyth came out with a strong mentality, completely bringing the game to their opposition. The lead was doubled when a ball into the box was knocked home by Mark White.

Kilsyth had a two-goal deficit now and looked on even further to rub it in. A lovely piece of solo play from Kilsyth’s Scott Ballantyne secured a third goal, with Blantyre Vics falling out of the game as the minutes ticked.

Shortly after, another cross into the penalty area was converted by the head of Mark White for his brace, giving the away side a fourth goal and sealing the three points for the title challengers.

Blantyre Victoria Player of the Match: Rhys Gallacher

Gallacher got on the ball as much as possible for his side, even during the tougher moments, attempting to create opportunities to drag his team back into the game.

Kilsyth Athletic Player of the Match: Scott Ballantyne

Ballantyne was the main cause of danger for Kilsyth, committing his man into one v ones almost every time he got on the ball, taking the ball runs that had his opponents on the back foot so many times.

Blantyre Victoria Magic Moment:

In an early attempt for Kilsyth in the second half, a strike from the edge of the area was tipped over in style by Blantyre Vics’ Andrew Buchanan.

Kilsyth Athletic Magic Moment:

A superb solo run by Scott Ballantyne around many defenders was converted, putting the away side 0-3 in front.