Kilwinning Rangers take the trophy after a dramatic end to cup final day

Supporters began filling Broadwood Stadium as kick off approached for the U16s inspire sport SYFA cup final approached. The scenes in the stands matched the dramatics about to unfold on the pitch.

As the game got underway, Lochend looked strong. Kieran Dunlop had an early attempt at goal, closely followed by a corner in from Calum McDonald which looked just as dangerous.

It was at this point we saw the true talent of Kilwinning keeper Ben Greenwood and discovered just how crucial his performance would be.

The Kilwinning side took slightly longer to settle into the game, possibly just for the big occasion.

As expected, it wasn’t long before Lochend made it count, a throw found the head of a red shirt in the box and made its way to McDonald. Positioned perfectly he made it count, straight to bottom left corner to put his side ahead.

The Lochend attempts didn’t stop there however, with Jedan Donaldson hitting the post and McDonald pairing with Ben Houston to fire some more past the Kilwinning defence.

It wasn’t all quite up the other half of the pitch, but at times Lochend lined up with seven at the back, making it impossible to Kilwinning to equalise.

Blake Conway should be praised for his defensive shift for Kilwinning, doing his best to keep McDonald at bay.

Just before half time a moment of magic occurred for the Ayrshire side via the aftermath of a free kick, falling to Joshua Strain it looked promising and nearly fell over the line but was denied.

In an exciting turn of events, the second half saw a further four goals.

First came three attempts from Kilwinning’s Blair Allison and Max McInally, working well together, with those around such as Corey MacKay, but also just as well separately. Clearly demonstrating their eagerness to break through Lochends solid defence.

The stand shook as MacKay finally made it happen after the perfect through ball from McInally and the celebrations were quite spectacular, clearly demonstrating how much the occasion means.

From then on, the action just kept coming and a terrific second was scored by the Rangers captain, Seain Cassidy following a free kick. Just when I thought the stand couldn’t get any louder!

Lochend, clearly feeling in danger and out of control of a game that was once theirs began fighting back. A collection of red shirts swarmed their box, and one manged to get their head on it, firing it towards the goal but it was no match for Greenwood who made an unbelievable save.   

Straight back up the other end of the pitch Charlie Scullion curled a ball across for Freddie Lucas to put Kilwinning 3-1 up, and the game looked like it was over.

There was just enough time for Lochend to get their own back with Hayden Blues making it 3-2 as the Kilwinning defence was nowhere to be seen, still on cloud nine from their celebrations.

The final whistle blew, and the scenes of celebration were like something out of a movie, the blue and whites take the trophy.

Congratulations to all those involved in this momentous occasion, and commiserations to Lochend FA.

Kilwinning Rangers player of the match: Ben Greenwood

Greenwood was spectacular throughout and can take a lot of credit for this well deserved win. He handled situation like a true professional and made some excellent saves.

Lochend player of the match: Calum McDonald

It would be hard not to give it to McDonald as he was unbelievable for the duration of the game, a young player full of talent.

Kilwinning magical moment:

Max McInally drove his way up the whole right hand side of the pitch and put in an exceptional cross, unfortunately it didn’t result in a goal but was terrific play.

Lochend magical moment:

There were quite a few moments to choose from but the first half action between Calum McDonald and Ben Houston was great. They played each other on numerous times.