Larbert Colts complete sensational turnaround to keep perfect record intact

Third Lanark and Larbert Colts U17s went toe to toe with each other in a thrilling encounter in Cambuslang where Larbert Colts completed a spectacular turnaround to take all three points back home with them in the Central Scotland FA League C.

Coming into this fixture both sides had three points on the board and now Larbert Colts have doubled their points tally for the season they sit just three points behind the top spot with a game in hand. It may be early in the season, but Larbert Colts will take confidence from the strong start they have made and look to continue their winning streak.

It was a fast start from Third Lanark who capitalised on their early pressure in the fourth minute as Lewis Baird hammered the ball into the roof of the net from just inside the box following a wave of attacks from the home side.

Third Lanark had the better of the first half with superb ball retention and continued pressure on the Larbert Colts back line but were unable to extend their lead due to resilient defending from the visitors. The home side did almost add a second just before the break as the ball fell to Jack Smith after a scramble in the box who was unlucky to see his effort whistle just past the post.

Larbert Colts proved they were a threat on a break in the first half and would have pulled level if it was not for a great save from Third Lanark goalkeeper, Lewis Hampson, midway through the first 45. 

As the second half got underway it was clear that both sides were looking to get an early goal and that’s exactly what happened. In a topsy-turvy four-minute spell the game transformed. Larbert Colts got the goal to pull them level in the 53rd minute as Sebastian McKay lashed the ball into the top right corner after it broke to him from a cross.

Third Lanark almost scored straight away but a brilliant bit of last-ditch defending saw the ball cleared off the line. However, just seconds later Third Lanark did get the ball in the back of the net. Following a great passage of play down the right-hand side Barry Masterton clipped in a wonderful cross which was met by a composed finish from Antony McMurray who guided the ball in.

This whirlwind passage of play was not finished there. Larbert Colts did not hesitate to get themselves back level again. Less than a minute after the restart Cameron McLean found a pocket of space in midfield and threaded through a perfectly weighted pass for Freddie Gardiner who slotted the ball into the bottom left corner.

Just ten minutes later Larbert Colts completed their turnaround as Gardiner got his second of the match. The ball was fizzed across the six-yard line and Gardiner timed his run well to get on the end of it and tap the ball in from close range to make it 3-2.

Gardiner was unlucky not to complete his hat trick on a couple of occasions but a courageous last-ditch tackle from Andrew Howie and the frame of the goal were in the way.

As the game entered the final stages Third Lanard pushed for the equaliser and almost found it through Masood Max Ahmed as he created a yard of space in the box but saw his well-hit shot saved by the goalkeeper.

The last action of the game came through continued pressure from Third Lanark. After a bit of pinball in the box, the ball seemed goal-bound but for a spectacular goal-line clearance, Larbert Colts’ resilient defending came true again.  

As expected, Third Lanark were disappointed with the result but had plenty of positives to take from this game as they showed composure in possession and attacking intent throughout. On the other hand, Larbert Colts were delighted to get a positive result away from home thanks to ruthless finishing and fast attacking play.

Third Lanark FC Player of the Match: Antony McMurray

McMurray finished off a superb team goal to regain the lead at the start of the second half and was unlucky not to have scored more. As well as the goal threat he provided, his strong hold-up play as a striker was utilised by his team and helped get them up the pitch on several occasions.

Larbert FC Colts Player of the Match: Freddie Gardiner

Gardiner came to life in the second half and his two goals were defining moments in the game that secured the victory for his side. He was unlucky not to find his third goal in this game but with performances like that there are plenty more to come this season.