Reds seal dramatic winner in Giffnock SC U14 derby

Giffnock Soccer Centre’s Auldhouse facility played host to an U14s derby on Tuesday evening as the club’s reds took on the blacks.

In what turned out to be a vastly entertaining clash in the Paisley Johnstone and District Division 2 Youth League, the Reds ran out 2-1 winners thanks to a late strike from Jack Ross which was worthy of securing victory in any match.

Throughout the game, all football played was of a high standard. Both teams looked to get the ball on the ground despite the damp conditions.

The first chance of the clash fell to the Blacks. Reds’ keeper Calan Graham came off his line and gave away a foul. Angus Grant stepped up for the free kick and was unlucky not to find the target.

This set piece was a warning to Giffnock Reds as moments later, the Blacks had the lead. A good team move on the right saw the ball be cut back to Jack Paterson in the box who slotted home accurately into the bottom corner.

To going behind, the Reds responded rather well, and it was not long before they had an opportunity to draw level. A spot-kick was awarded by the referee, and it was Reds’ Aaron Storey to take. He stepped up and showed no sign of nervousness whatsoever, slamming into the bottom left corner with conviction.

Things continued fairly evenly after the Reds made it 1-1. Yoav Gladstone, who was lively throughout for the Blacks, won a corner after being sent in behind by Paterson. The opposition defended it stoutly, however.

The Blacks then continued their quest for the lead, putting in some crosses from the right although Riyad Ali remained calm as ever to win the ball back inside his own area and pick an accurate pass forward. From this, Giffnock Reds went up the park, eventually forcing Lyle Marshall into an impressive stretching save.

Towards the end of the first half, the Blacks mounted more pressure on the Reds’ goal, but were denied with some solid defending as the teams went in level at the break.

Early in the second 45, the Blacks remained on top. Graham was called into action before Sammy Butler lifted a looping cross over the Reds’ keeper which eventually hit the post. The match remained fairly even after this. Gladstone did set Butler free on the right once more yet the latter’s ball into the box was defended well.

In the last 10 minutes, things began to get livelier as both sides searched for a winner. Reds’ captain Andrew Duff showed great vision to send a beautiful ball in behind the Blacks’ defence although Marshall was quick off his line.

The end-to-end action continued and in a one-on-one situation, Marshall denied the Blacks’ a late winner at the near post.

Despite this flurry of opportunities, it was the Reds who grabbed the bull by the horns. In the dying embers of the game, Jack Ross drove forward and struck with fine power and accuracy into the bottom right corner from outside the box. A huge cheer went up around Auldhouse although the job was not finished yet.

Almost immediately after going behind late on, the Blacks moved forward in their droves. Paterson dramatically went down in the box and there were wild appeals for a penalty, but they were waved away by the referee. A final push came from the Blacks, but the Reds held out and secured victory in what was a greatly entertaining derby clash.

Giffnock SC Reds Player of the Match: Riyad Ali

At the heart of defence for Giffnock SC Reds, Ali remained calm and composed at the back. Ever-willing to step up and play out from the back, he has all the traits of a modern-day centre half.

Giffnock SC Blacks Player of the Match: Yoav Gladstone

Throughout the match, tricky winger Yoav Gladstone caught the eye. The number 45 was constantly eager to drive forward and make ambitious passes. He played a number of line-breaking balls and never shied away from taking it out of tight situations.

Giffnock SC Reds Magic Moment: Ross’ winner

Jack Ross’ late winner for Giffnock SC Reds was a special moment. Under severe pressure from the Blacks, the number 50 helped his side get forward and scored a wonder goal to secure victory in the derby. His teammates immediately ran towards him in a moment he will remember. 

Giffnock SC Blacks Magic Moment: Paterson’s opener

Getting things going early doors, Jack Paterson’s opener was a fine finish. Inside the box, the centre-forward remained composed and scored, first-time, into the bottom corner with a strike any number nine would be proud of.