West End FC crowned U13 SYFA champions after 5-1 victory against Holytown Colts

Broadwood under a shining sun was where it would all be decided as West End FC faced Holytown Colts in the U13s SYFA Inspire Scottish youth FA cup final.

The pleasant Scottish spring day added to the already buoyant mood in the stands, and after a switch of sides, the 70 minute contest was underway.

West End gave an early demonstration of their ambitions passing beyond Holytown’s defensive line. Quinn Cochrane from midfield threaded a ball into the path of Finlay Groundwater, playing the forward through on goal, but a crunching tackle from Holytown’s Josh Lennox – who recovered brilliantly – spared his keeper a one on one with barely a minute on the clock.

There was no holding back in the frantic opening stages, as a Holytown high ball released Sam Davidson down the left side. The number 15 showed great endeavour as he rode a challenge and drove into the box before clipping an inviting cross to the back post, but there were no takers.

Moments later, another long pass caused confusion in West End’s defence, and after a panicked clearance, the ball fell to Holytown’s Aiden Burrows. From some 30 yards out, Burrows stepped forward and arched a shot, sailing the ball high through the air before it found home in the roof of the net to give Holytown a dream early lead.

The beauty of the opener would have stunned many opponents, but West End looked unfazed, creating another chance straightaway through Jamie Lindsay, who flew down the right wing and drove a shot tantalisingly past the far left post.

Both teams kept up this enthralling exchange. At the other end, a corner yielded a stramash in the West End box, with Olly Mcllduff almost doubling Holytown’s lead until goalkeeper Kai Gillespie claimed the ball.

West End number 9 Aiden Maguire began to impose himself on the match, combining well with his midfielders and using his strength and speed to latch onto passes beyond the Holytown line. The striker got off a couple of warning shots before the 10 minute mark.

The tide was turning as West End started to dominate the share of chances. Centre back Denis-Christian Cnapic sent a high pass in between the Holytown centre backs. The tenacious Maguire sniffed danger, pouncing on the ball while holding off his man, before driving into the box and coolly sliding a shot past Thomas Cuthbert for the equaliser.

It was a goal that completely swayed the momentum in West End’s favour. Minutes later, Daniel Freeman’s corner curled perfectly to the back post, perfectly finding Cnapic who rose highest to send home a crashing header to make it 2-1 to West End.

More chances came as Lindsay’s header was saved onto the bar at point black range by Holytown’s Cuthbert. West End forwards continued to find joy by beating the offside trap, although the Holytown supporters began to get on the linesman’s back.

West End’s Jaxon Dunbar became a menacing threat in behind. The winger picked up the ball at the edge of the box, beautifully jinked past two defenders and dispatched a low shot into the bottom corner for the third – a goal which left a feeling that the game was only going to go one way.

The first half looked destined to finish 3-1, before Lindsay once again burst down the right. With one thought in mind, the winger drove straight for goal, and at the last moment, dinked the ball perfectly over the advancing Cuthbert to put West End 4-1 up at halftime.

Holytown were understandably shaken by the flood of goals, but they did not give up the fight, putting in strong tackles in midfield at the start of the second half. The game had cooled down, but there were still flashes of brilliance. Dunbar produced another moment of magic, beating his man on the left side and angling a shot that just grazed the far post.

Both teams made sure to make full substitutions, giving players an opportunity in the national final. With 5 minutes to go, Lindsay raced past tiring legs, and, at the edge of the box, chipped a shot back across which flew over Cuthbert to seal it, capping off the montage of beautiful goals and winning the final 5-1 for the Aberdeen side.

After the match, West End coach Ross Dunbar told YFS: “We had a plan, although it didn’t exactly go to plan initially. They scored a great hit from distance, and we were unlucky not to score straight after it as well. But the boys kept persevering. There were five really good goals, particularly the last two which were lobs and lovely finishes. We were brilliant at popping the balls in behind and into the channels. The boys were outstanding today, every boy played their part.”

West End player of the match: Jaxon Dunbar

The wee winger was electric in both halves, scoring the crucial third goal with some individual brilliance.

Holytown Colts player of the match: Thomas Cuthbert

The Holytown keeper never gave up and produced multiple incredible saves onto the bar. 

West End magical moment:

A special mention for Jamie Lindsay’s delightful chip at the end of the first half, but his second would surely have brought the most joy.

Holytown Colts magical moment:

Burrows will ultimately have gone home disappointed, but he will forever carry the memory of scoring such a beautiful opening goal in the final – one that both sets of fans admired.