Post by Brian Mackay on Jun 18, 2008 17:54:54 GMT
report from John O'Groat Journal
County youngsters regain cup with Halkirk hat-trick
Caithness U18 3, Orkney U18 2
Published: 18 June, 2008
CAITHNESS under-18s deservedly regained the Corinthian Cup on Saturday after they won by the odd goal in five against their Orkney counterparts.
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The margin of victory did not reflect the superiority the home youngsters exerted for large parts of the match at Sir George's Park, Thurso.
Both teams deserve credit for producing decent entertainment on a foul day with a swirling, capricious wind laced with regular thunderplumps.
Caithness contrived to dominate the opening half only to find themselves trailing to Gareth Johnston's fourth-minute opener.
Keiss striker Graham MacNab was inches away from connecting with a close-in header before the Stromness youngster finished off a quick-fire break with a delicate dink over home keeper Graeme Williamson.
It was thereafter a tale of woe in front of goal for Caithness, with Graham MacNab, Liam Mackay and Paul Mackay guilty of missing gilt-edged chances.
Pentland United's James Murray was desperately unlucky on the half-hour mark when his spanking 30-yard free kick rebounded back off the junction of the crossbar and the right-hand upright.
The breakthrough finally came seconds before the end of the 40-minute half when Grant MacNab's corner was not properly cleared and Paul Mackay scored with a well-executed half-volley with his left foot.
Grant MacNab was booked for dissent a minute before his side went in front on 46 minutes. Liam Mackay was sent clear and he ran through to slide the ball past keeper Gary Wilson.
Seven minutes later, it was 3-1 when Scott MacLean's long-distance through ball was coolly converted by Paul Mackay to produce a hat-trick of goals for Halkirk players.
Caithness looked in command but they were brought back to earth when a snap-shot from Thorfinn's Aaron McLean eluded Williamson to give Orkney renewed hope.
Liam Mackay of Caithness wins a header during Saturday's under-18 match against Orkney at Sir George's Park. John Baikie, 07789 557586
Thorfinn Stout was inches away from equalising after 61 minutes, then Graham MacNab went close at the other end.
Four minutes from time, Orkney substitute Ally Scott looked set for a free run-in on goal until he was floored by a fractionally late tackle by defender Ally Gunn. The Castletown youngster was booked for the challenge.
Caithness should have had the game put to bed but had to endure a further late scare before they could celebrate.
Grant Steven spoiled an otherwise faultless display at the back for the hosts with a miscued pass-back and Scott was inches away from connecting with it.
Caithness manager Stewart Ross was more than happy with the display of his team, though disappointed they had not converted more of their chances.
He said: "I thought we played some really good football, particularly given the weather conditions. There were a couple of late scares but we should have had the game tied up long before then."
Caithness: Williamson, Cumming, MacLean (Swanson 70), Steven, Gunn, MacKechnie (McLean 50), Grant MacNab, P. Mackay, L. Mackay (Clyne 50), Graham MacNab, Murray (Sinclair 70).
Orkney: G. Wilson, Flett, Low, Bews (Scott 38), Manson, Guthrie, Johnston, Pickles, MacLean (S. Wilson 70), Helliwell (E. Bews 70), Stout (Wood 65).
Referee: J. Munro.
County youngsters regain cup with Halkirk hat-trick
Caithness U18 3, Orkney U18 2
Published: 18 June, 2008
CAITHNESS under-18s deservedly regained the Corinthian Cup on Saturday after they won by the odd goal in five against their Orkney counterparts.
advertising
The margin of victory did not reflect the superiority the home youngsters exerted for large parts of the match at Sir George's Park, Thurso.
Both teams deserve credit for producing decent entertainment on a foul day with a swirling, capricious wind laced with regular thunderplumps.
Caithness contrived to dominate the opening half only to find themselves trailing to Gareth Johnston's fourth-minute opener.
Keiss striker Graham MacNab was inches away from connecting with a close-in header before the Stromness youngster finished off a quick-fire break with a delicate dink over home keeper Graeme Williamson.
It was thereafter a tale of woe in front of goal for Caithness, with Graham MacNab, Liam Mackay and Paul Mackay guilty of missing gilt-edged chances.
Pentland United's James Murray was desperately unlucky on the half-hour mark when his spanking 30-yard free kick rebounded back off the junction of the crossbar and the right-hand upright.
The breakthrough finally came seconds before the end of the 40-minute half when Grant MacNab's corner was not properly cleared and Paul Mackay scored with a well-executed half-volley with his left foot.
Grant MacNab was booked for dissent a minute before his side went in front on 46 minutes. Liam Mackay was sent clear and he ran through to slide the ball past keeper Gary Wilson.
Seven minutes later, it was 3-1 when Scott MacLean's long-distance through ball was coolly converted by Paul Mackay to produce a hat-trick of goals for Halkirk players.
Caithness looked in command but they were brought back to earth when a snap-shot from Thorfinn's Aaron McLean eluded Williamson to give Orkney renewed hope.
Liam Mackay of Caithness wins a header during Saturday's under-18 match against Orkney at Sir George's Park. John Baikie, 07789 557586
Thorfinn Stout was inches away from equalising after 61 minutes, then Graham MacNab went close at the other end.
Four minutes from time, Orkney substitute Ally Scott looked set for a free run-in on goal until he was floored by a fractionally late tackle by defender Ally Gunn. The Castletown youngster was booked for the challenge.
Caithness should have had the game put to bed but had to endure a further late scare before they could celebrate.
Grant Steven spoiled an otherwise faultless display at the back for the hosts with a miscued pass-back and Scott was inches away from connecting with it.
Caithness manager Stewart Ross was more than happy with the display of his team, though disappointed they had not converted more of their chances.
He said: "I thought we played some really good football, particularly given the weather conditions. There were a couple of late scares but we should have had the game tied up long before then."
Caithness: Williamson, Cumming, MacLean (Swanson 70), Steven, Gunn, MacKechnie (McLean 50), Grant MacNab, P. Mackay, L. Mackay (Clyne 50), Graham MacNab, Murray (Sinclair 70).
Orkney: G. Wilson, Flett, Low, Bews (Scott 38), Manson, Guthrie, Johnston, Pickles, MacLean (S. Wilson 70), Helliwell (E. Bews 70), Stout (Wood 65).
Referee: J. Munro.