x1Kenny Giles   
 x2Blair Bateman (u20)   
 x3Ryan Milne (u20)   
 x4Jeff Fergus   
 x5Mark Anthony Byrne (u20)   
 x6Dylan O’Hagan (u20)   
 x7Jordan Pirrie   
Off67x8Fraser Sheridan   
 x9Michael McGaraghan (u20)   
Off78x10Cammy McKay (u20)Scorer  
 x11Conor McAteer (u20)Scorer  
On67 12Robbie Sneddon (u20)   
  13   
On78 14Adam Beirne (u20)   
  15   
  16   
  17   
  18   
 

02/10/2015  |  League Cup

Cumbernauld Colts   2  v  0  Preston Athletic

SLFL U20 Development League Cup
Cumbernauld Colts 2 v 0 Preston Athletic
Friday 2nd October 2015 KO 7.45pm
Broadwood Stadium

The Colts youngsters kicked off the weekends double header against Preston Athletic with the first team visiting Pennypitt Park the following day. To add a little more spice to the evening, the was a strong possibility that the winners of the game would qualify from the group stage of the sectional League Cup and earn themselves a semi final spot.

The youngsters started with their usual enthusiasm but struggled to play with any great fluency, with some sloppy passing preventing any clear cut opportunities. The Preston Athletic youngsters also battled hard to gain a foothold in the game. As the game wore on, the Colts sharpened up and began to build and pass the ball with much greater purpose resulting in some pressure on the visitors defence. Preston continued to be compete and looked to hit the Colts with some quick counter attacking.

With about 30 minutes played the Colts mounted an attack that saw the ball played quickly in the opposition penalty box. Some confusion in the Preston rearguard allowed Connor McAteer the opportunity to get in between the goalkeeper and his defenders and head the ball goalwards as he was challenged. The ball nestled in the net and one for the dubious goal committee but just reward for the speedy striker who has worked tirelessly over that last few weeks.

Colts continued to push forwards but the there was no further scoring in the first period.

Half time 0-1

The second half started with both teams competing hard with each other which led to periods of scrappy play. The Colts youngsters did manage to play some good football at times, but to their credit Preston Athletic battled their way back into the game and began to enjoy slightly more possession. Colts defence dealt with the majority of their opponents attacks well with Giles in the Colts goal rarely tested. Preston did threaten when a well delivered corner kick caused some panic in the home box before being cleared.

As the time ticked away, the youngsters began to look more threatening and started to create more chances as the game opened up. These chances were squandered with a combination of good defending, hesitation and poor finishing. With 72 minutes on the clock, the Colts were awarded a free kick about 25 yards from the Preston goal. Pirrie and McKay deliberated over the ball before the latter stepped forward to swerve a wonderful free kick round the defensive wall and into the opposition net. The strikers rich vein of goal scoring form continues having scored in his last four outings.

Full Time 2- 0

A hard fought and well deserved victory from the youngsters against tough opponents.

Further good news came through from Ainslie Park, where BSC had defeated Spartans meaning the youngsters had qualified for the semi final of the League Cup. A fine achievement for the team this early in the season and reward for their hard work and application so far.