x1Kenny Giles   
 x2Blair Bateman (u20)   
Off45x3Ryan Milne (u20)   
 x4Danny McAlistair (u20)   
 x5Fraser Sheridan   
 x6Dylan O’Hagan (u20)   
 x7Jordan Pirrie   
 x8Michael McGaraghan (u20)Scorer  
 x9Jeff FergusScorer  
Off60x10Alex Tilley   
Off76x11Conor McAteer (u20)   
On45 12Ciaran Struthers (u20)   
  13   
On60 14Cammy McKay (u20)   
On76 15Adam Beirne (u20)   
  16   
  17   
  18   
 

16/10/2015  |  League

Cumbernauld Colts   2  v  2  Caledonian Braves

SLFL U20 Development League
Friday 16th October 2015 KO 7.45pm
Broadwood Stadium

The young Colts welcomed Edusport to Broadwood for the second in a month and after their 2-0 League Cup victory, were expecting the French side to be tough opposition. Edusport are a physically imposing side with some gifted technical players in their ranks.

The Colts kicked off and immediately attacked the opposition. The youngsters were playing with a good tempo and passing the ball quickly and accurately. Although the Colts gained the upperhand in the early exchanges, Edusport were looking menacing on the break and the defence had to look sharp on a couple of occasions to stop dangerous moves.

The Colts took a well deserved lead in 16 minutes after an unfortunate mistake by the French keeper. The young goalie had been exceptional in the previous encounter but fumbled a cross from Sheridan and McGarraghan was on hand to head the ball into the empty net. No more than the youngsters play merited at this stage and they continued to push forward seeking a second goal. However, despite being in control of the game, it was the Colts turn to make a mistake at the back. Some slack play allowed the Edusports giant midfielder, Arthur, to force his way in on goal and he managed to bundle the ball home. Disappointing as the goal could have easily been avoided.

The Colts continued to play well and they didn't have to wait long until they took the lead again. Good passing down the right side saw the ball swept into the box to find the on rushing left midfielder Fergus, who coolly slotted the ball home. This was the youngster first goal for the club and just reward for his recent impressive performances.

The pattern of the game continued, with the Colts doing most of the pressing. However, a controversial refereeing decision went the way of Edusport. As the Colts back line moved out, a ball was slipped through and despite a flurry of protests for offside, the French striker ran onto the ball a hit home to equalise for the second time. A lesson for the youngsters to play to the whistle and take nothing for granted.

Half time 2-2

Edusport came out in the second half and tried to stem the flow of the game. This had the result of the early part of the second half being more even but the Colts youngsters kept working hard and gradually began to open up the Edusport defence and create some chances. Unfortunately for Edusport, the influential midfielder Millet received a second booking for a tackle and was ordered from the field. This gave the Colts renewed impetus and the pushed forward and every opportunity. Edusport were defending resolutely but they could nothing to prevent some slick passing down the left which created an opportunity for O'Hagan who had burst into the box. The young midfielder however couldn't find the target and his shot flew over the bar. The Colts were to be handed an even better opportunity moments later.

Beirne, on for McAteer, reacted quickest in the box as Edusport tried to clear a corner. The little striker got himself onto the loose ball and just as he was about to pull the trigger he was bundled over and the referee had no hesitation in pointing to the spot. Top scorer, Cammy McKay stepped up to take the kick and drove it hard to his left. However the young keeper redeemed himself for his earlier mistake and pushed the ball clear. Struthers was following up but he couldn't find any power in his effort and Edusport scrambled the ball to safety and ultimately secured a point.

Full Time 2 - 2

The Colts youngsters were disappointed after the game not to have secured all three points after having the majority of the play and chances. However they have made a good start to the season and Edusport are a formidable opponent and will do well this season. The Colts would like to wish Edusport good luck in the 3rd round of the Scottish Cup, as like the Colts they represent the Lowland League in the competition in two weeks time.