11/12/2015  |  League

BSC Glasgow   1  v  4  Cumbernauld Colts

Colts travelled to face BSC Glasgow at Toryglen for their part in the Friday night double header with both first teams playing at Broadwood Stadium. BSC are undoubtedly one of the strongest sides within the Development League with many experienced and gifted players in their ranks. Both teams were drawn together earlier in the season in the sectional League Cup, with BSC qualifying as undefeated winners of the group whilst the Colts qualified as runners up. That earlier encounter in August saw BSC beat the youngsters 2-0 and the Colts coaching staff were keen to gauge how much progress their young side had made at this level.

Straight from kick off Colts were quickly on the attack with a long diagonal pass finding Fergus moving forward on the left. The midfielder controlled the ball and cut inside the full back but his right footed shot lacked enough power to trouble the keeper. BSC responded immediately and they moved quickly down their right side and delivered a deep cross into the Colts penalty area which was only partially cleared. The ball broke to a BSC midfielder who had eluded his marker and he struck the ball home from 12 yards. An unfortunate start, one minute gone and one nil down. The Colts suffered a similar fate against Spartans a few weeks ago and struggled to get back into that game. The point was much debated at the time and it was with great interest to the coaches to see how they reacted on this occasion.

They must have been listening because they centred the ball and started all over again. They kept their shape, their style of play and most importantly their belief in one another. The continued to pass the ball well in possession and worked hard to get it back when BSC had the ball. This had the desired effect as the Glasgow team suddenly looked as if they had lost a bit of rhythm. The Colts were rewarded in 10 minutes when the trialist striker had a shot at goals blocked and he reacted quickest to the rebound to strike a lovely left footed shot low into the opponents net.

Colts were troubling the home defence and creating a number of opportunities. They went ahead in 22 minutes when the BSC rear guard failed to deal with a set piece delivered high into the penalty box. The ball found its way to the back post were Mickey McGarraghan was on hand to side foot the ball home.

The game was being played at a tremendous pace with both teams playing some attractive football making it an enjoyable game for those spectators who had come along. Although the Colts continued to create chances and limit BSC to very few, keeper Giles had to be at his best moments prior to half time. BSC broke with great pace and switched the ball from right to left and in behind the Colts defence. Despite the striker looking clearly offside, the referee waved play on and the Colts keeper raced from his line to pull off a great save pushing the ball away to safety as the striker thought he had scored the equaliser.

Half time 1-2

The second half started as the first half finished with both teams competing well and playing some neat football. Colts continued to pressure their opponents and went further ahead in 56 minutes. Byrne took a throw in on the right and played it to McKay inside the opposition penalty area. The little striker had been a thorn in BSC's side all match and on this occasion took the ball in and turned in one movement taking him past the tall centre back who lunged in and felled the striker. Skipper Milne stepped forward and converted the resultant penalty with the minimum of fuss.

To their credit, BSC never gave up and pushed the Colts back as they fought to find away back into the game. The Cumbernauld youngsters defended well during this period of the game and gradually to the upperhand once again. With 75 minutes on the clock, a super pass from midfield found Sheridan bursting from midfield and out pacing the Glasgow defence. The midfielder controlled the ball and rounded the keeper before expertly slotting it home from a tight angle.

The Colts created further chances and McKay was unlucky not to increase the lead when his lob over the advancing keeper crept agonisingly passed the post.

As news started to filter through from Broadwood that the first team had secured a 2-1 victory, the youngsters were delighted to play their part in a rewarding double header victory.

Full time 1-4

A superb result for the Colts against a very good BSC side who competed throughout this match. On the evidence of this match the youngsters are showing that they are progressing well and competing at this level.