YFS
Cathkin High School came out on top in this closely-fought, league-deciding contest against Lanarkshire rivals St. Ambrose. The match took place in glorious conditions at Somervell Park, home of local junior side Cambuslang Rangers.
Cathkin certainly deserved to come out on top and the 3-1 scoreline was fair reward for their efforts. That being said, if a little luck had went the Coatbridge side's way, then the match could easily have been drawn. With the match heading into the last few minutes and with St. Ambrose two goals down, they managed to raise their game and put the Cathkin defence under intense pressure that produced a goal and several chances but in the end their defence was left exposed when Cathkin counter attacked and settled the match with a third goal.
The match was finely balanced early on as both sides attempted to gain supremacy, and mainly played in midfield. It was a scrappy affair that started at a hectic pace that made it difficult for either team to settle down and feel comfortable on the ball, maybe down to nerves.
Calan Pacitti of St Ambrose was first to create an opportunity when, in the 13th minute, he managed to go past a Cathkin defender and shoot from 15 yards but Cathkin goalkeeper Kyle Miller saved comfortably.
With a quarter of the match played, Cathkin broke from defence with a ball played into the St Ambrose half. Lewis Ryan brought the ball under control and played it inside perfectly for Scott Williamson to blast off the crossbar from 15 yards.
Within five minutes Cathkin went one up when they were awarded a spot kick after a St Ambrose defender committed a clumsy challenge. Joe Dickson stepped up and confidently converted, 1-0.
Dickson showed a touch of class when he won the ball 30 yards from the St Ambrose goal, went past a player before nipping between two defenders and letting loose from the edge of the penalty area. The strike inched past the post.
St Ambrose finished the first half strongly and were awarded a free kick after a spell of pressure. Pacitti swung the ball into the six yard area and Daniel Zekaj managed to head towards goal but Miller was able to save comfortably.