YFS
St John’s High School sealed victory in the Robert Caira Memorial Trophy following some late drama at Whitton Park. Harris Academy had taken an early lead, through Jack Dyer, before Taylor Carroll equalized for St John’s in the 16th minute. However in the final 10 minutes of the match it all kicked off. With nine minutes remaining Nicholas Scott scored to give St John’s a 2-1 lead. They seemed to be holding on for the victory but they conceded two minutes from time through an own goal. With the tie now looking like penalties would be needed to settle it St John’s won it in the final minute. Lewis Curran managed to head home following a Dean Currie cross to seal a 3-2 cup win, much to Harris Academy’s despair.
The opening stages of the game were very even as both sides searched to gain a strong foothold in the match. In the ninth minute a breakthrough arose as Harris took the lead. Jack Dyer made a great solo run straight through the St John’s backline before slotting home into the bottom right corner.
In the 14th minute St John’s came close when the ball was laid off to Dean Currie about 20 yards from goal. The St John’s number 11 bulleted an effort towards goal but it flew wide of the post.
Two minutes later St John’s were back level. Scott Cole delivered a corner kick into the penalty box and it landed right on the head of Taylor Carroll. The St John’s defender successfully dispatched his header into the back of the net to make the score 1-1.
In the 21st minute Gavin Ritchie played Nathan Scott in on goal. Scott was denied, however, by Harris keeper Calum Langdale who dived into feet and managed to divert the ball away from danger. Ciaran Conway was then on hand to clear the ball out of play before Scott could tap in near the goal line.
Just a minute later Nathan Scott was in on goal again. However, Langdale was up to the challenge once more as he made an exceptional save at close range to deny him a goal. With time ticking into the 32nd minute Scott was through once again but the ball was cleared successfully by Callum Dallas.
Shortly before half time Nathan Scott linked up well with Dean Currie on the right side. Currie then took a strike at goal but Langdale managed to parry it out.
The half time whistle soon arrived with both teams still level. Each side went back into the dressing rooms to plot how to take control of this game.
