YFS
Lanarkshire became champions of the Under-15 National Trophy after overcoming Paisley at Lesser Hampden on Monday, eventually winning 5-3 on penalties following a 1-1 draw after 80 minutes. At a packed Lesser Hampden, this was an entertaining, competitive and close final that was decided by fine details.
Lanarkshire started brightly, taking the game to Paisley and carved out the first chance after three minutes when some good build up on the left flank which resulted in Reece Geddes trying an acrobatic shot from Cameron Clark's cross which was off-target.
Despite the positive beginning, it was Paisley who took the lead on seven minutes; Matthew Reilly weaved his way into the box from the right wing, beating the challenges to then send a thumping effort into the roof of the net.
Paisley nearly doubled their advantage moments later when Adam Love's dipping volley from 40 yards looked to be heading for the top corner but was palmed away Kieran Bell.
The game settled down into a pattern with Lanarkshire regaining control, enjoying more possession and looking the more threatening when going forward. Soon it was all square, again Lanarkshire attacked from the left with full-back Clark well-advanced and he sent a pin-point cross into the danger area which was powerfully met by Geddes and gave Matthew Boyle no chance.
There were a couple more chances before the break, Lanarkshire's Stephen Coupland tried his luck from distance but couldn't hit the target while his team-mate Lewis Gamble cut-in from the left wing and also let fly from distance but he too lacked accuracy.