YFS
National Teams (57)
Monday, 04 May 2015 02:35
Late Dymond strike sees BGC Wales 15s snatch victory against CYP Scotland 15s
Written by Alasdair Hooper
CYP Scotland and BGC Wales’ under 15s kicked off an international triple-header at Station Park on Sunday, 3rd May. In atrocious weather conditions the spectacle of the first game more than lifted the mood of everyone in Forfar Athletic’s ground. The first half was controlled by the Welsh with a Jordan Downs double ensuring they went in at half time 2-0 to the good. Scotland rallied in the second half and managed to level thanks to strikes from Arran Laird and Cameron Fraser. With the tie in the balance it was Wales who gained the victory as Jake Dymond found the back of the net four minutes from time.
The Welsh were pumped up from the very start and they controlled the opening moments of the game. They very nearly had the perfect start albeit with a little help from the elements. With their first attacking move Arwel Thomas pinged a long ball over the Scottish defence aimed towards Jordan Downs. The merciless wind, however, then caught hold of the ball, leaving Downs unable to retrieve, but it also bamboozled Scottish goalkeeper Jack Gray. With the flight trajectory majorly altered, the ball bounced over the stranded keeper towards goal. Thankfully for all those connected with the Scots it bounced just the wrong side of the post.
With the momentum firmly in the hands of the Welsh they seemed to be edging closer to a goal. In the 11th minute, Evan Daley came close when the ball fell to him following a corner kick but his effort flew just inches above the crossbar.
Five minutes later, however, the Welsh were celebrating taking the lead in fine style. Downs picked up the ball about 20 yards from goal and then displayed an exquisite bit of skill. One-on-one with his defender he suddenly dropped his shoulder, made some space for himself, and bulleted a low, venomous shot straight into the bottom left hand corner of the net.
After this setback Scotland responded with a chance of their own. Liam Fraser met a right-wing cross in the penalty box but his effort at goal was blocked. Arran Laird was the first to meet the rebound but the Welsh defence also blocked his effort. The ball then bounced out for a corner that ultimately came to nothing.
In the 20th minute Scotland came close again when a through ball was played to Andrew Fleming. With the angle against him the number 12 could only shoot into the side netting.
The balance of play then swung back in favour of Wales who came close through efforts from Arwel Thomas, Dylan Davies and Rhys Mills. Their next clear-cut opportunity arose with the game ticking into its 38th minute. Luke Evans delivered a long free kick straight into Scotland’s penalty area and it fell to the feet of Mills. He got his shot away at goal from close range but was denied by an outstanding diving save from Jack Gray.
Despite Gray’s goalkeeping heroics there was absolutely nothing he could do about the next shot he faced on the stroke of half time. Downs picked up the ball about 25-30 yards out of goal and unleashed an absolute screamer of a shot straight into the postage stamp of the goal. It was a truly stunning goal that no goalie anywhere would be keeping out. Shortly afterwards the half time whistle went and everyone at Station Park was left thinking about that incredible last bit of play.
Published in
National Teams
Tagged under
Friday, 24 April 2015 13:06
Scots hold champions Ireland to stalemate in Centenary Shield
Written by Ryan CrombieIt was a stalemate at Spartans Academy last night, as Scotland School boys drew 1-1 with the Republic of Ireland in the final match of the 2015 Centenary Shield. Whether the game was going to be a good one pre-match, was in doubt as there was nothing to play for. Ireland had already wrapped up the Shield last time out, defeating England by a goal to nil and Scotland sat in fourth place. Once the anthems had been completed and referee Calum Murray blew for kick off those doubts were swept aside and the two hundred or so spectators were treated to a gripping match.
Scotland knew that it would take an almighty effort to cultivate a decent result as Ireland came into the game with three wins from their three games, scoring six goals in the process. It was an even start as both sides were matching each other up, looking for that early goal but not wishing to concede at the back. The first chance of note fell to Darragh Markey, as he picked the ball up on the left hand side of the box. He jinked to his left to give himself some room and took a shot that dragged just wide of the goal, clipping the side netting.
Ireland were really pushing for the opening goal and a dipping free kick from Troy Carey looked destined for the bottom corner, however Scotland keeper Ben McKenzie made a stunning save to get his palm to the ball and tip it round the corner.
The deadlock was soon broken, though, as Connor Ellis for Ireland got the ball slipped through to him. He excellently spotted the goalkeeper rushing of his line and duly chipped him so the ball bounced over the line putting the Irish one up.
The goal invigorated the visitors and they took the pace, tempo and quality of the match to another level. Scotland struggled to keep pace with the Irish and as a result, were finding it increasingly difficult to stamp their authority on the game.
A chance did come their way though. James Hilton burst into the box and quickly fired a snapshot across the face of goal. If somebody in a blue shirt had been lurking at the back post it would have been an east tap in, however instead the ball rolled out and behind for a goal kick.
Another opportunity fell to the Scots just before the break. Despite all of the possession and intricate passes Ireland were stringing together, Jonathon Galloway found himself in behind after a wonderful over the top ball from Scott Burns. The ball was bouncing and his shot, despite Galloway’s best efforts to keep it low, the effort flew over the bar.
Published in
National Teams
Tagged under
Friday, 10 April 2015 09:07
Scotland girls ease past Wales to maintain 100% record
Written by Euan Strathearn
Scotland schoolgirls made it three wins out of three as they comfortably beat a Welsh side struggling for form. Caitlyn Ross put the Scots in front midway through the first half before two goals in quick succession from Grace Molloy in the second half ensured a Scotland victory.
Scotland had not conceded a goal in their two victories in the Bob Docherty tourament going into this game whilst Wales had lost twice scoring just once but it was the Welsh who started the game with real vigour and purpose - an inswinging corner kick from captain Chelsea Deacon nearly finding its way in.
The Welsh pressure intensified as they won another corner four minutes in, this time Deacon's cross finding Ella Powell who guided her header narrowly wide.
Scotland responded to the early warning signs well - Monica Anderson galloped down the left hand side beating several Welsh defenders but couldn't deliver that final ball.
As the sun began to dip behind the clouds so the Scottish girls began to stamp their authority on this match and dominate possession, Amy Muir fired just over from distance before a corner from Elena Brown found Nicole Cameron who agonisingly put her header inches over the bar.
12 rminutes into the game Scotland were in complete control and took full advantage - a tantalizing through ball was played for Ross who kept her composure to stroke the ball past Cardiff City goalkeeper Emily Poole to put the Scots 1-0 infront.
Brown was beginning to create havoc in the Welsh half striding past challenges and her long ball to Ross had the away sides defence in a mode of panic - The Scots unlucky not to add a second.
On the 18 minute mark Wales Ellie Burrows was carried off after a poor challenge left her unable to continue. Her replacement Chloe Griffiths brought on to try and inject some pace into the team in red.
Both teams began to stall in an attacking sense in the remaining minutes of the first half with a real midfield battle beginning to take place and the teams went in at half-time with it all till to play for at 1-0.
Published in
National Teams
Tagged under
Thursday, 09 April 2015 15:24
Scotland Schoolgirls win Bob Docherty Tournament after triumph over Ireland
Written by Michael Gaughan
Scotland School Girls lifted the Bob Docherty International trophy today following a narrow victory over The Republic of Ireland. The only goal of the match came from Scottish midfielder Kaela McDonald in the first half. The Scots finished the tournament with a 100% record and the Irish were unbeaten up until the final game so both deserve a lot of praise.
The match was always going to be a cracker; both teams had the opportunity to win the Championship at the end of play so they would give it everything throughout the match. With Scotland sitting on nine points and Ireland on seven, whoever won would take the trophy home.
Scotland started as the brighter team and the first chance of the match fell the way of the hosts; striker Monica Anderson shot from the edge of the box but her effort was held by Rachel Baynes in the Irish goal.
A few minutes later Scotland had another chance and would’ve taken the lead had it not been for the defensive efforts of Ireland; Hannah Robertson fired in a corner which rose over the oncoming goalkeeper, the ball then fell to Kaela McDonald whose shot was blocked, Anderson then got hold of the ball and fired a shot towards goal but Irish defender Sadhbh Doyle managed to slide in and block the shot and the ball flew out for a corner – which was cleared by the Irish defence.
Around twenty minutes in, Scotland took the lead; Robertson launched in a corner once again, and like the first effort, the ball fell at the feet of McDonald, but this time the midfielder made no mistake and powered the ball into the bottom corner to put Scotland into the lead.
Ireland then instantly had a chance; Katie Bolger-Burdis was slipped through behind the defence but her shot crept just over the bar ensuring that Scotland went into the break ahead.
Published in
National Teams
Tuesday, 07 April 2015 14:35
Scotland triumph over England with a dramatic late winner
Written by Michael Gaughan
Scotland Schoolgirls continued their fine start to this year’s Bob Docherty International Tournament with a narrow victory over England. There were a limited number of chances for both sides in a close contest but, a few minutes from time, Hannah Robertson slotted the ball into the bottom corner to send the Scottish fans into raptures and ensure a Scottish win.
Scotland have now played two games in the tournament and have won both; the other a win over Northern Ireland in the opening match. Next up for the Scots is a tough test against Wales before taking on the Republic of Ireland on the final day.
Matches between the two nations are always hotly contested at all levels of competition – both sets of players were flying the flag for their respective countries and it definitely showed with some strong challenges throughout the match.
The first chance of the match fell the way of the reigning champions England; tricky winger Molly Pike was played through and she unleashed a shot which was destined for the top corner but Scotland goalkeeper Kiera Gibson pulled off a fantastic diving save and the ball was cleared.
From then, England began to take control in the middle of the park and looked to have the better of the Scots. On the stroke of half time The Three Lions almost took the lead; they won a free kick around twenty-five yards from goal and Pike hit a strong shot but the ball crept just over the bar.
The referee then brought an end to a very even first half. Neither side wanted to give anything away and it definitely showed with a cagey thirty minutes of football; England perhaps had a slight edge in terms of chances but the match was finely balanced.
Published in
National Teams
Monday, 06 April 2015 23:06
England’s retention bid begins with shootout win against the Republic of Ireland
Written by Alasdair Hooper
England’s bid to retain the Bob Docherty Cup began with a thrilling game against the Republic of Ireland. First half goals from England duo Molly Pike and Phoebe Warner saw them go into the half time break 2-0 up. The Republic of Ireland, however, launched an incredible fight back with Sadhbh Doyle scoring a double to see the game finish 2-2. England won the resulting penalty shootout 3-2 thanks to heroics from goalkeeper Hannah Hampton. The result leaves England with two points and the Republic of Ireland with one point after their first game.
England performed excellently in the first half with right midfielder, Molly Pike, the stand out. After causing the Republic of Ireland defence plenty of problems right from the start, she had the honour of scoring England’s opening goal four minutes in. Bronwen Thomas played a delightful through ball into the penalty area that was weighted perfectly for the England number 17. Without having to break her stride Pike neatly side footed the ball into the top right hand corner of the net. England could not have wished for a better start.
Despite the English pressure the Republic of Ireland nearly equalized soon afterwards. The ball fell to Katie Bolger Burdis inside the penalty area but she fired her shot wide of the target.
In the eighth minute of the game England threatened again through Pike. After another great run down the right wing she unleashed a fierce shot towards goal. Irish goalkeeper, Rachel Baynes, was positioned well and expertly caught the ball to smother the chances of any further danger.
16 minutes into the game England found themselves 2-0 up. Miri Taylor, on the left flank, regained possession of the ball superbly high up the field. She then drove straight towards the byline and drilled a low cross into the six-yard area. Arriving to meet the cross was England’s Phoebe Warner, who converted excellently.
With a few more half chances for the remainder of the first half England appeared to be in a great position at the break.
Published in
National Teams
Friday, 28 November 2014 23:11
Welsh Colleges inflict defeat on Scots counterparts
Written by Paul Muir
At a wet and windy Broadwood, Welsh Colleges came out on top against Scottish Colleges in a close fought battle. The international challenge match was the thrid time the sides have met in as many years with the Welsh outfit coming out on top on all three occasions.
Both teams started positively with Welsh Colleges nearly scoring from two early efforts, one was a bit of a scramble in the box that didn’t cross the line and the other was well hit shot from distance from Wales number eight. Scottish Colleges also had two early chances with Paul Cottrell, of Dundee and Angus College, nearly managing to wriggle free and through on goal but was thwarted by some last ditch defending.
In the end, it was Scottish Colleges with Paul Cottrell, of Dundee and Angus College, who broke the deadlock to make it 1-0 to Scotland on eighteen minutes. Cottrell composed himself and slotted a neat low shot past the keeper after a great pass through from Brian Ross, of New College Lanarkshire (Cumbernauld Campus).
Welsh Colleges equalised on twenty eight minutes with an excellent volley from Kostya Georgievsky after a lovely chipped pass over the Scottish defence. Welsh tails were up but Scotland responded positively and nearly took the lead when Sean Stewart, of Edinburgh College (Granton Campus) broke through the Welsh defence but was denied by an excellent save from the Dan Evans, the Wales number one.
With the game about to go into stoppage time, Welsh Colleges nicked a goal from corner with a flicked header at the front post from Kostya Georgievsky, grabbing his second of the game. The sides went into the break 2-1 to Welsh Colleges.
Published in
National Teams
Tagged under
Saturday, 01 November 2014 18:31
Late goal not enough as Scots lose Victory Shield opener
Written by David Brockett
Scotland Under-16s hopes of retaining the Victory Shield were dealt a blow with a 2-1 defeat at St Mirren Park on Friday evening.
Liam McKenna and Jack White gave the visitors a 2-0 lead, but Jack Aitchison’s late goal wasn’t enough to snatch a point.
Having won the Victory Shield for the first time in fifteen years last time around, Scotland were looking to open their defence with a win but had to avoid a scare within the opening two minutes of the match.
A ball in from Cormac Lawlor on the right found it’s way to Stephen Mallon, and only a fine stop from Scotland goalkeeper Aidan McAdams prevented Scotland from conceding in the early stages.
Scotland skipper Jack Adamson’s bursting run saw the Hibs striker run at the heart of the Northern Irish defence, beating three men in the process in what was Scotland’s most prominent attack of the first half.
Midway through the first half, Scotland had the opportunity to draw level. A corner from the right dropped at the feet of Owen Gallacher, but his stabbed shot was scrambled clear by the Northern Irish defence.
Two minutes later, Gallacher turned Lucas Galashan and lashed his shot into the side netting, with the majority of the 572 inside St Mirren Park thinking he had scored.
On the half hour mark, Rangers’ Liam Burt spotted Northern Ireland goalkeeper Conor Larkin off his line and tried his luck from range, but his audacious effort dropped narrowly wide of the post.
The visitors then did take the lead on thirty six minutes. Stephen Mallon curled a left footed free kick to the far post and Liam McKenna was on hand to fire a header past Aidan McAdams.
Northern Ireland continued to press Scotland and went into half time with a deserving 1-0 lead.
Published in
National Teams
Poland came right out the traps and won a first minute corner taken by Mikolaj Kwietniewski. The Scottish defence had a few chances to get it clear but it took the referee to award a free kick for handball for the danger to pass.
Poland deservedly scored in the second minute. Przemyslaw Macierzynski done extremely well to win the ball in the centre circle before he surged forward 30 yards without a challenge then slipping Bartosz Wiktoruk in on the right hand side who takes a touch before rifling a shot beyond Cameron Yates in goal.
As the first half continued both sides looked to a hold of the game in midfield although neither team was successful enough in their passing to take real control.
Both sides had early claims for a penalty but referee David Munro waved both away without a second glance.
A lovely ball by Scotland’s Liam Burt almost created a crossing opportunity wide on the right for Shaun Bowers but Tomasz Makowski cleared the danger for a throw in.
Kilmarnock’s Lewis Morrison almost found himself through on Kacper Chorazka in the Polish goal after 15 minutes when some neat interplay between Charlie Gilmour, Burt and Morrison was bravely headed clear by Batliomiej Gajda.
Jakub Obloj almost doubled Poland’s lead in the 18th minute when he found half a yard to fire a shot at Yates although fortunately for Scot Gemmill’s side it went harmlessly wide of the right hand post.
Kwietniewski delivered an inch perfect corner which Adam Chrzanowski couldn’t get to when all it needed was a touch to steer it home with Yates helpless.
Arsenal starlet Charlie Gilmour went close to equalising with an ambitious shot from 25 yards which dipped just over Choraska’s crossbar after moving considerably in flight.
Kwietniewski was booked after 23 minutes after going doing easily under a challenge from Lewis Bell.
Scotland continued to look for an opening in the Polish lines but they were well drilled in their tactical roles with Maximilian Funk and Damian Pawlowski in particular impressing.
Funk had the goal at his mercy in 35 minutes when he found himself free in the 18 yard box. Unfortunately for the Fortuna Düsseldorf midfielder he lifted his shot over the bar.
Scotland finally drew level after Owen Gallagher found himself in virtually an identical position to Funk a minute or so earlier although this time the Scot made sure of it and fired beyond Chorazka. It put the Scots on terms as the interval soon followed.
Published in
National Teams
Tagged under
Wednesday, 28 May 2014 23:46
Young Scots fall victim to Dutch masters in Euro qualifying campaign
Written by Alisdair Morrison
Scotland’s Under-21 team hosted the Netherlands in a goal-filled midweek encounter at Paisley’s St. Mirren Park.
Billy Stark’s babes were beaten comfortably by an exciting young Dutch team, as their hopes of reaching the European Championships in the Czech Republic next year were all but dashed.
A cool evening in Paisley attracted the handsome attendance of 3,002 highly vocal fans though, a very positive turnout for a dreary Wednesday night affair.
The Scots got the match underway and were full of running and ambition from the off, putting the pressure on the Dutch defence from an early set-piece. Kenneth McLean delivered a ball to Callum Paterson at the back post who managed to head the ball back into the danger area.
The ball eventually came back out to Ryan Fraser on the left who managed to pick out Stuart Armstrong, though the captain could only head wide of the left post.
After this initial flurry of chances the Dutch took a hold on the match, holding on to the ball effectively and passing it around the defence with patient build-up play.
Scotland were unfortunate not to take the lead shortly after though, as good work down the left by Bournemouth’s Ryan Fraser led to a chance for Callum McGregor. The Celtic player managed to squeeze the ball under keeper Warner Hahn, but the target couldn’t be found as Chelsea’s Nathan Ake shepherded the ball wide of the right post.
Scotland had another chance to go ahead, this time through Ryan Fraser’s curling effort, but the shot went just a whisker wide of the wrong side of the post.
The Scots were defending well from the Dutch’s mounting attacks, but the dam was unfortunately unable to hold off much longer.
Some seriously silky skills from winger Quincy Promes saw him drag the ball past three Scotland players on the edge of the box before firing a whipped effort past Scotland’s Jordan Archer into the bottom left corner.
Scotland almost saw themselves level the tie but for the width of a goal post, as John McGinn’s daisy-cutter from 30 yards out cracked off the foot of the right hand post.
It was to be the Scot’s last chance of getting back into the match though, as Promes showed plenty of promise for the future with a masterclass in finishing late in the first half.
His second of the night came from a beautifully weighted ball out to the right by centre-back Karim Rekik, after which Promes gathered well and beat his man with ease before smashing a right-footed shot off the underside of the crossbar and into Archer’s net.
And the FC Twente starlet stamped his claim for inclusion in the senior World Cup squad by rounding off the hat-trick two minutes later. Promes was played through on goal into an acre of space before coolly firing past Archer to put the Dutch three nil up.
Published in
National Teams
Tagged under
More...
Thursday, 24 April 2014 10:38
Scots Colleges draw against English counterparts
Written by YFS Editor 1
Scottish Colleges conceded late on to surrender a 1-0 lead to draw 1-1 with English Colleges at Gateshead International Stadium in Newcastle.
The first half began with few chances for either side. Both sets of defenders did well to stop any meaningful efforts on goal, until the 39th minute where the Scots took the lead through Scott Alexander (Dumfries and Galloway College). Paul Caughey (New College Lanarkshire, Cumbernauld) pounced on a loose ball and threaded a lovely pass through to Alexander who took time to compose himself then fire across the keeper into the left hand corner.
The score-line remained the same with few chances for either side, despite a good call for a penalty against Scotland’s skipper, Ryan Cherrie (New College Lanarkshire, Motherwell) just before the half time whistle. English Colleges would count themselves unlucky to be behind at the break.
Unlike the first half, a number of good chances were created in the second half. English Colleges wasted a few good opportunities mid-way through the second half with Thomson (New College Lanarkshire, Motherwell) in Scotland goal coming out on top.
Published in
National Teams
Tagged under
Scotland welcomed Wales to new Douglas Park on a cold Thursday night to contest their second fixture in this year’s Centenary Shield followed a draw against Northern Ireland in the opening match where a late and fortuitous Jai Quitongo strike saw them salvage a point.
Historically the home side have been much more successful in this competition and were looking to become champions for the first time since 2011 whereas tonight’s guests had not laid a hand on the silverware since the early 1970’s.
A healthy crowd swelled the main stand as we got underway just after seven o’clock and soon had reason to be optimistic as a speculative effort from right back Kieran Campbell hit the target from distance but Keighan Jones positioned himself well and remained untroubled.
The same could not be said moments later when a scything through ball from defence was launched forward by Campbell and Jones raced out to deal with the danger only to completely miss his kick and leave Chris Liversedge with the easiest of chances which he controlled and stroked home to give his side the lead after seven minutes.
It would be a case of Déjà vu moments later when Scott Burns gathered a stray Welsh pass in the middle of his opponents half and lifted the ball through defence where what appeared to be a routine take for the ‘keeper seemed to pass through his gloves and Liversedge was on hand to cut the ball between the posts from a narrow angle to make it 2-0 inside a quarter of an hour.
The only consolation for the visitors in the first half would come when livewire forward Tre Morrett turned Scotland defender inside out following a long ball before connecting well with a half volley but his shot failed to bother captain Chris Truesdale as it flew past his left hand post.
It looked as if the dark blues would head into the half time break with an unassailable advantage when Welsh defender Daniel Roberts lost the flight of the ball and then saw it bounce off his right hand leaving the referee Alan Muir no alternative but to point to the spot and give Liversedge the chance to complete his hat trick but Jones was at last able to show the quality that made him his nation’s number one as he flew to his right to keep the effort from 12 yards out and keep the deficit to two as the teams departed for the interval.
Published in
National Teams
Tagged under
Tuesday, 11 March 2014 15:27
Scottish Colleges come from behind to edge Challenge match
Written by YFS Editor 1
Scottish Colleges came from behind to secure a 2-1 victory over Scottish Independent Schools at Broadwood Stadium; a first fixture between the two sides.
It was Scottish Independent Schools who started the stronger with a quick fire goal before the 5 minute mark from Jonny Court (Stewart’s Melville College). Sloppy defending allowed the striker to turn and pick his spot.
Scottish Colleges did not let the heads go down and managed to respond quickly with a Scott Alexander (Dumfries and Galloway College) header from a free-kick on the 10-minute mark to level the scores.
This goal seemed to relax the Colleges outfit who began to play some nice passing football. Without really causing too much bother for the Schools keeper it looked as if it would go in level at the break.
However, shortly before half time Paul Caughey (New College Lanarkshire, Cumbernauld) benefited from a mix-up in the Schools defence to slot the ball easily past the keeper. The half finished 2-1 to the College side.
Published in
National Teams
Saturday, 08 March 2014 07:08
Scotland strike late to salvage opening day point
Written by YFS Editor 1
Report courtesy of the Scottish Schools FA.
Scotland’s first Centenary Shield match of this year’s campaign finished in deadlock after an energetic tussle with Northern Ireland at Bayview Stadium. Bayview had been the setting last weekend for Sky Sports’ cameras as they featured the Fifers take on Scottish Division One champions elect Rangers. That match saw the visitors clinch victory from a last minute goal, but tonight it was the home side’s turn to notch with time running out, as a late Jai Quitongo strike – assisted by a large deflection – cancelled out Curtis Dempster’s opener for the visitors.
Scotland (sponsored by TSB) selected a 4-5-1 formation which seemed well suited to the greasy underfoot conditions caused by incessant rainfall in the Kingdom of Fife prior to kick-off. Ironman Scott Burns supplemented the energetic Michael Hardie and thoughtful Jamie Dishington in the middle of the park. This saw Scotland gain a foothold in the frantic early stages as the ball zipped around quickly on a surface which coped very well with the amount of water falling upon it.
A high level of effort and endeavour could be witnessed from both sides from the very first whistle. These matches have recently been characterised by early and late goals, so neither side was prepared to give an inch early on. This led to some meaty challenges, but the game was played in a sporting manner throughout, and was well handled by experienced Grade One whistler Callum Murray.
Northern Ireland had the first foray into the opposition area as early as the second minute. Persistent play from Curtis Dempster earned a corner on the right hand side. Ross Lavery’s right footed corner was headed clear by Kyle Chalmers, under pressure on the six yard line. The ball arrived at Lavery’s feet again, and this time he crossed dangerously with his left foot. Northern Irish centre-half flicked the in-swinging ball goalwards, but Chalmers was on hand again to block and clear to avert the danger.
Much of the play remained in the midfield area where both sides fought hard for possession of the ball. An excellent outlet for the Scots was left back Lewis Wilson, who was keen to maraud down the flank whenever offered the opportunity. After a quarter of an hour Wilson received a Hardie ball in his stride, beat two opponents and crossed for Scott Hynd on the six yard line. The crowd in the Main Stand rose to greet an opening goal, but the attempt was clutched on the goal-line by Kealan Mulcahy, the visitors’ custodian.
The Ulstermen responded by enjoying a patient spell of possession of their own, which was brought to an end by a challenge from James Yates which was deemed illegal by Mr Murray. The subsequent free-kick was fired over the bar, and it was Scotland’s turn to press, Dishington shooting past the post from 20 yards. Between times, the unfortunate Cameron Stewart had limped off for the visitors.
The huge central defender looked to be playing with an existing knock, given the heavy strapping on his right thigh.
Scotland sought to probe this vacancy in the heart of the Northern Irish defence, and an excellent weapon was the howitzer-like long throw of central defender Chalmers. After 25 minutes the big man launched the ball onto the head of Michael Hardie. Unfortunately for those of a navy blue persuasion, the Drumchapel High midfielder’s header ended up on the wrong side of the post.
A tight offside decision followed two minutes later to deny the lively Dempster the chance to run in on Scotland captain Chris Truesdale’s goal following a neat through-ball from Lavery. However, the big goalie’s skills were demonstated with 31 minutes on the clock as Lavery turned sharply and shot after a Gavin Whyte corner. Truesdale hurled himself to his left to carry out a sharp one-handed save, before Kieran Campbell was able to belt the ball clear.
The game still moved from end to end and five minutes later Jamie Henry demonstrated excellent pace and broke down the right. He tried to catch Mulcahy off guard, but his early strike went over the top, and into the one area of temporary terracing left over from Rangers’ visit. Almost straight from the resultant goal-kick, the men in green probed down the Scottish right. Truesdale again looked very sharp to sprawl across his six yard line to gather Adam Salley’s low driven cross. At this juncture Northern Ireland lost a second player to injury as Daniel Wilson limped off to be replaced by Andrew Hoey.
Again Northern Ireland had lost a defender, and Michael Hardie was desperate to make them pay on the stroke of half-time. After defending a corner the tireless midfielder made a 70 yard break on the right, but just over-hit his cross whilst seeking Hynd in the middle. This was the last action of the half, and Scotland would have gone in at half time pleased with the energy, endeavour and tempo in their play; whilst being perhaps a little disappointed that the score did not reflect the slight superiority they had enjoyed in the first period.
Published in
National Teams