YFS
Three second-half goals from Linlithgow Rose secured the under-14s Tony Macaroni Cup in a 3-1 success against Broxburn Athletic Colts.
It was the perfect game of two halves, as Broxburn totally controlled the first half without being able to kill the game, before Linlithgow showed their clinical ability in the second 35 in a half of dominance.
Broxburn took a first-half lead through Sean Rafferty's terrific strike. However, Linlithgow struck back with three goals in the final 13 minutes from Kamil Spalony, Joseph Osborne, and Harry McMartin to win the cup.
Neither side really took control in the first 10 minutes, but Broxburn were determined to put an early press on to try and force some errors from Linlithgow. Credit must go to the likes of Fraser Iag and Osborne however, as they and the rest of the defence didn't budge and stayed composed.
But, with the game still to settle into a pattern - Broxburn stunned Linlithgow by snatching a 15th minute lead. Rafferty collected the ball in the box, before showing a pacey turn of feet to get away from two defenders and hammer a shot over Matthew Wallace.
The goal really settled Broxburn into an impressive pattern of play. Murray Lowe was a constant menace in the number 10 position, showing some great technique to take the ball under control and look for passes in behind Linlithgow.
However, it was more the general style of Broxburn's play that was impressing the spectators. They were determined to play with the ball on the deck, with many good ball-players in their side showing their skill as they looked for a second.
Maddox Ireland was making some promising moves in behind Linlithgow's back-line, and showed good feet to get away from Oag before sending a teasing cross into the middle. Unfortunately for Broxburn though, there was nobody to divert it goalwards.
Lowe continued to impress as he fed Craig Bailie, whose low effort was easy enough for Wallace, before Lowe himself had an optimistic pop off target.
Linlithgow were trying to mount attacks on the counter, but they were rushing their passes and struggling for composure on the ball. They did have one lovely move that involved Euan Walker, McMartin, and Andrew McGill. However, when McGill caught sight of goal in the box, he was quickly shut down.
With half-time just moments away, Broxburn should've doubled their advantage. A cross from Ryan Allan caused havoc in the Linlithgow penalty area. As the defence struggled to clear, it fell kindly to Jack Begg, who could only screw wide on the turn from yards out.