Paper Talk

Queen's Park v Daily Record XI
Friendly
Monday 27th July 2009, kick-off 7.30pm
Lesser Hampden, Glasgow

A rather strange fixture at Lesser Hampden last Monday evening when a Queen's side mainly featuring players that didn't play the full game on Saturday played hosts to Daily Record's 'Gie's a Game' team. With many young players getting released from their clubs to cut costs the Daily Record newspaper setup a campaign to help them find new clubs, so scouts and a few managers were in attendance to watch with interest. There was only around thirty or so spectators although I did recognise Brechin City manager Jim Duffy and Dumbarton gaffer Jim Chapman in attendance.

The 'Gie's a Game' side had recently lost 9-3 to Clyde in a match that must have set some bizarre record of being the game with the least signed players. Queen's fielded an unsigned player themselves, Steven Odunewu, who has yet to win a deal, he was partnered with Frankie Carroll upfront as the Spiders setup in a 4-4-2 formation. The opposition were in all dark blue kits with the Daily Record logo plastered on the front, unfortunately I didn't recognise any of their players but I overheard that one of the strikers came through the ranks at Rangers.

It was a sloppy start by Queen's and the Daily Record boys looked comfortable on the ball, if I didn't know what team had just be thrown together I would've guessed the team in the black and white hoops. They took a deserved lead when their ex-Rangers no.9 striker capitalised on a defensive slip and cheekily chipped the onrushing Zander Cowie in the Queen's goal. It seemed to wake Queen's up as they started to pile on some pressure. Odunewu found himself back to goal and ten yards out, he took his time in turning on working the half yard of space before finding the net.

The second half didn't produce much entertainment, Odunewu was replaced by a trialist striker at the break and the Daily Record lads make several changes. Later on in the half Queen's veteran man of all positions, Paul Ronald, took to the field for the first time after missing out on the pre-season action. The Spiders went on to win the game with a superb run out finish by David Murray, although one of the defenders he took it round was already limping.

Result: Queen's Park 2-1 Daily Record XI

Line-ups
Queen's Park: Cowie, McGinn, Burns, Sinclair, Reilly, Green (Ronald), Holms, Dunlop, Odunewu (Trialist), Carroll, Murray.
Daily Record XI: unknown

Goalscorer(s)
Queen's Park: Steven Odunewu and David Murray
Daily Record XI: unknown

Attendance: unknown

Jackspot

Annan Athletic v Queen's Park
Challenge Cup, First Round
Saturday 25th July 2009, kick-off 3pm
Galabank Stadium, Annan

The Galabankies were hosting their first ever home fixture in the Challenge Cup as they began their second season as a league side. Visitors for the day were Queen's Park, two clubs that haven't met much in the past, only in a Scottish Cup tie twenty-odd years ago and in a pre-season friendly. It was to be my first visit to the Galabank Stadium, and Annan itself. It was also the start of the competitive action in Scotland this season as the Challenge Cup ties kicked off around the country.

A pre-match munch in the town, followed by a pre-match pint in the well priced social club was the build up for the main event, with the sun shining with barely a cloud in the sky, it was a beautiful day to start the season. The ground is very tidy with terracing all around with a stand on the far side with seating, the changing rooms were at the social club end behind the goals, which is pretty uncommon. Pitch looked to be in superb condition, although sloped to each sideline and could've done with being watered prior to kick-off as it looked a bit fiery.

Annan (or should that be Nanna?) boss Harry Cairney was without injured pair Scott Anson and Lee Hoolikin, but handed out débuts to Jack Steele, Lewis Sloan, David Cox and welcomed back Bryan Gilfillan. Spiders gaffer Gardner Speirs was without injured midfielders Tony Quinn and Ryan Holms. Also missing from the Glorious Hoops line-up was fireman Fergus Tiernan, who had work commitments, and club captain Richard Sinclair who was doing one of his hobbies, serving a suspension. Débuts were handed out to 'keeper Scott Black, Robert Walker in the back three, Chris Hamilton in midfield and striker Michael Daly, with Paul Burns and returning fans favourite Frankie Carroll on the bench.

The tie was to be played to a finish on the day, with extra-time and penalties a possibility, in the end it was settled by the latter without the need of the former. If truth be told it was a horrible game of football with very few chances, both teams struggled to get the ball down and play in the early stages. The score was opened just before the half hour mark when Annan winger Lewis Sloan was tackled in the box by Steven Reilly, referee Mike Tumilty pointed to the spot despite Sloan seemingly controlling the ball with his upper arm in the build up. Penalty expert Mike Jack stepped up to give the Galabankies the lead (below, left).

The second half produced very little in terms of entertainment either, although Queen's did have their two best efforts. Paul Harkins left his man for dead with a Maradona turn then flew his shot wide of the far post from the edge of the area and pacey frontman Ian Watt seen his goal bound effort cleared off the line after he got in behind the resolute Annan defence. Paul Burns came on for James Brough to make his début, and Frankie Carroll returned after two years out of the game, although played more in an unfamiliar midfield role as the Spiders failed to create any real chances.

Annan broke away late on after an advantage was played when Reilly hacked through the Galabankies striker, Reilly managed to get back in time to give away his second penalty of the afternoon in injury time. He received a yellow card for persistent fouling and Mike Jack did what he does best again (below, right). Reilly continued to vent his frustration at referee Tumilty and was then sent-off on what was a disastrous day for himself and Queen's Park.

Annan progress to the second round and next travel the length of the country to play Inverness Caledonian Thistle in their League Cup first round tie with league duties commencing the following weekend. Queen's continue to forget where the net is, with that now being just the single goal from the last seven competitive outings. Next Saturday brings together the clash of the Queen's as Queen of the South travel to Hampden Park for their League Cup encounter.

Match reports can be found on the Annan Athletic, Queen's Park and Un-official Queen's Park websites, as well as a small BBC report. Match photos can be found on Un-official Queen's Park website here.

Result: Annan Athletic 2-0 Queen's Park

Line-ups
Annan Athletic: Summersgill, Muirhead, McBeth, Watson, Neilson, Jack, Steele, Gilfillan, Cox (Bell), Storey (S. Sloan), L. Sloan.
Queen's Park: Black, Ure (Carroll), Douglas, Reilly, Brough (Burns), Walker, Hamilton, Capuano, Daly (Murray), Harkins, Watt.

Goalscorer(s)
Annan Athletic: Mike Jack (2 pens)
Queen's Park: none

Attendance: 411

Queen's Park Supporters Bus Player of the Day: Chris Hamilton

Gannon Fodder

Motherwell (0) v (1) Flamurtari
Europa League, Second Qualifying Round, Second Leg
Thursday 23rd July 2009, kick-off 7.45pm
Shyberry Excelsior Stadium, Airdrie

Back to Motherwell's home away from home, the Shyberry Excelsior Stadium, home to their local rivals Airdrie United, as the Steelmen continued their European adventure. Motherwell's Fir Park pitch was still having work done to it in preparation for the upcoming domestic campaign, hence this second leg tie being played in glamorous Airdrie. The 'Well overcame Welsh part-timers Llanelli 3-1 on aggregate after an embarrassing 'home' defeat in the first leg, to set up games against Flamurtari from Albania. The Flota Kuqezi (the Red and Black Fleet) won their home leg 1-0 in the heat, conditions that suited them more. I watched the first-half on their website, with amusing Albanian commentry, and Motherwell seemed very much in control. In the second-half the 'Well went on to miss a penalty after a controversial re-take decision, then went on to concede shortly after.

Klubi Sportiv Flamurtari Vlore, to give them their full name, had their clubs most famous result in 1987 when they defeated European heavyweights Barcelona 1-0, although they did go on to lose the tie 4-2 overall. In the hope of progressing in the newly formed Europa League a small vocal band of fifty or so travelled to see their side. The main and the east stands where both opened as a decent support was starting the come in, news was revealed via the tannoy that the Steelmen were fielding a young and inexperienced side. Senior players: Steven Hammell, Steven McGarry and Keith Lasley were all dropped with 'Well gaffer Jim Gannon favouring a young and energetic line-up, he also handed débuts to new signings Chris Humphrey and Steve Jennings in midfield.

The temperatures were much more suitable for the Motherwell players and the pitch looked to be in superb condition. Our pre-match predictions ranged from my 1-0 and hope for the best on penalties to a seemingly over confident 7-0 romping. To my surprise, just as the match kicked off, ex-'Well players Andy Walker and Fraser Wishart sat next to me, Walker is now a radio pundit and Wishart chief executive of the Professional Footballers' Association in Scotland.

Motherwell started with a more 4-4-2 formation, with young Jamie Murphy partnering John Sutton upfront, 'Well gaffer Gannon had previously favoured his 4-2-3-1 formation with Sutton as the focal point. The change of setup along with a more direct approach seemed to work as the Albanians were under some early pressure. An incredible goalmouth scramble after a Ross Forbes free-kick had new men Humphrey and Jennings, along with Sutton, missing chances to open the scoring as the crossbar was struck. The scoring was opened soon after though, just as another scramble in the box appeared to be underway after a Sutton header was saved Jamie Murphy followed up to level the tie.

They were soon ahead overall and two up on the night, youngster (okay, they're all youngsters) Paul Slane broke free and his shot cannoned off the post, the ball seemed to be behind Murphy but he managed to scramble the ball in for a quick fire double. Before anyone had time to explain what an away goal by Flamurtari would've meant Motherwell were three up. Slane cut in from the left and fired a right foot shot off the post and in, sensational individual goal by the kid who seems to have a big future in the game. It wasn't long until the 'Well were at it again, a simple ball lofted forward to Sutton who then tumbled in the box, the referee had no hesitation in pointing to the spot, although it did look to be a sort decision. With everything going the Steelmen's way Forbes sent 'keeper Mocka the wrong way with his cultured left foot.

Just after the half hour mark and it was five and Murphy's third, a simple breakaway which resulted in Murphy drilling the shot threw the legs of Mocka, Mocka was being 'Well and truly mocked (sorry!). Still time for one more before the break, just as I said it would be nice if the young centre back Hutchinson got in on the act he did. Forbes curled in a free-kick that Hutchinson flicked in at the near post, unbelievable! We still had the cheek to moan, claiming it was boring and that the second-half would be rubbish now, football fans aren't truly happy unless they're moaning. You couldn't really complain though, the tie was put to bed by half-time and you were witnessing young players putting on a real show.

We had to wait a whole five minutes for the seventh goal, worth the 'wait' I may add, Sutton laid the ball back to Forbes who rifled it into bottom corner from distance, arguably the best of the night, so far. The Steelmen continued to have chances, but as did the Albanians on the break, substitute Roshi netted a consolation goal, slotting the ball past the spectator Michael Fraser in the 'Well goal. Even some 'Well fans gave the goalscorer a sympathetic, or perhaps sarcastic, applause. A moment of concern when a Flamurtari defensive clearance hit a ball boy and knocked him over, the defender was quick to apologise and medical attention was quickly given to the wee boy. He later returned to a round of applause from the fans in the main stand.

Gannon allowed the two début men a early bath along with wonder-kid Paul Slane and it was one of the subs, another youngster of course, Paul McHugh who netted Motherwell's eighth and final goal of the evening. Mocka made a meal of a high ball in the area and presented McHugh with a chance to turn and finish to open his Steelmen account. Late on Fraser Wishart and Andy Walker left just before the full-time whistle, the latter receiving a 'friendly' song of “Andy Wanker! You're a walker, you're a walker” from a few 'Well fans, an ammusing play on words that I first heard at the Scottish Masters where Walker represented Celtic.

In the end Motherwell conquered 8-2 overall on aggregate, and the 8-1 victory on the night is unsurprisingly their biggest European victory. The 'Well will now play Steaua Bucharest over two legs in the next round, away to Romania in the first leg then back to Airdrie for the second. The Militarii (The Army Men) have a bit of European pedigree, winning the European Cup in 1986, and it will be a tall task for the Steelmen to overcome them, but confidence will be sky high after this result. If the dodgy translating is correct from the Flamurtari website it seems like their gaffer Equerem Mumushi is currently begging for forgiveness from their fans as the are currently demanding his sacking.

Other match reports of the youngsters demolition of the Albanians can be found on the BBC website and Motherwell website, the Motherwell site also has a collection of photos, with some used above. The BBC website has goal highlights along with thoughts on the match from 'Well manager Jim Gannon.

Result: Motherwell 8-1 Flamurtari, Motherwell win 8-2 on aggregate

Line-ups
Motherwell: Fraser, O'Brien, Reynolds, Craigan, Hutchinson, Forbes, Jennings (Lasley), Humphrey (McHugh), Slane (Page), Sutton, Murphy.
Flamurtari: Mocka, Strati, Guga, Begaj, Beqiri (Roshi), Sakaj, Alviz, Zeqiri, Veliu, Mema (Galica), Ngjele (Shehaj).

Goalscorer(s)
Motherwell: Jamie Murphy (3), Paul Slane, Ross Forbes (2, 1 pen), Shaun Hutchinson and Robert McHugh
Flamurtari: Odise Roshi

Attendance: 4641

Time's Up Lads

Rutherglen Glencairn v Cumbernauld United
Friendly
Tuesday 21st July 2009, kick-off 6.30pm
Toryglen Regional Football Centre, Glasgow

Another friendly match and it was to be my first visit to the new Toryglen Regional Football Centre, an impressive complex, to see local side Rutherglen Glencairn play Cumbernauld United. Glens won promotion and the title from the Central Division One last season, the league that United will be playing in, and are preparing for life in Super First Division. Around twenty or so fans turned up in the heavy rain, that thankfully stopped for kick-off as there was no shelter. The referee was the last to show up and they were no linesmen for the game.

The Glens struck first, Paul McLaughlin tapping in at the second attempt after a chipped through ball caught out the Cumbernauld defence. There appeared to be only one team in it with the Glens very much of top and McLaughlin causing havoc in the United defence. A rather bizarre goal got Cumbernauld on level terms against the run of play, a deflected clearance spun up in the air travelling towards the Glens 'keeper. He shouted “it's coming, it's coming”, then after it bounced he changed his mind and yelled: “it's no!”, the ball ended up trickling into the net after the 'keeper, a defender and a striker all challenged for it.

McLaughlin continued to terrorise the United defenders and won a free-kick on the edge of the area after being tripped. He picked himself up and casually banged it into the far top corner, someone said: “peach!”, it certainly was. Half-time came and the sun peered through the grey clouds as the Glens made several changes to their side, McLaughlin sadly went off, I fancied him to get his hat-trick, but Paul McDougall replaced him, an entertaining character. I was also surprised to see ex-Spider Div Waters, who's presumably on trial for Glencairn at the moment, he captained the Hampden XI side to amateur cup glory last season but was still released by Queen's.

The pattern of play had changed dramatically and United were looking more likely to equalise instead of Glens running away with it, a bit of bickering amongst the Glens ranks as things weren't going they're way. But again, against the run of play the opposition scored, Glens were awarded a penalty after their tall central midfielder was tripped in the box, and McDougall coolly stroked it in (below, right). United continued to press on as the majority of the play was in the Glens defensive half, they were awarded a free-kick on the angle just outside the area. On the off chance I decided to video it, a wise move as it was hit into the far corner (below, left), similar to McLaughlin's first-half free-kick.

United were pushing for a late equaliser but time seemed against them, but not in the usual manner. I assume the pitch was only booked until eight o'clock as another team were waiting at the side of the pitch to begin training, and a horn had just been sounded to signal time-up. The referee blew his whistle soon after, but I made it around five or so minutes left to play. The Rutherglen Glencairn website has a match report.

Result: Rutherglen Glencairn 3-2 Cumbernauld United

Line-ups
Rutherglen Glencairn: Turner (McNeil), Kerr (Trialist), Paul (Barr), Trialist (Kane), Palmer (Trialist), Thompson (Trialist), O'Keane (Gentile), Hopkins (McShane), McArdle (Trialist), McLaughlin (McDougall), Carr (Trialist).
Cumbernauld United: unknown

Goalscorer(s)
Rutherglen Glencairn: Paul McLaughlin (2) and Paul McDougall (pen)
Cumbernauld United: unknown

Attendance: unknown

Bloody Cheerleaders!

Albion Rovers v Celtic XI
Friendly, Jock Stein Friendship Cup
Monday 20th July 2009, kick-off 3pm
Cliftonhill Stadium, Coatbridge

Off to Cliftonhill via the train, and I was given the kind offer of a swig of Buckfast from a few bevvied up Celtic fans after I gave them directions to the ground. The match was a friendly affair to mark the relationship between the two clubs due to their former great player, and manager in Celtic's case, Jock Stein. The Wee Rovers ground isn't in the best of conditions, and only one stand is in use these days, the main stand is out-dated with hard wooden seats with next to no leg room. I opted to stand on the terracing in front of the stand, leaning of the freshly painted barrier, painted grey for some reason, fairly certain they were red and yellow before which seemed more appropriate.

Celtic fielded very much a reserve style side with the first team not long back from their Australian tour and preparing for the weekend Wembley Cup games. The Bhoys were managed by Neil Lennon after previous reserve gaffer Willie McStay moved to Ujpest for a management role. Recognisable names is the Celtic line-up were Cillian Sheridan, Paul McGowan and Ryan Conroy, whilst the Wee Rovers were without influential centre-half Todd Lumsden after he picked up a ligament injured in their 6-0 friendly win over Selkirk. Plenty of the Bhoys faithful fans made the short journey on Fair Monday to see their side, the stand was packed, which is a rarity at Cliftonhill. They were in good spirits, some literally, bouncing up and down, singing and waving huge flags, the Wee Rovers fans of course sang their one song repeatedly, AR-ARF-ARFC-OK! Lyrical genius. Tribute songs were also sang about Celtic legend John Hartson who is currently battling against cancer.

Celtic started the brighter with McGowan buzzing about, but it was the Wee Rovers that had the first real chance, a long range effort that had beaten Celts 'keeper Scott Fox but crashed off the crossbar. Rovers goalie Derek Gaston was by far the busier, making several great saves to deny Celtic taking a first-half lead. Half-time brought about the dreaded cheerleaders, I despise this at football games now, it's cringe worthy stuff, although I wouldn't be complaining if they were more my age. That wasn't the only form of entertainment for the interval with a local boys club having a wee beat the 'keeper game, having to run from the half-way line and attempt to score in ten seconds.

The second-half started to become a bit of a borefest and proceedings began to drag on. Out of nowhere Celtic created a clear-cut chance for Sheridan, who slipped and missed from yards out. Sheridan looked to have made amens as he provided an assist for a seemingly well worked goal, but it was flagged for offside. Things continued to peter out towards the closing stages, then three golden chances were created. Either side of Celtic goal bound headers that were both cleared off the line by Rovers defenders, Pollock had a great opportunity to win for the Wee Rovers after a strong run, but unfortunately couldn't apply a finish. So off to penalties for the third match in succession for me, which can be viewed below, apologies about those bloody cheerleaders opting to block more peoples vision by spacing out.

Celtic finally, and I mean finally, triumphed 5-4 in the shoot-out, leaving me three minutes to sprint for the train, I really didn't fancy an extra thirty minutes in Coatbridge. Many positives for the Wee Rovers though who competeted well and didn't seem out their depth, a bumper crowd will also be benefical revenue wise. I doubt the watching Tony Mowbray and Peter Grant will have been overly impressed by any of the Celtic performances.

Next up for the Rovers is a trip to the seaside to play Ayr United in the Challenge Cup, their first competitive outing of the season. Tony Mowbray and his Bhoys will travel down to London to play in the Wembley cup with Al-Ahly, Barcelona and Tottenham Hotspur over the coming weekend. Many photos from the day can be found on Paul Reilly's website, and my YouTube video of the shoot-out here. Another website with video highlights is Randalstown CSC, Down the Wing blogger also attended this fixture, his photo's can be found here.

Result: Albion Rovers 0-0 Celtic XI, Celtic XI won 5-4 on penalties

Line-ups
Albion Rovers: unknown
Celtic XI: Fox, Gallacher, Kurakins, Ferry, Marr, Lafferty, Conroy, Millar, Sheridan, McGowan, McGinn.

Goalscorer(s)
Albion Rovers: none
Celtic XI: none

Attendance: unknown

Jags On The Spot

East Kilbride Thistle v Alloa Athletic
Friendly, Tommy McGrane Cup, Final
Sunday 19th July 2009, kick-off 3.30pm
Showpark, East Kilbride

Now for the main event, the final of the Tommy McGrane Cup to be contested by Alloa Athletic and hosts East Kilbride Thistle. Both triumphed yesterday by three goal margins against Petershill and Ayr United U19s respectively. Sunshine welcomed the two teams onto the pitch and pre-match photos were taken, the Wasps kitted out in their Portugal style away jersey and the Jags in their usual black and white stripes. Alloa fielded a more youthful side than their previous match with highly rated striker Greig Spence leading the line with the experienced Brian 'Carrots' Carrigan.

It was youngster Hugh Kerr who opened the scoring early on, continuing from where he left off after bagging two against Peasy in yesterdays match. He was slipped through on goal approaching from the right wing and he slotted under the advancing 'keeper. Alloa seemed to be dominating the play and possession early on but it was the Jags who had the best chances, missing a simple diving header at the back post and producing a fine save from the young Wasps goalie. A bit of magic brought about the equaliser, Steven 'Dunga' McClung playing a neat one-two and passing it into the bottom corner, similar to the superb goal he bagged against the young Honest Men. The first bookings of the tournament were dished out, three in fact, all for foul language seemingly.

The second-half was the half of missed chances, by Alloa, first up was an almost inch perfect own goal lob by an EK defender, but it was headed off the line. Youngster Spence then had a near post effort well saved and 'Carrots' close range follow up was deflected over the bar. Spence then had another great opportunity, this time heading off the upright from a corner kick delivery. Late on young substitute striker was played clean through, but yet again Johnny Murdoch, the Jags 'keeper produced a fine save to send the final to a penalty shoot-out. The first match of the day provided the first penalty shoot-out I'd seen in the flesh for well over a year, a bit like buses for me with two in the one day.

There seemed like no missing from the spot as both sides found the net with each of their first six attempts. Finally one of the Alloa kids missed the target but the following Jags spot-kick was wonderfully saved. The EK 'keeper proved to be the hero in the end by saving the next Wasps effort, then the winning penalty was converted meaning the Jags would be crowned as winners of the Tommy McGrane Cup. The full penalty shoot-out can be viewed below.

The Wasps will now continue their preparations for the season ahead in the SFL Second Division, hoping for an improved campaign after successfully fighting against relegation last season. Most of the youngsters on show today will be keen to gain more first team action or perhaps even going out on loan for experience. The Jags will be hoping to push for promotion, and will continue with their superb youth and community work. I've really enjoyed the weekend of football and will hopefully be back again next year when the Jags hope to retain their trophy.

Photos that I've taken throughout the weekend can be found here, and the video of the penalty shoot-out can be found on YouTube. Again the Alloa Athletic website has a report on the match which contains photos also.

Result: East Kilbride Thistle 1-1 Alloa Athletic, East Kilbride Thistle won 7-6 on penalties

Line-ups
East Kilbride Thistle: Murdoch, Sangster, Russell (McGhee), Kelly, Hefron, Jordan, Ballantyne (Paris), Williamson, McClung, Watson (McKenna), Fooley (Struthers).
Alloa Athletic: Hall (Thomson), Anderson, Philp, Duncan, Feenan, Barker, Kerr, Carroll (Thomson), Spence (Clark), Carrigan (MacKenzie), Stevenson (Caven).

Goalscorer(s)
East Kilbride Thistle: Steven McClung
Alloa Athletic: Hugh Kerr

Attendance: unknown

Third 'Keeper Lucky

Petershill v Ayr United U19s
Friendly, Tommy McGrane Cup, Third Place Play-Off
Sunday 19th July 2009, kick-off 12pm
Showpark, East Kilbride

I returned to Showpark for the second day on the trot to view the losers affair between Petershill and the Ayr United youngsters. The Peasy lost out 4-1 to a strong Alloa Athletic side in a physical encounter whilst the young Honest Men were taught a lesson by the EK Jags, losing out 3-0 in wet conditions. Up for grabs this early afternoon was a third placed finish and the dreaded wooden spoon in the Tommy McGrane Cup. Inflation was rife as I went for the same hot-dog and Irn-Bru combination from the previous day, £2.50 yesterday, now £3! Confused? I was. Not to worry though, you could get an alcoholic beverage from the club bar, even before 12.30pm on a Sunday!

Hot-dog and Bru in hand the match began and the youngsters were taking the game to their senior opposition. Both sides had made several changes from the day before with the Peasy fielding several trialists, one of which was ex-Queen's 'keeper Scott Murray. Unfortunately for him it was to be a short outing ending with him being stretchered off injured. He raced out to close down Jonathan Tiffoney and managed to force him wide, then went over in a heap. Similar to the incident in an Everton v West Ham United game when Paulo Di Canio caught the ball because the goalkeeper being down injured, instead of heading into the open goal, although in this instance young Tiffoney played on and hit the crossbar. Off went Murray and without a substitute 'keeper the Peasy played a member of their coaching staff between the sticks.

Half-time came, and the cheerleaders were on yet again but sadly, or thankfully, their routine was cut short as the players were out early to continue the action. Another change in goals for Peasy, a strange one, substitute Ayr United U19s goalie who played in yesterdays match had changed allegiance. The deadlock was finally broken by the dodgy haired sub left-back for Petershill, he headed in from barely a yard after a corner kick. The lead didn't last long as the kids his straight back, a strong run by their no.9 who out muscled the Peasy defender and beat the (should that be, his own?) 'keeper.

The floodgates had finally opened, thankfully not in the weather sense this time, as a lofted ball over the Honest Men's defence fell to the Peasy frontman who hooked the ball into the right corner to restore their lead. Credit to the youngsters who didn't drop their heads, a few substitutes then they got what they deserved. A whipped in free-kick saw their goalscorer hit the upright with a close range header, it then fell kindly to their ginger haired central midfielder who tapped in the open goal. The match finished two apiece and the wooden spoon would be settled by a penalty shoot-out. Which Ayr 'keeper would be the hero?

A bizarre scenario then, Peasy converted their first penalty then it was a save each. Penalties were converted up until the sudden-death stage, then one more each. Peasy converted again, then finally the Ayr sub 'keeper tipped one round the post to win the tie for Peasy. The full shoot-out can be viewed below. Petershill will now continue their preparations for their Super Premier League campaign and the Ayr kids will have learnt a lot ahead of another season a youth level.

My photos from the weekend can be found here, and the YouTube video of the penalty shoot-out here.

Result: Petershill 2-2 Ayr United U19s, Petershill won 6-5 on penalties

Line-ups
Petershill: unknown
Ayr United U19s: unknown

Goalscorer(s)
Petershill: unknown
Ayr United U19s: unknown

Attendance: unknown