Lochgilphead youngsters fall short in seven-goal thriller
Lochgilphead Red Star 2004s narrowly lost out in their first league match in the Glasgow and District Youth Football League.
Star headed off to Glasgow on Sunday October 14 to face Shettleston Juniors 2004s. An excellent, hard-fought and entertaining game played in great spirit ensued.
Shettleston started strongly, pushing Star deep into their own half. Just as the Lochgilphead boys were beginning to get a toe-hold in the game, Shettleston took the advantage when one of their boys pounced on a loose ball to fire them into the lead.
This spurred Star into action and they began to see more of the ball and get a few attacks going. Eventually a diagonal ball saw Craig Aitken sneak in behind the Shettleston defence to fire into the net and bring Star level. The game was going to and fro before Keiran Caskie took the ball around 30 metres out, beat a couple of players and strike a superb shot into the bottom corner. A further chance before half time saw Star hit the post.
From the start of the second half, Shettleston dominated more of the game and it was no surprise when they equalised.
This spurred them on and while Star had a few chances Shettleston were in the ascendancy and took the lead from a corner kick when an unmarked player headed over the keeper to give the home side the lead.
A fourth goal for Shettleston followed fairly soon but, just when it looked as if it might become a bit one-sided, Star lifted their game and mounted a fightback.
Star pressure forced a mix-up in the Shettleston defence allowing Alexander McLean to pull a goal back for the Lochgilphead youngsters.
The game finished with Shettleston looking for a fifth goal and Star chasing an equaliser, but to no avail.
This was an excellent game and there was excellent hospitality by Shettleston afterwards. Though disappointed to lose, the boys acquitted themselves well with a gutsy performance.
There are lots of positives for a first game in a very competitive league and, more importantly, lessons to be learned.