Dogged determination wins the day for U13s

DFDL Under 13 League Kilbowie Union 3 Campbeltown Pupils 4

AFTER a six-week break Campbeltown Pupils Youth 2005s returned in an enthralling encounter away to Kilbowie Union West.

Played in blus- tery conditions on the Clydebank High School 3G the young West Dunbartonshire side found themselves 3-0 to the good after just more than 20 minutes.

To take the lead in the first five minutes, Kilbowie fired in three U13 captain Ryan Harding earlier this season. successive goals to leave the Pupils shell shocked.

Scott Oman in the Pupils goal had no chance against two fine, longrange efforts and one from close range following poor defensive cover from a corner kick.

For the second time this season the Pupils found themselves 3-0 down with a mountain to climb.

The long bus journey and lack of match fitness could be used as an excuse but the simple truth was Kilbowie wanted it more and deserved their lead.

The never-give-up attitude of the Pupils spurred them on to believe they could somehow still make a comeback.

On the 30th minute, an attacking run by Calum McAllister on the right wing resulted in his cross taking a wicked deflection off a Kilbowie defender in to his own goal to make it 3-1.

With their tails up the Pupils pushed on and form striker Calum Ellis made it 3-2 on the stroke of half time.

A superb through ball from Owen Reid gave Ellis a one-on-one chance with the Kilbowie goalkeeper and he coolly took the opportunity to score his first goal of 2018.

Buoyed by their first half finish and playing with a strong wind behind them the Ardshiel Hotel and Restaurant-sponsored Kintyre side pushed for the equaliser.

Ryan Shields was unlucky on a couple of occasions before his strike partner Ellis pulled it level. Cutting in from the right Ellis struck an unstoppable shot to make it 3-3. Game on!

Kilbowie still posed a threat on the counter attack with their big, strong forward in fine form but the Pupils defence of Arkell, Paterson, Reid and Graham thwarted any attempts.

Half time substitute goal keeper Finlay Kerr was called in to action in one attack and made a fine save from a one-on-one situation.

The Pupils sought the winner with midfielders Andrew Semple, Kyle Danson and Pupils captain Ryan Harding in outstanding form. With 10 minutes left the visitors took the lead.

As the Pupils pushed forward down the left through Stuart Phillips the ball broke back to Lorne Paterson. As the ball bounced Paterson sent a looping The league table. high shot into the top corner.

A thrilling end to the game ensued as both sides continued to play great football.

Kilbowie were unlucky not to equalise in the dying minutes as they launched attack after attack in search of an equaliser. It was not to be and Campbeltown Pupils youth took all three points to remain equal top of the league.

Huge credit to the youngsters from Clydebank for their part in a fantastic advert for youth football – a great bunch of players led by equally cracking coaches and parents.

Despite their disappointment they welcomed the Campbeltown players and coaches after the match for fantastic hospitality.

The 2005s now have a two-week break – the planned fixture against Argyll rivals Oban Saints for this Sunday is postponed to later in the season as Oban play in the next round of the Scottish Cup.