Evening Telegraph (First Edition)
River in cruise control after early goal burst
A FOUR-GOAL fi rsthalf salvo put Riverside CSC on their way to a comprehensive 5-0 win over Maryfield United in the U/16 East Region Cup first round.
From the moment central defender Roan Campbell struck home from the spot after only five minutes, River took control and never looked like allowing their opponents the chance to get back into the game.
Attacking midfielder Mark Morrison quickly added a second after excellent build-up play put him through on the blind side of Maryfield’s defence.
Morrison grabbed his second, and his team’s third, soon after and, when striker Bryce Affleck made it 4-0, River were in cruise control.
In fairness, Maryfield regrouped after the break although they couldn’t prevent striker Cole Dye adding a fifth goal midway through the half.
Riverside boss Frank Conway was delighted with the result but, as pleasing as the goals were, he also took time out to highlight how well his defence played.
He said: “It was a great win and it was good to see a lot of the stuff we’ve been working on in training come off during a game. We scored some great goals and getting four in the first half really knocked the stuffing out of Maryfield.
“However, I was equally pleased to see our goalkeeper Owen Milton and the defence keep a clean sheet.”
Riverside’s form has been a tad i nconsistent since the season started but Conway reckons there is good reason for that.
“I’ve been rotating my squad on a regular basis. We have 18 players and we are keen to see them all develop.
“That sometimes means we may not start with what could be our strongest team but it helps encourage team spirit and a good work ethic.”
Next up for River is Celtic at Lochee Park in the Scottish Cup on Sunday.
“They are a big, physical side, so it’s a massive challenge,” said Conway.