Midfield trio take control as side make final in style

GREENOCK ..................... 5 GLENVALE ...................... 0

THE Greenock Under-18s squad produced an exquisite performance to defeat Glenvale 5-0 and reach the final of the West Regional Cup. It was a depleted squad of 13 that assembled at Notre Dame for the game, however, that proved no handicap.

From kick off, the Nock youngsters played with great maturity, intelligence and skill and made it a most enjoyable watch for the spectators.

Captain Pat Tonner opened the scoring from the penalty spot in 16 minutes. It was just reward for the home side’s early dominance and also eased any mild concern that the early control of the game had not produced a goal.

The outstanding Liam English added a blistering second in 33 minutes. A high clearance fell to English just outside the Glenvale box and the Greenock midfielder, with exemplary technique, volleyed the ball into the left-hand corner of the Glenvale net. The half-time scoreline of 2-0 was the least the Nock deserved for their fine performance.

Glenvale’s only real opportunity of the entire match came midway through the first half when a long ball evaded Greenock’s central defence. The onrushing striker hurried his shot; harmlessly clearing the crossbar. The vital third goal was added by English

in the 65th minute. Greenock won a free kick well within shooting distance of the visitors’ goal. English did the honours with a beautifully placed free kick that gave the keeper no chance.

English, who you will have gathered was having quite a good match, made it a hat-trick in 74 minutes by finishing off a clever move with a pass into the righthand corner of the net. Ryan Lothian completed the scoring in 85 minutes with a composed finish after a delicate little through ball by English put him 1 on 1 with the goalkeeper.

The score aside, the most pleasing aspect of this game was the overall quality of the Greenock performance. Pat Tonner marshalled his defence expertly and was very comfortable on the ball when initiating attacks from deep. The midfield trio of Harkness, English and Lothian combined with great skill and game awareness in exercising full control of the game.

Harkness was usually the deepest of the three; however, when he went forward, one of his colleagues dropped in to maintain the triangular shape. That discipline allowed the team to recycle the ball effectively, when a move was in danger of breaking down. Bonnar had an exceptional game at left back. We could go on.

Suffice to say the whole team and subs were in great form. They can now look forward to a well-earned final.

Stevie Morris, the team manager, was delighted with the way his squad played, noting: “They were excellent throughout the game. Leading 2-0 at half time it was important that we got the third and kept control of the game.

“We now look forward to an important game vs BSC on Thursday and hope to have a full squad to pick from. It would be great to get a good support along to cheer the boys along.”

Greenock Juniors Under 18s McKinley, R Morris, Bonnar, Tait, Tonner, English, Kinsella, Harkness, Lothian, Twaddle (Morris, 71), Lawrie (Miliken, 63)

Greenock 18s are sponsored by Buckley’s at the Chartroom, Ice by Buckleys, Smile, Man On.