Johnstone Burgh 2 vs 5 Greenock HSFP Black

Our final league game of the season took us to Keanie Park this morning, and it was a cracking day for a game of football on what looked a nice big pitch.

The home side took an early lead from a corner. The High School failed to clear a couple of attempts and their striker rifled the ball into the roof of the net. 1-0.

As they have done so often this season, the boys responded brilliantly. Just a couple of minutes later Kieran pressed well to force an error, sending Aaron through one-on-one, and he calmly slotted into the bottom corner, nice finish. 1-1.

Johnstone regained the lead shortly afterwards. Again we couldn't quite clear our lines and a neat lay-off was followed by a superb strike from 25 yards into the top corner. Nothing Shammy could do about that one. 2-1.

The response was immediate once more. Ashton played a great ball over the top for Kaiden, and his cross-come-shot from the corner of the box found its way into the back of the net. 2-2.

The High School then started to take control of the game, dominating possession and pressing well to force mistakes from the Johnstone defence.

Kaiden was causing all sorts of problems down the right-hand side and his dangerous delivery towards the back post led to our third goal. A defender got caught in possession and Lucas reacted quickest to nip in and slot home. 2-3.

We nearly added a fourth shortly afterwards when a corner was only partially cleared. Jay read it brilliantly and hammered a strike towards goal that narrowly cleared the bar.

The fourth did arrive before the break. Taylor played a ball in behind for Lucas, who got beyond his man, twisted and turned inside the box and fired a powerful effort in at the keeper's near post. 2-4.

That gave us a two-goal cushion going into half-time.

Johnstone came out strongly after the break and created a few good opportunities, showing the game was far from over. We were a tad guilty of overplaying at times and inviting a bit too much pressure, and were fortunate not to concede during that spell.

As the half settled down, the boys started to get back on the ball and play with confidence again.

Mure was getting heavily involved and always looked a threat down the left wing. He created two great chances in quick succession. The first fell to Dylan, whose effort drifted narrowly past the post. The second saw Mure beat three or four players before squaring the ball across goal, but somehow we couldn't force it over the line. Tremendous play from Mure.

The fifth goal eventually arrived midway through the second half. Ethan showed great determination and quick feet before laying the ball off to Lyle on the edge of the box, and he finished well past the diving keeper. 2-5.

Johnstone pushed hard to get themselves back into the game, but Jay and Bob were solid defensively and gave very little away.

Ashton nearly added a sixth late on with a free-kick that drifted narrowly wide, while Mure went close again after another excellent run, his shot finishing just past the post.

FT 2-5.

We asked the boys for one final strong performance to round off the season and they certainly delivered. There were good performances right across the squad and felt we played some of our best football of recent weeks.

Goals:

Aaron ??

Kaiden ??

Lucas ????

Lyle ??

Coaches MotM: Kaiden ??

A cracking first-half performance where he looked lively every time he got the ball, showing confidence to take on his man and creating problems all game down the right wing. He then had a wee 15 minute cameo at full-back and continued to impress.

A fitting way to end a memorable season. Mon the High School! ?