Greenock HSFP Black 1 vs 3 Kilwinning

With the league title already secured, Kilwinning came to Clydeview on Wednesday night in what was always going to be a tough game v the inform team in the league.

The High School freshened things up from the weekend, with the squad rotated to give a number of boys the opportunity to come in and make an impact.

And it was the High School who got off to the better start, taking an early lead. Zak F’s throw-in was controlled well by Mure and laid back into Zak’s path, who whipped a dangerous cross into the box. The ball fell kindly to Kaiden at the back post and he finished low past the keeper. 1-0.

Kilwinning responded quickly though and got themselves level after a slack pass at the back put us under pressure. A ball over the top then fell kindly for their striker who finished well. 1-1.

There were chances at both ends after that, Kilwinning hitting the post from distance while the high school had a few efforts from outside the area themselves, though neither keeper was really tested too much.

With around 15 minutes left in the half, the high school started to dominate possession. The ball was moved well and openings began to appear. Mure had a good chance well saved by the keeper before Kieran forced another strong stop from distance.

Felt we finished the half strongly overall, but the sides went in level at 1-1.

Lots of changes at half time and the message was clear, keep the ball on the deck, as Kilwinning were winning the majority of the high balls.

Kilwinning started the second half well and an early effort had to be blocked by Jay when it looked to be going in. Moments later another loose pass while trying to play out from the back put us under pressure again. Shammy made a really good initial save, but their striker reacted quickest to head home the rebound. 1-2.

The High School did their best to respond. Mure produced a strong run beating two or three players before releasing Lucas, but the defender recovered brilliantly to put the ball behind for a corner.

The game then became really scrappy, with neither side managing to properly get control of the ball for long spells.

Kilwinning then got the important third goal. Their midfielder drove forward before firing a powerful strike beyond Shammy from the edge of the box. 1-3.

At that stage Kilwinning were on top and the high school looked a little flat, which is understandable given the run of big games recently, a definite drop in intensity that can happen at this stage in the season.

The boys still kept going though and nearly pulled one back late on. Lucas made a brilliant run down the left and cut the ball back into the box, with Kaiden trying first-time flick that just didn’t quite come off.

Ethan then won a free kick in a dangerous area. Kieran usually fancies it from that sort of range but unfortunately it just wasn’t to be our night as the effort sailed over the bar.

Lucas had another good chance late on after another strong run, but his shot from just inside the area went inches wide.

A disappointing result of course and the boys were understandably gutted after the final whistle because nobody likes losing. But one result doesn’t change what this group has achieved this season. League champions and two cup wins is something the boys should still be massively proud of. They’ve given absolutely everything over the course of the season and have produced memories that will stay with them for a very long time.

Goal:

Kaiden ??

Coaches MotM:

Jay & Taylor joint, as we genuinely couldn’t split them.

Jay was his usual solid self at the back, throwing himself into everything and defending brilliantly and setting standards all night.

Taylor also had an excellent game against arguably their biggest threat and kept him quiet for large spells of the match.

Brilliant effort from both boys ??