As three of Notre Dame’s high-flying football teams take to turf for Finals Day, here’s a round-up of the action from Sports Writer, Ryan Campbell – reporting live from Parklea Playing Fields, Port Glasgow – Friday 31^st May, 2019.

Notre Dame’s outstanding under-14s boys’ football team stormed to yet another victory and successfully defended their Paisley & District League title on Friday.

The boys treated the gathered crowds to some fantastic football at Parklea Playing Fields and emerged victorious after defeating Williamwood High School, from Clarkston, 1-0 in the dying minutes of the tantalising final.

All credit to Williamwood’s goalkeeper whose poised performance kept Notre Dame off the score sheet for much of the hard-fought fixture.

There were chances galore for Notre Dame, who seemed to be itching to score the entire game, but left it just 3 minutes before the final whistle to settle to game – and league – for good.

A Cian Hughes free kick found the head of striker Aiden Gilmartin, who played impressive, eye-catching football throughout and thoroughly deserved his goal when it finally arrived.

A buzzing Aiden spoke to Notre Dame Now after the game and the St Mirren pro-youth player described his winning header as his “favourite goal of the season”.

The victory was particularly sweet as it comes just a fortnight after the boys crushing 4-2 defeat to St Ninian’s, from Giffnock, in the St Mirin Cup Final.

Building on their S1 triumphs, the boys started and ended the season champions in what has been another incredibly successfully season for the close-knit squad, coached by Mr Armour and Mr Galloway.

They kicked off Friday’s final without their captain Zak Crombie, who suffered an injury in the semi-finals, but whose voice was with them throughout as he passionately encouraged his team from the sidelines.

Standing in to lead the boys on this important occasion was teammate Andy Hunter who took the captain’s armband and helped to maintain a composed performance from the skilful young team that allowed their talent and teamwork to sparkle.

Speaking just after the game, an elated Mr Armour commented: “I’m absolutely delighted. They thoroughly deserve the win today and the league victory after what’s been another great season.”

Senior Sorrow

Notre Dame’s Senior Boys’ football team were also defending a title at Parklea as they lined up against a formidable side from St Andrew’s Academy, Paisley, in the St Mirin Cup Final.

Sadly, the sheer strength of the St Andrew’s side stood in the Notre Dame boys’ way of cup glory on this occasion and the experienced team, who’ve enjoyed a successful season under the leadership of coach Mr O’Donnell, tasted defeat.

The first chance fell for St Andrew’s very early in the first half and they immediately capitalised, firing it home to open the scoring at 0-1.

The St Andrew’s goal-scorer soon picked up his second goal to make 0-2, before a through ball split the Notre Dame defence open and St Andrew’s made it 0-3.

A quick flurry of attacks meant Notre Dame had a mountain to climb to try and get back in the game. From a corner, the ball bounced to Josh Cooper who hit a stunning half volley off the bar.

Soon after, the referee awarded a penalty, only for Notre Dame keeper Kieran Dougan to save it, before the whistle sounded for half time.

Perhaps buoyed on by their keeper’s heroics, Notre Dame looked much more positive in the second half but the ball just wouldn’t fall to the attackers.

Following a serious spell of Notre Dame pressure, St Andrew’s hit the post before pouching on the rebound to make it 0-4.

The visitors from Paisley even had time to add a fifth and sixth goal, proving simply clinical on the day and resulting in what was a harsh 0-6 scoreline in the end.

Under-13s Final ends in 10-goal Thriller

Triumphant from their 3-2 win over Gleniffer in the semi-final, Notre Dame’s under 13 boys booked their place in the final at Parklea against Williamwood High School, from Clarkston.

Notre Dame started the game well but minor errors meant that they found themselves 0-3 down. The S1 boys battled admirably in an Istanbul-inspired comeback to make it 3-3, but Williamwood proved clinical and the game finished 6-4 to the East Renfrewshire side.

Although Notre Dame started the game well the first goal-scoring opportunity fell the way of Williamwood who cleared Notre Dame’s defence and hit it near post to make it 0-1. Again Williamwood enjoyed the break of the ball before they made a driving run into the box and nutmegged the goalkeeper to make it 0-2.

After their opponents bagged a third goal, Notre Dame appeared to spark a comeback after winning a crucial free kick. Jamie Bradley’s ball, delivered high and dangerous, found the head of a Williamwood player who brought the score to 1-3 with an own goal.

Just before half-time Notre Dame piled on the pressure as Shay Rodgers placed a low cross into Jamie Bradley, who scored a beautiful bicycle kick to make it 2-3 and sway the momentum in Notre Dame’s favour.

Notre Dame started the second half as they ended the first: piling on the pressure. When a free kick was saved by the visiting goalkeeper, it fell to Reece Morris who tapped it home to level the scoring at 3-3.

However, Williamwood attackers certainly brought their shooting boots along to Parklea where their fourth and the game’s seventh goal made it 3-4.

Roan McDermid was unlucky as he got a hand to a ball that had been deflected over, to make 3-5. Soon the visitors added another to make it 3-6 and, in the final minutes of the final, Jamie Bradley fired a bullet high into the net to make it 4-6. Williamwood held out to win 4-6 in the end.

After the match, under-13s coaches, Mr Tyley, Mr Currie and Mr Skelton applauded their team’s effort to come from 3 goals down to put serious pressure on Williamwood.

“They couldn’t have worked any harder,” said Mr Tyley. Mr Currie added, “They’ve done themselves proud. Well done boys.”