Braidhurst u14s 5 v Craigmount 1

For the second year in row Braidhurst met Edinburgh side Craigmount in the final of the Scottish Shield. Both line-ups closely resembled the teams from last year’s game, which saw the Motherwell side running out 3-1 winners at Edinburgh’s Spartans’ Stadium.

This year saw a change in venue, with the tie switched to Airdrie’s Excelsior Stadium stadium however, there was no change in result. Braidhurst won 5-1 to retain their title, a real achievement.

Braidhurst started the game with genuine intent and scored with their first real chance after only 4 minutes. Andrew McNulty’s excellent through ball was latched onto by Dylan Falconer who took a touch before dispatching the ball low beyond the despairing keeper. Ryan Watt doubled the lead minutes later after good work from Jordan Duncan on the right wing. A customary Watt turn and strike saw the net billow with his powerful low shot.

This observer’s goal of the game then followed after a lightning break up the right saw Falconer pick Watt out with a perfect cross, the strikers header was expertly placed in the top corner for number three.

The second half saw the usual Braidhurst rotation of keepers, from Adam Sinnett to Tony Sharkey. Darren Wilson came on for Nicholas Mullen after the midfielder felt a strain. Craigmount came out with all guns blazing and made it 3-1 with a header from a corner. At that point, Braidhurst were down to 10 men because Rico Quitongo was receiving treatment for an injury.

After a period of Craigmount pressure and some near misses, Falconer restored the three goal lead with a cool strike. Quitongo made it 5 in the last minute to put the seal on a fine Braidhurst victory.

Rector Mr Derrick Hannan commented, “This was an absolutely fantastic team performance by the under 14 boys. They won the equivalent shield for under 13’s last year but to repeat the feat is just incredible. They are a very skilful group of players who have definitely gained a great deal from the daily coaching provided by Paul Burns through the School of Football scheme. They certainly fully deserved their win and played football of a very high standard. Thanks must also go to their two teachers Mr Madill and Mr Brandon for their management of the squad”.