The Under 16 team played their final home match of this year’s campaign at the hub against a Barrhead team who had failed to claim any points in their league matches this season.
On paper it should have been straightforward, but the reality was rather different.
Johnstone started the match lacking their usual drive and enthusiasm and Barrhead showed that they are a much better team than their league position warrants. Much of the opening half was played out in the middle of the park with little in the way of chances to test either keeper.
However, with only a couple of minutes remaining in the half the breakthrough goal came – and it went to Barrhead. 1 – 0 at half time.
A bit of a shake up int he second half saw captain Lewis Banaghan move into the midfield with Harvey Brown dropping back and Johnstone started much sharper with greater drive and commitment.
It wasn’t long before a cool finish from Greg Steven had the match all square again at 1 – 1.
However, this didn’t prove the spur to greater things and within 5 minutes Barrhead were again in front with a straightforward finish just outside the 6 yard area.
Johnstone kept plugging away with Dylan Millar and Daniel Smith effective on either flanks and a second equalising goal soon arrived with Cameron Coughtrie tapping in from close range.
The team seemed to take spirit from this goal and the winning goal duly arrived with 15 minutes to play with Daniel Smith getting the touch that matter.
The final score was 3-2 to Johnstone and the boys will now top their section and head into the post-season playoffs in good spirits.
Before the playoffs there is one more match to come against St Benedicts away this coming Wednesday (23rd March).
The boys will be looking for one more victory to top off what has been a brilliant league campaign. Well done to all for a battling victory.
