After the mid season autumn break, the Kirrie Youth U19’s returned to competitive action on Sunday past and successfully secured a place in the Henry Bolton Cup semi final.

On a day more suitable for water sports and flying your kite, they comfortably won this match without ever getting into top gear. Bridge of Earn had strengthened their ranks since the opening day fixture, and Kirrie fielded their 3 new mid season signings against stuffy opposition.

The inclement weather won the day and certainly spoilt the football on show. Kirrie adapted better to the conditions, and played uphill first half into the ferocious wind. Whilst not creating many chances they restricted the Brig team to long range speculative shots. Kirrie keeper Nathan Downs was in inspired form and dealt comfortably with everything thrown at him.

The teams were tied at Nil – Nil at halftime, in a game best forgotten. The Kirrie team started more briskly in the second half with new striker Lee Davidson heading at the far past after Chris Tracey hit the by line, and delivered an inch perfect rasping cross.

Kevin Smith scored the second to wrap up the game near the end from a Gary Axworthy free kick. The tall midfielder connecting with his head and dispatching into the corner of the net.

Several of the rural Kirrie players were suffering from the flu bug circulating Tayside but performed well. The new signings have added competition to all areas of the team and they are geared up to the next batch of domestic matches.

Best on the day were: Kirrie man of the Match Nathan Downs, Robbie Hood and Kevin Smith.

Next week Kirrie travel to Dundee to meet Ferry Athletic who they know very well and this will be a very competitive game indeed with a few well kent faces in the Ferry ranks. Both teams are also due to meet in the aforementioned cup semi final with Kirrie having home advantage.

Kirrie Team: Nathan Downs (G), Brad McKerchar, Robbie Hood, Ben Petrie, Callum Kirkcaldy, Chris Farquharson, Kevin Smith, Scott Ali, Chris Tracey, Lee Davidson and Gary Axworthy.  Subs: Fraser Mearns (G), Ross Robertson, Alan Morris, Steven Thompson and Calum Young.

Missing: Iain MacDiarmid and Kenny Whittington