Kirriemuir Youth FC

Kirriemuir Youth FC v Ferry Athletic
(Dundee West Anniversary Cup)

Cup Semi-Final
Sunday 17^th April

Squad: Barclay, Sherry, Fraser, Brennan, Findlater, Kerrigan, Barber, Todd, Penman, Cheyne, Reid, McKenna, Ray, and Hamilton.

Kirrie travel to Dundee to play in the latter stages of another cup competition and on the warmest of days making the ball move and not the legs should have played into Kirries strength, however with the hot conditions the pitch was naturally hard and bumpy and the ball never seemed to run or bounce true.

Both teams struggled and as they both huffed and puffed and neither really got into any rhythm. Kerrigan slowly started to win the battle with his opponent and managed several good runs down the right with good crosses but no takers. Todd had a number of precision corners but a mis-firing Kirrie failed to get on the end of any. Then McKenna also began to lose his marker and with his first attempt being saved minutes later a tremendous rocket from outside the box left the keeper beaten. Also minutes later McKenna knocked a ball high back into the goal area but on a high bounce the keeper mis-judged it and it rolled into the net for 2 nil half time lead.

Ferry began the better in the second half but never really troubled the safe hands of Barclay in goal except for one Penman header of the line. Kirrie’s back four now had the control of their opponents and this let the mid-field slowly taking command and the passing began to show as Ferry tired in the heat. Hamilton rode 3 tackles and rolled the ball across the 18 yard line for a Todd strike to go flashing passed the post.

Hamilton was now also controlling his marker and after a swift one two with Barber he coolly passed the ball through the advancing keeper’s legs which now sealed the win with minutes to go. Kirrie now safe played the ball around and Barber had his snap shot well saved as the game finished 3 nil to Kirrie. Not a great footballing performance but sometimes a win is a win and with another cup final day to look forward to nobody was complaining.

Dundee Utd SC v Kirriemuir Youth FC
(Ross Ballantine Cup)

Cup Final
Sunday 27th March

Squad: Barclay, Sherry, Dickson, Fraser, Brennan, Findlater, Kerrigan, Prain, Barber, Todd, Cheyne, Reid, McKenna, Ray, and Hamilton.

Cup final day arrives with the sun and a great pitch to play on, Kirrie who are top of their league travelled to play  Dundee Utd who are top of their own league,  all the ingredients for a great game of football. United started brightly and with sharp quick passing Kirrie were half  yard of the pace and with 6 mins gone Kirrie failed to clear on 3 attempts when the ball fell to United player in a crowded box and rattled in a shot to the top corner 1-0 . That seemed to knock Kirrie who were struggling to get their passing game going and United chased and hassled at every turn.

Then on 17 minutes Kirrie began to get the ball moving and a good counter attack finally saw Sherry break, pass his marker and run into the box where he was tripped from behind. Incredibly the ref awarded the foul inches outside the area. No matter though as Todd had the keeper rooted for his low blast into the opposite corner of the net which fooled us all for 1-1. The match then took a role reversal as Kirrie began to win every ball and United where stunned as was their large support.

The Kirrie back four were now coming on to a great game with Cheyne, Reid, Fraser and McKenna tackling like demons with hard and fair challenges backed up by Barclay commanding his area well. With momentum now switched a poor kick out by United keeper fell to Ray who’s speed of thought and accuracy resulted in a great chip back over the keeper for 1-2 lead. Cheyne who was playing very well then went hard at a 50/50 ball and the resulting challenge saw him somersaulted into the air and unable to continue. This was now a really good tough competitive final with both teams giving it their all and as half time neared there were chances for both teams.

Kirrie made use of their squad but never got a chance to settle as United came out firing and must have been given a roasting at half time and they looked a different side in the second period and pressed Kirrie back in their own half with wave after wave of attacks and only saves time and time again from Barclay having his best game of the season keeping them at bay. Finally the dam burst and 2 quick goals in the first 15 mins saw Kirrie 3-2 down with the uphill task to score against the best defence in their respective leagues.

However a very controversial 4^th goal for United all but condemns Kirrie’s fate, with the far side assistant raising his flag for an off side against United winger went unnoticed by the ref who played on and that same winger crossed for a United goal with the flag still raised. Then the ref then noticed the flag and after a brief chat incredibly allowed the goal to stand. That was a body blow to Kirrie who battled and fought with every player giving their all for the cause.

United’s second half dominance saw a 5^th in the dying minutes as they ran out 5-2 winners. Nevertheless the boys and all involved should be proud of this achievement and their commitment to the challenge of playing against what was effectively a senior squad with 12 of the united squad linked with professional clubs.

Kirrie v Drumgeith Athletic
(Dundee West Anniversary Cup)

Quarter Final
Sunday 20th March

Squad: Barclay, Sherry, Dickson, Fraser, Brennan, Findlater, Kerrigan, Prain, Barber, Todd, Penman, Cheyne, Reid, McKenna, Ray, and Hamilton.

With last week’s great semi final win still fresh in the minds along came another cup match at stake with a home quarter final. Kirrie started very brightly and were moving the ball well and it became noticeable that they were far superior to their opponents and it was only a matter of time before the first hit the net.

The only unusual thing was it took 18 mins till the first and it was a set play after a great corner from McKenna and Todd flicked the ball into the net, quickly followed by Hamilton who turned his marker and fired passed the keeper for no2. Brennan made a long centre field pass in to the box from midfield (with the sidelines shouting for a wide pass what do we know!!) as it split open the defense for the oncoming Prain tapping in. Another great corner was meet by a rushing front post run of Sherry blasting in for No4. McKenna was having a purple patch and when he looked up from 25 yds out he spotted the keeper of the line and a rocket volley powered over the keeper for no 5. Another good corner was flicked on by Penman and head tap header by Findlater made it 6. A quiet Hamilton stepped in and beat his marker and outpaced another 2 to round the keeper for 7. Again a deep Brennan pass found Kerrigan side footing passed the helpless keeper for 8 goals in a 17 minute blast to end the half.

However the break did no favours for Kirrie who huffed and puffed in the second half and maybe played well within themselves but the football was not what we have come to expect or know what the boys can do, some would say harsh comment when we won the second half 3-0 with 2 goals from Hamilton and Barber finishing it off  11-0 full time. I think just a blip but against better teams it would have been a struggle.

Speaking of better teams a tremendous Cup Final to look forward to next Sunday against the strongest of opponents in the shape of Dundee Utd. The reward of a cup final in the first competitive season should fill the boys with pride and hope for the future as it does for all their parents I am sure.

Kirriemuir Youth FC v Dundee West

Sunday 13th March

Squad: Barclay, Sherry, Dickson, Fraser, Brennan, Findlater, Kerrigan, Prain, Todd, Cheyne, Reid, McKenna, Ray and Hamilton.

With a series of easy wins in recent weeks today’s match was going to be a test of how the boys have truly progressed over the winter against one for their strongest rivals for the chance of a cup final at stake in their very first competitive season .

Dundee started the better on a heavy cutting pitch and with Kirrie back four pulled and push to the limit, and a busy Barclay in goal they finally cracked after a number of good corners finally worked for Dundee, when Kirrie missed the clearance and the ball ended hitting the net direct from the corner. Kirrie’s passing game slowly began to work and mid way through the half the dangerous Hamilton cut inside his marker he made a direct run inside the box and then pushed the ball passed the advancing keeper who brought him down the resulting penalty coolly dispatched by the reliable taker Todd for 1-1.

This sparked the game into life and after both sides hit the woodwork twice each it was nervous defending for both teams.Hamilton and Kerrigan  always looked a threat and finally a Kerrigan cross went across the face of the goal a Hamilton shot rebounded of the post and Prain’s shot was blocked it fell nicely back to Hamilton to side foot home for 2-1 half time.

Sherry came on for the second half wide left and his paced caused Dundee real problems and when he blocked a pass on the half way line he ran past three defenders and slotted under the keeper for a superb solely goal 3-1. Kerrigan joined the party and ran passed the tiring defence and blasted against the bar. Kirrie now had the upper hand and when Dundee did make it into Kirrie half the back four of McKenna, Reid, Fraser and Cheyne all had strong games and mopped up most threats.

Goal of the match was a superb pass in midfield, knocked wide to McKenna and his back post cross found Hamilton lurking behind four defenders and his majestic looping header over the keeper nestled in the net 4-1. Dundee had a rare attack up field and when the cross was missed the colliding players resulted in a harsh penalty which was superbly saved by Barclay which surely broke the spirit of Dundee.

Just as he started the half Sherry had a carbon copy run and again slotting home for a deserved 5-1 full time result. Management must be pleased at the manner of the win and with the resulting final to look forward to it is a great achievement for the boys as many good players never get that opportunity and with such a good squad the starting eleven is up for grabs.

John Clenaghan League
(Sunday 6th March)

Squad: Barclay, Sherry, Dickson, Fraser, Brennan, Findlater, Kerrigan, Prain, Barber, Todd, Penman, Cheyne, Reid, McKenna, Ray, Hamilton.

With the previous away meeting ending in a resounding 20 nil win, the home match return result was never going to be in doubt. What would be more important was the manner of play and full use of squad rotation to enable match time for all thus squad progression.

The ball retention and movement was good overall with only small periods of concentration and positional discipline lapses. This was was soon  regained by wide passing, pulling holes in their opponent’s formation thus crating more opportunities . Goal scorers Sherry 1, Findlater 1 Prain 2, Barber 2, Todd 2, Penman 3, Reid 1, McKenna 3, Ray 3, and the prolific Hamilton 6 ended the match 24 nil.

The last 3 matches have given us  time and space to play football freely but with a tough semi final this Sunday our opponents  will surely not be so generous. With the prize of a cup final berth at the end of the  season this will be a true/tougher test of their ability.

Kirriemuir Youth FC v Saints

Sunday 27th February

Squad: Barclay, Dickson, Fraser, Brennan, Findlater, Kerrigan, Prain, Todd, Cheyne, Reid, McKenna, Ray, Hamilton.

With a semi final place a stake top versus second looked on paper to be a tight match however just 4 minutes in a lovely defence splitting pass was run on to by Hamilton who coolly slotted past the keeper, this gave Kirrie a lot of confidence and were dictated play with superior passing skills against the solo runs that saints tried.

Again Hamilton who was running the legs off the saint defenders raced round the outside and was crudely bought down inside the box the resulting penalty dispatch with coolness by Todd. Just when Kirrie looked to be on easy street saints broke upfield when Barclay missed his clearance the lucky saints player passed the ball home for 2-1. Saints had a lift from this and matched Kirrie for the next 20 mins however the rampaging Hamilton took matters beyond doubt with a quick double with Saints having no answers against his pace.

It could have been a lot worst for Saints if not for their keeper with numerous saves. Half time saw it end 4-1. Very quickly Kirrie made the ball do the work and out passed there opponents in every area of the park with Reid sweeping up any Saint who did break through.  Again after a string of saves by saints keeper, finally Todd stuck the net for a deserved 5th.Kerrigan who was always a threat down the right chipped the keeper for a lovely 6th. McKenna then brought a corner down on his chest and volleyed home number 7.

To end it as he started it man of match Hamilton who beat 3 defenders then rounded the keeper and rolled home number 8. The Kirrie management must be pleased and training commended because if this is Kirrie’s nearest threat to the title they looked head and shoulders above them.

John Clenaghan League
(Sunday 20th February)

Squad: Barclay, Fraser, Brennan, Findlater, Kerrigan, Prain, Todd, Penman, Cheyne, Reid, McKenna, Ray.

Finally after a huge 13 week weather related lay off top of table Kirrie switched venue to ensure a match and travelled away to play on a bitterly  cold day in Carnoustie.

With a large wide pitch Kirrie rightly moved the ball wide as much as possible with Findlater and Kerrigan beating markers with ease they put in cross after cross finally the first goal came as Brennan pinched the ball from the defender and slotted past the keeper, quickly followed by a Todd  power strike into the net, No3 followed after Kerrigan shot was saved and  Brennan scored the rebound , No4 from Ray as Barry now released how good Kirries passing game is as they found holes everywhere No5 came when Kerrigan beat 3 opponents and cut back for Brennan passing the ball home ,No6 was a strike from Mckenna who now joined the goal feast, Brennan was feasting as his 4th hit the net No8 When Ray rammed home a poor kick out for 8 nil lead half time.

Unfortunately for Barry in the second half Kirrie showed why they are top and their professionalism and hunger for more with no let up in their dominate play. Penman dribbled through for No9 followed by great McKenna corner hit home by Prain for 10th No11 came when Todd turned and swept the ball in, then followed 3 in 3 minutes as on fire  Brennan hit for his fifth  and No12 was a nice pass by Penman through the defence for oncoming run of Ray slotting home, No 13 was good header direct from  a corner by Penman. Then No 15 was chased down by Findlater hitting home and to end the misery for Barry was McKenna beating keeper and 2 opponents for No16.

Mention must also go to the defence who limited Barclay our goalkeeper to only 3 touches in the match and his mum has no need to wash kit this week. Kirrie have done well with the layoff but hard games coming nothing must be taken for granted with a hectic run in coming up.

John Clenaghan League

Squad: Barclay, Sherry, Dickson, Fraser, Findlater, Penman, Cheyne, Reid, McKenna, Ray, Hamilton.

On a cold damp day, top of table Kirrie travelled to bottom club Brechin and on a heavy small pitch it proved Kirries superior passing game was going to ensure there was not going to be any surprises as they dominated from start to finish.

With the congested centre field Kirrie rightly moved the ball wide as much as possible and Fraser was beating his opponent at will and delivered cross after cross one which was buried at the back post by Hamilton.No2 was a penalty slotted home by McKenna and No3 quickly followed after a melly was tapped in by Findlater who scored No4 as well, a good cross from Ray made Dickson’s shot easier for No5 Kirrie then used all there squad and on came Brennan,Prain,Pogson,Kerrigan and Barber and a good through ball from Penman found Barber who made it 6. Another sub Kerrigan got a double as Kirrie for showed no mercy as half time whistle blew for 8 nil lead.

Unfortunately for Brechin in the second half Kirrie showed why they are top and their hunger for more with no let up in their dominate play. Brennan got No9 followed by great foot work from Penman who got 10th, then Brennan eased passed his marker to slot No11. Another good cross from Findlater bounced around in the box before Findlater had enough of this and rammed home his own cross for No12.

Brennan used both feet to make himself an opening a fired a great shoot into the roof of the net for No 13. From a corner Reid connected to hit goal firing a rocket from the edge of the box for No 14. Brechin now had their only trip into the Kirrie box but this proved there undoing as a Kirrie break by Hamilton finally rewarded all his wing play with No15 and replica break by Barber got 16, Goal of the match came from McKenna with a superb long range missile dipping under the bar for 17, Brennan rounded the keeper for  his hat-trick and 18 and talking of No 18, Hamilton  also got his hatrick No19. Last goal of the match was Barber who ended Brechin misery shooting close for a 20 nil win.