Young Footballers Leave It Late

With Breadalbane defenders in uncompromising mood and the team playing some lovely one and two touch football, the home crowd were frustrated to watch one of Guildtown’s giants run away from the home defenders to ram past young ‘keeper, Darren Kelly. Half time came with Breadalbane again moving forward swiftly and the coaches and parents left scratching their head again!

Half Time: Breadalbane 1 – 2 Guildtown

Breadalbane’s young team started the second half in the same vein. The game began to open up from early in the second period, with half chances at both ends. The home side’s back four worked hard and gave the impression that they were untroubled, but to the trained eye it was clear that concentration, excellent judgement and determination was on show – Dale Murdoch, Kiaran McMillan, Conor Coleman and Matthew Blanchett could have been proud of their nights work at this stage… but more was to come… Then the unthinkable happened. Guildtown scored again, out of nothing. 3 – 1 down and this clearly pleased the away coaches - they felt that they could relax.

Had they seen Breadalbane 14s play before? Very noticeably, our proud and talented boys stood up to the task and kept their heads up. The reward was a great goal, Callum Dickson calmly finishing after another lovely sweeping move down the left hand side involving 6 players. The large and noisy home crowd could sense that something was on and, as the rain came down, they got even louder when Kiaran McMillan smashed a 25 yard freekick into the roof of the Guildtown net.

This was an unbelievable goal, given that before games Kiaran never fails to tell his team-mates that he is going to score a freekick. This one was worth waiting for. Breadalbane had been in this position before – pegging back opponents and even getting in front. However, on the night the result was only ever to go in the home side’s favour. Three brilliant goals had been scored from different areas of the pitch, so where was the winner going to come from?

More chances came and went – with Kyle James, Robert Thomson and Callum Dickson balancing the team well, first Adam Crowther got into a good position and delivered a nice cutback, cleared only by desperate defending. Then, Cole Crighton had a bullet strike saved at the near post. To this point the game had flowed well, only interrupted by the several corner kicks awarded to Breadalbane. Kyle James’ delivery each time was first class and our ‘big’ boys were going close. With Lewis Lambie and Matthew Blanchett getting forward to support now, Kiaran McMillan and Conor Coleman had to be on top form to close all routes to the home goal.

On the one occasion the Guildtown giants broke clear, Darren Kelly (like Alan Brown has done so often before him) pulled off a tremendous double save, concluded when he was brave and gobbled-up the ball at the feet of an opponent twice his size. Still, the boys wouldn’t take the hint and settle for a draw. They kept pressing and continued to play outstanding football which excited the crowd.

What happened next brought a roar which may well have been heard at Tummel Bridge. Kyle James delivered another perfect corner and the rampaging Matthew Blanchett timed his run beautifully to clatter a header into the net. Only the boys and coaches can tell you how often this has been practiced – for it to come off was a special moment.

Like most of the second half, the remainder of the match was a whirlwind. The home side were very naive as they flooded forward in numbers, but the crowd didn’t care as it made for great viewing. Matthew Blanchett, Kyle James and Callum Dickson were doing the prompting, while Master Milne continued to terrorise the Guildtown defenders, now with the help of Adam and Cole. The youngsters continued to show impressive courage and self discipline as tempers were frayed on both sides of the touchline. The final whistle blew when the ball was bobbing around near the half way line. Cue bedlam. The team was happy too.

Full Time: Breadalbane 4 – 3 Guildtown

Breadalbane’s head coach reported that his side’s warm down was the most energetic he had ever seen. Well done to our superb football team over the course of the 2006-07 season and to all involved. We are glad you got what you deserved in the end. To the supporters who were there on the night – I bet you’re glad you came to watch!

Your Breadalbane under 14s squad for 2006-07 was: Alan Brown, Darren Kelly, Jamie Blackstock, Lewis Lambie, Matthew Blanchett, Robert Thomson, Kiaran McMillan, Conor Coleman, Dale Murdoch, Finlay Thom, Kyle James, Jason Adam, Callum Dickson, Adam Crowther, Cole Crighton, CJ Milne, Duncan Menzies, Jamie Yellowlees, Liam Mackie, Struan MacDonald.

David McLeish

davidgrahammcleish@hotmail.com

Youth Football teams will continue to play next season under the name Breadalbane Strathtay at age groups: 10s, 12s, 14s, 16s. The 10s and 12s will play their home games at Grandtully and the 14s and 16s will play at Breadalbane FC, Home Street, Aberfeldy