WE HAVE AN EXTRA GAME TO PLAY BEFORE CHRISTMAS – YOU’LL BE PLEASED TO HEAR!

Kilmarnock Academy versus Inverclyde Academy
(St Joseph’s, 04/12/2009, 3.30pm kick-off)

St Joseph’s are kindly letting us use their all-weather facilities for this fixture.This will be on an Astroturf surface so remember to bring appropriate footwear, £1 for referee’s match fee and your own juice (if possible).

Meeting in A8 on Thursday 03/12/09 at morning interval to discuss tactics and arrangements for Inverclyde game.

Mr King

GRANGE U13s 7 - 4 KILMARNOCK U13s

        Yet again, this result did not truly reflect the performance of Killie in their last league encounter of the season. Sturdier personnel and a cutting edge in front of goal were the deciding factors in an evenly fought bout. In fact, this score could have resembled that of a cricket match had each team converted their chances.

          Incredibly, Killie were 4-0 down at half time. This was the consequence of inept marking and communication. However, this had nothing to do with a lack of application. Indeed, our boys cannot be faulted in that respect.

          Killie pulled a goal back shortly after the restart which connoted memories of the famous comeback at Auchinleck. Ross Allan hit a powerful and swerving strike which nestled beautifully into the net to make the score 4-1. Unfortunately, Grange hit back twice in quick succession to make the score 6-1.

          Killie were correctly awarded a penalty and unbelievably our goalkeeper (Craig Speirs) ran up to take the spot kick. Craig should stick to saving goals (which he did copiously throughout this match and indeed the season) as he missed the penalty! Fortunately for Killie, our industrious forward Matthew Cree was on hand the smash the rebound into the goal to make it 6-2.

          Grange scored another a few minutes after Matthew’s goal to make the score 7-2. Ross Black and Lewis Route pulled two consolation goals back late on to make the scoreline a more respectable 7-4. This score resembled a hammering. However, whilst Killie did apply themselves admirably, the Grange did perhaps deserve the victory ever so more slightly than us.

SQUAD: 1) Craig Speirs; 2) Ross Mackin; 3) John Gray; 4) Mitchell Muir; 5) Keenan McLintock; 6) Ross Allan; 7) Torin McKenzie; 8) Ross Black; 9) Lewis Route; 10) Matthew Cree; 11) Fraser Smith (c).

SUBS: 12) Arran Edgar; 14) Gordon Young; 15) Nicky Little.

Report by Mr King

LOUDOUN U13s 6 – 2 KILMARNOCK U13s

          The score mirrored the performance. What made this score particularly disheartening was that the two teams were evenly matched and Killie were well within their rights to expect victory. However, Loudoun proved themselves to be more ruthless in front of goal. And indeed thrice from the penalty spot.

          Loudoun took the lead early doors when Mitchell Muir upended the Loudoun forward on the edge of the box. The referee (Mr Patterson – former PE teacher of our school!) showed no split loyalties and immediately pointed to the spot. The Loudoun player coolly dispatched the spot kick to open the scoring.

          Killie’s equaliser highlighted the importance of chasing down defenders. When pressurised, mistakes can often be made. Lewis Route beleaguered the Loudoun defender into mis-hitting the ball. Lewis stayed sharp to knock the ball into an empty net to bring his tally to nine goals for the season.

          Loudoun took the lead for the second time in the match shortly after Lewis’ equaliser to make the half time score 2-1 to the home team. Killie went to pieces in the second half and found themselves 4-1 down shortly after the second half commencing.

          Ross Allan, captain for the day, opened his account for the season when he raced through the middle and found himself one-on-one with the goalkeeper. Ross precisely nicked the ball underneath the onrushing ‘keeper to make the score a more respectable 4-2.
         
          However, Killie lost two late goals which made the final score 6-2. Unfortunately, some petulance creeped into Killie’s play later in the game. Undoubtedly, this will not be tolerated in future matches.

SQUAD

1) Arran Edgar (GK); 2) Ross Mackin; 3) Keenan McLintock; 4) Mitchell Muir; 5) Rudi Queen; 6) Ross Allan (c); 7) Dale Caldwell; 8) Max Nimbley; 9) Lewis Route; 10) Gordon Young; 11) John Gray; 12) Nicky Little.


Report by Mr King

KILMARNOCK U13s 3 – 6 AUCHINLECK U13s

          I find myself often repeating myself when writing these match reports. Today is no different as, once again, Killie can have no complaints with the full-time result. We were overcome by a more athletic and imposing unit.

          Killie did not start the match until they found themselves 0-2 down after defending thoughtlessly. Killie pulled a goal back from the penalty spot. Lewis Route picked up from where he left off in the last match and sent the goalie the wrong way to make the score 1-2.

          Auchinleck restored their two goal lead shortly after this. However, Matthew Cree gave the home side hope by halving the deficit. Matthew harried, hustled and hassled the Auchinleck right back and unleashed an unstoppable left footed effort which the ‘keeper haplessly flapped into the net. This was symptomatic of Matthew’s man of the match performance.

          Incredibly, Killie could have drawn level had it not been for some miraculous Auchinleck defending….. by own of our own players! Rory Connell’s free kick was heading straight into the goal to make the tie 3-3. Unbelievably, someone who shall remain nameless, headed the ball off the line.

          In the second half, Auchinleck showed no mercy and scored three excellent goals to make the score 2-6. Matthew Cree nearly doubled his tally when he smacked the crossbar. Killie can thank the Auchinleck defender who bundled the ball into his own goal to make the scoreline more respectable for the home side.

MAN OF THE MATCH – Matthew Cree

STARTING LINE UP: 1) Arran Edgar (GK); 2) Ross Mackin; 3) Keenan McLintock; 4) Craig Speirs (c); 5) Rory Connell; 6) Ross Allan; 7) Dale Caldwell; 8) Ross Black; 9) Lewis Route; 10) Torin McKenzie; 11) Matthew Cree. SUBSTITUTES: 12) Mitchell Muir; 14) John Gray; 15) Rudi Queen; 16) Max Nimbley; 17) Gordon Young; 18) Nicky Little.

      

Report by Mr King

PRESTWICK ACADEMY U13s 5 – 1 KILMARNOCK U13s

This result did not truly reflect the spirit of the match. On the surface, it may suggest that Killie were easily conquered. However, Killie’s diligence and commitment were a joy to behold. All you can ever give is your best and that is what Killie gave in this fixture. Killie were simply caught on the counter-attack late on by a better team in this match.

Killie were deservedly two nil down at the end of the first half. Prestwick Academy were sharper and stronger than Killie U13s in the first half and thus first to every loose ball. Prestwick were coasting after the first 45 minutes due to converting two well-taken goals.

After a rallying battle-cry during the half-time interval, Killie seemed more motivated and willing during the second half. Killie made a bright start to the second half and justifiably pulled a goal back to make the score 2-1. Lewis Route expertly placed a correctly awarded penalty kick to the ‘keeper’s right hand side.

Killie were on the rampage and nearly levelled through our captain, Fraser Smith. Fraser was one-on-one with the Prestwick goalie after being skilfully set-up. Fraser was running at an angle and tried to hit the ball across the goalkeeper; the correct thing to do in this instance. Unfortunately, the goalie pulled off a quite remarkable save to keep his team in the match.

Killie pushed up the pitch in the second half searching for an equaliser. This would have resulted in the match being decided by a shoot-out. Subsequently, this left the defence exposed and Prestwick went for the jugular. Three sucker-punch goals put the tie beyond question and sent Prestwick into the next round of the shield.

STARTING LINE-UP: 1) Craig Speirs (GK); 2) Ross Mackin; 3) Keenan McLintock; 4) Mitchell Muir; 5) Rory Connell; 6) Torin McKenzie; 7) Dale Caldwell; 8) Ross Black; 9) Lewis Route; 10) Matthew Cree; 11) Fraser Smith (c).

SUBS: 12) John Gray; 14) Gordon Young; 15) Nicky Little.

      

Report by Mr King

JAMES HAMILTON U13s 4 – 1 KILMARNOCK U13s

        This league encounter proved that Killie must add craft to graft. Killie’s effort and endeavour is never in question. However, if guile and creativity were combined with Killie’s impressive work ethic, we would undoubtedly be a force to be reckoned with.

          The result was never going to be in question from the early exchanges. James Hamilton looked far more astute and assured in their passing and movement than Kille. This may have been because we had not played together since February. Nevertheless, Killie worked their socks off for the cause.

          Unfortunately, Killie found themselves 3-0 down at half-time. Killie couldn’t cope with the slick interchange and cool finishing of James Hamilton’s forwards. An inspirational team talk was in order to turn Killie’s fortunes around!

          Killie made a storming start to the second half and pulled a goal back immediately. Matthew Cree harried and hassled the opposition defender on the edge of their box. Matthew gained possession, when he had no right to, and deftly placed the ball into the ‘keeper’s top right hand corner. This brought a flurry of applause and clenched fists of appreciation from the sidelines!

          Killie pressed for a second to really put the opposition under the cosh. Contrastingly, it was the home team who scored a fourth to put the result beyond doubt. The final whistle brought an end to a game which was played in a true sporting spirit and where the deserving winners emerged victorious.

STARTING LINE UP
1) Craig Speirs (GK); 2) Ross Mackin; 3) Keenan McLintock; 4) Mitchell Muir; 5) Rory Connell; 6) Ross Allan; 7) Dale Caldwell; 8) Fraser Smith (c); 9) Torin McKenzie; 10) Rudi Queen; 11) John Gray.

SUBS

12) Matthew Cree; 14) Max Nimbley; 15) Gordon Young; 16) Nicky Little.

Report by Mr King

PRESTWICK ACADEMY U13s 5 – 1 KILMARNOCK U13s

This result did not truly reflect the spirit of the match. On the surface, it may suggest that Killie were easily conquered. However, Killie’s diligence and commitment were a joy to behold. All you can ever give is your best and that is what Killie gave in this fixture. Killie were simply caught on the counter-attack late on by a better team in this match.

Killie were deservedly two nil down at the end of the first half. Prestwick Academy were sharper and stronger than Killie U13s in the first half and thus first to every loose ball. Prestwick were coasting after the first 45 minutes due to converting two well-taken goals.

After a rallying battle-cry during the half-time interval, Killie seemed more motivated and willing during the second half. Killie made a bright start to the second half and justifiably pulled a goal back to make the score 2-1. Lewis Route expertly placed a correctly awarded penalty kick to the ‘keeper’s right hand side.

Killie were on the rampage and nearly levelled through our captain, Fraser Smith. Fraser was one-on-one with the Prestwick goalie after being skilfully set-up. Fraser was running at an angle and tried to hit the ball across the goalkeeper; the correct thing to do in this instance. Unfortunately, the goalie pulled off a quite remarkable save to keep his team in the match.

Killie pushed up the pitch in the second half searching for an equaliser. This would have resulted in the match being decided by a shoot-out. Subsequently, this left the defence exposed and Prestwick went for the jugular. Three sucker-punch goals put the tie beyond question and sent Prestwick into the next round of the shield.

STARTING LINE-UP: 1) Craig Speirs (GK); 2) Ross Mackin; 3) Keenan McLintock; 4) Mitchell Muir; 5) Rory Connell; 6) Torin McKenzie; 7) Dale Caldwell; 8) Ross Black; 9) Lewis Route; 10) Matthew Cree; 11) Fraser Smith (c).

SUBS: 12) John Gray; 14) Gordon Young; 15) Nicky Little.

      

Report by Mr King

KILMARNOCK U13s 0 – 3 EAST AYRSHIRE PRIMARY SELECT

          This score was somewhat surprising after the opening exchanges. Killie U13s and East Ayrshire’s Primary Select (EAPS) were evenly matched in the first half. EAPS undoubtedly possessed an arsenal of talent and played an impressive passing game. This contrasted with Killie’s sheer graft and endeavour.

          After an evenly matched yet uneventful first half, EAPS’s class truly showed. Three well-taken goals put to bed any hopes Killie had of taking anything from this match.

          Although disheartened by this result, the boys must remember that it was, after all, merely a friendly game. Therefore, this result did not count towards any potential silverware. At this stage in school football, the players must enjoy the experience and not focus purely on results.

          What is asked of the team in friendly matches is to give 100% effort and to enjoy the experience. Killie’s effort could not be faulted throughout the whole game. However, it is understandable if the boys did not treasure the memory of defeat.

          Killie will hopefully get another chance to play EAPS again before the end of the session. The boys must use the disappointment of this result as motivation for victory in the next match. Revenge is a dish best served cold!

STARTING LINE-UP: 1) Craig Speirs (GK); 2) Ross Mackin; 3) Keenan McLintock; 4) Mitchell Muir; 5) Rory Connell; 6) Ross Allan; 7) Dale Caldwell; 8) Ross Black; 9) Lewis Route; 10) Torin McKenzie; 11) Fraser Smith (c).

SUBS: 12) John Gray; 14) Nicky Little; 15) Gordon Young.

      

Report by Mr King

KILMARNOCK U13s 11 – 0 INVERCLYDE ACADEMY U13s            


Trounced, humiliated, conquered and crushed. Needless to say, Inverclyde were haplessly and emphatically out-played, out-classed and out-muscled by Killie U13s in this whitewash.
          Killie got their noses in front very early in the match when Lewis Route put his head over and laces through the ball to shoot low past the Inverclyde goalie. Rory Connell made the score 2-0 a couple of minutes later with a goal that paralleled his strike against St Joe’s. The third came from a corner that was flighted into the box by Lewis Route. In an attempt to clear the ball, the Inverclyde defender haplessly turned Lewis’ corner into his own goal.
          Killie’s fourth goal was undoubtedly the moment of the match. Ross Black extraordinarily unleashed a left-footed thunderbolt from fully 30 yards. This powerful strike impressively dipped under the crossbar and into the net to make the scoreline 4-0 to the home team. Ross’ strike drew plaudits from parents and coaches alike.
          Killie stormed into a 5-0 lead when Rory completed his brace. Killie’s centre back deftly placed a right footed shot into the goal after being teed up on the edge of the area. Ross Black grabbed his second and Killie’s sixth when his potent strike was deflected low into the ‘keeper’s left hand side.
          Our assiduous attacker, Matthew Cree, deservedly grabbed his first goal of the game and the season when the goalkeeper’s clearance hit off Matthew and into the gaping goal. Lewis Route skilfully rounded the Inverclyde number one to grab his second and Killie’s eighth. Matthew Cree made the score an astonishing 9-0 at half time when he tapped the ball into the empty net.
This game was incredibly similar to Spurs’ recent 9-1 demolition of Wigan at White Hart Lane! Killie wanted to go one better than this; and ended up doing two better!
          In the second half, four substitutions were made and the side were almost unrecognisable from that who started the first half. Ross Black concluded his hat-trick with a composed finish to make the score an incredible 10-0.
Matthew Cree completed his hat-trick and the scoring when he bundled the ball into the goal after an Archie MacPherson-esque ‘stramash’ in the box.
The final whistle drew an end to an awe-inspiring performance where Killie were more than worthy winners. This left the players, parents and two coaches suitably swollen with smugness!      

Report by Mr King

GRANGE ACADEMY U13s 6 – 1 KILMARNOCK U13s

This game was truly ironic. Killie were undoubtedly and painstakingly beaten by a stronger, more talented and well-organised team. However, despite what the scoreline may suggest, Killie did not disgrace themselves. Killie’s work-rate was incredibly impressive, despite the atrocious weather conditions.
Killie started the game weakly and found themselves 2-0 down after only ten minutes. This was due to a lack of concentration (not tracking runners from midfield), some slick interchange and a plethora of impressive finishes from the home side.

However, Killie could have - and perhaps should have – opened their account earlier than they did. Matthew Cree darted into the 18-yard-box from the left wing and was scythed down by the Grange right back. A penalty kick seemed the most logical decision to make. Astonishingly, the referee waved ‘play on’; much to the dismay of the away team (especially their incredulous coaches!).
Killie did not get into the game until a rasping volley from Lewis Route sparked the away team into life. Lewis’ instinctive left-footed volley fizzed far into the ‘keeper’s left hand goal to make the scoreline 2-1. If the crowd had not already been standing, this goal would have certainly brought them to their feet.

After Lewis’ goal, Killie started aptly spraying the ball around the pitch. Due to this, coupled with their hard graft, Killie began to dominate towards the end of the first half. Unfortunately, Grange made the scoreline 3-1 with the last kick of the ball in the first half to retake a two goal lead.

Three goals in quick succession from the home team early in the second half exterminated any hope of another famous Killie comeback. Killie had their dominant goalie, Craig Speirs, to thank on several occasions. Had it not been for a man-of-the-match performance, the score could have been in double figures. Craig had absolutely no right to make some of the saves he did in this game. He thwarted the Grange attackers on copious occasions during this game, drawing plaudits from team-mates, coaches, parents and, most impressively, the opposition.

Man of the Match – GK Craig Speirs (vc)

Report by Mr King

KILMARNOCK U13s 4 – 4 JAMES HAMILTON U13s

Yours truly was daft enough to agree to referee this game. “Refereeing a school’s game of football” I thought to myself. “How hard can it be?” Never again.

Killie took an early lead through a correctly awarded (dare I say it?!) penalty kick. Our industrious striker, Matthew Cree, skinned the opposition’s right full back and was about to cross the ball. The defender took Matthew’s legs from underneath him which left me with no choice but to award the spot-kick. Our captain, Fraser Smith, took the penalty and duly thundered it past the helpless goalkeeper to open the scoring.

However, James Hamilton stormed into a 1-3 lead; scoring three goals in the space of fifteen minutes. It may have been understandable if Killie’s mettle disintegrated but our boys are made of stern stuff!

Killie pulled a goal back shortly after to make the score 2-3. Lewis Route flighted a corner in from the left hand side; which the opposition defender clumsily turned into his own goal.

Killie’s equaliser was a moment to savour. Torin McKenzie took a throw in from just inside the opposition’s half on the right wing. Lewis smashed a volley which impressively looped over the James Hamilton goalkeeper to draw level.
The home team smelt victory and, just before the half time whistle, thundered into a 4-3 lead. Once again, Fraser Smith was involved in the goal. Killie’s captain deftly chipped the ball into the goalmouth. Fortunately for us, the opposition defender ineptly headed the cross into his own goal.
In the second half, James Hamilton drew level with (yet again!) another correctly awarded penalty kick. Rory Connell tried to shepherd the ball out of play for a bye kick. However, Rory ended up obstructing the attacker. As this was obstruction and therefore a clear foul, I had no option but to award a spot kick. The opposition attacker smartly dispatched the spot kick to Craig Speirs’ left-hand-side.

Suddenly, a moment of controversy. Killie thought we had taken a 5-4 lead when Lewis Route lobbed the ‘keeper. Killie’s celebrations were short-lived as Lewis had strayed a metre or so offside. Thus, I reluctantly had to chalk the ‘goal’ off for offside after close consultation with a rather helpful and well-placed parent. After much puffing and panting and despite playing very well, Killie were unable to find a winner.

Report by Mr King

KILMARNOCK U13s 2 – 4 ST JOSEPH'S U13s

 

Kilmarnock U13s can have no complaints over the scoreline. They were comprehensively beaten by a talented, hard-working and well-organised unit.

The game exploded into life after only three minutes. The ball was worked up towards the St Joseph 's box where Ross Allan teed up Rory Connell on the edge of the area. From 20 yards out, the defender lashed a right-footed shot low into the ‘keeper's bottom right hand corner to open the scoring.

Despite an impressive start to the game, Killie were neither able to hold onto the lead nor possession. Consequently, St Joseph 's equalised mid-way through the first half. A corner was swung into the Killie box from the right hand side which Killie did not defend against effectively. Consequently, the St Joseph 's attacker pounced on a poor clearance and unleashed a powerful left-footed volley into the Killie goal.

St Joseph 's took the lead towards the end of the first half through a correctly awarded penalty kick. The ball was swung in from the right wing which unfortunately connected with Ross Mackin's hands. After the furore of the non-award of a stonewall penalty kick at Rangers' recent Champions League match, all eyes were on the referee. There were no grievances from the home team and the St Joe's attacker terrifically sent Craig Speirs the wrong way in the Killie goal to make the score 1-2.

In the second half, St Joe's went 1-3 ahead due to some sloppy defending from the home team. Craig Speirs took matters into his own hands and commandingly cleared from his goal line. However, this clearance landed at the feet of a St Joe's player who, from fully 30 yards, extraordinarily struck the ball into the empty net.

Things went from bad to worse for Killie when St Joe's stormed into a 1-4 lead. A momentary and uncharacteristic lapse in concentration from the imposing Craig Speirs resulted in Craig dropping the ball at the feet of the St Joe's striker, who stroked the ball into the gaping goal.

Killie pulled a goal back with five minutes remaining through their industrious captain. Fraser Smith cut inside from right midfield and knocked the ball underneath the St Joe's keeper to make the score 2-4. Despite a rallying cry from the sidelines and a spirited final few minutes, this merely proved to be a consolation. This made the scoreline look more respectable for Killie who, despite working hard, never really got going

Report by Mr King

AUCHINLECK U13s 4 – 5 KILMARNOCK U13s

 

“It's a game of two halves”. Although clichéd, this quotation was entirely appropriate for Kilmarnock Academy 's recent match. The outcome looked bleak for Kilmarnock U13s at half time. With a three goal deficit to overturn in the second half, things did not look too promising. However, as we are all well aware, “it's a funny old game!”.

Proceedings had started brightly for Killie, taking the lead through Ross Black. The ball was pinged in from the left-wing which Ross managed to superbly loop over the Auchinleck ‘keeper to open the scoring.

However, two goals in quick succession from Auchinleck allowed the opposition to take the lead mid-way through the first half. Things went from bad to worse for Killie. A lack of concentration resulted in the home team scoring a further brace; therefore going 4-1 ahead.

At no time did the team doubt themselves. We were confident in our ability and we were determined to overcome the scoreline; which flattered the home team.

Killie scored two early goals in the second half to make the score 4-3. The first was a well-taken strike from our commanding centre back, Rory Connell. The third was scored by our captain, Fraser Smith. Fraser picked up the ball on the left wing and liberated a well-placed left foot shoot which impressively dipped over the Auchinleck ‘keeper. This had Auchinleck running scared, with many mistakes creeping into their game.

The equaliser was a moment to savour. Lewis Route pounced on some indecisive defending and unleashed an unstoppable right foot drive from inside the box which soared into the net; beating the ‘keeper at the near post. Killie were on the ascendancy and there was only going to be one winner!

The winner came with only five minutes left to play. Lewis Route floated a right-footed corner into the near post which the Auchinleck defender headed into his own goal. It did not matter who scored as they all count! Killie were jubilant and defended courageously. Ross Mackin incredibly saved the day with a miraculous tackle; thwarting an Auchinleck equaliser.

The final whistle drew an end to a thrilling encounter which the Killie were more than deserved winners! This left the players, parents and two (very weary and much-aged!) coaches extremely proud!

Our next match is away to St Joseph 's on Wed 30/09/09, 4pm KO.

Report by Mr King

 

Our current squad of players: Craig Speirs; Ross Mackin; Keenan McLintock; Mitchell Muir; Rory Connell; Ross Allan; Dale Caldwell; Ross Black; Lewis Route; Matthew Cree; Fraser Smith (c); Rudi Queen; Gordon Young; Taylor Clark; Torin McKenzie.

We are always looking for new players as we have a small squad.

Ask for more details if you are interested in trying out.

Provided by Mr King