Caithness under-15s battle back for well-earned draw with Ross County youths
Caithness United under-15s fought back from three goals down to draw 3-3 with a talented Ross County youth side in a challenge match at the Highland Football Academy in Dingwall.
The game on November 22 was eagerly anticipated by the Caithness contingent as it was their first outing this season due to the Covid-19 restrictions. It was a fine battling performance from United as they deservedly took a share of the spoils.
United looked comfortable and confident in the early stages as they shifted the ball about the pitch, but a couple of defensive errors cost them dearly. A clinical County front line capitalised on these and they quickly established a 3-0 lead.
A lesser team might have crumbled, but not this Caithness side.
They rallied well and the pivotal moment came midway through the second period when Morgan Kennedy received a pass inside his own half in a wide area. Morgan shielded the ball and progressed to the edge of the box before sliding a low cross to the feet of Josh Sutherland, who made space for himself and zipped a controlled shot under the keeper.
This was exactly the lift that the Caithness boys needed. They carved out another decent opportunity after winning a free kick when Euan Kennedy was felled 25 yards from goal.
Owen Bain's sweetly struck shot flew over the keeper before smashing off the crossbar. Morgan Kennedy reacted quickest and headed the rebound into the goal.
This set up an exciting final third. Halfway through that period, a throw-in by County was pounced upon by Euan Kennedy, who drove forward before unleashing an accurate shot into the far corner of the net to complete a very impressive Caithness comeback.
Caithness United match-day squad: Grant Kennedy, Sean Pearson, Owen Klimas, Lewis Swan, Matthew Robertson, Elliot Cormack, Sam Shearer, Carter Mackay, Matthew Aitkenhead, Owen Bain, Euan Kennedy, Josh Sutherland, Keiran Macgregor, Scott Durrand, Morgan Kennedy.
Caithness United under-13s ran out 6-5 winners in a tough encounter against Inverness Balloan at the city's Bught Park on November 8.
Caithness were never behind in the game, but they were never out of sight either. The young United squad showed great character to come out on top and get their Moray Firth Youth Development League campaign off to a winning start.
Caithness scorers were Sam Reid (2), Scott Macdonald (2), Jed Armitage and Jay Foubister.