Caithness under-16s moving in right direction after stop-start schedule
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A 1-0 victory for Caithness United under-16s against their Clachnacuddin counterparts was described as "a move in the right direction" after a stop-start fixture schedule over the winter months.
Sunday's keenly contested SHFL Under-16 Highland fixture at Naver in Thurso was settled by one moment of composure by John Hooker towards the end of the first half. The Caithness centre-forward, who worked tirelessly throughout the match, took full advantage when an attempted clearance fell kindly for him 18 yards from goal as he instinctively lifted the ball over the stranded keeper and into the net.
The second half was an even but feisty affair. Clach came up against a determined United back line, with Arran Bain a rock at the centre.
His determination to keep a clean sheet appeared infectious to his team-mates, typified by keeper Kyle Bain who stepped up in the dying moments with a tremendous blocking save with an outstretched leg.
Shortly afterwards the final whistle was blown and a big cheer could be heard across Thurso from the large crowd.
Caithness coach Steve Bain said: “Our season since late November has been very stop-start, what with weather postponements and opposition teams' availability. Our training has also been affected because of the poor weather, and those disruptions to our schedule have taken their toll on our performances.
"This was a move in the right direction, though – back to how we were playing earlier in the season.
"All things being well, we have three games in three weekends to finish off our league campaign. Hopefully we can build on Sunday’s performance in those matches, and the results will then take care of themselves.”
Caithness United under-14s travelled to Inverness on Sunday and came away with a well-deserved 6-2 victory over Balloan City.
The home team opened the scoring at Bught Park against the run of play but Caithness responded with goals from Max Ross, with a great run and shot, then Morgan Timbrell after he took a touch at the edge of the box and fired the ball into the net.
Then came a crazy spell as both teams conceded own goals before going into the final 30 minutes when Caithness used a "high press". They added further goals through Kody Munro and another from Max before Ross Moodie rounded off the scoring with a 20-yard free kick into the top corner.
Coach Sean Moodie said: “Our lads played some great football from start to finish and were deserved winners.
"Balloan were quite physical, so our lads had to adapt to that, and I thought our attitude was outstanding. Every player worked hard and played their part.
"We look forward to our next match and we'll try to keep the winning momentum going.”
