Caithness United U14s praised for ‘good reaction’ after nightmare start
Caithness United under-14s gave themselves a mountain to climb as they found themselves five goals down to Alness United inside the first 30-minute period.
Goalkeeper Liam Bruce did more than his fair share to stem the onslaught with a series of excellent saves in the swirling conditions of Dalmore Park.
The damage suffered in that nightmare opening period was ultimately too great for Caithness to recover fully. But they rallied in the remaining 60 minutes, scoring two well-worked goals and creating several other chances that could have reduced the deficit further.
It wasn’t until the final period that Caithness got their rewards. Play was quickly moved from left to right for full-back Liam MacNab to deliver a neat through ball to Logan MacAdie, who dispatched it into the far left corner.
Caithness added a second when some nice work by Ruairdh Kean on the right wing saw an initial effort from Cormack Ross hit the post only for the rebound to fall to Ross Mackay, who netted from close range.
It ended 5-2 to the Easter Ross boys.
Caithness United coach Murray Coghill said: “We endured a terrible start – we were like rabbits caught in the headlights as Alness roasted us in every department for the first 30 minutes.
“They were quicker, more aggressive, more determined, more physical, and very direct. It’s a side of the game that many of our boys maybe don’t like or possess just yet but it’s something they are going to have to find within themselves.
“But credit to the team, in the remaining 60 minutes they were excellent. They were braver on the ball and matched Alness in the physical side of the game.
“Although the first 30 minutes was one to forget in terms of performance, it was a huge learning experience for not only the players but also for myself and Craig [Ross] to see their character when things don’t go to plan – who points fingers, who takes responsibility, who knuckles down for the team and who doesn’t.
“These are all things we can’t coach but we can pass on advice on how to deal with these situations for the future.
“It was a good reaction once we had that initial opportunity to speak to the players. They can be pleased with how they recovered and deserved the praise they received from the opposition coach.”