Reid hits four in memorable win for Caithness under-13s against Elgin City
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A FOUR-goal haul by Lucas Reid helped Caithness United under-13s to a fine 5-2 victory over their Elgin City counterparts in the Moray Firth Youth Development League.
Caithness started well in Saturday’s game at Hopeman on the Moray coast and a precise pass from Josh Sutherland set up Lucas Reid whose effort went narrowly wide.
Elgin broke down the right and a low cross into the box was met by a sliding Scott Durrand who saw his interception deflect off his leg past Leo Shearer into the goal.
Elgin produced some slick interchange play, but mainly in areas that didn’t cause any problems for the visiting defence. The reliable Lewis Swan was always on hand to sweep up any danger in and around the penalty box.
Caithness began the second third with a renewed energy which saw them pin Elgin in their own half for a spell. An excellent pass highlighted Lucas Reid’s devastating pace as he left the defenders in his wake, took the ball under control and slid it past the onrushing goalkeeper to equalise.
It was then Elgin’s turn to break forward, and they were awarded a penalty when Shearer connected with an opponent after the ball took a bobble just as he attempted to clear. The spot-kick was expertly converted by Michael Smith.
Again Caithness retaliated, utilising the pace and power of lone striker Reid. The industrious Euan Kennedy was involved in the build-up, which concluded when Reid turned at the edge of the box and watched his shot squirm under the keeper and trundle over the line.
The game was now finely balanced at 2-2, setting up a thrilling final third.
Caithness appeared to take the game by the scruff of the neck, led by their dynamic captain Matthew Aitkenhead. The clinical Reid capitalised on a mix-up in the Elgin defence and blasted the ball into the net from close range for a well-earned hat-trick.
Reid’s scoring exploits weren’t finished there, though. He dispossessed a defender, turned swiftly and fired high into the net to increase the lead.
United went on to dominate the remainder of the match. Another neat passage of play, this time involving Sam Shearer and Carter MacKay, was rounded off by a powerful strike from Kieran Macgregor as Caithness rubber-stamped a memorable victory.
Coach Steve Bain praised his team, and in particular Lucas Reid. “From a slow start we managed to stay in the game by working really hard,” he said. “Halfway through the match we started to dominate. A lot of this down to Lucas up front, who worked tirelessly, and could do no wrong.
“His power and pace demoralised the Elgin team. It was a great result for us, and a fantastic performance from Lucas.”
