Winning start for Caithness U13s in Moray Firth Youth Development League
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Caithness United under-13s ran out 4-1 winners against Clachnacuddin on Sunday in their first fixture of the new Moray Firth Youth Development League season.
United dominated from the start at Thurso’s all-weather pitch at Naver, creating numerous chances against a strong Clach side. The home team's defensive qualities were also impressive, led by Lewis Swan and Josh Sutherland, as they allowed their opponents only one shot on target.
Owen Bain opened the scoring after three minutes when a clever shot caught the Clach goalkeeper off guard. They continued on the front foot, using Sam Reid’s pace up front to good effect.
The final few minutes of the first period produced a goal for each team. Euan Kennedy’s perseverance saw him set up the ever willing Matthew Mackay, who made no mistake, then a rare Clach attack led to a headed goal.
Goalkeeper Joshua Hughes suffered a recurrence of a wrist injury sustained in the warm-up. This resulted in Euan Kennedy and Owen Bain sharing the goalkeeping duties for the remainder of the match.
The ensuing reshuffle did not seem to unsettle the Caithness side as they continued to dictate proceedings.
United did not let up in the final period and scored two excellent quick-fire goals shortly after the restart. The first was finished off by debutant Morgan Kennedy, then Euan Kennedy smashed in a shot to complete the scoring.
The Caithness coaching team of Steve Bain, Derek Shearer and Alan Kennedy picked out Josh Sutherland as their man of the match, for his resilient and composed display at the heart of the defence.
Shearer said: “That was so pleasing considering we’ve only had a couple of weeks to work with these lads as a squad, and that we included five debutants today. Our all-round play was very encouraging, and we expect them to only improve in the coming weeks and months.
"I can see squad selection being very difficult this season!”
