Under 12's
October
The Orkney U12’s travelled down to Dingwall to play Ross County U13’s on Sat 19th Oct.
On arrival at Ross County FC, we were greeted by ex-professional player & now RCFC youth coach Richard Hastings. Richard kingly gave us a pitch-side tour of the stadium.
The surrounding set-up at Ross County is first class and our game against Ross County U13’s took place on the 4G pitch which was a lovely surface to play football on.
Our team, captained by Thorfinn Scott on the day, acquitted themselves very well against a slick passing & well structured Ross County team.
This was naturally a challenging test for our players and although Ross County went 2-0 up, some excellent goalkeeping from Dan Ross (including a penalty save) prevented a higher deficit. Going into the final 3rd, Orkney were still very much in it though. With 10 minutes to go, Orkney got their reward. A through ball, saw Max Linklater outpacing the Ross County defence, tucking the ball nicely past the keeper into the back of the net. Ross County 2 Orkney 1.
Unfortunately, this mini-revival was short-lived as Ross County pressed forward and were awarded a late penalty resulting in a final result:
Ross County U13’s 3 Orkney U12’s 1
The match was played in a competitive spirit by two hard working teams. All Orkney players played their part and can be proud of their efforts. Richard Hastings commented at the end, that this match was good for both teams and was well worth it. Worthy praise indeed and a fantastic experience for the Orkney players.
Special thanks to our sponsors NorthLink Ferries and Scottish Sea Farms. Without their support, these away matches would not be possible.
In addition, thanks also to Orkney Gymnastics Club for the hire of the mini-bus, Richard Hastings & all at Ross County Football Club and travelling parents Neil Ewing, Steven Wylie & Craig Ross.
Monday September 2 2019
Orkney Under 12 A 2 Shetland Under 12 A 0. Orkney won a tight game with goals from George Ewing and Max Linklater. Orkney U12 B’s 3 Shetland U12 B's 1 to complete a double victory.
Under 12's pictured in Lerwick with Cup
Sunday 19th May 2019
Inter-county
Orkney U12’s v Shetland U12’s
Venue: Picky Outfield Pitches
After a 0-0 draw against Caithness at the start of May, the Orkney U12’s A team finally clicked into gear, playing some tremendous football against a compact and resolute Shetland team.
Orkney’s fast inter-play was causing Shetland all sorts of problems and first half goals by Kinghorn and Ewing, earned Orkney a well-deserved 2-0 half-time lead with only some staunch defending by Shetland prevented a higher score line by the break.
Shetland started the 2nd half much brighter and began asking the Orkney defence some questions. However, Orkney weathered the initial pressure and extended their lead further with some quality goals from Kinghorn & Ewing. This put the game beyond doubt, sealing an emphatic 4-0 win for the A team. The teamwork and effort on display was commendable and all players played their part in lifting the John Manson Cup.
The B game was a much closer, if a more fiery affair. With some fine football being played, both teams were evenly matched throughout the first half, but a late ball through the Shetland defence saw Scott run in and tuck it away to give Orkney a narrow 1-0 lead at half-time. After the break, with Shetland trying to get back on level terms and Orkney trying to extend their lead, the game became a bit heated at times, which the referee dealt with well. This led to a frantic last 10 minutes with Shetland putting the Orkney defence under relentless pressure. However Shetland could not make the breakthrough and although a draw would have been a fair result, the Orkney team did well to hold on and achieve a fine 1-0 victory, lifting the Orkney Aggregate Slate Trophy in the process.
Shetland voted George Wylie Orkney A team man of the match & Ashton Sutherland as Orkney B team man of the match.
We look forward to our return matches in Shetland in September.
Special thanks to the players, officials and supporters from Shetland & Orkney, the Picky Centre, Neil McCartney at Orkney Rugby Club for loan of the tent & clubhouse facilities, Scott Hamilton for officiating & all the volunteer linesman, Jimmy Leask, Jill Robb for all her efforts in ORC’s hospitality tent, Kirkwall Hotspurs FC for the urn & gas & all parents that supplied food & raffle donations which raised a fantastic £353 for OYDG funds.
