UNDER 12’s TRIP TO DINGWALL AND INVERNESS

The County football season came to an end on the week-end of 2nd-4th October when the Under 12’s squad rounded off their season with their now traditional trip to Inverness and Dingwall.

After settling in to their Inverness base, the squad travelled to Dingwall on the Saturday morning for their game against a Ross County side comprised of a mixture of their current Under12’s and Under 13’s squads.  In ideal conditions for football the game kicked off and the County side were quickly into their stride, playing some attractive passing/possession football.  Only some stout Orkney defending combined with weak finishing prevented the home side taking the lead their football merited.  As the period progressed however, Orkney began to get a greater share of possession and a through ball from midfielder Aidan Foubister set Craig Harrison through on goal and he cleverly lobbed the home keeper to give Orkney the lead.  Soon after, a clever passing move from Orkney down the left ended with a powerful angled drive from Finn Hancock which sailed over the County keeper and into the roof of the net to give Orkney a 2-0 lead, which they held until the end of the opening 30-minute period.  

In the second period of play, with some changes of personnel and the coach’s words ringing in their ears, the home side again started strongly and put the Orkney defence under some sustained pressure.  This eventually paid off with two goals for County in quick succession to bring them back on level terms.  However Orkney held their own for the remainder of the period and, although there were more chances at both ends, none were taken.

The final 30-minute period again saw play switching from end to end with a number of goal scoring opportunities for both teams.  Orkney full-back Fraser Bruce made a strong run into the opposition box and from the resultant loose ball Owen Young struck a fierce left-foot shot from the edge of the area which hit the back of the County net to again give Orkney the lead.   The reply from County was swift and equally spectacular with a well struck fee-kick from outside the area finding the top corner of the Orkney net.  At this stage the game looked to be heading for a 3-3 draw, which both sides would probably have merited on the evidence of their play.  However, with time running out, a deft through ball from the middle of the park by Tom McArthur set Dylan Cormack clear on goal and he kept his cool to slot the ball past the keeper to again edge Orkney in front.

This sparked a final onslaught on the Orkney goal by the home side, but with the visitors’ defence ably marshalled by Charlie Corsie and Cameron Milne in fine form between the sticks behind them, Orkney managed to hold out until the final whistle for a narrow 4-3 victory.   Both sides deserve credit for producing a highly entertaining match which was played in an excellent spirit and with no shortage of skill on show.

Afterwards, the Orkney squad were the guests of Ross County at “El Kessicko”, a fiercely competitive SPFL Highland derby match, which Inverness Caley Thistle just edged by 2 goals to 1.  Sincere thanks go to Chaz McPhee and everyone at Ross County for their warm hospitality, and to both Ross County FC and Inverness Caley Thistle first team players for taking time out with the boys for post-match autographs and “banter”. 

All in all, this proved a very enjoyable and worthwhile trip which will add further to the footballing education of this talented group of young Orkney players.  Thanks also go to Northlink and to the Holiday Inn Express, Inverness for helping to make the week-end a great success.

ORKNEY UNDER 11’s v ROSS COUNTY AND INVERNESS CLACH

Under 11's at Ross County

On Friday 18th September the excitable OYDG under 11 group headed to Inverness and Dingwall for a weekend of football. On Saturday 19th September 2015, the weekend kicked off at the Highland Football Academy, Dingwall with the two Orkney Teams facing up to two Ross County Teams. The format was two 7-a-side games followed by an 11-a-side game.

The Orkney players were split into two teams, Orkney reds and Orkney whites.

The games started brightly for Orkney with the red team playing some attractive football and taking an early lead. Ewan Stevenson played a lovely through ball to Jamie Barber who took it first time and hit a great drive only for the keeper to make a great save, although luckily Archie Atkinson was there to roll the ball into the empty net.

The reds continued their great start although couldn’t add to their lead. Ross County then came back into the match and levelled things up before half time. In the second half Ross County scored 2 good goals to come out with a 3-1 win.

In the other game Ross County proved just too powerful for the younger Orkney team coming out with a 5-0 win although Orkney had some great chances.

Orkney Whites

Both Ross County teams then switched pitches to play the opposite Orkney teams.

Ross County got off to a great start with both teams racing into early 2-0 leads. The younger team struggled to come to terms with their stronger opponents and although playing some attractive football and creating some great chances they suffered a 6-0 loss. They should be proud of the way that they played against a very solid team.

 In the other game the 2-0 defeat seemed to lift the Orkney Reds who threw everything at County. With some inspired play they managed to create several outstanding chances only for the County keeper to match the shots, with some outstanding saves. Orkney Reds did pull one back with a great run down the wing by Harry Field, who then crossed the ball perfectly to the on rushing Nairn Hall who struck it first time with his left foot into the bottom corner of the County net. Orkney Reds then went after the equaliser, and after some great play between Harry Field and Nairn Hall then fed an unmarked Archie Atkinson, who hit a vicious strike only for the goalkeeper to make an excellent save. Archie was not to be stopped though as shortly after the Reds were awarded a corner and after a goalmouth Stramash, Archie fired into the bottom corner to secure a 2-2 draw.

Attention then turned to an 11-a-side game with Orkney being down several players after picking up some injuries. Ross County started the stronger of the two teams but Orkney quickly found their feet. Both teams created some good chances, however Scott Rendall and Ewan Stevenson in defence aided by Robbie Hewison in goal prevented any County goals.

At the other end Orkney did have chances, with the best one coming near the end when Nairn Hall beat several players in midfield to play a lovely through ball to Archie Atkinson whose first time shot, went inches wide. The matched finished 0-0 with both teams praised for their football ability.

The Orkney squad thereafter were interviewed by Ross County TV before taking their seats in the stand to watch the senior team play against Partick Thistle. The day was complete with the Orkney Squad meeting players from Ross County and Partick Thistle after the match.

Orkney and Ross County Under 11's

On the Sunday the squad made their way to Charleson Academy to play Inverness Clachnacuddin in superb weather conditions.

The matches were 7 a side with both Orkney teams the same as Saturday playing Clach’s two teams, Clach White & Clach Yellow.

Orkney Reds started at a high tempo against Clach White, creating several early chances before breaking the deadlock with an exceptional header at the backpost by midfielder Nairn Hall. The Reds continued to dominate the game however they could not add to the score and the game finished 1-0 in Orkney’s favours.

In the other game, Orkney Whites played Clach Yellow and also started extremely well. They were playing some excellent flowing football and creating chances. Liam Smart had a great shot which was heading for the back of the net only for the Clach Goalkeeper to produce an outstanding save. Liam wasn’t to be stopped though as moments later he raced onto an excellent through ball by Jason Scott to dispatch the ball into the back of the net. Although both teams created some further chances, the game finished 1-0 to Orkney White.

The fixtures were then reversed with Orkney Whites playing Clach White where Clach ran out 4-0 winners, although Orkney White did create some great chances.

Orkney Reds were also sluggish in their second game falling behind to a Clach Yellow goal. This seemed to spur the boys into action though and they created some great chances on the back of some good passing. The goal finally came when Nairn Hall latched onto a great cross from Archie Atkinson to bullet a header in at the front post. Both teams created further chances, however some inspired goalkeeping and defending stopped any further goals.

With plenty of time remaining before the boys headed to the Eastgate for some food and shopping the decision was made for each Orkney team to play against both the Clach teams again.

Orkney Whites started well against Clach Yellows and after a good pass by Jason Scott, Liam Smart fired them into a deserved lead. Clach Yellow came back into the game though and after some good goalkeeping they finally managed the equaliser. There was to be no more goals and the game finished 1-1.

Orkney Reds started well against Clach White and it didn’t take them long to break the deadlock. Harry Field played a great pass to Nairn Hall who slotted it past the goalkeeper to put Orkney Reds into a 1-0 lead. The football by Orkney Reds went up a gear at this point and they passed the ball extremely well. They got their reward again when Archie Atkinson fed Nairn Hall who smashed the ball low into the net. There was several other chances created by Orkney Reds, however they could not add to their lead and the game finished Orkney Reds 2, Clach White 0.

Orkney Reds

Again, the fixtures were reversed and Orkney Whites played Clach Whites. The young Orkney Whites played some attractive football and had some great chances, however Clach White ran out 2-0 winners.

Orkney Reds started strong in their match with Clach Yellow and defender Ewan Stevenson put them into the lead with a crisp finish from a corner. Orkney Reds continued to press although they did have to defend well at time’s against an impressive Clach team. With not long remaining Orkney Reds played their best football of the weekend when they passed the ball extremely well, with every player in the team touching the ball before Archie Atkinson fed a great ball to Nairn Hall who calmly struck the ball into the net. This resulted in a 2-0 win for Orkney Reds.

Special thanks are due to all those who contributed to the trip including Northlink Ferries, Drive Orkney, The Dounby Centre, Holiday Inn Express and the adult helpers who gave up their time to accompany the boys on the trip. It would not have been possible to play football without the support of Inverness Clachnacuddin and Ross County Football Club and OYDG would like to thank both clubs with a special mention for Charlie McPhee at Ross County for making it a weekend that the boys will remember for some time. 

JOHN MANSON TROPHY

Shetland A 2 Orkney A 1 (Aiden Foubister)

Orkney A team in Lerwick

The annual match between Orkney and Shetland Under 12's for the John Manson Trophy took place in Lerwick on Monday 31st August. The game kicked off in bright sunshine but with intermittent heavy downpours, the conditions became trying for both players and spectators.  Orkney started the better team and had the bulk of the early possession.   Orkney’s build up play was attractive but the packed Shetland defence was proving difficult to break down.   Orkney created a number of clear opportunities, but a combination of bad luck in front of goal and inspired goalkeeping from the Shetland number one prevented Orkney from getting the goals that their play merited. With Shetland rarely seen as an attacking force in the first half, the first period ended goalless. 

After the interval, Shetland came more into the game, aided by the freshening breeze at their backs, and fresh personnel.  In contrast to the first half, the Orkney defence and midfield was finding it more difficult to clear its lines and to make telling passes up to the strikers.    The testing conditions appeared to be taking a greater toll on Orkney legs and, as the half progressed, Shetland looked increasingly likely to be the team to break the deadlock.  This proved to be the case when Shetland striker Bobby Clubb cleverly made space out wide on the Orkney right and his well struck shot from the corner of the penalty box sailed into the roof of the Orkney net.  The same player dealt Orkney a second body blow a short time later.  The visitors’ defence switched off for a moment allowing a low trundling shot from the edge of the box which rolled agonisingly wide of Findley Cooper in the Orkney goal and found the bottom corner of the net.

This second goal stung Orkney into action and they began to mount some pressure on the Shetland goal.  This eventually paid off when some clever interplay on the edge of the Shetland box sent Aiden Foubister clear on goal and he hit a firm shot beyond the home keeper and into the net.  Orkney continued to press and a clever through ball from Craig Harrison sent Alexander Scott though on goal from wide on the left but he was unlucky to see his well struck shot from an acute angle hit the post and bounce wide for a goal kick.  That proved to be Orkney’s final clear cut opportunity and, despite fighting to the end, time ran out for Orkney with Shetland seeing the game out, and regaining possession of the John Manson Trophy.

Final Score: Shetland A 2  Orkney A 1

A proverbial game of two halves, after which the Orkney boys will rue not taking the chances that their dominance in the first half created.  However, the team can be proud of their efforts and on another occasion with luck on their side, the result could well have been different.  The Shetland Coaches’ award for the Orkney player of the match was presented to Finn Hancock.

Shetland B 2 Orkney B 3 (Finlay Scott, Arran Walker, Nairn Hall)

Orkney B team in Lerwick

The heavens opened again just as the B game was about to kick off and both teams took a little time to get used to the wet underfoot conditions.  However, as the half wore on, the Orkney boys grew in confidence and started to string some good passing moves together, and find gaps in the Shetland defence.  It was from one of these attacks that the ball found its way to Finlay Scott in front of goal and he produced a cool finish under pressure to open the scoring.  Orkney kicked on from this point and had a number of good attempts at the Shetland goal.  Orkney were then awarded a corner on the right and from Jamie Barber’s excellent centre Arran Walker applied a deft headed finish into the corner of the goal to put Orkney two goals ahead.  Further sustained Orkney pressure looked like it would produce more reward and this proved to be the case when Nairn Hall stepped up to despatch a crisp shot from the edge of the box past the keeper’s left hand and into the net.

Half Time: Shetland B 0 Orkney B 3     

After the turnaround, aided by the elements, Shetland came out with more purpose and were able to more effectively put a stop to Orkney’s passing game.  Shetland’s efforts on goal gradually became more threatening and, after a couple of near things, the Orkney rearguard was finally breached and Shetland pulled a goal back.  With a number of bigger stronger players now on the field, Shetland continued to mount an onslaught on the Orkney goal and were rewarded with another goal with around ten minutes to play.  The Orkney boys were visibly tiring at this point and they were required to produce a backs-to-the-wall effort to repel frequent Shetland attacks.  Despite a couple of late scares goalkeeper Cameron Milne and his back line, ably marshalled by Ewan Stevenson, held firm until the final whistle for a hard-earned victory.

Full Time: Shetland B 2 Orkney B 3    

The game followed a similar pattern to the A game and what the Orkney boys lacked in strength and stature they more than made up for in heart and no little skill.  Midfield linchpin Nairn Hall was awarded the Orkney man of the match award by the Shetland coaches.

J W THOMPSON MEMORIAL CUP

Orkney 4 (Ryan Harcus 2, Jamie Clouston, Gregor Dowell) Shetland 3

Under 13's with J W Thompson Cup

In perfect conditions on the centre pitch at Picky on Saturday 22 August, a fine display by Orkney’s Under 13 County team saw them regain the J W Thompson Cup for the first time in 4 years.

Shetland started strongly and created the early chances, forcing a series of fine saves from Orkney goalkeeper Findley Cooper. The early pressure was rewarded in the 10th minute when a Shetland shot through a crowded defence found the net.

This seemed to spark Orkney into life and the equaliser came 5 minutes later when a fine cross from the left was met by a powerful Jamie Clouston header.  Orkney continued to gain confidence, creating a number of chances before Ryan Harcus rounded the goalkeeper in the 27th minute and slotted the ball into the net from a tight angle.  By this time Orkney had a tight grip on the game and, after a disallowed goal, Shetland were unable to clear a free kick that came back off the crossbar and the ball was forced into the net by Gregor Dowell.  The half-time whistle blew with the score at 3-1.

The second half started with some great end to end action, both sides playing good flowing football but it was Orkney who managed to increase their lead, following a missed penalty.  Good work in the build up allowed Ryan Harcus to gather the ball and shoot low across the Shetland keeper into the bottom corner.

To their credit, Shetland rallied and after a period that saw chances at both ends, Shetland were awarded a penalty for a foul in the Orkney goal area. This was duly converted, and only 5 minutes later they were awarded a second penalty which they also scored.

The final 12 minutes saw Shetland creating several chances as they worked hard for the equaliser.  However this resulted in a number of opportunities for Orkney who were defending well and breaking fast.  With neither team managing to score again the whistle on a highly exciting match blew at 4-3 to Orkney.

At the end of the match OYDG Chairman Stephen Crawford thanked both teams and their coaches for producing such an entertaining match before presenting the J W Thomson Memorial Cup to Orkney.

OYDG QUAICH

Orkney 2 (Glen Scott, Oskar Stout) Caithness 3

Under 15's at KGS, 11 July 2015

At the KGS All Weather Pitch on Saturday 11 July Orkney and Caithness Under 15 footballers served up an excellent display of end to end attacking football in a thoroughly entertaining match as they competed for the OYDG Quaich.

The final result of 3-2 to Caithness was a sore one to take for the Orkney boys who dominated possession for large spells of the match and created the majority of chances in a match where both sides created a barrow load of goal scoring opportunities.

Early exchanges were fairly even between the teams before Caithness took the lead in 10 minutes. This early goal for the opposition spurred Orkney on and they took control of the match for the remainder of the half which was played in constant heavy rain. Orkney eventually equalised midway through the half when Aidan Robertson played Glenn Scott through and he chipped the Caithness keeper for a perfect equaliser. Orkney continued to make chances and the Caithness keeper was called into further action firstly saving with his legs after Joss Muir shot after being played through by Oskar Stout and then holding onto a Sam Rendall shot. Caithness did however look dangerous on the break and they came close with a shot over the bar just before the half time whistle.

With the rain easing off the second half turned out to be a terrific display of attacking football from both sides with numerous chances being created. Five minutes into the half the Orkney defence was carved open as Caithness took the lead. This advantage only lasted a couple of minutes however as Oskar Stout pounced to shoot home after his initial shot had been blocked by the Caithness keeper. Orkney were now in the driving seat and were unlucky not to take the lead when Ewan Scott drove a shot against the post. Shortly afterwards Joss Muir also shot wide after an Orkney corner caused difficulties for the Caithness defence. There was a lucky escape for Orkney when Jak Craigie in the Orkney goal had to rush back to push the ball round the post after coming off his line to aid his defence and nearly being caught out by a pass back. Following good build up play Scott Taylor was next to fire a shot just over before Jak Craigie was called into action again producing an excellent block with his legs to thwart a Caithness attack as play raged from end to end.  

There was further misfortune for Orkney as for the second time Ewan Scott smashed a shot off the Caithness crossbar midway through the second half. At the other end Jak Craigie’s legs again prevented a Caithness goal with another fine block.

With 15 minutes left to play a Caithness shot from the edge of the box just evaded the Orkney keeper to give Caithness a 3-2 lead. Orkney pushed forward in the last quarter looking for the equaliser and created a number of chances with Oskar Stout, Ryan Mooney and Callum Crawford all coming close. In the final couple of minutes a dangerous Callum Crawford cross was begging for an Orkney touch in the box and a from another great Scott Taylor cross Sam Rendall just failed to keep his shot down and the ball flew over the bar.

Throughout the match the Orkney lads played some excellent football and in a great team effort it was impossible to pick out any individual star performer as all the players gave maximum effort. In addition, due to a number of players being unavailable Orkney only had one substitute meaning that opportunities to freshen up the side later in the game were non-existent, but the players showed no signs of tiredness, and kept piling on the pressure until the final whistle sounded.

At the end of the match OYDG Chairman Stephen Crawford congratulated both teams,  thanked the match officials, and the Caithness team for travelling across for the match, before presenting the Quaich to the winning Caithness captain.  For Caithness this has been a successful series of matches, this being the fourth year in a row that they have beaten Orkney on their home patch.

Orkney coach Charlie Alway was disappointed with the result when the team had played so well and created so many chances and felt that a high scoring draw was the least his side deserved given that they had shown so much character and ability.

Orkney: Jak Craigie; Ewan Scott; Connor Hancock; Glen Scott; Callum Crawford; Oscar Stout; Scott Taylor; Sam Rendall; Aidan Robertson; Joss Muir; Lee Rendall; and Ryan Mooney.

UNDER 12's v SHETLAND

Orkey Under 12's A Team

The Under 12's football action continued on Sunday 14th June at the Picky Infield with an Orkney v Shetland double header following on from an Orkney/Shetland Under 12 Select match against Inverness Caley Thistle. In the Orkney v Shetland clashes honours were shared. The Orkney B team outplayed their Shetland rivals and were 3-0 up at half time with goals from Magnus Runciman, Finn Hancock and Alexander Scott. Shetland had an opportunity to pull one back but Cameron Milne in the Orkney goal pushed the spotkick onto the crossbar and over. Nairn Hall and a second from Alexander Scott completed a convincing win for the home side.

The A team did not fare so well despite having much of the play against Shetland. Although the team played well they were unable to find the final pass to unlock a strong Shetland defence that fought for every ball. A breakaway Shetland goal early in the second half proved to be the winner and a sucker punch for the young Orcadians who deserved to get something out of the match.

Earlier in the day an Orkney/Shetland Select had taken on Inverness Caley Thistle with the Premiership side proving too strong for the Northern Islanders who lost 5-0.

At the end of the weekend’s matches the Caley Thistle, Orkney and Shetland coaches picked their top players from the various sides. Orkney Player of the Weekend chosen by Caley Thistle was Aidan Foubister, Orkney Players of the Day chosen by the Shetland coaches were Ross Leslie (Orkney A) and Alexander Scott (Orkney B) .

Orkney Under 12's B Team

JOHN W SHEARER CUP

Orkney Under 11's celebrate with John W Shearer Cup

A faultless performance by the Orkney squad winning all four of their matches for the first time saw them retain the John W Shearer Cup on Sunday 7th June.

Orkney B set the standard with a 3-0 victory in the opening match against Shetland A. Jamie Tulloch opened the scoring from close range and two cracking shots from distance from Ross Hewison and Jamie Barber made for a perfect start. The A team made a sluggish start in the second game and found themselves a goal down to Shetland B at half time. The second half saw Orkney piling on the pressure and just when it looked like Shetland might hold out two goals in the last two minutes saw Orkney pull the game out of the fire. Nairn Hall scored the equaliser and a perfect Ewan Stevenson header from a corner completed the comeback. In the third game a second half Liam Smart goal secured victory for Orkney B against Shetland B. Nairn Hall was the Orkney A star in the final game opening the scoring and then scoring a second with a cracking shot to make it a clean sweep for the home team.   

The Orkney Players of the Day chosen by the Shetland coaches were Nairn Hall for Orkney A and Ross Hewison for Orkney B. After the final match Stephen Crawford thanked Shetland for coming down for the weekend and then presented the John W Shearer Cup to the victorious Orkney squad.

Orkney Squads

Orkney Under 12's

Tommy Ballantyne, Fraser Bruce, Findlay Cooper, Dylan Cormack, Charlie Corsie, Sam Davidson, Aidan Foubister, Finn Hancock, Craig Harrison, Ross Leslie, Tom McArthur, Cameron Milne, Magnus Runciman, Alexander Scott, Finlay Scott, Arran Walker, Reece Worthington and Owen Young