Linlithgow Academy clinch West Lothian under-15 league title

Jun 10 2011 by Judith Tonner, West Lothian Courier

LINLITHGOW Academy won the West Lothian Schools under-15 league after beating West Calder High 3-1 in a thrilling title decider.

Mark Finnigan gave the champions a half-time lead, which was then cancelled out by Scott Hutchison’s equaliser – but late goals from Alan Bryant and Ross Cruickshanks took the trophy to Linlithgow.

The victorious players received the silverware and their winners’ medals from former Scottish schools’ team manager Billy Henderson.

Linlithgow made an impressive start and demonstrated some good passing moves on their home turf, with Andrew MacDonald emerging as their playmaker.

They created a whole series of scoring chances early in the match , but were unable to find a way past a strong and resolute West Calder defence and goalkeeper Robbie Burton who was in great form.

Finnigan finally made the breakthrough for Linlithgow when he rose in a busy penalty box to nod home a glancing header following a corner from the left.

West Calder responded immediately, with Russell Little coming close, but the 1-0 lead was preserved until the interval.

The visitors made a lively start to the second half, pressing forward in numbers and increasing the intensity of their attacks, with Linlithgow bringing back players to bolster their defence.

West Calder reaped the rewards of their redoubled efforts when Hutchison netted their equaliser, setting up an enthralling remainder of the contest.

It was the visitors who then seized the initiative as played raged between both ends, and West Calder thought they were set to score from a good move involving Russell Little, Andrew Hutchison and Connor Williamson, only to be flagged offside.

Home striker Michael Currie and Little for the visitors traded chances as the match reached its exciting conclusion.

Linlithgow crucially edged in front once again in the closing stages when Shaun Bryant’s inswinging corner from the right reached the far post, where Alan Bryant put it over the line.

They then secured the victory and league title by breaking upfield with Currie firing a great shot at Burton and team mate Ross Cruickshanks on hand to fire home the loose ball.

Linlithgow Academy: Jack Morris, Jake Percival, Jamie Bouhadden, Daniel Nimmo, Mark Finnigan, Conor Adamson, Paul McLaughlin, Andrew MacDonald, Michael Currie, Ryan Coleman, Shaun Bryant, Ross Cruickshanks, Callum McCabe, Alan Bryant, Rowan Dickson and Brandon Weyzig.

West Calder High: Robbie Burton, Ronan Smith, Scott Hutchison, Andrew Masey, Jack Napier, Russell Little, Innes MacKenzie, Liam Forbes, Steven Campbell, Mathew Marnie, Andrew Hutchison, Cameron Stokes, Connor Williamson and James Young.