PRIDE O THE NORTH 

The 14's Development Squad pictured at Dalgety Bay 

15's Development Squad at Dalgety Bay 

Both the 14’s and 15’s North Regional Squads returned triumphant from the Scottish Youth FA Eastern Conference matches at Dalgety Bay at the weekend.

The 14’s squad under the guidance of Jim Crawford the SFA Dons in the Community coach set the day off to a flyer with a 2-0 victory over the much fancied South East Squad. Goals from Sean Napier and Murray Adam secured the points for the 14’s . In their second game against the East Region the slick passing game from the North boys saw them cruise to a comfortable 4-2 win with goals from Jordan Youngson, Sean Napier, Harry Stewart and a terrific individual effort from Grant Hepburn.

The fifteens squads under the guidance of Ronnie Cromar of Dyce BC had to work hard for their victory against the South East. They went a goal behind to a very well organised South East Team before a goal from Daniel Ross brought them back to level terms. A series of terrific saves from goalkeeper Greg Smith ensured that the North went into a penalty shoot out. Keeper Smith continued his heroics when he saved saved the first two spot kicks to help North to a 4-2 result.

In the final match replacement keeper Gavin Fraser showed that he too could stop penalty kicks when he was called to face and save two rather soft penalty awards. Undaunted by these setbacks the North Squad overcame a plucky East side by a 4-2 margin with goals from Daniel Ross (2), Gavin Elphinstone and David Huggins.

Both North teams will now go forward to the National Finals in March when they will face the winner of the Western Conference matches.

The only problem for the North boys on the day was the injury to Darryn Irvine which required hospital treatment. Fortunately it was not as bad as first feared but he has torn his ankle ligaments