17s v killy

The 17s fought out a local derby against another SPL Pro Youth in the form of Kilmarnock at a sun drenched Prestwick Academy on Sunday.

Although losing 2 goals in the first three minutes of the match, the players didn't let the bad start get them down as they fought for every available ball to try and claw themselves back into the game, and this hard work nearly paid of for them as they struck the crossbar twice in a matter of thirty seconds, all this before the game reached the ten minute mark.

In all areas of the park, the players were showing their confidence in their abilities as they passed the ball around from back to front with with relative ease although they hadn't hit the mark yet in regards to goals.

Just before half time though, Cammy Barr made a strong run into the box from the right wing and just as he was lining up a shot, he was pulled down for a home team penalty. Cammy himself took the penalty which he buried to give his side a well deserved goal.

After getting a half time confidence boost from coach for the day, Davy Adams, the players re-entered the field of play with a renewed optimism and within three minutes of the restart, Ayr nearly equalised when Lee Lockhart fired in a freekick that Dean Marshall met sweetly with his head but an agile Killy keeper kept the ball out the net but out for a corner.

From the resulting corner, captain JJ Hawkshaw managed a shot on target but once again, the keeper was in the right place to stop El capitano scoring a rare goal.

With fifteen minutes left to play, Ayr's keeper was lucky not to be badly injured when a high footed challenge from one of the Killy attackers nearly caught him in the face. It was shrugged off and he continued without needing attention.

With less than ten to go, Killy scored again but the Ayr boys heads didn't go down. If there is one thing that these guys have in bucket loads, its fight and a willingness to win.

Seconds after the restart, Mark Shankland received a splendid pinpoint cross which he headed on target and not for the first time in this match, the Killy goalie kept his team in the game as he knocked it by the post for a corner.

Once again, they managed another opportunity from the corner, this time Ayr's trialist received the ball on the edge of the box and after skipping past two defenders, his shot just screamed past the post.

The game was put beyond doubt when the SPL side converted their 2nd penalty of the day in the last minute of the match.

Although not winning the game, this was another great run out for the 17s and every time they play SPL opposition, it gives them a chance to improve their techniques and hone their skills as they chase their dreams of playing professional football.