14s v east fife

14’s  Sunny Day In Leven

On a less than average park the 14’s were asked to play the passing game that is coached to them and also to ensure that ball retention be better and work rate of the ball higher.

After only four minutes Ayr were in front after a Donnie Campell corner was sent goalwards with a crashing header from Ccptain Reece Lapham. The East Fife goalkeeper managed to push it away with a fine reflex save however the ever alert Roy Barr followed up and sent the ball into the net with a side footed shot.

Another corner from Donnie Campell produced the second goal on 15 minutes when it sailed into the East Fife goal line and just went over with the goalie trying desperately to stop it crossing the line.

Goal number three was a fantastic finish from the “skate park kid” Sean McKenzie who collected a long pass from Reece Lapham who raced into the box to calmly slot the ball into the bottom corner. Sean then repeated the previous goal after again receiving a very good pass from “his best mate” Lewis Neilson, Sean held off the East Fife defender to slotted home from close range.

The park was creating problems for both teams with the uneven surface and Ayr conceded a goal to East Fife on 29 minutes. The ball was bouncing all over the place and fell nicely to the East Fife striker who calmly scored.

Donnie Campell created the next chance for Ayr when his stunning shot was well saved by the goalkeeper who could not hold it and once again Roy Barr was on hand to score. Another corner nearly created a goal when it fell nicely to Lewis Neilson who controlled the ball and struck a fierce shot just wide.

The goal of the game was next with Michael (Alves) Stewart the provider. Micheal beat three players and drove down the right wing, his next pass was sublime and controlled superbly by Sean McKenzie on his chest to beat the defender and then send an unstoppable shot into the corner of the net.

Declan Adam again was winning most of the possession in midfield assisted by Ryan Wilson and Lewis Neilson. There passing and workrate was a delight to watch.

Penalty…great ball from Blane Swift forward to Sean McKenzie who drove at and past the East Fife defence, there was only one way to stop McKenzie and the Ayr form striker was brought crashing to the ground.  No one was taking the penalty other than the returning Jordan Bruce who placed the ball on the spot and sent the keeper the wrong way with a great finish from 12 yards.

Sean McKenzie was unstoppable today along with his strike partner Roy Barr and added to his tally when he pounced onto a East Fife defensive error to finish in great style.

Ayr lost a second after sloppy defending allowed the East Fife attacker too much time to strike past the Ayr goalie Lewis McMurdo who was helpless to stop the shot.

Another great move by Micheal Stewart down the right flank found Roy Barr who’s speed took him past the East Fife defenders to hit the line. Roy delivered a fantastic cross the goal mouth pass to Sean McKenzie who finished off the move with a great strike at the back post.

At the start of the fourth period Roy Barr broke forward from the kick off and beat two players before passing to Lewis Hunter whose control was excellent before passing to McKenzie once again to slot home.

Ayr continued to press and a great save from a Roy Barr shot was next to talk about. East Fife added a late goal to finish off the game.

Coach Stuart Brady had asked for the team to pass the ball quicker and also for his two goal keepers Sean Robinson and Lewis McMurdo to speed up the play from the back. He also asked for a good shape and good workrate “ The team performed very well today against a solid East Fife team. It was great credit to the boys that they managed the “flowing football” they have been producing all season as the park was very uneven.”

“ Our front two guys Sean And Roy were again tremendous today. I had asked them to be more clinical with their finishing and they answered the question ten fold.  “Ryan Wilson, Donnie Campell, and Craig Bova all played in not familiar roles and did very well. Reece Lapham and Blane swift again showed there qualities at the back and credit must go to an unwell Lewis Hunter and plaudits to Jordan Bruce on his performance.” Overall a great day weather wise and another very good display from the boys” 

Squad today;
Sean Robinson, Lewis McMurdo, Micheal Stewart Craig Bova, Reece Lapham, Blaine Swift, Ryan Wilson Declan Adam, Jordan Bruce, Roy Barr, Sean McKenzie, Donnie Campbell, Lewis Nielson, Lewis Hunter.