EKYC 4 Holytown Colts 1

An early 0900 kick off on the synthetic grass at Bent Playing Fields in Hamilton was the order of the day for todays match against Holytown Colts.

Cameron Gibson started partnering Sam Hill up front after his impressive display in last weeks match against Baljaffray.

We were one up straight from kick off, in probably the quickest goal of the season. Holytown took centre and passed back to defense, but the pace of SAM HILL closed the ball down and forced the Holytown player into an error, Sam ran into the box and picked his spot in the bottom corner, one nil after 10 seconds, pretty impressive.

Holytown were penned in their own half for much of the period and our pressure told when Dean Arrol's clearance found CAMERON GIBSON in the clear, his pace outsripped the Holytown defence, and Cameron scored from just outside the box with a powerful finnish. It was 2-0 at the end of the first period.

Thomas McGuire, Lee Elliot and Jamie Cunningham then replaced Cameron Gibson, Gary McCulloch and Chris Park. Holytown started to look a strong team and we could not clear our lines and the ussual good passing moves that have been our trademark this season were missing. We seemed to weather the storm however, and in a rare break away JACK KERR added a third, and performed his ussual jubilant celebration. The third period ended with us 3-0 up.

A couple of more changes were made at the start of the third period and we gained the upper hand again. LIAM CRICHTON finished a great run down the right wing by chipping the out rushing keeper to make it 4-0. Holytown were the awarded a free kick 20 yards from goal which the taker expertly put over the wall and into the net leaving James Kinniburgh with no chance, to make it 4-1.

An injury to Darren Smith weakened the side when he had to limp off, but hopefully it won't be too bad and Darren will be fit for next week. Holytown continued to press until the final whistle but could not add to their tally. At the end it was a hard fought 4-1 victory.

The boys will admit it was not their best performance of the year, however with such an early start and on a surface they don't like, to continue their unbteaten run was impressive.

Next week we have Aston Villa Colts at Hmilton Palace with a 1000 kick off.

Baljaffray BC 6 EKYC 8

A tough friendly match was played today at Bearsden & Milngavie Sports Ground with an 1100 kick off . We kept our winning run going but only just,after our usual slow start, and yet again after only 10 minutes we were 3-0 down.

We stormed back to 5-3 up with 2 goals from SAM HILL, 2 goals from RYAN KELLY and one from LIAM CRICHTON. Our opponents brought it back to 5-5, before another goal each for SAM HILL and LIAM CRICHTON and an eighth from DARREN SMITH made it 8-5. Baljafray then scored a 6th to make it an exciting end to a great game.

Man of the Match was shared by DEAN ARROL and CAMERON GIBSON, the later gave a great performance moving from centre half to centre forward and assisted in at least 4 of the goals.

Next Sunday we are at home to Holytown Colts with a dreaded 0900 kick off on the Bent 3G Astro Turf in Hamilton. Remember only moulded studs and astro trainers are allowed on the surface(NO BLADES).

Friendly match arranged for Sunday 23 October

A friendly has been arranged for Sunday 23 October 2005 away to Baljaffray Boys Club in Milngavie. We will be meeting at Hairmyres Station at 0945 to travel to Milngavie for a 1100 kick off. Baljaffray have arranged for refreshment for parents and anyone wishing to stay behind after the game.

Goal Scoring To Date After 6 Games

Liam Crichton - 9 goals
Ryan Kelly - 8 goals
Scott Mitchell - 7 goals
Drew Watson - 5 goals
Sam Hill - 4 goals
Jack Kerr - 4 goals
Thomas McGuire - 2 goals
Gary McCulloch - 1 goal

Played 6 - Won 6 - Lost 0 - Scored 40 - Against 14

Lawhill United 4 EKYC 7

A very entertaining and hard fought game resulted in us keeping our unbeaten record in tact... but only just. James Kinniburgh returned in goals, allowing other players to return their natural positions. A tanned Thomas McGuire returned from 2 weeks in Mallorca, and special mention must go to Drew Watson, who travelled all the way from Dumfries to take part in the game.

The game kicked off in blustery conditions and inside 10 minutes we found ourselves 3-0 down. Lawhill were playing some great attacking football and along with some poor defending and some great finishing, particularly from Lawhill's no 7 Aiden Nohar, we found ourselves struggling.

Eventually our boys managed to string some passes together and after some strong running from LIAM CRICHTON, a Lawhill defender helped the ball into his own net to make it 3-1. We went with an unchanged team in the 2nd third, and some amazing misses and good goalkeeping kept us at bay. RYAN KELLY added a second to bring us back into it but no matter how hard we pressed we could not find a way through. The impressive Darren Smith was then switched from centre half to centre midfield, with Cameron Gibson going to centre of the back four. Darren's tough tackling and good passes created more chances but still we could not get level. At the end of the second period, it was 3-2 to our opponents.

The third period started with JACK KERR netting an impressive equaliser and then substitute THOMAS MCGUIRE latched onto a great through ball, he then rounded the keeper and from a tight angle put us 4-3 up. The lead did not last for long with Lawhill scoring a fourth from over 30 yards out which James misjudged and rocketed into the net.

EKYC then rolled up there sleeves, JACK KERR and RYAN KELLY then both added their second goals of the day with great individual goals with great finishes. The final goal was scored by the tireless SAM HILL, who after missing a few chances kept his head up and kept running at the defence, he rounded the keeper to make it 7-4.

It was a very hard fought but fair game, and we showed great fight to come back from 3 down so early on. Lets hope it keeps up.

Lawhill United FC v EKYC - Sunday 9 October

This Sunday we travel to Law to play what will undoubtedly be our toughest test to date. We will be meeting at 09.15 am at Hairmyres Station to travel through to Law, where we are playing at Law Recreational Parks with a 1030 kick off.
With the return of goalkeeper James Kinninburgh and Sam Hill, it looked like we would be able to field our strongest team for the first time this year, but news that goal machine Scott Mitchell has broken his wrist, and will be out for up to 8 weeks, means that more changes will be made. Everyone wishes Scott a speedy recovery.
Lawhill are in a rich vain of form having scored 18 goals in there last 2 games, so we will need to be at our very best to take anything from the game. It promises to be a cracker.

Sunday 2 October 2005

Is this the reason that Gary & Dean looked so tired at training this morning.
They have taken to wearing yellow marigolds and look like a couple of old wummin.

EKYC v Mossend BC - Match Cancelled

This Sundays match versus Mossend BC, due to be held at Bent Playing Fields has been cancelled due to our opponents not fullfilling there fixtures in our association.

We have asked LYFDA to arrange another fixture for us, but at such short notice this is unlikely.

We have managed to book Ballerup Astroturf Pitch between 1000 and 1100 for a training session. Please be at Ballerup for 0950 to allow us to start on time.

EKYC 1994 Penalty King - DARREN SMITH

EKYC Penalty Kick Competition

The East Kilbride Youth Club Penalty King Competition took place at Ballerup on Sunday. In our age group DARREN SMITH scored a perfect 10 out of 10 penalties, edging out his close friend Ryan Kelly who managed 9. Darren went into the final against all the winners from all age groups and after a strong start, scoring his first 2 penalties, he fell away, which he blames on the state of the pitch. Shane Perry from the under 13 side was the out right winner.

The event was attended by over 150 players and will no doubt have raised great funds for the club. The prizes were presented by BRIAN McGINTY of St. Mirren who kindly gave up his time to do so.

I would like to thank everyone who attended and supported the event.

The final scorings from the 1994 age group were :-

Darren Smith - 10 goals

Ryan Kelly - 9 goals

Dean Arrol - 7 goals

Jack Kerr - 7 goals

Gary McCulloch - 6 goals

Lee Elliot - 6 goals

Scott Graham - 5 goals

Cameron Gibson - 5 goals

Christopher Park - 5 goals

John Dingwall - 5 goals

Liam Crichton - 5 goals

Drew Watson - 4 goals

EKYC 5 Villa Park 2

A home game at Ballerup Pitch 1 saw us entertain Villa Park, a team we had never played before. With the continued absence of James Kinniburgh through illness, a late call off from Sam Hill and Thomas McGuire & Jamie Cunningham being on holiday, we were down to only 13 players, and no goalkeeper, for the 4th week in a row.

Jack Kerr started in goal, but his influence in midfield was missed from the start and our boys struggled against a well organised Villa Park side.

We went a goal down after a long kick from the opposition keeper was missed by everyone in defence and the forward ran from the half way line to open the scoring.

This was a test of our character as we have not been a goal down since the opening game of the season, but after some good work on the wings, we were soon pressing Villa back. SCOTT MITCHELL scored the equaliser after a goal mouth scramble, after which the ref awarded a goal, although it was dubious as to whether the ball crossed the line.

At the end of the first twenty minutes it was 1-1.

A change was required and Cameron Gibson took over in goal, allowing Jack Kerr into midfield. We soon went 3-1 up through goals from SCOTT MITCHELL and DREW WATSON. At the start of the 3rd period Dean Arrol was making some great runs and passes down the right, but poor finishing led to the score staying the same.

Another break away led to our opponents getting a free kick near our corner flag, which from the resultant cross was headed in to make it 3-2.

Again the boys regrouped and SCOTT MITCHELL completed his hat trick to make it 4-2, with a great run from the half way line. The scoring was finished when Darren Smith delivered a great free kick for SCOTT MITCHELL to head his fourth goal of the game, a tally which would have won him man of the match, were it not for the performance of Dean Arrol at right back.

In the end it was a hard fought 5-2 victory. Hopefully, next week we will be able to field a full strength team for the first time this season with the antcipated return of James Kinniburgh in goals.

EKYC Penalty King Competition

The East Kilbride Youth Club sponsored penalty kick competition takes place this Sunday 25th September on pitches 3 and 4 at Ballerup Playing Fields, East Kilbride.

WE ARE MEETING AT 1345( 1/4 to 2 in old money) at Ballerup. All players should make every effort to be there.

The format for the event is that all age groups from under 8's through to under 19's attend, and each player will take 10 penalties into their own goalkeeper. The person who scores the most penalties at their own age group will be crowned the PENALTY KING and receive a trophy.

All the winners from the age groups go into a grande final, and will take a further 10 penalties into their own goalkeeper in a goal the size that they are used to.

The overall winner will be crowned EKYC PENALTY CHAMPION.

The amount of penalties saved is also recorded, and the keeper saving the most will receive a trophy.

Al boys are asked to obtain as much sponsorship as they can, as all the money goes to club funds which in the end is returned to the boys.

Goal Scoring To Date After 4 Games

Liam Crichton 8 goals
Ryan Kelly 6 goals
Drew Watson 4 goals
Scott Mitchell 3 goals
Sam Hill 3 goals
Jack Kerr 2 goals
Thomas McGuire 1 goal
Gary McCulloch 1 goal

Played 4 - Won 4 - Lost 0 - Scored 28 - Against 8

EKYC 10 (ten) Yett Farm 1

We welcomed back Sam Hill for today's game at Hamilton Palace, and he went straight into the starting line up alongside Scott Mitchell up front. With the continued absence of goalkeeper James Kinniburgh, Cameron Gibson took his turn at deputising in goal, alllowing Dean Arrol to return to his normal right back position.

The boys started well and within a minute had taken the lead through SAM HILL, after good work from Ryan Kelly and a great cut back from Scott Mitchell.

Further goals from SCOTT MITCHELL and SAM HILL put us 3-0 up at the end of the first period.

We were playing some great flowing football with Ryan Kelly at the heart of all the moves.

Any attacks Yett Farm did have were broken down by the impressive Scott Grahsm.

At the start of the second third, we made five changes bringing on Drew Watson, Thomas McGuire, Lee Elliot, Jamie Cunningham and John Dingwall. The boys continued to play some great passing football down both wings and 2 goals from LIAM CRICHTON, RYAN KELLY and DREW WATSON pput us in a 7 goal lead. JACK KERR then scored the goal of the game with a great run and finish, and his celebration was something special aswell.

Yett Farm scored a consolation goal from a great strike from a free kick from outside the box which Cameron Gibson could do nothing to keep out.

In the final third we made more changes and went 3-4-3, scoring twice more through SCOTT MITCHELL and SAM HILL. We had the ball in the net 2 more times for it be chopped off for offside, and miss of the season from Gary McCulloch kept the score at ten.

We could not award a man of the match as every boy played well.

Netherton (amber) 3 EKYC 6

Another away game, and a very early start, combined with the continued absence of goalkeeper James Kinniburgh through illness, and Sam Hill, through injury combined to make this a difficult match.

Our boys started slowly as usual and at the end of the first third were leading through a goal from LIAM CRICHTON.

Kicking down the hill in the second third, the team soared into a 4-0 lead with another goal from LIAM CRICHTON, the first of the season from SCOTT MITCHELL, which I am sure will be the first of many, and Thomas McGuire adding the fourth.

We then stopped playing, and the boys learned a hard lesson to play the referees whistle, when everyone stopped and claimed hand ball, for the Netherton forward to continue and fire the ball into then net. This gave Netherton hope and they scored a couple of quick goals to bring it back to 4-3, and with the way things were going, we were lucky to have the whistle to bring the third to an end, as Netherton looked like adding another.

At the start of the final third, the boys recomposed themselves, and started to play some football, up the slope. LIAM CRICHTON added a fifth, to secure his second hat trick of the season, and man of the match RYAN KELLY completed the scoring.

It was not our best performance of the season and hopefully James and Sam will be back soon. Next week we entertain Yett Farm, at Hamilton Palace Pitch 2 with a 1000 kick off.

Netherton(amber) v EKYC

This Sunday we have a 0915 kick off away at Netherton, Motherwell. We will be meeting at 0815 at Hairmyres Railway Station.

Goal Scoring To Date After 2 Games

Ryan Kelly 4 goals
Drew Watson 3 goals
Liam Chrichton 3 goals
Gary McCulloch 1 goal
Jack Kerr 1 goal

Played 2 - Won 2 - Scored 12 - Conceded 4

Mill United 1 EKYC 6

A visit to Mill Utd only 2 games into the season is not the easiest game in the world, but it was made even more difficult with injuries to Sam Hill and Lee Elliot, and illnesses keeping goalkeeper James Kinniburgh and John Dingwall out. We travelled with only 13 players, and had to play Dean Arrol in goal, but the boys rose to the challenge.

Dean had two or three good saves in the first third keeping the score at 0-0.

At the start of the second period, Mill Utd took the lead after a quick break up field and indecision in our defence. The boys rallied well and almost immedately RYAN KELLY equilized after a Scott Graham shot was blocked. DREW WATSON then added a second with a great individual goal which resulted in him firing the ball high into the roof of the net.

In the final period the boys dug deep and penned Mill United in their own half, some of the best football we have played resulted in both MAN OF THE MATCH DREW WATSON and RYAN KELLY completing their hat tricks.

Every player played fantastic and rose to the challenge, and any one one them could have taken the Man of the Match award, but DREW WATSON edged it for his important and well taken goals.

Mill Utd v EKYC, Sunday 4th August 2005

The match against Mill Utd this Sunday has been arranged for an 1100 o'clock kick off away at Hamilton. It is not the usual pitch we have played on the last three occassions.
We will be meeting at Hairmyres Car Park at 1000. Anyone travelling direct to Hamilton, let me know. I will give you directions to the changing facilities.