Langcraigs kids venture south to plunder Welsh silverware

Jun 18 2009 by Paul Behan, Paisley Daily Express

YOUNG players at Langcraigs Under-14s were the toast of the Valleys after they won an international football tournament in Wales.

After playing seven games over a two-day period, the Paisley and District club came out top by clinching the silverware at the Welsh International Festival of Football.

Day one saw Langcraigs qualify for the semi-final after five gruelling group games.

They played top Irish boys club Cabinteely, from Dublin, in the semis and despite some exciting play from both teams the game ended 0-0 after extra time.

But the Langcraigs boys managed to hold their nerve and won 5-4 on penalties to go onto the final to play against Manchester-based side NJ Wythenshawe.

The final took place at local non-league team Denbigh Town’s ground and with a crowd of over 300 watching, the two teams put on a game worthy of a final.

NJ Wythenshawe took the lead early on when their six-foot, three-inch centre forward got onto a cross ball and he managed to force the ball right over the line.

But the battling Buddies were not to be denied and managed to equalise just before half-time.

Great work down the right wing by James ‘Wolfie’ McAra saw possession switched to Josh Fraser who rammed home for the equaliser.

The game was going towards extra-time despite both teams pressing for the winner when with two minutes remaining the referee gave Langcraigs a penalty against Wythenshawe’s right-back for hand ball.

Jack Brooksbank stepped up and slotted the ball home from the spot and Langcraigs held on for the last couple of minutes to achieve a famous victory, much to the delight of the majority of the crowd.

A club spokesman stated: “We are very proud of the boys not only for the victory but also in the way they achieved it.

“Their behaviour had been a credit to club and country while away at the tournament.”