Bravehearts take the cup

Jun 22 2009 by Paul Behan, Paisley Daily Express

ALBA Thistle celebrated their 10th anniversary in the best possible style by ending the competitive season with a trophy.

The Under-17s side, who play in the Paisley and District Youth Football League, won the League Cup Final after a dramatic 8-7 penalty shootout win over local rivals Gleniffer Thistle.

Alba marched on to the final by winning all their group games.

They defeated Gleniffer 2-1, then followed it up with a worthy 6-1 victory over Dunoon.

But they weren’t finished there. The plucky lads booked a semi-final spot after beating Glenbrae 4-2 to set up a mouthwatering clash with St Mirren.

And in the semi-final they turned on the style as goals from Martin Sinclair and Gordon Meredith secured a 2-1 win.

Alba then went on to meet league winners Gleniffer Thistle in the final on a very warm day at Renfrew Sports Centre.

From the start, Alba tried to get the ball down and get their passing game going but they came up against a well-organised Gleniffer defence.

A mixture of missed opportunities limited Alba’s chances of breaking the deadlock.

Gleniffer, meanwhile, were limited to a Jordan Annan free-kick which was superbly saved by goalkeeper Darryl Woods.

Gleniffer’s back to front play was resolutely dealt with by the Alba defence of Robert Hewitt and Stephen Campbell.

At the other end, Ralph Gamba went close with a couple of headers, as did Greg Barr, who was linking up with Sinclair on the left and playing some great balls down the line.

Alas, the first half ended 0-0.

Alba, though, stuck to their task and their determination shone through at the start of the second half.

They did survive a few nervy moments when several bouncing balls gave the Alba keeper problems, but Gleniffer were unable to capitalise.

Eventually, Alba did get the ball in the back of the net, with Meredith scoring after fine work from Sinclair on the left, but the linesman had his flag up and the goal didn’t stand.

Ten minutes later and Alba won a penalty kick after a driving run and good skill from Boyd saw the youngster fouled in the box.

Up stepped Meredith to despatch the resulting spot-kick.

Gleniffer got Darren Jones on the ball more and from one of his runs they won a throw-in 20 yards from goal.

From the resulting long throw the Glens equalised. Woods was unable to get a connection on the ball due to an opponent in his path and the ball grazed his forearm and end up in the net.

The equaliser was a real sickener for Alba as the clock was ticking down to full-time.

Into extra-time, and the heat began to take its toll on both sets of players but, fortunately, the match referee allowed plenty of water breaks.

Alba again had the ball in the net after good work from the hard working Raymond Hewitt and Jason McSkimming, which allowed Chris Boyd to slot the ball away but the linesman flag denied them for the second time.

Fraser Black then went close before an Alba free-kick 25 yards out crashed off the crossbar.

Into penalties and it proved a real dramatic end to the match.

After five apiece the score stood at 4-4 but eventually Alba got the all important one through Martin Sinclair to snatch the victory 8-7.

An Alba club spokesman said: “It was a superb performance from the boys and, in fact, the whole squad throughout their winning cup run.

“All credit to both teams for a sporting final and also to the P&D League for arranging a great venue to play the game.”

The Alba squad was as follows: C Boyd, G Meredith, R Hewitt, G Barr, R Hewitt, G Boyd, S Campbell, R Gamba, D Woods, J Ferguson, J Coard, J McSkimming, S Terris, M Sinclair, F Black.

Alba Thistle would like to thank sponsors Cairn Solutions, Aimee Coaches and W Stewart for their continued support.

The club return to Renfrew Sports Centre on Sunday, August 2, for their annual charity fundraiser for the ACCORD and St Vincent’s Hospices. All friends and guests are welcome to attend.

In other news, the club is looking for players to strengthen its teams for next season.

If you were born in 1999, then you can qualify to play for Alba’s Under-11s side.

For more information telephone Frank on 07863 350 350.

To plays at 12 or 13s level, players have to be born in either 1997 or 1998.

For more details call Tony on 07967 429 486.

To play at 19s level, players must be born in 1991 or 1992.

For details, call Billy on 571 6799 or 07841 656 586.