Jags wrap up title in fine style

May 15 2010 by Paul Behan, Paisley Daily Express

GLENIFFER THISTLE 4 QUARRIERS UTD 0

GLENIFFER Thistle’s under-13 team captured the Paisley and District League Two title with a thrilling victory over a much-improved Quarriers side.

The match was played at Gleniffer’s new home ground at Abbotsinch – a fantastic new facility which the club can be proud of.

The large playing surface was a welcome change for the young Jags, given some of the sub-standard pitches they had played on over the course of the season.

Their passing style of play was on show once again, and they frequently cut the Quarriers defence open in the first period, although theyonly had a one-goal advantage at the break.

Max Rosie had the first real chance for Jags, but was unlucky to see his left-foot effort spin wide.

Long-range strikes from Lindsay Inch and Andrew Hume were next to go off target, before Ian Campbell forced the United keeper into a low save.

And Campbell was unlucky to see his angled drive skim the top of the bar soon after that.

Inch then picked the ball up in space at the angle of the box after a sublime pass by Jack Fulton, but as he drove forward and shot, his attempt went wide.

Conor Higgins then got in on the action with a decent effort, and shortly afterwards he gave Thistle the lead with a stunning goal.

Higgins won a free kick on the half way line.

He dusted himself down and made his way to the edge of the Quarriers box.

The free kick from Blair Smith was poorly cleared and he returned the ball to the edge of the area.

Higgins controlled the high ball instantly, before side-stepping a defender and firing an unstoppable strike into the bottom corner of the net.

Thistle started the second period with their tails up, and Darren Muldoon was bombing forward from right back, being given the space to do so by the solid displays of Ally McNaughton and Ross Armstrong in defence.

Quarriers, however, began to creep back into the match and Glen’s goalie Ciaran McKean had to look lively to keep out a free kick.

The next goal was going to be vital– and it was Thistle who got it.

Andrew Hume won the ball in midfield.

He moved it to Andy O’Donnell who found Higgins in space.

Higgins turned and smacked the ball over the despairing keeper high into the net.

Thistle were comfortable now and started to create more chances.

Aidan Higgins played a great ball up the line to Martyn Crowe who put Lindsay Inch through on goal.

He took a great touch to set himself up before coolly slotting into the bottom corner.

And Thistle made it four when Hume linked up with Jonny Madigan and Ewan Gilchrist before skipping through the defence.

He kept calm and placed the ball past the goalie to round off a fantastic performance.

Gleniffer’s next match is later today when they take on Port Glasgow at Parklea.