Friday 10th April 2015
SCOTTISH Schools under-18 side lost 3-0 to their English counterparts at the Dumbarton Football Stadium tonight.
The Centenary Shield game was played in front of a large and enthusiastic crowd, but disappointingly Scotland couldn’t quite match the power and pace of England.
A bright, competitive start to the match gave the home crowd hope that a win was on the cards, however England took the lead slightly against the run of play through Frank Rosenwald of the Devon CFSA.
The powerful midfielder crashed home a 12-yard drive that Alexander Marshall in the Scottish goal could only watch.
A great chance then fell to Kilwinning Academy’s Murray MacIntosh and it looked certain that he would draw Scotland level, but his shot was high and wild.
England doubled their lead early in the second-period with an untidy and scrappy goal converted by Elliot Cutts who attends the Simon Langton Grammar School, part of the Kent CFSA.
The game was put beyond Scotland late into the game with a terrific Robert Black run and strike. The Greater Manchester CSFA player gave Marshall no chance with his effort.
England now take home the TSB Cup, a trophy played for between the two associations on a yearly basis.
Despite the result, a generous Dumbarton crowd showed their appreciation of both teams at the end of the 90 mins in what was a good natured and sporting occasion.
Sons development squad player Mikey Hopkins started the game, as Vale of Leven Academy lad Ross Cameron who is on the books of Paisley club St Mirren.
Captain Kyle Chalmers, a pupil of St Peter’s the Apostle High, also started the match.
Scotland starting XI : Marshall, Wilcox, Burns, Chalmers, Neave, Hopkins, MacKintosh, McKenzie, Strachan, Cameron, Kelly.
Alan Findlay