Sport / Joy for junior footballers after inter-county success
THE SHETLAND 2013 development squad welcomed Orkney to the isles for the home leg of the annual football inter-county last Friday.
An impressive crowd of parents and supporters, enjoying the autumn sunshine at Clickimin, provided vocal support as the Shetland whites kicked off in the first game.
Shetland were quick to settle and created a number of good chances, with Fraser Isbister’s skills catching the eye on the right wing.
Orkney’s goalkeeper made several impressive saves to keep out Jack Wilson and Mackie Thompson as Shetland kept Orkney pinned back in their own half.
Calen Bannister, playing in his first inter-county game, was also looking lively on the left.
But as the half wore on it was Orkney who took the lead with a long-range shot that flew into the top corner, leaving goalkeeper Leighton Shewan with no chance.
Shetland, with the slight wind at their backs, equalised before half-time when player of the match Žan Gault hit a superb low drive into the bottom corner.
The second half was an even contest, with Orkney proving to be tough opponents.
Seth Jamieson, Hosea Moar and Ben Masson were an effective defence, and Tyler Heale, Dylan Tulloch and Ryan Polson also did well when they came on as substitutes.
As there was no further scoring, the teams shared the cup, which everyone agreed was a fair result.
Shetland Blues then played Orkney Reds. Although Shetland had dominated the fixture last year, it was clear from the outset that this would be a much closer contest.
Shetland started positively and the composed link-up play between Robbie Lamming and Magnie Williamson was proving effective.
Spencer Flaws and Joe Henry were also playing well in defence, helped by the energetic Leo Johnston in central midfield.
It was not easy to predict who would score the first goal, but Shetland eventually broke the deadlock.
Good work on the right by Jeemie Duncan saw Finn Grant cross and Ryan Peterson finished from close range, much to the delight of the home supporters.
In the second half, Orkney had the slight wind advantage and equalised through a penalty that Shetland’s player of the match, Blair Patterson, agonisingly got a hand to.
The game was finely balanced as two well-matched teams fought to find the all-important second goal.
When it came, with around 10 minutes to go, it helped to settle the young Shetland team.
Finn Grant, so dangerous in front of goal, scored from the edge of the box with a low drive.
The third goal was similar to the second in that it started from a corner on the right-hand side of the pitch. This time it was Žan Gault who provided the finish.
A fourth goal came when captain Magnie Williamson side-footed the ball into the right corner after some quick passing.
It was a cruel blow to Orkney, with 4-1 not really being an accurate reflection of the balance of play throughout an excellent match.
After the game Lowrie Irvine, from the team’s main sponsors Antares LK419, presented the two trophies and medals to all four teams.
The Shetland players then went to celebrate with squad member Patrick Johnston, who, along with Heath Patterson, had missed out on playing due to injury but had come along to cheer on his team-mates.
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