Jarvie bows out in style as he watches his young Diamonds clinch league title

Jul 1 2009 by Colin Paterson, Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser

JARVIE McWHINNIE was beaming after his Airdrie United under-16 side clinched the Cumbernauld and Kilsyth Youth League title.

The Diamonds defeated Cumbernauld Heart 3-0 in Sunday’s play-off decider at Ravenswood.

Goals from Scott McWhinnie, Steven Kelly and captain Chris Kelly earned the Monklands youngsters a resounding victory.

It was Jarvie’s last match in charge of the under-16 squad as he will be taking over the running of the under-15s next season.

But he said that he was thrilled to leave on a winning note.

He told the Advertiser: “I would like to thank all of the boys and supporters for their backing through the years.

“It was a great way to finish the season and to win the league by playing some good football made it more special.

“There’s a lot of talent in the team and they have performed very well this season.

“It was quite an emotional day for everyone involved with the squad.”

The league trophy will sit alongside the Central Regional Cup which the Diamonds captured at the end of May.

The final league game, however, produced the icing on the cake for the youngsters.

Graeme Goodall came close for Airdrie in the 23rd minute when he shot inches past the post, but the opening goal was to arrive soon after.

A blocked shot fell to man-of-the-match Scott McWhinnie and he lobbed an effort into the net.

The match was effectively over as a contest in the 56th minute when Airdrie doubled their advantage.

A long ball forward from Ben Ferguson was diverted home by Kelly who nipped in ahead of the Heart keeper.

The Diamonds’ glory day, however, was to be rounded off in great style when in the 70th minute Murphy crashed a shot into the net off the underside of the bar.

CHAMPIONS: the young Diamonds celebrate the victory which brought them the league title to add to their other silverware they have already won this season.