Young Rovers find extra spark to lift cup at the double

Jul 1 2009 by Colin Paterson, Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser

CIAREN McGUINNESS netted an extra-time double to ensure Albion Rovers Boys’ Club under-14s were crowned best in the west.

The Coatbridge youngsters won the Western Regional Cup thanks to a 2-0 victory over West Park United.

Neither team gave much away in a hard-fought contest at Petershill Park in Glasgow, but McGuinness’ brace saw Rovers take the silverware.

It was the perfect ending to an excellent first season for Rovers who finished runners-up in the Glasgow & District League’s Division B.

The squad also enjoyed a trip of a lifetime to Holland when they competed in the Maastricht International Easter Tournament in April.

Rovers - who had beaten five Division A sides to reach the final - knew they faced a tough task against United.

Lee Hynes kept West Park at bay when he cleared a shot off the line following a corner as Rovers’ defence was put under severe pressure.

The youngsters made it to half-time without any damage being inflicted and a tactical reshuffle at the interval turned the contest on its head.

The second half was barely five minutes old when Ben Collins crashed a header off the bar from a well-delivered corner but that was as close as either side would come to breaking the deadlock and the final whistle signalled that extra-time would be required.

McGuinness had been causing problems for West Park all day and he made a huge impact four minutes into the first period by slotting a through ball past the advancing keeper.

The Rovers fans who had made the trip to Springburn erupted in celebration in the main stand and they had even more to cheer with a couple of minutes remaining.

Another incisive ball from the midfield area carved open the West Park defence and McGuinness struck again to secure cup glory.

Rovers coach Kevin Brown heaped praise on his squad and said: “I am delighted with how we have done this season.

“The kids have worked really hard all year and the winning of the Western Regional Cup is the icing on the cake.”

Squad: Kerr, McLernon, Collins, Hynes, Green, McCabe, Murtagh, Taylor, Phee, McGuinness, Black, McGhee, Henry, McAloon, Reilly.

ROVERS are looking to strengthen their playing pool for next season and any boys born in 1995 interested in being involved should contact Kevin on 07825 044893 for further information.