Schools football: Springburn Academy’s joy at win in under-16 final

FOOTBALL: Springburn Academy won the 2012 Lloyds TSB Scotland Under-16 Shield when the Glasgow team defeated St Ninian’s High School 3-0 in the final at Airdrie United’s Excelsior Stadium.

After a frantic start with chances at both ends, Springburn broke the deadlock on the half-hour mark.

The persistence of Springburn’s Ryan Gemmell caused confusion in the St Ninian’s ranks and when the ball fell kindly to the impressive Ross McLean, he made no mistake with a cool, side-footed finish high into the net.

The goal provided a great confidence boost for the Academy players and they almost made it two just five minutes later – St Ninian’s Andrew Gilroy clearing a goal-bound header off the line.

In the second half, a surging run from Springburn’s Stuart McCann saw him bear down on St Ninian’s substitute keeper Marc Waters but the big stopper made a terrific point-blank range save.

In 63 minutes, Springburn added to their tally. The St Ninian’s defence failed to deal with an in-swinging corner and Scott Forrester was in the right place at the right time to take his team into a 2-0 lead.

The result was sealed in the dying moments when the lively McCann showed a clean pair of heels to the St Ninian’s defence before calmly slotting the ball low past the helpless Waters.

Stephen Brown, Bank Manager for Lloyds TSB Scotland Carluke, who watched the match said: “I would like to congratulate Springburn Academy on their victory.

“It is a fantastic achievement to reach the final of a national competition and both teams should feel proud of their outstanding efforts.”