Bannockburn triumph in final thriller

Jun 10 2009 by Jean Pedder, Stirling Observer Wednesday

BANNOCKBURN AMS 19s 5

CAMELON JUNIORS 4

BANNOCKBURN 19s and Camelon met for this FVFDA Challenge Cup Final at Ochilview Stadium and Burn came out on top of this entertaining match.

Burn looked up for the game from the start and took an early lead when Steven Christie picked the ball up in his own half and as passes were exchanged between Sean Gallagher and Marc McAuley.

Christie continued his run and slotted under the advancing Camelon keeper to give Burn a dream start.

But Burn lost concentration and straight from the kick off Camelon got in down the left and as the cross came in the striker was left with a tap in.

This did not deter Burn and Andy Neilson pounced on a defensive mistake and beat the keeper to the ball to restore Burn's lead.

Then came the goal of the game. Neilson was sent down the left by Gallagher and he lashed the ball into the net leaving the keeper rooted to the spot.

Burn began to use their cushion to their advantage and they continued to put pressure on Camelon and they suffered as Ross Evans whipped in an excellent free kick and Sean Gallagher rose highest to head home.

Just before half time Camelon got one pack as the free kick was whipped into the back post and headed past Steven Hogg.

Into the second half and Burn took their foot off the gas a little but chances fell to subs Craig Thomson and Joe McKeown but they couldn't take them.

Camelon then got themselves back into the game with two goals in quick succession to level it up at four all

Burn were forced to defend as Camelon started to pole on the pressure and it took goal line clearances from Sean McFarlane and Steven Cooper to keep Camelon out.

These were to prove crucial as Burn caught Camelon out as good work between McAuley and Thomson set up Neilson who's turn and shot left the keeper struggling and the ball crept over the line to give Burn the lead for the third time.

Burn were then put under pressure as Camelon searched for the equaliser but Gary Hamilton almost added to the lead as his dipping shot required the finger tips of the keeper to keep it out.

The final whistle then came to spark scenes of celebration and joy as Burn ended their season with victory and a trophy to make it a successful season for Burn.

Special mention goes to the whole squad for their efforts in this game and captain Barry McKeown led by example and marshalled the defence well.