Academy 11s V Hibernian 11s
Another large crowd turned out to support the Academy 11s at Belmont on Saturday against a very physical Hibernian side. As usual the boys were split into two squads of ten for two 40 minute games. Jason’s side got off to an encouraging start attacking the Hibs goal and creating some chances. However, after carelessly giving away possession during an attack, Hibs broke away on an excellent counter attack to score giving goalkeeper Lewis McSorley no chance. This started a disturbing pattern of Ayr softly conceding possession and Hibs hitting on the counter with some powerful running and excellent finishing. Only a well taken Paul Farren (pictured) goal gave Ayr any hope after a poor first half.
However in the second half Ayr were a different team, keeping hold of possession and getting the ball wide and creating chances. This was highlighted by the performance of second half sub Kyle Brasure with some powerful running and supporting the striker at every opportunity. The half finished goalless but Ayr had the better of the chances and overall play. To have matched a very impressive Hibs team was a great credit to the team and the progress they are making.
Ayr started the second game with their best performance of the season with some great attacking play and a well taken goal from Logan Angus. The second goal came shortly after when a superb defence-splitting pass from Jack Cassidy sent Logan through for his second goal of the game. However, a Hibs goal against the run of play stunted Ayr’s progress and some good Hibs play combined with some poor Ayr defending led to the loss of some soft goals before half-time.
The second half was a carbon copy of the first game with Ayr being poor in possession and gifting Hibs some very soft goals. Overall, it was a poor way to finish a game that had started so brightly with another excellent performance from Lewis in goal kept the score-line respectable.
Kevin’s team started with a poor performance against another good Hibs side. Ayr failed to play at the required intensity and tempo that is expected of them at this level. Ayr’s failure to compete resulted in Hibs being able to dictate play and overpower Ayr with some strong running and excellent finishing. Despite this being a very physical but technically good Hibs side, the boy’s managed to create some good chances with two well taken Ryan Baxter goals.
A good finish to the first game was transmitted to the second game with a significantly improved performance. Ayr started well being much better in possession and after a couple of well taken goals from Hibs, Ryan Baxter struck with a good finish to take his tally to 3 for the day. Another strike from David Blythe completed a much better performance where Ayr competed well with a higher tempo and intensity about there game. Special mention must go to Daniel Wood who put in an excellent defensive performance and commanded the back line keeping the score respectable at times with his play.
Overall, some decent performances but the boys were disappointed with how they played at the end. It speaks volumes for how far the boys have come to be disappointed with their performance against what was a strong Hibs side. The boys left determined to get in a good weeks training and an improved performance next week.
