Unique treble for the Bonnyton Thistle 19s

Jun 12 2009 by Clair Fullarton, Kilmarnock Standard

BONNYTON Thistle 19s lifted the SYFA Western Regional Cup last Saturday beating Campsie Black Watch 2-1 in the final at Petershill.

This, added to the inaugural Glasgow and District Youth Football League and the Ayr International Youth Tournament, meant that they clinched a unique treble.

Bonnyton kicked off against Campsie facing a strong wind, but within two minutes took the lead. Scott Irvine drove into the area and finished coolly.

Campsie, with wind assistance, began to come more into the game without really threatening the Bonnyton goal.

Into the second half and Bonnyton took control of the game. Chances fell to Stevie Wilson, Scott Irvine and Callum Shepherd, before Irvine himself, on 65 minutes, raced through to score after the keeper had saved his initial shot.

Campsie pulled one back with 10 minutes left but Bonnyton still had time to create chances, most notably through substitute Graeme Armstrong, and comfortably ran down the clock to deservedly win the cup.

In the league the title was clinched with a hard-fought 2-0 victory over South Camlachie in the final game of the season at Bonnyton Park.

A goal inside two minutes from a Martin Cairns header settled the nerves, and a stunning left-foot strike by Kevin Ireland on the half-hour mark sealed the win.

This is the third time in four seasons that the local team have won their league and, remarkably, they went through the campaign undefeated.

The local lads also won the prestigious Ayr International Youth Tournament, winning all five games and scoring 27 goals in the process.

Cumnock Juniors, Bellfield BC and Jim Baxter Memorial FC were the opponents in the sectional matches.

Host club Ayr Boswell were beaten 6-0 in the semi-final, which set up a repeat of the 2007 final against Queens Park at Dam Park and, as in 2007, Bonnyton won again, this time by 4-1.

Centre-forward Scott Irvine grabbed a hat-trick, the other coming from Callum Shepherd.

The players have acquitted themselves really well in what has been an injury-ravaged season, and their commitment and attitude has been excellent at training and matches.

As a result, several professional clubs and local junior teams have made enquiries about a number of the players.

However, the club will be running a 21s team next season for the first time and hopefully, can continue this season's successes at the older age group.

The management team and coaching staff would like to thank all the players who have been involved this season for all their efforts. Those who are moving on go with best wishes for the future.

The challenge for next season will be holding on to that league title.