The Culloden Academy senior boys football team are through to the next round of the Scottish Shield competition following a 2-4 win away to Kirkcaldy High School.
The team went 1-0 down in the first half following a header from the Kirkcaldy centre back, however, Oscar Beattie scored a long range free kick to draw the game level at half time. The second half saw Culloden play some outstanding football. Firstly Oscar Beattie latched on to the end of an Innes McConachie cross to tap the ball home, after some neat build up play by Fionn Larnach. Fionn then scored a carbon copy, finishing the ball from close range, again after some excellent wide play involving Oscar Beattie. Culloden continued to control the game in the second half and with 20 minutes to go central midfielder Luigi De Vita scored a great team goal, capping off an excellent hard-working performance from him. Kirkcaldy pulled one back near the end of the match but the Culloden boys held on for a well-deserved 2 -4 win. Although there were some excellent goals scored, the win came down to the high energy levels across the pitch and a resolute defence. Goalkeeper Dexter Mackintosh made 3 unbelievable saves and the back 3 of Tommy Smith, Dylan Macdonald and Jack Urquhart defended excellently throughout the match. Jack Urquhart was awarded man of the match for his dominating performance at the back, with countless interceptions and sweep-up play.
The team will travel down to Greenock on Thursday next week in the round of 16 to face Notre Dame High School. The winners will then be away to St.Andrew’s & St.Bride’s High School, East Kilbride.