Kilbirnie Communtiy Football Club

KCFC teams had to travel far and wide to play their "home" games with the Vale still being a mess, but their tenacity paid off with some fine results

KCFC U11s girls hosted Clark Drive and a rare sunny Sunday saw the game played in good spirits. An Aimie Chalmers long range shot gave the KCFC girls the edge in a very close first half. Laura Quinn added a second soon after the break, then first half goalkeeper Lauren Steele showed her outfield skills with a great third goal. Drive put on the pressure but some great saves by Jennifer Carey kept their tally down to one and KCFC ran out worthy winners after another good performance by the whole team.

KCFC Ladeside U9s let their visitors Tass Cougars take advantage of some slack defending to run up a 3-0 lead. The home side improved as the game went on and a long range shot by Mitchell Allan and a Lee Salisbury strike pulled back the deficit but it was too little too late as Cougars stayed in front.

KCFC Ladeside Lions U10s played as a close unit with good passing and ball control away to Kilwinning Loko's and this resulted in a high scoring rate once again. Man of the match Liam Cairns (5), Callum Taylor (4) and John Sproat got the goals but the defence also played their part with Paul MacCafferty and Ross Burns closing down the Loko's attacks and birthday boy Reece Irwin keeping them at bay during his stint in goals.

The Lions would like to say a big thank you to Wullie Haughey for his donation to the team and Stephen Maxwell who attended the game on his behalf and handed over a cheque to take the whole team to an "end of season" panto, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. Thanks from the players and coaching staff of the Lions

KCFC 1998 Valefield Boys U11s welcomed Beith who in a hard fought game pushed for the opening goal but good defending and goalkeeping kept the scores level. KCFC started to get more posession and scored through Tony Gallagher and Jordan Neil . Beith pulled one back but Jordan Neil added another before half time.

The second half started the same way with good play from both sides but Beith the stronger and they added 2 goals to level the score. The KCFC boys battled hard and Jordan Neil completed his hat trick to give them the lead and they held on to the final whistle to run out victors in an exciting game.

KCFC U14s recorded their first away win and their first clean sheet with a hard fought victory in this away fixture against Saltcoats United. Dillon Kerr flicked home the opener mid way through the first half. Chances were missed as the game progressed then a Colin Sanderson header settled the match

KCFC U16s went down to Almswall for their home tie against Largs and ran up a 2-0 half time lead both scored by Alex Harrison. Ross Gray made it 3-0 before the defence had to be changed through injury and Largs took advantage to fight back with 2 goals, but the KCFC boys held on to finish winners by the odd goal.

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KCFC U 17s girls notched up their First WIN in appalling conditions away to Ayr United. With Jillian Humphry (3), Rebecca McKenzie (2), Natalie Sloan, Holly Ashwood and Michelle McLean on the score sheet, the team battled well to notch up an impressive 8-3 victory. Well done girls

KCFC Ladeside U9s:- Due to a lack of teams, North Ayrshire Soccer( Sevens) Association and West Of ScotlandYouth League have decided to set up regional fixtures every fortnight and this was the first for the KCFC boys, entertaining Prestwick at the Vale. This was also the day the local lads put in their best performance of the season where great teamwork and determination saw them come back from behind to secure a well deserved victory in which every player played their part Scorers for KCFC were Lee Salisbury (2), Kian Halbert (2) and Jamie Campbell.

KCFC U10s went to Lochwinnoch for their home game against Knockentiber and returned with a resounding victory with Grant Thorburn (4), Lee Jamieson (3), John McCallum and Kieran Whyte all scoring without reply.

KCFC Ladeside Lions U10s had a similar victory playing Largs Colts at Dalry Astro. In what was possibly their best game yet, great play, passing and all round teamwork saw two great headed goals by man of the match Kyle Allan and Liam Cairns be part of the overall score from Liam Cairns (5), Scott Maxwell, Callum Taylor, Kyle Allan and Emily Sloss.

KCFC U11s hosted Tass at the Vale and came in losing at half time against the wind, but put up a spirited second half performance where they created but failed to convert numerous chances, plenty of good moves lacking a final ball / finish . Tass added to their score to secure their victory. Scorers for KCFC were Kieran McClymont (2) and Jordan Neil.

KCFC 14's managed to find a pitch playable at Lochwinnoch public parkwhere they played Beith Juniors in a friendly.
An very even and keenly contested match saw the sides seperated at half time by a superb Stuart Gray shot from 16yds into the top corner.
Beith responded strongly at the start of the second half and were rewarded when Brian Cresland fired home an equaliser from close range after a great save by Dylan Stewart.

However, Kyle Calderwood was the hero for KCFC with a fine turn and shot after a great ball from Martin McQuaker.

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Plenty of action for the 7 a side teams this week but the Vale parks are still a mess and only Ryside managed a game at 11 a side by going to Greenwood Academy to play

KCFC under 11s girls were away to Prestwick in what was to be their toughest game yet but they continued their great run with a hard fought victory. Coming in level 4-4 at half time, after 2 goals each for Aimie Chalmers and Emily Sloss, the second half was also close with both teams adding a goal each (Aimie Chalmers for KCFC) .Better was to follow as Aimie produced a late match winner with a tremendous long range shot into the back of the net which proved to be the last kick of the game. Well done to both teams for providing a very enjoyable game.

KCFC Under 8s. In their first competitive game for over a month KCFC Ladeside Tigers seemed to be in the mood in their league match against Kilwinning Cubs on Saturday 1st.
While Haloween might have been the day before the Tigers put on a series of cameos of their football heroes against a weakened Kilwinning side:- Our own version of Ally McCoist, Harry Travers scored about 6, our Georgie Samaras, Iain Bell got around 4, Aaaron Mcguire took on the James McFadden role with maybe 1, our version of Scott Brown, Conner Mcguire got one or maybe 2 it was that sort of game.

James Dolan and Jamie McIvor did the Gary Caldwell/ David Weir roles superbly in front of Alan McGregor sorry Ewan Boyle in goals.

A special mention must go to Barry Ferguson and Stephen Mcmanus played by Liam Paterson and Jack Hepburn who turned in great team performances to allow the game to go flow so well.

An emphatic win in favour of the Tigers but it was certainly good to get back out playing again and on grass too.

KCFC Ladeside U9s had a free week so took on the Lions U10s "B" team with the young side having a good victory. Goals from Lee Salisbury (hat trick), Jamie Campbell (2), Dylan McCoy and Kian Halbert for the 9s secured the win against the new team from the 10s who started well, but players running out of position left the defence open too often. Kyle Allan (2) and Ross Burns scored for the 10s who say well done and thank the U9s for the game

KCFC Lions U10s were at home (Dalry Astro) to Girdle Toll and after an even first half, the Lions came out on top of their game in the second half and took control of the game. Excellent goalkeeping by Reece Irwin kept Girdle at bay whilst goals were rattled in at the other end by Liam Cairns (3), Callum Taylor (2) and Scott Maxwell(2).

In the first game, KCFC were too strong, Grant Thorburn(3), Alex Baker, John McCallum and Kieran Whyte all scoring without reply.

The second game took on a different picture with the KCFC boys being 3-1 down at half time, but a tremendous second half performance saw a great comeback and victory by the odd goal in 9. Grant Thorburn(2), Lee Jamieson (2) and Kieran Whyte were the scorers for KCFC.

KCFC U11s played Saturday and Sunday, hosting Dalry on Sat and away to Tass Braves on Sun.

Plenty of goals on Saturday saw KCFC edge it by the odd goal in a 15 goal thriller. 7--4 up, Dalry pulled it back to 7-7 before Jordan Neil won it with a superb free kick as the last kick of the match. Overall scorers for KCFC were Jordan Neil (6), Kieran McClymont and Scott Guthrie.

Back out on Sunday, Tass took an early advantage running up a 5-1 lead, but KCFC rallied to trail by just6-5. Tiredness then set in and some poor defensive errors were punished by Tass who ran out clear winners. Scorers were Jordan Neil (2), Josh Proctor (2) and Scott Guthrie.

KCFC Ryside U21s played Kilmarnock Balmoral at Greenwood Academy and outplayede the hosts for an hour going into a 2--0 lead through a headed goal from Sean Anderson and a drive and shot from Andrew Gibson. 11 mins into the second half ,just minutes after Scott Robertson watched his chip over the goalkeeper bounce off the crossbar, Balmoral broke clear and from a dubiously off side position ran through to score. A minute later, a free header from a corner made it 2--2, then as they played themselves back into the game a shot from Gibson was blocked on the line before Balmoral stole it with another goal from a corner, this time low in and a toe poke into the net. Final score 3--2

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The worst weekend yet, wind and rain wiping out most Saturday youth, amateur and junior games in the area, but the Lions roar on:-

The Lions all turned up at Dalry Astro for the game against Kilwinning but they cancelled due to the weather again . The Lions being the Lions, they all wanted to play any way so we split the team evenly and the game ended in a draw with the gale force winds and driving rain giving plenty of cold red legs( including coach Tommy's).

Lots of goals were scored on both sides with the usual suspects scoring :-Liam Cairns/John Sproat/Callum Taylor/Ross
Burns/Aimie Chalmers/Emily Sloss /and new boy Laughlan Logan also netting a debut goal .

AND ON SUNDAY, the "lionesses" also roared with the Girls U11s producing what could be rated as one of the best results in KCFC history!:- (why not go o.t.t. we've not much to shout about at moment!).

Playing away to Kilmarnock FC, the girls again produced a great display. In a close first half Aimie Chalmers playing in goal had some good saves whilst up the other end Kirsty Irvine scored the first 2 goals and Jennifer Carey smashed in the 3rd just before half time to lead 3--1.

In the second half, Aimie came out of goal to score a great hat trick and Heather Dowson added another, scoring her first goal for the club, after some good passing moves near the end of the game. Kilmarnock replied with 2 goals in the second half, but all the KCFC girls played well and played their part in a fantastic victory. Well done the KCFC girls.

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Very few games again in the Garnock Valley and the fixture situation is getting very serious, but some teams did manage to get some action.

KCFC girls U11s had a coaching game on the Saturday , details in the next section, and on Sunday wentacross to Dalry Astro where they faced a strong Dalry side in the wind and rain. In a very even match the KCFC girls passed the ball well and competed against their older opponents but eventually lost out by a couple of goals. Chloe Chalmers and Jennifer Carey were on the score sheet for KCFC.

KCFC Lions U10s had their Central league tournament cancelled ,then a rearranged game against Largs was also cried off, so they quickly got together with the girls U11s in a coaching game at Dalry. The boys just edged what was a great game and a lot of fun for both sides. 2 super goals from Ruby Sloss and one from Lauren Taylor for the girls were more than matched by goals from Liam Cairns (3), Scott Maxwell (2) and Callum Taylor (2) for the Lions.

KCFC Ladeside U14s managed 2 games this week, winning both. On Tuesday they went over to Inverclyde to face Largs Colts where a Stuart Grey hat trick and one from Martin McQuaker went without reply. Cammy Jeffrey had an excellent game and was named man of the match. On Saturday they were away to Troon Thistle winning 7--4. Man of the match Stuart Grey scored 4 with Alan Irving (2) and Ross McMillan making up the total.

KCFC Ryside travelled to Dumbarton Harp in the 2nd round of the Scottish Cup and started brightly before losing a couple of goals. 2 clear cut chances were then missed at the other end before Harp scored another before half time. Ryside responded with an early second half goal, but after John McLeish was red carded for a goal line hand ball, the penalty went in the back of the net and Ryside ended losing 6--1.

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Friday rain once again scuppered the league programme for KCFC teams, but some teams managed to play something.

KCFC girls U11s managed to switch fixtures and bring a new Ayr Utd team up to Dalry Astro to play.. The KCFC girls continued their bright start to the season with a great team performance. Some new players have been added to the squad and Ruby Sloss scored the first goal on her debut. This was added to by Emily Sloss (2), Laura Quinn and Jennifer Carey as KCFC ran out worthy winners.

With no game to play, the U9s and U10s Lions took advantage of the Community Club set up by combining to play coaching games between each other :-

KCFC Ladeside U9s took on KCFC Ladeside Lions 'B' team in a training game at Dalry astro on Saturday and competed well but lost out narrowly. Jamie Campbell was on the score sheet for the U9s in a very entertaining game enjoyed by both sets of players.

KCFC Ladeside Lions U10s got together and played an "A" team against a "B " team giving all the kids a game. In a good game the "A" squad scored more goals than the "B".

The Lions then played a second game with the KCFC U9s against the "B" team, with the "B" team just winning. The U9s were a hard playing squad and a great team to watch, giving our guys a most enjoyable game.

This was followed with the "A" team playing against a mixed squad with the u9s and u10s playing together. the "A" team narrowly winning by the odd goal in seven. The winning goals came from Liam Cairns (2), Callum Taylor 1 and Ross Burns scoring his first goal for the Lions.

11 a side

No games played.

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Heavy rain on Friday night scuppered most fixtures once again with only KCFC Ladesice U9s and u11s at 7 a side and KCFC Ryside U21s at 11 a side managing to play this weekend.

KCFC Ladeside U9s went up to Beith Astro where the home team controlled the match for long spells and had a slight advantage at half time with the score 2--1. KCFC 's goal was scored by Kian Halbert. In the second half, Iain Campbell made a number of good saves but the boys made too many mistakes and Beith ran in more goals to end up as worthy winners.

KCFC u11s had a busy week rattling in the goals, firstly against Kilwinning Eagles away on Thursday night where good passing and movement created lots of chances which were readily taken by Jordan Neil (6),Tony Gallagher (5), Kevin Monaghan (3) and Callum Quinn. The Eagles netted one in reply

Their good play continued on Sunday at home against Kilwinning Jaguars and once again they had their shooting boots on as Jordan Neil (7), Josh Proctor (5), Kevin Monaghan (3), Tony Gallagher (3), Scott Guthrie (2) and Kiaran McLymont all found the net with the Jaguars also hitting one in reply.

Nethercraigs Astro Grass at Cardonald was the venue for KCFC Ryside's league game against Avoca (formerly Celtic Boys Club )and after a promising start they proceeded to "gift wrap" 3 goals for the opposition and come in 3--0 down at half time in a half where they had played the better football. Credit to the boys, they raised their game and scored through a Jamie Whiteford penalty and then a Scott Robertson near post flick then had 3 or 4 good chances to get the equaliser as Avoca were being outplayed. As often happens, Avoca broke away in the 90th minute to knock one in and make the final score 4--2.

KCFC Girls U13s had an uphill struggle against an experienced Kilmarnock outfit at the Vale and in a heavy defeat, Sophie Andrews managed to score the only goal for the home side.

KCFC Tigers U8s lost out away to Saltcoats where a lack of sharpness in front of goal was their undoing. They did manage to net four times however through an opening goal by Harry Travers, 2 from Aaron McGuire and a fourth from Iain Bell.

KCFC Lions U10s went down to the Ayr Football Festival and had an enjoyable day playing 5 different teams .Results were mixed with wins against Tass Thistle and Carrick Colts, a draw with Girdle Toll and defeats at the hands of Caledonian Utd and Prestayr Thistle. It was interesting playing all the different teams and a good day was had by all.

KCFC Valeside U12s travelled to Auchenharvie to play Tass and after a dissapointing first half, the Kilbirnie boys turned things round to end up with a 9--5 victory. Amongst the scorers were Scott Grey (4), Liam Kerr, Scott Hamilton and Jay Borland.

KCFC Ladeside U14s travelled to Stewarton in the Scottish Cup and were disappointed to go out in the first round after a good first half performance went unrewarded with the half time score at 0--0. Stewarton scored early in the second half but this was soon cancelled out when Colin Sanderson equalised for KCFC. Two late goals clinched the tie for Stewarton.

KCFC Ryside U21s headed for Blantyre to play Thorniewood in a bottom of the table clash and once again started brightly going ahead in 12 mins through Andrew Gibson. The softest of penalties gave T/wood the equaliser before half time and then after they were reduced to 10 men for a second booking, it seemed to spur T/wood on and they ran out 4--1 winners.

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KCFC Girls U11s played their first fixture away to Kilwinning and in a closely fought game they ran out winners by the odd goal. Rebecca Melrose, Aimie Chalmers and Emily Sloss (2), scored for KCFC.

KCFC U9s went over to Dalry Astro for their local derby against Beith where credit is due to both teams for putting on an entertaining game which KCFC won by the odd goal. Scorers for KCFC were Lee Salisbury (2), Euan Maxwell and Mitchell Allan.

KCFC Lions U10s played Dalry Rovers away and a good even saw the score 1--1 at half time . The Lions roared into action in the second half with great passing and lots of goals. Liam Cairns scored a magnificent 7, Callum Taylor added 2 and player of the match Emily Sloss netted another 2 great goals.

KCFC Ryside U21s were ravaged by call offs and introduced 3 new players into their starting line against a very strong Drumchapel side who after winning the Scottish Cup at U19s last year had stepped up to 21 level. New player John Chappell scored early in the second half for Ryside, but they had no answer to the pace, slick passing and movement of a team who had obviously played together for a while as Drum ran out convincing winners.

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