Sunday 31st January 2010
During the early stages of the '09/10' winter pre-season period, the 14s group have worked hard, looked sharp and are eager to get back into match action. Sunday's game against Celtic's 13 squad would provide the perfect opportunity to gauge the progress that has been made so far this season.
Following kick off in sunny, but cold conditions, the tempo of the game was at first quite frantic with both teams striving to impose their passing style of play on the game but being frustrated by some committed but fair challenges from both sides breaking up the play.
The break-through came following some incisive attacking play down the right from David Ramsay whipping in a deep cross for Khal to finish off what was a fine move at the back post much to the delight of his teamates and undoubtedly the player himself.
Before the end of the first period Khal deservedly added another following strong play in the box from McDonald allowing for a close range finish.
To their great credit the impressive, young Celtic side plugged away and got the goal that their bravery on the ball and play fully deserved.
Changes in personal meant the boys had to regroup quickly going into the second aiming to control the tempo and hold onto possession as they had done towards the end of the previous period, knowing that their opponents would be working hard to fully impose their style of play on the game.
Every Queen's player on the park stood firm though and with a well taken penalty and exceptional long range strike, both from the industrious Gerald O,Donnell Queen's further increased their advantage.
Celtic were now beginning to create more opportunities and at times their game awareness, ability on the ball, and game understanding was a pleasure to watch and a credit to themselves and their club.
Queen's, knowing they would be under pressure for the final 30 minutes, deployed additional numbers in defence with the aim of overloading that area and retaining possession to deny their opponents the ball or space to play through.
With the ability and movement shown by the opposition though, Queen's were forced to chase the ball for long periods, maintain their discipline and David McDonald to work exceptionally hard in difficult circumstances up top himself, in what is a thankless task acting as the offensive outball, a role amongst others, at which he excels and which is much appreciated by the coaching staff and players alike.
With Celtic having worked their way back into the match the final incident in a good advert for Glasgow Youth Football was a fantastic penalty save from Scott Smith with only minutes to go; deservedly giving him the reward for all the hard work he has been putting into his game.
After the game Murray Crouch said "The club and coaching staff here are well aware of the level at which this group can operate. The players will take confidence from this result as do we, but at this age group, for me, performance is the key factor and there's real room for improvements, so we'll be working hard not just to maintain this level of play but to develop and improve it".
Below are some pictures from today's game
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