Kilchoan FC Match Report

From Craig Lindsay:

Mallaig 3-3 Kilchoan FC

Kilchoan FC kicked off their 2014 campaign, eager to make up for a disappointing 2013 league season, with a friendly against Mallaig on Saturday 15th.

Despite missing club stalwarts Gus Maclean & Richard Van Der Peer through work commitments, the travelling side fielded a strong line up with many in the squad putting in performances which will give head coach Ricky Clark a headache going into their following fixtures.

After a scrappy 25 minutes, due mostly to the blustery weather conditions, Kilchoan were awarded a free kick at the edge of Mallaig's box. Despite it not being the best strike he's ever hit, Mark Dornan scored the first goal of the new season as the opposition keeper fumbled the free kick over the goal line. Momentum built after the goal and the away side were unlucky to not add a quick fire second as Craig Lindsay hit the post after some fine work from Iain Macdonald found him in space. It was Macdonald who was at the brunt of Kilchoan's attacks and he was awarded for his valiant efforts with a goal, after he latched on to a long through ball from 'keeper Justin Cameron.

With the boys now playing against the wind in the second half, Mallaig picked up their game and had the lion's share of possession for most of the second half. Some fine saves from Cameron thwarted them for the opening 20 minutes, but they were not to be denied as they finally broke their duck. After a fine through ball cut the centre half pairing of JD MacMaster and new boy Mark Armin Giesler in two, leaving the Mallaig striker with only the Fisherman to beat. The equalising goal from Mallaig was the goal of the game when, after another through ball caught the defence out, the young attacker cooly chipped the on rushing Cameron, who could do nothing but looked back and watch as the ball settled into the back of the empty net.

Lesser teams would of let that fine goal bring their heads down, but Kilchoan fought on and, after some dangerous attacking plays, were once again in the lead when John Paul Ashley got on the end of another long ball from Cameron and slotted home for his first goal in the black and white.

With time ticking down, it looked as if Kilchoan were going to kick off the 2014 season with the perfect start. Alas, it was not to be, as Mallaig struck their equaliser from edge of the box with the last kick of a hardly fought game.

Despite the last gasp heartbreaker of an equaliser at the very end, strong performances from Iain Macdonald, Louis Mackenzie, JD MacMaster and Danny Anderson will give the club hope going into their subsequent fixtures this season.

Keep an eye on the official Kilchoan Football Club Facebook page to keep up to date with fixtures and club news.

Many thanks to Craig for the report.