U11s

With not having played for some weeks it was a high energy Raith Rovers squad who travelled to Kilwinning on Sunday and resulted in the first 2 games being played at a somewhat frantic pace.

On pitch 1 it was Raith who worked the hardest and made it difficult for the Killie side to settle. Goalkeeper Lyle made several fine saves while timely tackles by Strapp and Caldwell keep the Raith side a bay for some time before Raith scored. Killie were unable to get into their stride but eventually Strapp scored a well worked goal before Raith scored with a penalty with virtually the last kick of the ball of that game.

In game 2 you would think it was a totally different Killie as everything clicked into gear as good play and well worked goals were witnessed throughout this match. The pick of goals were - Ablorh's good work down the left allowed him to unselfishly cross for Trialist to score at the back post. A good interchange between Strapp and Brown allowed Strapp's goal to be a contender for goal of the game. This was later joined by McGee's excellent solo effort.

On Pitch 2 Game 1 saw an early pass and move combination with TJ Shirkie and David Anderson resulted in shots being well saved by the Raith goalkeeper. Next it was Raith's turn to attack and with the Killie defence caught sleeping the Raith number 9 slipped in to shoot but Killie goalie Sam Arthur was alert and cut out the danger. Again Arthur was off his line sharply to deny Raith a scoring chance. The game was played with lots of zest and flair with a terrific pass and move from the defence to midfield then to attack. Following cute back heel from TJ Shirkie Lewis Morrison shot past the Raith keeper. Killie pushed on and scored again with Robbie Graham getting on the score sheet. Raith replied but Killie continued to stay on top. In the next game Killie started the way they finished the last game and didn't give Raith a second on the ball. Jamie Cook scored a scorcher when Killie played a short corner and caught out Raith. Euan Knox also got on the score sheet as did Kieran Findlay. The flowing football was a joy to watch as was the solidity of Arthur in goals, David Anderson and David Burrows at the back, thus allowing Killie to finish the game strongly.

U12s

Killie u12s had their first game in a couple of weeks at home to Raith Rovers and at times the Killie side looked to lack match sharpness.

While the first 30 mins Killie were in complete control of the game confidently moving the ball around and keeping possession it was Raith who caught the Killie defence napping with a very quick break away which resulted in a penalty. Pearce Watt did well to save the initial penalty only for Raith to score from the rebound.
Second period and Killie struggled to show the composure of the first 30 mins and it proved to be a very scrappy period with Killie getting caught too high up the park and Raith made them pay by scoring again.
In the final period the youngsters put in a better performance but again failed to find any real quality or penetration in the final third of the park.

U13s

Due to Illness in the Raith's U13s squad Raith were forced to cancel our 13s fixture.

U14s

After their fine run out on Friday night v Queens Park the Killie 14s took to the field with a much needed boost in confidence. Two U13s were introduced to the squad and after a goalless 1^st session it was two youngsters who linked up well to open the scoring when good play by Declan Murphy on the left allowed Samson to calmly shoot past the Raith keeper. Confidence throughout the team was now growing all the more and Chisholm, McCreadie, Trialist and Beck all getting involved in several good passages of play. Any attacking moves by Raith were dealt with by McCracken and McKay duly supported by Dean's and McPherson along GK Paterson. Fullback Dunlop joined the defence as he continued his comeback from injury.

The introduction of McEvoy was a continual threat down the left and a Raith defender could all but hit McEvoy's volleyed cross into his own net. Shortly after that McEvoy crossed for Samson who out jumped the Raith defence to head home his second.

Raith finished the scoring when a quick break down the left allowed the striker time and space to shoot home.

A good performance by all and hopefully will prepare the 14s for the eagerly awaited match v Falkirk.

U15s

With Kirkcaldy snowbound the match was reversed to Greenwood. From the onset it was a contrast in styles. Raith opting for the more direct route to goal while Kilmarnock attempted to pass the ball albeit with no great effect. It was Raith who were more of a threat in the early part of the game with the Killie back four of Julyan, McCormick, Blackwood and Stobo having to prove their worth and Gk Owens making comfortable saves whenever he was called into action.

In the second session Killie came more into the game with Maguire and Crossan both came close to scoring.

In the 3^rd session there was still little football being played.Raith's high tempo approach restricted the Killie midfields ability to feed quality balls to the strikers. While chances were rare it was Killie who were the more likely to score and chances were few as Thomson mistimed his header after good delivery from Muirhead. Thomson was unlucky this time when Crossans good run and cross set him up for a shot at goal which was blocked 3 times by the Raith defence as the ball ricocheted around the 6 yard box.

A goal finally came for Killie when McNeil cut in from the right and drove into the box. While his shot was blocked the ball rebounded to McEvoy, who having ran 30yds, was then able to fire the ball into the net. With 6 mins to go Raith scored when after coping well with long balls all day the Killie defence delayed in possession and allowed the Raith striker access to the ball before he drove into the box and fired the low shot past the advancing Caddis.

In summary both teams worked hard throughout but with little football on display it was not for the football purest.

Next week's Games are all against Falkirk

Saturday 6^th March

U11s - 11.00am Airthrey Academy Grass Pitches, Stirling Uni FK9 4NJ

U12s - 11.00am Stirling Uni Rubber Crumb FK9 4LA

Sunday 7^th March

U13s - 12.00noon Airthrey Academy Grass Pitches, Stirling Uni FK9 4NJ

U14s - 12.00noon Airthrey Academy Grass Pitches, Stirling Uni FK9 4NJ

U15s - 2.00pm Almswall Field Turf, Kilwinning KA13 6DN

U17s - 2.00pm Greenwood Academy Field Turf, Dreghorn, KA11 4HL