21/04/2026
Match Report
U16s
ANNAN ATHLETIC v EAST KILBRIDE FC U16s
Galabank Stadium, Annan
18.4.26
An early 9:30am kick-off meant an even earlier rise for everyone and a journey south to Annan.
Today’s game was a massive step forward for the girls in terms of what the coaches have been working on with them in training.
The build-up play through midfield and the sharpness of passing were great to see. The drive, fight, and determination from all the girls were on show for everyone to witness.
Prior to the game, we asked the girls to be brave on the ball in possession and to make sure we carried our passing and movement from training into today’s match. The girls did everything we asked of them.
We began on the front foot and tried to push Annan back immediately. Very quickly, we saw the pace Annan had in their front three, but for the most part the defence coped well with that threat.
Both teams had chances to take the lead but were unable to convert. Annan then took the lead early in the first half, breaking from midfield and finishing high over Grace from just inside the box.
The game continued to ebb and flow toward both goals, with opportunities for both sides.
Annan cleared from their box down the right-hand side, and a low cross into the area fortuitously ricocheted off a knee and into the net for an own goal. (2–0)
Despite going 2–0 down, the girls kept fighting and shortly before half-time got one back. Grace cleared toward the halfway line, and Aimee R took advantage of a defensive error, running through on goal and finishing well.
Half-time: 2–1
The goal just before half-time was a great confidence booster going into the second half.
The energy and desire to win the ball in midfield shown by Anya were fantastic to see. She then showed real composure to find Gracie in the centre circle, who played a neat one-two with Aimee R. Aimee ran through on goal and calmly rounded the keeper — a great team goal.
(2–2)
The game then went end to end again, with both sides creating chances but unable to convert. Grace made some excellent saves and showed real bravery with the ball at her feet.
As full-time approached, we began to sit just that little bit deeper, allowing Annan to press us back. The girls were still doing everything right and showing great composure in dealing with the threat.
After an attack on Annan’s goal, the ball was cleared downfield, and a small mix-up in defence allowed the ball to break to Annan, who took advantage.
Full-time: 3–2
A sore one to take right at the end, but even after that setback the girls didn’t give up and fought until the final whistle, unlucky not to get the draw we deserved on the balance of play.
We are immensely proud of the team effort today, with all the coaches excited and delighted to see the hard work on the training ground now starting to show itself on the field.
As long as the girls continue to play like that — the results will come.