Match Report - SCALLOWAY - 29 Apr 2024

Whalsay 6 - 0 Scalloway

Scalloway travelled to Whalsay for the Manson Cup semi-final with confidence, coming off the back of a good win in the Highland Amateur Cup.

Whalsay started quick and won a corner early on with Ethan Rathore linking well with Thomas Calder and last season’s top scorer, Scott Johnson. Euan Irvine swung in the corner and it was met by Rathore who netted his first goal for the reds.

A fluent passing move through Whalsay’s midfield culminated when Euan Irvine cut in from the left and hammered a low drive into the bottom corner from 25 yards. Rory Henderson in the Scalloway goal had no chance.

Whalsay’s direct play was forcing the Scalloway defenders to concede countless corners. Neil Laurenson artfully delivered a trademark corner into a dangerous area and Whalsay converted just before half time, Lee Irvine the scorer with a neat half volley.

The second half started with Whalsay in control once again. Calder drove through midfield and found Rathore wide right. Rathore beat is man and played a 40 yard switch to Euan Irvine. Irvine plucked the ball out of the air and finished elegantly at the near post.

Whalsay substituted on the veteran Bryan Irvine and 16 year old Ian Johnson with 15 minutes to go. Although they were born 21 years apart, the duo displayed a telepathic understanding when Johnson picked up the ball in midfield and curved a wonderful pass through to Irvine. The evergreen Irvine took a touch before finishing emphatically into the bottom corner.

Whalsay rounded off the scoring when Euan Irvine found space at the edge of the box. The youngster’s shot looped over the head of Henderson and into the back of the Scalloway net.

Overall a good performance from Whalsay and a difficult night for Scalloway who battled hard until the final whistle. Best for Scalloway was the energetic Ronan Bourke and a fine team performance from Whalsay was capped off by a stunning hat trick from 18 year old Euan Irvine.