Another month has gone by since our last update on the youths and a pretty successful month in terms of performances across the board.
The under 16s continued their fine form with an unbeaten month. QoS 3-3 Stirling, Airdrie 4-5 QoS- a game where the lead changed hands 3 times, coming back from 4-3 down. Montrose 0-6 QoS - 5-0 at half time in a terrific display despite the early morning journey. Alloa 2-5 QoS. A super team performance after going one down early. A sublime hat trick from Josh Kelly was the highlight of the game. Overall, a mature team performance showing control at important times of the game. The boys very much maturing and finding their feet in their first CAS season.
The under 18's lost 6-0 to Airdrie with a very young 2007 side taking on Airdrie's 2006 team, however a great learning curve to play against older players. The u18's then progressed in the Youth Cup with a fantastic 3-0 win over Airdrie, followed by a 1-0 away win to Alloa. Unfortunately that was all this month competitively due to both our Stirling Albion and Montrose games being postponed as a result of factors outwith our control. The under 18's did however play large parts in Friendly wins over Threave u20's and Abbey Vale.
The reserves turned their fortunes around in terms of results with two games against Airdrie in which we remained undefeated, a 1-1 draw away and a comprehensive 5-2 victory yesterday, which saw Lewis Downie score a hattrick with Kier Foster and Finlay Kennedy grabbing the other two goals. As mentioned above a couple of friendlies this month proved beneficial and we thank both clubs for the games. This month we have still to play Dalbeattie and Newton Stewart to tide us over the Christmas period.
Loans- We still have several players out on loan, young Keir Foster played in the Scottish Cup vs Morton which was a great experience for the young midfielder. Charlie Watson and Niall Rogerson are consistent performers with Dalbeattie Star, with Charlie scoring a brace at the weekend. Lewis Downie contiues to grow into adult football with Abbey Vale, keeping up his fine goalscoring record. Jay Burns continues to play with Gretna and featured in their friendly vs Annan last week. Harry McLinden, Shay Meagher and Cammy Bryson are also out on loan as we aim to get them a taste of Adult football to continue their development.
Unfortunately, Andy Oram, Euan Ross, Greig Frame and Peter Mendy are all still sidelined with injury.
Key moments of the month-
Youth product Lewis Currie, made his first team debut in the 4-1 victory over Montrose.
Ben Johnstone and Ross Irving both scored from the spot as we beat Dundee United in the Scottish Cup.
A hat-trick apiece for Josh Kelly and Lewis Downie in the same week! Josh Kelly featured for the reserves as the first 15 year old to feature for us this season after a fine run of games for the u16's.
Harry McLinden, Keir Foster, Matt Hall, Charlie Watson, Niall Rogerson have been up and trained with the first team for a taste of first team training.
Shay Meagher, Cammy Edgar and Callum Hill all made the trials for Scotland Schoolboys, which was a great achievement.