On what proved a disappointing afternoon for everyone at the club, there was at least one uplifting story to emerge from last weekend – and it belonged to one of our unsung heroes.
Supporters scanning Saturday’s team lines may have spotted an unfamiliar name among the substitutes: Daryl Smith, our Under-20s Assistant Manager, who unexpectedly found himself registered and selected as backup goalkeeper for the senior squad.
Smith, 26, is no stranger to the Scottish lower leagues. Before health issues forced him to hang up the gloves in 2022, he turned out for our former tenants Broomhill, Yoker Athletic and Dalbeattie Star, where he lifted the South Challenge Cup and helped the club achieve its best-ever Scottish Cup run, reaching the third round.
Since joining us in November 2023, he has become a valued member of the Young Sons coaching staff – but last week brought a storyline he didn’t expect.
Reflecting on a whirlwind few days, Smith explained how his unexpected return began.
He explained: “Last week we knew Luke Smallwood was going to be out for a while after his injury in training.
“Our other goalkeeper, Zak Watson, was struggling with illness. He didn’t train Monday and said he might be back for the Wednesday, but he still wasn’t fit.
So, on Thursday morning we registered me, just in case and by Thursday night it was clear I would need to play for the 20s on Friday.”
That match, away to The Spartans at the VanLoq Community Stadium, ended with a 3–0 victory and a clean sheet for Smith in his first competitive appearance for three years.
Speaking on the experience he said: “I enjoyed it – the win, the clean sheet, the feeling of being back playing.
“Spartans won the league last year so it was a good result for the lads.”
The weekend was only just getting started. Shortly after midday on Saturday, Smith’s phone went again.
He said: “Around 12.45 I got the call to say I needed to be at the Rock for half one – I was literally getting ready to go to my friend’s baby shower!
“I wasn’t expecting it, but when you’re asked to be involved in a Scottish Cup tie, you don’t turn it down.”
With Ollie Ecrepont suspended from his time with East Stirlingshire and both Smallwood and Watson unavailable, the coaching staff – including Goalkeeping Coach Eric Phillips, who worked with Smith during his time as a youth at Stranraer – placed their trust in him.
“I’ve known Eric for years,” he explained.
“They know what I’m capable of and the fact they trusted me enough to put me in the squad – I really appreciated that.”
Despite stepping away from senior football in 2022, Smith said he felt ready if required.
“I trained on the Monday and Wednesday because we thought I might have to play for the 20s, then obviously I did play Friday.
“That week under my belt made a big difference. If I’d been needed on Saturday, I felt ready.”
Asked whether his Under-20s players gave him any stick about his sudden return, Smith laughed and said: “There was a bit of banter at training, but once it got to Friday it was heads on, business as usual.
“They prepared well and put in a really good performance.”
The weekend also stirred up old feelings with Smith admitting: “Yeah, you do miss playing a bit. If I was ever required again, I’d be happy to answer the call.
“At the end of the day, if someone asks you to do a job, you do it.”
He also reflected on his decision to move into coaching and said: “I’d been around the lower leagues a bit and had a great season at Dalbeattie, but with everything going on with my health I stopped playing.
“When I was asked to come in and coach, I couldn’t turn it down – and it’s been a great experience.”
A coach one day, a clean-sheet goalkeeper the next, and a first-team squad member 24 hours later, his weekend was unlike any other.
And on a difficult day for all of us, few deserved their moment more than Daryl.