Monday 9th December 2013
OUR under-19s team finished the first half of the season yesterday with a confidence boosting 3-2 win against Cowdenbeath.
Donald McCallum netted twice and helped the young Sons to a deserved victory over their Fife counterparts.
The positive manner in which the lads finished off the first portion of the campaign is pleasing coaches Colin Nish and Richard Salvetta.
“We are now looking much more solid and cutting out the individual errors which were costing us goals and games in previous weeks”, said Richie.
“This bodes well for the second half of our season and over the past few games we have finally been able to field a more settled side for the first time this season.
“Two goals from Donald McCallum yesterday and one from Daniel Lightbody gave us the win.
“Daniel is one of three younger players in our squad who are still eligible to play under 17s and is showing up very well in more experienced company.
“Striker Andrew Biddulph has also played very well lately and after a good scoring spell of six in four matches his overall game has improved remarkably.”
Richie continued : “Colin has been passing on some great tips to Andrew to help in his continued development.
“Andrew is one of many players we have who can continue with us for next season while trying to break into the first team squad.
“Many of our opponents in this years 19s have already played for a season at this level and also have their quota of two under 21 outfield players and one overage goalkeeper.
“This has proved a tough test for our young squad and they have only come to terms with it in recent weeks.”
Despite the break, the lads will continue to be tested in the coming weeks.
“We will continue to train over Christmas alongside the first team”, said Richie “and the high standard of training and professionalism which our players see on a weekly basis can only spur them on to reach new levels.
“We have also arranged some friendlies over the next few weeks starting against The EduSport French academy this coming Sunday.
“This link has already brought us two new players into our squad.
“All in all after a late start to our preparations for this season due to the league reconstruction, Colin and I are now much happier with where we are at in terms of players and standard of play being produced.”
Alan Findlay