Mixed fortunes for Albion youths

Nov 21 2008 by Donald Morton, Stirling Observer Friday

TWO wins and two defeats were the outcome of Stirling Albion’s youth fixtures last weekend.

The under 13s team took on Dumbarton at Forthbank and were hopeful of a good performance. They got this – but it was the visitors who were sharper in front of goal.

Stirling dominated play in the first period but failed to convert their outfield superiority into goals. In the second period Dumbarton scored twice when marking at corner kicks was disappointing from the young Binos.

Dumbarton scored again in the third period but Fraser Wilson did notch a goal in a team performance which showed a bit of character after falling behind.

The young team continues to improve and there were excellent performances from a number of players, particularly Greg Piscasio in the centre of defence. On Sunday, the under 13s visit Queen's Park before facing Livingston at home on November 30.

The under 15s travelled to Livingston and scored five times in a very hard working performance.

Goals in the first period came from Scott Ferguson and Stephen Day. Ryan Hunter and Day added to the Stirling lead in the second period then Shaun Johnston netted the fifth in the third period in a game in which keepers Andy Duncan and Lewis Usher who shared the time only conceded a single goal.

Next fixtures for the under 15s include a home game at Forthbank on Sunday against Ross County with a 2.15pm kick off and then an away trip to Cowdenbeath.

The Under 17 team travelled to nearby Ochilview to play Stenhousemuir in the SFL Irn Bru Youth Division match. Following successive defeats to St Johnstone and Ross County, the team was anxious to get back to winning ways and they produced a very good performance in beating a young Warriors team 2-1.

Gary Currie scored the opener only for Stenhousemuir to equalise. But following good work by Andy Pender and Andy Hunter it was Mikey Burns who netted to secure a well deserved victory.The team travels to Ayr United on Sunday before meeting Airdrie at home the following week.

The under 19s team were at Lesser Hampden against a strong Queen's Park outfit. The result saw Queen's retain their table topping challenge with a convincing 4-1 victory. Coach Graeme Donald however suggested that there had been some positives from the tough fixture despite the disappointing result.

Youth centre half Don Morrison has decided to rejoin the club following a short stay in Texas. With his parents now living and working in Houston, Don went over to try his luck on the US college soccer scene. He enjoyed his time but the lure of Stirling Albion will see him return to Scotland to continue his studies. A Scottish Schoolboy internationalist last season alongside Liam Corr, Don hopes to make the same breakthrough to first team football in the coming months.

The under 19s meet Dunfermline Athletic tonight (Friday) on the Forthbank plastic with a 7.15pm ko then travel to Airdrie United on November 30.

Four of the Stirling Albion under 19 youth team are still hopeful of selection at international schoolboy level. Following games with the Forth Valley Schools' FA team, the four – Gregg Munn ( capped last season), centre half Jamie Wilson, midfield player Mikey McAdam and forward Johnnie Chalk will take part in a West of Scotland trial looking to make it through to the final trial. The first date is Tuesday, December 2 with the final trial due at Ochilview on December 17.