Fifers pip U15 Reds

Feb 6 2009 by Donald Morton, Stirling Observer Friday

WITH both Stirling Albion under 17s and under 19s out of action last weekend the spotlight fell on to the two younger teams who were involved in playing re-arranged Youth Development Initiative fixtures.

The under 15s team were in command of their game against Cowdenbeath until the last 15 minutes of play in the third period.

With a few trialists on show the Binos were leading by 2-0 with goals from Alan McKerracher and Craig Duncan, but they slipped up to allow the Fifers to surge past them with three late goals.

On Sunday they meet Clyde at Broadwood Stadium in what will be a difficult match. A few more trialists may be involved in this match. Coach Davy Adams will begin sitting his SFA Coaching Award at Level 4 over the coming weekend.

The under 13s team were involved in an excellent game against Queen of the South at Forthbank on Sunday in a demonstration of everything good about Youth Initiative football.

Queen of the South were a very good side and they started very strongly from the kick off. They found Stirling's young keeper Liam Harper in excellent form.

The home team went ahead when Greg Pescazio headed home from a corner kick. In the second period, Thomas Lowe scored to increase the Stirling lead after good work from Alec Cleland before Queen's hit back with a quick counter.

Thomas Lowe made the scoreline 3-1 in favour of the Binos with his second goal but again the Doonhamers hit back with a penalty and then an equaliser in the third period. Stirling were not to be undone, however, and a minute after losing the equalising goal Scott McLay scored to put them ahead again.

Stirling meet Dumbarton at Forthbank astro on Sunday with a 12.15pm kick off. Coach Tom Ogilvie will also attend the SFA Coach Ed course at Level 4 but new coach Kevin Hepburn will be in attendance and a few trialists may also take part in the game.

Although they had no fixture over the weekend, a number of under 17s and 19s were involved in midweek games. Albion manager Allan Moore had a look at seven of the under 19s team on Tuesday in a Reserve team win against Bathgate Thistle.

Last week four under 17 players joined the under 19s team who played against a Scottish Schoolboy International team in a preparation for their upcoming Centenary Shield campaign. Gregg Munn was in the Scotland squad as was Michael MacAdam who unfortunately missed out on playing as he recovers from a badly sprained ankle.

Youngsters Danny Ashe and Andrew Pender played the full game while Ross Gallacher and Gary Morrison played as substitutes. Pender scored as did Johnnie Chalk and Billy Wilson in a 3-3 draw which was of benefit to both teams.

The under 17s play Airdrie on Sunday at Forthbank astro with a 2.15pm kick off in a re-arranged SFL Irn Bru League match and the under 19s are hoping to fix up a friendly for Friday night as they await the start of the Youth League Cup.

Three long standing servants of the Youth Department have left the club having been involved for five years since joining Stirling Albion FC as 14 years olds.

Stevie McIntosh, Colin Jess and Magnus Neilson will be too old to play Under 19 next season.

“We have reduced the size of the under 19 squad to give those still with us and some of the under 17 team a chance to make their mark,” said Head of Youth, Stewart Taylor.

“Stevie, Colin and Magnus have been great servants for many years and are excellent in their approach to the game but it doesn't look like there was going to be a long term place for them at the club.

“This early release means that they will hopefully get fixed up with another club soon and we have already had a fair bit of interest. We would all like to thank them for their efforts over the years on our behalf and wish them every success in the future both within and outwith football.”

Also leaving is Under 13 coach Blair Cremin. Blair started as a youth player with Stirling Albion in 1998 and made it into Ray Stewart's first team squad before sustaining a serious injury. He returned to the club four years ago and is now moving to Falkirk.