U19s net three to see off Arbroath

Feb 13 2009 by Donald Morton, Stirling Observer Friday

STIRLING Albion’s under 19s were in friendly action against Arbroath at Forthbank last Friday.

The exercise proved worthwhile in keeping the team ticking over as they await the start of the Youth League Cup and it gave coaches Dave Binne and Graeme Donald the chance to look at a trialist and four of the current Under 17 squad with a view to planning for next season.

Stirling made a bright start and after a few missed chances early on they took a deserved lead when full back Mark Miller burst forward to set up Mark Robinson in the box. Robinson's powerful left foot strike thundered home to put the Binos in front. Centre forward Johnnie Chalk was quick to react to a goalkeeping error to lob home a second goal soon after and the same player grabbed his second and Stirling's third before the break.

Arbroath resorted to some strong arm play to stay in the game in the second half and although there were no further goals, the youngsters from the under 17s – Mikey Burns, Gary Currie, Andy Hunter and goalkeeper Darren Dolan all played well in the second period.

The under 13s team met Dumbarton on Sunday and gave a good indication of their excellent improvement since the start of the season. Beaten easily in the first game of the season and then again in a closer game between the teams before Christmas, Stirling played some great football in a well contested match.

Triallist Ian McIntyre scored after his first attempt was blocked but Dumbarton equalised soon after. Chris Ogilvie fired the young team in front with a great left footed shot from the edge of the box after a good lay off from Scott McLay.

Dumbarton took command of the second period and came from behind to take the lead. Before the end of the second period Stirling equalised with a second goal by McIntyre.

In the third period Greg Pascazio, who was excellent through out, headed goalward and the Dumbarton keeper allowed the ball to deflect up from his hands on to the crossbar and behind him into the net.

Next week they meet Queen's Park away in a game which will test their recent improving form to the full.

One unfortunate outcome from the game against Dumbarton was the injury sustained by triallist Craig Hepburn, who fell awkwardly injuring both wrists. A visit to hospital revealed a fracture in both wrists so the unfortunate youngster now has both arms in plaster.

The under 15s were away to Clyde and against strong opponents they put up an excellent performance.

Shaun Johnston scored a spectacular 35 yarder just before the end of the first period to put Stirling in front.

The team held on until midway through the third period before conceding two late goals but the performance from everyone was very encouraging. Next week they meet Ayr United at Forthbank with a 12.15pm kick off.

The under 17s team met Airdrie United at Forthbank last Sunday and could not believe that by half time they were 4-0 down in the SFL Irn Bru League game.

Stirling created a number of good chances but could not convert them while the Airdrie team were more clinical on the break away and striker Scott Solly had bagged a hat-trick before half-time.

In the second period however the team showed some character and goals from Ross Gallacher and Gary Currie restored some pride in teh 4-2 loss.

Their final League game is against Queen of the South on February 22 before their League Cup campaign gets under way.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

UNDER 17 keeper Darren Dolan has been attracting the interest of Rangers with a run of great form in recent weeks.

Rangers contacted the Youth Department to ask if Darren could play a trial for the Glasgow team and attend training with them. The weather affected the training but Darren did play last Tuesday in a trial game and did well.

The Glasgow club will continue to monitor his progress as Darren continues his progress with Stirling under the guidance of goalkeeping coach Dave Eccles.

“We were happy to give Darren this chance and this recognition should boost his confidence. I am sure that he will keep working hard to develop his game in the coming months and we will see what happens in the future,” said Eccles.

OFF TO THE SUN

STIRLING Albion's two Scottish Schoolboy squad members are off to Cyprus for a preparation week ahead of the Centenary Shield campaign for the British Championship.

Midfielder Michael McAdam, who is working hard to recover from a badly sprained ankle and defender Greg Munn, who is selected for the second season in the international squad, are part of the 18 player squad that flies out next Friday for a week in Cyprus.

Stewart Taylor, Stirling Albion's Head of Youth Development, is the team coach and Dave Eccles is the goalkeeping coach with the squad.

Taylor said: “We have had three preparation friendlies so far and things are taking shape. The week in Cyprus will help us prepare for the important International games.

“We start against Northern Ireland in Belfast on Thursday, February 26 and finish with a game against England at St Mirren's new stadium in Paisley just after Easter - a game that will be televised by Sky TV.

“The boys from Stirling Albion will, I am sure, benefit greatly from this experience and so to will the club, hopefully in the future.”