Stirling Albion 13s impress against Clyde

Nov 20 2009 by Donald Morton, Stirling Observer Friday

PRIDE of place from last weekend’s Stirling Albion youth fixtures goes to the under 13 squad for their performance at Forthbank against a strong Clyde team who had earlier in the season inflicted a four goal defeat on the young Binos side.

With a few players unable to play due to illness, the team called upon Jordan Herron who plays for the under 14s side but who is eligible to play at under 13. There was also a trialist involved in a game which head of youth Stewart Taylor described as being one of the best games he has seen in the 10 years he has been involved with youth teams at Stirling.

Stirling scored after 15 minutes through Cameron Smith to take the lead. Unfortunately it was his last action as the chest problem which had caused doubt about his involvement flared up again and he had to withdraw.

Clyde hit back with two goals on the counter attack and held the lead as the first period ended.

It was Clyde who struck first in the second period to give themselves a two goal lead but Stirling hit back through Sam Davidson.

At the start of the third period Sean Brown netted a deserved equaliser when he finished from close in only for Clyde to go ahead again.

Once again Stirling showed great character and Mark Scott attacked the ball at the back post to set up Ross Hughes for a great equaliser.

Again however Clyde showed why they have been one of the most competitive teams in the YDI set up when they again restored their lead with Scott’s inswinging corner ended the scoring.

The next game for the under 13s is at Cowdenbeath.

The under 14s and under 16s were both in action on Sunday against Ayr United but unfortunately both lost. The under 14s played at Somerset Park but did not produce the good form of recent weeks. Ian McIntyre scored Stirling's only goal in a disappointing performance. On Sunday they play Alloa on the Forthbank plastic with a 12.15pm kick off.

The under 16s played well in patches but lost to Ayr by 5-1, Craig Duncan scoring. They too meet Alloa on Sunday, this time at Recreation Park with an 11am kick off.

The under 19s scheduled fixture against Dundee fell victim to the heavy rain of the weekend and was called off. They are due to meet Airdrie on Sunday at Forthbank with a 2.15pm kick off.

Last Saturday’s speakers’ night on behalf of youth development at the club saw more than 220 guests attended and it is hoped around £5000 has been raised.