(Last Update 26/08/07)

Sunday 26th August

Stirling 1v3 QOS

Into the second week of the Youth season and Sunday brought the Youth teams a full set of results - a win, a draw and a narrow loss. Having received a comprehensive football lesson in midweek from a well oiled Falkirk FC 13's team, the young players in the 14's side were anxious to put things right in their fixture at home to Queen of the South. In a much improved performace from all the players the team lost out to the Dumfries visitors by a 3 - 1 scoreline but could correctly be well pleased by their performance. Shaun Johnston scored a good goal and keeper Andy Duncan had a few good saves as the first period finished 1 - 1. The second period was goal less, and, having made a number of changes to ensure that all players were involved in the game, the team were unfortunate to lose two late goals. There was a first class performance from Alan McKerracher amongst others and although disappointed by their defeat the boys showed great character and promise in a good game. Sunday 2nd September sees the team travel to Arbroath.

Sunday 19th August

Livingston 0v5 Stirling Albion

Youth Development Co-ordinator, Stewart Taylor leaves home at 8.05 am for a drive to Livingston where the newly formed 14's team are to take on Livingston in their first serious match with a 10.30 am kick off. A competitive game is very much anticipated but in fact , as ex senior Roddy Grant explained, his Livingston team is made up of both 13's and 14's and the Bino's get an easier baptism than expected. In the first of the three periods the direct play and clinical finishing of striker Sean Johnstone sees the youngster bag a hat trick of goals each one well executed. Stirling did not have the play all to themselves as the smart inter play of the younger Livingston team kept the defence on their toes.Goalkeeper Andy Duncan dealt well with anything that got passed his defenders. After a goalless second period Paul Roger netted twice in the third period, his first after Jack Brisbane's long distance effort came down off the bar.This was a confidence booster for the new boys but coach Ian McConnell knows they can expect much tougher fixtures in the weeks ahead. On Sunday 26th August they play Queen of the South at home - Stirling University in the meantime and then on Sunday 2nd of September it's an away trip to Arbroath.

PRE-SEASON UPDATE

Over 60 young players responded to the invite to try out for our new team at 14's level for players born in 1994. With two trials held at Stirling University and then further coaching sessions and games at King's Park a final squad is almost ready to embark on an SFA Youth Initiative programme of games against other SFL clubs. 'It will be a steep learning curve for our new team as other clubs will have been together for a full season. However we have been impressed both by the number and quality of the players hoping to be involved in our programme and the new coaches, Ian McConnell and ex youth player David Thomson are keen to get started.'