U20 loan watch – December 23
Andrew MacDonald reports on how our U20 players fared on loan at Junior clubs across Scotland this weekend.
After a month of postponed matches, a number of our on-loan U20 players resumed competitive playing duties with their Junior teams.
Dillon Young played the final 30 minutes as his Wishaw side came from two goals down to draw 2-2 with Dundee Downfield away from home. Wishaw steadied the ship with the introduction of the defender and their hosts didn’t threaten after he stepped on to the pitch. The draw means Wishaw face Downfield in a replay to determine who plays Forth Wanderers in the fourth round of the Scottish Junior Cup.
Midfielder Marc Innes completed 90 minutes as his Thorniewood United team drew 0-0 at home to East Kilbride Thistle in the third round of the Scottish Junior Cup. Innes played an unfamiliar right midfield position but was able to adapt to put in a solid performance. His ball-using prowess helped his team move forward effectively.
Fellow U20 player Declyn Cumming also played on the right side of the pitch, playing 75 minutes at right-back. Cumming’s positional sense was evident, as the opposing left winger never had much joy against the defender. Thorniewood will attempt to play the replay this weekend.
U20 captain Ryan Lockie played 90 minutes as his Camelon side went down 3-1 to East Premier League champions Sauchie in the Junior Cup. The left-back gave a typical performance – he was excellent in the tackle and effective at driving forward. The cup exit means Camelon’s next competitive fixture is at home to Broughty Athletic early in 2018.
Oakley United’s Brooklyn Mair played 70 minutes at right-back as his side lost 3-0 at home to Linlithgow Rose, also in the Junior Cup. Despite the scoreline, Mair defended competently, as his positioning and tackling was a constant as the game progressed. Oakley return to competitive action at home to Rosyth in the league at the beginning of January.
Elsewhere, Reg McLaren’s Luncarty as well as Luke Martin and Justin Watson’s Newmains didn’t have a fixture. Alberto Vezza has been recalled from his loan spell at Carluke Rovers.
