Under 20s looking to have a Little Big Shot at Youth Cup glory

Posted on Sunday, September 20th, 2015

Les Atkinson’s Under 20s are in Little Big Shot Scottish Youth Cup action on Sunday at Ainslie Park against French outfit Edusport Academy.

Spartans won their League Cup encounter 3-0 a few weeks ago in the League Cup however their players had just arrived in the UK.  The French side, who play their home games at the Academy, beat Dumbarton on penalties in the last round and for that game they had pulled in three of their “big” team which is leading the South of Scotland League and the team looked very strong.  Indeed last weekend they beat Preston 3 – 2 in the League Cup, a Preston team which had won 5-2 the week before.

Our under 20 this season are quite young with so many of the eligible players playing for either our Lowland League or EoS league teams.  For today however we would expect that some or all of Paul Dickson, Aaron Murrell, Blair Atkinson and Kai Wilson to feature.  Last season we had watched Rangers U20’s lose comfortably to Hibs U20s so we thought we had a chance, especially after beating Partick Thistle 4 – 2.  We turned up at Ibrox to find Rangers had recalled 6 players on loan to clubs in the SPFL and they ran out worthy winners!  And a few of these boys are now in the 1st XI squad at Ibrox.

The chance however to play one of the SPFL clubs is a big incentive for the players.  Skipper Alex Imlah has made a strong start to the season with both Andy Mair from midfield and 16 year old Harry Girdwood amongst the goals.  Head Coach Les Atkinson is excited ahead of the tie, “We loved our cup run last season and our games against Partick and Rangers gave us memories we will hold for a very long time.  Today will be tough, the French young players are technically good and physically very strong.  For a few of our boys it will be their last cup run before they get too old.  We will need all their experience to get through today.  It would be great to get a big Spartans turn out behind us.”

The tie is technically and ‘away game’ for Spartans with our ‘hosts’ being drawn out the hat first.  Kick-off is 3pm.  We’d love to see you at the Academy to cheer on the lads.


Next Fixture

                     
Date: 16/11/24
Opponent: Stirling Albion
Venue:Ainslie Park
Competition: SPFL 2
Kick off: 3.00pm

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