Under 20s | Atkinson pleased with progress ahead of Binos clash

Posted on Thursday, March 23rd, 2023

It’s Friday night under the lights at Ainslie Park for Les Atkinson’s Under 20s Development as they welcome Stirling Albion to North Edinburgh in the latest round of Conference A league fixtures.

After a dogged display in the Cumbernauld rain last weekend, that saw Seb Mrowcyznski hit the net to equalise after the break and Mackie Scott come up with a late equaliser to steal a share of the spoils.  Earning the plaudits last week against OG Broomhill was goalie Rowan Weir.  The young stopper made his Under 20s debut in an assured performance after taking over the gloves from Miko Komocki who remains out through injury.

Earlier this week, no fewer than eight of the squad featured in the 1^st Team’s 9-0 victory over Stoneyburn FC in the East of Scotland Qualifying Cup.   Callum McKay, Ben Lamont and Given Ndlovu all earning their first outings in the Senior team that also included Adam Meek, Josh Laing, Aaron Cameron, Mackie Scott and Sam Coats.

Lamont and Scott both bagged a braces in a collective performance that impressed gaffer Les Atkinson.

“I was delighted with the performance of them all.  They showed that they were worth their shot, they showed that they can compete at that sort of level although they know that there are levels above they need to be aiming for.  I thought they equipped themselves well but perhaps equally as important, they represented the Under 20s well and I was pleased by the way they fitted in.”

Atkinson was in the stand on Tuesday night assessing his chorus of young starlets. Did the viewing offer a warm sense of personal pride for the Gaffer?

“Its not necessarily about the pride for me personally, but rather for the whole of the 20s coaching team.  However the real pride should be within themselves for being able to get that merited call-up. As coaches, we are simply a conduit to helping them achieve these goals to be honest.  

“But for the players, I want them to see what it’s like to experience first team senior football whilst almost being mindful that they have to be patient and it will continue to be hard work and improvement to develop further opportunities.”

Thursday night’s training session in the rain saw the players integrate back into the squad and Atkinson was in hopeful mood ahead of Friday fixture against Stirling Albion.

“Let’s be honest, it will be a lot closer than the game earlier in the season.  I see a team who will be mortally hurt by that result on a night when everything we did worked.  We had 14 shots on target that night and scored with eleven of them.  So, it wont be like that again. Stirling Albion have improved since then although we’ve progressed well as the season has unfolded too.

“I’m still looking to finish as high up the table as mathematically possible and that continues on Friday.  We know we can compete with anyone in the league however consistency is key which is something we are looking to build on and take into next season.

“We’re also still in two cup competitions as well so we are still in the mix for silverware and I’m happy with the way things are going and with the progression with a number of the guys too.”

Spartans u20s v Stirling Albion kicks off at 7.45pm and entry is free.