Under 20s | Atkinson looks to build on momentum in Methil

Posted on Friday, August 26th, 2022

It’s SOS Glasgow Development League game week two for Spartans and a trip across the Queensferry Crossing to Bayview Stadium where they take on East Fife, keen to build on their opening day victory against Civil Service Strollers.

Retaining the nucleus of his ‘first year’ squad, Manager Les Atkinson has bolstered the numbers this season and has been impressed by what he has seen so far.

“I’m pleased at the way we have started.  The opening game against Civil a fortnight lay down a marker.  For momentum purposes we’d have preferred to have had a league match last week however we did record a big win against Heriot Watt Uni in a friendly.  It was their first outing so the scoreline doesn’t necessarily give an indication of how well you are playing but that said, I can’t complain too much with 17 goals scored and just 1 conceded across those two games.”

Last season the sides locked horns twice with Spartans coming out on top on both occasions, a 0-4 win on the road, with a 3-1 victory to accompany it back at Ainslie Park however there will be changes in personnel across the board which at age grade football offers challenges in drawing comparisons.

Whilst the Ainslie Park side scored seven in their opening game, it was a reversal of fortunes for the Fifers who conceded the same number against Kelty and will no doubt be keen to bounceback at the next available chance.

Looking ahead to the night in Methil, Atkinson said, “East Fife is a great stadium to play at.  It’s a nice big ground which suits us perfectly. 

“It’s a real opportunity on Friday night for some of the squad to shine as we have a few players unavailable.  We have strength and depth now in relation to the positions across the park, which is great and the last couple of weeks have definitely given us an early indication of how well the younger lads are settling in.

“One of the key things now is about integrating the young lads into our style of play and how we play.  Competition for places is strong this seasons too and judging by what I’m seeing at training, everyone is up for the challenge.”

Locality Hub Bayview Stadium, Kick-off 7.45pm.  Free-Entry – donations welcome.