An update from our Dunbar United U20's Manager Stuart Allan

It’s been a few weeks since my last update – having played 3 games in that time. 

On the 21st, we faced Arniston Rangers. In 35 minutes, we were 5-0 up, away from home. Daniel Hall & Ross Buckley were particular standouts that night. Calum Richards scored a superb goal. We went on to win 7-2, the only disappointment was not keeping that clean sheet and losing Jake Henderson to injury, who remains sidelined. 

After the Arniston game, we announced the signing of Jasiu Zakrzewski. Jasiu is only 16, but gives our group another great boost. I’ve been trying to sign Jasiu since June! He’s an amazing lad, extremely tenacious and technically superb. I’m delighted he’s opted to join us. Clearly within reason, if lads are good enough, they should be given the opportunity at this level, if they’re ready. Jasiu is another example of that. 

Next up was Edinburgh University. This was probably the poorest we’ve been this season. The energy and intensity our opposition played at, we just couldn’t match. Our goal was a superb piece of football, but we turned over possession too readily and again, just didn’t defend well enough. Credit to the Uni, they are well coached, hugely energetic. We didn’t do ourselves justice that night.

On Friday, we played Musselburgh Athletic. After the previous week, it was probably one of our best performances so far this season. We had some form of control on the game. Never did I feel the game was too open, like the Penicuik game! We defended superbly well on Friday, considering we had one recognised centre half, the lads deserve a lot of credit. We should have been 2 or 3 up in 15 minutes and that was probably the lesson. Again, Musselburgh are a good side. 

It was quite a momentous day on Saturday. We had five U20’s players named on the bench. Gregor Goldie, Daniel Hall, Alastair Zochowski, Ruairidh Munro & Jack Clark. Gregor scored 2 goals, the first being a superbly taken header. The lad is only 17 and last year, was playing for Dunbar United Colts. Gregor has now scored 3 goals this season for the first team. 

But that for me, is the important message. All these lads were playing for the Colts last year – with their mates. Many of the U20’s coach children who play football at Dunbar United Colts. Not only are we seeing a pathway to first team football, we are seeing young kids inspired by such a pathway. Hoping one day it’s them, at New Countess Park. That’s amazing. 

On Friday, we travel to Edinburgh College. Our next two games are against sides who are currently below us. Win the next two, we can create a bit of a gap to those below us. As we have already seen, there are no easy games in Conference C, Friday included. I’m truly delighted with the progress we have shown since August. 

Thank you as ever for your fantastic support. 

Take care,

Stuart Allan

DUFC