Stuart Allan U20's Update

We are now approaching the halfway mark in our pre-season having started on the 4th of July. Since my last update, we have now played 3 pre-season fixtures and the boys have been working hard. 

The first two weeks of pre-season were really challenging for the boys. They got through a lot of distance, but it all had a purpose. We’ve done a number of standardised tests and we are happy where the boys are at. We play 7 games which will do the boys the world of good in preparation for the first game come the 12th of August. 

We played Tranent Juniors in our first game and we competed very well. It was played at 100mph but our boys gave an excellent account of themselves. We could have been better in both boxes, but that’s what pre-season is for. Gregor Goldie and Brandon Dean scored very well taken goals. Calum Richards was a standout that night, another hugely exciting player. Daniel Hall was excellent, Adam Collin was also very good that evening. 

On Tuesday we played Kevin Haynes first team in a training game at New Countess Park. I can safely report we didn’t cause an upset – but that wasn’t the gauge of success!  Things such as the pace of the game, being organised and communicating properly on the park – are areas we highlighted to the boys. Even during the game, a number of first team guys were talking and trying to help our players in the game with advice. Another example of everyone at the club being invested in our young players. It was a very worthwhile experience. 

On Friday, we faced Newtongrange Star. Again, an impressive outfit. We led 1-0 at half time and I would say this was our best performance so far as a group. Our work off the ball was superb and we frustrated our opponents. Gregor Goldie scored another excellent goal. We were lucky enough to have Johnny Edmond and Sean Brennan playing, I can’t speak highly enough of them both – top class all night with our guys. Harry Clark did very well, likewise his older brother Jack, who made a big impact. 

We are really pleased at the progress we have made. I have named players there, but all have done very well so far in this step. Tranent and Newtongrange were our first and second ever games against fellow U20’s sides. Both of those didn’t finish with more than 1 goal between the sides and we’ve led in both – that’s really positive. We are creating chances and have scored good goals. Our shape is getting better. We’ve still got 4 games to play in the pre-season. 

We’ve got excellent players and I can’t wait to see them showcase their ability to you. We have got a really close knit group, 90% of which have come from the Colts. That’s not easy to do and we are immensely proud of the quantity of players we have, that live and come from the local community.

I would like to say a big thank-you to everyone that has watched us. It means a lot, seeing members of the community backing this project. Before my players step foot on the park, they can see the physical support from the board, first team coaching staff & players but importantly, supporters. That means so much to all of us. 

Take care

Stuart Allan

DUFC