Home draw for young guns in SFA Youth Cup

Nov 18 2008 by Paul Behan, Paisley Daily Express

ST MIRREN’S Under-19s have been rewarded with another home tie in the SFA Youth Cup after defeating Dundee United in the third round.

David Longwell’s side will play Inverness Caley Thistle at Love Street on Sunday, December 7, after they booked their passage into the next stage of the competition with a slender 1-0 win over the Arabs at Love Street.

The young Saints were seriously under- strength for the United game, with key players Jon McShane, Paul Quinn, Ally Love, Chris McQuade, Conor Ramsay and Chris Ketterer all ruled out.

But the battling Buddies managed to carve out an impressive win, courtesy of an 84th minute header from Sean Crighton, above.

And boss Longwell was delighted with his makeshift side’s efforts.

He said: “The boys did well at times and the pleasing thing was that, even though we had some players missing, those who came in did a very good job.

“They passed the ball very well, particularly in the first half, and they kept possession well too.

“Both teams had chances to score but, fortunately, we took one of ours.”

The kick-off time for next month’s cup tie will be announced in due course.

Meanwhile, Saints Under-19s will get back to the rigours of league action on Friday when they take on Hibs.

The Buddies were supposed to take on the Edinburgh side last week but the game was cancelled due to midweek SPL matches taking place up and down the country.

Friday’s game will be played at McKenna Park, home of Junior club St Anthony’s, at 1.30pm.