Young Pupils honourable in defeat
In a display of great sportsmanship, Pupils 2005s were keen to pose for a photograph with their opposition, even after one of their worst performances of the season.
The young Pupils knew it was going to be a tough fixture when they made the long journey to East Kilbride on Sunday to play East Kilbride Rolls Royce (EKRR) 2005s, a side in fine form this season.
It was 2-0 at half-time and the Pupils lost a further two before pulling one back to make it 4-1, but EKRR, who are coached by former
Dundee United and Aberdeen player Robbie Winters, made it 5-1.
The Pupils goal came from Calum Ellis, his 14th in eight games this season. To compound their misery, the Pupils missed a penalty, with EKRR scoring a further two in the dying minutes to make the final score 7-1.
Pupils 2005s coach David Paterson said: ‘We were expecting a tough challenge away to a very good East Kilbride Rolls Royce side and it didn’t help that we turned in our worst performance of the season.
‘They have shown fantastic character so far this season in the top Glagsow league, but the boys didn’t get going on the day.
‘However, this shouldn’t take away from the fantastic commitment shown by these boys week in, week out with 14 of our squad of 15 travelling to play.
‘EKRR are a fantastic team, full of experience at pro youth level, and they showed on Sunday why they will be in contention for the league title this season. We kept ourselves in it until half-time and started brightly in the second, only to lose a sloppy goal which knocked the stuffing out of the boys.
‘With the game gone, we ensured all the boys got as much game time as possible and made a number of positional changes which gives us a look at future possible formations and positions.
‘It’s all about the boys’ long-term development and myself and fellow coaches Chris McLellan and Stewart
Campbell are delighted with how the boys are progressing. We’ve had these boys for 10 years now, from primary one, and their commitment is second to none and giving them the opportunity to develop and play football is our main objective. It’s always going to be difficult competing with top teams when we have such a small catchment area but the boys have every right to be proud of themselves.
‘I know we, as coaches, and all the parents are.
‘Well done to EKRR, an impressive young side, and many thanks for the fantastic hospitality after the game. It was appreciated.
‘It is nice to see both teams coming together for a photograph after the game.’