No laughing matter as Stobbie aim for shock

STOBSWELL are aiming to shock Summer League champs Lochee this weekend — but playermanager Ashton Milroy insists “we’ll have a laugh and enjoy the football, whatever happens”.

The refreshing attitude of the league’s youngest team is infectious and displays the characteristics the league is aiming to promote.

And that’s not to say Stobswell have been struggling, after a difficult first season last year, as they sit comfortably in mid-table.

On Sunday, however, they take on everyone’s favourites to top the table at the end of the season, Lochee, i n t he Dave Clunie Window Cleaning Services League Cup first round.

Ashton said: “We’ve got a very tough match this weekend.

“I was at the draw and we were first out — I thought ‘oh, good, we’re going to get Lochee’! “And we did, I couldn’t believe it. “We played them a couple of weeks ago in a friendly and gave them a good game.

“And we’ve shocked a few teams already this season so we’re hoping we can do it again.

“It’s a cup game and I hope that gives the boys the impetus to push on for the full 90 minutes.

“We’ll have a laugh and enjoy the football — on, hopefully, a nice day — whatever happens.”

Last season, Ashton’s side were propping up the division for much of the campaign, this time around, though, they’ve enjoyed picking up a few results.

“We’ve got a couple more players and more experienced guys in this year.

“We just started out as a bunch of young lads looking for a game but we’ve realised we can put a bit of pressure on the teams at the top.

“The more experienced boys we’ve got in have been helping the less experienced lads.

“Before, when we conceded, the heads would drop and we’ve changed that.

“I’ve picked up a couple of coaching badges as well so I’m more experienced.

“Things are just getting better and better.”

Also in action this weekend are Downfield v Spartak and Boars Rock against Fintry Thistle.

Unfortunately, St James have dropped out of the league, leaving eight teams. All points from St James games are now void.

Reigning Summer League champions Lochee (green) have begun their defence of the trophy impressively — on Sunday they take on Stobswell in the League Cup.

Action from Occidental’s (yellow) 3-2 victory over FC Spartak in the Summer League.

In the battle of the top two, Occidental came out on top to go level on points with FC Spartak (green).

Lochee (green) were 4-1 winners over Boars Rock last weekend.

Foot through it! DUSC Age 10s were in action against Blairgowrie (blue) on the Craigie 3G.

Action from the Age 10 match between DUSC (tangerine) and Blairgowrie.