McManus: Young Buddies have done us proud in Challenge Cup
Gaffer’s praise as EK defeat takes them through to next round
St Mirren Colts boss Allan McManus heaped praise on the kids after they done something the senior side couldn’t – and beat East Kilbride.
Cammy Breadner’s second- half stunner was enough to seal the Colts’ passage into the second round of the Challenge Cup.
Ex-Arthurlie man Sean Winter missed a second-half penalty for Kilby as firstteam stopper Dean Lyness got down well to save.
Winter also hit the woodwork late on for the visitors as they cranked up the pressure in a bid to draw level.
McManus said: “I’m very pleased for the boys.
“I told them it was a different type of game than to the one that they are used to and ultimately it was about winning the game.
“Fortunately enough they did that and I am absolutely delighted with them, particularly their work ethic because they had to sustain a lot of pressure from a very good side.”
And McManus singled out Breadner for praise after a rich vein of form also saw him handed a chance in the first-team squad against Hibs on Saturday.
His strike nestled in the top corner to give Matt McGinlay no chance in goal.
McManus added: “Cammy has got that in his locker.
“We spoke about it before the game so that sort of goal doesn’t surprise us.
“Coming in on his stronger foot, we see him do it day in day out.
“I thought he was magnificent throughout the game.
“He stood out and showed some good quality despite playing slightly out of position. He is full of confidence just now so he will be really pleased with that goal.
“The manager has said that if they are good enough then they will get the opportunity. If these boys get the chance in training then they have got to grasp it and show that they are not just there to make up the numbers.
“In the game time that Cammy has had recently, he has gone on and made a positive impact on the match. Hopefully he can keep the hard work coming and keep on pushing into the first team.”
The young Buddies will now face Jim Duffy’s Dumbarton in the next round of the competition, with the gaffer saying it will benefit the youngsters.
He said: “It gives us another week of preparation which gives the boys the experience of how to prepare for proper football matches.
“It will be a really tough game going to Dumbarton. We will do our homework, prepare properly, and hopefully we can get a good result.”