Swifts give the youth a chance Gunnion has confidence in U19 players
Jeanfield Swifts manager Ross Gunnion will have no issue with playing youngsters in this weekend’s East of Scotland Cup quarter final clash with Musselburgh.
The Perth boss may need to call on members of the club’s under-19 squad due to injuries and unavailability.
But that won’t be a problem after watching two of them compete well in Wednesday evening’s Super League defeat away at Bonnyrigg Rose.
Swifts, who have avoided relegation, were disappointingly 5-0 behind at half-time with no further score recorded after the break.
“Preparation was difficult given we only managed to arrive 20 minutes before kick-off due to players’ work commitments and traffic,” Gunnion told the Perthshire Advertiser.
“Bonnyrigg are an excellent team and we started a little sluggish. They were clinical and to be honest I was disappointed with how we defended as a team.
“To be 5-0 at half time was unacceptable and the players were made aware of that.
“In the second half we performed much better and probably should have had a goal or two back. We passed the ball well and had the better of the second 45.
“Our younger players came on and played very well. It was good to see Sam Noble and Robbie Young come on and hold their own against
Lee Deans is expected to miss out on Saturday due to injury arguably the best side in our league.
“We did have an eye on resting players ahead of the quarter final on Saturday and hopefully we can get over a few injuries.
“It’ll be a late selection as Lee Deans, Sean Fleming and Scott Mollison are all still struggling.
“With James Yates cup tied we may have to rely on our younger players again, but after seeing them adapt on Wednesday in the second half I have no fear of that.
“We need to regain focus now as the opportunity is there to potentially win a huge cup so I’m keen to give it our all.”
Meanwhile, Scone Thistle ended their positive North Division season with a 2-2 draw against Dundee North End.
The Jags were trailing at half-time but, heading into the latter stages, reversed the scoreline with goals from Martin Strachan and Sean Whitworth.
But there was to be a late twist as the Dokens struck in stoppage time to snatch a point.
Fixtures for Saturday - East of Scotland Cup (2.30pm) Musselburgh v Jeanfield Swifts. North Division (2.30pm) - Kinnoull v Dundee North End, Thornton Hibs v Brechin Vics.