Dark Blues’ Colts almost sting Wasps

DUNDEE Colts gave their much more experienced opponents Alloa a real scare despite going down 4-2 in the Irn-Bru Cup first round at Dens Park last night.

After a first half where the League One side led 3-0 in a contest that looked literally like men against boys, a half-time pep talk from first-team boss Neil McCann helped the young Dark Blues find their confidence as the match wore on and almost forced extra-time.

That would have seemed impossible in that opening period as Jim Goodwin’s men looked capable of scoring as many as they liked.

However, a huge amount of credit must go to Jimmy Boyle’s young Dee side — some of whom were only 15 or 16 — as they forced Goodwin into bellowing at his side to “waken up” in the second half.

The Colts did start the game well enough, playing some decent stuff in the middle of the park, though every time they pushed into the final third, Alloa’s defence were j ust too physically strong for the young forwards to get past.

Then the goals started to flow for the Wasps and, disappointingly for the home side, they didn’t have to work very hard to get them.

However, the Dundee backline’s ages were 16, 18, 18 and 20.

They conceded goals but they must have learned an awful lot up against seasoned pros.

Firstly, striker Craig Malcolm collected the ball at the back post before taking his time to step inside and find the bottom corner.

Then left-back Callum Crane followed in to knock in a cross at the far stick before Iain Flannigan made it three with a good finish from 15 yards.

From there, no doubt there was a bit of worry around the Dundee management that their side could end up getting a hammering.

However, striker Matthew Henvey gave his side a much-needed boost five minutes before the break.

After some good set-up play on the