Last Friday’s victory for Les Atkinson’s Under 20s against Bo’ness United saw the team continue their undefeated season so far at the top of the Lowlands Development League table and it brought up their 300th competitive fixture since the tournament’s conception in 2015.
During that time, the team have won an impressive 210 times, drawn 30 and have lost only 60 games in that near decade long journey.
944 goals have been scored along the way, excluding penalty shoot-outs (of which there have been seven) with Cameron Dawson top of the goal charts with 99, followed by Given Ndlovu on 82 and Mackenzie Scott claiming the other podium spot on 58.
At the other end of the pitch, the recent 2-0 win over Caledonian Braves notched up a century of clean sheets for a suite of goalkeepers who have taken up the gloves between the sticks and have conceded only 384 goals – just over one per game.
The Development Squad has also lived up to its name with a plethora of players making appearances for the senior side in both Lowland League and subsequent SPFL fixtures, a testament to the work put in by all parties in the pathway programme.
Manager Les Atkinson has been at the helm since the off. “It’s wonderful seeing players develop and progress as individuals – they work hard week in, week out to achieve the goals we set out at the start of each season. It’s also a pleasure to witness those who have made their mark within the first team surroundings too and it continues to be an aspiration statement for anyone who joins the Development Team. I’m also proud of our tangible successes over the years which gives players so many wonderful memories.”
With plenty of football left before the end of the current campaign, Les and the Lads will be keen to add to the seven trophies won during this time, including and impressive haul during the 2018/19 season.
The team are back in action on Friday night at Broadwood where they face Cumbernauld Colts in the Development League.
Under 20s Stats:
Played 300 Won 210 Drawn 30 (5 lost on pens, 2 won on pens) Lost 60
Home: P 161 Wins 114 Drawn 17 Lost 30 For 527 Against 185
Away: P 139 Wins 96 Drawn 13 Lost 30 For 417 Against 199
Stats include 8 games played in Scottish Youth Cup but regarded as Development XI fixtures
