U18s: Ayr United (A) preview

Our under-18s are in Club Academy Scotland League action this week.

The young Saints are looking forward to getting back onto the competitive field of play and are keen to return to winning ways following defeat to Dunfermline in their most recent fixture.

Ayr United are the hosts on Friday afternoon with the game scheduled to kick-off at 2pm at the home of Cumnock Juniors.

The U18s’ squad could be boosted by the return of players who have been picking up regular match experience on loan this season.

One player available for selection is defender Joe Ellison who, last Saturday, rounded off his loan spell at Berwick Rangers with a goal.

Now he is determined to chip in against Ayr and said: “Goals is what I’ve always wanted to add to my game, especially from set-pieces. It was good to get the goal in my last game for Berwick.

“It was a good experience and, personally, I feel it did really help me. Confidence is high after that goal on Saturday so hopefully I can get on the end of something in this Friday’s match!”

Ellison expects Ayr United to provide a very tough challenge.

“We know that the league is close,” he added. “It will be a tough game against Ayr but we’re hoping to get the points and keep pushing forward.”

He continued: “The younger boys have stepped up and have shown confidence this year. I’ve played and trained with a lot of them and they have proven they can play at this level.

“They have managed to get some really good results against top teams.”