Young guns making their mark as Dumbarton U20s enjoy stellar start to season

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Dumbarton U20s coach Jordan Woodford has said that he’s delighted with his side’s start to the season.

The Young Sons have made a scorching start to life in the West of Scotland Development League and have seen three players make their first team debut.

Whilst stressing that his players will keep their feet firmly on the ground, Jordan admits he couldn’t have asked for more from his team.

He said: “How we have started is all down to the players, they have really put in the work and got the reward for it so far. As a coaching team we are obviously delighted with how it’s going but will continue to push them to be better, and focus on improving as the season progresses.

“We are also making sure they don’t get too far ahead of themselves, as at the end of the day it’s still very early in the season.

“From a competitive aspect we couldn’t really ask for much more, the players have smashed it so far.

“The numbers we are hitting now on all fronts are really quite impressive, and the best part about it is I know there is still more to come from them.

“In terms of development, the squad is looking stronger and stronger each week. We are building something special here and it’s honestly an honour to play a part in it.”

After attackers Panos Grivas and Jacob Shields have both made their first team debuts after catching boss Stevie Farrell’s eye, it was 17-year-old goalkeeper Luke Smallwood who made the biggest impression - as he was thrown in for a senior debut against Annan Athletic in September after Brett Long was sent-off.

Smallwood didn’t look out of place, with Jordan delighted to see his hard work rewarded.

He continued: “I was jumping about the place when I saw he was coming on right up until I released I shouldn’t have been celebrating a Dumbarton red card!

“The buzz I got from it was incredible, Luke works his hardest both on and off the pitch so for him to get the reward of even being in the squad never mind getting on was unimaginable. I honestly couldn’t have been any happier for him.”

And Jordan believes that more academy graduates will soon be knocking on boss Farrell’s door if they can keep their strong start to the season going.

“At the end of the day, to have the best players in the area there needs to be a clear pathway,” he explained.

“We’re here to progress the players into first team football.

“I think the fact we have had 10 up training with the first team, and three getting minutes in competitive games not even half way into the season shows that the opportunities are there for the ones ready to work hard and show the determination it requires to make it at this level.

“Quite honestly, I wouldn’t rule out any players in the squad being able to take that next step. The quality they have shown as a collective and as individuals has been massively impressive, and I’m sure a couple will be pushing their way in the near future.”

For Jordan meanwhile progression to the top team is the number one aim, but he has also challenged his side to end the season with silverware.

He added: “As a squad we want to win as many games as possible, and the target reflects that each competition we are in the ambition is to win it and that will remain the target until it’s achieved or it is no longer possible.

“We take it one game at a time, then focus on the next one and then hopefully when it comes to the end of the season we will have some silverware to celebrate.

“But most important for us is getting as many players involved in training and playing for the first team as possible.”

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