The 2022 – 23 schoolboy international team continued its preparation programme on Sunday 15th January with a game against a strong Airdrieonians side at Forthbank Stirling’s newly re laid astroturf pitch.

The North Lanarkshire side won a keenly contested game with a 2 – 1 scoreline which again tested the new look Scotland team to the full.

The Scot’s team were disappointed that they offered their opponents two relatively easy goal opportunities in the first half.

Airdrie’s first goal scored by Bright Prince in the 17th minute came when he capitalised on Scotland keeper Ethan Mitchell’s misjudgement at the edge of the box.

A second goal followed after 31 minutes when a Scotland defence tried to shepherd the ball over their own goal line. Airdrie wide man Nathan Brown kept going kept the ball in play and netted when cutting in to the six yard area.

Scotland did respond well to the set back. Calum Gemmell and Nathan Cannon linked very well and Cannon netted from about ten yards following the good interplay.

Half time: Airdrieonians 2 Scotland 1

The second half continued in competitive style. Scotland made five half time substitutions to give all their available squad players some game time and a chance to bond together as a team.

It was Airdrie who played the better football and Scotland keeper Mitchell made two good saves to keep the score at 2-1 to the Lanarkshire side.

Scotland despite their efforts couldn’t muster any shots on target to trouble the Airdrie keeper and the game finished with no further goals being scored.

The SSFA would like to thank Airdrieonians for their help in giving their squad another preparation game and also thank referee Gavin Young and his assistants.

Scotland will now meet up together on 24th January for another coaching session ahead of their game against Australia Schools on Wednesday 25th January at New Western Park, Renfrew at 11.00 am. Entry to the game is free.

Scotland: Mitchell; McGivern, Carnihan. Miller, Cant, Hannah, Martin, Smith, Prior, Cannon, Gemmell.

Subs all used in second half: Clubb, Mason- Bone, Stenhouse, Nicholson, Downie.

Unavailable: Armour and Waugh: