St.Mirren U 21's - v - Hibernian U 21's - SPL Under 21 League: Date 28/08/00

For many fans this match would have been the first opportunity to see players such as Simon Lappin, Keiran Gallgher and David Lowing. This match also gave Joe McLaughlin the opportunity to give Tom Brown, Mark Yardley and Scott McKenzie the chance to let their experience rub off on the younger players. On the whole, the match was never controlled by wither side and each showed that they could pass a ball and play some good football.

The better chances of the first half all fell to Mark Yardley. The fourteenth minute saw the first chance and Yardley shot over from around 23 yards. Soon after this, we saw Yardley bring the ball down on his chest and only a superb save from  Westwater kept the scores level, John macdonald was unfortunate to hit the rebound past the post on this occasion. Most of the play for the rest of the half saw neither team gain much penetration, although there was a lot of good football to watch. Jamie Ewart of Hibernian, or Rhino to his team mates, was booked for a rather clumsy challenge in the 42nd minute and soon after this we saw the best move of the match. John macdonald worked some space cleverly and played the ball inside to Mark Yardley, the goal waited, the crowd drew it's breath and then Mark played the ball across to John macdonald for him to finish. Unfortunately, the chance was lost and half time drew upon us with the scores at 0 - 0.

The second half saw Hibernian come more into the match and they were rewarded in the fourth minute with a Paul Rudden own goal. A ball was swept across from the left, Tom Brown seemed to get a touch and Paul Rudden could only watch as Scrimgour attempted to keep the ball out. Soon after this, Derek Collins had a shot from 25 yards tipped over and it seemed as if Hibernian would take control. Tom Brown, on the otherhand, had different ideas. 9 minutes in the second half had passed when Tom Brown took control about 70 yards or so from the Hibernian goal...a 50 yard run, cut inside and blistering 25 yard shot later and it was 1 - 1.

As the second half drew on we saw a number of substitutions, Graham Guy won't want to be reminded of this match as he was booked for kicking the ball away only minutes after coming on. That moment aside, Saints looked to be the stronger team as the half wore on. McKenzie was marshalling the troups well and the players such as Tom Brown and Mark Yardley were showing that experience and an old head can have its rewards. Scott McKenzie and John macdonald had the final chances of the evening, McKenzie's being a drive which only just went over the bar. As the game ended, Love Street, took on, a karaoke atmosphere as a section of fans gave us a rendition of the entire St.Mirren back catalogue. A fine way to end an evening which saw a very enjoyable match.

Man Of The Match:  Scott McKenzie talked everyone through the game and showed he is a fine player, Mark Yardley also took the opportunity to show us exactly the type of play we want to see from him. My man of the match, though, goes to Tom Brown. Tom ran the midfield, superb tackling, tracking back and passing of the ball...coupled with a superb goal...made the decision a fairly easy one to make.