Scotland Schools win 5-0 in warm-up for Centenary Shield

The fixture, set alongside a training camp at Toryglen, gave the players and coaching staff the opportunity to review and analyse the team performance in the recent  3- 3 draw against a touring Australian side.

The Sporting Futures USA provided a competitive fixture whichScotland started with good intent and played some good quality football. After a number of missed half-chances they took the lead when Ciaran Dunne fired a shot from 25 yards which caught out the visiting goalkeeper.

Keiron Sweeney scored soon after as reward for his hard work and Cameron Ballantyne was on hand to knock home a rebound from close range to close out the first half with the SSFA side deservedly ahead by 3-0.

The schools’ side made three half-time substitutions and continued with a high-tempo attacking game.

Ronan Fallens in goal showed his determination to keep a clean sheet when he clawed the ball away on the goalline as Sporting Futures kept trying to keep the game competitive.

Declan Glass set up a fourth goal with a lovely, inventive reverse pass which put Adam Brown in the clear to score and Sweeney scored again before the end to complete the 5 -0 victory.

The team continue their preparations with a game at Stirling University next week. On Tuesday 21 February at 1pm they will play the students’ under-20 team in their last preparation game ahead of the Centenary Shield  campaign.

The first game this season is at Cappielow, home of Greenock Morton, on Friday 3 March when Scotland will take on the England Schools FA team.

l A generous ticket deal for this attractive fixture is available which kicks off at 7pm: Adults: £6; Juveniles and Concessions £3. Group Rates: 10 children @£3 + 2 adults free = £30; 20 children @ £3 + 5 adults free = £60.

To take advantage of this offer call the Scottish Schools’ FA on 0141 620 4570.

Scotland team v Sporting Futures: Ronan Fallens (St Modan’s High School), George Stanger (Dunblane High School), Jamie Chapman (Edinburgh College), John Kelly (Trinity High School), Adam Kirkwood (Stranraer Academy), Mathew Reilly (St Ninian’s High School), Robbie Bruce (Buckie High School), Cameron Ballantyne (Glasgow Academy), Cairan Dunne (Stewart’s Melville College), Adam Brown (Grove Academy), Keiran Sweeney (St Kentigern’s Academy). Substitutes – all used – Kyle Banner (Graeme High School), Declan Glass (Ross High School), Calvin McGrory (Eastwood High School)