Threave Rovers boss hails side's experienced players for helping youngsters through Wigtown win

Vinnie Parker believes Threave Rovers’ old guard are the perfect role models for his side’s youngsters to learn from.

The Castle Douglas side cruised to a 6-0 win on Saturday as they started their League Cup campaign at Wigtown.

And while cup rules are preventing some youngsters getting involved, Parker hopes those who can play make the most of their team-mates’ experience.

He said: “We’re starting to see guys like Hugh Cameron and Scott Milligan show real leadership skills. Before they were boys who went about their business quietly and effectively but they’re now buying into what we want to do.

“They were telling the younger ones to be patient and move the ball. It’s excellent to see. They’ve both had very good football careers and there’s still a lot of life in them yet.

“We had hoped to have a boy on the bench from the under-17s but you have to sign them on a contract to play in the cup. He’ll need to go back to the under-17s until we get another league game so it’s actually hampering boys.”

Adam Uphill put Threave in front after just six minutes but they had to wait until early in the second half to extend their lead, Tommy Smith heading home.

Aiden Kerr soon scored a third, with Scott Milligan bagging a brace either side of a goal from Dan Carmichael.

And there was more good news for Threave with Ryan Coates and Alan Birdsall returning from injury.

Parker said: “Credit to Wigtown, they dug deep in the first half, were quite compact and defended really well. The game-plan was to keep moving the ball from side to side to try to draw them out.

“We knew in the second half they would tire themselves out and that was the case. We got a lot of freedom and use of the ball in the second half.

“The last time we were there it was like that as well but we didn’t get frustrated – we were very patient.”

Threave return to Blairmount Park in the League Cup this weekend, this time to face Newton Stewart rather than Wigtown.

Parker added: “I’ve always been impressed by them and they try to play football in the right way. I think they’ll come after us and it’ll be a totally different game.

“It’s a very enjoyable place to go to play football and I’m very impressed with the facilities. The pitch is superb, there’s no wind and it’s a nice place to go and play.”