Dundee FC's Loan Watch 22/23

[RossBFD]

And we begin! Our first loanee away this season is midfielder Tom Findlay, whom @Wattie Rojas gives a bit of background on in his excellent introduction to the youth team OP, saying that Findlay "came to us a year ago from the Aberdeen academy and plays attacking midfield." He also spent a brief amount of time on loan at Highland League side Keith while still at Aberdeen, and played 3 games with them. Elgin have him down as a winger, and Transfermarkt have him as a right midfielder (though they also have him still at Aberdeen, so idk). Those of you also might remember Findlay played for us in our first pre-season game this season, coming off the bench in the 2nd half in that 0-4 away win.

18-year old winger Findlay is away on loan back up north to Elgin City. The aim for City is simply to survive in League Two, as last season they finished 9th place and had a rougher time than they'd like to admit keeping Cowdenbeath below them. With teams throughout the north struggling to recruit effectively, Elgin will be looking for their incoming loans to do a lot of work, and hopefully Findlay can do so and supply Kane Hester up top to keep the side off the bottom this season.

Best of luck Tom!

[RossBFD]

Tom Findlay got his loan spell with Elgin underway in fast fashion, starting today up front alongside Kane Hester in an away game against Stirling Albion. Elgin started strongly and went into half-time 0-2 up, but were pegged back to 2-2 by the hour mark. A disappointing end to the game with Elgin having to fight for that point with 10 men, but a promising first half should give them something to work off of.

[RossBFD]

Tom Findlay sat on the bench to start Elgin City's Challenge Cup 1st round match at home to the DABs' B team. He came on with about 25 minutes to go, shortly after Elgin took the lead, and finished the game with a 1-0 win to progress to the 2nd round, where they'll play Stenhousemuir at home in a couple of weeks.

[RossBFD]

Saturday saw two more Dee youths head out on loan, with Ewan Murray and Jack Wilkie heading to our long-time link-up for loan players, Jim McInally's Peterhead. The Blue Toon were needing these reinforcements too; it's been a nightmarish transfer window for them in isolated Aberdeenshire, and the loan market will be a big factor in their ability to stay in a very tough League One.

Ewan Murray & Jack Wilkie

The two were thrust right into the action that same day in a tough game away to Falkirk, with Ewan Murray starting in a left midfield role which differs from his usual left back position, while Jack Wilkie was placed on the bench.

Peterhead would take a shock lead at the end of the first half, but Falkirk would equalise before half-time. Murray would be subbed off for Wilkie on the hour mark, but a relentless Falkirk attack would break a struggling Peterhead down and a red card only further weakened them as the Bairns ran out 3-1 winners and probably should've won by a lot more.

A tough start to life in the SPFL for Murray and Wilkie and it'll be a scrap every week for them, but it'll be a strong learning experience for the two I reckon. Peterhead sit 9th in League One with just 1 point from 9, above only pointless Kelty.

Tom Findlay

In League Two with Elgin, Tom Findlay would start again away from home against Gary Irvine's Forfar.

In another game where Elgin were supposed to be inferior, they took an early lead through Kane Hester but went down to 10 men in the first half after a player saved a goal off the line with his hand. Forfar scored the following penalty and should've taken advantage, but Elgin got their own penalty in the second half and scored it to take the lead again. Forfar managed to grab a late equaliser, but couldn't find a winner even with Elgin going down to 9 men in the closing stages. The shots read 20-2 in favour of Forfar, but Elgin take a point home with them in another sturdy performance.

Findlay played on the right wing for Elgin would've found possession wanting, but he and team performed bravely, and though Elgin sit 9th in the league they sit two points better off than bottom side Albion Rovers, their biggest challengers for the drop most likely this season.

[Gedee]

Thanks again Ross, for the detailed updates on Our Loan Players.

BUT ANITHER THANKS FOR YOUR EXCITING MATCH REPORTS 

[RossBFD]

Here's highlights from the games in question.

Falkirk vs. Peterhead, Peterhead in the yellow. Ewan Murray wearing number 7, Jack Wilkie wearing number 16.

Forfar vs Elgin, Elgin in the red/black stripes. Tom Findlay wearing number 10.

 

[RossBFD]

https://dundeefc.co.uk/news/players-go-out-on-loan/

Couple more young players heading out on loan. Sam Fisher has been reunited with former Dundee manager James McPake, as he begins a season-long loan with League One side Dunfermline Athletic. This is an excellent loan move for Sam, with the Pars no doubt aiming for the title this season and Dunfermline desperately needing additional players as their squad is ran quite thin. He might be in for another fight squeezing into regular starting game time, but he should hopefully get a good opportunity with a manager who knows how to get the best out of him.

Elsewhere, development squad player Ewan White has began a season-long loan with East of Scotland Football League Second Division side St Andrews United. Right winger White had a strong season away on loan last year with Midlands League side Tayport, and will look to further gain experience and help fight towards getting the Saints promoted to the First Divsion.

 

[RossBFD]

Catching up with Ewan White's loan move to St Andrews United, he started their last game on Saturday in the league against up-and-comers Syngenta who were previously undefeated. White got off to a great start at Recreation Park, being a big part of the Saints' impressive 2-0 win which the club's match report described as "one of the finest performances seen by [Saints at home] in years".

In his signing article posted by the club, they described his "impressive debut", saying that "The quick and skilful Dundonian did not give his opponent a minute’s peace throughout his first start in the East of Scotland League". The big win has St Andrews up to 6th place on 6 points, 2 points (and 1 game in hand) behind league leaders Dalkeith Thistle.

Match report: https://www.standrewsutd.co.uk/match/1009/20220708-syngenta

[RossBFD]

Sam Fisher

Sam found himself on the bench for Dunfermline Athletic in their big derby game away to Kelty Hearts, but didn't feature in the goalless draw. The Pars remain unbeaten but fall into 2nd behind Airdrieonians on goal difference. Their next game is against the Diamonds next week at East End Park, and James McPake's side have a great chance to take an early clear lead in League One.

Jack Wilkie & Ewan Murray

This time it was Wilkie who started and Murray who sat on the bench as Peterhead took on Queen of the South at Balmoor. The Bloo Toon got off to a stellar start like they did against Falkirk and scored after just two minutes, but - just like against Falkirk - they quickly unravelled and struggled badly. QoS went ahead 1-2 before half-time, and Murray was subbed on at the hour-mark. Things didn't improve for Peterhead though, and Queens scored twice more to give Jim McInally's team another bad loss.

Peterhead remain off the bottom, but only by goals scored over Kelty after their draw against Dunfermline. Next week's game away to Alloa looks to be another tough challenge, but hopefully they'll be more closely matched with the Wasps than their last two opponents.

Tom Findlay

Findlay once again started for Elgin at home to a Stranraer side which travelled roughly 270 miles. Stranraer took the lead twenty minutes in, but Elgin responded promptly with two goals in the following ten minutes and were unlucky to get more as Findlay and co. ran the show until half-time. A game of two halves, it was Stranaer who took charge in the 2nd. For the third straight league game, Elgin failed to hold a lead as the Blues scored just before the hour mark, and kept up the pressure until the end but couldn't get the game winner.

Another 2-2 draw for Elgin, and despite a decent amount of leads they keep losing them. They're currently in 8th place but the bottom four all sit with 3 points, with the Moray side ahead of Annan and Stenhousemuir, and behind Albion Rovers on goal difference. Next for Findlay and Elgin is a home tie against Stenny on Tuesday evening in the Challenge Cup.

Ewan White

White has quickly become a key player for St Andrews United, and he started in their game away to Peebles Rovers. After a goalless first half, White helped set up and scored the opening goal early in the second half. The Saints couldn't hold on for all 3 points however, as Peebles notched an equaliser in stoppage time.

St Andrews are now up to 7th in the EOSFL 2nd Division after four games. Next week however the newly-SFA licenced Saints will put the league to one side as they are playing in the Scottish Cup for I believe the first time in their history, in the preliminary round away to EOS Premier side Sauchie Juniors (two levels above Saints).

Here is Ewan's goal for St Andrews against Peebles, though the admin of their Facebook page is asking for clarification on the scorer so maybe it isn't him...? Idk, the video quality is rough, I assume it's him though. If you can make out a #17 on the back of the shirt then it's him lol.

https://www.facebook.com/staufc1/videos/547818393804664

[Gowrie Dee 1962]

On 21/08/2022 at 00:40, RossBFD said:

Sam Fisher

Sam found himself on the bench for Dunfermline Athletic in their big derby game away to Kelty Hearts, but didn't feature in the goalless draw. The Pars remain unbeaten but fall into 2nd behind Airdrieonians on goal difference. Their next game is against the Diamonds next week at East End Park, and James McPake's side have a great chance to take an early clear lead in League One.

Jack Wilkie & Ewan Murray

This time it was Wilkie who started and Murray who sat on the bench as Peterhead took on Queen of the South at Balmoor. The Bloo Toon got off to a stellar start like they did against Falkirk and scored after just two minutes, but - just like against Falkirk - they quickly unravelled and struggled badly. QoS went ahead 1-2 before half-time, and Murray was subbed on at the hour-mark. Things didn't improve for Peterhead though, and Queens scored twice more to give Jim McInally's team another bad loss.

Peterhead remain off the bottom, but only by goals scored over Kelty after their draw against Dunfermline. Next week's game away to Alloa looks to be another tough challenge, but hopefully they'll be more closely matched with the Wasps than their last two opponents.

Tom Findlay

Findlay once again started for Elgin at home to a Stranraer side which travelled roughly 270 miles. Stranraer took the lead twenty minutes in, but Elgin responded promptly with two goals in the following ten minutes and were unlucky to get more as Findlay and co. ran the show until half-time. A game of two halves, it was Stranaer who took charge in the 2nd. For the third straight league game, Elgin failed to hold a lead as the Blues scored just before the hour mark, and kept up the pressure until the end but couldn't get the game winner.

Another 2-2 draw for Elgin, and despite a decent amount of leads they keep losing them. They're currently in 8th place but the bottom four all sit with 3 points, with the Moray side ahead of Annan and Stenhousemuir, and behind Albion Rovers on goal difference. Next for Findlay and Elgin is a home tie against Stenny on Tuesday evening in the Challenge Cup.

Ewan White

White has quickly become a key player for St Andrews United, and he started in their game away to Peebles Rovers. After a goalless first half, White helped set up and scored the opening goal early in the second half. The Saints couldn't hold on for all 3 points however, as Peebles notched an equaliser in stoppage time.

St Andrews are now up to 7th in the EOSFL 2nd Division after four games. Next week however the newly-SFA licenced Saints will put the league to one side as they are playing in the Scottish Cup for I believe the first time in their history, in the preliminary round away to EOS Premier side Sauchie Juniors (two levels above Saints).

Here is Ewan's goal for St Andrews against Peebles, though the admin of their Facebook page is asking for clarification on the scorer so maybe it isn't him...? Idk, the video quality is rough, I assume it's him though. If you can make out a #17 on the back of the shirt then it's him lol.

https://www.facebook.com/staufc1/videos/547818393804664

Very good article well done.

[RossBFD]

Thank you @dblair for pinning the topic, don't have to go searching anymore for this thread!

Sam Fisher

Another game on the bench for Fisher at Dunfermline, who took on potential title rivals Airdrieonians at East End Park. James McPake's side would take the lead in a tight affair, but they would have to settle for a point. This keeps them in 2nd behind Airdrie on goal difference, but with Falkirk just a point behind them now. The Pars next face off away to 8th-placed Queen of the South next week.

Jack Wilkie & Ewan Murray

Last week I said Alloa might be a closer match for Peterhead than their previous two opponents, Falkirk and QoS. Well... I was wrong. Jack Wilkie started in defence with Ewan Murray on the bench, and the Wasps quickly took the Toon to task with Conor Sammon scoring in under a minute. Alloa ripped Peterhead apart the whole game, and were 4-0 up at 73 minutes when a dejected Jack Wilkie came off and Ewan Murray got some game time. Alloa would add a fifth before the end of the game in a performance that their fans described as "totally flawless".

For Peterhead though... I knew it would be a tough season for them, but I fear it might be 'Brechin in the Championship'-levels of bad now. I don't know if a team like this is going to help Wilkie and Murray develop themselves other than learning how to take a hiding, but I'd be loathed to leave a struggling team like this without more options. The Blue Toon finally dropped below Kelty on goal difference and are now bottom, 4 points off 8th already. They now face a home tie against Montrose next week, and need to find something within themselves to pick up points from somewhere.

Tom Findlay

Missed his appearance on Tuesday, so to quickly summarise: Elgin beat Stenhousemuir 3-1 at home in the Challenge Cup, in a competitive game which Elgin simply took their chances better in. Findlay got the full 90 at RM.

Elgin's game on Saturday was away south to the Rock to face a flying Dumbarton side with maximum points from their first 4 games. Findlay started again at RM, and Elgin played well in the first half and took a lead through the ever-reliable Kane Hester half an hour in. Going into half-time up a goal, Elgin would once again this season fail to hold onto a lead, giving away two penalties in the first 10 mins of the second half, both of which were converted by 'Most Hated Man in Govan of the Week' Ally Love to give the Sons the lead. Dumbarton took charge of the game and a frustrated Findlay came off with 20 minutes to go to watch more potential points escape Elgin's grasp.

Dumbarton win their first 5 league games in a season for the first time ever, and Elgin are now unfortunately bottom, a point behind 7th, 8th and 9th. Unlike Peterhead, Elgin are causing teams problems but just can't keep steady enough on the defensive end to wrap up the points they need. They have another tough challenge next week, welcoming 2nd place Bonnyrigg Rose Athletic to Borough Briggs.

Ewan White

St Andrews United made club history on Saturday, as they made their first-ever appearance in the Scottish Cup. Their first match was a tough prospect on paper though, as the Saints travelled to Clackmannanshire to take on Sauchie Juniors, a decent side two tiers above St Andrews. White would start and play the full game. Saints got off to a great start as they took the lead just 5 minutes in. Sauchie quickly got into the swing of things however and were 2-1 up by half-time. Another quick start for Saints saw them equaliser very early on in the 2nd half, but Sauchie just overtook the game again and netted another couple. Despite seeing a red card, Sauchie held out as 4-2 winners.

Disappointing in the end for St Andrews, but a valiant showing in their first ever Scottish Cup showing. It's back to the league next, though apparently their game against Hawick Royal Albert next week has been postponed, so as it stands it looks like they'll be waiting a fortnight to play against Luncarty.

[RossBFD]

Sam Fisher

Once again Fisher would find himself on the bench for Dunfermline as the Pars travelled south to Dumfries to take on Queen of the South. James McPake's side pretty much ran the show the whole game, and took a 0-2 lead into half-time which they'd comfortably hold onto. To help reassure the defence for a clean sheet, Fisher made his first appearance for the Pars as a substitute in the 83rd minute.

Dunfermline now top League One, two points clear of 2nd placed FC Edinburgh. They face another away trip next week, this time to New Douglas Park to take on a Clyde side who started the season great but have since severely slowed down.

Jack Wilkie & Ewan Murray

Unfortunately, Ewan Murray joined a long list of injured players at Peterhead, while Wilkie would start at the back for Peterhead at Balmoor as they took on Stewart Petrie's Montrose. Things were looking rough (as usual for Peterhead) with Montrose taking the lead late in the first half, but just before half-time Rory McAllister was sent off for the Gable Endies, giving Jim McInally's side a great chance to take something from the game. However, they could not manage to do so, and Montrose even doubled their lead with 15 mins to go. Truth be told, it was yet another awful display from Peterhead and a stroll for Montrose.

Another disappointing loss along with Kelty unexpectedly beating Falkirk leaves Peterhead 3 points adrift at the bottom of the league. The Bloo Toon's next game is a trip to Meadowbank against 2nd-place FC Edinburgh who just battered Airdrie 0-6 away from home... it might be another tough game, hopefully Murray is fit enough for it.

Tom Findlay

Findlay took his usual position at right midfield for Elgin as they welcomed 2nd-placed Bonnyrigg Rose Athletic to Borough Briggs. Elgin's issue this season hasn't been scoring or taking leads, but keeping them. Elgin took the lead very early on, and this time kept it tight defensively. They managed 10 shots on target to Bonnyrigg's one, and largely controlled the game. Findlay came off with 20 mins to go, and Elgin got a richly deserved 2nd goal in the 82nd minute to seal a massive 2-0 win.

Elgin's first win of the season raised them to 7th place, two points above bottom side Forfar (wow Gary Irvine, what's going on?!). They have a great chance of picking up more points at home next week as 9th-placed Albion Rovers makes the trek up north.

Ewan White

No game for St Andrews United this weekend, as their game versus Hawick Royal Albert was postponed. They will face off at home against Luncarty in the South Challenge Cup next week.