Welcome Back! Premier League Players Catching the Eye

Saturday morning football is back, and with the new season underway we’re taking a look at some of the players who caught the eye across the Premier League on the opening weekend.

Going forward, we’d love clubs to send us their Man of the Match each weekend, along with a short reason for their choice and a photo where possible.

We’ll bring those club selections together to form our Footy Focus Squad of the Week — giving clubs the chance to recognise the players who made a difference each Saturday.

DEFENDERS

**DEF – Jay McKay – Rutherglen Glencairn AFC**
Jay was superb all game long and he and his defensive partner marshalled the troops well throughout the 90 minutes

**DEF – Reece Beaton – Rhu Colts**
Playing out of his favoured position due to injury and suspension Reece was dominant at the back as well as his driving runs into midfield which helped set up the strikers.

**DEF – Aaron McFadyen – Camby Milan**
The big man has had an excellent preseason which he continued right into the opening game of the season, well earned manager MOTM performance.

**DEF – Darren Stevenson Snr**
PGBC Whipped in a wonderful FK to marginally outshine Jnr in midfield.

MORE PREMIER LEAGUE STANDOUTS ⬇️

**DEF – Scott Maitland – Oban Saints**
Scott marshalled a young, inexperienced squad to a hard- fought 4-2 win away at Bishopton.

**DEF – Marc Smart – Clydebank Red Star**
A solid performance from Marc today which saw him grab a goal and assist.

**DEF – David Quinn – Rutherglen Glencairn AFC** David was superb throughout the 90 minutes and with his team going down to ten men him and his defensive partner were solid.

MIDFIELD

**MID – Dominic Reynolds – Camby Milan**
Dom is a fresh addition to the squad flung right into the starting 11 on saturday which he didnt disappoint, his willingness to get on the ball and his energy off the ball was excellent, another great performance.

**MID – Scott Simpson – Clydebank Red Star**
A really positive competitive debut from Scott in the middle of the park. Always looking to make things happen and grabbed himself a goal scoring the equaliser at a vital moment.

WHO CAUGHT THE EYE THIS WEEK? 👀

**MID – Marc McKay – Bishopton FC**
Despite being on the losing side on Saturday. Sparky had a solid game with us going down to 10 men with 25 left to play his energy levels were to be admired constantly box to box the full game but composed on the ball.

**MID – Matty Kelly – Oban Saints**
Kelly made an impressive return after a long time out through injury.

**MID – Jamie Dodsworth – Tollcross**
Jamie was a real engine in the middle of the park creating going forward but also breaking up play and dominating in the middle of the park he got MOTM.

**MID – Jamie Mcleod – Castlemilk CFC**
Captain Jamie controlled the tempo of the game and showed his class in the middle of the park left Glencairn midfield chasing shadows at times.

**MID – Calvin Neill – PGBC**
Calvin scored one goal and had caused trouble for 2nd with his excellent energy and athleticism.

**MID – Sam smith – Castlemilk CFC**
Sam cruised through the game and a class second class daisy cutter into the bottom corner.

STRIKER

**STR – Andy McEwan – PGBC**
Late injury caused experienced CM/Player Manager to go up top and he duly delivered with the 4th & final goal running clear on goal to seal win.

**STR – George McConnell – Rhu Colts**
Cracking start of the season for Geo. two goals and an assist added to that a never say die attitude he got our Player of the Day award.

WHO WAS YOUR TEAM’S MAN OF THE MATCH?

**STR – Brandon Mann – Tollcross AFC**
Came on as a sub at half time when we were 1-0 down turned the game around for us scored 2 goals and set up the winner as well real quality performance won us the game. Finishing on point and great delivery from the corner for the match winner.

**ATT – Dean McGinty – Castlemilk CFC**
who was overlooked last year at goencairn cane back to bite them on the bum with the classy finish for the opening game.

**STR – Connor Moore – Oban Saints**
Connor took his two goals well and worked hard for the full 90 minutes.

**STR – Rizwan Rashid – Clydebank Red Star**
Another impressive competitive debut from summer signing Rizwan. We hoped he’d take his pre-season form into the league and he done just that by bagging a hat-trick.

It’s good to have Saturday morning football back.

New season, new faces and plenty of familiar ones already making their mark. This is only the start, and I’m looking forward to seeing who catches the eye over the weeks ahead.

— Hugh Dunnit