Formartine United’s Matthew McLean revealed his throw-in prowess is something he’s been working on from a young age.
The Pitmedden side are in Scottish Cup third round action today when League Two Stenhousemuir visit North Lodge Park.
Since joining Formartine in the summer, Breedon Highland League defences have been put under pressure by McLean’s lengthy throw-ins into the box.
The 23-year-old defender’s party piece is likely to be an important part of United’s attacking armoury against the Warriors.
McLean said: “It’s something I’ve probably been developing since I was four or five.
“My dad (Stuart) played for Queen’s Park and when I was younger he used to take me a couple of times a week to a playing field to work on things.
“We practised lots of stuff and throw-ins was one thing, because he didn’t want me taking foul throws as a defender.
“So sometimes we’d spend half an hour practising throw-ins and then it got to the point where I was throwing it further and further.
“It’s good to have something different from a lot of players, you see at a higher level – Rory Delap sort of made a career out of his long throw.
“From my experience I would say it mainly comes from technique and working on it over time. It’s not so much about strength.”
Defender eyeing another scalp
McLean joined Formartine in the summer after his job as an apprentice site engineer in the power industry led to him moving to the north-east.
He has enjoyed playing under Stuart Anderson and, ahead of facing Stenny, has good Scottish Cup memories from last season with Clydebank, who recorded victories over SPFL sides Elgin City and Clyde.
McLean added: “It’s been good playing in the Highland League. I didn’t know what to expect because I hadn’t played up here before.
“After being put in touch with Stuart Anderson, he sold playing for Formartine to me.
“Stenhousemuir have got players throughout their team who can cause us problems.
“It’s a big day for us and at this level getting to the fourth round of the Scottish Cup is what every player dreams about.
“Last season with Clydebank we probably overachieved. We beat Elgin and beat Clyde, then we took Annan to extra-time in the fourth round.
“That was a good experience and I’m hoping we can do well at Formartine.”
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