Jenafield’s young team earned plaudits for helping to put on a fine display against Thornton Hibs on Tuesday night.
A number of the club’s under-20 players made the step up to first team duties for the League Cup Group A encounter.
Sam Townsley, Jon Clark, Rannoch Ramsay, Keillour Lowe, Aidan Strong, Elliott Scott and Scott Logan were all involved.
Logan, just 16, netted twice in the 5-2 win at the Riverside while Shaun Struthers and a Chris McLeish double also helped the cause.
“I thought all of our 20s came in and gelled very well with the rest of the squad,” Gunnion told the PA.
“The most pleasing thing was the attitude and commitment to playing the ball on the ground and moving it sharply.
“Alan Campbell and Shaun Park deserve a huge amount of credit for developing these players in the correct manner.”
He added: “Scott Logan came in to the squad again and he can be very pleased with how he played.
“Always wanting the ball, making threatening runs and he fully merited the two goals he scored.
“Keillour Lowe looked very good at the back alongside Jake Dolzanski and I have no doubt he can play regularly in our first team and follow the lead taken by Jon Clark and Rannoch Ramsay in stepping up.
“In addition, Elliott Scott and Aidan Strong came off the bench and both looked very comfortable.
“Finally, it was great to welcome back Sam Townsley to the first team.
“He first played for us when he was 16 and has gone out and gained experience.
“His performances for the 20s this season have been excellent and he came in last night and performed very well.
“It took two penalties to eventually beat him, but he pulled off two outstanding stops and looked good with the ball at his feet.”
