Steins Thistle Sunday midfielder Aiden McCann admitted Friday night’s Brothers in Arms Trophy Final took time to settle from inside the game itself, as both sides came flying out early in a chaotic opening spell at Nethercraigs.

By full-time, Steins had recovered from trailing twice to defeat Castlemilk FA 7–2 — with McCann picking up Man of the Match after a dominant midfield display in the second half.

Aiden felt the opening stages reflected how much both teams wanted the occasion, even if it took time for Steins to fully settle.

“You are spot on regarding the chaotic start.”

“I felt like it was both teams trying to make their stamp on the game fairly quickly, which just indicated how much both sides wanted it.”

“For me personally it took me a lot longer than usual to get that second wind, I think due to the occasion and early moment nerves.”

“But once we settled into the game after the first 30 minutes I think we were the team on top.”

The Steins midfielder agreed with referee Kevin Cownie’s view that the midfield battle became crucial once Steins started gaining control.

“I appreciate Kevin’s comments as they are fairly accurate.”

“I think once our midfield started to dictate the game we went on to boss the game.”

“I also feel the third goal just before half time knocked the stuffing out of Castlemilk who to that point defended really well.”

“We did have a good chat at half time, corrected a few things and as we went into the second half we really took the game to Castlemilk.”

“We got our rewards for our persistence by adding another 4 goals.”

Despite only joining the squad around the new year, Aiden says settling into the Steins group came naturally thanks to the environment around the club.

“I only came into this squad just around the new year.”

“My best mate Lee plays with the team and it was his persuading that got me down.”

“I knew another few boys from my younger years at school too which made it a lot easier for me to be welcomed in.”

“We have a fantastic group of boys at Steins. Everybody just wants the best for everybody which is what you look for in a team.”

“Every player, coach and fan has been great for me.”

“I found my love for the game here again and it’s really boosted my confidence when it comes to performances on the park, which is a credit to everyone around me.”

Winning the final mattered most to Aiden, but collecting the Man of the Match award in front of family made the night even more memorable personally.

“For me personally it was a great moment.”

“My full family were there to watch me and it was great to give them that moment.”

“On the build up to the game it was just about winning for me and if I could help the team do that I would have been happy.”

“However to be recognised with the MOTM award it just makes it that bit more special personally.”

“Again however I couldn’t have performed the way I did without the help of the boys around me so again, credit to everyone involved.”

The celebrations afterwards only reinforced Aiden’s belief that the squad genuinely trusts what is being built around the club.

“The celebrations afterwards were incredible.”

“We ended up going back to the sponsors pub and everyone attended.”

“We have a great group as I’ve stated and we look to kick on for the last few games this season but more importantly next season too.”

“I believe the boys we already have with a few potential additions can really push us on and hopefully get more opportunities to go lift more silverware.”

Some signings arrive and slowly settle in.

Aiden McCann’s Friday night looked more like somebody fully buying into the occasion, the squad, and the direction Steins Thistle Sunday believe they’re heading in.