Management Reflections on a Scottish Cup win at Fraserburgh.

Posted on Sunday, October 25th, 2009

Mike says –

In atrocious weather with driving rain and strong winds yesterday our more experienced players handled the conditions much better than the home side. Charlie Duncan the Fraserburgh manager thought that us winning the toss and kicking into the strong wind from the kick off was a big factor in the outcome. The local players continually over hit their passes with the wind at their backs whereas we progressed up the park mainly on the ground. Our two early goals gave us a great foothold in the game but I think over the piece we were worthy winners.

Sometimes in football management you make a lucky call and Sam, Mike and myself made that call on Saturday morning. With the team talk prepared and typed before we set up north we had the team set up in a 3 5 1 1 formation with Gavin sitting off Cloudie. Gavin excels in that space between midfield and up front but I was worried that our players would think we were being a bit negative with Keith as the only player up top. We wanted to have a real go so over breakfast the management team decided to push Donal up front from central midfield and pull Gavin back into the engine room.  Much scribbling over the typed team talk and we were ready to go. As I say, sometimes you make a lucky call and Donal vindicated our decision by having his best game in a Spartans shirt for years.

It wasn’t all about Donal though as every player and the three introduced subs put on a display which must have pleased the vocal travelling support as much as us soaking in the away dug-out. Everyone in the Spartans dressing room appreciates the support we get on Scottish Cup days especially well away from home.

Overall it was another good day at the office for us and the expectations of a home draw in the next round on Wednesday. I can dream, can’t I?”

Mike