Management thoughts on our win at the Pennypitt

Posted on Sunday, April 25th, 2010

Mike says –

“First of all it was good to get back to the dressing room atmosphere before, at half-time and after the game. Being stuck on a holiday island was fine in many respects but having waited 30 years for it to happen could it not have been in the close season.

Anyway the boys obviously hadn’t missed me because the effort, commitment, ability and consistency they were showing before my extended holiday was there for all to see against a Preston team who were well up for the game yesterday. Stevie went three up and their back to front game plan caused us problems both at the back and in central midfield where they had the extra man. Despite going back ahead just before half-time Sam and I were concerned enough 10 minutes after the break to push Omar further forward and Robbie central to match up against an opposition who were still causing us problems. The third and fourth goals came in quick succession and virtually killed the game.

Omar deservedly takes most of the plaudits yesterday with his second and third strikes being exceptional. I’d also single out Craig McGarrie in goal who faced a difficult time against a big strong team and handled everything very confidently. The back four dealt with a lively front three and Sean battled hard in midfield. The truth is there were no below par performances from any Spartans player or sub yesterday and that is just as well because the Pennypitt is never an easy place to get a result.

We now face two semi-finals in four days and Sam and I will have a long hard think about both games before picking either starting eleven. This group of players have a chance of taking part in three cup finals if they can overcome two very good university sides. What a great incentive to finish the season on such a high.

First things first and Heroit-Watt in the semi of the King Cup at the Academy on Saturday. More about that later in the week.”

Mike