Management thoughts on reaching the Image Printers Final

Posted on Sunday, February 27th, 2011

Mike says –

“It was hard. Going on our league meeting earlier in the season at Yarrow Park and what I saw of Selkirk at Stirling University last weekend I thought yesterday was going to be hard work and I was correct. Selkirk are a good side this season and difficult to play against. They have the spirit and endeavour of all Border teams but they also have pace and skill in their side. Add to that probably the best keeper in the league who had an inspired first half yesterday and you’ll understand it wasn’t easy. We play Selkirk again on Tuesday and both sets of players will be very tired when the referee blows the final whistle on that one.

We sat down at half-time yesterday knowing we should have been ahead. We’d hit the same post 3 times in 5 minutes and big John Dodds had stopped us on at least 4 other occasions. Sam and I told the players to keep the faith, shorten our passing and be very careful of Selkirk on the break. Chris Townsley’s goal a few minutes into the second half settled the nerves and after that we played with more authority.  Gavin’s delightful goal was after a 4 or 5 man passing move but even then we knew Selkirk weren’t going to lie down.  They pushed Paul Hossack forward, threw caution to the wind and when they scored with 20 minutes to go I don’t think anyone thought the game would finish 2-1. Ross Archibald’s shrug of the shoulders after his goal said it all but late on we could have caught Selkirk on the break on 2 or 3 other occasions just as they could have got a second with their pressure and all the men they left up the park.

As I said at the top it was hard work and we expect more of the same on Tuesday in our league meeting with the Souters. More of that tomorrow.”

Mike