We sat down with manager Phil McGuire after yesterdays defeat to Luncarty to get his pot match thoughts
It was a strange game and very different from last week, I didn’t think there was anything in the game at all. I think both teams worked hard and competed but it lacked any real quality and for me we didn’t create any quality chances when passages of play dictated, we needed that cutting edge.
I felt the tempo of the game was too slow and it was constantly stop start with some strange decisions from the officials for both sides. Luncarty put in a good quality cross and capitalised on us not clearing our lines, that was the only time our Jamie was was called into action. I think we huffed and puffed and our luck was summed up when Bailey’s strike in the second half came off the post and bounced perfectly into the goalkeepers hands.
I can’t fault the players efforts as believe that we worked hard enough but at times more communication would have allowed us to press better and capitalise. If we had come off the pitch winning 1-0 I would have had the same thoughts, we would have ground out a result, worked hard but not showed the quality we have as individuals and as a group. However, credit to Luncarty, they got the goal and defended well and I wish them all the best in the next round.
The wind undoubtedly had an effect on the game but the pitch stood up well to the heavy rain in the 36 hours before the game
The pitch was great again and I didn’t think that it had an effect in the game but the overhead conditions with swirling wind did at times, that was for both teams who look to play and pass. However it’s no excuse, we didn’t show the quality in the right areas to ask serious questions.
You changed things round from last week but despite having plenty of possession, we didn’t have a cutting edge?
As I have mentioned before I believe we have a squad and team that can go out and get results, today we lacked quality in the key areas to cause more problems than we did, without ever being really tested ourselves and there was nothing in the game. Possession counts for nothing at the end of the day, unless we convert that to chances created, adding pressure, forcing corners and asking a team to defend and ask them the questions.
Back to league action next weekend as Downfield visit Laing Park?
Yes it will be a welcome return but its the only home game in September which will be tough. Downfield have always been a compact side and I know they will compete and look to play, it will be down to the players on the day to go out and match that, bring the quality and a cutting edge. I know they have to produce that game if they want to get a positive result. We demand competition amongst the squad and this defeat today is a blow, I know the players are annoyed and hurting but we must remain positive and quickly sweep it away and work harder on correcting things starting with training this week.
Finally, who was Man of the Match ?
Without the quality it is difficult as I thought everyone still worked hard and battled but possibly just edging is Brian Clark. I felt he was always looking to be positive and move the ball and seemed to get stronger as the game went on.
