Chris, an up and down start to the league campaign, a loss on the opening day followed by 2 wins before a disappointing 1-0 loss on Saturday at home to Camelon. What’s your thoughts after the first 4 matches?
Over the course of the 4 games we are fairly happy , yes it would be great to have more points but I think we have to be honest in each game we play , Dunipace in the first game we didn’t show up, maybe the occasion got the better of us but to have everyone that day below par just isn’t good enough and the lads will be honest on that also.
After that we picked up 6 points from the next 2 games and we were more like ourselves, Burntisland at home was a tough one and they like a battle, our lads done well to stick to the game plan and with us going down to 10 men with 25 mins to go they done great to hold out for the win.
We then went away to Kennoway midweek which was very difficult in terms of preparation for the game, lads had to get from work etc and fight through traffic for most of the journey which meant most of us didn’t arrive until 25 mins before kick so to do still do a great job, pick up 3 points and keep a clean sheet was pleasing , second clean sheet on the bounce also .
We were confident going into the Camelon game , they had yet to pick up a win and low in confidence and if I’m honest on another day we could have won 3/4 -0 however if you don’t take your chances the other team gain confidence in that and they took advantage right at the death , sooner we put that to the back of our mind the better .
Going into Saturday, focus shifts from the league to a cup tie against Spartans. Going to be a tough game but all the pressure will be on the lowland league side. How do you approach this one?
This week does give us a break from league action and some would say takes the pressure off a bit but this is still a game we want to do well in , obviously Spartans are favourites but how often do upsets happen , we prepared for these type of games throughout pre season so it will be great to see how we do this week , it’s always nice to get a run in the cups also .
After missing the first 3 games, Adam Nelson returned to the squad against Camelon, first of all how is he and secondly how big a boost is he going into Saturdays game?
Obviously losing Adam isn’t great for the team as he is a leader .
His ability and experience goes a long way in the team and I’m happy he is fit again and ready to go. He was flying pre season and played a lot minutes throughout that period which possibly played part in the slight niggles he picks up but hopefully we can keep him fit and playing as much possible.
Youngster Ryan Turner has just completed a loan move to Arniston Rangers, after starting the first game of the season do you see this as a good opportunity for Ryan to get more game time in a lower league and hopefully come back in January with more first team experience?
Yeah, Ryan started the first game of the season and like everyone let themselves down , he made 2 appearances from the bench after that Against Burntisland and Kennoway , if I’m honest I wanted to see more from him during those opportunities but Ryan is a young lad and it will take time for him to make his mark. He was left out the squad on Saturday against Camelon and we then looked at the potential to go out on loan for more game time which we had previously agreed may have to happen. I think this will be a good thing for Ryan and I’m sure he will come back and be ready to fight for a place in the team .
Does this open up space for any more incomings at Newtongrange or are you content with the squad that’s started the season?
I think we are always looking to improve in terms of personal, finding the right players for the club is important and if and when they become available we will have a look at that but right now I’m happy with what we have , we have a strong squad full of quality .
Obviously we have the Scottish cup next Saturday also away to Invergordon which will be another great experience for the club and the players so hopefully we can do what we haven’t in the previous 2 seasons and win the tie .
Best of luck on Saturday.
