An update from our Manager
In the grand scheme of things results don’t matter in pre-season friendlies, it’s more about working on fitness, sharpness, tactics and formations, but it’s been great to pick up two wins this week, albeit it ended up taking a penalty shoot out against Berwick Rangers to achieve that!
Berwick Rangers and East Stirlingshire both possess talented footballers, and our players didn’t look out of place despite the two league differences between both teams.
I’ve been happy with the performances. I think we look fit and more organised and have played some nice football too. The new lads have settled into the club very well, and the trialists have contributed too. Hopefully in the coming days we will have some news on these guys.
It was great to see a good turn out on Tuesday night for Paul Hampshire’s Memorial Cup match. Overall, over the three games, we’ve had a superb backing and I really want to thank everyone who has bought a season ticket – this is important as it lets the board set a budget and plan ahead with increased certainty.
After last week we have a couple of injuries to deal with now and young Evan Fleming picked up a knee injury against Berwick Rangers that we won’t know the severity of until the swelling goes down and it is assessed again. The assessment is likely to be a few weeks away and after his planned family holiday. Hopefully he can return soon, as he’s a huge part of our squad and a pleasure to have around. On the plus side both Johnny Edmond and Fraser Neave are close to making a return, I expected Fraser to be involved on Saturday, but unfortunately he tested positive for covid last week.
With another two games to play this week, I’m looking forward to the next two difficult matches, starting off with tomorrow’s game away from home, which is one of my former clubs, Bo’ness United. Then it’s a home match this Saturday at New Countess Park against Heart of Midlothian. The “official” opening of our stand will take place then too, and I’m sure you will agree it’s made a huge difference to New Countess Park.
It would be great to see another big crowd on Saturday to cheer on the lads against Hearts. No doubt I’ll also see a faithful band of Seasiders in Bo’ness before then – the supporters at this club always amaze us and our loyal following makes a big difference for the boys.
All the best
Kevin Haynes
DUFC