Manager Post Stirling Albion

28/07/18: link to audio of both managers’ post match comments

At least the second half performance pleased manager Allan Johnston, he told the media:-

“First half I thought we got in good areas but probably tried to score the perfect goal. We never really worked the keeper, never had enough shots, enough crosses.

“Second half we were a totally different team, we created eight or nine really good chances and could have scored a lot more goals but the encouraging thing was after going a goal behind, was the reaction from the players.”

The manager was pleased with the increased tempo in the second half:-

“We needed to pass the ball forward a bit quicker and I think we did that in the second half. We needed to get closer to people because obviously when they got the goal they got a bit of confidence.

“In the second half we were a totally different team with a real goal threat going forward. We scored some really good goals and probably could have scored more.”

The manager described the first two goals:-

“They were into spaces. We have a lot of pace and a lot of power upfront so if you give them service like that, it is really hard to defend against. Then once they start doing that you can start passing through teams and I thought that we did that as well. There were a lot of dangerous crosses coming in that we could probably have done a bit better with. The encouraging thing was the amount of chances we created.”

Asked how important it was to finish top of the group and earning the right to be seeded, AJ replied:-

“The main thing is getting through. I don’t know about being seeded, you are still going to get tough teams no matter who you get. The important thing was another win, getting the habit of winning, coming back from losing a goal and we just have to make sure that we continue that on next week.”

Kallum Higginbotham and Ryan Williamson are suspended for next Saturday’s league opener away to Dundee United, so could it be the reason why they were on the bench against Stirling Albion?

“It is frustrating when they pick up bookings in the play offs and more or less the last game of the season that carry through to this season. It makes it difficult but it is only one game so they will be back sooner rather than later.”

The other change made to the winning team at Brechin was bringing in 20 year old keeper Cammy Gill.

“I am delighted for him. He has done really well in pre season and deserved to play today. He took his opportunity and did really well, it just means that you have competition especially with Sean (Murdoch) being out. I’m sure that he will push Robbo all the way.”

Myles Hippolyte scored a couple of goals and it is hoped that they will boost his confidence:-

“In the second half I thought he was much more of a threat. At the end of the first half we said to him that he needs to be a striker, he needs to score goals. He needs to be in the right areas and I thought that he did that much better in the second half when he was a lot stronger and I’m sure that he will be a big player for us this year.”

The match provided another 70 minutes for Faissal El Bakhtaoui and James Vincent towards full match fitness:-

“Definitely, they have missed a good bit of pre season through injury but you can still admire some of Faiss’ touches. For the second goal his feet were incredible and I’m sure that he too will be brilliant for us this year.”

The manager confirmed that Lewis Martin’s absence was due to injury. “He hurt his groin and we are hoping that he will be alright for next week but we did not want to take any chances.”

Related Stories

• Dunfermline 3 Stirling Albion 1
• Brechin City 1 Dunfermline 7
• Dundee 0 Dunfermline 1
• Preview Stirling Albion