Stephen Kenny Post Reserves

"While it might not be the greatest of matches to play in, they are very important f

"Sean Murdoch played really well in goal with a few good saves. They had the better chances first half and we had the better chances second half but the lads got a match under their belts and that is what we wanted.

"Jamie (Harris) in the last calendar year I suppose has only played a couple of matches. He is going to need a few matches but it is a long season and he will have a part to play. It will take five or six matches to get him anywhere near where we want him. He has shown a really good attitude and a real aptitude for hard work. Jim McIntyre as well needs another couple of matches. It is hard for them.

"While it might not be the greatest of matches to play in, they are very important for match fitness.

"Bobby Ryan played after being out with a sprained neck injury. In fairness to the four lads from the first team squad, we worked them really hard in training yesterday even though they were playing tonight. Normally the day before matches we would keep it to very light training but we did a really tough session. They need it because for a couple of them it is their pre season.

"Some of the young lads were under 17s. The two full backs, Harry (McGregor) and Scott (Waddell) are under 17 players really. Gary MacLachlan, Charlie Bradshaw, Scott McBride and Kris Maxwell are under 18 players."

The SFL Reserve League Cup is played in two sections of eight, with each club playing their respective opponents once, giving a total of seven matches to be played on a fortnightly basis.Thereafter, the top two clubs in each Section will contest the Semi-Finals over one leg and thereafter, the winner of each Semi-Final tie will contest the Final, again over one leg. Stephen Kenny felt that these Reserve fixtures would serve a purpose and will organise friendlies when needed as happened last week against Livingston.

"Our next fixture is two weeks away (at Arbroath). Montrose were stronger than we possibly could have anticipated, I am glad they were because we didn't want to up against a team of young kids. They had experienced players and that made it a better match."