Manager Post Falkirk

07/08/10: JM - ""After missing the penalty and a couple of chances I was beginning to think 'here we go again'

Jim McIntyre reflected on the Pars win at Falkirk:-

"We started the game really well and in the first half we should have been two or three goals ahead. We missed a penalty and there were missed chances but credit to Falkirk, they came right back into it and came at us in the second half. We knew they would but I was especially pleased with the way we pressed the ball and made Falkirk work.

"After missing the penalty and a couple of chances I was beginning to think 'here we go again' - we had a few games last season where we had a lot of pressure and a lot of good goalscoring opportunities and we have not taken them. Those came back to haunt us so you are always wary of that.

"Our keeper had a great save after a couple of deflections and managed to send the ball over. We knew Falkirk would come at us. Their Manager wouldn't be happy at half time so it is about how you deal with that. You need a bit of luck and we got that at times but also we should have been a little ruthless."

The Manager agreed that Joe Cardle was worthy of the superstar status the travelling fans had bestowed on him:-

"He was fantastic and was a very hard player to deal with. He was sensational at times and he has such quick feet. Everybody knows what he likes to do but trying to stop it is another thing. We have been working on him trying to mix up his game. He is doing that and taking on more. He was the catalyst for us in the first half.

"Every one of my players today gave their lot. You could see near the end of the game that they were out on their feetbut it is the first game of the season and they are still gaining a bit of fitness. They were exceptional and deserved that bit of luck towards the end."

Now the team need to replicate that kind of show every game and have fine performances become the norm:-

"I'd like to think that the players have learned from last season but the proof of that will be in the pudding but we definitely need to show more consistency because there is no doubt that on our day we are as good as anyone in the league. But being as good as anyone in the league doesn't always win you leagues. It has to come week in, week out and when you are under pressure like we were in the second half being tight as a unit. Obviously you need that little bit of luck as well."

Macca praised the 1863 strong travelling support:-

"They were fantastic, you could hear them through the whole game. They were getting right behind the team and I am glad that we gave them a performance that they could be proud of."

Steven Pressley commented:-

"It was a disappointing start, very much so because there was a huge crowd turn out today to see our side. We had been doing particularly well over the pre season with some really positive results. There was a real energy about us and the disappointing factor is that we didn't manage to turn that positive pre season into a win today. We will pick ourselves up, dust ourselves down and get ready for next week."

The Falkirk gaffer was asked if he felt that he had let the supporters down:-

"No, we let everybody connected with the club down. We just didn't quite hit the heights that I know we are capable of but I have said time and time again that I know this group of players will respond to that. It is one game in 36 and we have to ensure that we don't have too many days like that."

Were there any positives for Steven Pressley to take from the match? He picked out the player who was red carded and his goalkeeper:-

"I thought there were some terrific performances today. Mark Millar was outstanding for us, he showed the type of energy and the type of desire that we will require to gain promotion, there's no doubt about that. Bobby Olejnik's decision making was particularly good today."

Pressley had no debate with the red card decision:-

"The rules state that if you go in with two feet then there is no argument. Mark had given so much in the game that he was just a little bit frustrated; but he was terrific."

The only comment the Falkirk gaffer had for Millar was "well done" for his performance.

"Mark is a firey character, he plays with determination and wants to win games of football and that is the type of player we want here. Of course it is disappointing that we will lose him next week but in terms of what he gave us today I have no complaints."

Millar will miss the game at Dingwall and with the following away match at Dundee, Falkirk have not the easiest of starts in their campaign to return to the SPL at the first opportunity. Pressley was asked how important it was to get off to a flyer.

"Only time will tell how important that is. Two seasons ago St Johnstone hardly won any of their opening seven or eight games but went on to win the league. Over a period of time that question will be answered. we are disappointed because we wanted to start the season in real positive style and continue where I felt we have been during the pre season. We could turn it around next week and we fully intend to do so."