Jim Jefferies Post Dundee United

24/07/13: JJ - "If we continue the same application, work rate and ability then that is what we are looking for.

Jim Jefferies was pleased with his side's final work out prior to the start of competitive matches. He felt his side had done particularly well against a stronger team than he is likely to face in the league this season:-

"They had more experienced players than we have and they are playing at a higher level but we more than held our own in the first half. You can do all the training you like but you pick games like this because you know that you are going to have to work really hard to stay in the game. Every one of them put a shift in and tried to do the right things. We had some decent moves but Dundee United are a powerful side.

"If we continue the same application, work rate and ability then that is what we are looking for. We maybe won't find the games any easier but we will not have to do as much as we had to do tonight.

"3-1 is not a disgrace, we lost two quick goals and the second one was a mistake. The first goal was a first class finish but our goal (scored by Josh Falkingham) was a great goal as well. Their third goal was another great finish but at the same time you cannot allow players of that level to shoot hoping that they are going to miss. You have to go and put pressure on the ball.

"Somebody should have been out to him and after they scored that type of goal there were two or three efforts that Dundee United had around the box where you could see they were eager to get a shot in. They have players who can hit the ball but Martin blocked one, Potter blocked one and everybody was out there making sure that they learned from the last time when they got caught with the goal.

"It is pleasing that they didn't sit back and allow other free strikes at goal. We had a couple chances - Thommo just couldn't get it out from his feet; he maybe should have hit it early but it just wasn't to be. They had defenders who weren't going to give you a clear sight at goal.

"I am absolutely delighted with my players. Our players did exactly what I was looking for from them and there were some excellent performances."

Jim explained how he was very pleased with the pre season training and matches. They had played three tough matches against two Premier League sides and against First Division, Falkirk. These matches he claimed would prepare his squad well for what lies ahead of them.

"It starts on Saturday when we go to Cowdenbeath. We want to get through to the next round of that cup, we then have another cup tie before we look forward to getting underway in the league. The players have been training hard and hardly had a day off or a single training session. They have been back working on things in the afternoons and there is a great enthusiasm amongst them."

Staff and players are hoping that next Tuesday's Creditors meeting will give a further boost to spirits:-

"The CVA will be put forward and if that is accepted then we can go forward after that because Pars United are the preferred bidder. If the CVA goes through we would hope to bring the club back up. It could take a few years to do that with these young kids. The fans have been magnificent and have got to stick together for the Club.

"New owners will come in and they cannot make changes because of the transfer embargo so we have to do it with the squad we have and bring kids through. It is a tall ask but we will try and keep our lads fit, keep our most experienced players available."

Ryan Wallace, Andy Geggan and Ryan Ferguson were not risked against Dundee United so that they could recover from injuries.

"We are expecting them back for Saturday; they will not have had as much match practice as I would have liked but they have trained hard."

The Manager revealed his thoughts behind having a look at trialist Luke Johnston. The Fifer had been a youth at Raith Rovers before his family emigrated to Australia when he was 14. In Oz he played with Perth Glory and since returning has played with Dundee United:-

"We set up with three central defenders today just so that I could take a look at him. We knew he could play at the back and I think against Goodwillie and the rest we wanted not to leave ourselves too exposed. It worked well in the first half but we changed it in the second half because we wanted to have a look at another system. We left ourselves a wee bit more exposed at the back but if you keep making mistakes and keep giving the ball away they will punish you like they did at the second goal.

"It was about looking at two or three things and players in different positions. Good to see kids coming on, like I said on Saturday, so that I could look at what I could get out of them. For instance the likes of Lewis Spence and Lewis Martin; are they good enough to throw on if I need to? They proved tonight that I would have no qualms."

The Manager praised the younger players - Spence, Martin, Fayssal and Williamson:-

"Ryan Williamson was tremendous, he keeps his feet on the ground and has come in and impressed us. It looks good but we have to make sure that we do not expect too much from them. They are out there trying their best, they will make mistakes but they have to learn quick. They are getting a great opportunity at this football club to help the club through to a time when they can strengthen with more experience but that is a way off I am sure."

Thursday 25th July: Rosyth Juniors v Dunfermline XI at Recreation Park, Rosyth, kick off 7.00pm

MATCH PICTURES