Manager on Thursday
Thursday, 24th Mar 201624/03/16: AJ - "They cannot wait for the next game to come so we need to take that energy and make sure that they produce it in the game.
Allan Johnston wants his side to go out and win games all the way through to the end of the season. That would of course ensure the title at Cliftonhill on Saturday 2nd April but both Brechin City and Albion Rovers will have other thoughts. The Pars manager told the media on Thursday:-
"We cannot rely on other teams to do us favours, we have to concentrate on ourselves because this is another massive game. We are hoping to go another step closer against a team that is on form just now - four wins from the last four games. They are scoring goals and not conceding goals so it is going to be a tough task."
The manager is hoping that Brechin's form will give his side an added incentive to go and do well and win the game:-
"They are really lively and they have been buzzing all week. They cannot wait for the next game to come so we need to take that energy and make sure that they produce it in the game.
"I am sure that on Saturday we will have a massive support here like we had last week at Cowdenbeath. The support were incredible and got right behind the team. I am sure that with the chance to go and win the league I am sure that they will turn out in their numbers and get behind the players. As a player that is what you respond to, that's what makes you play better so it is all good."
The pitch and the length of time out of play had proved to be the opposite effect at Cowdenbeath last Saturday. AJ had analysed last Saturday's match and discovered that the ball was out the park for at least 52 minutes.
"It is incredible but difficult for both teams to be fair. The size of the pitch and condition of the pitch does not make for an entertaining game. In the second half we controlled the game better. They had a couple of chances in the first half but in the second half the goal was coming and we got a wee bit of luck with the goal."
Cowdenbeath travel to second placed Peterhead on Saturday and in their efforts to get off the foot of the table could do the Pars a good turn, the manager continued:-
"You just never know. Cowdenbeath were flying until just after Christmas. Any team in this league can beat anyone. They are desperate for points but it is remarkable what Peterhead have done this year. Something like nineteen games unbeaten is a great record but hopefully Cowdenbeath can end that at the weekend."
Allan Johnston is very aware that his side have yet to achieve their goal but he praised his side for setting up such a lead at the top of Ladbrokes League One.
"You can be a long time in management or as a player without winning a league title so it is always special when it comes along. We just have to make sure that we cross the line before we start to celebrate.
"We have a lot of young boys so it is all about getting that winning mentality, used to winning week in week out. The last thing we should do, even if we do get over the line and we win the league, is think that is us finished and done our job this year. We have to make sure that we keep winning, keep the habits and standards that we have set already.
"The players have done well, their attitude has been first class, it would be good to win the game this weekend if everything goes our way but we have just got to focus on the next game. That is all we can do and we need to make sure that we win it."
The manager was asked about Scott Robinson, trialist in the U20s 3-2 win at Hamilton on Tuesday night. Johnston confirmed that since he had been released by Kilmarnock the 24 year old midfielder had been given training facilities at Dunfermline.
"Gary Locke signed him for Kilmarnock and I spoke to him about him. He rates him really highly so he has been coming in just to keep fit. We will see where it progresses from there. There is no harm in having a look.
"We managed to bring in young Conner Duthie as well. He has played really well for the 20s in their last couple of games so it is great to bring on young players who obviously have a chance of stepping up to the first team pool"
Views : 4,867
