Manager Post Arbroath

09/07/18: Link to audio of Allan Johnston’s post match thoughts

The manager thought that it was a good game and great experience for his younger players facing a quality team:-

"I fancy Arbroath to go and win the league this year. I think they have a really strong squad so to come here, I know it`s pre season and it doesn`t mean an awful lot in the grand scheme of things, but it was brilliant to see such a good performance from the young boys."

First team squad players Joe Thomson, Aidan Connolly and Callum Smith all started to gain some valuable game time and AJ praised their attitude:-

"I thought their attitude was first class. There were some really good performances and that is what you are looking forward from some of your older players and I am classing guys like Callum Smith and Stuart Morrison as older players now. You couldn`t ask for much more.

"Cammy Gill was fantastic, absolutely outstanding for the whole game with some of his saves. We know how good a goalie he is that is why we made him captain in the first place. He had a cracking save in the first half that ended up being offside. He is going to have a big future in the game and be a big player for us.

"It is building up towards the start of the competitive season and I don`t think anybody has done their chances any harm either by putting in performances like that and the attitude they showed. Hopefully we can continue the momentum in the build up to Thursday."

Motherwell are the opponents at East End Park on Thursday and it will be strong team that will be fielded. AJ continued:-

"They are a big direct team and obviously have a style that suits them so we are going to have to stand up to that just like the young lads had to stand up to the physical challenge tonight. It is the first time that any of them have faced a game like that. Callum Smith said after the game that he got battered from pillar to post. It is the first time that he has ever faced that so it is good experience for them."

The manager confirmed that it would be pretty much the same sort of team as faced Arbroath who will take on Kelty Hearts in Friday night`s friendly at New Central Park:-

"They are an exciting team to go and watch. A lot of them have come on board this year. We have taken so many in because we know that they are a good crop of players. You can see the togetherness that they have got. Hopefully they keep on improving"

The answer to the had to be asked question about any new signings was "no", more patience required.

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