Ger's thoughts on the trip north to face South

Well, it was a chaotic night in the capital!

It seems to be that every head to head we have had with the South over the past season has drummed up plenty entertainment. Last night’s was no different.

Taking an early lead we looked as though we might take the initiative and push on. Going forward we looked a constant threat in the final third however, frustratingly, we were unable to close the door at the other end. Uncharacteristically, we self-combusted a little and the manner of the goals we lost on our part were beyond soft.

At the top end Robbie (Renwick) has gone from strength to strength and I felt he was a constant threat all night, Grado (Grant Wilson) gets another goal and we were pleased to see Grant (Doyle) also on the scoresheet. We’ve been asking our midfielders to get into more advanced areas so, going forward, there were plenty of positives. Defensively we can’t pick the boys apart too heavily. As a unit they have been tremendous since we’ve come in. We’ve got to defend the first phase much better however and they know this. It was unlike us but I felt we were second best to a lot of the South’s long balls. The third goal kind of put it into perspective. Albeit I’m still scratching my head as to how a penalty was given, even more so after watching the match footage. But the backline will bounce back, of that I’m certain.

Last night once again showed how tough this division is going to be. You have to be at it for everything and anything you get. We said that last night’s point will only be a good one if we follow it up by a positive display again on Saturday. The standards have to keep rising and we still have five boys to welcome back in to the group. So, as it stands, it’s been a decent start to the campaign.

Saturday sees us take on Thornton Hibs and there’s no doubt the boys will be well prepared for that. After last season we felt we let ourselves down in both head to heads with them so it’s a great chance to right a few wrongs.