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Gartcairn out for revenge against Albert
Gartcairn manager Jamie McKenzie hopes some of his players use the disappointment of losing the league to Royal Albert last season as motivation for the pair’s clash this weekend.
Gartcairn were just one goal shy of winning the title under John Brogan but were pipped on the final day by this Saturday’s opponents.
After continuing their unbeaten league run at the weekend with a hard-fought 3-1 win over Yoker, McKenzie said: “There’s previous with us and Royal Albert from last season.
“This was obviously before I arrived at the club but some of the lads will still be smarting from that and should have the bit between their teeth for this one.
“They’ve got some Airdrie boys as well who felt they should have been signed by Gartcairn. Hopefully we can use the experience of last season as an extra motivator for this one and keep our unbeaten run going.
“This is about moving another opponent out of the road and hopefully taking another step towards our targets.”
Gartcairn are unbeaten in 11 league matches this season, drawing twice.
Ryan Donnelly, Kevin Ross and Darren Bowie scored the goals on Saturday that kept the run going amid a storm of biblical proportions.
McKenzie continued: “I was probably a bit harsh on the boys at half-time, saying we weren’t playing well because Yoker are a good side.
“They’re one of the toughest we’ve faced and had some players that caused us real bother.
“In the first half the wind and the rain were terrible but in the second half it calmed down slightly and allowed us to play our game a bit more.
“We got ourselves in front and then sealed it with the final goal, which made the scoreline look a bit more comfortable than it really was.”
McKenzie went on: “I’m not usually one to share the aims and objectives but we’re now near the half-way point in the league.
“We’ve faced almost everyone, including the best teams, and we’re still unbeaten. “Nobody can say that’s by luck. “The longer that continues, the better.
“The boys haven’t had enough credit for what they’ve done so far.
“We’ve not been at our best for the last few games but we’re still coming away with wins.
“Hopefully that goes on to prove it’s the mark of champions.”