Evening Telegraph (First Edition)
Gowfers are in good shape insists gaffer
C A R NOUST I E cont i nue their pre-season build-up tomorrow with a home game against North Region outfit Hermes.
The Gowfers beat Thorn Athletic last weekend, and gaffer Phil McGuire is happy with the way things are progressing.
He has been particularly impressed with his men’s levels of fitness.
He said: “I was pleased at how competitive last week’s game was.
“It wasn’t a surprise, as I know Thorn well and they are an excellent team and well established.
“I knew they would hold their own in the top half of our Premier League.
“During pre-season we are keen to get the minutes and start building match fitness.
“There are still areas to work on and that will come as we play more games and experiment with players and shape of the team.
“I felt we controlled large parts of the game but, at the same time, we were asked questions by some of Thorn’s attacks.
McGuire continued: “Pre-season has gone very well. I believe the basis of the fitness levels, combined with the shorter break, has contributed to the players returning well.
“We had set a lot of this work in place by approaching our tempo and training schedules differently last season and this gave us the platform for the programme.
“The way we work is in progressive levels and, if we have that good core fitness, we can work on more game specifics straight off.
“The players’ attitude and application have been excellent.
“They have worked extremely hard so far and embraced changes in which they maybe haven’t been accustomed to.”
Tayport’s pre-season schedule continues tomorrow with a home game against Lochee Harp.
The Fifers were in action in midweek, winning 7-0 at Alyth Amateurs.
Dayle Robertson grabbed a hat-trick, while Jamie Gill and Tom Whyte each notched a brace.
Broughty Athletic are shaping up nicely and play their annual pre-season game against Fraserburgh.
With work still being done on the new astroturf facilities at Whitton Park, the game will go ahead at DISC with a 2pm kick-off.
Violet have attractive visitors to Glenesk in the shape of Cambuslang Rangers (KO 2pm), while Downfield host Bellshill Athletic (1pm).