Ross wants Swifts to stay positive

Jeanfield Swifts manager Ross Gunnion is urging his players to keep the positivity flowing as the club begin their East of Scotland League campaign.

The Perth side are unbeaten in competitive action since returning from the summer break but face their first Conference C test tonight.

Swifts hit the road to take on St Andrews United and Gunnion is targeting a fast start to build on recent cup success.

“We’ve got a few niggles ahead of Tuesday so it will be a late selection,” the Riverside boss explained to the Perthshire Advertiser.

“But we have good depth in the squad and there are players ready and waiting to get the opportunity to get a first team jersey.

“St Andrews are a good side and are packed full of experience.

“They will bring a different threat to the teams we’ve played so far and I envision them posing the most physical test we’ve had this season.

“It’s a tough ask of the players and we’ll need to be up to the task of playing an evening game away from home as our league opener.

“But so far, the players have passed every test they’ve faced and I hope we can continue our good form on Tuesday night.”

Jeanfield warmed-up for tonight’s league test by defeating 10-man Heriot Watt University 3-1 in the Alex Jack Cup on Saturday.

Chris Dodd and a Connor McLaren double ensured that Swifts went marching on into the next round of the competition.

Gunnion added: “I think the performance was a little more low key from us.

“But that’s understandable given we were held up over an hour in traffic after an accident on the road down to Edinburgh.

“We took a bit of time to get going and the astro surface always slows the game down a bit.

“With any cup game the message is always to not get beat.

“The players dug in when required and stayed compact when under a little pressure at 1-1.

“When Heriot Watt went down to 10 men it was a case of remaining patient and not getting frustrated.

“It was a magnificent free kick from Chris Dodd and Connor adding two goals either side of that was pleasing.

“It’s reward for the amount of hard work and unselfish play he’s been putting in lately.

“I’ve no doubt that we’ll see more goals from him as the season goes on.”