Focus the key for Kinnoull in Forfar
Boss Cameron urges players to remain switched on
Focus will be the word ringing around the visiting changing room at Forfar Albion this weekend.
Kinnoull make the trip to Guthrie Park as favourites to return to the Fair City with a maximum haul of Premier League North points.
But manager Alan Cameron is emphasising to his players that, while Forfar are yet to pick up a point this season, they will still pose a serious threat.
Saturday’s hosts parted company with manager Mark Caldwell by mutual agreement during the week.
“We struggled up there last year, beating them 4-2 with two goals after the 90 minute mark,” Cameron said.
“We need to ensure that the young boys are focused. They can’t be thinking it’s a win because it’s Forfar Albion.
“We must be focused 100 per cent on our game. The guys need to be buzzing for it and they were like that last Saturday.
“I would expect to get three points, but you just never know. They might get a new manager in and get a big lift from it.
“We should have enough in the tank to get the three points.”
Cameron is hoping to build on last season’s fourth place finish and he knows his squad is more than capable.
The Perth men have started with a win against Brechin Vics, draw against Dundee North End and narrow defeats against Luncarty and Blairgowrie.
Cameron said: “If the boys keep the consistency, we can equal last year’s fourth place finish. Is that about our level? Probably.
“But can the boys punch above their weight again? You just don’t know.
“Blairgowrie came to us the other week and we were poor. It
Kinnoull boss Alan Cameron is excited about what his squad can achieve this season was one each at half-time but we should have been ahead.
“We were awful in the second half and, with the experience Blairgowrie have got, they killed us 3-1.
“These teams have that bit of experience which is what we lack in the right areas. We maybe need someone in the middle of the park that is a talker.
“And also someone up front that will take a chance.
“We got our first win against Brechin Vics and had it wrapped up in 30 minutes. They were outstanding.
“They had a bit of a roasting before they went out because of the Blair performance. You could see they had the bit between their teeth.
“They then battled and fought against Dundee North End. We can’t go toe to toe with them because they have more experience and better players.
“But football is not played on paper all of the time.”
Kinnoull advanced into the next round of the DJ Laing East Region Cup last weekend following a 3-0 victory against Armadale Thistle at Tulloch Park.
Goals from Ben Ragan, Fraser Wilson and Mark Smith netted the win.
“I was very pleased,” Cameron said. “We started the game quite well and managed to get a scrappy goal after 10 minutes which gave us the lead.
“We sat in and hit them on the counter. They didn’t really offer much so, as the half went on, we tweaked it and went a wee bit more aggressive.
“We got a penalty right on half-time and you’re thinking that, if we score, it’s a great boost and kicks them right in the gut.
“You could hear them getting a bit of a roasting through the wall at half-time.
“We went out second half and should have killed the game earlier.
“The third came in the 90th minute but, by that time, they had given it their shot. They were still dangerous on the counter.
“But we were pleased because we kept the ball well. It’s pleasing because the players are very young and we’re trying to teach them about game management.
“They are learning. Some of them play for Abernethy under19s and have been together for two or three years.
“There can be a naivety with trying to always get the win. I’ve been there and done it myself, you were just desperate to win all the time.
“But when you get a bit older and longer in the tooth, you think a point is not always a bad result.”
Kick-off at Guthrie Park is 2.30pm.