Swifts urged to put teams to the sword
Momentary lapses of concentration are resulting in Jeanfield Swifts dropping unnecessary points.
That was the message from assistant manager Logan McConachie as the Perth side attempt to piece together a consistent run of positive results.
It has been an up-and-down Premier Division campaign for Swifts so far and they are reflecting on a disappointing 2-1 defeat against Dunbar United last week.
The Riverside squad controlled the game for large spells but returned home with nothing to show for their efforts despite taking the lead through Chris McLeish.
McConachie has confidence in the quality laced throughout the team but would like to see more results being ground out when times are tough.
“Last week was an incredibly frustrating game for us,” he explained yesterday.
“We had complete control and created a large amount of chances but for a number of reasons we couldn’t convert.
“It was very much a smash and grab victory from our opponents. But, in saying that, we only really had ourselves to blame with the number of missed chances.
“I think the style of football we play means that we can sometimes be in control of the game for large periods, which results in short lapses of concentration.
“This league is ultra competitive and it’s about building on positive performances, as well as results.
“We’re in a great position where our squad and staff recognise that it’s a process of development.
“We’re not going to have immediate success in every game but the quality we have in our squad should be capable of grinding out results.
“Obviously I have Jeanfield tinted glasses on but the stats don’t lie. We’ve created an abundance of chances and dominated games.
“We all feel that there are a handful of results we should have definitely won but, on the other hand, we realise that the league is so competitive.
“If we don’t put teams to the sword when on top then we can be punished.”
Swifts return to home duty this weekend with 10th-placed Blackburn United, who sit one point and one place worse off, the visitors to the Riverside.
“Blackburn like to play possession-based football and build out from the back,” said
McConachie.
“The footballing display is generally of a good standard when the two teams meet. We‘ll be looking to bounce back with a strong and energetic performance.
“Blackburn know their way to goal and we’ll look to limit their attacks, while exposing their weaknesses in their defensive organisation.”
News on the squad front is positive for Swifts and McConachie confirmed both midfielder Keith Dewar and defender Jake Dolzanski will return for Blackburn United.
And striker Mark Smith, who suffered a horrific arm break earlier in the season, has returned to training.
“Keith and Jake return after missing out last weekend,” the assistant boss said. “Our two long term injuries in Fraser Smith and Mark Smith are recovering well.
“The latter has been doing individual ball work and it’s excellent to see him back with a ball at his feet this week.”
If we don’t put teams to the sword when on top then we can be punished...