Time to prove you deserve a start
Pupils enjoy their day in the country Mackay issues stark warning to players
Stirling Albion manager Dave Mackay has demanded an improvement from his side against bottom club Cowdenbeath at Forthbank tomorrow after Tuesday’s defeat to Peterhead.
Rory McAllister scored the only goal just before half-time and midfielder Andy Black was sent off for a crude challenge on Willie Gibson with 15-minutes remaining.
It’s been a bad start to December for the Binos, who also lost 1-0 at Berwick last weekend, although they are just two points behind leaders Peterhead and second-placed Montrose.
Albion have won only one of their last five games in Ladbrokes League 2 since beating Cowdenbeath 3-0 at Central Park in October – and tomorrow’s visitors have since appointed Gary Bollan as manager.
Mackay said: “Peterhead were the better team without having to play well. They had a game-plan to get the ball forward early and we just didn’t deal with it. We were poor all over the pitch and second best in every department – you are not going to win games when you are that far off it.
“They had loads of set-plays and every time they looked as if they were going to score. Our marking was shocking with the amount of free headers they had, and Cammy Binnie has come for a couple and not dealt with them. We have to be stronger – we were far too weak.
“We were second to a lot of things in midfield and our use of the ball was woeful. The amount of times with no pressure we mis-hit passes, it’s just not good enough.
“At times in the first half we got into good areas but we chose the wrong option or lost the ball which allowed them to counter us.”
Mackay added: “Before the game I was confident and the guys seemed as if they were really up for it, but it just takes one or two little errors and the confidence saps out of them and spreads through the team.
“We are in a poor run of form, there is no hiding that. We are struggling and the players look devoid of any sort of confidence.
“I don’t know why they would be feeling so low because they got themselves in a great position at the top of the league for such a long period of time but in the last few games the performances have been miles off it and almost reminiscent of some of the performances last season.
“There is very little between most of the teams in this league and when you are not at your best you have no chance. We were second best even before the sending off so I’m not going to make excuses. I don’t think Andy Black meant it but he has caught him on the thigh.”
Cowdenbeath’s only win in the league this season was against Edinburgh City in August but they have drawn their last two matches, SEE PAGE 47 with City and then Annan, before last week’s home game against Stenhousemuir was postponed due to a frozen pitch.
Mackay said: “We are not creating chances at the minute which is a bit of a worry. Since Gary Bollan came in Cowdenbeath have certainly tightened things up so it will be a difficult game. If Gary was at the Peterhead game then he will be telling his players to have a go at us.
“We need to be better and maybe freshen things up. There are a few boys who have had a lot of chances lately and maybe don’t deserve a start.
“Whatever team I pick on Saturday have to show me they are worthy of the shirt. They are all here because I think they are good enough but they have to take responsibility.”
Lorraine Watson is the referee for tomorrow’s game against Cowdenbeath and kick-off is the usual 3pm. Admission is £13 for adults, £9 for seniors and students, £5 for U16s and free for U12s.