The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Dods takes heart from Tannadice showing
They might not have won any points, but Darren Dods believes Brechin City’s performance against Dundee United last week can have long-term benefits for his team’s season, writes Eric Nicolson.
A Scott McDonald goal denied the Glebe Park men at Tannadice but Dods saw his players set a standard that, if replicated over the course of the campaign, will bring its reward.
“United are the favourites to win the league,” said Dods, “but we played really well against them.
“We contained them, hit them on the break and had three really good chances to take the lead.
“To make it hard for a team like that on their own pitch proved that we can compete and should give the players encouragement.”
One point from three games isn’t a disastrous start for the newlypromoted Angus side and a win against Inverness Caledonian Thistle today would probably take them into mid-table.
“It would set us up nicely going into the break,” said Dods.
“We’d go three points above Inverness and jump a couple of places. That would make it a good start for us.
“Inverness haven’t got the results they were looking for but there are a lot of new players in their team and they are more than capable of turning it on against us.”
Liam Watt has returned to training, Dods reported, while Gary Fusco is available.
Ryan McGeever won’t be ready for a return until a couple of weeks after the international break.
Dods is hoping to make one more loan signing before the transfer window shuts.
Caley Thistle boss John Robertson, meanwhile, has warned his players to be wary of a backlash at Glebe Park today.
Inverness cruised to a comfortable 3-0 victory when the sides met in the Betfred Cup group stage at Caledonian Stadium last month.
With Dods’ side being depleted through injuries and suspensions on that occasion, Robertson is taking nothing for granted against City.
Inverness are still searching for their first league win of the season and Robertson said: “There’s a bit of nervousness about us. The only way you sort that is by winning games.
“Just because we’re playing a parttime team doesn’t make it any easier, especially away from home.
“Brechin had a lot of players unavailable last time – you have to be prepared and go with what you’ve got in the League Cup.
“Darren Dods will feel he’s got his squad together and they were unlucky at Tannadice.
“Brechin will be stronger and the reports we’ve had show they’ve been better.
“They’re organised and an honest team – they’ll give people problems.
“If we can raise our levels to the first half against Morton, we’re capable of beating anybody.”
Robertson has made goalkeeper Owain Fon Williams and defender David Raven free to leave, with the pair so far failing to find new clubs.
Having already signed 13 new players this summer, Robertson concedes he is unlikely to be able to bring in any more unless Fon Williams or Raven depart, but says they will remain part of his plans should they still be at the club after Thursday’s transfer deadline.