The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Big win was no upset for Gable Endies defender
Second Division Champions Montrose embarked on their new season with the bravado that only a title winner can display.
They brushed aside Championship side Falkirk with a stunning display in the group stages of the Betfred League Cup thanks to a vicious Marti Rennie strike.
Veteran defender Michael Bolochoweckyj insisted the result was not an aberration and it was a sign of things to come for a Gable Endies side eying up another possible promotion push.
“I think a shock is a hard word,” Bolochoweckyj said.
“I don’t think Falkirk were too much far ahead of us to be honest.
“Obviously, you are playing a Championship team so it is a surprise if you win, but with the squad we have we always thought we would have a chance. The game plan worked well.
“The fact that the gaffer kept most of the squad this year was an indicator of how good we are. The feelgood factor is still there.
“We have to remember it was last season that we did that and this is a different year. We can’t get too carried away.
“With all due respect, I don’t think the step up from the Second Division to the First Division is all that big.
“You have a full-time team in Raith but the rest of the teams are very well matched.
“So, we are quite comfortable and, hopefully, we will be up and about the play-offs.
“That’s our plan. We don’t think we’ll be back down the bottom and coming back down. That is not the intention.”
“Things here are really professional and it pays off on the pitch.
“It’s no coincidence with the strength and conditioning that we do that part-time teams don’t. I’ve been around the block a few times and we do that very well and it’s no coincidence.”