Boss Brian puts his faith in experience
Broxburn Athletic manager Brian McNaughton says he deliberately went for an experienced line-up as the club made their Scottish Cup debut – and was delighted with how the old heads managed the occasion.
Two early goals put the hosts in the driving seat and, while they could have scored more, the gaffer was pleased with the performance.
He said:“I was nervous about it all day to be honest. But the team were very professional and Tynecastle gave us a good challenge.
“They played well in front of us but we never really let them get in behind and threaten us too often.
“We scored the goals at the right time and ultimately should probably have scored more and taken some of our chances.
“What I decided to do was go with my most experienced team, so some of the younger guys missed out but I think that worked well. When I looked at my bench, it was ridiculous. There were so many options for me.”
He added:“I’ve got a tremendous squad of players and it’s going to be difficult to keep everyone happy.
“I’m delighted to win and get through to the next round.
“We’re down to Girvan in three weeks but we’ve got big games before that which is now the focus.”
The Brox limited their opponents to few chances, but the boss had special praise for goalkeeper Conor Wallace, who pulled off a couple of spectacular saves when called upon.
He said:“At 2-0, Conor has had a fantastic save to keep them out and then in the second half you just have to make sure that they don’t score to give them a way back into the game .
“It was just incredible. I’ve no idea who he kept it out. The Tynecastle boy did everything right and would have thought he had scored but it was a crucial save from Conor.”
He added:“To go into the break with a two-goal lead just makes it that much easier and gives you that boost going into the second half with that cushion.
“The third goal in any game is crucial and that’s what I stressed to the guys so although we didn’t get it, not allowing them a route back in to the game was very pleasing.”