NO REPEAT FOR ROCH’S Wishaw Juniors boss plays down potential trouble
Wishaw Juniors manager John Brogan has insisted his side will keep their cool ahead of the visit of St Roch’s this weekend.
Wishaw host the Glasgow outfit in a third versus fourth clash in the Central District First.
But after a controversial clash last year, the Beltane Park boss is calling for calm from his players.
Last season, with the Beltane Park side leading 3-1 with ten minutes to go, St Roch’s player Declan Docherty went down injured.
Despite Wishaw officials insisting they would call an ambulance for the youngster, Saints management waited as they tended to the midfielder.
However, after the referee informed players and officials that the game would be called off if they took more than 10 minutes, the game was then abandoned.
After the game was brought to a halt, fans and players verbally abused each other in scenes which were described as ‘disgraceful’ by then-Wishaw boss Chris McGroarty.
Despite meetings with the league, they ordered the tie to be replayed much to the disappointment of the Beltane Park side.
In the rearranged tie, Wishaw derailed St Roch’s title bid with a 4-2 victory and now the two sides will meet again.
Wishaw boss Brogan said: “It’s important for the players not to get involved with any of that and we won’t.
“We have to keep our discipline at all times and I’ll be telling the players that but they know it already.
“Personally, I’ve got no problems with anyone at St Roch’s and nobody will go in with any agendas or anything like that.
“We’ll just be focusing on the football and going out there to win the game.
“I’m looking forward to the game and I think it’ll be a really competitive match.
“I fully expect St Roch’s to be challenging at the top end of the table come the end of the season.
“There will be a battle for the promotion places and we want to be there but there’s a long way to go.”
Wishaw Juniors come into Saturday’s game on the back of a 6-3 victory over Thorniewood United.
The Beltane Park gaffer has been pleased with his side since taking over and he wants to build some momentum.
He said: “It was a great performance and it’s early in the season but the squad seem settled.
“It’s important to build up a good run of results early in the year and then we can go from there.”
For more Junior football action and to read more from John Brogan, go to page 73.