Squad needs to gel

Coupar Angus manager Tam Stevenson admits his team needs time to gel.

The Foxhall Park gaffer stepped into the position for the beginning of this season following the departure of Logan McConachie to Jeanfield.

Last week’s 8-0 defeat away at local rivals Blairgowrie was not in the script but Stevenson knows results will improve.

“It was the team’s first competitive game and with four guys missing it was always going to be an uphill battle,”he said.

“Mistakes were made in the first half but the guys settled in the second half and it showed by us only conceding two goals.

“This team will take time to gel and with the backing of the chairman and committee we will be adding a few more experienced players to help develop the young guys we have in the squad.

“We just have to stay together and keep training and working hard and the results will come.”

Coupar are on home duty against Dundee North End on Saturday.

Scone Thistle boss Derek Lawson, meanwhile, was thrilled to open the season up with a 5-0 win against Forfar Albion.

The Jags travel to take on Dundee Violet on Saturday afternoon.

“We were delighted to keep a clean sheet and full credit to Forfar Albion who made us really work for the three points,”Lawson said.

“They’re a much improved side and I think they’ll do quite well this year. Our quality in the end got us through the game.

“I thought Craig Mitchell was magnificent breaking up the play and getting us going on the counter attack.

“He was a standout in the middle of the park.”

Elsewhere in the Premier League North, Kinnoull welcome Blairgowrie to Tulloch Park and Luncarty face an away trip to Brechin Vics.