Manager’s Preview
Peterhead manager Jim McInally has asked his players to play themselves into today’s home game with Clyde by being composed.
A disappointing run has seen the Blue Toon slip to the foot of the table and a win over the Bully Wee would be the perfect response however Jim knows that his squad must keep cool heads especially when defending if they are to prevail.
Jim said: “As a team we need to defend better. The way we started the SPFL Trust Cup tie last weekend against East Fife was disappointing as we invited pressure on ourselves, and lost a goal as a result, by not defending correctly.”
“It was not just in our final third that we defended poorly, it was right across the pitch. Our forwards need to help the midfielders and the midfielders need to help the defenders. If we get that right and also keep cool when we have the ball then things will turn.”
“Last weekend there seemed to be a rush to do things and that leads to misplaced passes and putting team-mates under pressure. We did not have Simon Ferry for that game and you could see his experience and cool head was sorely missed in the opening stages when we basically lost the tie.”
“What we need against Clyde is a calm start to the game. I want the players to play themselves into things. I want them to build confidence by getting their passing going and if they can do that, they will start feeling better about themselves and allow us to take the game to Clyde.”
Jim added: “We are facing a different Clyde team this season. They have gone big on experience but they still have the considerable threat of David Goodwillie up front and we need to show that we can handle that.”
“The games between the clubs always seem to have an edge as we have been rivals for several seasons both in League 1 and League 2. We secured a great victory over them at the end of last season and it would be great to do that again.”
Team News
Late calls will have to be made on Jordon Brown and Niah Payne who have both picked up knocks in training. Russell McLean and Derek Lyle have both shrugged off knocks and are available for selection with Simon Ferry in line for a recall after missing out last weekend.
The on-loan Dundee trio of Josh Mulligan, Danny Strachan and Lyall Cameron also return to manager McInally’s thoughts after being cup-tied.
Game details
cinch League 1 Home game versus Clyde.
Saturday, September 11 – Balmoor Stadium
3.00pm kick-off.
Entry prices –
Ground – Adult £14, Concessions £7, under 13’s Free of Charge (if accompanied by an adult)
East and Main Stands – Adult £16, Concessions £9, U13’s £2
Match Programme
The free to read Match Programme can be accessed here – https://issuu.com/peterheadfc/docs/_06_clyde
Watching the game
A live stream is available http://peterheadfc.univtec.com/home
