Manager’s Preview
Peterhead manager Jim McInally has told his players that further improvement will be required if they are to see off Cove Rangers at Balmoor this afternoon.
The Blue Toon looked to be back on song last weekend when visitors Clyde were seen off 3-2 however Jim is adamant that his side need to play even better to take something from Paul Hartley’s men.
The Blue Toon boss explained: “Going forward last week we were terrific especially in the first half when some of our play was really, really good. However, to beat Cove we are going to have to defend better.”
“It was terrific to pick up our second win of the season however we cannot afford to sit on our laurels and think that is it, there is nothing more we need to do to improve.”
McInally’s men have already defeated the Balmoral Stadium side this season with goals from Scott Brown, Lyall Cameron and Russell McLean earning a 3-1 success in the Premier Sports Cup however the Peterhead manager is issuing a note of caution to anyone expecting an easy time today as a result.
Jim explained: “Neither club had the ideal preparation for the new season due to Covid restrictions however Cove’s was probably worse than ours. They came here without much of a build-up but they have undoubtedly improved since then.”
“We have improved as well since that day but we cannot think for one minute that we are the favourites for this one as we won the last one. Cove are a good side who have goals in them.”
Jim reckons that keeping Simon Ferry and Andrew McCarthy on the pitch for 90 minutes could be key to his side picking up points as he added: “Both Simon and Andrew are not quite there yet in terms of lasting a full 90 minutes. Last Saturday’s game against Clyde showed how valuable both players are to us before they had to come off. Simon helped keep things tight as Clyde pushed at the start of the second half for an equaliser and Andy was great going forward in the first half.”
“He is not a player that is recognised for the work he does in the final third however he was terrific for a half an hour spell in the first half against Clyde. We are working off the pitch with both of them in a bid to get them like that for the full game.”
Team News
Brothers Jason and Jordon Brown missed out last weekend due to a family issue with Jordon a doubt for this one with a hamstring problem. New on-loan signing Flynn Duffy is added and Niah Payne could start after fully shaking off the knock that saw him restricted to a substitute role against the Bully Wee.
The long-term injured Gary Fraser remains out due to his knee problem.
Game details
cinch League 1 Home game versus Cove Rangers
Saturday, September 18 – 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/_07_cove_rangers
Watching the game
A live stream is available http://peterheadfc.univtec.com/home
