Despite Peterhead scoring nine goals in their last two games, defender Jason Brown knows that keeping a clean sheet on Saturday will be key to winning the game against Falkirk.
Jason, who helped the Blue Toon to a 4-2 win at Alloa last weekend, reckoned that it was a deserved win in the end as he explained: “We didn’t start the game well, but after we got to grips it, I thought we controlled things game, even at eleven v eleven. It was a good three points and two wins in a row which hasn’t happened very often.”
“Hopefully we can make it three tomorrow.”
The 25-year-old was part of a new look back 3, alongside the recalled Andy McDonald, and David Wilson, who only joined last month, at the Indodrill Stadium but 25-year-old Brown suggests that this might not be the last time we see the three of them play together.
“David has been a really good addition, and the manager has been working on a back 3 and a back 5. It’s a completely different formation but we feel we are just about getting there, and it gives us the option to push boys further up.”
“We weren’t happy with the way we were conceding goals early on in the season, so for me, it was a good change.”
Aberdeen based Jason knows that both David and Andy have different styles but sees the differences as a way to cement a solid back line.
“David’s an old school defender. He loves defending. He’ll head and kick most things and is a different type of player than Andy, but I think the three of us compliment each other really well. We are looking to form a good partnership.”
After wins against Dumbarton and Alloa, Peterhead moved up to 7th in the table, two points behind tomorrow’s opponents, and Jason believes that confidence in the squad is high, but no-one will take this game lightly.
“I’d like to tidy up on the defensive side of things as another two goals were conceded last Saturday. However, if we start well and can take the chances with the firepower we have up front, it’s up to us defenders to concentrate. We know that we can score goals with the players we have in the team.”
“The boys are full of confidence, and we see Niah (Payne), and Russell (McLean) getting goals last week, and that’s good for them because you see them swagger about in training again.”
Falkirk have hit a disappointing run of form, with one win in their last six league games, but League 1 has been so unpredictable this season, the Blue Toon centre back knows that the team can not underestimate the task the Falkirk will provide.
“It’ll be a really tough game. I think everyone is astonished to see where they are in the league. They have a top squad, and one that I think will be there or there abouts for promotion at the end of the season. We certainly won’t underestimate them, but we’ll look to kick on and make Balmoor not an enjoyable place for them.”
“We are the home team and coming off the back of a solid performance against Dumbarton at Balmoor we hope to use home advantage to get another solid 3 points.”
A win for Jim McInally’s side, would see them go above The Bairns in the League table, something that Brown knows the team can use as extra motivation.
“It’s an amazing league when you consider just how close it is. A couple of bad results and you are looking over your shoulder, then you get a positive wee run and are definitely looking up.”
“I hope that continues for the rest of the season. Our performances at the start of the season weren’t good enough, but I think the last few weeks it’s fair to say we are a match for anyone.”
The Blue Toon’s record against Falkirk hasn’t been great with five defeats the last seven league meetings. However, they can take heart in the fact that they secured a 1-0 win the last time Falkirk came to Balmoor in April, a game which was the last as co-manager for former Peterhead defender David McCracken along with Lee Miller.
It was even more special for Jason as he scored the winner and that is something he’d like to replicate on Saturday.
“First and foremost, I hope we get a clean sheet. That’s the priority for me. Then if I can help out at the top end of the pitch then that’ll be a bonus. We were playing well at the end of last season when we beat Falkirk.”
“Our display that night was like the ones against Alloa and Dumbarton when we controlled large parts of the game. Falkirk know that the last time they came here it was not enjoyable for them, so hopefully we can make it not very enjoyable again.”
