Stark Still Positive, Reilly Ready for Raith and Roundup

Last updated : 17 September 2003 By Richard Jones
Billy
Perthshire Picture Agency
Stark is confident that the inconsistent start to the season will not hamper Saints chances. Despite this time last season Saints having the best defensive record in Britain, this year the defensive errors have caused some concern. Stark is posotive things will turn around on a consistent basis.

"This year is a bit different. We've got a better squad and have more options in forward positions. We know we have to stop making silly mistakes defensively but generally it is easier to sort out defensive areas and we'll be working hard at that."

He also mentioned the source of the goals;

"Looking back and analysing all the goals we've lost this season, there have been some ridiculous ones. We have to cut it out."

"The difficulty we have is that in some cases it's an individual making an error or bad defending, but it's not always the same player."



On the Clyde game itself;

"The first goal changed everything, as we had started well and had taken the game by the scruff of the neck. If we had got the breakthrough I'm sure we would have won the match."



Perthshire Picture Agency
Mark Reilly
is proving his worth to the campaign this season. Although, he too recognises that the league is a much tighter affair than last year.

"All the teams are capable of beating each other. When you look at the league we are in mid table, but only three points off Ross COunty and Clyde."

He is confident that "we are more than capable of going on a good run, but we have to start this on Saturday."

On the Clyde goal he said "everybody makes mistakes, and more will probably follow, but we have to look forward to the Raith game."





The worrying trend developing, is that with the exception of the Clyde Cup match. Saints have failed to win over 90 minutes against the more competitive sides. Excellent results were recorded against QOS and Brechin (second time round) but Saints have failed in the "bigger" games. Perhaps this is because the defence have not been exerted to the same offensive pressure from the opposition so the midfield have been able to concentrate on attack rather than covering back.

Another major point of concern is the inability of the team to retaliate after the loss of a goal. Instead, the confidence is sucked out of the team and they resort to obvious tactics. There have been calls amongst the support for a proven centre half, who can organise at the back, and a chance for Nelson to prove his worth. Remember, Alan Main's shout? He was the loudest man at McDiarmid, and undoubtedly that would have helped the defence's organisation.

The usual backlash can be expected against Raith this Saturday, but the real test is the following week away to Falkirk. Saints must confound the critics.



Ex-Clyde player Leigh Hinds is out on bail after allegedly that he stuck a bottle in the face of Clyde winger David Hagen during a night out in Newcastle on 6 September. Hagen was unavailable for selection against Saints on Saturday due to having 12 stitches in his head.

Originally, the matter had been kept under wraps by Hinds, but has now come to light. He has been fined the maximum amount by Aberdeen FC, adn they are taking the matter very seriously, issuing him with a formal written warning.

Hinds said "It was a carry on that got completely out of hand and I certainly did not mean to harm David."



Kevin James is seeing a specialist regarding his facial fracture. It is possible he could return to action with protection from a facemask.


CHAMPIONS LEAGUE
Man U 5 - Panathinkaikos 0
Rangers 2 - Stuttgart 1
Belgrade 1 - Porto 1
Madrid 4 - Marseille 2
Besiktas 0 - Lazio 2
Prague 0 - Chelsea 1
AC Milan 1 - Ajax 0
Brugge 1 - Celta Vigo 1

CHALLENGE CUP SEMI FINAL
Raith 0 - ICT 4