Greenock Telegraph | Sport | Cup was ours for the taking

Thursday, 20th November, 2008

Published: Monday, 28th July, 2008 12:00

Cup was ours for the taking

By David Christie

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Pic by: Kris Cairns

DAVIE Irons watched his patchwork side take St Mirren to the wire — then declared they deserved to win.

The Morton boss may have tasted defeat in his first experience of the Renfrewshire Cup final but he witnessed plenty of positives to take into the first league match this Saturday.

And it was not sour grapes talking when he confessed the cup should be in the Cappielow cabinet.

He said: “We probably shaded it in terms of chances, and in terms of good chances. We were inches away from converting three great crosses, like the one at the back post right at the start.

“You could see the boys tire towards the last fifteen, twenty minutes, but we kept going right to the end.

“It is a derby game so of course it would have been nice to beat your rivals, but we can take a lot from it. St Mirren are a good, well established SPL side and I thought we coped really well against them.

“It was a thoroughly worthwhile exercise and a credit to both teams who put on a decent show. The crowd went away well entertained.”

Nearly 4,000 supporters turned out at Cappielow and Irons, who led his players in a round of applause to the supporters prior to kick off, hopes they can continue their vital role starting against Clyde on Saturday.

“Hopefully they will back us throughout the season,“ added Irons. “It is important the fans realise the players appreciate their support .

“And also that they have a role to play in getting behind us from the start, which they’ve done brilliantly since I’ve come here.”

One player unable to play the role he hoped was Brian Wake, replaced by Stewart Greacen with less than a quarter of an hour played.

The shaggy haired striker was involved in a clash of heads which left blood pouring down his face.

Irons said: “Brian has a fair cut but he’s not got any headaches or anything which is a good sign. I didn’t think he was too bad, then he was walking towards me and I could see a deep cut above his eye.

“I didn’t really want to put Stewart on as early as we have done but he did well.

One of several pre-season bonuses was the form of Iain Russell. The lively striker scored his fifth goal in the competition and continued to impress.

Irons said: “I don’t know if there is a prize for top scorer in the Renfrewshire Cup, but I’m pleased with Iain.

“His attitude has always been good, he is a very willing lad, with good ability. He is a confidence player and you could see he was playing at the top of his confidence.”

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