McLaren: It's time to bounce back

William Dick • Published 4 Jun 2010 13:55 0 Comments

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HEAVENS OPENED: The covers came out at Glenpark last week when the rain came on, as Greenock slipped to a heavy defeat by Watsonians.

GREENOCK skipper Kevin McLaren last night backed his side to come good in a make-or-break weekend.

The Glenpark men face two crucial matches with an SNCL basement battle at fellow strugglers McCrea FS West tomorrow, and a Scottish Cup second-round clash at Stirling 24 hours later.

And McLaren insists Greenock can put last week's horror show against Watsonians behind them to keep their season alive.

The upbeat all-rounder, whose side are still looking for their first league win after five defeats, declared: "Last week was easily our worst performance of the season.

"In every other game we have been able to take positives but there was no consolation against Watsonians and I think the performance was all down to inexperience.

"But we have had a good talk about things and have put that behind us.

"It is imperative we learn the lessons from that game and look positively ahead because we have an absolutely huge weekend coming up.

"I know West are down near the bottom of the table as well, but I think their position is deceptive.

"They have some excellent players and there's no doubt they will start as favourites in everyone's view.

"That suits us because it means there is no pressure on us."

Greenock are boosted by the return of Saltires star Richie Berrington, who has missed the last three weekends due to international commitments.

However, West have a trio of caps stars coming back, in pace bowler Gordon Goudie, veteran batsman Dougie Lockhart and Dutch spinner Mohammed Kashif.

McLaren added: "Having Richie back will give us all a lift - it's like getting more than one new player in the team because he will bat in the top three and will probably open the bowling as well.

"He's been in great form for the Saltires and hopefully will bring that into the weekend.

"But we know how tough it's going to be and West will also get a boost from the players they have coming back."

Meanwhile, McLaren has warned Greenock can take nothing for granted when they head to New Williamfield on Sunday.

Stirling were unbeaten in the first division until last weekend and McLaren said: "Stirling are obviously in good nick and will be determined to take a premier division scalp.

"But we see the Scottish Cup as a welcome distraction and we have a great tradition in the competition. We want to keep that going."

This article appeared in Greenock Telegraph 04 Jun 10

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