Given the results our our matches on pre-season tour, outside observers would surely expect us to be happier Saturday's result - a 1-0 victory - than with our draw the previous evening. As we all know, though, football isn't played on paper, and Warriors supporters - whilst we were undoubtedly relieved to claim a late victory - were left feeling frustrated for a significant proportion of the game.
This is not to criticise the performace of the players, which was perfectly functional. Perhaps it was the sheer frequency of substitutions in the second half, but the match was stuck in something of a rut from the interval right up until our late winner, a tap-in from Scott McManus after good work from Haynes. One especially interesting aspect of the game, in any case, was the fluidity of the Warriors' formation, with players shifting from one wing to the other, from attack into midfield and vice versa. Alan Brazil, for example, started the match in an unconventional wide left role before moving up front. Whether or not this will prove to be a wise or long-term tactic remains to be seen, and will depend largely on the players' familiarity with each other.
When all is said and done, then, this was a successful end to a successful tour, with impressive performances from the likes of Ovenstone (again) and Gary Thom, though the latter needs to learn to be less rash in the tackle. Robert Love also showed some wonderful touches. With the players looking fit and prepared for the season, then, here's hoping this serves as a prelude to a successful campaign.
STENHOUSEMUIR (4-3-1-2): 1 Bennett - 2 McEwan, 3 Lyle, 4 Thom, 5 Ovenstone - 6 Tyrrell, 7 Love, 10 Brazil - 11 Motion - 8 Hampshire, 9 Dalziel.
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