First Match Action

First team coach Gordon Wylde was a happy man this evening as he reflected on Clyde’s first pre-season match:-

“Firstly, I’d like to thank Colville Park Amateurs for their hospitality and the work they put in getting the park ready. They gave us a good, physical workout but didn’t overstep the mark and it was exactly what we needed.

“It was a closed door match and the result wasn’t the most important factor; nevertheless the players were happy to win 6-0. Bryan Dingwall got a hat-trick, Connor Stevenson scored twice and John Sweeney got the other.

“I’m just pleased by the spirit of the squad, especially as we have only been together for a short time. I said to them before the match that I wasn’t going to shout criticism but roar with encouragement and the boys responded. It was important for them to get into competitive action – working on personal fitness is one thing but it can take a few matches before you are match sharp and games like today are important for that very reason.

“Some players were able to hit the ground running and others were maybe disappointed at their form, but it is all about preparing and being ready for the Thistle game that’s when the result will matter.

“We need to be fit and some of the lads know they will need to work more on that aspect as holiday commitments have put them behind others. We also need to work as a team at keeping the ball not giving away possession cheaply and the fitter the team is the easier that will become.

“All in all I’m delighted with today but the work continues and we return to the training ground on Monday night to keep improving. The players know that the preparations will rise a few levels with our match against Ross County in Dingwall next weekend.”