Michael Anderson on Stenhousemuir's tough run and need to cut out early goals
Stenhousemuir ace Michael Anderson urged his team-mates to cut out the concession of early goals after Friday night’s defeat to Livingston in the Scottish Championship.
The Warriors ended a run of three games against full-time opposition in six days by going down 3-0 at Ochilview Park.
And losing a goal within a minute of play handed the visitors a massive advantage against a tired part-time team.
On Tuesday, Stenhousemuir also conceded an early goal to fifth tier Berwick Rangers – but they did eventually ease to a 4-1 win to progress to the round of 16 in the KDM Evolution Trophy.
Midfielder Anderson admitted: “It was a kick in the teeth losing a goal like that against Livingston. It killed any momentum. It is something that we need to learn from. We have lost a few early goals now at the start of games, second halves.
“We have to get a foothold in games, especially at this level. We are making it so much harder for ourselves, making it an uphill battle.”
The 26-year-old – who has risen through the SPFL ranks with the Warriors having joined during Stephen Swift’s spell in charge in the fourth tier – also highlighted how challenging the last week and a bit has been for the players.
“Arguably even for full-team teams, playing three games in six days would be difficult to manage,” he explained.
"But for us it is even worse. We all have work to go to. We are usually only in twice a week for training so you lose that time together also. You are missing that time out on the pitch to work on things.
“I’m an engineer outside of football. I start at 6am on a Tuesday so I am so working until the afternoon then training or playing a game at night. It does get difficult sometimes.”