Stenny boss warns his side to put a stop to slow starts

The home side were two up after 15 minutes, setting them up for a 3-1 win, and the Warriors boss admitted: “It’s something which has to change, starting on Saturday against Forfar.

“We didn’t get going at all at Stranraer and the players were then fearful about what the outcome of the game might be. We were better in the second half and when caused Stranraer problems but the start killed us.

“Confidence is so important in football and with the run of games we have had recently, and some heavy defeats, players are going into games apprehensive and playing on the back foot rather than the front foot.

“But we’ve had a really good training session and spoken about it and I’m confident we can get the reaction we’re looking for on Saturday.

“We know the importance of this one. It’s a massive game for both sides.”

Stenny will be without Ross Meechan and Jamie McCormack who are both suspended but Stephen Stirling returns after a one-match ban and Ferguson is hopeful Colin McMenamin, Stuart Malcolm and Jon Robertson will have recovered from a bug which kept them out of the Stranaer match.

Defender Meechan has signed a two-year extension to his current contract, commiting his future to the club until the summer of 2018.

Warriors boss Brown Ferguson said he was delighted to tie down the 21-year-old who joined Stenny in 2014 after being released by Partick Thistle.

Ferguson said: “There’s no doubt that Ross has been one of our best performers this season.

“When he first came to the club he found it difficult at first and had some tough times, but his attitude never wavered and he has always been prepared to put himself under pressure to improve.

“His manner and professionalism as a player and as a person is something which rubs off on other players and inspires those around him and we are delighted to have him at the club for another two years.”