Jags boss left so frustrated by missed chances for goals and more points
Strathspey Thistle boss Ryan Esson has said that his team can not afford to keep passing up on great goal-scoring chances.
It was a familiar tale for the Jags on Saturday as they went down 3-0 at home to Deveronvale on Saturday.
Once again the Grantown side created a string of good opportunities - as they had done in their last outing against Turriff - but they were unable to convert.
In another blow, the Jags will be without forward Paul Brindle for this Saturday’s home game against Keith.
He was shown a red card on the stroke of half-time for a second bookable challenge - coming hot on the heels of a needless yellow.
Esson said: “I would be getting really worried if we were not creating chances but we are.
“However, we need to execute better…
“We really are not that far away - it is just weird moments in games that are hurting us and the games then get away from us.”
There had been real signs of improvement in the Jags display with the demolition job away at Rothes and then a very encouraging 2-2 draw with Fraserburgh.
But the last two defeats have been deflating coming against opponents that Thistle were hopeful of building on the momentum.
Reflecting on Saturday’s loss, Esson said: It was disappointing result because for the first 25 minutes we had so many chances and we didn’t take them.
“I can not get my head around it - they are golden chances.”
He said that Steve MacDonald should have scored after just three minutes for the hosts and then they were fortunately not to get a penalty.
“I thought the ball was over the line but if not then it is a handball,” said Esson.
“The guy on the line claims he has blocked it with his chest but it hits his hand and nothing is given. He actually flicks the ball.”
Chances came and went and that has been the story of recent weeks for the Jags.
Esson observed: “We have created eight to 10 chances in the last two games and we have not taken one of them.
“It is positive that we are creating these chances but we really need to start being clinical in front of goal.”
He was also unhappy about the second goal his side conceded and which killed off the game: “Everyone was ball-watching - it was just crazy.”
Esson had no real complaints over the red card for his forward.
He said: “The first one is a stupid card and he has given the referee a decision to make for the second booking.”
Brindle will now have to sit out the next game at home to Keith on Saturday.
The Jags will be meeting a team in fine form of late.
Esson said: “They are on a good run and won four on the bounce so it is going to be tough.
“I hear that Clach missed a lot of chances against them and were frustrated that they never got anything out of the game but Keith are making their own luck at the moment and have moved themselves back into the pack above us.
Esson is undecided on who to bring in to replace the banned striker but said he has options.
He will assess these in training before making his final selection.
“We will pick the personnel depending on the way we decide to shape up on Saturday.”
Jamie Calder will be sidelined after suffering a knee injury and is expected to be out for a few weeks.