Jags boss Ryan Esson is urging his players to stay positive
Jags boss Ryan Esson has urged his players to stay positive and believes that performances have been better than scorelines suggest.
Strathspey Thistle face yet another Highland League title challenger tomorrow when they welcome Inverurie Locos who are riding high in the table.
The Locos are enjoyed a better than expected season so far and currently sit in third place.
The Grantown side go into the game on the back of a 4-1 defeat to Banks O’Dee and it was a familiar story for Esson last weekend.
His side was punished for some missed opportunities, conceded from two set pieces and then conceded twice more late on.
The former Caley stopper said: “I am disappointed that we again lost two goals from set pieces. We need to stop doing this - that’s two weeks on the bounce.”
He continued: “We started the second half really well and unfortunately Caelan Mutch missed a good opportunity for 2-2 with a header from six yards out.
“It was a good bit of play and things we have worked on.
“Overall I thought it was a positive performance especially given the number of bodies that we have got to call on.”
Esson said there is currently no end in sight to the length injury list with the one possible exception of Liam Shewan possible being fit again for tomorrow.
He said: “I thought the boys did really well against Banks O’Dee and that we passed the ball well.
“We stood up to them well but it still ends in another defeat.
“It is just disappointing that performances are not getting us the points that I think are merited.”
Esson added: “If I could get a few more bodies back and a few more options on the pitch it would be good but we are where we are.
“We must stay positive. It is up to boys to step up now. If we win then there is an opportunity to stay in the team.”
