Wake: Beating Stirling is now even more vital

Nov 29 2007

BRIAN WAKE reckons a win against Stirling this weekend is vital for Hamilton to prove they’ve responded to Saturday’s defeat at Dundee.

Striker Wake was a frustrated figure in the gloom of Dens Park, disappointed both in the result and the fact that he’s still fighting to force his way into Billy Reid’s first-team plans.

Wake, who appeared as a second-half substitute, said: “That result was disappointing but you’re going to get setbacks at times and how you respond to them is the important thing.

“We were all devastated because we felt we had done enough to win, especially the lads who started the game, but we’ve just got to react to it now.

“We’ve got a big game at Stirling and we’ve got to get back to winning ways as soon as possible.

“We’re still top of the league but we had a chance to go nine points clear on Saturday and turn the screw on teams.

“We’re disappointed to miss that chance and all we can do now is respond well.

“If we can get another chance to stretch our lead, hopefully we’ll take it this time.”

Ironically, Wake’s last goal for Hamilton was in the 4-0 home win over Stirling in September and the striker would relish more of the same against Allan Moore’s side.

He said: “If I get a game or come on I always look to nick a goal, but it’s not really important who scores the goals as long as we win. The three points are always the most important thing.

“It’s essential that we beat Stirling because we missed a chance to extend our lead at the top and we don’t want to drop too many points.”

Wake expects a tough encounter at Forthbank this weekend, and admits that results elsewhere — with Dundee at Dunfermline — will be crucial.

He said: “Anyone can beat anyone in this league but we need to win our own game and see what happens.

“There’s nothing we can do about anybody else; we only look at ourselves but, as we’ve seen, results can be surprising.”

Wake is frustrated at a lack of first-team opportunities, but knows he will need to be patient as he attempts to force his way into boss Billy Reid’s plans.

He said: “It’s really frustrating but all I can do is be professional about it and keep my fitness levels up.

“If there’s a chance of playing you have to be in good physical condition. That’s what I’m doing at the moment and hopefully I’ll do well enough to stake my claim.

“It’s hard at the minute because other players in my position are doing really well and I’m just doing the best I can.

“I’m getting a couple of reserve games here and there and I’ve been playing all right.

“When I do get games, I just try to do my best and impress but with the team doing so well it’s difficult for the manager to change things.

“I’ve just got to appreciate that and keep working away at my game.”