Bellshill boss has an optimistic view

Aug 7 2008 by Andrew McGilvray

BELLSHILL followed up an impressive 3-2 win over Scottish Cup holders Bathgate Thistle by drawing 1-1 at home to Maryhill on Saturday.

And boss Tam McDonald is naturally happy with his side’s form at the preset time.

He said: “We are still working hard on changing the shape of the team which we had from last season.

“However, I’m quite pleased with the way things are going at the club at the moment.

“We are, however, still learning about the players we have.”

It’s a similar story at Larkhall Thistle, where Thistle’s experienced boss Bobby Crilly experimented with two line-ups in his pre-season matches.

The side went down 2-1 to Forth in midweek, but won 4-0 at Livingston on Saturday.

“There is no point having guys in for training if you don’t give them a game to see what they can do in a competitive situation,” said Crilly after their latest match.

Defender Joe Coyle scored at Gasworks Park and new signings Andy Bonner, Barry McDermott and Stewart Watson joined Joe Shields on the goals list at Livingston.

“It was a good performance, with a wide spread of goals, which is always a good thing for the side,” added Crilly.

Gordon Murphy opened the scoring for Forth with a volley, before David Stillie netted a second.

Barry Murdoch enjoyed a goal-scoring return to Royal Albert by setting up the opener.

And he continued the scoring hitting the net twice in a 3-3 draw against Super league side Vale of Clyde.

Albert were 3-0 up as Murdoch set up Scott McLachlan for the first, scored from a free-kick, and drilled a shot into the top corner for the third for his team.

Manager Ian McCluskey said after the match that he is pleased with the progress his team are making.

He continued: “It was a good work-out – we’re looking much better than last season.

“Two individual slips let Vale back into the game, and like the Super League side they are, they took full advantage.”

Wishaw lost 2-0 at Blackburn, but manager Alex Young was pleased with his side’s display.

He said: “I’m more interested in performances than results in pre-season and I was really happy with how we played on a superb pitch at Blackburn.”

Carluke Rovers lost 4-2 to Deans Athletic in Cumbernauld, with goals from Chris Mackie and Brian Caldwell, who has returned to the club after taking a two-year break from football.