Suspended Mensing confident team-mates can win without him

Sep 8 2011 by Andrew McGilvray, Hamilton Advertiser

HAMILTON’S Ramsdens Cup hero Simon Mensing is suspended for Saturday’s First Division clash against Queen of the South – but is confident his team-mates can win without him.

Mensing’s header proved to be the difference in Sunday’s 2-1 win over Morton at New Douglas Park, but two yellow cards picked up against Livingston a fortnight ago mean he will be in the Palmerston Park stand this weekend alongside Mark McLaughlin, who was similarly dismissed in the 1-1 draw with Livi.

Midfield ace Mensing (29), however, is confident his team can win at Dumfries.

He said: “There’s no reason why we can’t go there and win.

“We need to be focused as every game in the First Division is a hard game, and although we knew about that before we started the league campaign we’ve certainly learned the hard way so far.

“It’s a game we’re going to have to be fully focused on and we need to put in 100 per cent because if you don’t do that you won’t win games at this level.

“However, there’s no reason why they can’t go and win without us because the team is good enough.”

On the suspensions Mensing added: “I thought my sending off was a bit harsh, to be honest.

“I made two tackles in the whole game and got sent off, without a talking to from the referee or anything, but it’s done and dusted now.

“Unfortunately Mark and myself are going to have to be watching from the sidelines but obviously we’ll be in the changing room and will try to help out the boys as much as we can.”

Mensing was pleased with Sunday’s cup win because he can’t recall ever having got as far in the competition.

He’s also pleased to have got a close look at Morton, who sit joint-top of the First Division with Accies and could prove to be worthy opponents over the season.

He said: “On a personal note it’s good to get the winning goal and it’s an important result against a good Morton side, which is even better so I’m delighted.

“We’re in a semi-final. Personally, I don’t think I’ve been this far in the competition and if I have I’ve been suspended or injured, so it’s good, and our main focus now is to make the final.

“I also think Morton are the best First Division side we’ve been up against so far and I think you could see that before they even kicked a ball, because of the players they’ve have in their line-up.

“There are a lot of good, experienced players in there, so it was good to gauge ourselves against Morton to a certain extent without points being at stake.

“It was important to get the victory and have a good look at Morton for future games in the league.”