SQUIRE BREAKS ANNAN HOODOO

Jim McInally was delighted with his ten-man Shire team’s 1-0 win at Annan Athletic.

Stephen McGuire’s 52nd minute strike was all that divided the teams at the end of a match that was spoiled by a gale force wind, but there was no doubt the coach believed the team were worthy winers.

“I thought it was a great performance,” he said. “There wasn’t a lot in it in the first half and I was relieved to get them in at half-time at 0-0 because they were firing one or two shots at us.

“But in the second half we were great especially after David Dunn was sent-off. We continued to go forward and create chances and maybe should have scored more. Certainly, to have played for as long as we did with ten men and for our keeper not to have a save to make was great.”

McGuire’s match winner certainly fell into the wonder strike category. “I  could see it going in all the way, “ said Jim. “It curled perfectly and hit the inside of the far post. His performance overall was great, especially after we went down to ten men, I  don’t think he gave the ball away once which is so important.”

But the coach wasn’t singling out anyone for praise. “I thought it was a really good team performance. The back line protected Jamie in goals and we got a terrific shift from Craig Donaldson and Deano. Up front Andy Rodgers put in a power of work too.”

The win puts to bed memories of the defeats at Annan last season when the team performed poorly on both visits.

“It was really important to get that win after what happened last season. I don’t really think they threatened us at all even with the man extra and to win  our opening game of the season at a place we have had difficuly at in the past is just fantastic.”

The one downside was Dunn’s 55th minute red card. He had already been booked in the first half when ref Steven Nicholls cautioned him for a trip on Annan winger Jack Steele.

“I think Dunny was harshly dealt with,” said Jim. “From where I was I could see him get up and laugh at his pals in  the stand. The trainer wasn’t brought on and it seemed just something out of nothting. To be fair to the ref, I think he was conned a bit.”

Four other Shire players were booked. “The only one I was disappointed in was Kingy’s right at the end. We have told the players not to do stupid things like talk back at the referee. It is something we need to improve this season because we don’t want to end up with lots of suspensions which could cost us down the line.”

Dunn accepts that his red card may make it more difficult to get back into the team once his suspension is over.

“That’s the disappointing thing,” he said. “I’ve put a lot of work in pre-season into getting myself fit and back into the team and then something like that happens.

“I  do feel the red card wasn’t deserved, I  didn’t really think either booking was a foul but you just have to accept it and make a bigger effort to get your place back when the suspension is over.”

A full match report is now online. Click on fixtures on the main menu then on the orange scoreline to read it.

Jim McInally and David Dunn spoke to shireTV after the game. To watch the interviews click on the shireTV  link on the main menu and follow the on-screen instructions.

Match highlights are now available on shireTV.