Post-Match Reaction: Mistakes Cost Us - Fridge
A combination of losing goals at critical times of the match, failing to take early chances and seeing their mistakes punished contributed to Nairn County's league defeat at Deveronvale on Saturday.
The Banffers are a side who will punish teams for not taking their chances at Princess Royal Park and this is exactly what happened to Nairn. Scott Graham and Shaun Kerr had both been guilty of failing to find the net when well-positioned for the visitors by the time Mark Chisholm cashed in on a rare John Campbell error to give Deveronvale the lead after 15 minutes. It was just what the hosts needed and
But the visitors started after the break in a similar vein as they had at the beginning of the match only this time they managed to score when Brian Macleod slotted home a Duncan Jones pass. But Deveronvale added a third goal only two minutes later when Scott Fraser found the net. And after Grant Noble scored the home side's fourth of the afternoon after only 58 minutes, it was a case of damage limitation for Les Fridge's men.
The manager admitted that mistakes had cost his team dearly. "You can't give away three goals in the manner we did against top sides," he said. "We started off really well and controlled the game in the early stages. We knocked the ball about and made a few chances but an unorthadox mistake from John Campbell put them (Deveronvale) on the front foot.
"They got a lift from that and put us under pressure for the next wee while and got a second just before half time. We then made a great start to the second half and made it 2-1 only to lose identical third and fourth goals.
"It was three mistakes that you can't legislate for but that is football. The first and third goals gave them a lift and goals change games. A top team like Deveronvale will always capitalise on that."
This Saturday County travel to Lossiemouth looking to avoid slumping to three defeats in a row for the first time since February. Fridge will have to do without the services of top scorer Shaun Kerr which could mean Chris Finnigan partners Scott Graham in attack again as he did at Edinburgh City in the Scottish Cup. Captain Willie Barron may also return for his first start since the opening day of the league season. Meanwhile, Neil MacDonald is struggling with illness and both Gary Black and Wayne Mackintosh are unavailable. On the plus side, Gregg Main returns from suspension and, along with new signing Harry Rae, will be pushing to replace Mackintosh in central midfield.