Strathspey Thistle Boss Thrilled with Progress
Strathspey Thistle boss Ryan Esson recently expressed his satisfaction with the team’s performance following their 1-1 draw against Nairn County. The Highland League match saw Strathspey move up the division rankings after securing a crucial point at Seafield Park.
Esson’s Take on the Game
Reflecting on the game, Esson shared his thoughts, highlighting the team’s resilience in the face of late pressure from Nairn County. “We rode our luck at times,” he admitted, “but I felt in the first 25 minutes we could have scored two or three goals.” Esson praised the team’s defensive effort and their ability to react positively after a challenging match earlier in the week. “Overall, that was more like us,” he emphasized.
A Touch of Luck
The seasoned boss acknowledged the role of luck in the game, noting that the team hadn’t experienced much of it throughout the season. “Sometimes you need a bit of luck,” Esson stated, expressing his relief at securing a point against Nairn County.
Early Dominance by Thistle
Strathspey Thistle began the game on a strong note, with Daniel Whitehorn’s pass setting up Caelan Mutch for an early goal. Despite a hamstring injury to Dylan Lawrence, the team continued to press forward, coming close to securing a second goal in the first half.
Nairn’s Response
Nairn County, however, fought back aggressively in the second half, with Andrew Greig and Ben Barron creating several scoring opportunities. Although Nairn managed to equalize with a goal from Scott Lisle, Strathspey’s defense held strong, denying Nairn the winning goal.
Expert Insights
Interim manager Brian Macleod of Nairn County acknowledged his team’s lackluster performance in the first half but praised their efforts in the latter part of the game. Despite missing key chances, Macleod highlighted the team’s determination to secure a victory.
Injury Concerns
Both teams faced injury setbacks during the match, with Fraser Dingwall of Nairn County and Dylan Lawrence of Strathspey Thistle suffering injuries that could impact their future games. Esson expressed concerns about the availability of key players due to these injuries.
Looking Ahead
With the Highland League season in full swing, teams like Strathspey Thistle and Nairn County are focused on accumulating points and climbing up the division standings. The competitive spirit and grit displayed by these teams set the stage for an exciting season ahead.
Wrapping Up
In the dynamic landscape of the Highland League, every match brings a new challenge and an opportunity for teams to showcase their talent and resilience. As Strathspey Thistle and Nairn County regroup and prepare for their upcoming fixtures, the dedication and spirit of these players promise an engaging and competitive season for Highland League football enthusiasts.
