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Cup win is boost before big kick-off |
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ALTHOUGH delighted to win the Tommy McGrane memorial cup, Albion boss Allan Moore was less than impressed with his side’s display in the annual East Kilbride Thistle tournament.
After defeating junior outfit Arthurlie 3-1 in the opening tie with goals from trialist David Gray, Darren Gribben and McKenna,
Albion went on to meet host club East Kilbride at the Showground.
In the final, Moore’s side trailed by an early goal only to hit back after half-time through Paul Nugent and trialist Gray netting the winner to take home the silverware for the second time in three years.
Afterwards Moore said: “We just did not play in the first half, but after the break we performed better.
“We struggled a bit at times but I think it was down to the opposition.
“It’s always good to win and this was no different - these games are all about fitness and the players are getting there.”
Ahead of Thursday’s glamour fixture with Premiership giants Everton, Moore now wants to mould his players into the shape and style he wants them playing next season.
He added: “The fitness levels will pick-up, but what we need now is to shape the team.
“I think the Everton game will be similar to the St Mirren and Hibs games where we were really pushed into working hard.
“I don’t know what kind of side Everton will bring, but I’m sure they’ll be big and physical which will stand us in good stead.”
Moore also hopes the fans turn out in numbers for this meeting, he went on: “It will be good for the fans to see a team such as Everton play at Forthbank. If they don’t come out to see us, hopefully they will want to see Everton play.”
On Saturday, Stirling face Lothian junior side Bathgate in the last of the pre-season friendly games before taking on Partick Thistle in their opening Division one league game at home.
However, the Reds boss does not have his problems to seek as he will be without captain Chris Aitken, assistant Mark McNally and top scorer Colin Cramb.
All three are serving suspensions - Aitken and McNally missing for one game, while Cramb is out for the first three.
Moore added: “It’s a blow to lose all three for the start and we’ll have to look at getting things sorted.
“I’m still keen to bring in a couple of new faces, but we won’t just bring in anyone to make up the numbers in the squad. We have to get the right player. But it’s difficult trying to get decent full-time players to go part-time. So it will take some time.”
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