Boss knows Clachnacuddin must avoid defeat against Strathspey Thistle or hit rock bottom in Highland League
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CONOR Gethins will demand Clach display character as they approach a crunch bottom of the table showdown with Strathspey Thistle.
The new manager knows how huge a match it is for the Merkinch club on Saturday, with the visitors seeking to leapfrog the Lilywhites at the foot of the Highland League.
The fixture also falls just as Thistle bask in the aftermath of a morale-boosting first win of the season over Deveronvale last weekend.
Clach, in contrast, were licking wounds after a 6-0 beating by defending champions Brechin City, which followed decent performances in defeat in the Scottish Cup away to Peterhead and at home to Rothes in the league.
It is also the first of three games in a week for Clach, who host derby rivals Nairn County on Wednesday before next Saturday’s trip to Lossiemouth.
“This weekend will show me what the team is all about, character-wise more than anything else,” Gethins said.
“The chips are down and we’re playing a team below us by a point. They have two games in hand.
“We really need to move now and create that distance by getting points on the board, but, let me tell you, it will not be an easy game.
“After a very good win for Strathspey last weekend, their tails are up now.
“It is up to us to stamp our authority on the game immediately. We have home advantage, but we really need to step it up now.
“I’m still learning about the players - their strengths, weaknesses and their characters - and this will give myself and our coaches a clear idea of where we are and what we need to do.”
Gethins missed the Brechin mauling, but stressed: “Brechin are physically strong and fit, with boys who have played at a high level.
“They also had no manager and it seemed like they were playing with some freedom.
“I missed the game as I was back in Ireland for my brother’s wedding, but I saw the video.
“We fell into the trap of being too high up the park and they got in behind us an awful lot and took advantage.
“They looked fitter and stronger than us, and a wee bit more composed on the ball.
“It shows where we need to improve. We need to go and compete. We have a very tough week coming up.”
