Manager says champions Inverness Caledonian Thistle face a tougher campaign in Highlands and Islands League
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INVERNESS Caledonian Thistle Development manager Iain Firth says they face a far greater challenge in the defence of their Highlands and Islands League title.
The champions continue their campaign as they face Nairn St Ninian at North Kessock on Sunday at 1pm.
Caley Thistle Development romped their way to the title last season winning all their matches in the league and recording double figure scorelines on a number of occasions.
They included beating Orkney 23–0, Kirkwall City 19–0 and Nairn St Ninian 11–2.
However, despite winning all their games so far this season, matches have been closer affairs, only winning 4–1 at Orkney and a 4–0 victory at Brora Rangers.
Firth says last season, they did look at how many goals they could score in each game.
But due to the higher standard this season, says focus is purely on picking up victories.
“We don’t have a big squad this season, but we still have a quality squad,” says Firth.
“For us this season, it is not about scoring goals, it is all about getting three points.
“We have changed our tactics this season as well.
“Last season, we were able to enjoy goalfests in a lot of games, but that was unusual.
“Both games we have played so far conditions weren’t ideal and we could have probably scored more.
“However, we are just looking to approach each game right.”
Despite the closer scorelines this season, Firth says his team are a more optimistic outfit.
“We are probably playing with more confidence and are more steadier than last season.
“We have only conceded a penalty this season and apart from that, nobody has looked like scoring against us.
“Collectively, I think we are stronger than last season. We haven’t won anything yet but I think we are on the right trajectory.”
