‘The games last 90 minutes, not 60 or 75’ - Ross Tokely seeks Nairn County consistency and points to the quality of the Station Park pitch as hope for regular Highland League action through the winter
Ross Tokely believes Nairn County’s immaculate playing surface could help build much-needed consistency through the winter months.
Led by volunteer groundsman Derek Steel, Station Park has been in fine shape approaching a time of year when pitches face increasing difficulties.
Tokely has taken advantage of a free weekend to work hard on aspects where the team has fallen short, with the central message being the need to eliminate erratic form.
With four of the next five league tests falling at home, starting with Wick Academy tomorrow, the Wee County boss is looking for improvement - both between and during matches.
“We did a bit of hard graft last week and the free Saturday was important for the guys after a disappointing last result against Huntly,” Tokely said.
“It gave them time to reflect and to work on a few things. I’m sure the guys will have that extra freshness for the weekend.
“As a player, I always felt November, December and January were important months to get good points on the board.
“Pitches change a wee bit and a lot of games are cancelled. Ours has been pretty good to us over the last couple of years, so we need to dig up some points over these important three months.
“It is just about building some consistency, really - and that’s what I spoke to the players about.
“The games last 90 minutes. There’s no point playing for 45, 60 or 75 minutes, the games are 90 minutes. We’ve driven that message into them.
“There are a lot of positives and then a lot of things we can still improve on.”
Tokely was keen to give Steel and others who work tirelessly on the pitch due credit.
“The guys do an excellent job and it was perfect for the cup final we hosted just recently,” he said.
“You can see the quality of the pitch and those guys do such a lot of work. They probably don’t get the credit they deserve.”
Nairn have gone four games unbeaten at home in the league, but have managed just one win from seven bows there this season.
Wick’s trip south will be followed by visits from Banks o’ Dee, Buckie and Clach before Christmas.
“We’re looking forward to being back at home, Tokely stressed..
“In certain home games we’ve not done so well, while picking up some really good wins away.
“Just having a wee break, I’m hoping give the players that little bit of extra appetite this weekend.
“It isn’t going to be easy. It is a competitive league and Wick have some good players and have had some good results this year.
“I’ll do a bit of work on them this week, but I know their strengths.
“They are a dangerous side on their day.”