Jim Jefferies Post Stirling Albion

22/11/14: Jim Jefferies was given a happy 64th birthday present when his much changed side defeated Stirling Albion by four goals to nil.

- - Listen to this Jim Jefferies Interview

After the first victory in four league games the Pars gaffer said:-

"I said to everybody in the dressing room that the players who were dropped today because of lack of effort or the way that they have been playing, it was just that things weren't happening for them.

"We have a strong squad and I don't think that there are many teams in this league who could make seven changes without maybe introducing three or four new recruits. We were still strong on paper when you look at the team that we put out.

"That squad had played three games in the 20s against three Premier League clubs, scored eleven goals and won three matches. If I was them I'd be knocking on my door if I hadn't played today to say 'when do we get a chance?'

"They got their chance today and by God they took it. It wasn't just 4-0 it was a tremendous football performance as well. We have been playing well but just not taking our chances. Of course we got off to a great start with a great ball in ( in fifth minute) and Gozie has scored a fantastic header.

"That gave everybody a lift right away. We went for it; there was a determination and a will just like there has been been with the boys who have not been playing. It happened for us maybe because of a wee bit of freshness takes the pressure off the boys who have maybe been snatching at things.

"Let's be honest we could have scored one or two more. We played Stirling Albion a few weeks ago; we struggled to beat them 2-0 but this was a far better Stirling Albion team. The new manager has them well organised; they knew what they were doing.

"Stirling had some decent players but we were just so much on top of them. We never let them play, snuffed out and danger that they could have caused. It was just a terrific response to making that many changes and asking players to go in there. Here is your opportunity and they grabbed it with both hands some of them.

"You have to make allowances because a lot of them had not played for a few weeks at first team level. It is like everything else, you ask them to keep the jersey and the only downside is the last minute injury to young lad Williamson who was outstanding all day, especially in the first half. He was unplayable at some times but then on a run late in the game he slipped just as he was pulling the trigger.

"The Stirling boy coming in to close him down couldn't do anything about it. It was purely accidental. Ryan slipped into him, Ryan lost his footing as he was going to shoot and he has caught his knee. Hopefully it has just jarred out and back in again and there is no serious damage. He has gone to hospital and we will get word as soon as we can."

Of the seven players introduced to the starting eleven Chigozie Ugwu with a hat trick made the biggest impact, Jim Jefferies continued:-

"We say every game is different but I think going out at home against a team with nothing to lose; they go out there and raise their game. Since Stuart McLaren took over they have drawn with Stranraer last week, and Dick Campbell who was at the game told Mo Hutton that they could have been four or five up against Brechin City when he watched them in a midweek game.

"I was wary that they had improved. It doesn't matter how the teams play, if we play like we can and with the players we've got - young players who can move the ball around and play at a tempo - we can beat most teams. It lays down a marker and gives me encouragement that we have a good strong squad.

"People who played today are entitled to keep their position but they have to do it on a consistent basis. If I was them I wouldn't want to let the boys back in. It becomes their problem but these lads have had to sit and wait for them. They will have to wait until their chance comes around.

"We are away from home next week, it is a cup tie and maybe there is a player or two in my mind that we maybe need for that game but I am really encouraged by how we played today and thankfully we got some goals because we have been worthy of goals and not taking our chances.

"When it was 2-0 we had two or three great chances to make it three. One with Josh when three against one and then the next time he got in that position he sees the man and lays it off for Gozie. Big Gozie has had his ups and downs but he has come in and showed that he can be an asset to us then dipped and maybe his confidence was affected a little bit.

"He has been doing well recently in training, well in the 20s, I gave him a start today and getting a hat trick was a dream game for him."

What we all wanted to know was Gozie Ugwu on penalties today?

"No! I might have given it if it had been the last minute and having scored three, he wanted another one I could have accepted that. Allan Smith would have taken the penalties today."

- - Stirling Albion manager Stuart McLaren`s comments

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