Be positive is the message for United and Rangers

THE coaches of both Cumbernauld United and Kilsyth Rangers are expecting positive reactions from their players after both suffered disappointing defeats last weekend.

United were narrowly beaten 4-3 at home to Bellshill however, manager John Queen says the scoreline flattered his players.

He said: "We were one up and looking comfortable then gave away two penalties and were 2-1 down. Our own mistakes cost us dearly. They then tried to sit back when they got to four which turned out to be a mistake as we just kept them pinned in their own box.

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"But it was too little too late - it wasn't our good play that hemmed them in because it was all corners and freekicks. I think the kind of disjointed pre-season we had has come back to haunt us with loads of guys away at the same time."

Rangers were soundly beaten 3-1 by Thorniewood United, a result assistant manager Danny Smith believes was down to the whole team having a bad day.

He said: "We didn't seem to turn up on Saturday. I think sometimes you play Junior Football because you're inconsistent. But it's not often you have 11 players who are having an off day. You need at least eight or nine playing well and you can carry the others if needed."

Saturday will see United travel to face Vale of Clyde while Rangers entertain Cambuslang Rangers at Duncansfield.

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Queen said of United's fixture: "I think the players themselves will have to show a reaction this week. We'll have Kenny Jarvis back on the left of midfield so hopefully that will make a difference. We're just starting to get everyone to the same level of fitness now. We're still a good team and still confident we can do well."

Smith was similarly upbeat about Rangers' tie: "The important thing is to learn from these mistakes, but the boys are great in training and do everything we ask them to so we know they will. We'll hopefully put it down to a one off and move on. We'll go into Saturday with confidence that we can take all three points."

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