The Warriors extended their unbeaten league run to 11 games but will have been disappointed not to have picked up all three points against bottom club Arbroath, although injuries and a spirited performance from the Red Lichties made life difficult for Stenny.
“They are fighting for their lives and we knew it would be a tough game,” said Stenny manager Scott Booth, he added: “but we did not hit the heights of the games we have played previously, when we were playing well in phases. We did not manage to do that and it allowed Arbroath to put a bit of pressure on, but I thought they played quite well overall.”
Injuries to Sean Lynch and Kevin McKinlay forced 23rd minute substitutions which not only forced a change then, but had a knock-on effect later in the game when the gaffer could have been looking to change shape or plan.
“It does [change things], especially in the latter part of the game when you are looking to make changes and do different things to effect the game,” said Booth, although he still felt the Warriors should have coped with the situation, adding: “That did have an impact but, at the same time, I still believe we had the players on the field to do the job, even when Lynch and McKinlay got injured, we still had players on there that I think should have taken the game more to Arbroath but we could not quite do that.”
What was good for Stenny was the depth of talent on the bench, with Booth able to bring on Sean Dickson and David Rowson, with Booth saying: “It is good to have David, he is experienced and can play virtually anywhere which is ideal to have.”
With a tricky trip to Methil on Saturday to face an East Fife team also battling for survival, Booth could have done with a fully fit squad but he is going to have to wait a while for that. He said: “We are hoping Ross McMillan will train and he will be OK but we are not 100% sure on that yet but we are hoping. Kevin McKinlay looks as if he is recovering really quickly but whether it will be quick enough for the weekend we don't know yet. Eddie Malone is still struggling a little bit and will probably be out for a few weeks but Sean Lynch is 50/50 to play on Saturday.”
Injuries may be a nuisance but they have have not dampened Booth's hopes and he is still looking for three points on Saturday “They are [battling for survival], it is a similar scenario to last week, although we are away from home, which makes it a little bit tougher, but we will go there with confidence,” said Booth.
The Gaffer finished by repeating his aim to see Stenny go for the win, he said: “We are on a great unbeaten run which we want to extend and take the three points, so that is our aim. I said last week that we had to win and will say that again this week.”
