Star seek kick-start to season

NEWTONGRANGE STAR boss Graeme Armstrong today urged his players to show the character required to lift them out of their current plight.

After what has been a nightmare start to the season, they face Scottish Junior Cup holders Linlithgow Rose at New Victoria Park tomorrow in a crunch Super League clash

Star have picked up only one point this term, from a draw at Camelon, and are embroiled in a relegation battle after just seven games.

Today, Armstrong admitted: "We're absolutely toiling just now. We couldn't buy a win.

"The longer this poor run goes on the harder it is to get out of it. The players now need to show some character.

"They showed it when we won promotion to the Super League so they have it within themselves.

"It's not that we're being overrun in games. We seem to find ways to lose them.

"Football being football, though, you have to look forward. Tomorrow's game against Linlithgow could well be the turning point in what has been a very disappointing season for everyone so far.

"We're not as bad as our position shows but there's no easy way back. Hard work and more hard work will get us out of this.

"For tomorrow, though, we have lots of injuries. Gareth Hutchison, Paul Forbes, Scott Swaney and Ross Johnstone are all struggling big time, plus Darren Gourlay is suspended.

"Joe Dunbar is back but needs to find a bit more fitness. He was sent off last week but it was for two bookings so he's not suspended."

Star striker Hutchison is struggling to put his finger on why Star find themselves in their current predicament.

"We have had some poor games but mostly we've played well and lost," he said.

"We've had injuries but it's up to the rest of us to step up to the mark and be counted. We need to win this one tomorrow - not just because it's Linlithgow, but we need to start the long climb back to safety.

"Players like Scott McCulloch have been terrific for us this season. His attitude is an example to the rest of us. He plays wherever the gaffer asks him to. I'm carrying a knock but the longer the week goes on the better it has felt so there may be a chance I'm fit for the game."

Linlithgow themselves have some long-term injuries but may be boosted by the return of John Adam after a spell working away from home. Boss Dave Baikie said: "It's a tough place to go and get three points. They may be struggling at the foot of the table but, whenever a side play Linlithgow, they find an extra gear.

"We played them in the League Cup earlier in the season and didn't get a good result then and I don't expect it any easier this time. They'll be up for this game that's for sure. If they can lift themselves to beat us it will give them a huge boost in confidence.

"To win trophies you have to go to these places and get a result. Points are what matter in these situations.

"We have the usual suspects missing through injury. Mark Bradley, Scott Wilson and Gordon Herd are all out but John Adam is back in training.

"He's not done a pre-season and is carrying a bit of weight but he could be back in the squad.

"Looking at our position in the table we're in a much better place than this time last season. Hopefully, it'll give us a good springboard for the second half of the season when we seem to do better. We'll have 18 or 19 players available for the game which is great for us after having so may players out long term."