Hurlford Juniors boss baffled by poor form

Apr 24 2009 by Stef Lach, Kilmarnock Standard

HURLFORD’S dismal form continued with two defeats in three days that leave the struggling club teetering on the brink of relegation.

On Saturday they went down 3-0 away to East Kilbride Thistle. With a number of top players missing through injury and other commitments, and an untried young goalkeeper between the sticks, Ford were well and truly beaten by Thistle.

Then on Monday night they were beaten 1-0 at home by Largs Thistle, despite putting in a much improved performance.

John Crawford’s side are bottom of the First Division and look certain to be relegated. They have eight matches still to play, but would need a miraculous turnaround in fortunes to pull away from, the four relegation places.

The gaffer, who has never been relegated in his long and illustrious junior football career, said: “On Saturday we were just not good enough, it was a terrible performance.

“We lost a goal after two minutes and another after 20 minutes. The third came just after half-time and we were never in the game at all.

“We were missing some big players but that’s no excuse.

“On Monday against Largs I was much happier. Again we lost an early goal after five minutes but after that we were the better team and created a lot of chances.

“If we played like that, with that level of commitment every week, we wouldn’t be in the position we are in now.”

The manager was at a loss to explain how his squad, which he believes is capable of so much more, has failed to perform this season.

He said: “We have good players here, I have no doubt about that. If we were an average squad getting average results, I could accept that.

“But looking around the dressing room I know we have very capable players.

“These last eight games give the players an opportunity to prove themselves and we have to be looking at getting some good results, no matter where we end up in the final league table.

“The players have to set themselves standards and we all have to take responsibility for the position we are in.”

Ford were due to host Annbank United on Wednesday night and are away to Shotts Bon Accord on Saturday.