Mixed emotions for Gus after Hibs clash

Nov 3 2008

BUDDIES boss Gus MacPherson was full of mixed emotions after watching his side turn in arguably their best performance of the season during Saturday’s SPL clash with Hibs.

MacPherson’s side won plenty of new admirers for producing an attacking and truly adventurous performance but they still could only register a 0-0 draw.

And while frustrated that his Buddies were unable to convert their dominance into three SPL points, MacPherson feels it’s only a matter of time before Saints start bulging the back of the net on a regular basis.

He said: “I thoroughly enjoyed it. It was pleasing and that’s probably as well as we’ve played this season.

“We just seem to keep improving, but the frustrating part of it was that we didn’t win the game.

“I think we deserved to, but it’s all about putting the ball in the back of the net.

Dennis Wyness, above, missed a gilt-edged opportunity in the second 45 following a flowing move, started at the back from Scott Cuthbert, but Hibs keeper Yves Ma-Kalambay blocked it.

MacPherson reflected: “We had one or two half chances in the first half but that (Dennis Wyness’ effort) was a chance and, when they come along, you’re hoping the strikers can take them.

“With the amount of possession and the type of football that we’re playing, then it’s just a matter of time before our strikers take those chances.

“The most pleasing thing for me was the manner in which we passed the ball against a Hibs team that’s received a lot of plaudits.

“If our passing had been a wee bit sharper and if our final ball or cross had been a wee bit more accurate, then goal-scoring chances would have been easier.”

MacPherson has vowed to continue encouraging his team to play in a positive manner and will opt for a 4-4-2 formation as much as possible this season.