Coughlin hails fans’ impact
Steven Thomson netted his 3rd goal in 3 games against Cowdenbeath this season to win the game for the ‘Gers.
Berwick boss John Coughlin has hailed his team’s fans after a vociferous travelling support helped drive the ‘Gers to a 1-0 win at Central Park yesterday afternoon.
“All I heard post-match is about how good the fans were. It didn’t take long for word to spread, I was on the phone to Eric Tait post match and he’d heard down in Newcastle. It’s been all over the internet too by the sounds of it.
“Myles (Allan) said to me before full-time that we needed to ensure the players went over to the fans because they’d been magnificent. I was that engrossed in what was going on on the park that I hadn’t thought about how well-supported we were until that point.
“Everyone was talking about it, it was even a big talking point amongst the directors on the bus home.
“And what a difference it makes, too. The players said as much in the changing rooms. It’s something we’ve not had in a long time but as I told the players, they have a duty to put on the kind of performances that makes it easy for the fans to get behind – they’ll give them that every week if we can show the same spirit and fight as we did yesterday.
“There’s no doubt it helped us. We were very competitive yesterday, very aggressive. It was the kind of game that could have swung either way, it was a classic ‘one niller’. The stats show we only had one shot on target but if it’s one that wins you the points who cares?
“When everyone gets together and sticks together it gives us a much bigger chance of winning football matches. Hopefully it continues but as I’ve said, we know it’s up to us to give the fans something to get behind.”
The ‘Gers took the points home from Cowdenbeath thanks to a Steven Thomson goal, the midfielder heading home from Michael McKenna’s corner for his 7th goal of the season. The goal was Thomson’s 3rd against Cowden this season, and Coughlin admitted he was delighted to see Thommo on the scoresheet again.
“We changed the system a little and played Thomson in behind Greg Rutherford. Steven in that position is a player that really excites me, and I was delighted he got a goal to show for his efforts because he ran himself into the ground.
“Our midfield were superb. Steven Notman and Darren Lavery in the centre really complimented eachother well, they worked very hard for the benefit of the team.
“Gary Phillips debuted on the left flank and was excellent. I thought he showed a lot of confidence on the ball. There was one moment where he picked out Greg Rutherford from outwide with a sublime pass, I think that moment is indicative of the quality that he can bring.
“He’s a versatile player and he might feature elsewhere at some point in the future, but we played him out wide yesterday and it paid off. Coming in for his debut, I think he’ll be pleased with his performance.
“Unfortunately we didn’t get to see Michael Dunlop as he picked up an injury on Thursday, but he’s taking part in both training sessions this week so he should be okay for his return to Arbroath on Saturday.”
Coughlin also discussed his transfer plans for the window, more of which will be revealed in a news item on the club’s official website on Monday morning.
