Source: Team_Talk
Pressley: Pressure on relegation rivals
Falkirk manager Steven Pressley has urged his players to test the resolve of their rivals by closing the gap at the bottom of the league.[LNB] Falkirk will move level on points with St Mirren if they beat the Paisley side at home tomorrow.[LNB]The Bairns have been bottom of the league for the vast majority of the season but have shown the ability to produce a result whenever they are in danger of being cast adrift, such as last weekend when they won against in-form Motherwell.[LNB]Pressley said: "A win would certainly make things very interesting going into the split and also it would test the resolve of other teams.[LNB]"We've sat in this position for almost the entire season and it's credit to our players that they have bounced back time and time again from disappointments.[LNB]"They are only a young team and they have shown a great mentality.[LNB]"If we were to get ourselves back right in the pack, then we test other teams' resolve."[LNB]Pressley has encouraged his players to perform without fear and was rewarded by an impressive display at Fir Park, the highlight of which was an incisive passing move finished off by Ryan Flynn.[LNB]"The fear of failure can often be an enemy," Pressley said.[LNB]"We can't play with that fear. We have to play with an expression to our game and a belief.[LNB]"Failing isn't losing, it's about the reaction to the loss. If you lose games of football, it's about how you react the following week.[LNB]"The best champions in life always have their setbacks but it's their reaction to them that makes the difference.[LNB]"You have to accept it will be your day sometimes and not your day at other times, and we've reacted brilliantly to that."[LNB]The lack of fear has helped Falkirk play some decent football despite their predicament with Burton O'Brien influential on the ball in central midfield following a lengthy spell on the sidelines through injury.[LNB]"The one thing is you have to play fast-flowing positive football and I think we are certainly doing that," Pressley said.[LNB]"We've got a great variation to our play as well, we can play direct and we can play patient football and we can play counter-attacking football, and I think that has been a real positive in our performances."[LNB]Brian McLean returns to the squad following suspension but Falkirk kept their first clean sheet in 10 games in his absence with Darren Barr and Tam Scobbie impressing in central defence.[LNB]"It certainly gives us a problem," Pressley said. "Brian comes back into contention but both players played exceptionally well and that's great news.[LNB]"Brian's return brings competition and we want competition but the back four performed exceptionally well at the weekend."[LNB]
