Source: FOOTYMAD
Lesson One Over For The Pars: Could Do Better
A manager only starts learing about his side when they play for real Now that the first game back in the SPL is over, manager Jim McIntyre expects his Dunfermline players to pass the ball better as they adapt to the pace and quality of the top flight. Saints Mirren outplayed the Pars during the first half at east End Park last night and the home side needed Paul Gallacher to be on top form to save a penalty from Steven Thompson to keep the scores level. The Buddies missed several more good chances in the first half as they moved the ball from side to side and got full-backs Jeroen Tesselaar and David van Zanten forward to good effect. The Paisley side still created the better chances after the break but Dunfermline denied them as much space and McIntyre's men came close twice through Martin Hardie free-kicks. The Pars manager said: "We can definitely pass the ball better. That's one thing we never did well, pass the ball. We are a better footballing side than what we showed, but you have got to give a lot of credit to St Mirren. I thought they passed the ball really well and pressed the game very well. Their shape was giving us a wee bit of a problem. We made a couple of changes and I think the substitutions gave us impetus. We looked more of a threat. I told the players this is a learning curve. You have got to learn quick because it's good sides, better players you are up against; quicker, stronger. But we are a good side and we can play much better. Their workrate was excellent. As long as they keep working hard, we know we can play better football. But a point is a good start." Opposite number Danny Lennon was happy with the way St Mirren debutants Tesselaar, Thompson, Gary Teale and Nigel Hasselbaink performed as part of his team hoping to stay out of the bottom three this season. Lennon said: "I thought they did terrific. They are good football players and good football players can go and settle in anywhere. Young Nigel has still got to learn a great deal about the game when he is out of possession but he certainly lights it up when he has it. He was terrific at running at people second half. Gary Teale always has that bit of quality. Steven Thompson was terrific at leading the line."
