Forres Mechanics 1 Banks O' Dee 4: Cans lack desire in cup loss
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FORRES Mechanics manager Charlie Rowley says his side lacked hunger and desire in their 4-1 Scottish Cup defeat to Banks O’ Dee at Mosset Park on Saturday.
After going into the break level, the Cans took the lead within five minutes of the second half starting when Robbie Duncanson fired in from range.
But that was to be as good as it got for Mechanics as Robert Armstrong equalised immediately before goals by Mark Gilmour, Kane Winton and Richard Birnie sealed the junior side’s progression.
And it wasn’t a lack of quality that cost Forres, according to Rowley.
He said: “I can’t remember too many times after I’ve felt as bad after a performance. The result was hugely important.
“We could have played really well and still got beat on Saturday but the manner of the performance was unacceptable for the quality we have.
“There wasn’t a gulf in quality. Banks O’ Dee were getting into good areas before their quality let them down, but there was a gulf in attitude, application and desire.
“They wanted to get involved in the physical aspects and we didn’t.”
The Cans have a free weekend this time round with Clachnacuddin, who were supposed to be visitors to Mosset Park, playing a cup replay against Nairn County.
Instead, the Cans will have a friendly tomorrow and could train extra over the course of the two-week break.
The gap in action also gives Rowley a chance to consider team selection, and nurse injured players back to full fitness.
He added: “We have to seriously consider team selection going forward.
“Arguably the 3-3 at Fraserburgh, with the youngest and most inexperienced team, was as good a performance as we’ve had.
“We are hoping to get Chucky (Ross MacPherson) and Lee Fraser fit because at the moment we need them.”
Central midfielder Declan Hughes joined on loan from Ross County on Friday night and played the second half of the defeat to Banks O’ Dee, coming on for the injured Stuart Soane.
Soane, Fraser and MacPherson will be touch and go for the trip to league leaders Buckie Thistle on October 5.
