Frank McKeown was delighted to see his Sons team make it three wins in a row with a 3-2 victory over Banks o’Dee in the KDM Evolution Trophy on Saturday.
Goals from Deryn Lang, Scott Honeyman and Leighton McIntosh secured another three points at The Rock sponsored by Marbill Coaches, with the result leaving us within touching distance of advancing with one fixture remaining in the group stage.
We travel to face local rivals Clydebank in our final match away at Holm Park, with a win required to guarantee progression to the latter stages against a Bankies side who remain unbeaten in the competition.
Speaking after the game, McKeown was pleased with another attacking display but admitted there were areas to improve.
“I’m delighted with the three goals. That’s three games in a row we’ve scored three goals, so we certainly look a threat,” he said.
“I’m disappointed with a couple of goals we gave away. I thought they were really slack and I think we can do better with them. I showed them the first goal at half-time. We’ve just got to be a wee bit better.
“I think we could have controlled the game a wee bit more when we went 3-1 up. At one point in time, I thought it was going to be four or five and even then, obviously, Banks o’Dee threw a wee bit more at it and went for it a little bit.
“But I’m delighted with the win. It’s another home win again, which is great. And another three points in the KDM.”
After Tuesday night’s victory over Kilmarnock B, McKeown felt Banks provided a different challenge physically.
The visitors arrived in good form after defeating Aberdeen B, but McKeown was pleased with how our players dealt with the test.
“Credit to Banks o’Dee, they beat a really good Aberdeen side during the week” he continued.
“Banks o’Dee got a really good result on Tuesday, so they were coming here full of confidence. So, we had to manage that game.
“These games are always really difficult when you’re expected to win at home against a lower league opposition, but certainly Banks o’Dee made it really hard for us.
“It could have been more comfortable in the end. However, we got the job done.”
Both McIntosh and Lang found the net, with McKeown particularly pleased to see the pair continue their form in front of goal.
“There’s still lots to work on, but that’s three in three for Deryn Lang,” he said.
“He’s came off with a wee problem with his hamstring. So, I’m hoping that that’s going to be okay, because right now he’s on fire and that hopefully continues.
“It was also great to see Leighton getting on the score sheet. I thought it was a great move down the side. We’ve been working on these sorts of things in training.
“So, great for Leighton to get on the end of it. I thought Robbie Cleary and Michael Doyle linked up really well for the goal, like they did last week against Spartans.”
Honeyman stepped up from the penalty spot, with McKeown explaining the order of penalty takers after McIntosh had missed previously.
“There’s an order of penalty kick takers. Leighton was first and Scott Honeyman was second.
“So, you get one miss, but unfortunately there’s boys in there who want it. So, they were straight on to the staff and Leighton, and I think two misses is fair to kind of pass the batting over.
“Scott Honeyman showed real composure to put that away.”
Josh Todd continued at centre-back alongside Tom Lang, with McKeown praising the midfielder’s versatility after another composed display.
“I think Todd is just a good footballer. You could play Josh Todd in any position, and he’d give you 100 per cent, and he’d look really calm. I thought he and Tom Lang were excellent today,” the boss said, praising the former Annan midfielder.
“We’re a wee bit short in that area. We’re missing Ali Omar, we’re missing Tommy Robson, and I think that affected us as well in terms of that back four, if I’m being honest. So, a little bit disjointed.
“To be honest, I could play Josh anywhere. I’m just delighted to get him back fit. He’s put that injury behind him, and it’s probably only been the last two or three weeks where we’ve seen the real Josh Todd.
“I’m delighted to get him back fit, and as I said, he’ll play a big part going forward.”
Despite previously stressing that the league remains the priority, McKeown believes the two KDM wins can provide valuable momentum.
“It’s really positive. It’s all about momentum, football’s all about momentum,” he said.
“As I said, that is three wins on the bounce at home.
“Our last game at home, we won that as well, so we’ve got another home game against Forfar. So, the boys are in a really good place, really proud of them today, how they stuck to their task.
“We’ve got that momentum going into next week, and I know the boys love playing here in front of the home supporters and on the pitch, so there’s no reason why we can’t go and show a good performance against Forfar and hopefully pick up three points.”