Newmains can’t hold on to lead

Nov 26 2008 by Andrew Weston, Wishaw Press

Newmains can’t hold on to lead

NEWMAINS united squandered the lead on two occasions at the weekend against St Roch’s to remain winless and rooted to the bottom of the Central League Division Two.

United took the lead in the first couple of minutes through centre-forward James Lafferty but the visitors managed to draw level before the interval.

A well-worked move allowed midfielder James Keane to fire Newmains back in front but lapses in defence saw St Roch’s score two goals to secure the win in this evenly contested encounter that left the local outfit extremely frustrated at the final whistle.

Newmains player-coach Gordon Bruce said: “The guys are letting themselves down by giving away the lead when they get it but we have matched most teams this season and we are improving.”

He added: “The battling qualities are there and the boys are becoming more experienced.

“A lot of these guys are from the amateur ranks, who have now stepped up to junior level, so they are learning AS it is a tougher and a faster level.”

Meanwhile Newmains are hoping to bolster their squad with a number of new signings in the coming weeks.