We must take our chances, says Kevin McDonald

Aug 26 2009 by Colin Paterson, Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser

KEVIN McDONALD propped himself up against an advertising hoarding and rued what might have been as the sun dipped behind East End Park.

How differently this match might have turned out had Airdrie United’s John Baird or Frankie Lagana snaffled the chances that fell to them during an eventful afternoon in Fife.

The Diamonds headed home licking their wounds following a 2-0 defeat and Geordie midfielder McDonald says the team will become familiar with the losing feeling unless they defend better and develop a cutting edge up-front.

He said: “I thought we created some good chances and we will need to take them this season, especially away from home.

“We had four one-on-ones during the match and if you can nick a goal to get yourselves in front it gives you something to hold onto.

“There are some positives we can take from the game in that we have come here and created some good chances but we know ourselves that we need to perform better.

“The gaffer will be looking for more from the boys and it will be up to us to provide him with that in the coming games. I don’t think our performance was good enough. We weren’t strong enough in tackles and we will have to change that.”

Cause for concern was expressed at how Airdrie contributed to both of Dunfermline’s goals and McDonald knows his side must become a tougher nut to crack.

If Kenny Black’s men are to survive in the First Division, maintaining a tight ship at the back is a priority.

“We need to stand up and be counted by not giving away silly goals,” the 24-year-old added.

“Last week we lost a goal at a set-piece when the Queen of the South striker had a free header and this week Dunfermline were able to sneak one in at the near post from a corner. If teams are going to score against us, we need to make them work for their goals and that is something we aren’t doing at the moment.

“We will all have to dip deep. At times like these, we have to stick together as a team but if we don’t take our chances we won’t win games.”