Dalbeattie Star boss wants reaction after derby defeat to Gretna 2008

13.01.2022 - 11:41 / dailyrecord.co.uk

Dalbeattie Star boss Ritchie Maxwell is calling for a reaction from his side following their derby defeat.

Star kicked off 2022 with a loss at Gretna 2008 at the start of the month before seeing last weekend’s game against Rangers B postponed.

This Saturday they’re back at home with Broomhill visiting Islecroft in the Lowland League.

Maxwell said: “We need a reaction from the Gretna game. We were really disappointed with that, we looked like a team that hadn’t played for a few weeks. We’ve worked on some things in training and will be looking to respond with a victory.

We’re back at Islecroft as well, which is the first time in a wee while, so hopefully we can get a bright start at home.

“It’s been stop-start for us throughout December and the start of January. We’ve not played a lot at all in the last four or five weeks.

“I think we have probably played the least now between two Scottish Cup replays, having a couple of games called off with the weather and the floodlight failure at Stirling Uni.

“I think there’s plenty of time to get the games played. We didn’t have a fixture scheduled for the whole of March so we can hopefully fit some fixtures in. There will probably be a few midweek games too but I think the boys prefer playing twice a week.”

The one positive of the break is it has allowed injuries in the squad to clear up.

And Maxwell is aiming to add some new recruits in the near future in a bid to freshen things up.

He added: “We’re looking to maybe add one or two in the next few weeks but it’s not easy at this time of year as a lot of boys are already signed with clubs.

“Luke Holt will officially go back to Falkirk this week which opens up a position for us to bring someone else in on loan so that might be something we look