Parker: ‘Time to get back to basics’

GRETNA 2008 gaffer Vinnie Parker reckons teams in the Lowland League are taking more risks this season because there is no relegation from the division. He admitted that the coaching staff at Raydale Park have set the team up to play on the front foot a bit more. However, after losing 2-1 to Albion Rovers on Saturday, the Anvils’ fifth defeat on the trot, Parker says it could be time to go ‘back to basics’ and make defending the priority. Iain Anderson scored to give Gretna the lead against The Wee Rovers last weekend, but the Coatbridge side equalised two minutes later. The visitors then popped up with an equalising goal in the final moments. Speaking after the defeat, Parker said: “It was probably a really entertaining tie to watch, but it wasn’t the result we wanted, especially at home. “I felt that in the first half we had lots of control and lots of possession in the game and we had really good opportunities to score, we could have easily gone in at halftime 3-0 or 4-0 up. “Up until today we have been ruthless at the top end, closing the back door has been the issue. “I thought the first half was excellent, in the second half we probably looked a bit desperate to win the game. “In hindsight, we could’ve taken a point. We’ve basically threw the kitchen sink at it to win.” Restructuring plans for the league next year mean no one gets relegated this term. Parker added: “I think the league’s a lot stronger this season. I think that risk is out the league, because nobody can get relegated. I think people can play a wee bit more expansive and risky. “As for ourselves, we’ve been a lot riskier and tried to play on the front foot a lot more. “But it’s probably time to go back to basics and really hone in trying to keep a clean sheet in games.” The games continue to come thick and fast. Tomorrow afternoon Civil Service Strollers visit Gretna, before the Black and Whites visit Caley Braves on Tuesday evening. Parker said: “They (Civil) are going well. They will be set up really hard to beat. We need to try and exploit them down the sides and use the gaps. “It’s going to be another tough game. I think every single game is going to be tough. “I would never question the boys’ effort. There’s a lot of pleasing factors in the game, but the goals we lose are not pleasing. “It’s wee things we need to tidy up.”