Paisley Pirates head for the east coast for the second consecutive weekend as they take on SNL champions Kirkcaldy Kestrels in an important SNL fixture this Sunday, having won a tough encounter at Dundee on Saturday when they triumphed 5-2, after trailing going into the final session.
“We were back to something like full strength at Dundee and having everyone available always makes things that little bit easier,” said coach Ian Turley. “I think we were able to capitalise on having four lines as our guys were definitely that bit fresher in the final session and it showed. The goals were spread around a little too and that’s always pleasing when you know that you have a lot of players who can chip in with a goal or two.”
“While it was a good win to achieve we’ll have to step up a gear again to take on the team which deservedly won the league title last year. We swopped wins in the league during the season, and we beat them in Kirkcaldy on our way to lifting the Scottish Cup last season, so while it’s another tough one for us we’re entitled to think we can put on a show again and give a good account of ourselves. Our new guys are settling in well so it’s good to have a number of lines you can send out with confidence to do a good job, and while we had to come from behind, in spite of having the bulk of possession throughout the Dundee game, it nevertheless showed that we don’t let our heads go down if the puck isn’t running for us. There will be spells on Sunday where that might happen so it’s important that our players remember they’re playing against a good side.”
He continued, “We hope to create chances with our style of play. However, it is important we are clinical around the Kestrels’ as not taking our chances could prove to be costly. It’s usually a game worth watching when we go against each other and I can’t imagine Sunday night will be any different.”