Tayport focus on league survival after cup losses

The last couple of matches have seen ‘Port exit to major cup competitions, namely the Scottish Junior Cup and the East of Scotland Cup.

Last weekend’s penalty shoot-out defeat to third tier Dunbar United was particularly galling, as the Canniepairt outfit had led 3-1 going into the closing stages.

“I’m beginning to sound like a broken record,” said manager John Ovenstone.

“We’ve let ourselves down with too many mistakes and haven’t been streetwise or ruthless enough.

“No disrespect to Dunbar United, but they are two divisions below us and we should have been able to see the game out.”

So, Tayport must now focus on their bid to retain their top flight status, starting with tomorrow’s fixture away to mid-table Newtongrange Star.

It will be a tough match, as Nitten do have some quality players in their line-up and will be disappointed not to be challenging for the

title.

Ovenstone believes that his team have the ability to stay in the division, but knows his charges will have to find form soon.

“The players have to believe that they are Super League players and go out and prove it on a Saturday.

“Training is always positive and we do a lot of work on being positive, but haven’t been taking that into our matches.”

Kris Rollo returns for ‘Port.