Dalbeattie Star can't use us as a springboard, warns Caledonian Braves boss

Caledonian Braves boss Ricky Waddell has warned his side not to let Dalbeattie Star use them as a springboard to launch their Lowland League campaign.

Star have lost both of their games so far, with a 5-0 hammering by Stirling University on Saturday, while Motherwell's Braves go into the clash on the back of a draw, a win and a 2-0 defeat at home to Bo’ness United in their three games so far.

After their first three were at home, Braves are on the road this evening at Dalbeattie Star, before visiting East Stirlingshire on Saturday.

Waddell says Saturday’s opponents will be given every respect, but warned his side not to be too friendly.

“We don’t be taking Dalbeattie lightly at all,” said Waddell.

“They got beat at the weekend but will be looking to bounce back, and we can’t let them use us as a springboard to get their league started.

“From our point of view we want to go down there and get a positive result.”

Waddell was disappointed with Saturday’s result, but felt Braves didn’t hit the levels they’re capable of.

He said: “I’m not looking too much into the first three games or league positions.

“ I don’t really look at the league at all until probably half-way, and just try to concentrate game to game and try to get as many wins and points as possible.

“I was disappointed by that on Saturday and their levels of performance – I just felt we didn’t get to where we could get to.

“We showed things in flashes and probably could have scored. Their keeper had a good game and I didn’t really feel under threat at all from Bo’ness, to be honest.

“But we didn’t give ourselves a chance; we lost a goal early in the first half and in the second half, and it’s always going to give you an uphill battle.”

Waddell says the league table