Rutherglen Glencairn boss blasts side before praising fightback in league opener

Rutherglen Glencairn boss Joe Pryce warning his players of the standards expected of them inspired his side to fight back and draw 2-2 at Maybole in their West of Scotland League First Division opener on Saturday.

But while Pryce was pleased with the spirit and character shown to snatch a point through Ryan McManus’ free kick strike three minutes into stoppage time, he warned that failure to hit those heights will see players bombed out of the team.

McManus stuck a free kick into the top left corner, adding to his penalty four minutes after the restart, as Glens clawed back a 2-0 interval deficit at the Ladywell Stadium.

Pryce said: “We started off a wee bit sloppy in defence, gave away two really cheap goals and although we had a lot of the ball, we really weren’t causing Maybole a lot of problems.

“We got them in at half-time, had a wee chat with them and reminded them of the standards required at the club.

“To be fair, the players went out, played really well in the second half, dominated the entire 45 minutes, and a draw was the least they deserved.

“They kept going, and although the goal came late on, their general play deserved more.

“But if you give away two sloppy goals you’ve given yourself a mountain to climb.

“To be fair to the players they dug in, never gave it up, and at least we got a point on the board.

“We know they’ve got that character and that drive in the changing room.

“I was pleased with the second half, not so chuffed about the first.

“We know there are going to be bumps in the road, and mistakes made, but the players have to realise that there are certain standards required here.

“If they don’t reach that standard they won’t be playing – it’s as simple as that.”

Having gone 2-0 down inside 24