Brian Reid says his players should be using their time at Albion Rovers as a platform for bigger things as their League Two season draws to a close.
After heavy defeats to Stranraer and Stenhousemuir, his side stopped the rot with a 1-1 draw against Stirling Albion at Cliftonhill on Saturday.
Dale Carrick put the Binos ahead before David Wilson levelled things up for Rovers in their final home match of the campaign.
Taking place amid blustery conditions, the Coatbridge boss was pleased with what his players put in.
He said: “Performances over the last couple of games haven’t been to the level we expect. We got a reaction on Saturday. We lost a poor goal out of nothing really.
“It’s just a long ball up the park and from that we find ourselves a goal down. It wasn’t the greatest game and it was very, very windy.
“We got a point here which is better than the zero, but I would have much rather got three points.”
Reid’s not had injury trouble to seek this season but his squad have shown their potential in flashes. Striker Kyle Doherty has been tracked by English Championship club QPR and his manager reckons Cliftonhill is a place for talent to shine.
The 51-year-old said: “Whether they are here or elsewhere, there are always people looking.
“There is still plenty to play for. This season has been ravaged by injury. The players have had to stand up to it and we could have done with a bit better luck at times.
“But it is what it is. You should always have ambition as a player to kick on and try to move up the leagues.
“That’s what we want to encourage at Albion Rovers. It’s a good platform for the boys and we have a young squad. It’s a good opportunity and that is what they should be doing.”
One match remains for ninth-placed Rovers this term, Saturday’s trip to face Cowdenbeath at New Central Park.
The Blue Brazil are bottom and currently preparing for a play-off match against Bonnyrigg Rose or Fraserburgh that will determine whether they keep their SPFL status. Rovers’ spot in the division for next term is already secured.
Reid added: “I think there’s a part of it as well that the players perhaps think they have done the job. But we want to finish the season strong.
“To finish the season as comfortably as we have is a credit to the players.
“Cowdenbeath are preparing for the play-offs and will want to keep their momentum going so we are expecting a tough game – but we want the points.”
Follow Lanarkshire Live Sport on Twitter via @LanLiveSport, like us on Facebook or find us on Instagram for the latest sports news, pictures and video.
