By Kyle Gunn
Alex Gogic is eyeing victory in the Viaplay Cup as St Mirren bid to avoid a derby-day hangover.
The Buddies lost their final pre-season friendly at the weekend with a 2-0 defeat to bitter rivals Morton seeing the Greenock side lift the Communities Cup at Cappielow.
Now all the attention turns to the start of the new season this Saturday with Saints kicking off against League One Montrose in the group stage of the competition.
Stephen Robinson’s men failed at the first hurdle last season but Gogic is determined they will do better with Arbroath, Cowdenbeath and Forfar Athletic also in their section.
Boss Robinson called on his players to be more ruthless in front of goal. And it’s a view shared by 29-year-old midfield enforcer Gogic.
The big Cypriot told Renfrewshire Live Sport: “You never want to lose a game but Saturday matters and we’ve got to correct all these mistakes that we’re doing and get a win.
“We’ve got to finish our chances – if you don’t hit the net, you won’t win games.
“Last year, we didn’t start this cup well and we didn’t go through. We need to correct that.
“Hopefully we get a longer run in this cup and be a bit more lucky with the draws.”
Among the positives for the 2,000-strong away support at Cappielow was the first glimpse of two new additions.
Former Motherwell striker Mikael Mandron, who only signed on Friday, played the whole second half.
Meanwhile, ex-Glentoran ace Conor McMenamin, whose deal was finally announced on Thursday after a long battle to secure his services, played the final half-an-hour of the Ton clash.
Gogic was a vital part of the Buddies team who defied all the odds to squeeze into the top six of the Premiership and secure a highest league finish since 1985.
Now, having had a taste of relative success, it’s not something he and his team-mates are going to give up without a fight.
Gogic did concede, however, that the primary goal when the league begins – at least to begin with – is avoiding being sucked into a relegation scrap.
He hasn’t had the time off most players enjoy as a result of international duty but insists he is in good condition ahead of another tough season.
“Top six was our aim last year and it’s the same aim again,” he added.
“Firstly, we have got to survive but top six we know what a feeling it is and how nice it is, so we will definitely try to get top six again.
“It was a short break for me and I only had five days’ holiday.
“It’s a real honour to play for your country. I feel sharp, I feel fit, pre-season was good and I’m ready to go.”
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