Pressley retains positive outlook

Last updated : 06 May 2010 By Team Talk

The Bairns failed to break down St Johnstone in a 0-0 draw at the Falkirk Stadium to leave them two points adrift of Killie at the foot after their victory at Aberdeen.

Falkirk must now emulate their final-day triumph at Inverness last season to avoid dropping to the First Division and instead send the Rugby Park side down.

Pressley, who has been positive ever since replacing Eddie May, said: "We had chances, but I think, to be honest, looking at the Kilmarnock result, regardless if we had won we still had to go to Rugby Park this weekend and win the game - so nothing changed.

"I know there was a bit of trepidation from our supporters in the last 20 minutes, but we knew in the technical area that the most important thing in our situation was that we didn't lose the game.

"Regardless of winning the game, what we had to do at Kilmarnock was the same. We stuck to our game plan and I'm satisfied."

Falkirk passed up a host of chances in the first half but Pressley feels the goals will come.

He added: "I thought in the first half we played exceptionally well, played very much on the front foot and with a lot of fluency.

"We didn't quite get the same fluency in the second half, but we dug in and did the dirty part of the game very well.

"I'm still very positive. Regardless of tonight, we knew we had to go to Kilmarnock and win the game. We are extremely positive."

St Johnstone manager Derek McInnes felt his side missed out on a definite penalty in the second half.

Substitute Josh Falkingham appeared to be felled by goalkeeper Robert Olejnik, but referee Craig Thomson was unmoved.

McInnes said: "Why doesn't he book Josh for diving? I know he has got to be clear and I think he could be helped by his assistant. You can always tell with a player's reaction too. Josh was livid."

McInnes' men remain a point ahead of Hamilton in seventh spot ahead of their last-day meeting this weekend.

He said of the draw at Westfield: "I thought it was a very nervy, scrappy game.

"I don't think the pitch leant itself to any fluency. Falkirk had more tempo and were driving the game on first half.

"Liam Craig didn't play as he is one booking away from a suspension and I didn't want to put that at risk, missing the start of next season.

"And Murray Davidson, who we thought was maybe going to be okay, reported ill this morning and wanted to play, but I think it was pretty clear he was feeling lousy and came off.

"System-wise, we were much better second half and had better balance to allow us to get more of a foothold in the game."

Source: Team Talk

Source: Team Talk