Tuesday’s Fred Conway Cumberland Cup game against Bransty Rangers provided vital minutes for a number of United’s first-team players, with goals for Tobi Sho-Silva and Jamie Devitt complemented by professional displays from Gabe Breeze, Sonny Hilton and Joel Senior.
Watching the game from the stand at Frenchfield Park was manager Paul Simpson.
“They all applied themselves really well,” he said. “Without being disrespectful it was a fairly straightforward game, but they dealt with it well.
“Dev got minutes under the belt, Joel got another game and that’s the same for Tobi, Sonny and the other first team lads. It’ll stand them all in good stead for the next few weeks.
“Those games can be tricky if you don’t go about your business properly, thankfully we had people like Jamie and Tobi, they showed the right attitude.
“It doesn’t matter who you are, getting goals in a game doesn’t do anybody any harm at all. Tobi got three by getting into the right areas to score.
“I think it was the overall application and attitude to it that pleased me, on the back of a performance against Blackpool the week before which wasn’t very pleasing. It was a different attitude they showed and they got the rewards for it.”
Expanding more on attitude, Devitt was one who was more than happy to be out there as he looks to cement his return to the fold.
“He’s doing enough to be in the squad, and that’s a start for him,” Simpson confirmed. “I suppose the decision comes to if and when we decide to start him for a game.
“He’s in and around it, and he’s doing all he can in training. We’ve just got to make sure we keep him available for selection, and when that day comes to start him, it’s up to him to show he deserves to stay in.”
The manager also took the opportunity at his Friday press conference to confirm that the search for a senior physiotherapist has been completed.
“It can’t be announced yet but we have found a replacement,” he told us. “His first game will be on Boxing Day, he’s having to work his notice at a different club.
“Ross will be moving on, so we’re all sorted with that. I’m delighted with what Ross is doing, he’s still showing a fantastic attitude to the work and hopefully this new guy will be able to come in and hit the ground running for us.”
