Watson praises debutant Sayer

Spartans defender Ian Watson was full of praise for midfielder Ben Sayer after the former Newcastle United Academy player put in a strong debut against Cowdenbeath. Sayer was given forty five minutes by Tom Wade, playing alongside Lewis Horner just in front of the Spartans back four and Watson he helped his side dictate play in the opening half.

"It was a good forty five minutes in the first half and we kept the ball really well. I thought Ben Sayer had a really good debut in front of the back four, he got the ball and dictated in there. That allowed the likes of Lewis Horner and the two wide men the space to work in so he's done really well to make an impact so soon"

The result masks what was a good performance by Spartans with Beath officials admitting a draw would have been a fair result. Watson admitted he doesn't pay too much attention to results in pre-season and felt his side can be pleased with their performance.

"It was a good workout for us all and the result doesn't really matter. We've created chances and as a squad we are looking sharp. We looked the better sides for long patches of the game"

With Northern League First Division favourites Shildon visiting Croft Park on Tuesday and Scottish sides Stranraer and St Mirren on the horizon it's a testing pre-season for Watson and his team mates. However this is something Watson feels can only be of benefit to his side throughout the coming season.

"You want a strong pre-season. Sometimes you can go through the motions in pre-season if you are playing weaker opposition. Today was like a league game against strong opposition. You had to work well and work hard. We had a good indication of where we are today and that's a big plus for me"