CHRIS Aitken knows his Stranraer side need to be stronger at the back and more clinical going forward if they want to be in the mix at the top end of League Two.
Last Saturday the Blues suffered a 2-0 defeat to top of the league East Fife. Two first half goals from Jack Healy and Alan Trouten ensured victory for Dick Campbell’s Fifers.
Speaking after the defeat, Blues manager Aitken said: “I’m disappointed more than anything. We came into the game buoyant after a hard trip during the week but it’s very disappointing to lose the way we did.
“The manner of the goals that we gave away, when you’re playing against the top of the league you can’t afford to do that. We paid the price.
“When you get chances it’s important that you stick them away. We had a couple of good chances and we shot ourselves in the foot by giving away sloppy goals. Probably two of the easiest goals that East Fife will get this season.
“Take away those two goals, did they really trouble us? The honest answer is no. But when you give them a 2-0 start you’re up against it.
“We huffed and puffed. We were in their final third a lot. Right now, apart from Mark Russell, I can’t see where a goal’s coming from.
“We need to put pressure on our strikers to go and find the back of the net.”
Stranraer now travel to Forfar on Saturday before heading to Bonnyrigg on Tuesday night.
Aitken added: “We don’t get too down on ourselves, because there’s way too much football still to be played.
“We need to make sure that we’re focused and ready, and we have a desire to go and try and get what would be a massive three points next week.
“We’ve got six games coming up in 14 days, it’s a big ask and you can’t sit and feel sorry for ourselves.”
