NEWS: Finnerty left frustrated by mixed weekend

NEXT HOME GAME: It’s our very own HALLOWEEN FRIGHT NIGHT next Sunday (face-off 6:00pm) when the Nottingham Panthers visit Braehead Arena. Tickets are available NOW via TICKETMASTER, by calling 0844 499 1700 or direct at the Braehead Arena box office.

Braehead Clan head coach Ryan Finnerty admits he’s frustrated by his team after another mixed weekend of results.

 

Clan went down 3-0 to Dundee Stars at home on Saturday, but recovered to take two Challenge Cup points following a penalty shots win on Tayside a day later.

 

And he insists his group still have it within them to perform.

 

“It’s frustrating for any coach to stand by a group you know can be better. As a group and as a unit, we can be very good,” Finnerty said.

 

“It’s a group that’s taking something negative to get them going. We can’t afford to let other teams dictate and see what other teams are bringing.

 

“We’re not there right now and not establishing that. It’s tough and a challenge to find out what’s making these guys tick.

 

“Obviously I was pretty frustrated on Saturday, the way we started that game and we left ourselves with too much to do.

 

“I’m pretty disappointed we came out of that performance on Wednesday looking so flat in front of our fans.

 

“The last 40 minutes we dominated, but we let Dundee grow into the game and Joe Fallon in goal was excellent. That’s what happens when you’re not ready to go.”

 

Finnerty also reflected on Sunday’s win that saw Gary Russell and Jay Rosehill shine in penalty shots as Clan took the game 5-4 in the end.

 

But he couldn’t give an indicator of when regular netminder Michal Zajkowski would return after he went off injured after the first period of Saturday’s game, which prompted Russell’s appearances.

 

He added: “On Sunday, we played in spurts and showed some good stuff and I thought they applied some good pressure. But a win’s a win and we’ll take it just now.

 

“I have to give credit to the guys after the 4-4. I thought we settled down and we finally got a penalty shots win.

 

“It can help going into next week’s game and we’re confident with Rusty in goal. He played good for us on Saturday and carried it into Sunday.

 

“He gave us a chance. It went to ten penalties before ’T.J.’ Rosehill sealed the deal. You have to take the positives and feel sorry for ourselves.

 

“I can’t say anything about Michal’s injury just now or give an indication of when he can return. It’s too early at this stage.”