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Paul Hartley and midfielder Fraser Fyvie spoke to the media after the 3-2 defeat by Stirling Albion in our opening Premier Sports Cup Group A fixture.

Paul admitted it was great to see and hear close to 500 fans back inside Balmoral Stadium for the first time since March of last year.

“The fans were great, we really appreciated having them back and the way they got behind the team,” said Paul.

“We obviously hoped to win, but the problems we’ve had pre-season, with players unavailable and hardly being able to stage proper training sessions, that was always going to be difficult.

“It was always going to be more about players getting some time on the pitch and it was pleasing we were able to do that.

“We also played some good stuff at times and it took a late goal to beat us, so there are positives we can take from the game.

“I said from the outset these cup games are about boosting match fitness in the lead up to our opening league game, which is the priority.”

Fraser scored both of our goals, including a cracking equaliser with a shot from outside the Albion area to make it 2-2 at one stage,  said: “It was pleasing to get the two goals, although I would have preferred if it had been in a game we won.

“We want to do well in the cup but knew it would be tough, we’ve not been able to do the usual amount of training sessions since we returned from the summer break.

“In normal circumstances you would have a number of sessions and also play some friendlies before the competitive stuff starts.

“We made it competitive and might have taken it to penalties, but it wasn’t to be.

“I’m confident we will improve once everyone is back and our fitness levels improve.”

Next up is tomorrow night’s clash with Hearts at Tynecastle, which is being screened live on Premier Sports, 7.45pm ko.

Fraser said: “We are really looking forward to that one.

“A lot of the lads have never played there before but they will find Tynecastle is a great stadium to play at.

“It will be a good experience and it’s live on TV, so we will do our best to compete. We know that will be a challenge against a side who will be looking to do well in the Premiership this season.”

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