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Manager Jim McIntyre spoke to the media after our 8-1 friendly win over Lowland League side Gala Fairydean Rovers at Balmoral Stadium.

He said: “Everybody was at it and looked as if they really enjoyed the game.

“The way we put them under pressure and pressed them high up the park was really good.

 “We knew we had better players on paper, but you’ve got to approach the game properly.

“The rain made the pitch really slick which was good for us, as we’ve got a lot of good footballers who can pass the ball.

“We got into some good areas in the first half and probably should have had more goals, but in the second half we showed a ruthless side.

“The most pleasing thing was the intent to keep doing it.

“Sometimes when you get a few goals in the second half players can start enjoying the game too much and wanting to overplay.

“But I thought they were excellent.

“If we can win the ball high up the park we’ve got players who can put the ball in the net.

“It’s something we want to do.

“We’ll not be able to do it against every team, but we do want to play on the front foot and put teams under pressure.”

Jim praised midfielder Fraser Fyvie, who scored twice and impressed until he was forced to go off in the latter stages because of injury.

“Fraser was immense, he really was top drawer,” said Jim.

“He is part of the group of excellent experienced players we have in the squad.

“Scott Ross, Stuart McKenzie, Rory McAllister and Mitch Megginson are also in that group, players who know the game and won’t be worried about the big challenges ahead of us this season.

“That’s before even mentioning Mark Reynolds, Iain Vigurs  and Shay Logan, who came to Cove after impressive careers playing at the very highest levels.

“There is experience right through the team and that will be an asset when we finally get down to competing in the Championship and not only in the actual games.

“They also lead by example in training.

“They have good habits and that’s something that can only be beneficial to the younger members of the squad.”

Our final pre-season friendly is away to Premiership side St Johnstone on Saturday.

Jim said: “We are looking forward to it, even though we know it will be tough.

“Pre-season is about getting players as many minutes on the pitch as possible and coming through the games without injuries.

“It will do the players good to be up against full-time opponents again, we had that against Dunfermline too.

“We will be going to Perth after another two intense training sessions as well,  which will help step up the fitness levels.”

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