Glasgow Island Manager Reflects on Premier League Cup Quarter-Final Victory

Following Glasgow Island’s 4–2 win over Corinthians in the Premier League Cup quarter-final, Footy Focus caught up with manager Murdo Graham to get his thoughts on the performance and what reaching the semi-finals means for the squad.

The tie at Scotstoun was another example of the competitive level within the GCFA Premier Division, with two strong sides pushing each other throughout a high-quality contest.

On the team’s performance in the 4–2 win

“I think it was the energy we showed throughout — we went behind early but didn’t let it disrupt our game plan and shape. Despite the setback we kept the tempo high and the press consistent and it worked on the day.”

On the team’s response after going behind

“For some reason we do seem to start slow in recent times so going a goal behind is not a huge shock. It’s far from ideal and something we definitely need to try and prevent, but we know we can turn scorelines around and not to panic and I thought we responded positively to going behind.”

On the challenge Corinthians presented

“No disrespect to any other opponent but player for player I don’t think there is a tougher test than Corinthians. They’ve been with us now for three or four years and every single game is as tough a battle as you can get.

We know from experience that they are a side who never knows when they are beaten so even at 4–1 we knew we had to stay really focussed because in the blink of an eye they can nick a goal and make things very uncomfortable.”

On standout performances

“I’m happy to say that it’s almost impossible to pick out one player from yesterday, but if a gun was held to my head I’d give it to Finlay Anderson, our newly appointed skipper. He led by example and was a real rock at the back.

Robin Harvey, previous captain, has had to put football on the back burner and we will miss him terribly, but performances like Finlay’s mean that it’s a bit easier to believe we can carry on and get results without Robin.

Robbie Whyte has been outstanding recently and yesterday was one of the best players on the park and there are no compliments left that Archie McNicol has not had directed at him — a simply fantastic player who was vital in getting us to the next round.”

On reaching the semi-finals

“It’s absolutely massive — especially in the absence of the GCFA Cup this season, so everything is kind of geared towards this competition.

I’m just really pleased we are in the semis and still competing. It would mean a huge amount to get to the final in amongst what has been the most competitive playing field I’ve been involved in in almost 30 years in this association and being in the semis gives us a chance to do that.”

Cup ties like this show exactly why the GCFA Premier Division remains one of the strongest environments in amateur football.

Competitive teams, experienced managers and players who understand how to win big matches.

Another excellent advert for Saturday morning football. ⚽.