Before the Whistle: Andrew Findlay — Belief and Consistency at Lomond Thistle Colts

Six wins from eight league games, 41 goals scored and top spot in Division Three. Yet Lomond Thistle Colts manager Andrew Findlay believes his side could have made an even stronger start.

With Lomond preparing for Sunday’s Champions Cup preliminary-round meeting against Woodhill AFC, Footy Focus caught up with Findlay to discuss the campaign so far.

And while the results have largely been positive, the manager believes there have been opportunities missed.

A solid start, but room for more

“A solid start to the season for ourselves so far,” Findlay told Footy Focus.

He believes Lomond have performed particularly well in their victories, with the team scoring considerably more goals than last season.

But two defeats have been frustrating.

A last-minute winner in their opening league match and what Findlay described as poor game management in their second defeat left him feeling Lomond could have enjoyed a perfect start.

That frustration, however, hasn’t changed his assessment of the players.

Belief was never missing

Asked whether those defeats had changed how his team approached matches, Findlay offered an interesting response.

“I honestly don’t think much has changed within the boys,” he explained.

He believes the ability and confidence have been present throughout the campaign, including the matches Lomond lost.

Rather than pointing to a dramatic improvement or a change in approach, Findlay sees consistency as one of his team’s strengths.

It’s a perspective that says plenty about the confidence he has in his players.

Seven goals, but defending stood out

Lomond’s 7–1 victory over Glasgow Wednesday last Sunday demonstrated their attacking capabilities.

They scored five times in a 20-minute spell, eventually finishing with seven.

But when asked what pleased him most about the performance, Findlay’s answer wasn’t what the scoreline might suggest.

“Surprisingly despite the scoreline our defensive resilience,” he said.

The manager felt Lomond could have scored more, even suggesting their attacking play dropped below the standards he expects as the game progressed.

However, he was particularly pleased that Glasgow Wednesday were given very few opportunities.

For a team averaging more than five goals per league match, it’s notable that their manager is placing such importance on the other side of the game.

Another challenge awaits

Sunday brings a Champions Cup meeting with Woodhill AFC, the Division Four leaders who have won all nine league fixtures.

Findlay is aware of their record and expects opponents who are organised, committed and willing to work hard both with and without the ball.

He anticipates a competitive 90 minutes.

But his focus remains on maintaining the standards Lomond have shown throughout the season.

The two defeats may have cost points, but they haven’t diminished the manager’s confidence in his squad.

For Findlay, the challenge is not about reinventing Lomond.

It’s about continuing to do what he believes his players have been doing well.

Inside Verdict | Footy Focus

Lomond Thistle Colts face Woodhill AFC in the Champions Cup preliminary round at Scotstoun on Sunday 25 October, kick-off 1pm.