On to the next one: Derek McInnes has told his players to move on quickly from their 1-0 reverse against Aberdeen. Pic: ©SNS Group
St Johnstone boss Derek McInnes has urged his players to move on from their narrow defeat to Aberdeen on Saturday, saying his team were unfortunate to come away beaten. The Saints lost out to a late Darren Mackie winner at McDiarmid Park, after looking like they would hold on for their second point of the season.
The Perth side rode their luck after Andrew Considine had a goal chalked off and Chris Maguire saw a penalty appeal turned down. But McInnes’ side were more than weathering the storm from the Dons, until substitute Mackie struck with four minutes left of the 90.
A slice of fortune brought Mark McGhee’s team’s winner and McInnes, who handed a debut to Alan Maybury in defence amongst three enforced changes at the back, believes his team didn’t deserve to be undone.
“I think we just have to take our medicine and it's important we don't over-analyse it,” said McInnes. “There were small margins in the game. They got the break with the clearance and with the goal when it went through Danny Grainger's legs and trundled into the corner.
“But there was nothing between the teams. It was hard-fought and fiercely contested and there wasn't a lot of pretty stuff on show from either team.
“I was hoping we would cause them more problems in the wider areas of the pitch but we never did that anywhere near enough to go and win the game, but I certainly didn't think we were going to lose the game.
“Aberdeen worked hard for the three points but we'll pick ourselves up and get ready to go again.”
McInnes will rally his troops for a home game against First Division Greenock Morton in the Co-operative Insurance Cup in midweek, before a trip to take on champions Rangers in the league ahead of the first international break of the season.
But the Saints boss was able to take some positives from the Dons defeat for those games and was particularly pleased with debutant Maybury, who joined in midweek after being freed by Colchester United.
“I thought Alan Maybury did very well,” said McInnes. “I thought he used his experience very well. The concern, and it wasn't too much of a concern because of that experience, was that he lacked sharpness from games.
“But he used his body well and positioned himself well, used the ball well and covered well and he could be well pleased with his debut.”
