Gerry Campbell admits it was brilliant to play a competitive game in front of fans after ‘fake’ behind closed doors games last season.
The Blantyre Victoria captain loved the return to normality as 250 supporters returned to Newlandsfield Park amidst glorious sunshine to watch Pollok’s 5-1 win.
Despite the disappointing result in the West of Scotland opener, Campbell was delighted to be back playing.
“I was buzzing,” Campbell admitted. “I barely played a game in pre-season due to work commitments but it’s just good to get back.
“I couldn’t have picked a sunnier day to come back. I just wish there had been more shade down the right hand side.
“It was a beautiful day, it was a beautiful surface and I’m just looking forward to playing them again at Blantyre later in the season.
“It’s just brilliant to see the fans back. Pollok pulled out last season because they didn’t have the fans and it makes a huge difference compared to the ‘fake’ games last year - it just wasn’t the same.
“It’s going to be very tough this season. We always seem to lose key players but the gaffer has brought in quality.
“We were sitting around mid-table last season and that has to be the aim again this year.”
Blantyre battled resiliently in the first half but Pollok scored three goals in a scintillating ten minute spell at the start of the second half to put the game beyond the Vics.
“They just ran over the top of us a wee bit,” Campbell said. “The boys' heads went down after the second goal because prior to that, I don’t think they were making many chances.
“We hoped we could nick a goal because we were still in the game but we lost a bit of confidence.
“It’s always going to be difficult in the first couple of games because we are still finding our feet.
“They are a very good team. They’ve excellent movement up front and they are excellent on set-plays.”
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