STEVEN PRESSLEY would no doubt have approved of Conor McGrandles' performance at the weekend.
The former Falkirk manager gave the teenager his first-team chance but it is his successor, Gary Holt, who is now benefitting from his efforts.
The 18-year-old, one of seven homegrown youngsters in Falkirk's line-up, has been charged with playing the holding role in midfield and showed maturity beyond his years in a tough derby examination at Recreation Park. "It was a really hard game and we expected that," said McGrandles. "Alloa's home form has been good so, looking back, a draw isn't a bad result."
The midfielder acknowledged Pressley's role in his development as a player. "He definitely helped me the young players a lot and he was a massive help to me as he game me confidence by putting me in the first team. It's brilliant to be at this stage already and I just want to keep improving as a player."
Of life under Holt, McGrandles added: "I really like him. He's different from the old manager but he still encourages me to get the ball down and play and that's what everyone likes. Most of the team are comfortable on the ball. We all know each other well having come through the youth system together."
Holt's side enjoyed the better of the chances throughout a hard-fought encounter, but were denied victory by Alloa goalkeeper Scott Bain, who produced several outstanding saves to give Paul Hartley's men the point their effort merited.
"It was a battle and we certainly had our feathers ruffled," said Holt, "but I have nothing but praise for my players because they stood up to it."
Hartley was satisfied with a share of the spoils. "We were good," he said. "Our game plan was to ruffle them up a bit, get in amongst their good players and make it awkward for them. We told the players before the game not to forget it is a derby and to make sure they were ready."
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