MONTROSE boss Jim Weir says he can take a lot of positives out of his side's battling draw with St Johnstone in their second pre-season game, describing it as a good workout.
"St Johnstone brought up quality players, with only one or two missing from their strongest side, so it was a very pleasing performance," said Jim.
"We worked hard, although we were under the cosh at times.
"It was a great finish from John Bair
d for our goal. Derek (McInnes) won't be pleased with the miss-placed pass but it was quality from Bairdy."
Mark Peat kept Montrose ahead with a super penalty save from Andy Jackson, but Jim thought the award, for a shirt-pull by David Worrell, was harsh.
"Strikers back in and grab at you all day and referees have to be aware of that.
"I'd like to have won the game, but it is all about fitness at this stage.
"The ball took a wicked deflection and spun over the keeper for their goal.
"St Johnstone created plently of chances and on another day, they might have gone in."
Ex-Clyde player Kevin Bradley played as a trialist and Jim plans to have a chat with him to find out his plans.
Two other trialists, Bobby Barr, whom Jim knows well from his time at St Johnstone and Brian Clark, ex-Dundee, have figured in the two warm-up games so far.
"It is hard to judge these lads in pre-season games. I hope they will bear with us until we have a decent look at them.
"I need to strengthen up front and I also need cover at the back."
Ross Gardiner has featured in the two friendlies so far. The player is going for a shoulder operation and Montrose are unwilling to offer him a long-term contract.
"Ross is just helping us out at the moment. The situation hasn't changed and he is due to go for an operation at the end of August.
"We may offer him a contract for a month until that time."
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