Mark Warburton discovered for himself just how tough life will be in the elite of Scottish football as he watched Sevco scramble a point against Hamilton Accies.
A first half strike from Ali Crawford put the title claims of the Scottish Cup runners up in some perspective before Martyn Waghorn equalised in the 62nd minute.
There was to be no further scoring as the reality of playing against full-time teams that know their way around the top flight began to sink in.
For Warbo, who’ll be 54 next month, it was a landmark occasion as he realised a life long ambition of finally managing in the top flight even though there was little to celebrate.
Reflecting on his team’s difficult afternoon the former city trader admitted: “We didn’t have enough penetration in the first half. We had lots of ball and lots of passes but never really tested the keeper and looked a bit hesitant in the final third.
“We need to be braver with the final pass. We saw that with the goal. Joey wins it, outside of the foot from Harry and a good forward run from Martyn – goal.
“But there was never any doubt it was going to be tougher this year. The players know they are up against a better level of player. We said before the game they would come to frustrate, and they did. All credit to them. If they are going to sit in, we need to be clever.”
Next Saturday the journey continues for Sevco with a first ever visit to Dens Park with Dundee enjoying a 3-1 win away at Ross County this afternoon.
Tomorrow the big boys start their campaign with Celtic away to Hearts after St Johnstone host Aberdeen.
