The Scottish Clan 03/04 Netgame!

[Rosco Van Nistelrooy]

### Game up tonight at 7-30pm or there abouts for usual 8pm start time. No slow play lads transfer window is closed 2 secs autocont will be enforced ! ###

[stevethedog]

Hi-Ho Hi-Ho its up the league we go.

So super Stranny top Div 3 after six games and look good for it. The 100% away record is something that rival managers can only dream about and the strike force of Lurinsky, Slade, Moore, Kerr and Graham is a mouthwatering quintet that I am delighted to have at my disposal. Along with the strikers a lot has to be said for the wide men McMenemy and Grant who have been supplying top quality balls and have the fans drooling at the mouth with their quick feet. Overall Stranraer have been playing some top football and their fans are going happy with goals and classy football stuck in their mind.

So how did I guide the Stair Park men to the top of the table?

East Stirling - away - 4-0 There is only one word that can sum this one up and thats HUMPING.

Gretna - home - 0--0 Dissapointing result for our first home game and the match wasn't much better.

Elgin - away - 3-2 A awesome first half that saw us rightly go in 3-0 up at half time. Elgin tried to battle back but Stranny were too strong.

Peterhead - home - 1-2 Another case of dissapointing the home fans, it seems if you want to see the true Stranny you have to go on the road.

Albion Rovers - away - 4-0 That word again, HUMPING.

Stirling Albion - home - 2-1 Finally a win for the home fans although we still didn't put on the silky footy that the die hards have been able to enjoy.

The cups have been a irratating experience as we have come so close to a couple of big upsets but end up walking off the pitch thinking "how are we out?"

Peterhead - away - Challenge Cup 1st Round - 3-2 A exciting game to open the season and after the long trip up north it was nice to know we were still in the hat.

Inverness Caley Thistle - away - Challenge Cup 2nd Round - 2-3 after e/t Gutted about this one. We played well and deserved so much more but the jammy 1st Division leaders snatched a flukey one in extra time.

Dunfermline - away - League Cup 2nd Round - 2-4 after e/t Nightmare here. The SPL Pars went 1 up after a dodgy penalty but we showed our strength to come back and then take the lead. Imagine my rage when the ref gave them a 2nd pen which the duly converted. We went for it in extra time but once again we fell short as the legs tire.

[Guest]

Blue Brazils in 5th Heaven.

Cowdenbeath 5 East Stirling 0

Demba Traore scores four to sink east Stirling who are going down faster than the Titanic.

League Cup

Cowdenbeath 5 East Stirling 0

Less said the better; I’m no one-tae gloat.

Stirling 5 Cowdenbeath 0

What is it wi this 5 – 0. (Ouch)

Cowdenbeath 3 Gretna 1

Back on track as brazils put previous massacre behind them and dispense with Gretna with ease.

League Cup

Cowdenbeath 1 Airdrie ( hammer throwers) 3

Hacking T**T Scott Huckerby side lines Carl Laurie 4 months, this will be a major blow to our promotion chances, but Laurie vows to comeback fitter and stronger and seek revenge on Huckerby

[Ally_Shaw]

Sorry for missing tonights session lads. Snowed under with work ATM.

Sorry again.

Ally.

[Lambie\'s Lovechild]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Dukebox:

Laurie vows to comeback fitter and stronger and seek revenge on Huckerby<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Unless i sell him to a Division 3 side, youve no chance of playing against him again

[Peacemaker7]

Although we knew we had far from the greatest squad of footballers ever assembled, we were still managing to overcome our lack of skill with sheer guts. A visit to high flying Stenhousemuir was bound to be a very tough match, but it was all hand to the pump as we hit them twice in second half, and came away with three very valuable points. The downside was that the scorer of the 2nd goal, Struthers, would be out for the next 4 months with a broken leg.

Being on a hugh after two good wins, we faced up to Dumbarton at home, and eventually thre away a two goal lead against 10 men, as we meekly surrendered in the last 10 minutes. But well done to Dumbarton for their fighting spirit, as we lost ours.

But the fight was back as Forfar came to Gayfield for the local derby, and as you would expect it was match that was hard fought, and we manage to grab a win thanks to a 32nd minute strike from Thompson. Three more very valuable points indeed.

East Fife, being bottom, should have been an easy prospect at home, but we made heavy work of it, before eventually running out 2-0 winners. The final match of the session saw us go to Greenock, and an injury time strike gave Morton a probably deserved 2-1 win.

We sit 6th in the table, and although we have no chance of going up, I think its safe to say we shouldnt be facing the drop, and hopefully we can push for a top 5 place......

[taloola23uk]

16th February

Hamilton 1- 0 East Fife

In an evenly matched game Hamilton just managed to steal the points with a late goal from Gribben.

Morton 1 - 0 Hamilton

Another defeat away from home and another 3 points lost, although playing well Hamilton must try to keep consistently winning games if they are to prove the critics wrong and gain promotion.

Hamilton 4 - 3 Airdrie

The fans and board were delighted to see a seven goal action packed game from both teams but Hamilton managed to get one over on their local rivals as they got the winning goal.

Hamilton 2 - 0 Berwick

After going down to ten men in the first twenty minutes, things looked bad for the Accies, but two great set pieces saw them get two goals and things were going there way.

Dumbarton 2 - 3 Hamilton

After a being down 2-1 for most of the game accies thought they'd lost the points, but after a second half substitution the team seemed to be playing more attacking football and it paid off as they grabbed two great goals.

Watson gave a brief interview after the match "I'm delighted, it was a hard game and we played well and we deserved to come away the winners. This win takes us top of the league but there is a long way to go yet and we have a lot of work to do yet. If we play them all like that then I'll be happy no matter where we finish in the league"

Dunfermline 1 - 1 Hamilton League Cup 3rd Round

A cup spectacular saw both teams play well and after 90 mins they were level and after extra time they were still level. It went to penalties and Dunfermline's superior finishing saw them through to the next round.

[Lambie\'s Lovechild]

You only sing when youre winning

Dumbarton 3 - 4 Airdrie

Oh what a game!

Martin Cameron is easily the best striker in Division 2, and his hat trick in this one confirmed that. However in Emilio Jaconelli , Airdrie have the strongest emerging youngster in Scotland, and in Dave Dunn, a Midfield general who can be likened to a young Ian Ferguson. These 3 players combined to create a fantastically entertaining game, Dunn nodding home the winner in the 90th minute after Baltacha opened the scoring in the 1st minute , Dunn scored in 11 , and Jaconelli with a peach in 71. Manager Gaz Toner was gutted to lose this one and a draw would probably have been a fair result.

Airdrie United 1 - 0 Some Mob from Up North

Airdrie played some anonymous mob from the north east coast. Nobody seemed to know who they were, but they defended stoutly and did pretty much nothing else. Eventually this lackadaisical lot were put to the sword by a Goma Lambu run and cross , finished by Alan Gow. Bunch of Fannies.

Hamilton 4 - 3 Airdrie United

Another local derby , and this time 3 points eluded the Diamonds.Some great defending on both sides (not) and a scoreline which went both ways before an amazing end. Down to 10 men and 3-2 down , Airdrie scored in the 91st minutes. Amazingly , Hamilton kicked off , threw the ball downfield , and Gribben launched a left foot stunner which sailed into the far corner, his 2nd goal against Airdrie in as many matches.

Alloa 0 - 3 Airdrie United

The David Dunn show. His running from the middle of the pitch was unstoppable , and the Alloa simply could not contain the little dynamo. His first was a near post header from a Huckerby corner after the keeper had saved his first AND second efforts. THe second a thumping 20 yards shot after a layoff from Mann , and his third the pick of the bunch , running 60 yards out of defence to slot past a static goalkeeper. Thierry Henry eat yer heart out

Airdrie 3 - 2 Stenhousemuir

This was a game of spectacular goals and woeful defending. An early lead was taken by Stenny courtesy of Brett Freeman. The left back was woefully out of position when Lauchlan sidestepped him and crossed into the box, and Simon Vella stood ballwatching as Alex Martin threw himself into the cross for a 1-0 lead. Airdrie hit back courtesy of some equally terrible defending. A long cross from Lambu was not picked up by the Stenny defence , and Alan Gow looped home a header off the post. 2nd half starts , and its goal of the game. 30 yards out , an Airdrie free kick , and up steps David Dunn to rocket the ball home. No bend , no Swerve , postage stamp power. And to top it off , a brilliant counter attack , as the Diamonds swept through the centre , Dunn laid it off to Huckerby ,who ran at the defence , drew the defender , and laid in Lambu who cut in from the left and scored at the near post. A late Stenny 2nd goal wasnt enough (93:23 on the clock when it went in) and Airdrie sit 4th , but only 2 points off the lead. This league will go right to the wire.

Scottish League Cup 3rd Round

Airdrie United 2 - 1 Heart of Midlothian

Giant Killers!

Airdrie fancied their chances in the cup after a decent run , and despite a lot of early pressure from Hearts, Mark Roberts scored an early goal to give them a deserved 1-0 lead. With time ticking away , Kevin McKenna slotted home a 77th minute header to take the tie into Extra Time. However a 94th minute Roberts goal restored the Airdrie lead, and with time ticking away, Andy Webster followed through on Roberts and earned a red card. Airdrie held out comfortably and go through to the 4th round and hopefully a big money tie to the Old Firm.

We said that last time , but the coding of EDT_RETAIN_SPAWNY_CUP_DRAWS_FOR_TURPS defeated us.

Also into the next round are Peterhead & Montrose. The draw beings

<UL TYPE=SQUARE>

<LI>Celtic v Montrose

<LI>Peterhead v Morton

<LI>Rangers v Airdrie United

<LI>Dunfermline v Dundee

The Dunfermline/Dundee match guarantees at least one diddy team makes it to the Semi Finals. The Airdrie board is delighted at the huge payday on offer, and promptly offers McGuinness a 5 year contract extension, which he graciously accepts.

[Guest]

GHOD RETURNS

After galavanting to NYC and leaving his assistant manager in charge GHOD returned to take charge of Peterhead.

His surprise and disgust at their position on his return was matched only by his ridiculous signing targets!! IE half of div 2 and all od Div 3.

However concrete bids were made to tempt Stefan Schwarz out of retirement as player/asst manager and Mutiu the Nigerian.

Schwarz deciding that the near frozen temperatures in Sweden and Mutiu's reluctance to move to a head you couldn't eat meant no signings from that pair!

Ghods 1st match in proper control of the Blue Toon weilded a surprise 2-0 win....surprising it was only 2-0. East Stirling are an unfortunate team to manage.....unfortunate that they are in the game!! Bavidge continued his scoring run with his 10th of the season and Big Mixu a half time sub adding the 2nd to make the game safe.

After the game Ghod was relieved to have taken all 3 points and signed Lappin from Queens Park in his intoxicated state.

Peterhead then travelled to the borders to face Gretna. The black and white stripes held on for a 0-0 draw. A clean sheet but a 4th draw for the Blue Toon. Bids for a new keeper failed as Sassil Susko (who he) the well known slovakian fell through.

Then disaster even with a miracle healing session Big Mixu Peterheid's record signing had a freak injury whilst out fishing leaving him sidelined for upto 2 months!

Wee Rovers stepped into to offer Mark Yardley as a replacement. But as the deal was about to go through QP came in to cut Blue Toons grass....so a **** poor contract was offered to try let Sy make some sort of token resistance to Peterheids signing policy of only signing forward 37 and over(stone that is)

Wee Rovers then came upto Balmoor and Peterheid repayed the favour......After storming to a 2-0 lead at half time courtesy of a Raeside header from a corner and a Marvellous free kick frae Bain. P'heid stepped off the pedal allowing Rovers to get back level by the 60th minute. Normal service was resumed after 62 as Stewart put the Toon back in the lead before a 3 goal salvo by Lancashire (2) and McManus put Rovers 5-3 up. However the toon rallied with Stewart making it 5-4 before a last minute lob by Bavidge sailed narrowly by the post.

After this performance much gnashing and wailing took place as Ghod decided to try sign a Central defender to allow Raeside to go out to pasture! Wassall was snapped up frae Burton Albion for the princely sum of £1k.

Elgin the local enemy came next and what a performance frae the Toon. Elgin players obviously got lost en route as they turned up with only 14 players stripped. The Toon went to town hammering 7 past the local rags with the loss of 2 being the only blot on the day. A hat-trick for Johnston being the highlight of a day which will never be forgotten in Peterhead folklore!

The month ended with a cup game away to The Bairns at OchilTIP. Toon started well and had a goal by Bavidge ruled out for offside in the 17th minute. An end to end game ensued until half time which remained goaless.

The 2nd half was great fare for the hardy souls who turned up to watch. Robertson put Toon 1 up after 55 minutes only to see the Bairns grab 2 goals. Ghod was then called away and was forced to endure the remainder of the match on tranny fearing his team was oot. However his tactical changes saw the Toon force a last gasp equaliser and force the game in to ET. Bavidge put the toon 3-2 up only to see Falkirk equalise......Ghod made it back for the penalty shoot out. Paul Mathers made amends for his performance in the game as he saved the 8th penalty. Then it was left to Willie Miller to score the decisice penalty to send The toon into their 1st League Cup Qtr Final.

Having avoided the big guns of the old firm Peterhead drew Morton at home. A great chance to reach the last 4.

[Guest sav112]

Montrose H 0-3

A disappointing game in which I feel we could have won if we had taken our chances in the first half, Montrose did nothing special but broke the dead lock in the 50th minute and after that our two young central defenders caved in. With the defence being the way it is it was no surprise the other side got a goal. It might partly be due to a more defensive approach with the manager staying with the same tactic he uses for away games. We will have to approach games differently at home.

Queens Park A 0-4

The team were simply on fire with four great goals, Dougie Wilson (M.O.M) was in fine form and got a fantastic first goal after QP had taken the lead, with goals also from ever impressive Elliot, O’Brien and Napoli it was an easy win. Our defence was never stretched after loosing that first goal and luckily so if past form is to go by. A good three points.

Elgin A 0-2

A great result with O’Brien (M.O.M) getting the first goal. An second own goal set up the three points nicely. We also welcomed back Paul Hay after being out so long with injury and hope he will progress into the team once again.

East Stirling 1-2 H

What have we to do to win at home. Again the manager kept the same tactic that has let us down so often at home. Even though Elliot got (M.O.M) and scored a great goal the points ended else were. The manager felt this is a game we should have won as East Stirling have been poor of late and we are the better team.

Crew’s 60K offer for Paul Nugent has left the manager who has just signed one of Dumbarton’s defenders with the thought should we sell Paul who has been so far outstanding in defence at right back and give the club the funds to buy 2-3 new players with the kitty at 45K and clear some debt or keep the talented player for the future? We simply don’t have anyone that can fill his departure.

[This message was edited by dogs on 17 February 2004 at 22:57.]

[Sy]

The Spiderz Web RETURNS!

Welcome to the latest instalment of the Spiderz Web, I bet your looking forward to all the sucess we have had after the exploits of Ex-Manager Gary "Got-the-bullit" Toner.

Well lets not suger coat this season I will some up the seasons performances so far with just ONE Picture!

MINCE!

Heres the Results

St Johnstone Challenge Cup L 6-1!!

Montrose L 2-0

Cowdenbeath L 1-0

E.Stirling W 4-2 (yeah really good team)

Gretna L 2-1 (Bring back jimbo)

St Johnstone W 4-3 (Revenge is a dish best served cold)

Elgin L 1-0

Peterhead W 3-0 (Against a clan newbie)

Hibernian League Cup D 1-1 (Won on pens)

Albion Rovers L 5-0 (Against coisty!!!)

Stirling L 4-1

Cowdenbeath D 1-1

Stranraer L 3-0

Montrose League Cup L 6-2 (6 BLOODY 2!!!!)

New signing Kristjansson will bolster the attack but does little to help the defence, midfield and utter shocking goalies at the clubs, The manager Simon Lynn being a goalie himself cant quite belive these guys ever made the grade as they could'nt catch herpes in Govan.

More on how bad we are in a few weeks time.

P.S anyone want a stadium 52750 capacity? Any takers?? Hearts?? You could move in right away?

SY

[This message was edited by dogs on 17 February 2004 at 22:57.]

[Jimbhoy]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Sy:

The manager Simon Lynn being a goalie himself <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Who once conceded nearly 20 goals in 1 game.

MLC

[coisty]

The wee rovers turned there disappointing start of the season into a goal frenzy that turned to cheer of the crowd into a no stop barrage of noise. Manager Abraham has come under stick in recent times but laughed at his critics when he destroyed there teams one by one.

Albion Rovers 5 Queens poofs 0

Hampden boss has recently lost his famous Ferret when it decided to take up home on a less band wagon football supporters head, this effected Sy very much and his tactics were result of a man in mourning. McManus scored 2 and winger Cross got his 2 before McMillan finished the rout.

East Stirling 0 Albion Rovers 1

East Stirling proved to be more of a battle than Queens park and maybe deserved a draw but in form Cross made sure we went home with the 3 points in the bag.

Peterhead 4 Albion Rovers 5

This must go down as the 3rd division game of the season. Peterhead started the game in a good fashion by scoring twice through ex Ton Raeside and Bain, But after a shuffle around by Abraham the wee rovers scurried back into the equation through goals from mercer and McManus. Mercer scored a second before substitute Lancashire started a fine debut by putting us 4-2 up. Ian Stewart pulled one back for Peterhead but Lancashire rounded his scoring off for the day and impressed Abraham and the away crowd which was evident in the chants “there’s only two Alex Williams’s†. Gavin stewart finished the scoring for Peterhead though they could of scored an excellent equalizer in injury time but the attempt glided over the post.

Albion Rovers 4 Gretna 0

This day was shared by Lancashire and McManus as both scored 2 a piece to end the game in another goal rout for the Mighty Albion Rovers.

[dogs]

How many times lads, if there is a global ban on any images outwith team and clan logos, why the feck do you keep exploiting it. Do you want to screw it up for everyone else who keeps to the forum rules.

[Scotfun]

Another week and more of the same, progress is being made but slowly and as its a long term project we can be satisfied with the commitment now being shown.

Peterhead away 2-0

Albion Rvs Home 0-1 first time this season 'the Shire' have had more shots on goal than their opponents.

Montrose Home : Last time we meet we shared the points and they needed a penalty to take that from us. This time they got two penalties and a goal from open play.

Stirling away 1-2 : A change was needed and it paid dividends a well won three points for 'the Shire'.

Interesting week with clan members advancing in cup competitions and some Prem lge scalps. And some interesting tactics being used.

[Guest sav112]

Sorry that would be my wee pic of S Albion Shades. I’ll just use my two headers from now on and only one at a time on posts. I must remember this Forum has an image storage thing, I just jumped from my other main forum and decided to do my match report and forgot. I pity the next meet up thread, it will no by up to the last one with all the great pic’s, but as you said rules are rule and there should be no leeway as its unfair to the other clans.

Sav

[dogs]

no problem Sav, tbh i think images add to threads. We have been given leeway with regards the use of images we are the only forum allowed to do this. If we abuse it we lose the function simple. The next clan meet pics will have to be hosted and linked to from the meet thread .

And you are not the only guilty party either, old ferret head has been creative of late aswell

[John Paul Remington]

lo Lads

can i ask a quick question, and sorry for any ignorance in advance.

Images why not ? Apart from over use can make the thread look tacky. Bandwidth as the images are held on different servers, mostly users isps they take the bandwidth hit to show them, surely all that is downloaded from si is the forum code, and urls, and there own graphics, user added graphics will not effect their bandwidth, unless stored on si's webservers which none of mine are ?

As most users are regular users most images will be held in cache on there local machine.

Just wondering why the change in use of images, maybe I've missed loads of posts about this but was just wondering.

not looking to start a mad long argument about this, just wondering on a boring lunch break.

[Rosco Van Nistelrooy]

And so we continue, the 2nd main session saw a few more games played and the netgame speed up as a whole. After the great start some hard games have resulted in a few dropped points but on the whole the squad is solid and the team are playing well. For all boss Turpie's good work another manager of the month award has been won making it 2 M.O.M in a row for both August and September. All the teams in the 2nd Division have played us and no one has turned the Loons over bigtime. We took our 1st couple of losses which was unfortunate if not innevitable, only the odd goal seperated the games and our defensive record is the best so far in the division. The glamorous away League Cup tie against Celtic has been played and the £450k gate receipt banked. Forfar are very cash positive now and have a small war chest to spend when the window opens in a few months time. Players wise AMC Byers and DC Lowing have been the standouts, but the whole squad are performing well and improving with every game. Even after only a quarter of the season played the top 2 places look certain to be contested between us , Stenny, Hamilton & Airdrie. To be fair the whole division is very tight and any good run of results will make a challenge possible. With the defence playing so well, attentions are now on the more creative and attacking aspects of our play and the imminent arrival of Iclandic striker Porhalsson will bolster our already descent strikeforce. The Scottish Cup 1st round is upon us and a good home draw to Deano's Stenny Warriors will hopefully see more Cup exploits in the future. For now its just the old addage take every game as it comes. Heres how the last few games went......

27.9.03 FORFAR 3 Berwick 0 att.1535 m.o.m Byers

Welcome to the Byers show also starring David Lowing! Forfar were rampant and won easily although berwick had their chances and failed to take any yet again. Another great home win this september confirmed Boss Ross Turpie as Manager of the month for the 2nd time this season!

4.10.03 Airdrie Utd 1 FORFAR 0 att. 1540 m.o.m Lambu

A tricky encounter at glory team Airdrie saw the usual battle ensue between the **** and team from the north! The match, a pretty even affair was decided by a jammy Lambu cross and Gow header and the stalemate had been broken and intended point lost for ever.

15.10.03 Arbroath 1 FORFAR 0 att.1554 m.o.m Ryan Thompson

An explosive strike from explosive striker Ryan Thompson saw this explosive local derby, explode into life. Forfar manager Turps exploded with anger as his strikers failed to ignite and another loss was recorded as the Loons bombed out again.

18.10.03 FORFAR 5 Dumbarton 0 att.1536 m.o.m Paul Tosh

Forfar bounced back from the previous 2 displays and proved their hunger infront of goal by destroying Gaz's Sons in a superb attacking display. Hat trick hero paul Tosh was the difference and Fishlock's 2nd half red card compiled the misery for the visitors as Station park became a fortress once again.

25.10.03 FORFAR 2 Alloa 2 att. 1511 m.o.m Martin Maher

A few changes in the middle saw a currently out of form Forfar loose 2 early half strikes to the visitors. poor concentration was to blame and some tactical changes later a good fight back and two 2nd half strikes from Maher and Porinsson result in a share of the points where defeat looked inevitable.

29.10.03 Celtic 2 FORFAR 1 att.51873 m.o.m Balde

With no pressure and under dog status the Loons could relax and play,in the knowledge of the massive paycheck on the final whistle. A professional loss with morale in tact was the aim, and the Loons did not let anyone down and even scored through a late Tosh goal to keep the result respectable. Hartson & Petrov did the damage for the home team as the Loons left £450k richer for their efforts.

[dogs]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by John Paul Remington:

lo Lads

can i ask a quick question, and sorry for any ignorance in advance.

Images why not ? Apart from over use can make the thread look tacky. Bandwidth as the images are held on different servers, mostly users isps they take the bandwidth hit to show them, surely all that is downloaded from si is the forum code, and urls, and there own graphics, user added graphics will not effect their bandwidth, unless stored on si's webservers which none of mine are ?

As most users are regular users most images will be held in cache on there local machine.

Just wondering why the change in use of images, maybe I've missed loads of posts about this but was just wondering.

not looking to start a mad long argument about this, just wondering on a boring lunch break.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

you are of course correct Iain with what you say with regards image posting. There are two factors here that you have no argument for

SI do not want images cluttering up their form community, we are damn lucky to have the image tab to allow Logos. They don't want lots of images simple and its their site. Thats why avatars are only allowed by SI staff and not by all, same with signatures. We can argue the validity of bandwith etc, i know this bud but this is policy

Aslo think of the users with 56k, even tho jpegs could be made small in size, a thread with lots of these small images everywhere would be a nightmare to read.

[John Paul Remington]

cheers dogs,

clears it up for me, fair point it is there site afterall and i must admit getting allowed some graphics is a millions times better than none.

Too many graphics does look tacky and given a free for all it would be a bugger to admin and remove unwanted or inappropriate images, as users of all ages use the site.

Like a say was just wondering why it was the case thats all not saying who's right or wrong on it, but maybe asking for permission for a meet up thread would be an idea as it does make good reading and would encourge the community if we could all see what the clans get up to and get a good laugh at them, look at the hits the scots thread took, maybe limit to official clans to cut down on requests and admin work.

Just ma 2 cents

[Rosco Van Nistelrooy]

### Game up tonight from 7-30pm for usual 8pm start ###

[Gary Toner]

Incosistent performances, Lack Lustre defending, Bad goalkeeping.

No i'm not talking about the Scotland squad but more Dumbarton in recent weeks, you see Dumbarton have seemingly forgot about the basics of the game communication between players and remembering what position you're suppose to be playing.

Not one player can come away with plaudits in recent games not one the whole thing has been a shambles but then thats my job to see it doesn't happen and in the words of Sam Beckett "put what once went wrong right" I've had the players in training working like donkey's well thats what they are after all until they prove me wrong which they don't look like doing just now but hopefully the addition of a couple of experinced players in the forthcoming months will add a bit of consistency to the performances.

Results

<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">

The Rock - Dumbarton 3 - 4 Airdrie

Cameron 9,51,61 Baltacha 1

Dunn 11, 90

Jaconelli 71

Gayfield - Arbroath 2 - 2 Dumbarton

Durno 5 Mackie 81,85

Thompson 48

Recreation Park - Alloa 3 - 0 Dumbarton

Watson 58

Manderson pen 73

Wicks OG 90

Station Park - Forfar 5 - 0 Dumbarton

Tosh 8,61,72

McAdam 15

Sheilds 24

The Rock - Dumbarton 2 - 3 Hamilton

Cameron 6,45 Williams 16

Carrigan 79

Fitter 85

LeagueCup 3rd - The Rock - Dumbarton 1 - 4 Dundee

Juliusson 70 Lovell 29,37

Cabellero 64

Wilkie 84

</pre>

[John Paul Remington]

Ah thursday night, the games begin, I've shown the lads the videos of the season so far and i've taken the lads up the local park to show how the young teams do and to be truthful, there aint much difference, I must concede that my back four play like a primary 7 school team, "charge !" I'm sure I heard a centre back shout last week, they run around in small groups all over the park, well they do say "safety in numbers" I suppose. Results have been poor and team performance has been woeful. The kung foo chop has came out and some players have unexpectedly found themself in the reserves, including some with that little star by there name.

So to results

Arbroath 2 - 0 Berwick

Berwick 0 - 0 Stenhousemuir League Cup

Berwick go through on pen

Airdrie 2 - 0 Berwick

Berwick 1 - 0 Dumbarton

Morton 1 - 1 Berwick League Cup

Morton win on penalties

Forfar 3 - 0 Berwick

Berwick 2 - 2 Alloa

Stenhousemuir 2 - 0 Berwick

Hamilton 2 - 0 Berwick

Berwick 4 - 0 East Fife

not the most exciting start to the season but its a start in some shape, it not so much the result but the performance of the players thats the killer, the last result after some chopping and changing and a little tweaking seems to have got a response but East Fife are rock bottom so nothing is being taken from that result at all.

roll on the fun.....

[Jambo_4eva]

Hey guys. I know this is quite late and all, but just wondering if I could join in the 'fun'.

[Peacemaker7]

No.

[Guest sav112]

Lol that’s rich Peacemaker7 considering you just joined , but yes the clan seems full and we have an honouree place for jim when he gets back.

[Jambo_4eva]

Thanks PM

to the clan have fun!

[Lambie\'s Lovechild]

Its tough at the top ......

East Fife 1 - 3 Airdrie United

A brilliant example of swift , counter attacking football. After the exertions of the midweek cup game, Airdrie were forced to rest several key players , most notably Scott Huckerby and Alan Gow. The rest of the team however clubbed together to take another 3 much needed points. The first in 2 minutes, a low shot from Roberts after a Goma Lambu run and cross , was a peach. However East Fife played some silky football and a cross from the right was nodded across the box and slammed home by Lawrence. However in the 2nd half , Airdrie hit East Fife on the break , and in 47 minutes, a long run from Dave Dunn who laid the ball out to Vareille , and his cross found Mark Roberts lurking for his 2nd of the match. As the game wore on , Stephen Docherty , substuting for Huckerby , started finding space down the right , and in the 85th minute, eventually his looping cross found Vareille at the near post, and the game was won.

Airdrie United 2 - 0 Morton

The game began with what can only be described as a "Stramash" in the box. A long ball in wasnt cleared and it eventually broke to Brett Freeman, who opened his account for the Diamonds in the 1st minute of the game. 6 minutes later, a Vareille cross was turned against his own keeper by Gaughan , and Roberts pounced in the confusion to score his 3rd goal in 2 games. The pressure was relentless as Airdrie battered their technically superior opposition, playing with passion and guile, and with Baltacha clearing up everything in midfield, and Dunn running around like a madman , a third goal could not be far off. A Jerome Vareille missed penalty on the stroke of half time looked like it may be the turning point in the game, but Airdrie started the second half as they finished the first. Dunn and Baltacha forcing fine saves from the keeper with long range efforts. Despite a few more chances , and a later flurry from Morton , the game petered out (IE a lot of time was Shaved off the clock and things didnt get very hairy).

With results elsewhere going their way , Airdrie are for a brief spell, top of the league. It doesnt last long.

Berwick Rangers 1 - 0 Airdrie United

This game was a cracker, dominated by 2 incredibly solid goalkeepers. Mark McGeown was a rock at the back for Airdrie, and Ross Godfrey could do no wrong at the back for Berwick. Some exceptional goalkeeping kept the game square for 45 minutes , and Airdrie were lucky not to be 1 down in 47 minutes when a Bowers free kick rattled the post. Both teams continues to press forward seeking a winner, and in 63 minutes , a Love free-kick was brilliantly parried, and fell to the feet of Ross McAllister , who couldnt miss from 6 yards. Airdrie threw everything forward but simply could not break down a determined Berwick defence. 3 points lost and the manager could hide his annoyance at the post match press conference.

Airdrie United 2 - 2 Fannybroath

The smell of fish was overwhelming from the 'broath team bus, and out on the pitch, they stank like week old cabbages. Airdrie battered the visitors for 45 minutes, and deserved to win against a staid , boring , counter attacking team with no invention. A double from Deadly David Dunn put Airdrie in the driving seat, but a fluky deflected header in the second half and an undeserved cross-come-shot gave the bunch of fannies a point they simply did not deserve.

Rangers 3 - 0 Airdrie United

This was one way traffic from the start. Goals from Nerlinger , Crapucho and Heath killing off Airdrie quickly and efficiently. Class tells. £360k richer though, and the Diamonds board increases the wage budget , allowing McGuinness to go chase some fresh talent. The league table shows Airdrie in 3rd , 1 point off 2nd placed Forfar and 2 points off top of the table Hamilton , with potential threats Stenhousemuir and Arbroath 1 point and 4 points back respectively. This league will go right to the wire.

[Peacemaker7]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by sav112:

Lol that’s rich Peacemaker7 considering you just joined , but yes the clan seems full and we have an honouree place for jim when he gets back. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Bah just joined my arse. I was having a sabbatical

[Rosco Van Nistelrooy]

SCOTTISH DIVISION 2 LATEST STANDINGS!

<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">

| Pos | Inf | Team | | Pld | Won | Drn | Lst | For | Ag | G.D. | Pts |

| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 1st | Turps | Forfar | | 15 | 8 | 4 | 3 | 25 | 12 | +13 | 28 |

| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 2nd | Tracy | Hamilton | | 15 | 8 | 4 | 3 | 26 | 18 | +8 | 28 |

| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 3rd | Bod | Airdrie Utd | | 15 | 8 | 3 | 4 | 30 | 20 | +10 | 27 |

| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 4th | Deano | Stenhousemuir | | 15 | 8 | 3 | 4 | 25 | 19 | +6 | 27 |

| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 5th | | Morton | | 15 | 7 | 5 | 3 | 22 | 18 | +4 | 26 |

| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 6th | PM7 | Arbroath | | 15 | 7 | 3 | 5 | 24 | 17 | +7 | 24 |

| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 7th | Gaz | Dumbarton | | 15 | 5 | 1 | 9 | 38 | 36 | +2 | 16 |

| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 8th | Iain | Berwick | | 15 | 4 | 4 | 7 | 16 | 22 | -6 | 16 |

| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 9th | | Alloa | | 15 | 3 | 4 | 8 | 17 | 29 | -12 | 13 |

| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 10th | | East Fife | | 15 | 1 | 1 | 13 | 10 | 42 | -32 | 4 |

| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

</pre>

SCOTTISH DIVISION 3 LATEST STANDINGS!

<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">| Pos | Inf | Team | | Pld | Won | Drn | Lst | For | Ag | G.D. | Pts |

| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 1st | Dogs | Montrose | | 14 | 9 | 4 | 1 | 36 | 9 | +27 | 31 |

| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 2nd | Chris | Stranraer | | 14 | 9 | 2 | 3 | 33 | 15 | +18 | 29 |

| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 3rd | Sav | Stirling | | 14 | 7 | 3 | 4 | 36 | 21 | +15 | 24 |

| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 4th | Coisty| Albion Rovers | | 14 | 7 | 3 | 4 | 28 | 28 | 0 | 24 |

| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 5th | Ghod | Peterhead | | 14 | 6 | 5 | 3 | 34 | 26 | +8 | 23 |

| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 6th | Tam | East Stirling | | 14 | 5 | 2 | 7 | 14 | 26 | -12 | 17 |

| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 7th | Jeff | Cowdenbeath | | 14 | 4 | 4 | 6 | 23 | 32 | -9 | 16 |

| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 8th | Sy | Queens Park | | 14 | 3 | 2 | 9 | 15 | 27 | -12 | 11 |

| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 9th | | Gretna | | 14 | 1 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 25 | -17 | 9 |

| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 10th | Ally | Elgin | | 14 | 2 | 3 | 9 | 11 | 29 | -18 | 9 |

| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

</pre>

[Rosco Van Nistelrooy]

Bod ur not top like u stataed...the stats never lie....

[Lambie\'s Lovechild]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Rosco Van Nistelrooy:

Bod ur not top like u stataed...the stats never lie.... <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Lambies Lovechild:

With results elsewhere going their way , Airdrie are for a brief spell, top of the league. It doesnt last long<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Youre going blind in yer Auld Age Rosco. Wont be long afore you and Jeff are sitting in the old folks home, listening through ear trumpets , wearing slippers and talking about the young un's having no respect

[Peacemaker7]

The little blip at Morton would hopefully turn out to be just that. A little blip. And as Alloa came to town, we had a chance to get back on the rails, and keep our surprising promotion challenge on the right course. Yet Alloa were proving to be tough to break down, as our ineffectual strike force threatened to draw blanks again. Seven minutes from half time though we had a penalty which Durno netted and we finally had the lead or play deserved. In the second half, we simply ran riot. Durno added another couple, Cusick got a couple, and Thompson and Shirley were also on target as we romped home by an incredible 7-0.

Perhaps we now had a team of sharp shooters, and we headed to Berwick looking for another seven goals. Of course it was never going to happen that way, but goals from Durno and Cusick gave us a narrow 2-1 and we were sitting quite pretty in mid table, but deceptively close to the main title contenders. Then the roof caved in.

Hamilton may well be managed by a woman, but there is simply no excuse for the referee to send Cusick off after just 10 seconds to help her out. From that point on it was always going to be an uphill struggle, and as we crashed 3-1 to a slick Hamilton side who took their chances well, it's results like this that will ensure we have no chance of reaching the First Division for a very long time.

Off to the scúm next, and this was going to be a bit of a grudge match, as the scúm manager has no grace and can't accept when his team have been fairly and squarely beaten. As his scúmmy players raced to a 2-0 lead, thanks to a blatant foul on keeper Monin, and a second goal that was yards offside, Mr 'I'm taking the huff if I dont win' Bod, was seen dancing with delight in the dug out, and exclaiming how brilliant his side were. Two superb strikes later, it was 2-2, and it was a case of, your not singing any more. We finished the far stronger side, and if there was any justice we would have gotten the 3rd goal our play deserved, but in the end we had to settle for a draw, and 2 more dropped points.

Overall though, the team have surprised me, and the fact we sit only four points of the lead is slightly inredible. The Second Division title race is amazingly close, but I fear that our lack of any real quality, and absolutely no squad depth will prevent us from making a real long term challenge.

[Guest]

AW **** MY INITIAL POST WAS COMPLETELY RUBBED OOT....WILL REPOST TOMORROW!!!

[taloola23uk]

Tracy watson proudly received the second divison manager of the month trophy and had a few words for the gathering press.

"This has been the best month of my career so far, my team are sitting top of the league and I got an award. Hopefully it'll be the first of many."

Hamilton 1 - 1 Forfar

Hamilton only managed a draw in what was an evenly matched game.

Alloa 0 - 0 Hamilton

Another boring draw for Hamilton, they are having real problems at the minute and seem to have hit a rough patch.

Here's hoping it smooth's out soon or they could find themselves involved in a relegation battle.

Arbroath 1 - 3 Hamilton

A good win for Hamilton as they take the tally to seven league games without defeat.There has been some media speculation that the Arbroath manager was too busy picking gravel out his knuckles that he never noticed how badly his team were playing.

Hamilton 2 - 2 Stenhousemuir

In a very dramatic match Hamilton managed to secure another point, manager Tracy Watson though didnt look happy as she left the park and I should wonder if we are gonna see some changes at New Douglas Park.

Berwick 1 - 1 Hamilton Scottish Cup 1st Round

The Lanarkshire men allowed the advantage they had to be taken away. After being one up through most of the first half they allowed Berwick an opportunity and the score went to 1-1. After this they very rarely produced any proper threats to the Berwick goal.

[Guest sav112]

Gretna H 2-0

A great win with my assistant taking charge. He did a fine job to produce goals by Napoli and Mclean (M.O.M). Both my wingers Wilson & O’Brian are doing me proud with there skills with the ball.

Morton A (Cup) 7-5

Well what can I say 12 goals made this a thriller. Even though Stirling played fantastically well to score 5 goals it was not enough, Manager Robertson could not fault anyone and the team deserved the win with such an effort, but we are out of the cup. With the sending off Hay it made the task harder to fight back nearer the end Scott Mclean was our standout player with two goals. Dougie Wilson, McNally and Geddes all scoring brought out the best performance yet from the team.

Peterhead H 4-2

Back to league business and winning ways with Mclean (M.O.M) and Elliot both scoring two goals to get a convincing win. Peterhead fought back right to the end with a late 90 min goal and credit has to be given to them. Manager Robertson said that he was only disappointed that the match could only get one M.O.M after Elliot in his eyes deserved equal credit in a game he gave his all. This is a team that is willing to play great football and push there limits.

Albion Rovers 3-3

A game we were lucky to get anything from, but the team fought back right to the death with two late goals on the 86th and 90th minute to earn us a point. Two goals by Elliot and one by Mclean, these two seem to be hitting a good run of form and Stirling must be happy with such a strike force. Manager Robertson simply commented “What a fight backâ€

Cowden A 3-6

This was our best performance helped with two penalties scored by Wilson and Pretwell. Two goals each from McLean (M.O.M) and Elliot simply hit Cowden for six and left them considering what happened after taking the lead.

David O’Brian won Scottish young player of the month. For November.

[Scotfun]

An away match to Stranraer ended 3-1 to the home side. the match stats report a pretty even game.

On the golden highway to Hampden and a resounding 1-2 win for the 'shire' constant pressure rewarding the hard working youngsters.

Home and a visit from Cowdenbeath, a club that has humiliated 'The Shire' in two previous encounters, were themselves well and truly thumped by a regenerated 'Shire', the home side dominated this match scoring 3 wonderful goals and conceeding none.

Gretna came calling and in a match which saw the 'shire' force most of the pressure the spoils were shared in a 1-1 draw.

Scottish cup duty and a trip to the borders to face Selkirk, a devastating performance by the 'Shire' against class opposition saw Burnett's babes rattle in 5 unanswered goals to advance into the next round.

A wee turn around by 'The Shire' this week, 7pts from 12 is a nice return on the effort shown by the boys. the bookies are now regretting making this club fav for bottom as they continue to take the points and climb the lge hand over foot, terrorising clubs above them.

[Rosco Van Nistelrooy]

### Game up tonight @ 7-30pm, for usual 8pm chug. Nearly half the season done so kutgw! Its transfer window soon so hopefully we can get jan done and a few games in! so get chugging!!

[John Paul Remington]

Rosco,

Celtic play in europe thursday so I'll no make thursdays session, just wondering will you be working at the game and if the clan game is on ?

cheers

[Rosco Van Nistelrooy]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by John Paul Remington:

Rosco,

Celtic play in europe thursday so I'll no make thursdays session, just wondering will you be working at the game and if the clan game is on ?

cheers<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Aye good point, well discuss tonight about possible switch to wednesday or cancellation.

[Rosco Van Nistelrooy]

LOONS GET TOUGH!

Hard but fair gaffer Ross Turpie has slammed some shoddy players , and commanded that performances must stay positive, and the eye on promotion firmly fixed. Despite the high league position, complacency will not be setting in at Station Park, and everyone is determined to take the next step. A few 1st team players including skipper Steve Florence have been lambasted by the manager and fans a like for some gutless performances. Everyone at the club expects nothing more than 100%, such is the ambition and determination associated at Station park these days. A few players have failed to impress this season so far, and gaffer Turpie, who largely remained loyal to the existing 1st team squad may now look to strengthen, given that funds are available for the transfer window soon opening.

Allegations of foul play and dodgy dealing were quickly quashed by gaffer RossTurps and the board at Forfar Football Club. A few players have moved on this season, and the skill off the new management team to generate funds in the current depressed market has left some rival managers jealous and stunned. Despite the low number of new faces at the club some have now been deemed not good enough, and have fallen out the 1st team plans. As a small club Forfar will not stand in the way of any move for a player to a higher level. Ex Gers striker Stevie McCadam signed on a free at the start of the season was an example of this. McCadam who had made a dozen appearances had attracted the interest from Clyde and a £50k bid was accepted. Stevie had failed to really establish himself at Station park and has the clubs blessing to move up a division. The transfer fee would bolster the Loons warchest even further, now believed to be at the £60k mark. Boss Turps vowed to strengthen the team and taunted rival teams to stop the mighty Loons promotion challenge this season and not to worry about the clubs transfer policy! heres how the last sessions games went.......

1.11.03 Hamilton 1 FORFAR 1 att.2616 m.o.m Darren Gribbon

A defensive Forfar side took an early 1st half lead through McAdams good finish which was largeley against the run of play. Hamilton pounded the loons goal and eventually equalised after a Mark Brown fumble allowed Gribbon to tap in easily.

8.11.03 FORFAR 1 Stenhousemuir 0 att.1545 m.o.m Michael Brown

Deano's mighty warriors came for a real battle and really took the game to Forfar , attacking from the off! An early Byers strike after good build play up in the 11th minute, saw a backs to the wall performance from there in. Loons held out despite heavy Stenny pressure and the 3 points were gratefully secured.

22.11.03 East Fife 1 FORFAR 2 att.1537 m.o.m Johan Porhalsson

New Iclandic signing Porhallson made his mark in his full 1st team debut with a sterling man of the match performance that included a great 37th minute strike. The fifers could not cope with the Loons attacking play which created 23 chances and were lucky to only concede the 2!

29.11.03 FORFAR 1 Morton 3 att.1526 m.o.m Peter Weatherston

The match, an even affair until the last quarter saw Forfar take the lead in the 73rd minute through a fine Paul Shield's Strike. Some tactical changes then backfired and a resurgent Morton scored 3 late goals to steal the points and leave the Loons stunned. Loons GK Michael Brown was largely to blame and gaffer Turps was not impressed.

6.12.03 (Scottish Cup 1st Round) FORFAR 0 Stenhousemuir 1 att.1536 m.o.m Willie McCulloch

Forfar had all the pressure and limited the visitors to only 3 strikes of which one Courtney Naylor duely converted. the relentless Loons pressure could not be converted into goals as the strikers had yet another poor game. The 1st round exit in the Scottish Cup was dissapointing especially to rival's Stenny, but for now the club could concentrate solely on promotion.

[dogs]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by John Paul Remington:

Rosco,

Celtic play in europe thursday so I'll no make thursdays session, just wondering will you be working at the game and if the clan game is on ?

cheers<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

yeah i'm going to tic game aswell so wont be avail thursday

[Guest sav112]

Hi just in case I thought I better just add NTL are having a off day in Glasgow every thing with G41-45 post code has went T*T’s up but hopefully its been resolved. If I’m a no show tonight it’s only because the connection is shafted. I’ve been told it should be ok tonight.

[Guest]

hi guys sorry wont make it tonight i'm in ma bed wi flo oops the flu

[Gary Toner]

Defeat, Defeat such glorious defeat.

However we did managed to pick up some points this time with wins over East Fife and Berwick Rangers, it still doesn't take away from the fact that the performaces are not good enough and certain players need to start looking at them selfs.

Results

<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">Ochilview - Stenhousemuir 5 - 3 Dumbarton

Martin 6,20,23 Juluisson 7

Black 27,67 Mackie Pen 18

Cameron 49

The Rock - Dumbarton 6 - 0 East Fife

Cameron 15,20,40

Boyle 24,78

Mackie 73

Cappielow - Morton 5 - 4 Dumbarton

Weatherson pen2,27,89 Flannery 31

Lennon 5 Emeka 46.65

Walker 34 Mackie 82

The Rock - Dumbarton 5 - 1 Berwick

Cameron 3,13 Hutchinson 6

Juliusson 9

Rippa 53

Mackie 55

ScottishCup1st - balmoor - Peterhead 8 - 3 Dumbarton

Cheyne 5 Flannery 7, pen 27

Stewart 12,61 Juliusson 88

Bain 18

Paatelainen 32,72

Mann 75

Bavidge 77

</pre>

The Peterhead annilation was a sore one and one that will echo around The Rock for a long time, despite having crucial players missing there is no excuse for such a heavy defeat and one we will be looking to put behind us as we start the next session and we look to start putting points on the board and clawing our way out the bottom section of the league.

[Guest]

Guy Fawkes night just around the corner at te start of November Peterhead sitting comfortably mid table. Manager Ghod was well Pleased with his progress when he trotted out the old addage "it isn't a sprint it's a marathon" to the teams ahead. November would be a pivotal month in their race for promotion. Facing the top 3 teams all within weeks of each other

The 1st game in November turned out to be a classic;

COWDENBEATH 4 - 4 PETERHEAD

Cowdenbeath started this game on fire and after 25 minutes Potter had notched a double and Peterhead looked as if they had left their minds on an upcoming CIS Cup Quarter Final. Bavidge however scored straight away to bring The Blue Toon back into contention. The flow of the game though remained towards Mathers in goal who was having a holocaust after his midweek dramatics. Potter managed to capitalise on poor defending to get his and Cowdenbeaths first. Not for the 1st time though Peterhead started a momentous comeback. Robertson started his incredible month cutting the deficit to 3-2. Amazingly Peterhead drew level with 15 minutes left through Mann a pre season cast off from Rosco down in Forfar. The game proceeded end to end and the impressive Potter rounded the demoralised Mathers to make it 4-3. For the 2nd time in a matter of days Peterhead equalised at the death through Cheyne. Ghod was suitably relieved as the Blue toon escaped over the Tay Bridge with their Dick Turpin masks still in place as they stole a point from Fife.

This was another disappointing away performance from the Toon and with away games against Stirling and Montrose coming up a drastic improvement was definetly required;

STIRLING ALBION 4 - 2 PETERHEAD

The improvement didn't come against 3rd place Stirlig in fact 3-0 at half time flattered Peterhead. McLean and Elliott had terrorised Peterhead's defence in the first half. Raeside (saving himself for the quarter final) & Mark Perry (boring everyone of tales when United nearly won it) were posted missing constantly leaving Mathers exposed. A fourth goal in the 55th minute from Elliott had Ghod reaching for the exit. However once Raeside started to plug the gaping hole in defence and Perry stopped boring everyone. Toon came back into the game. Robertson scored a goal to make it 4-1. And with better finishing the scoreline could have been closed as Peterhead actually putting Stirling under some pressure at last. However only a further strike from Robertson in the 90th minute made an impression on the scoreline despite a better performance in the 2nd half.

After a break for the Internationals it was back to bread and butter against 2nd Place Stranraer;

PETERHEAD 5 - 1 STRANRAER

If The Blue Toon can perform like this away from home they could be in contention for the league! The scoreline flattered Stranraer as they were ripped apart by a rampant Peterhead team looking to put right their previous performance. There seemed little evidence of the carnage about to ensue when Bavidge put The Toon ahead after 21 minutes however when Stewart increased the lead in 29 minutes the Toon Army started to sense something incredible was on the cards. Robertson scored the 1st of a hat trick after 33 minutes only for the shine to be taken off right on half time as Tindal was sent off. Stranraer started the 2nd half quickly but it was tempoary respite before Robertson made it 4-0 to 10 man Toon after 64 minutes. Right from Kick off Lurinsky score to make it 4-1 and give Stranraer a glint of a chance. The door was slammed shut in their faces as Robertson completed his hat-trick in the 66th minute. The stuffing knocked right out of them it surprising that Peterhead never increased their lead further. The toon faithful chanted Ghods name for long after the game almost in disbelief at the MIRACLE they had witnessed.

The following week Toon travelled down the A90 towards Montrose and the top of the league team were in buoyant mood given the doing Stranraer had taken the previous week;

MONTROSE 1 - 2 STRANRAER

Montrose rightfully favourites in this match hammered Peterhead right from the off. Buchanan and his back 4 held firm despite a barage of pressure. Peterhead took the lead against the run of play through Stewart on 13minutes. Montrose continued to mount wav upon wave of attack with Peterhead restricted to brief counter attacking flurries. However as half time approached the Toon spurned a couple of good chances to increase their lead. This lack of clinical finishing was punished as Wood pulled the equaliser out of the bag with 30 minutes remaining. The game then floed from end-to-end as tired legs and minds kicked in. Then to cap a thrilling month for himself and Ghod Robertson continued in his rich vein of form popping up to score an unexpected winner with 5 minutes to go. The full-time whistle came as relief as Peterhead served notice of their intentio to push all the way to try get promotion.

The month was rounded off by Ghod being named MOM and Robertson POTM. 2 much deserved awards after the way they turned it around after 2 disappointing performances.

December was to start with 2 important cup-ties. The first was the eagerly anticipated cup quarter finals against 2nd Division Morton;

PETERHEAD 2 - MORTON 2 (aet) 3-2 pens

The proverbial game of 2 halves as Morton made a lazarus like comeback only to lose on penalties. No one could have predicted the drama to unfold as Ghod's Peterhead rushed out to a 2-0 lead through Stewart and Robertson before half time. Ghod employed a more defensive approach in the 2nd half expecting the toon to be battered by the Ton. Hunter left his asst manager Lyons in charge as he had to go to mass to pray for Celtic in the semi final. However Morton had pulled it back by the time he returned just ahead of extra time. Ghod then made a substitution before disappearing again....For the 2nd round running Toon went to Pens....Buchanan between the sticks made himself a hero by saving 3 of the ton spot kicks...to put Toon through to the Semi against Celtic.

Expecting a Hampden showdown with the champions elect Ghod was perplexed to find out the game had been moved to Stair Park Stranraer!! Surely the SFA had seriously cocked up.

Putting the disappointment behind them Peterhead faced higher division opposition at home in the cup on Saturday as an Dumbarton came calling. Both teams suffering from injuries, depression and suspension it looked to provide a tight game;

PETERHEAD 8 - 3 DUMBARTON[/b

The scoreline does not reflect the problems Dumbarton had. Cameron arguably the best striker in the 2nd division was out along with a number of regular players. Toon stormed out to a lead through Cheyne after 5 minutes only to see Flannery equalise 2 minutes later. This served to spur Peterhead on to greater things as Stewart and Bain scored within the 1st 20 minutes to put them 3-1 up. The pedal was well off the floor as Flannery scored his and Dumbartons 2nd. Paatelained, just back from injury, made it 4-2 before half time. Toon started where they left off giving Dumbartons make shift defence the run around as Stewart, Mann, Bavide and Paatelainen with one of the strangest goals ever put Toon 8-2 up. Julusson scored a consolation after 88 minutes. Peterhead are becoming the cup specialists with Queens Park to come in the 2nd round of the Scottish. However they will be tested after losing 3-0 away to them earlier in the season.

Ghod looked at what he had done and was rightly pleased and on the 7th day he rested!

C'MON THE BLUE TOON!!

[Lambie\'s Lovechild]

Abysmal Airdrie Annihilated Again

Airdrie United 2 - 1 Dumbarton

The Sons of The Rock came to Shyberry Excelsior looking to improve upon an inconsistent start to the season, and maybe secure the incresingly dodgy looking position of their manager , Gary Toner. 23 minutes in, and the jacket was once again on a Shoogly Peg , as Brett Freeman nodded home a Huckerby corner. 29 minutes gone, and the jacket was off the peg, a static defence allowing Mark Roberts , on for the injured Vareille , time to turn in the box, and slot home into the far corner. And had it not been for some poor finishing , a long ball out of defence from Dunn to Huckerby saw the winger 1 on 1 with the keeper, but his shot blazed high over the bar when it looked easier to score. Maybe the 2nd half would be different.

And oh how it was.

56 minutes on the clock, and a ball down the right is cut back into the path of Substitute and ex-Airdrie starlet Darren Miller, and he makes no mistake from 20 yards, burying it in the bottom left hand corner. The game is on, end to end , fierce and frantic , but in the end , Dumbarton simply didnt have the guile to unlock a solid Airdrie defence (Dont expect to hear that phrase again any time soon) , and the Diamonds take 3 well earned points.

Next Up : A Visit to the Loony Bin - Station(ary in the league) Park

Forfar 3 - 2 Airdrie United

The Scott Huckerby show is alive and well, and living in North Lanarkshire. After 33 minutes of huffing and puffing with no real end product, a dunn through ball finds Huckerby on the halfway line, and nobody in the division can catch the boy. He runs half the length of the field before smashing home at the near post to open the scoring. 4 Minutes later and its all square. Some calamitous goalkeeping leaves Porhalsson to tap into an empty net from just 2 yards. And worse is to come. As the second half begins , Watson goes to sleep allowing Shields a free run on goal , and as the keeper comes out, he lobs from 20 yards , and its 2-1 to Forfar. Some tactical changes , and Airdrie come out firing. A loose ball in 73 minutes finds Jaconelli sniffing. His ball goes out to the wing , and Goma Lambu sets off on one , beating the right back with pace and skill , before cutting into the box and smashing one home at the near post for 2-2. Alas its all to no avail, as a cross from the right is nodded down by Porhallson , and breaks to Steve Florence. His 20 yard shot takes a wicked deflection and squeaks into the bottom right corner , deflating the home team and giving 3 points to Forfar. A draw would have been a fairer result, but at the end of the day, when your luck is out, your luck is well and truly out.

Scottish Cup 2nd Round

Airdrie United 6 - 0 Buckie Thistle

Erm , it was a humping. Goals from Dunn (2) , Vareille , Logan , Roberts , Huckerby and Watson destroying the non leaguers and taking us into a 3rd round home time with Ross County.

The Lanarkshire Derby - North v South - There Can Be Only One!

Airdrie United 0 - 1 Hamilton Accies

Taken to School.

Theres something about Accies which is hard to pin down. The formation seems pretty straightforward , but somehow , someway, the manager gets the best out of this bunch of players. Airdrie suffered here from an exercise in quick defenders and counter attacking. The Diamonds defence was slow to react to a spill from McGeown , and McGeachie nipped in to slot home from 3 yards. After that , Airdrie laid siege to the Hamilton goal, but an inspired game from the Zambian goalkeeper (T , Where the hell did you find him?) kept them out time and time again. After all that, Hamilton nearly stole a second when Airdrie pushed forward time and again trying to find the equaliser and were left 2 on 2 at the back on a number of occasions. Hamilton and Forfar now look like a two-horse race for the title, and even the imminent arrival of Pavlovic and Andrews cant save the Diamonds season now. Heres looking for a good cup run

The season Ended and its not even new year. Would 2004 bring a decent run, or more misery for the beleaguered Diamonds?

Stenhousemuir 2 - 2 Airdrie United

More Misery

Stenny made it clear from the outset that they were only in the game to cripple the opposition. After several knee high tackles went unpunished , the wingers Huckerby and Lambu both limped off. The level of refereeing was shocking, with both teams losing players to injury as the match descended into a free for all, with the ref losing all control. For the record , the goals were scored by Alex Martin (2) for Stenny , and Watson & Gow for Airdrie. An absoloute farce!

[Peacemaker7]

Bah.

Well when you're 2-0 up in four minutes and cruising, you don't expect to end up on the end of a 10-3 hammering. But at the referee decided to send off two Arbroath players after just fifteen minutes against Dumbarton, thats exactly what happened. Farce.

The Cup saw us play Third Division Elgin, and despite having signed over 100 players, they couldn't find one that could score and we scraped to a narrow, lucky and pathetic 1-0 win. The draw for round 3 sees us at home to the massively overrated Ayr United, so bang goes that.

A 2-1 win over East Fife was acceptable, if only because its three points and we were fast running out of players. Hence when we went to Forfar we had a defender up front. And of course we lost. It was only 2-1, but it could and probably should have been six or seven, and any chance we ever had of being promoted had long since gone.

By the time we face up to Morton, we had a couple of new strikers, and one of them, a Shephard, managed to score as we romped to a 3-1 win. But at the end of the day, we've been crap this season so far.

Useless game. I say, sack Duffy.

[Jimbhoy]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Peacemaker7:

The draw for round 3 sees us at home to the massively overrated Ayr United

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Never