Ross County vs. Saints 05/09/07

[Radford 72]

Does anyone care about the Challenge Cup?

Wednesday presents the perfect opportunity for Owen Coyle to offer the guys that have been waiting in reserve the chance to prove their credentials. Ross County away will be as hard as several games in the First Division so if guys like Jackson, Moon and McCluksey can compete on Wednesday, then he should have no reservations about throwing them into league action.

The other alternative is he sticks his preferred options out again and tries to let them play themselves into some form but can anyone really say they'd prefer to see that than guys like Moon and McCluskey get a chance on Wednesday?

Quinn and Deuchar probably need to play to get them integrated and he may as well try Quinn in the centre of the park. He's a right-sided midfielder by trade but we need to find a central player from somewhere.

Rutkiewicz could probably do with another game and surely Cuthbert has to be given a game at some stage. McManus can be rested after finding some form again and I'd leave Hardie and McInnes out. Maybe need to keep Sheerin in for some experience in the middle of the park.

Up front, any one from Weatherston, Jackson or MacDonald to partner Deuchar.

Pretty experimental but:

Cuthbert

Irvine - Rutkiewicz - Anderson - Dyer

McCluskey/Weatherston - Quinn - Moon - Sheerin

Deuchar - Weatherston/MacDonald/Jackson

Wouldn't be averse to seeing Dyron Daal on the bench to maybe get another chance, he's not been afforded as many as several other players.

I fear though with the poor league form, Coyle may see this competition as a chance to regain some credibility, both for the club and for his own CV and he won't be prepared to take the risk involved in putting a side like that out.

I love my midweek trips to Dingwall though, even if McInnes and Stewart do start!

[templeofsaints]

Not going to be there - can't make it from Embra to Dingwall in time.

Which makes me wonder why given the massive number of internationalists in the Saints and County sides, they didn't just play the game on Saturday and at least get a decent crowd?

You side looks fine Radford but where is McInnes - surely we can't leave out such a hidden talent after all he brings to the side?

[soulfulsaint]

Not going to be there - can't make it from Embra to Dingwall in time.

Which makes me wonder why given the massive number of internationalists in the Saints and County sides, they didn't just play the game on Saturday and at least get a decent crowd?


..should be moved to Murrayfield with Paul Sheerin's conversions we could hammer them..

[Jamie_Beatson]

I doubt you'd get many Saints fans travelling up to it on Saturday to be honest - a lot of the people who go to the majority of Saints away games also go to all the Scotland games, and having paid upwards of £25 a ticket not many would turn their back on Hampden on Saturday.

[wee john]

Not going to be there - can't make it from Embra to Dingwall in time.

Which makes me wonder why given the massive number of internationalists in the Saints and County sides, they didn't just play the game on Saturday and at least get a decent crowd?


Absolute no goer arranging games when Scotland play one of their most important international matches for a long time.
Perth and Dingwall have fantastic Scotland supports and I can assure you there would be more there on Wed than on Saturday when Scotland are playing a very very important match.
Ridiculous that anyone should suggest that supporters should choose between club and country.
You should get a seat on an SFA committee with suggestions like that. ***

[templeofsaints]

Ridiculous that anyone should suggest that supporters should choose between club and country.
You should get a seat on an SFA committee with suggestions like that. ***

Aye well given I'm missing the Wed game, if it came down to it I'd choose Saints first

[SaintSam1884]

Aye well given I'm missing the Wed game, if it came down to it I'd choose Saints first

Indeed. I'd also choose the Saints game. I can't go on Wednesday because both myself and my dad are working the next day and it'd be late enough getting back nevermind with the potential of extra time and penalties AGAIN.

[Simon Quinlank]

Absolute no goer arranging games when Scotland play one of their most important international matches for a long time.
Perth and Dingwall have fantastic Scotland supports and I can assure you there would be more there on Wed than on Saturday when Scotland are playing a very very important match.
Ridiculous that anyone should suggest that supporters should choose between club and country.
You should get a seat on an SFA committee with suggestions like that. ***

Wouldn't an easy compromise have been for the Saints game to be played on the Sunday then? That way the two don't clash. Like many, I can't go to Wednesday's game because I'd never make it there in time because of when I finish work. I see that as a bigger obstacle than the Scotland game.

[Tranmere Saintee]

Indeed. I'd also choose the Saints game. I can't go on Wednesday because both myself and my dad are working the next day and it'd be late enough getting back nevermind with the potential of extra time and penalties AGAIN.

You could always use the 208 bus with Beve & co and sleep on the way back down!! :D

Beve - can I get a free seat for all this business Winnie & I have tried putting your way?:roll:

[wee john]

Aye well given I'm missing the Wed game, if it came down to it I'd choose Saints first

It is not the point of who you would choose to watch but rather that we should be put in that position.

[monkfish]

Agree that I'd like to see Daal on the bench. Think it's a bit unfair that he's been left out the squad for the last few games, although maybe he's been pish in training or something. I'd like to see Stuart given some time in a tracksuit instead.

[Chuck Norris]

Agree that I'd like to see Daal on the bench. Think it's a bit unfair that he's been left out the squad for the last few games, although maybe he's been pish in training or something.
He's not just been pish in training, as our first few games would attest to. Wouldn't disagree with punting Stewart up to the stand though...

[Saint Paul]

We have to look upon this game as a chance to use some of the guys who aren't playing, and give them the opportunity to stake a first team game. As far as the cup is concerned, I am not bothered, but we need to use the game as a step towards improving our league form.

As with Radford, I would go with :-

--------------------Cuthbert--------------------

Irvine----------Ruit----------Ando----------Dyer

Wetherston-----Moon-------Quinn------McLuskey

--------------Jackson-----------Deuchar--------

Subs :- Main, McManus, Sheerin, Daal, Hardie

It is about time that we let Moon start in the centre of midfield and give him the chance to replace McInnes, as well as give Jackson a chance to form some sort of partnership with one of our strikers.

[Perth-Saint]

I would start

Main

Irvine Ruti McManus Dyer

McCluskey Hardie Sheerin

Deucher/MacDonald

Weatherston MacDonald/Deucher

Subs: Cuthbert, Lawrie, Quinn, Jackson, Moon

[St Mikey]

I'll only go if I get a lift up with the team bus. Ain't wasting cash to go all the way up there for another, probably, goalless draw and penalties.

[MUZZ]

main
irvine ando ruti dyer
weatherston rocco hardie mcluskey
jacko deuchar

got to take this seriously as its our only chance of glory this season

[lethamsaintee]

I shall be there, though it is certainly a little bit of a "question yer ane sanity" affair after the last few performances.

We aint ever been that good at Dingwall, but hopefully with the team that finished on Sunday starting, with the possible exception of someone coming in for Ando, we can have a go from the outset.

Not overly confident and think it may again take ET and possibly penalties. Whatever way, i want a win, cause i need to see Saints lift, a marginally, better cup than The Forfarshire Cup. At least if we do win the CC we will get a chance to defend it next year.

[monkfish]

He's not just been pish in training, as our first few games would attest to. Wouldn't disagree with punting Stewart up to the stand though...

Aye you're right, but I don't think he's been any worse than Stewart, who might have got a goal but that's still 1 in 7 I think. Like folk are saying though, I'd rather see Jacko start ahead of either of them, and can't see why Peaso isn't starting, unless he's still got a bit of a knock.

Edit: How dare you question the proud and historic insitiution that is the Forfarshire Cup! Im pretty sure Nick Dasovich said it's what atracted him to Scotland; and Simao apparently used to fly back from Japan just to watch it.

[^sainteebrian^]

i just want us to win, simply because we need one

[Radford 72]

We have all forgotten Rocco Quinn isn't available as he jets out with the U21s to Finland today.

Coyle says he's likely to rest Rutkiewicz, Hardie and Stanic as well and that Cuthbert and Jackson have come into his thoughts for a start, the latter alongside Deuchar. Cuthbert has been outstanding in training supposedly.

He also explained that Willie Dyer wasn't fit enough to start on Sunday, hence the reason he went with Anderson. Hopefully once the sectional reserve games start, that won't be a problem.

[Saint Paul]

Well, in that case, I would ammend my line up to go with :-


--------------------Cuthbert--------------------

Irvine---------McManus---------Ando---------Dyer

Wetherston-----Moon-------Sheerin------McLuskey

--------------Jackson-----------Deuchar--------

Subs :- Main, Lawrie, McInnes, Daal, Peaso

McInnes is only on the bench, due to lack of cover in the midfield now, as Quinn is unavailable, and I take resting Hardie to mean leaving him out completely.

I take it McLaren is still out injured ? If not, I would like to see him on the bench, maybe in place of McInnes, and given some game time too.

[Zimmerman]

I would go.



Main

Irvine ruti/ando mcmanus dyer


rocco hardie sheerin mcluskey


deuchar jacko


subs: cuthbert,wetherston,peaso,moon,lawrie


At the end of the day this is a diddy cup and i dont think too many would be distressed at loosing by playing a few youth players and dropping the likes of stewart,daal and mciness. I would be tempted to put moon in the starting line-up as well. I would start with dyer as a natural left back as stanic dosent seem fit.

[Zimmerman]

is rocco cup tied?

[Kevin]

is rocco cup tied?

Wouldn't have thought so as this is the Challenge Cup

[bleacher]

is rocco cup tied?

He's away with the Scotland U21's

[SJFC1988,]

Main

Irvine Ruti Ando Dyer

McCluskey Hardie Moon Sheerin

Deuchar Weatherson

Subs: Cuthbert McManus Lawrie Jackson MacDonald

[lampshade]

cuthbert
irvine ,rusty ,ando ,dyer,
weatherstone,moon,sheerin,mcluskey
duchaer,jackson

dal ,peaso,main and hardie

[Nairn Saint]

cuthbert
irvine ,rusty ,ando ,dyer,
weatherstone,moon,sheerin,mcluskey
duchaer,jackson

dal ,peaso,main and hardie

Make that a double! Won't happen but should happen with another youngster on the bench.

[Cagey]

I hope tf that that is the team & add McCallum to the bench.

[Dunfermline Saint]

More extra time and more pens......please no!

Thankfully I can't make it but would rather have only 90 mins of sitting watching the vidiprinter!

[herdo]

i would agree with giving a few younger boys a chance but only to a certain extent as, although it is only the challenge cup, we need a confidence-boosting victory. i would go with:

Cuthbert
Irvine Anderson McManus Dyer
Weatherston Moon Stanic(if fit)
McCluskey
Jackson Peaso

I think most people would agree that jacko deserves a chance after the impact he made on saturday.

[Tranmere Saintee]

Clyde v Dunf game is on Radio Scotland with updates of the Saints game.

[Radford 72]

Team news from The Courier (http://www.thecourier.co.uk/output/2007/09/05/sportstory10234036t0.asp):

In addition to long-term casualties Kevin James, Steven Milne and Willie McLaren, Saints will be without the injured trio of Kevin Rutkiewicz, Goran Stanic and Martin Hardie.

Back-up keeper Kevin Cuthbert is set to take over from Alan Main, while Andy Jackson could also start after showing up well as a substitute at East End Park.

With Quinn away as well, I'd guess we're looking at...

Cuthbert

Irvine - McManus - Ando - Dyer

Any four from Weatherston, McCluskey, McInnes, Moon, Sheerin

Jackson - Deuchar

Subs: Main, Lawrie, MacDonald, Daal/Stewart/McCallum/Doris, One of Weatherston, McCluskey, McInnes, Moon, Sheerin.

[Hazel1884]

Will be a tough game as County are always a big side and we don't have all that great a record up at Victoria Park.

I pray for a win, but only because we need the win - i don't particularly care about the Challenge Cup but it's a chance for Coyle to ring the changes and players to prove themselves. McInnes will probably still play though.

Looks like it's only going to be us saddos tonight...too many of us are looking forward to a break from Club Footy for the Scotland games!!!

[Saintkev]

We aint ever been that good at Dingwall, but hopefully with the team that finished on Sunday starting, with the possible exception of someone coming in for Ando, we can have a go from the outset.

Mixu hat-trick there... great day!

We should be resting those that are carrying knocks, playing fringe players... don't get me worng I want to win this cup, but as Radders says, we need to see what these fringe players can offer us.

[lethamsaintee]

Mixu hat-trick there... great day!

We should be resting those that are carrying knocks, playing fringe players... don't get me worng I want to win this cup, but as Radders says, we need to see what these fringe players can offer us.

T'was a rather guid day that.

Yes though, some of the fringe players should be involved, if only to see if they can give us better options for the future.

Still we should not really take the game lightly, our form has obviously not been good and County in truth are no worse than some of the first division sides, despite their relegation last year.

[soulfulsaint]

Does anyone care about the Challenge Cup?


Yes. Still bristle that we once lost the only final we've ever started as favourites. Its the ideal tournamenet to get a cup in the cupboard and rebuild morale. Bring it on.

[saint in exile]

Apparently Ross co have a 16year old in goal tonight...he`ll probably play a blinder then...

[AJC]

Saints team from Sky Sports.

Kevin Cuthbert
Gary Irvine
Willie Dyer
Steven Anderson
Allan McManus
Derek McInnes
Jamie McCluskey
Paul Sheerin
David Weatherston
Kenny Deuchar
Andy Jackson

Subs
Dyron Daal
Peter MacDonald
John Stewart
Andy Lawrie
Alan Main

Come on Saints!!!

[Scobby_SJFC]

Hopefully Sheerin is now in his best position of centre mid!

[^sainteebrian^]

notice McInnes STILL gets a game. so he gets league and cup games, and how old is he.....

[Perth-Saint]

glad to here that Weatherston, Jackson and McCluskey start

[^sainteebrian^]

best strikers up front in my own opinion

[The ghost of Jim Morton]

Team looks intresting...We have got a bit of what we've been asking for from Coyle .....But McKinnes????? Maybe he,ll play a blinder!!!!!
Maybe I,ll win tonights lottery roll over!!!!!!!

Get it right up them.....'Mon the Saints.....

[templeofsaints]

Apart from McInnes, it's about as good a side as we have. Thought Moon might have deserved a slot - 3 strikers on the bench doesn't give us much cover if a midfielder is injured.

[perthsaint1884]

1-0 deuchar

[Perth-Saint]

yes!:)

[SlickDT]

Coyle believes in McInnes and dropping him isnt going to help his form is it? Lets just let Coyle get on with his job, his "so called" panic buys got his first goal already.

[^sainteebrian^]

its not on sky sports yet :S or bbc

[perthsaint1884]

Bbc radio scotland. Said it during dunfermline game

[^sainteebrian^]

its up now, god its going slow, is it always this slow or.....?

[templeofsaints]

BBC Site confirms it - Deuchar (14).

[Jamie_Beatson]

On BBC now.

Dunfermline are a goal ahead.

[perthsaint1884]

Yep always slow when just a couple of these games.

[The ghost of Jim Morton]

Get Feking in there.....................:p

[Ray Blair]

Well done Kenny,cant be that crap after all!

[perthsaint1884]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/scotland/radioscotland/ then listen live at the right hand side for anyone wanting updates from the game through the dunfermline game.

[^sainteebrian^]

I will be happy with a win but disapointed that it is not a league win

[^sainteebrian^]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/scotland/radioscotland/ then listen live at the right hand side for anyone wanting updates from the game through the dunfermline game.

clicked listen live and got a trumpet down ma ear

[St. Paddy]

got the same bloody trumpet.....

[perthsaint1884]

Is it working? If not try clicking the link underneath that one

[St. Paddy]

Nah, cant get live football on bbc if I am out of the UK

[dunblanemike]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/scotland/default.stm

try this. click live commentary near bottom of page in middle.

[sainteegraham]

It's on 810 for those with MW, but we're not getting much of a mention

[templeofsaints]

2-0 - Jacko !!!! :) :)

[^sainteebrian^]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/scotland/default.stm

try this. click live commentary near bottom of page in middle.

nop loades up but doesn't buffer or anything like that

[Steve Maskrey]

2-0 Jacko! Yes!!!

[marc05-sjfc]

2-0

Jackson

[The Real Saints]

nop loades up but doesn't buffer or anything like that

Brian, you click on 'Launch in stand alone player'.

[St. Paddy]

nop loades up but doesn't buffer or anything like that

Are you outside the UK? Think there is some coding stopping it from loading! I used to get a message last year telling me it was unavalable in my region. How the BBC knows where I am is scary, as the posty has trouble finding me!

[saint_markperth]

Brilliant for Jacko to get on the scoresheet on his first start (IIRC)

[Perth-Saint]

we want 3

[^sainteebrian^]

Brian, you click on 'Launch in stand alone player'.

good stuff , thanks

[St. Paddy]

Brian, you click on 'Launch in stand alone player'.

I tried that but the same thing happens, just in a smaller window!

[^sainteebrian^]

I tried that but the same thing happens, just in a smaller window!

it comes up in my mozilla downloads and i click open with real


SOMEONE SCORED ***

[101 Saint]

Owen now has a big decision for the Partick League game. Thankfully!

[^sainteebrian^]

NOW, if duecher (or whatever) and jackson, dont get a game, bad managing.

[Rodgers]

YASSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS, jaaaaaaaackooooooo!!!! thats my boy!!!! :D:D:D:D

[7-2]

Owen now has a big decision for the Partick League game. Thankfully!
I dont think he does! I think he has a no brainer.

[101 Saint]

I dont think he does! I think he has a no brainer.

I haven't seen Deuchar play for us, but reading between the lines, he will start. Peaso looked good against Partick last week. Also starting Jacko over Peaso in a league game is a big and public statement from Owen to both players. I'm not saying that it's wrong to start Jacko, but I wouldn't like to make the call. Of course, Jacko can make the decision by rattling in another couple!

[Calypso Kid]

You might be surprised 7-2. McInnes started tonight after all.

[101 Saint]

You might be surprised 7-2. McInnes started tonight after all.

Such a shame he didn't sign up as number 2 to Hendry at Clyde.

[^sainteebrian^]

getting a wee mention on the radio:D

[7-2]

You might be surprised 7-2. McInnes started tonight after all.
The only surprise will be if he doesnt revert to his favoured line up unfortunately!

[^sainteebrian^]

NO SUBS!!!!! :s

[The Real Saints]

9 minutes away from the quarter finals! Maybe this year's our year in regards to this cup?

[Steve Maskrey]

I could see Peaso starting against Partick as he's got a great record of goals against them. It's a great boost to have our strikers scoring tonight!

As for those slagging off McInnes, perhaps he's playing well tonight?

[SJFC1988,]

5 now

[templeofsaints]

9 minutes away from the quarter finals! Maybe this year's our year in regards to this cup?

Do the words "tempt" and "fate" mean anything to you ?:rolleyes:

[^sainteebrian^]

good for dyer and jackson to get 90 mins

[Rodgers]

good for dyer and jackson to get 90 mins

fantastic for jacko to score:D

[Calypso Kid]

I could see Peaso starting against Partick as he's got a great record of goals against them. It's a great boost to have our strikers scoring tonight!

As for those slagging off McInnes, perhaps he's playing well tonight?

Its largely irrelevant tonight IMO Stevey boy. He's been a total holocaust to watch every game and giving a decent performance against County ain't good enough for me if he has been struggling in the league.

[Burn]

It is that, never thought he was ever going to score.

[The Real Saints]

Do the words "tempt" and "fate" mean anything to you ?:rolleyes:

Yeah, it's a load of superstitious nonsense. :p

[SJFC1988,]

cutbert yellow carded

[Burn]

cutbert yellow carded

time wasting?

[SJFC1988,]

ft 2-0

[BlairSaint]

Yes, our strikers have eventually scored and a clean sheet at the back. Thank F**k for that.

[HertsSaintee]

2-0 FT

Crass I know, but it'ds a pity we didn't hold that scoreline at Dingwall last season whan they came back to draw - may not even have been in this competition this year...

2 goals from the much maligned strikers. Well done Dr Kenny and especially Jacko.

Herts

[SlickDT]

Team win the first game of the season and folk are on here having a go at Coyle for selecting players for a team that he hasn't even made! Get a grip!

Well done lads, good to see two strikers on the scoresheet!

[^sainteebrian^]

the big question though. did cuthbert play well or was it the defence that played well

[Calypso Kid]

Didn't mean it like that if your referring to me. I'm delighted with that because i thought we were on a hiding to nothing. McInnes has been crap but he's not been alone.

Is this the spark we've been waiting on?

[saint_markperth]

we won 2-0 the defence and the keeper played well

[BlairSaint]

Hopefully this will be our turning point in our season in which we go from strength to strength.

[a monkey]

the big question though. did cuthbert play well or was it the defence that played well

or were county just crap?

[Nick]

We get the strike force we wanted - we win and they both score. Theirs a surprise! Really chuffed for Jacko. Hopefully that'll give him a needed boost in confidence!

Now just to let Moon get the chance he deserves! I presume he's not fit, since he wasn't even on the bench?

[Steve Maskrey]

Didn't mean it like that if your referring to me. I'm delighted with that because i thought we were on a hiding to nothing. McInnes has been crap but he's not been alone.

Is this the spark we've been waiting on?

I wasn't referring to you, mate. He seems to be this season's scapegoat and as you say, he's not been alone in playing poor.

I reckon our season has finally started

[MUZZ]

good result. delighted deuchar and jacko scored

[Calypso Kid]

Great timing. We finlly win, the heads are up, feeling better and.... a 2 week gap for internationals.

[Cagey]

Agree, it is good to go into a short break with a win rather than mulling over a poor result for a couple of weeks.

[Burn]

When is the draw for the next round?

[Saintly Child]

Pity we couldn't get a bounce game on Saturday to keep things working.
Well Done Jacko. :)

[silver_blue]

good result. delighted deuchar and jacko scored

Delighted as well about that. Hope Owen sticks with the scoring strikers. Let them build up an understanding instead of chopping and changing. Also cut his losses on Mr Stewart.

[Nairn Saint]

Great timing. We finlly win, the heads are up, feeling better and.... a 2 week gap for internationals.

Oh the irony! Pretty unlucky, it would have been good to get a bit of momentum.

[7-2]

Team win the first game of the season and folk are on here having a go at Coyle for selecting players for a team that he hasn't even made! Get a grip!
Quite right. Lets all toe the party line. Flog everyone barsteward who dares to think otherwise. Owen Owen Uber Alles...

[Calypso Kid]

Agree, it is good to go into a short break with a win rather than mulling over a poor result for a couple of weeks.

WHOOSH!

[Chansey]

delighted not just for Jacko but for the whole team. If we had not won, they would haven been under pressure for the next week and a half, also this place would have been miserable for the next week and half, no that i'm planning on being on much...

[Nairn Saint]

WHOOSH!

:***:

[Invernessaint]

Hopefully this will be our turning point in our season in which we go from strength to strength.

I take it you were not at the match then? Very much doubt that this win will be our turning point - defensively sound enough second half but Irvine and Dyer badly exposed first half and RC ran us ragged down the flanks. Mid field full of hard work but no real craft/creativity. Duechar a good target man and Jackson proved he is no worse than all he other strikers at the club and deserves his chance. Really mixed feelings about Weatherston although played a better second half. Overall though we looked a poor side that played a bit better than recently rather than a good side waiting to hit form. Still its a win, perhaps I am being a bit harsh. Lets wait and see what the other 178 Saints fans thought of the game.

[Ray Blair]

the big question though. did cuthbert play well or was it the defence that played well

That is the big question, why?
I dont thin k ther needs to be questions,just congratulations.Hopefully
this result is the confidence booster we were needing.
Well done Saints!

[dhs]

good score - according to the report on the radio with coyle we had 6 under 21's playing which is quite good!

[^sainteebrian^]

can i just ask why people argue on this?

"I take it you were not at the match then?":so what thats their point of view, is that not what this forum is for?

"That is the big question, why?"becuase Kevin was our number one before main came along, main has had a start every game (i think) since he got here excluding tonight, there for this brings up a question, IS ALAN MAIN SO GOOD? weve either lost or drawn since main has been in goal, does this mean cuthbert is actually our best keeper, THAT is why that is the big question

[Calypso Kid]

can i just ask why people argue on this?

"I take it you were not at the match then?":so what thats their point of view, is that not what this forum is for?

"That is the big question, why?"becuase Kevin was our number one before main came along, main has had a start every game (i think) since he got here excluding tonight, there for this brings up a question, IS ALAN MAIN SO GOOD? weve either lost or drawn since main has been in goal, does this mean cuthbert is actually our best keeper, THAT is why that is the big question

Trying to make sense of that is like doing a Rubix cube on acid. I agree with whatever you said though!

[Radford 72]

As for those slagging off McInnes, perhaps he's playing well tonight?
He did play better. Harried them all over the park and had a couple of good efforts on goal.

time wasting?
Nope, telling Iain Brines what he thought of him!

Pity we couldn't get a bounce game on Saturday to keep things working.
There's one at East Fife tomorrow night.

As for the game, I thought County started brightly and were using the full width of the pitch well. We weren't playing poorly but we definitely second best. We took the lead when a through ball caused a bit of confusion between Curtis and Dowie (moaniest footballer ever?) and under pressure from Jacko the ball found it's way back to the Doc who slammed home with the aid of a deflection.

The rest of the half was mainly County as too often we were too slow to change from our defensive shape which saw Weatherston move up front and Deuchar wide left.

I thought we improved in the second half and although it wasn't a vintage cup tie, it was fairly end to end. The second goal was a cross from Weatherston and the 'keeper missed his punch when challenging with Deuchar, leaving Jacko to nod home at the back post. The player was obviously delighted but great to see the other players so visably pleased for him.

After possibly being to blame for our goals, young Curtis redeemed himself with some great stops after that, most notably from Deuchar. County pinged plenty of balls into the box and got into some good positions but their finishing was generally weak and Cuthbert dealt with everything. There were a few crosses he didn't get spot on but his handling was exemplary.

We nearly scored a third late on when McInnes' free-kick was cleared off the line.

It still wasn't fantastic from Saints but it was better and especially pleasing when you look at the age of the side, six players 22-years-old or younger. Most players turned in good performances, Jamie McCluskey was slightly disappointing on the left although came into the game as it wore on. The defence was good again, McInnes was all over the park battling and Sheerin showed a bit of the old Sheerin class. Up front Deuchar did a decent job and got his goal, as did Jacko, who also improved as the game wore on.

[Saint Paul]

Great to see the team both win a game, and score a couple of goals.

Disapointed that Moon didn't play, as although the reports are good about McInnes, we still need to have players capable of covering so would have been ideal to at least have him on the bench to give him a chance.

I am really pleased for Jackson, and it sounds like he and the Doc could form the partnership that we have been lacking in the early part of the season.

Let's now keep the momentum up, and take this into the next game. It could be the old addage of not breaking up a winning team ?

[Tranmere Saintee]

Most players turned in good performances, Jamie McCluskey was slightly disappointing on the left although came into the game as it wore on.

I think he took a while to get over the kickings he had to put up with in the first couple of mins of the game :evil:

[Slowhand]

Whit is it with this bloody Moon?? He's a wee laddie wi nae chance agin they others, should gie him tae big Jim tae sort oot!

[wee john]

I take it you were not at the match then? Very much doubt that this win will be our turning point - defensively sound enough second half but Irvine and Dyer badly exposed first half and RC ran us ragged down the flanks. Mid field full of hard work but no real craft/creativity. Duechar a good target man and Jackson proved he is no worse than all he other strikers at the club and deserves his chance. Really mixed feelings about Weatherston although played a better second half. Overall though we looked a poor side that played a bit better than recently rather than a good side waiting to hit form. Still its a win, perhaps I am being a bit harsh. Lets wait and see what the other 178 Saints fans thought of the game.

I agree with summing up.
Ross County fan text me this morning saying Dick Turpin would have been proud.
On the 1st half performance he is correct, they murdered us in the 1st half.
I reckon they had about 10 corners, Cuthbert made two fantastic saves and they missed a couple of sitters. We were very poor.
2nd haf was a big improvement.
County are a decent side and I think they will be challenging for their league this season.

[SaintSam1884]

The fact that we struggled at Victoria Park last season gives some positivity from this result. It's a lower league team playing a team from a division above on their own pitch which was never the best for allowing us to play the way we like to. There was a huge potential banana skin there but to come away with a win and a clean sheet is good.

Remember last season Dundee United, Rangers, Falkirk and Motherwell all looked poor against us because we went at them and didn't allow them the time or the space they needed to get down and play. It's no different when we ourselves then come up against a lower league side in a cup match.

Winning comes down just as much to professionalism as it does quality in these matches. In the form we're in at the moment, we could easily have lost this match regardless of the fact that we are undoubtedly better than County. However, the strikers scored and the defence remained tight. It didn't need to be pretty.

[lethamsaintee]

Much improved last night, with McInnes having a good game in the middle, possibly as well as he has played for us.

Impressed with the Duechar/Jacko partnership last night and hope they will both get the nod against Partick.

[Real Madrid]

When is the draw for the next round?

2.30 today at Hampden.

[lethamsaintee]

can i just ask why people argue on this?

"I take it you were not at the match then?":so what thats their point of view, is that not what this forum is for?

"That is the big question, why?"becuase Kevin was our number one before main came along, main has had a start every game (i think) since he got here excluding tonight, there for this brings up a question, IS ALAN MAIN SO GOOD? weve either lost or drawn since main has been in goal, does this mean cuthbert is actually our best keeper, THAT is why that is the big question

Wait just now. I am looking online to find a gibberish-english translator.

[sjfc]

Whit is it with this bloody Moon?? He's a wee laddie wi nae chance agin they others, should gie him tae big Jim tae sort oot!

what?

[Nairn Saint]

Whit is it with this bloody Moon?? He's a wee laddie wi nae chance agin they others, should gie him tae big Jim tae sort oot!

"What is it with this fellow Moon? He is just a young boy (slight of frame) who will find difficulty competing physically with those of a larger disposition. It may make sense for him to have a loan spell at Montrose where Mr Weir could assist his physical development." :wink:

[Tranmere Saintee]

Can I remind people to attempt to write something close to English (we do not tolerate Text speak etc), look at what you have written before hitting the reply button and to please read the few site rules again.

It is difficut enough at times being a mod and trying to control idiots from other clubs coming on to wind us up, but having to spend time deciphering gibberish in case it is going to cause offence etc is doing my head in. :evil:

[Simon Quinlank]

Whit is it with this bloody Moon?? He's a wee laddie wi nae chance agin they others, should gie him tae big Jim tae sort oot!

can i just ask why people argue on this?

"I take it you were not at the match then?":so what thats their point of view, is that not what this forum is for?

"That is the big question, why?"becuase Kevin was our number one before main came along, main has had a start every game (i think) since he got here excluding tonight, there for this brings up a question, IS ALAN MAIN SO GOOD? weve either lost or drawn since main has been in goal, does this mean cuthbert is actually our best keeper, THAT is why that is the big question

I'd love to hear a conversation between you two in real life!:***: I'm sure all of the right words are there somewhere, it's just up to the rest of us to put them in the right order!

[GMac]

Thought last night was an improvement on what I have seen so far, but only just. Thought the front 2 could work, so we shall see if OC is going to give it a run. Midfield with McCluskey on one side and Weatherston does NOT work - end off, it leaves the full backs for too exposed. Willie Dyer is worth a fun at left back. Keep the faith comrades.

[McCarry One Nil]

Willie Dyer is worth a fun at left back. Keep the faith comrades.

aye Gordon but is he worth a run ***

Will do bro' : )

[Saintkev]

Worst game that both McLuskey and Weatherston have played for us, but we won! McInnes was much improved.

County were the better team for spells, but they have a good record at home and in that cup, so a win was the main aim, we got it, strikers scored, confidence should rise and we never had to endure extra-time and penalties...
phew!