#16 - 08/11/08 - Ross County (h)

[saints1989]

Anyone any thoughts on this match?

[Alan Main FanClub]

Must win, otherwise that great performance against Dunfermline will be wasted. We should win, we'll be heavy favourites.

[saints1989]

a think it cud be 3 or 4 - nil to the saintees , but id like to see the strikers get in on goals too..

[Mike180279]

Yeah we will be big favourites and as long as the team doesnt get complacent, we should win by a couple of goals. For me the bigger game is Clyde, away. Tricky place for us to go to. If we can take 6 points, then the game at dens will take care of itself.......

[monkfish]

This sort of match (along with Clyde away) is going to be the real test of whether we are any good now IMO. We are top of the league and had a good run against teams that had previously embarassed us, now it'll be harder to keep the momentum going. Last season there would have been a high possiblity for a draw with a game like this, due to the other team simply putting in more effort. On paper it should be an easy win, but it'll mean scrapping for it, I hope McInnes has got into the squad the idea they are going to have to fight for it every game, not just for 5 games until they've made up for the start of the season then can take it easy.

[Saintkev]

We still don't seem to be firing on all cylinders (which is a good sign), so my thoughts for this depend...

If we score within the first ten minutes we will kick on and win convincingly and the confidence will grow and grow.

If we don't we will still win but again it will be a hard thought victory.

I don't mind the second type, but wouldn't mine an occasional first type to build up support etc.

[CynicalSaintee]

With a potential mid of Craig, Morris, Hardie and Sheerinho, this should be a cakewalk. Would be typical if Daal were to score against us, though. Hopefully he gets lost in the dressing room and misses kick-off. He may as well have done that for us.

[Sainteesean]

1-1. brought back down to earth.

[sign dave]

we need to bully them again as we did in the last game. hardie, mccaffery and rusty will knock down daal easilly enough,

any other threats in the dingwall team?

[Broon]

Ross County have won 3 out of their last 4 games, with their only defeat to Queens. Of those three wins, 2 x 3-0 and 1 x 2-0. Not bad form, albeit against Morton, Airdrie and Clyde. I think we are being a wee bit over-confident. It will be a tough game and I would happily take 1-0.

[R.B.B:- Adz]

I mentioned at the start of the season in another thread that i think County are a tidy side. They thumped Clyde 3-0 at the weekend so that will help them plus the fact that they have a nice look to their squad including Bullock, Lawson, Golabek, Morrison, Hart, Brittain, Craig, Daal, Higgins. They only sit 2 points behind Dunfermline in the league.
I'd take a scrappy 1-0 / 2-1 over a well organised side.

[SingaporeSaint]

With a potential mid of Craig, Morris, Hardie and Sheerinho, this should be a cakewalk. Would be typical if Daal were to score against us, though. Hopefully he gets lost in the dressing room and misses kick-off. He may as well have done that for us.

Is Miller suspended/injured or you you just feel he should be dropped like a lead balloon?

[The Inspiration]

Is Miller suspended/injured or you you just feel he should be dropped like a lead balloon?


took the words right out my mouth SS, IMO Miller has been our most consistent player. Our only consistent player from way back in august.

I would far rather have an in form Miller in the midfield than a returning Morris who could do a job or, since he comes with high expectations, let us down.
Not a chance worth taking

if it aint broke, dont fix it

[Jamie_Beatson]

I would keep the same line-up that started against Dunfermline. We could do with going in to the away game at Dundee in a position where we can lose and still stay top of the league, so another two victories against County and Clyde are vital. County aren't actually that far behind us (7 points I think), but Clyde are well down the league, so 6 points is achievable.

We shouldn't get ahead of ourselves though - this is Saints we are talking about! If we play as a unit and everyone plays to their abilities we should be able to win at home against anyone in this league, but no-one can afford to be over-confident.

[CynicalSaintee]

took the words right out my mouth SS, IMO Miller has been our most consistent player. Our only consistent player from way back in august.

I would far rather have an in form Miller in the midfield than a returning Morris who could do a job or, since he comes with high expectations, let us down.
Not a chance worth taking

if it aint broke, dont fix it
True. I'd still like to see him at least make an appearance, even if it was off the bench for the second half.
The way I see it, Hardie is undroppable, as is most of the defense albeit Craig moving forward to midfield. The Wizard is similar. He's not always the fastest player, but he shows brilliance time and time again. Just wish he'd score more outfield goals like the one against the Scum! I wouldn't mind Savo or Sherlock coming off for Jacko/Peaso, nor Millar coming off for Swankie/Mooner, assuming Moon doesn't start.

[541ntees]

i'm with beatson , by the sounds of things Mooner should be ok to start so id start with the same line up. great to have the likes of jody swanker ando an sammy on the bench-many folk would have them in their sarting line up at the start of the season!

And lets no underestimate County!

[Canterbury Saint]

Gonna be a tough one but i reckon it'll be 2-1 to the Saints.....McCaffrey and Holmes to score

Question is do i make the 1278 mile round trip or not?? If i have as bad a day at work tomorrow as i'm having today i'm taking some holidays, packing my bags and trekking north!

[Saintkev]

See you at the game Canterbury... work is always a downer!!

[Canterbury Saint]

Tell me about it! Had some fat *** giving me abuse this morning - you leave Scotland but you cant get away from them!

Might as well get onto easyjet now :cool:

[soulfulsaint]

Ross County have won 3 out of their last 4 games, with their only defeat to Queens. Of those three wins, 2 x 3-0 and 1 x 2-0. Not bad form, albeit against Morton, Airdrie and Clyde. I think we are being a wee bit over-confident. It will be a tough game and I would happily take 1-0.

with you on that Broonie - narrow victory amass the points and leave the showboating til May.

[TheBigCheese]

I would keep the same line-up that started against Dunfermline. We could do with going in to the away game at Dundee in a position where we can lose and still stay top of the league, so another two victories against County and Clyde are vital. County aren't actually that far behind us (7 points I think), but Clyde are well down the league, so 6 points is achievable.

We shouldn't get ahead of ourselves though - this is Saints we are talking about! If we play as a unit and everyone plays to their abilities we should be able to win at home against anyone in this league, but no-one can afford to be over-confident.

I'd be tempted to bring Ando in at Left back from the start, move Craig into midfield and drop either Sheerin or Mooner to the bench. I think Craig has been decent at left back but he struggles to get a foot in at times, we are also missing out on a lot by playing him as far back the field as shown by his second half performance on Saturday. Ando has been pretty good at left back any time I've seen him (actually, he's much better at left back than right) and he'd probably still have been there had he not picked up a knock at Palmerston.

As others have said this is a time for grinding out results not swaggering about like we've already won the league, 1-0 would be just peachy. I think 6 points from the next two games is really important as Dundee could well be back on a game by the time we play them in a few weeks.

[sign dave]

i think we will hammer dundee, im always very cautious about them but not this time, i think we will destroy the dee!

[The ghost of Jim Morton]

i think we will hammer dundee, im always very cautious about them but not this time, i think we will destroy the dee!

Well thats cursed it now.:(


http://newyorkette.com/wp-content/curse_mummy450.jpg

[saintj]

i think we will hammer dundee, im always very cautious about them but not this time, i think we will destroy the dee!

destroy as in 7-2 or just a regular pumping

[Radford 72]

As has been said, we are in exactly the same position as two years ago, top of the league after 12 games with 23 points. We when lost three of the next four and were the same distance behind Gretna as Dundee currently are behind us. That run included a trip to Dingwall where we were outstanding the first half and led 2-0 before ending up with only a point.

I posted a thread the other day and will repeat what I said about us being in contention plenty of times at the start of November but we never kick on so I'm not building my hopes up this time either.

County have won five out of their last six and have strikers that have done for us in the past; Winters and Higgins have scored 10 goals against us in the last four years. Add in Craig who has also grabbed a few against us and Daal, for whom the script is written, and the defence need to maintain their good form of late, especially when County have guys like Hart and Brittain in midfield. Their own defensive record has been decent in recent weeks but that's the weakest area of their team IMO and Samuel got a lot of joy against them in Dingwall, whereas Holmes hasn't made as much of an impact. I wonder if that is giving McInnes food for thought.

Swankie has to come back in for me with it being a home match and Morris got more game time under his belt in today's closed doors game. Maybe just a spot on the bench again though? So many options with everyone fit though, there are again going to be good players sitting in the stand.

Fingers crossed there are no silly bookings that would rule anyone out of the Dundee match.

[sign dave]

As has been said, we are in exactly the same position as two years ago, top of the league after 12 games with 23 points. We when lost three of the next four and were the same distance behind Gretna as Dundee currently are behind us. That run included a trip to Dingwall where we were outstanding the first half and led 2-0 before ending up with only a point.

I posted a thread the other day and will repeat what I said about us being in contention plenty of times at the start of November but we never kick on so I'm not building my hopes up this time either.

County have won five out of their last six and have strikers that have done for us in the past; Winters and Higgins have scored 10 goals against us in the last four years. Add in Craig who has also grabbed a few against us and Daal, for whom the script is written, and the defence need to maintain their good form of late, especially when County have guys like Hart and Brittain in midfield. Their own defensive record has been decent in recent weeks but that's the weakest area of their team IMO and Samuel got a lot of joy against them in Dingwall, whereas Holmes hasn't made as much of an impact. I wonder if that is giving McInnes food for thought.

Swankie has to come back in for me with it being a home match and Morris got more game time under his belt in today's closed doors game. Maybe just a spot on the bench again though? So many options with everyone fit though, there are again going to be good players sitting in the stand.

Fingers crossed there are no silly bookings that would rule anyone out of the Dundee match.

but would be better if they're out for clyde and back in contention for dundee, i can see rutkiewicz wanting booked in the county game as agreed probably with mcinnes.

[Scobby_SJFC]

Tight money month ahead for me so think i'll give the county game a miss and go for the clyde game (just a few miles away for me) and then the trip to dundee

id take 7 out of 9 for the next 3 games, think dundee will be a different animal in a couple of week under Jocky Scott but I hope am wrong

[CynicalSaintee]

Getting a 1-1 draw against Airdrie is hardly an awe-inspiring victory.They're still the A&E side, and I wouldn't worry too much. The only side we need to worry about is St Johnstone - we're our own worst enemies.

[R.B.B:- Adz]

Yeah Radford Swankie is used as a home player when we are attacking with width and better suited to playing in that way in my opinion. Jody will not be ready for 90mins this saturday unless we pick up any knocks during midweek training and we have to call him up.
Agree with cynical that i dont think we really need to worry about the fact thye have the likes of Higgins and Winters(because Kev and Caff are more than up to the task of dealing with them) rather a victory will more likely depend on our own performance, not Countys.

[O'Rourke]

Should be a comfortable win against the Adams family.

The wheels on your house go round and round etc, etc...

[Radford 72]

but would be better if they're out for clyde and back in contention for dundee, i can see rutkiewicz wanting booked in the county game as agreed probably with mcinnes.
As I've said elsewhere, if anyone collects a booking that takes them through the points barrier in either the County or Clyde games, they will miss the Dundee game.

[sign dave]

As I've said elsewhere, if anyone collects a booking that takes them through the points barrier in either the County or Clyde games, they will miss the Dundee game.


yeah i know, im sure i wrote that before you said that elsewhere, just ignoe my above comment then.

[The ghost of Jim Morton]

Another tough game ( aren't they all ) against a side who are playing well and who have beaten us already this season (in the diddy cup). We secured a very good three points at Victoria Park earlier which started our present good run , but we should take nothing for granted. They may take their eye of the ball with the Diddy cup final looming but I doubt it. Hopefully the Saints players and the management will approach this with exactly the same attitude as the Pars game. If they do, I can see Saints winning 3-0 or 3-1. If not we will definitely get turned over.I am confident all will be well though and the three points will be ours.......

Team wise , I would be delighted to see Del send out the same eleven as last Saturday.MMM who picked up a knock will return to training tomorrow and Mooner seems to be fine...


Main



Irvine , Rusty, Caff, Craig


Millar, Mooner, Hardie, Sheerinio



Savo, Holmer


Subs.....A goalie, Morris, Swankie, Sammy, Ando.....


Injured. Mclean still I think......

No place for...Morgan, McKoy, Peaso, Jacko or James


Come on you Saints..............................

--------------------


We're top, but can we Stay there?????

You better believe it...........................

[Radford 72]

I'd start Samuel on Saturday. He's scored three times against them already this season and their defenders will be dreading facing him. It's harsh on Holmes but he's not had much joy out of their centre backs in either of the matches so far. As great as a settled line up is, McInnes regularly speaks about picking sides to specific matches (and alluded that it had always been in his mind to start Mooner at EEP) so we may as well use our squad when it's available. I'd also start Swankie with it being our home match and the onus being on us to go and win the game.

Main

Irvine - Rutkiewicz - McCaffrey - Craig

Swankie - Millar - Hardie - Sheerin

Milne - Samuel

Subbies: Kelly, Anderson, Moon, Holmes, Jackson (if fit).

[Dev]

I can’t justify changing the front two at the moment because they are doing very well but Peaso, Collin Samuel and Andy Jackson are all waiting in the wings and they will all have a part to play.


That's from the official site today. From what he's said there I would expect the same front two to continue for the County game.

You never know though, maybe he'll spring a surprise.

[StDuncM]

I'd start Samuel on Saturday. He's scored three times against them already this season and their defenders will be dreading facing him. It's harsh on Holmes but he's not had much joy out of their centre backs in either of the matches so far. As great as a settled line up is, McInnes regularly speaks about picking sides to specific matches (and alluded that it had always been in his mind to start Mooner at EEP) so we may as well use our squad when it's available. I'd also start Swankie with it being our home match and the onus being on us to go and win the game.

Main

Irvine - Rutkiewicz - McCaffrey - Craig

Swankie - Millar - Hardie - Sheerin

Milne - Samuel

Subbies: Kelly, Anderson, Moon, Holmes, Jackson (if fit).

I would change Morris for Jackson or Moon.

[sign dave]

Is our keeper still Kelly and not Mclean?

[soulfulsaint]

I'd be tempted to bring Ando in at Left back from the start, move Craig into midfield and drop either Sheerin or Mooner to the bench. .

Drop Sheerin? Moderators is this kind of heresy allowed? It would be banned in China.

[Jimmy Wallace]

Is our keeper still Kelly and not Mclean?

Strewth dave, get with the programme. :roll: McLean is still injured. Kelly is being signed on loan from Montrose. There is a whole thread about this elsewhere.

[sign dave]

Strewth dave, get with the programme. :roll: McLean is still injured. Kelly is being signed on loan from Montrose. There is a whole thread about this elsewhere.

sorry i just had it in my head that mclean recovered hence the reason why robinson went back to ibrox.

[CynicalSaintee]

That's from the official site today. From what he's said there I would expect the same front two to continue for the County game.

You never know though, maybe he'll spring a surprise.

He's too smart. Our defense is tidy, and our midfield is beginning to look very sharp. The front two speak for themselves.

That said,

Main

Irvine, Rusty, Caff, Ando

Swankie, Moon, Hardie, Craig

Savo, Sammo

Bench: Sherlock, Sheerinho, Kelly, Millar, big Jody.

Seems like a potentially strong side. Near the end of the Dunfermline game just after the goal, we were all over them with a similar set-up.

Obviously Hardie cannot be dropped as our midfield evaporates without him. Craig looked much stronger in mid than at LB against the Pars. Moon is a firecracker, as is Samuel. Much as I wish Sheerin could start, ideally we should be going hammer-and-tongs at County, and Craig's proved himself to be solid at both ends of the pitch.

[Radford 72]

Main

Irvine, Rusty, Caff, Ando

Swankie, Moon, Hardie, Craig

Savo, Sammo

Bench: Sherlock, Sheerinho, Kelly, Morgan, big Jody.

You've left Millar out again! Surely that's a mistake?

[TheBigCheese]

Drop Sheerin? Moderators is this kind of heresy allowed? It would be banned in China.

As a moderator I can say whatever I like without fear or recriminations. :p

I stand by what I said, I thought Sheerin was playing well on Saturday but if he hadn't been taken off I don't think we would have won the game, it was only when that happened that we really took control. I'd probably drop Moon before Sheerin to allow Craig to move into midfield but I think both are options.

[CynicalSaintee]

You've left Millar out again! Surely that's a mistake?

Morgan = Millar.

D'oh! :oops:

[Alan Main FanClub]

Morgan = Millar.

D'oh! :oops:

Millar has to start. I'm not Hardie's biggest fan, but as much as it pains me he can't be dropped...

I'd go for exactly the same XI as last week... Mooners fit he doesn't deserve to be dropped... Sheerin doesn't deserve it, neither does Millar or Hardie... why change a winning team? Craig was better in midfield, but he's still our best left-back... I think Ando would struggle to play there and would become a weakness as he is right-footed and teams will begin to pick up on that and use it against us.

Main
Irvine Craig Rusty Caff
Millar Sheerin Hardie Mooner
Savo Sherlock

Sammy Jody Ando Swankie Goalie.

[monkfish]

Sheerin bench, Craig to left mid, Ando to LB. Deal with it Soulful.

[CynicalSaintee]

Sheerin bench, Craig to left mid, Ando to LB. Deal with it Soulful.

It'd be our strongest XI. Not saying Sheerin's poor, but Craig is a great asset to the team, but is not great at LB. In order to get the most out of the left, it Ando -> Craig is the future.

[blueheaven]

It'd be our strongest XI. Not saying Sheerin's poor, but Craig is a great asset to the team, but is not great at LB. In order to get the most out of the left, it Ando -> Craig is the future.

Granted I've missed a few games this season, but I struggle to see how our strongest XI can involve dropping arguably our best player. I agree that Craig is better in midfield than at left-back, but given the lack of other options at left-back, and the surplus of other options in midfield, I reckon he'll need to bide his time in that position for the time being. His chance in midfield will come, of course.

From what I've seen of the current team, my line-up for Saturday would be:

________________Main

Irvine_____Rusty_____Caff______Craig

Millar__Jody (if fit and ready?)__Hardie__Wizard

___________Savo___Holmes

...with Moon for Jody if Jody's not quite ready yet.

[CynicalSaintee]

Granted I've missed a few games this season, but I struggle to see how our strongest XI can involve dropping arguably our best player. I agree that Craig is better in midfield than at left-back, but given the lack of other options at left-back, and the surplus of other options in midfield, I reckon he'll need to bide his time in that position for the time being. His chance in midfield will come, of course.

From what I've seen of the current team, my line-up for Saturday would be:

________________Main

Irvine_____Rusty_____Caff______Craig

Millar__Jody (if fit and ready?)__Hardie__Wizard

___________Savo___Holmes

...with Moon for Jody if Jody's not quite ready yet.

To be honest, that's probably the lineup Derek will use. And I guess he knows best, who's doing well in training etc. Looking forward to seeing Moon get a full start, though. Hopefully Daal doesn't ram his studs into Mooner's chest. Maybe, if we're lucky, Hardie will throw a sly kick his way.

[monkfish]

Granted I've missed a few games this season, but I struggle to see how our strongest XI can involve dropping arguably our best player.


At the risk of starting a Letham fronted backlash, I don't think Sheerin is our best player. I'd like to see some evidence that the team performs significantly worse when he isn't it it. I still think he's a great player, but he's not indispensible.

[Mike180279]

To be honest, that's probably the lineup Derek will use. And I guess he knows best, who's doing well in training etc. Looking forward to seeing Moon get a full start, though. Hopefully Daal doesn't ram his studs into Mooner's chest. Maybe, if we're lucky, Hardie will throw a sly kick his way.

I think it will be same as Saturday except Swankie for Moon. He prefers the width swankie offers on home soil.......

[garydavidson]

looking forward to the tony bullock banter once more :)

[Broon]

looking forward to the tony bullock banter once more :)

He's not playing. The club have given him 2 weeks off for some reason. Something to do with being tired or an incident with a fan. Who knows.

Souter will be playing I think.

[sign dave]

whats roberto carlos upto these days?

[CynicalSaintee]

He's not playing. The club have given him 2 weeks off for some reason. Something to do with being tired or an incident with a fan. Who knows.

Souter will be playing I think.

Correct. Anyone who gives 4 to Queens in the Scottish cup Semi is the kind of man I'd like in the opposition goal!

Savo to Score, Sammy to score off the bench. :p

[sign dave]

yeah its about time sammy started scoring for us again, not done too much since last county game and this will be the perfect match to get him up and running again!

[CynicalSaintee]

Against Dunfy he looked like a real handful. And did you see his pass which set Savo up in the highlights - the one where, had he squared the ball, we would have scored? IT looked inch-perfect, and when he skipped past the Dunfermline defender he showed that he has a lot of tricks up his sleeve. Savo - Sammo up front with Sherlock benched seems like a tasty idea. That said, they're playing too well together, at the moment, to be broken up. At half-time, if we haven't scored, I'd bring him on. Then maybe bring Morris on, too. I can't wait to hear the reception he gets from the crowd!

[Mike180279]

Tony Bullock is out injured tomorrow.....

[auld reekie saint]

Granted I've missed a few games this season, but I struggle to see how our strongest XI can involve dropping arguably our best player. I agree that Craig is better in midfield than at left-back, but given the lack of other options at left-back, and the surplus of other options in midfield, I reckon he'll need to bide his time in that position for the time being. His chance in midfield will come, of course.

From what I've seen of the current team, my line-up for Saturday would be:

________________Main

Irvine_____Rusty_____Caff______Craig

Millar__Jody (if fit and ready?)__Hardie__Wizard

___________Savo___Holmes

...with Moon for Jody if Jody's not quite ready yet.

This looks our best option to me.Jody has to come into the team when fit.Hopefully County don't have a decent right winger so that liam can get forwar

[dave mc]

Same starters as last week,with Swanks in for Mooner,to give us natural width and pace at home.Sammy to get a run out,injuries permitting with 30 mins to go.Del believes in horses for courses,so think he'll be slightly more offensive in the middle.

[101 Saint]

At the risk of starting a Letham fronted backlash, I don't think Sheerin is our best player. I'd like to see some evidence that the team performs significantly worse when he isn't it it. I still think he's a great player, but he's not indispensible.

He's been poor in the last two games. He can't play left midfield with such a pace deficit. That said, he will play a blinder if we're on easy street and he can play deep in centre mid spraying passes about.

Surprised at the clamour to bring Ando in at left back. I thought most on here were happy with Liam at left back? The point that RBB made after last weeks right wing rape, was Del should have known how Dunfermline/Harper would play and should have selected accordingly. Ando blows hot and cold as a full back so the only reason to start him is that we could theoretically switch from 4-4-2 to 3-5-2 during the game:

Main
Irvine-Ruti-Caff-Ando
Millar-Moon-Hardie-Liam
Savo-Homer

Could become

Main
Ruti-Caff-Ando
Millar
Irvine-Moon-Hardie-Liam
Savo-Homer

If Ross County try and pack the midfield and play us off side, a midfield five might over-power them whilst three CBs should cope with Dyron Daal.

I reckon it'll be the 4-4-2 from last week. Personally, I would drop Sheerin and start Swanks. No need to start Jody in this one. Plenty to lose, little to gain.

ACHTUNG! Hardie did take a battering against Dunfermline, he might just miss out.

[Sainteesean]

not going to the game - just want to wish all the saintees going and the team good luck. hope they can pick up the three points. :cool:

[kent saint]

not going to the game - just want to wish all the saintees going and the team good luck. hope they can pick up the three points. :cool:

Yip, just want add to this by saying, please please try and get some of last weeks atmosphere into the stands today. Think how much of a difference it obviously makes to the players. And selfishly, a win gives me more reason to book a flight for the "Massive North Stand" day v QoS! Cheers!!

Same team for me, assuming Mooner good in training. As said, lots to lose and little to gain by starting with Jody. But expect him to make appearance at some point?

[Saline Saint]

Just about to head off up to the game, dull and cloudy down here, no wind and no rain. Hope it is the same in Perth. When did you last set off for a game when we were top of the league? Puts a whole different presure on supporters and team alike, important that we get a good result today. Would love to see us do a "Hamilton" and "£retna" and leave the others standing!! But it is Saints we're talking about here. Same line up as started last Saturday with the only exception being Moon, depending on his injury. "Come on the Saints"

[soulfulsaint]

At the risk of starting a Letham fronted backlash, I don't think Sheerin is our best player. I'd like to see some evidence that the team performs significantly worse when he isn't it it. I still think he's a great player, but he's not indispensible.

"Not indispensible" this is sacrligious these people are infidels - Moderators can you not do something about this bile and filth. Children read this forum, so do old people? This is taking free speech too far.

(Sheerin Jihad, Letham Branch)

[Dev]

McCaffrey looking for some noise at the ground today:

http://www.thecourier.co.uk/output/2008/11/08/sportstory12214333t0.asp

Hopefully we can provide a good backing to the team. It would be nice if we could avoid any "top of the league" chants because as soon as you open your mouth they come back to bite you.

[StDuncM]

"Not indispensible" this is sacrligious these people are infidels - Moderators can you not do something about this bile and filth. Children read this forum, so do old people? This is taking free speech too far.

(Sheerin Jihad, Letham Branch)

Is Paul Sheerin your love child, SS?

[soulfulsaint]

Is Paul Sheerin your love child, SS?

Balding, ageing genius - maybe. He will lead us to the promised land.

[Tranmere Saintee]

"Not indispensible" this is sacrligious these people are infidels - Moderators can you not do something about this bile and filth. Children read this forum, so do old people? This is taking free speech too far.

(Sheerin Jihad, Letham Branch)


Is this you on your weekly fishing trip for quotes for the show?:laugh:

[The ghost of Jim Morton]

Well Saturdays here again and I'm hopeful of a great game today and 3 points for Saints .Weather seems fine at the moment but the forecast is for heavy showers and possibly very strong winds.If this does indeed arrive before kick-off it could make playing conditions very difficult. We did handle these type conditions against Partick well so I,m not overly concerned but you never know. It's going to be a tough game with the added pressure of Saints being league leaders, but we must be able to win these games and handle the pressure if we are to be successful come May. I hope Del sticks with the same 11 as last week but if he does change it, as long as he only tweaks the line-up I,ll be very happy... 3-0 Saints...................


COME ON YOU SAINTS..............................

[Macarius]

In honor of us being top of the league today, i'm going to go and buy a pie whenever a goal is scored.

[StDuncM]

Lets hope for a bakers dozen then!

[Macarius]

Is that 6 or 13?

[Dev]

Is that 6 or 13?

13!

[ryangordon86]

cant make the game today, stuck at work so it'll be BBC Sport vidiprinter all the way!

[Alan Main FanClub]

Have a source....

Which says the line-up will be;

Main
Irvine Craig Rusty Caff
Swankie Hardie Millar Sheerin
and the strikers cannot confirm.

My source is a bit dodgy recently, but he tells me Moon isn't in the 16...

[Dunfermline Saint]

Have a source....

Which says the line-up will be;

Main
Irvine Craig Rusty Caff
Swankie Hardie Millar Sheerin
and the strikers cannot confirm.

My source is a bit dodgy recently, but he tells me Moon isn't in the 16...

Correct.

Main
Irvine
Craig
Miller
Rutkiewicz
McCaffrey
Swankie
Hardie
Holmes
Milne
Sheerin

Subs:
Anderson
Morris
MacDonald
Samuel
Kelly

Source: Sky Sports News

[SingaporeSaint]

All very quiet so far ?

[Finners]

c'mon saintees. I hear saints are getting the better of it.

QOS 0-1 Morton

[Tarvie]

All very quiet so far ?

Have you tried listening to Radio Scotland on the BBC website? I am listening to Sportsound open mic, pretty good for Saints coverage

[Finners]

2-0 morton now!!!!!!!

[Finners]

c'mon saints we need to win our games, morton doing us a favour here

[Tarvie]

3-0 Morton

[Finners]

ok............. qos 0-3 morton allan jenkins adding to weatherson's double!

yas

[SingaporeSaint]

not even a booking ! too quiet for my liking

[ryangordon86]

having picked Queens on my coupon, i can safely say i'm £3 down! It'll be worth it for a Saints win though!

[injured saint]

saints sub
ando on mcCaffery off

[SingaporeSaint]

Caff injured ?

[ryangordon86]

Goaaaaaaal!!!!!!!

[Phil]

wooo 1-0- Hardie!!!!!!!!!!!

[ryangordon86]

Hardie I think?

[SingaporeSaint]

ooops got a booking now then.

[Tarvie]

Haaaaaaaarrrrrrrrrrddddddddddddiiiiiiiiiiiiiiieeee eeeeeeeeeee

1-0

[StDuncM]

Martin Hardie 1 - 0

[injured saint]

1-0 hardie ht

[SingaporeSaint]

great time to score, just before half time.

[saint sid]

Perfect time to score! cmon da saints 1 -0

[Phil]

half time. great time to score.

[ryangordon86]

Come on Saints, more of the same in the 2nd half!

[StDuncM]

Only Wellsy predicted Hardie to score first.

[Scobby_SJFC]

Great stuff, could be cruical goal with the scores the way they are

[St. Paddy]

Great stuff, could be cruical goal with the scores the way they are

Dunno if I want scumdee or Dunfy to win, but will a draw there do us?

[ryangordon86]

Does this mean Hardie is on his way back to being his old self? he weighed in with his fair share of crucial goals in the season before last too

[Scobby_SJFC]

I thought Hardie was much better last week to be fair, back to nearly his old self!!
a draw would be great in the dees game for us

[injured saint]

Caff injured ?

yes he got injured leg knock

the referee is shocking

[SingaporeSaint]

i would settle with a draw at EEP !

[SingaporeSaint]

yes he got injured leg knock

the referee is shocking

Anderson should be good cover at CB

[Finners]

QOS 1-3 Morton

O'Connor

[SingaporeSaint]

1 - 0 Saints. Hardie 45 min.

Thanks for the update

[Jings]

I Kent that already :):)

[kent saint]

Thanks for the update


You were quick off the mark! :laugh::laugh::laugh: Yes, tried to delete to save embarassment. Cheers :oops:

[Sainteesean]

top by 4 points atm.

[kent saint]

I Kent that already :):)


:laugh::laugh::laugh: Nice one! As long as the scores stay the same, I'll be happy to be laughing stock for the afternoon!! :D

[california_saintee]

Jody on for Swankie

[injured saint]

saints sub swankie off j morris on

[saint sid]

:laugh::laugh::laugh: Nice one! As long as the scores stay the same, I'll be happy to be laughing stock for the afternoon!! :D

I sorrta Kent---ish

[SingaporeSaint]

:laugh::laugh::laugh: Nice one! As long as the scores stay the same, I'll be happy to be laughing stock for the afternoon!! :D

Kent, I am with you on that one. Pulling away by another two points would be a good afternoon.

[Phil]

QOS 1-4 Morton :)

[Finners]

qos 1-4 ton

[kent saint]

Scum up 1 nil. Quicker, or shall I just give up on score updates?!!!

[StDuncM]

Scumdee doing us a favour 1-0!

[Finners]

*** dundee beating dunfy 1-0 at eep, curier

[Phil]

Dundee 1-0 up!

[kent saint]

Scum up 1 nil. Ton up 4 - 1 now. Quicker, or shall I just give up on score updates?!!!

[Phil]

well at least it helps us

[SingaporeSaint]

intersesting Dundee beating the Pars, good or bad ?

[ryangordon86]

wee bobby barr's got himself on the scoresheet today

[Finners]

wee bobby barr's got himself on the scoresheet today

he's scored quite a few has he not?

[SingaporeSaint]

How is everyone elses nerves, 1-0 is a small margin

[kent saint]

Scum up 1 nil. Ton up 4 - 1 now. Quicker, or shall I just give up on score updates?!!!

In my haste not to be last to post an update, have sent this twice! Leaving scores to the experts!!

Squeeky bum time now. . . . come on Saintees! Hope the fans are chipping in with a few songs!

[ryangordon86]

he has, i always thought he looked a decent wee player whenever he got a chance, thought he might've got a new deal with us but i suppose when you look at the depth in our midfield he'd not have got much of a look in

[saint sid]

intersesting Dundee beating the Pars, good or bad ?

BAD! I want them to go down!

[Sainteesean]

duh duh duh duh

JOODY MORRRRRRIS

[injured saint]

sub sammy on homer off

[ryangordon86]

Squeeky bum time now. . . . come on Saintees! Hope the fans are chipping in with a few songs!

Im listening to around the grounds and last time they stopped at McD i heard singing

[Finners]

Yaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaas

[SingaporeSaint]

sub sammy on homer off

Great sub change at this stage

[Phil]

2-0!!!!!!!!!!!

[ryangordon86]

twooooo niiiiiil!

[O'Rourke]

2n easy

[Phil]

Samuel?

what a relief

[injured saint]

2-0 sammy

[ryangordon86]

who got the goal, i was on the phone and missed it

[Finners]

Colin samuel, coolllinn samuelllll na na na na nan a

[Finners]

goal for county 2-1

[ryangordon86]

2-1 ****

[O'Rourke]

2n not so easy 2-1

[injured saint]

2-1

[SingaporeSaint]

Great sub change at this stage


Like I said......................................

[SingaporeSaint]

squeaky bum time again, gulp

[ryangordon86]

this is hard going, can we not just do things the easy way for once!

[Finners]

if dundee hold on its gonna make our trip to dens in a few weeks even more intersting because they have queens next week at home!!

[saint sid]

50p-5p

[Finners]

ft qos 1-4 morton

[scotty gordon]

come on saints hold on PLEASE

[St. Paddy]

50p-5p

wha...???

[Finners]

Full Time!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 2-1 Yaaaaaaaaaaas

[O'Rourke]

good result :)

[injured saint]

2-1 ft

[Finners]

Next weeks fixtures are going to help us surely

dundee v queens

livi v dunfermline

[california_saintee]

Long may this run continue!

[SingaporeSaint]

A big F*CKING YES from Singapore, good night my fellow saintees !

[ryangordon86]

Next weeks fixtures are going to help us surely

dundee v queens

livi v dunfermline

Only if we win!

I make us 4 points clear of livi and 5 ahead of Queens and Dunfermline? Is that right?

[saint sid]

wha...???

THINK - sphinkter size when your nervous - 50p-5p! :confused:

[scotty gordon]

Fantastic WE ARE TOP O THE LEAGUE AND WE ARE STAYING WELL DONE LADS

[saint sid]

thats ft saints result just through to sky now! why are we always 1 of the last results to come through? must like torturing us!

[Coltrane]

Great stuff!!

[StvJC2309]

I have feeling that we're gonna do it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!]]YYEEEEEEEEEEEEEEESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!!!!!!!!!!!

[101 Saint]

Today's victory was the sort of win that marks out the champions. We delivered when did not play well. Wasn't sexy, wasn't pleasant but it was three points. No standouts, no failures. Big "well done" to Mental who was really struggling today. Never once conceded a battle nor shirked a challenge. Two crucial goals from our "bad egg". This team has spine.

[St. Paddy]

THINK - sphinkter size when your nervous - 50p-5p! :confused:

I was about to get very indignant, then I remembered they brought out that silly wee 50p a while ago! Still very uncomfortable with the image tho:oops:!

[slf]

thats ft saints result just through to sky now! why are we always 1 of the last results to come through? must like torturing us!


you should try being at the match !

[slf]

Today's victory was the sort of win that marks out the champions. We delivered when did not play well. Wasn't sexy, wasn't pleasant but it was three points. No standouts, no failures. Big "well done" to Mental who was really struggling today. Never once conceded a battle nor shirked a challenge. Two crucial goals from our "bad egg". This team has spine.

i thought we played well and we got 3 points,braw.

[SingaporeSaint]

you should try being at the match !

You should try going for a pint after the game.

[saint sid]

you should try being at the match !

must admit it was worse being at game lastweek! thought they were gonna play till midnight!

[Rodgers]

we're not even half way into the season

lets calm ourselfs here

[saint sid]

You should try going for a pint after the game.

dinny encourage him! the threads would be full of drunken nonsense!

[CynicalSaintee]

Nerve-shredding, to say the least!

Far from pretty, but a win nonetheless. Caff was mince, but all players have off days. Jody looked a bit nervous when he first came on, with a few crap passes, but his long ball to Samuel was brilliant. Savo-Sammo front two next week, surely. Holmes was poor.

And also, County's goal came from a Main error, not the defence's fault. Went for a cross, flapped at thin air, headed in from 6 yards.

Samuel and Morris, as a combination, looked very promising, though!

Swankie wasn't great, either. Rusty was, as usual, rock solid. Craig was so-so, but his delivery from corners was good enough to steal a goal, and so full marks from him.

Savo ran all over the pitch, as usual, and scared the crap out of County's defenders whenever he ran at them.

Should have won 3 or 4 nil. Had two chances in the first minute that went inches wide, one of which Savo, I think, was centimetres from tapping in.

Hardie bossed everyone around, and did a good enough job. Irvine was good enough. Main was clumsy, and had a big off day. Ando almost lead to us conceding a goal.

But, by far, the ref was the worst performer. He was absolutely useless, giving free kicks for seemingly any possible reason. Missed about 10 hand-balls, one in their box, and was just clueless.

But a win's a win, and with other results going our way, this league is now ours to lose. 4 points ahead of the next team - I'll take that any day of the week! When was the last time we won 6 games in a row? 5 year ago? Let's make it 7 against Clyde!

[Mike180279]

i thought we played well and we got 3 points,braw.

I agree only thing missing was a couple more goals. Still these were the games we drew last couple of seaons.

[CynicalSaintee]

Being able to win against County, given how we usually slumped to a draw in similar circumstances when complacency got to us, is certainly a good omen. :p

[The ghost of Jim Morton]

A great 3 points. Not our best performance by a long way with plenty passes going astray. To be fair though County were pretty poor , although they did have a few chances including a glorious one in the first half which should have resulted in a goal but the boy bottled it and screwed it wide.Main also made 1 great save when he stood up well after their boy had worked the ball along the bye-line.Back to saintees though and we should have been 2 up in the first 5 minutes. Hardie had a couple of great chances but failed to find the back of the onion bag.Saints then went a wee bit flat but Ross County never looked over like taking advantage.Caff went of and was replace by Ando( surely an injury).Then just as the half-time whistle was approaching and it looked like we'd go in all square , hardie rose well at the back post after a corner which was won by the persistence of Sheerinio.

Second half we were again misplacing passes and for me Millar had one of his worst games( He has been so good every time though so even though I thought it was his worst, he was still pretty good).We created a few good chances in the second half and really should have put the game to bed , but a combination of good goalkeeping from Soapy Soutar, bad finishing and bad luck meant we went into the last 15 minutes with the slenderest of leads.
Swankie was replaced by Jody to great applause.Morris first contribution was to fire a cross field pass to no one in particular which went straight out. With a few run outs behind him though I think he will be pivotal if we are to secure promotion.Sammy then replaced Sherlock who had started of wonderfully well, winning everything in the air again, but faded after the break.Millar then had a easy chance to open his account for Saints and make the game safe, but from close in 1 on 1 with Soutar he shot straight at him.
Much to the Saints fans delight ( and a little relief) the second came when Sammy rose to head home a good cross from the left. Game over, don't you believe it.Saints did what Saints do sometimes. They shut off for a few seconds and allowed County back into the game with a headed goal out of nothing much. County then went down to 10 men when an injury forced out their number 10.They had, by this point used all 3 subs.The last few minures were torturous but the players did the right thing , got the ball into the corner and ran down the clock.
As someone has already stated, teams that win the league are teams that can play below par and still come away with the win.Saints were that type of team today.I'm very pleased with the points today. Well done Saints. Great grit and determination ...A few other things of note. Hardie picked up another booking and I believe that rules him out of the Dundee game on the 29th.

The referee, Mr.McDonald was ****ing awful ( for both sides).He gave fouls when there were none and missed some blatant fouls. Every week I think the ref must be better than the last, and every week they prove me wrong.

And it was good to see on the scoreboard that at half time that Airdrie were drawing 0-0 with STOKE...
Great to see other results go our way as well..........
So 4 points clear, two weeks at the top and no chance of being knocked off top spot next week whatever happens..Onwards and upwards...

Come on you Saints....

[Mr_Plow]

Nerve-shredding, to say the least!

Far from pretty, but a win nonetheless. Caff was mince, but all players have off days. Jody looked a bit nervous when he first came on, with a few crap passes, but his long ball to Samuel was brilliant. Savo-Sammo front two next week, surely. Holmes was poor.

And also, County's goal came from a Main error, not the defence's fault. Went for a cross, flapped at thin air, headed in from 6 yards.

Samuel and Morris, as a combination, looked very promising, though!

Swankie wasn't great, either. Rusty was, as usual, rock solid. Craig was so-so, but his delivery from corners was good enough to steal a goal, and so full marks from him.

Savo ran all over the pitch, as usual, and scared the crap out of County's defenders whenever he ran at them.

Should have won 3 or 4 nil. Had two chances in the first minute that went inches wide, one of which Savo, I think, was centimetres from tapping in.

Hardie bossed everyone around, and did a good enough job. Irvine was good enough. Main was clumsy, and had a big off day. Ando almost lead to us conceding a goal.

But, by far, the ref was the worst performer. He was absolutely useless, giving free kicks for seemingly any possible reason. Missed about 10 hand-balls, one in their box, and was just clueless.

But a win's a win, and with other results going our way, this league is now ours to lose. 4 points ahead of the next team - I'll take that any day of the week! When was the last time we won 6 games in a row? 5 year ago? Let's make it 7 against Clyde!

I think your appraisal of Main was a bit harsh IMHO, he didn't have much to do and, fair enough, he didn't do too well for their goal, but it was a free header.

I thought Holmes was ok but wasn't getting much change from their defenders.

However, I have to agree with you on the ref - absolutely useless. There was at least 2 or 3 handballs by Ross County that he let them get away with.

[CynicalSaintee]

The scoreboard's been a bit temperamental, recently. I remember at the Airdrie game, come full time, it was showing 1-0 Airdrie!

[CynicalSaintee]

I think your appraisal of Main was a bit harsh IMHO, he didn't have much to do and, fair enough, he didn't do too well for their goal, but it was a free header.

I thought Holmes was ok but wasn't getting much change from their defenders.

However, I have to agree with you on the ref - absolutely useless. There was at least 2 or 3 handballs by Ross County that he let them get away with.

He had moments that showed how good he can be, but over the 75 minutes-odd he was on the pitch, he was well below form.

Sheerin was anonymous, too, apart from a couple of nice-attempts which went straight to County players. He was too slow for some encounters, too.

[Alan Main FanClub]

Wasn't pretty, but it's three points. Thought Millar was superb today, again. Sheerin may not have pace, but some of his long passes and touches were superb. Hardie I still am not convinced, but as long as he keeps scoring I'll be happy to see him start. Swankie was okay, didn't do anything wrong but didn't create much either. Morris I thought was quite poor tbh, but it's his first game since pre-season, so I'll put it down to nerves and lack of match practice, and at times he showed that he has a bit of magic about him. Was extremely disappointed with Del's decision to drop Moon though, my source that told me the 16 before the game said that he thought that Del saw Moon as the easy option to drop, and therefore did it. I think maybe it was to do with being more offensive at home, but still would of liked to see him in the 16.

Savo was good again, ran himself into the ground. Holmes was okay, again was immense in the air, but with the ball at his feet he's sometimes clumsy. Samuel was electric again when he came on.

Rutkiewicz was superb again, and Caff was only poor I think because he was struggling with his back. Ando was decent, Irvine was solid and Craig looked good going forward at left-back. And my "Main" man was solid too.

All in all.... satisfied :p

[mainstand]

Nerve-shredding, to say the least!

Far from pretty, but a win nonetheless. Caff was mince, but all players have off days. Jody looked a bit nervous when he first came on, with a few crap passes, but his long ball to Samuel was brilliant. Savo-Sammo front two next week, surely. Holmes was poor.
!

Caff went off injured after just over 30 mins, Samuels was only on for 10! Thought Holmes did well getting some good knock ons.

[+Super Trooper+]

Holmes was poor.



Totally Disagree. Worked hard and won everything in the air - excellent target man.

[CynicalSaintee]

Caff went off injured after just over 30 mins, Samuels was only on for 10! Thought Holmes did well getting some good knock ons.

Could have mistaken him for someone else? :?

To be fair, if he was injured it's no surprise he was struggling; and also I suppose, depending on the severity of the knock he got, I'm being a tad harsh on Main.

:-|

[a monkey]

When was the last time we won 6 games in a row?

the last time we won the league according to the beeb.

it's an omen!

[CynicalSaintee]

Rutkiewicz was superb again, and Caff was only poor I think because he was struggling with his back. Ando was decent, Irvine was solid and Craig looked good going forward at left-back. And my "Main" man was solid too.

All in all.... satisfied :p

Mostly agree, but you clearly mustn't have seen County's goal.

Major "d'oh!" moment on his part.

No goalie is perfect, though, I guess.

[Watty]

83 away fans today, and thats them on a decent run and us being their closest away game, take it them being down here again next week for the Alba Challenge Cup Final mightv'e affected their travelling support today, worst away support for ages though!!

[saintj]

apart from the first 15 minutes we were poor imo, far too many misplaced passes and reverted to a long punt far to often, there was a lack of movement today and we never closed their players down quick enough. as for main all he had to do was make a couple saves and kick it up the park, he didnt have much to do over the game so how he can be well below par for 75 minutes is beyond me. apart from that 3 points is 3 points as they say, regardless of how we played

[Scobby_SJFC]

83 away fans today, and thats them on a decent run and us being their closest away game, take it them being down here again next week for the Alba Challenge Cup Final mightv'e affected their travelling support today, worst away support for ages though!!

Isnt Dundee closer?

[CynicalSaintee]

apart from the first 15 minutes we were poor imo, far too many misplaced passes and reverted to a long punt far to often, there was a lack of movement today and we never closed their players down quick enough. as for main all he had to do was make a couple saves and kick it up the park, he didnt have much to do over the game so how he can be well below par for 75 minutes is beyond me. apart from that 3 points is 3 points as they say, regardless of how we played

I agree about long balls. They just seemed to give up on the deck, and punt it up to Soapy Souter. That said, he made some pretty Sterling saves.

[saintj]

in our past few games most of the long balls have resulted in something positive but today they seemed to be aimless at times

[saintj]

so much for the dreaded "curse of november" the super saints are on the march

[Watty]

Isnt Dundee closer?

Maybe as the crow flies but by road their quickest way to Dundee is down the A9 to Perth then along to Dundee, correct me if i'm wrong anyone.

[Mike180279]

83 away fans today, and thats them on a decent run and us being their closest away game, take it them being down here again next week for the Alba Challenge Cup Final mightv'e affected their travelling support today, worst away support for ages though!!

I had a nosey at their website today to read that they had four buses all full up - yes, it was actually talking about next week.

[CynicalSaintee]

in our past few games most of the long balls have resulted in something positive but today they seemed to be aimless at times

Usually people found a way to be on the end of Sherlock's knockdowns - Savo, mostly. Not today, though. Maybe people are beginning to twig, and it's time to change the front two for a game or two to catch people off guard. As I've always said, Samuel's a firecracker with tonnes of tricks up his sleeves. the passes he's come up with in the last couple of games have scythed open defenses. Him and Sherlock or Savo up front would be brilliant. The goals from them (Holmes/Milne) seemed to have dried up.

[Broon]

It was nice to see Saints able to compete physically today. County were never going to come here and try and play footie. They wanted to bully us and grind out a draw or a sneaky win. Guys like Hardie, Swankie, Miller, Morris, Craig etc made sure that didn't happen. Holmes was getting thumped up and down the park but stuck at it. No Saints side in the last 4/5 years would have won that game today - we finally look like we can grind out physical wins.

[Mike180279]

Anybody catch the official attendance? seemed more saints than usual. Bit more noise too.

[101 Saint]

Can't believe that four individal players have been selected for trial by WAP when we're top of the league and on a terrific unbeaten run! What are people's expectations? We can't expect to play well in every game but on the basis of recent showings we can expect a league title. Get a grip folks.

Main - maybe one error
Millar - best player over the season, off -form today yet still showed flashes of brilliance
Caff - Hardly a disaster. Poor sod's on crutches.
Holmes - It's a partnership thing. He compliments Savo. How many times was he fouled/hurt?

Can't we stick to slagging the officials rather than our own boys. Hat's off the wifie behind me who described the ref as an abbreviated C U Next Tuesday:laugh:

[CynicalSaintee]

I agree, even Morris looked up for a fight. Anyone see the move he did where he seemed to roll over the County player's back? :laugh: Almost got the ball with it, too. For a tiny guy, he's tenacious and some!

Doubt he'll start next week, though, even though we're playing Clyde. we'll need strength and might, not craftiness and speed. I expect Sammy will start, though, and Moon might have an outside chance of a start as well. Wonder if Holmes/Samuel would work?

Me and the father were sat next to a nice old lady who was as vocal as the big lads heckling the ref, and who was as enthusiastic as any. She was obviously a Saintee veteran :laugh:

[THE REBEL SAINT]

Anybody catch the official attendance? seemed more saints than usual. Bit more noise too.

2714 i think:)

[saintj]

teams probably are beginning to twig, i hope sammy gets more time on the pitch soon as his ability with the ball at his feet is second to none, when he came on against dunfy he had really good runs and really took the pressure of our defense.

i thought there was a bigger amount of saints fans today and they were certainly more vocal in the corner

[CynicalSaintee]

There were definitely more, and there was more noise from the far end, too. It's a self-fulfilling cycle - team does well, fans sing and cheer, team spurred on, team plays well, team wins, more fans come, fans cheer them on more etc.

[saintj]

Can't believe that four individal players have been selected for trial by WAP when we're top of the league and on a terrific unbeaten run! What are people's expectations? We can't expect to play well in every game but on the basis of recent showings we can expect a league title. Get a grip folks.

Main - maybe one error
Millar - best player over the season, off -form today yet still showed flashes of brilliance
Caff - Hardly a disaster. Poor sod's on crutches.
Holmes - It's a partnership thing. He compliments Savo. How many times was he fouled/hurt?

Tuesday:laugh:
i dont expect us to play well in every single game, however i do expect us to be able to pass the ball alot better than we did today. i didnt think main was at fault for the goal if that was his possibel error, the defense stood still imo and as for holmes he didnt get the service today, him and savo have been an excellent partneship this season

[Mike180279]

teams probably are beginning to twig, i hope sammy gets more time on the pitch soon as his ability with the ball at his feet is second to none, when he came on against dunfy he had really good runs and really took the pressure of our defense.

i thought there was a bigger amount of saints fans today and they were certainly more vocal in the corner


I think Sammy/Savo is probably the two del will go with. Just not willing to change a winning partnership. Its great to have options, cant remember it being this good. I remember when we had Paul Wright, Billy Doods and Ian Ferguson and thought that was amazing......

[Southpaw]

Can't believe that four individal players have been selected for trial by WAP when we're top of the league and on a terrific unbeaten run! What are people's expectations? We can't expect to play well in every game but on the basis of recent showings we can expect a league title. Get a grip folks.

Can't we stick to slagging the officials rather than our own boys. Hat's off the wifie behind me who described the ref as an abbreviated C U Next Tuesday:laugh:

Quality "pot/kettle" quote from someone who was unbelievably negative at the start of the season.

Not the best performance over the past 5/6 weeks but it gets the job done. Previous seasons have seen us draw these games and suffer the consequences. Today, we've turned a draw performance into a win....exactly what was needed.

Well played boys, not specifically for today, but for the last 6 weeks.

[MUZZ]

jody morris is loveable wee radge isnt he :)

[CynicalSaintee]

I think Sammy/Savo is probably the two del will go with. Just not willing to change a winning partnership. Its great to have options, cant remember it being this good. I remember when we had Paul Wright, Billy Doods and Ian Ferguson and thought that was amazing......

I think Sammo/Savo would tear most defenses, even some in the SPL, to bits.

jody morris is loveable wee radge isnt he :)

I'd heard he was small, but christ, he's tiny! He does make up for it with tenacity, though, and a couple of his touches and passes, once he got into the game, were class.

[Mike180279]

I'd heard he was small, but christ, he's tiny! He does make up for it with tenacity, though, and a couple of his touches and passes, once he got into the game, were class.

You can see what he is trying to do the minute he comes on the pitch his thought process is two steps ahead of the other team members. You see all the players looking for him to set things up (cant decide if this is good or bad)

even Millar who has been one of the main distributors all season long slipped the ball to Jody when he was unmarked.

[saintj]

the team should look for these passes instead of a long ball, better being patient in attack playing keep ball than giving it away

[CynicalSaintee]

To be fair on County, they pressured us well and some of the time we just had no choice. But they shouldn't have let themselves be pushed back to the extent that they did.

[Dr Christmas Jones]

And it was good to see on the scoreboard that at half time that Airdrie were drawing 0-0 with STOKE...
Muzz were you working the scoreboard today

[Carse of Gowrie Saint]

I was very pleased with the performance today. An important 3 points, we battled well and deserved the victory.

In the first half we struggled against their 5 man midfield. Swankie is a luxury we can't afford if he is not performing. I think Moon in the middle gives us a bit more drive and his main asset is that he is a box to box midfielder which is rare in the game today.

Craig and Sheerin on the left hand side are a class act going forward although against better opposition Craig might struggle at left back. Hardie came onto a game although he still looks off the pace at times. Millar has been a great signing and Irvine looks solid at right back.

Interesting to read that some doubt Holmes contribution, I think he's doing a great job for us up front.

The champagne is on ice !

[Saline Saint]

Muzz were you working the scoreboard today

At the opposite corner of the ground from the score board(between the Ormond/Main stand) is a solitary flag pole,who was opperating it as the large Saints flag on it was upside down today,well done somebody.Bit of a reflection on the first half that I noticed it.

[CynicalSaintee]

Yeah, I noticed the flag too. :laugh:

Maybe that's what's been our problem in previous seasons - the flag's been the wrong way up! :D

[templeofsaints]

Good win - County were well organised and played the physical game to frustrate us as much as possible. Two good goals but we should have had more and a bit of bad defending for theres.

But sod it four points clear is good enough for me tonight :D

[ancientsaint]

Excellent win against the Staggies and the assistants/referee who had absolute shockers and only prove that Specsavers aint the correct option....maybe they should get laser surgery.......shocking decisions all through the game......County got away with their physical play, yet when Saints played them at their own game-they mumped and moaned to a ref who listened.

[Broon]

Swankie isn't a luxury we can't afford. He's a class act when he has the ball at his feet. However, if the ball is being punted past him he isn't going to be as big a threat. He was still one of our best players today.

[101 Saint]

Swankie isn't a luxury we can't afford. He's a class act when he has the ball at his feet. However, if the ball is being punted past him he isn't going to be as big a threat. He was still one of our best players today.

Aye, spot on. All this rubbish about him being "a big game player" and a "scaredy-cat" is far from the truth. Be great to cheer him scoring at Dens to a chorus of "Swankie is a Saintee..."

[The ghost of Jim Morton]

Excellent win against the Staggies and the assistants/referee who had absolute shockers and only prove that Specsavers aint the correct option....maybe they should get laser surgery.......shocking decisions all through the game......County got away with their physical play, yet when Saints played them at their own game-they mumped and moaned to a ref who listened.

Should have gone to Specsavers...NAH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Should have gone to guide dogs for the blind:laugh:

[Carse of Gowrie Saint]

Although I have been slightly critical of Swankie I think he will prove to be an excellent signing for us.

However, yesterday we were against a stuffy 5 man midfield which is a tactic a lot of teams will use against us at McDiarmid Park. Hardie and Miller struggled at times against the three in the middle and the wide players have to tuck in to help out. Although Sheerin does this well, Swankie tends to stay out wide leaving us outnumbered in the middle of the park.

Obviously we want to utilise Swankie's ability therefore at times we have to make sure we push one of the full backs on to help out in the midfield rather than sitting with a flat back four.

[Cagey]

I actually thought that was his biggest problem yesterday as he spent most of his time in the centre circle leaving the wide open spaces on the right & no one there to recieve a pass.


What was that ref like . does he think use of the hand is permitted in football.

Why no minutes silence for Rememberence or Paddy Buckley ?>

[slf]

Why no minutes silence for Rememberence or Paddy Buckley ?>


i am with you on both totally agree

[saintj]

swankie came into the centre alot, i was impressed when he lost the ball he would track back and on 1 occasion made a damn good tackle to win the ball back, i thought sheerin had a not so good performance going by his standards

[Jimmy Wallace]

Sorry folks, I've not read the rest of the thread and this may have been mentioned already, but why the **** was the St Johnstone flag at the edge of the Ormond Stand inside the ground flown upside down? There is no excuse for this. It's shoddy in the extreme. How the hell when you put a flag up can you not notice it's upside down.:x

[Jimmy Wallace]

I've just read through the thread and the flag cock-up has been noticed by others. My point stands though, how on earth could whoever put it up not have noticed? **** sake.

Not a great game on Sarturday but the players worked really hard and deserved the win. I thought Morris looked excellent when he came on. I like the way he tries to move the ball quickly and looks for passes that are a bit out of the ordinary. Definitely adds something extra to the team.

[monkfish]

Not a great game on Sarturday but the players worked really hard and deserved the win. I thought Morris looked excellent when he came on. I like the way he tries to move the ball quickly and looks for passes that are a bit out of the ordinary. Definitely adds something extra to the team.

If by out the ordinary you mean straight out of the park with his first touch then you're right :D Just kidding, I thought he did some encouraging stuff, nice little give and go with Irvine up next to the cornerflag. When he's match sharp I think he'll be very handy.

[CynicalSaintee]

I still don't see why Sammy didn't get on earlier. Each time he's came on as a sub he's instantly run past the defense and come up with a defense-destroying pass. Did it twice at Dunfy, did it at McD's and then scored himself, before almost setting up another. He needs to start next game with Homer, with Savo coming from the bench if it isn't working, or maybe getting a rest. He's no spring chicken, and it'll give Peaso a shout.

[saintj]

I still don't see why Sammy didn't get on earlier. Each time he's came on as a sub he's instantly run past the defense and come up with a defense-destroying pass. Did it twice at Dunfy, did it at McD's and then scored himself, before almost setting up another. He needs to start next game with Homer, with Savo coming from the bench if it isn't working, or maybe getting a rest. He's no spring chicken, and it'll give Peaso a shout.

totally agree with sammy starting, he has the ability to rip players defenses apart on his own

[garydavidson]

It's interesting to see the press in general say it was an easy win for us yesterday that should have been more comfortable. I wonder if it's just the expectations that made us a bit disappointed with the performance? My own view is that we took the easy option too often after failing to breakthrough in the opening 20 minutes, which is a shame as we showed in that period how good a side we can be.

I think that is because county were full pelt but I always thought we never hit the heights that we can. We secured the three points but could have done so with a few more goals. We had three great chances with 15 minutes gone.

County had pressure and spread the ball around very very well but only had one or two shots on goal.