#21 - 20/12/08 - Airdrie United (a)

[The ghost of Jim Morton]

So to Airdrie, and yet another tough away day for saints. My feeling about this one is that unless we can play much better as a unit and get our passing game going we could find ourselves on the losing side this Saturday. In the last 4 games we have been a wee bit fortunate to collect the points we have, as our general play has been at best average and at worst poor.This is of course the sign of a good team, the ability to collect points without playing anywhere near their full potential.This can work for a while but we must up our game especially in the midfield. Defensively we are getting stronger and stronger with each match but the midfield seems to be going flat.This is a surprise, as we have what at least I would consider to be the best available midfielders in the league.This may be part of the problem of course. Too many to choose from.The manager has tried one or two ideas which frankly have not worked so well and I think the time has come to get the best four in and let them have a good run. We lack creativity at times and this has been shown more so in the last two weeks where we failed to make enough clear cut chances.Too many lofted high balls to no one in particular and certainly not enough zip. If we can up the pace and the quality of our delivery and final ball we will collect the full 3 points if not I fear a draw will be the best we can achieve.

This is what I'd like to see (although it's pretty unlikely)....


Main



Irvine, Rusty, Caff, Anderson.



Swankie, Millar, Morris, Craig



Holmes ,Samuel.


Subs. Baldy guy, Sheerin, McDonald, Savo, Moon.....

More likely of course Craig will remain at LB, Ando will be on the bench, Swankie will be nowhere...etc.


There are big decisions to be made.........................
That though, is why Dels the boss and I trust him to do what is correct for the team....

Hopefully we can take a good support down there and all get right behind the guys....

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

[Scobby_SJFC]

Massive game this one, as its a must win if we are too be serious about promotion!!!
been a bad venue for us down the years ....

Baxters fluke to keep us in the cup
Their first game in divison one with jerome verailse (Sp?) and Coyle scoring I think under JC
and get pumped on Jase's debut when he scored

bad times we need 3 points, cmon the Saints!!!

[lethamsaintee]

Always a game we make harder for ourselves than we really need to. Make no mistake though, this Airdrie side are rank rotten and probably, nay, definately shouldnt even be in this division. I still fancy us to get the points, but it will be a hard fought and grim game.

[Scobby_SJFC]

I didnt think Airdrie were that bad at McD, one of the few sides who come and try to play football (until they scored and started timewasting) but they can play some decent stuff, I find it hard to believe they are 5 adrift when they can play some good stuff

[ancientsaint]

So to Airdrie, and yet another tough away day for saints. My feeling about this one is that unless we can play much better as a unit and get our passing game going we could find ourselves on the losing side this Saturday. In the last 4 games we have been a wee bit fortunate to collect the points we have, as our general play has been at best average and at worst poor.This is of course the sign of a good team, the ability to collect points without playing anywhere near their full potential.This can work for a while but we must up our game especially in the midfield. Defensively we are getting stronger and stronger with each match but the midfield seems to be going flat.This is a surprise, as we have what at least I would consider to be the best available midfielders in the league.This may be part of the problem of course. Too many to choose from.The manager has tried one or two ideas which frankly have not worked so well and I think the time has come to get the best four in and let them have a good run. We lack creativity at times and this has been shown more so in the last two weeks where we failed to make enough clear cut chances.Too many lofted high balls to no one in particular and certainly not enough zip. If we can up the pace and the quality of our delivery and final ball we will collect the full 3 points if not I fear a draw will be the best we can achieve.

This is what I'd like to see (although it's pretty unlikely)....


Main



Irvine, Rusty, Caff, Anderson.



Swankie, Millar, Morris, Craig



Holmes ,Samuel.


Subs. Baldy guy, Sheerin, McDonald, Savo, Moon.....

More likely of course Craig will remain at LB, Ando will be on the bench, Swankie will be nowhere...etc.


There are big decisions to be made.........................
That though, is why Dels the boss and I trust him to do what is correct for the team....

Hopefully we can take a good support down there and all get right behind the guys....

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

Dont see Del sticking Swankie straight into the team.....I believe that he will stick with the same starting eleven that began against Morton in the belief that the players will get their act together -because someone is due a humping from us soon !

[Brian Potter]

Top versus bottom, but league positions count for little in this crazy division!

Would like to see the following line up:

Main

Irvine Ruti Caff Ando


Miller Moon Sheerin Craig

Holmes Milne

Subs: Hilly, Swankie, Morris, Samuel, Jacko,

Hardie rested.

[MUZZ]

i have a nasty feeling we will lose this game sadly. hope i'm wrong.

[Carse of Gowrie Saint]

Main
Irvine Caff Ruti Craig
Swankie Morris Moon Sheerin
Samuel Peaso

Subs Hilly, Hardie, Holmes, Anderson, Milne

[O'Rourke]

Has to be said that this is Hardie's type of game.

I'd play him from the start.

[saintj]

main
irvine caff rusty craig
swanks millar morris sheerin
peaso sammy

hilly, homer, moon, ando, savo

i want a hard working performance especially up front and in midfield, we have to move off the ball if we're to have any creativety from morris

swankie and sammy to take their man on, irvine to make runs beyond his man

i think movement off the ball is very important if we are to win this match, if it is like against morton we will struggle badly again, if we do not move off the ball then we will be punting it long again

p.s. i am not promoting a certain radio show :)

[THE LARK SAINT]

I Fear for our un deafeted run ,unless we play out of our skins, fight for every ball, and get it right up clydebank,!!!!! not a happy hunting ground ever, Unfortunately i will miss this one, as i have a christmas community event to assist in, ah well!!!just for the record i would go:
main
irvine rusty caff craig
mcdonald morris moon samuel
holmes milne

subs millar,hardie,sheerin,anderson gk .... highly unlikley though, still thats why del's the manager and im away to my bed to get up at six to work in a leisure centre.

[Noose76]

I've also got a bad feeling about this game, but I think ghost has it about right on the starting 11 except for swapping Peaso for that donkey, Samuel.

We were lost without the aerial presence of Holmes on Saturday, so to leave him out again would be suicidal IMO

[Mike180279]

Main
Irvine, Caff, Ruti, Ando
Swankie, MMM, Morris, Craig
Holmer, Sammmy

Moving Craig into his natural position will give us much more width along with the addition of swankie. This would see more options for Morris.

Unlikely he will go with this, more probable the same starting 11 as against Morton...

[Pants n Socks]

Main

Irvine Rusty Caff Liam

Sammy Morris Hardie Sheerin

Homer Savo

Sub - Hillcoat, Peaso, Swankie, Millar, Ando

[soulfulsaint]

i have a nasty feeling we will lose this game sadly. hope i'm wrong.

Your wrong - a narrow away victory for the forces of good. Saints will play a possesion game with Jody Morris controlling the deep midfield, Craig at left full back, Swankie on bench. 1-0 win goal by Sheerin in 63rd minute, bending shot in off the right post. Tell Noose he's talking nonsense, not pretty but 3 points in bag. C'mon dos Santos.

[ancientsaint]

Your wrong - a narrow away victory for the forces of good. Saints will play a possesion game with Jody Morris controlling the deep midfield, Craig at left full back, Swankie on bench. 1-0 win goal by Sheerin in 63rd minute, bending shot in off the right post. Tell Noose he's talking nonsense, not pretty but 3 points in bag. C'mon dos Santos.


Is Sheerin your love child !!!!!:laugh:

[Noose76]

Airdrie away has been extremely fruitless for us over the last few seasons and although I think it'll be tricky, we should still nick it.

I said to my missus that I'd take her to this match and am now thinking it's a bad idea. Might give it a rain check and do some "shopping".

[soulfulsaint]

Is Sheerin your love child !!!!!:laugh:

Alas not

[Broon]

I said to my missus that I'd take her to this match and am now thinking it's a bad idea. Might give it a rain check and do some "shopping".

I'm meant to be out for dinner on Sat night, 6pm start in Glasgow . I would normally go to this game, but our last 3/4 games at Airdrie have been terrible so it's putting me off. I can just see it, go to the game, get beat off bottom of the league, 45 minutes late for dinner, wife goes nuts at me and it ruins my night.

Alternatively, I go to the game all dressed up and we are 5-0 up so I can sneak away in the last minute, get out the stadium for 4:45, home for 5:10 then on the 5:30 train and bingo - on time for dinner. Wife's happy, I'm happy, Saints are 8 clear and Chirstmas is a belter!

That's why you've go to love football - anything can happen. I'll be there.

[ancientsaint]

Airdrie away has been extremely fruitless for us over the last few seasons and although I think it'll be tricky, we should still nick it.

I said to my missus that I'd take her to this match and am now thinking it's a bad idea. Might give it a rain check and do some "shopping".



you ll always get a "bargain" in Airdrie - but check the contents of the box before you head home :neutral:

Noose+ missus +might not go = under the thumb (at such a young age too !!)

Shame on you young lad.

[Noose76]

you ll always get a "bargain" in Airdrie - but check the contents of the box before you head home :neutral:

Noose+ missus +might not go = under the thumb (at such a young age too !!)

Shame on you young lad.

I'm not going to bite at that, but good effort. :D

[Mike180279]

I am not to make the game. The wife has 'encouraged' me to take her and the kids to M&D to see santa!

I even contemplated a detour on the way back but it will mean leaving really early in the morning and my son missing his football. I will just need to get someone to send me text updates.....

[ancientsaint]

I am not to make the game. The wife has 'encouraged' me to take her and the kids to M&D to see santa!

I even contemplated a detour on the way back but it will mean leaving really early in the morning and my son missing his football. I will just need to get someone to send me text updates.....


Mibbee Noose could help you out...he's not going to the game but is going shopping anyway......Mibbee he 'l take your wife as well and thereby allowing another Saintee to be at Airdrie....SORTED

[Aitchy]

If we have any aspirations of winning this league we have to beat Airdrie, they are bottom of the league, we are top. We are 12 games undefeated, they are not. We should go into this game with confidence. Im not buying into this nonsense about it being an unhappy hunting ground for us, it shouldnt matter.

My line up:

Main

Ando, Ruti, Caff, Craig

Millar, MMM, Jody, Sheerinho,

Peaso, Savo

3-0 to us.

P.S. Noose get to the game, none of this "shopping with the missus" excuse! You are beginning to worry me, one week you are refusing a pint, then next you are missing the football to go shopping!

[Radford 72]

Problem on Saturday was a lack of width in midfield but that maybe won't be as much of a problem at New Broomfield if Airdrie set out with a 4-4-2 in an attempt to win the game. I probably wouldn't stray too much from Saturday's midfield but would have Swankie on the bench at the expense of one of the strikers. Problem is that Savo, Samuel and Holmes are established but Peaso has done well in his last couple of outings.

Defence picks itself. Five clean sheets in the six games where they've played the full 90 minutes together.

[templeofsaints]

Problem on Saturday was a lack of width in midfield but that maybe won't be as much of a problem at New Broomfield if Airdrie set out with a 4-4-2 in an attempt to win the game. I probably wouldn't stray too much from Saturday's midfield but would have Swankie on the bench at the expense of one of the strikers. Problem is that Savo, Samuel and Holmes are established but Peaso has done well in his last couple of outings.

Defence picks itself. Five clean sheets in the six games where they've played the full 90 minutes together.

It also depends on the pitch ISTR the playing surface was never that great and if we get any rain this week the game might turn into a midfield slog.

[101 Saint]

I'd love to seebig Homer and Peaso up top for this one. This'll be a dog fight.

[Mike180279]

I'd love to seebig Homer and Peaso up top for this one. This'll be a dog fight.Yeah I see the logic in maybe starting peaso. He not been involved and would run his heart out I guess to get back into the starting line up

[saintee4life]

i agree wi ghosts team,or perhaps mooner for millar,although dont think ghost will agree on that bit

[Bruno Strasser]

Think we could come unstuck on this one - they will battle for everything, and everyone of our players will need to raise their game to take anything from this one.

[R.B.B:- Adz]

I'll go for:

Main

Caff Dinky Ando

Irvine Millar Morris Sheerin Craig

Savo Sammy



................ i wish

[Steve Maskrey]

Problem on Saturday was a lack of width in midfield but that maybe won't be as much of a problem at New Broomfield if Airdrie set out with a 4-4-2 in an attempt to win the game.

Don't think the problem was as much a lack of width in midfield on Saturday, more that Morton played 5 across the middle to cut out our wide play.

I agree that Airdrie will play 4-4-2. They're unlikely to play defensive at home so there's always a chance if we can win the ball in midfield and keep possession

[macmerrysaint]

I'm thinking a 3-5-2 as well but as follows:

Main

Caff Dinky Ando

Morris
Swankie MMM Mooner Sheerin

Sammy Homer

with Millar, Savo, Peaso, Craig and Irvine on the bench.
I know the defence are solid at the moment but I feel it we need to dominate the midfield a bit more. We have some class in the middle of the park it's about time they got the chance to show off.

[Only Here 2 Drink Ur Beer]

would love to see peaso given his chance at the weekend. strikers haven't quite been doing it in the last few games and can see mcdonald really taking his opportunity and grabbing a winner for us in what is going to be a slog. will put a lot of pressure on him but as it has been said he is experienced and i think he can handle it.

would like to see liam craig starting on the left, sammy on the right. have a bit of an experiment and go at them hard. Morris to play holding and let MMM make some forward runs. Irvine and Ando would be able to handle anything they can throw at us down the wings and really let sammy and craig fly at them. last few games have seen us look a little flat and think its time for a bit of change.

Line up to be

Main
Irvine Rusty Caff Ando
Sammy Morris MMM Craig
Peaso Savo

[Calypso Kid]

Don't think the problem was as much a lack of width in midfield on Saturday, more that Morton played 5 across the middle to cut out our wide play.

I agree that Airdrie will play 4-4-2. They're unlikely to play defensive at home so there's always a chance if we can win the ball in midfield and keep possession

It was a combination of both. The only times we looked dangerous in th efirst half was when Jody picked out a switch and stretched them. They were excellent as a unit as were Queens the week before. I though it was screaming out for Swankie. When Samuel went wide we then got some full backs turned and had them running facing their own goal which didn't happen in the 1st.

[101 Saint]

It was a combination of both. The only times we looked dangerous in th efirst half was when Jody picked out a switch and stretched them. They were excellent as a unit as were Queens the week before. I though it was screaming out for Swankie. When Samuel went wide we then got some full backs turned and had them running facing their own goal which didn't happen in the 1st.

The amount of opportunities to switch and stretch on Saturday was incredible. JoMo, Hards and Peanut were all guiltyof not looking up on Saturday. Sammy was often in 10-15 yards of space and no attempt was made to switch flanks and get him running.

[Calypso Kid]

The amount of opportunities to switch and stretch on Saturday was incredible. JoMo, Hards and Peanut were all guiltyof not looking up on Saturday. Sammy was often in 10-15 yards of space and no attempt was made to switch flanks and get him running.

That didn't just happen though. McInnes identified the problem and used what he could (putting Sammy wide) to solve it. It didn't win the match for us but it gave them something to think about.

[dan the saint]

i want 2 go to this but cant aford it after i buy my new tv.

[Sainteesean]

i want 2 go to this but cant aford it after i buy my new tv.

dont buy the tv then :P

unless your making a plan to stay away for the rangers game too and want a good view of us beating the scum :mrgreen:

[dan the saint]

no my mum is giving my the money for the rangers game.

i have had a season ticket for 10 years now

[SingaporeSaint]

Main
Irvine, Caff, Ruti, Anderson
Millar, Hardie, Morris, Craig
Holmes, Savo

Subs GK, Swankie, MacDonald, Sheerin, Samuel

[Radford 72]

Hardie is a doubt for this according to the radio this morning. Twisted his ankle (in I assume the challenge with Finlayson) on Saturday.

I take Steve's earlier point about our lack of width being down to Morton's midfield but I think if Swankie had been in there, we'd have more of an option to get in behind them. As it was, with Sheerin and Millar facing a flat back four and then a midfield five, that was never going to happen. Not going to criticise Del though as I'd touted the same midfield he started with.

[thewhorule2002]

Team I would go for would be:

Main
Irvine Rusty Caff Ando
Swankie Millar Morris Craig
Milne Sammy

So no place for hardie or sheerin in midfield but I feel with Swankie and Craig we will have width and millar will be far more creative in the middle of the park. Hardie has been off the boil recently and a rest may do him good. Savo and Sammy need another shot together as sammy looked dangerous in spurts on Saturday and Milne is a workhorse.

[St Mikey]

I'll take another ugly 1-0 us. Providing we score earlier this time.

Keep Savo and Sammy up top, they need to understand each other more if they want to play in the same starting XI.

Drop Hardie for Swankie, put Millar in middle next to Jody and Swankie out right. Keep Craig at LB and Sheerin Left mid.

[Alan Main FanClub]

Main
Craig Irvine Rutkiewicz Anderson
Millar Moon Morris Sheerin
Milne Holmes

GK, DF (McKoy or youngster?), Swankie, Peaso and Samuel.

[monkfish]

I'd like to see Morriss and Millar/Moon in central mid. I know it would be a bit lightweight, but I think it might work.

[CynicalSaintee]

I'd like to see Morriss and Millar/Moon in central mid. I know it would be a bit lightweight, but I think it might work.

What it'd lack in brute strength, it'd more than make up for in fight and energy. Moon and Morris could work really well together, given the chance, I believe.

[Carse of Gowrie Saint]

What it'd lack in brute strength, it'd more than make up for in fight and energy. Moon and Morris could work really well together, given the chance, I believe.

I would play Moon in the middle beside Morris. Moon has the energy to get forward to support the front two while Morris is happy to sit in front of the defence. I think they would give us a good balance in the middle of the park.

Hardie looks sluggish at the moment and is lacking the drive that he has showed previously and Millar's form has dipped in recent weeks and both would benefit from being rested.

[Alan Main FanClub]

I would play Moon in the middle beside Morris. Moon has the energy to get forward to support the front two while Morris is happy to sit in front of the defence. I think they would give us a good balance in the middle of the park.

Hardie looks sluggish at the moment and is lacking the drive that he has showed previously and Millar's form has dipped in recent weeks and both would benefit from being rested.

Totally agree. But I do think the gaffer obviously hasn't been impressed enough with Swanks to play him and would rather play Miller there. Remember we don't see things like training and attitude off the field so we have to trust Del's judgment. Moon is an excellent player, and in the past I have raved about him and how I think he should play week in week out over Hardie, and how much I think Martin should be gone. Hardie's been a good player for us, but because of his injuries he's finished. People will say how can Hardie be finished at 32 and Sheerin is still going at 34? well Sheerin is much much more fitter than Hardie, and I feel Hardie has lost a lot of his game this season. I'd like to see a midfield of Miller, Sheerin, Moon and Morris. I think the Moon and Morris partnership is an exciting one which would definitely carry on in the SPL should we get promoted come May.

[saintj]

people say we will be light weight in midfield, which is fair enough, but with hardie not being the usual mad mental i dont think it would make any differance if hardie is in the squad or not

[SingaporeSaint]

Huge game for Airdrie on Saturday after getting beat by Clyde last night. We will need to play well to secure a win me thinks.

[O'Rourke]

Hardie MUST play!

[Dev]

Agreed, Hardie MUST play.

You'd all be desperate for him to come back in once our midfield of gnomes was overrun. We need Hardie's bulk.

I would give Swankie a chance and take Millar out of the side. He's contributed very little for weeks now. If it doesn't work then it can be changed at half-time.

I'm convinced we're going to lose this weekend though no matter what and I'll be putting Airdrie on my coupon. Feeling extremely pessimistic just now!

[Mike180279]

Agreed, Hardie MUST play.

You'd all be desperate for him to come back in once our midfield of gnomes was overrun. We need Hardie's bulk.

I would give Swankie a chance and take Millar out of the side. He's contributed very little for weeks now. If it doesn't work then it can be changed at half-time.

I'm convinced we're going to lose this weekend though no matter what and I'll be putting Airdrie on my coupon. Feeling extremely pessimistic just now!Oh no, dont like the sound of that :( Top, against bottom. We really should not be looking for anything other than a win. Negative attitude spells disaster in all walks of life........come on the saints!

[saintee4life]

why should hardie play? hes been mince for weeks an if hes injured he shouldnae be playin simple as that. the hardie of old would be first on the team-sheet but not any longer

[saintj]

why should hardie play? hes been mince for weeks an if hes injured he shouldnae be playin simple as that. the hardie of old would be first on the team-sheet but not any longer

correct, he has been mince and should be out the team based on that regardless of injury or not

[saintee4life]

young mooner deserves a run in the team,an i think in beside jody would be a good pairing. Skill and tenacity beats braun any day

[sjfc.spl.09-10]

I Think they should give Andy Jackson a game and get him back to his best for when we play the hunss:idea::twisted:

[saintee4life]

dont think jacko will see much first team action if any this season

[StDuncM]

Airdrie are in for a helluva beating on Saturday.

[sjfc.spl.09-10]

6-1 :)

[perth_saintee12]

Main (Legend)

Irvine Ruti Ando Craig

Swank Millar Morris Sheerin

Savo Holmes

This could be the team that gets the job done saturday should be a hell of a game.

[sjfc.spl.09-10]

Main

Irvine Ruti James Ando

Millar Swankie Morris Craig

Peaso Sammy

[saintj]

Main

Irvine Ruti James Ando

Millar Swankie Morris Craig

Peaso Sammy

millar cant play right wing, did you mean swankie millar?

[sjfc.spl.09-10]

millar cant play right wing, did you mean swankie millar?

Yes :)
Cheeers mate

[Perth-Saint]

Main

Irvine Ruti Caff Anderson

Millar Hardie Moon Craig

Savo Holmes

Subs: Hillcoat, Morris, Sheerin, Macdonald, Samuel,

[Broon]

Main
Irvine Ruti Caff Craig
Samuel Morris Hardie Swankie
Peaso Holmes


Subs: Hillcoat, Moon, Sheerin, Savo, Anderson.

I would love to see us with two guys in the box who can head a ball and two guys down the wing. Swankie and Samuel would tear into Airdrie down the flanks.

[Kevin]

For those that cannot go to the game, I will be in the hospital radio studio and will give updates in the Matchday Music part of the forum. As this is illegal, I will be taking it down after the match is over

[Steve Maskrey]

Main

Irvine Ruti Ando Craig

Millar Morris Hardie Sheerin

Samuel Holmes

Subs: Hillcoat, Swankie, Moon, Savo, Jacko

Savo had a bot of a mare last week so let's try Sammy and Homer up top. Del's come out praising the defence so apart from the necessary change with Caff out, that bit picks itself. Midfield, not so sure. Apart from Jody, the rest of the midfield appeared to be missing so maybe a couple of changes?

[john1962]

Isn't it next week Caff is out?

[slf]

am goin .

[Broon]

I was just watching back some of the highlights from last season. Jacko and Craig were absolutely brilliant. We could be doing with getting Craig back in the midfield and Jacko back in the team.

It's strange that watching over those videos it became clear that we do not play anywhere near as much football as we did yet we are picking up significantly more points this season.

[monkfish]

Playing tough with a few flashes of quality is what wins this div I think Broon. Look at Hamilton last season, they had a lot of skill, but it was built upon being hard to beat.

[ancientsaint]

Whats the local weather report - knowing the area there will probably be flooding and bloody cold.

[john1962]

The way that pitch has been and the weather in the west the game will be off.

[The Real Saints]

Despite a recent poor run of performances, I am again looking forward to the weekend's match. Even though we are not exactly cruising week after week, we are still grinding out results and we remain top of the league. No need for panic stations just yet. It is a good time to be a Saints fan. So I will be heading to this one despite succumbing to a pretty bad throat infection in the last week! I hope Saints will reward my faithful nature with a win against Airdrie, a side for whom a win is just as vital, although for different reasons. I would be delighted with the 3 points no matter how we play. Any team can beat any team on their day, so we can't be complacent. I expect a physical battle again this week, so it is a necessity to continue with Hardie in the centre of midfield. Apart from that, I would keep the team as similar as possible, with the possible exception of Milne. It seems as if he is running out of ideas at the moment, so maybe a little rest would be beneficial. I would even consider starting MacDonald. He must be hungry to prove himself at the moment. However, it wouldn't be surprising if McInnes were to prefer the idea of Holmes replacing Milne.


Main

Irvine Rutkiewicz McCaffrey Craig

Millar Hardie Morris Sheerin

Samuel MacDonald

Subs : Hillcoat, Anderson, Moon, Swankie, Milne/Holmes

It won't be a pretty affair, but winter matches are rarely anything other than gritty. We will have to dig in for the win and show the stuff of champions.

[sjfc.spl.09-10]

This should be an easy game, 4-0 Saints- Savo-2 Sammy-1 Swank-1

[Calypso Kid]

This should be an easy game, 4-0 Saints- Savo-2 Sammy-1 Swank-1

You have much to learn young Jedi.

[Sainteesean]

Main
Irvine Ruti Caff Craig
Samuel Morris Hardie Swankie
Peaso Holmes


Subs: Hillcoat, Moon, Sheerin, Savo, Anderson.

I would love to see us with two guys in the box who can head a ball and two guys down the wing. Swankie and Samuel would tear into Airdrie down the flanks.

i like that thought actually.

would be interested to see

main
irvine ruti caff craig
sammy millar morris swanks
peaso holmes

but, why change a winning formula. as they say

[perth_saintee12]

Wont be easy but we should win.

[sjfc.spl.09-10]

You have much to learn young Jedi.

Young Im Old Enough To Be Ure Father :cool:

[StDuncM]

Main had man flu during the week. Old man Hillcoat between the sticks?


But..........http://www.perthshireadvertiser.co.uk/perthshire-sport/perthshire-football/st-johnstone-fc/2008/12/16/mclean-set-to-play-for-keeps-73103-22481599/

[perth_saintee12]

Hope not! We need alan!

[mainstand]

The way the weather is today it looks like we could have a free saturday. Quite a bit of flooding and Airdrie's park is not teh best in teh world.

[The ghost of Jim Morton]

We WILL win. A strange man stopped me in the street and told me so..

[StDuncM]

The way the weather is today it looks like we could have a free saturday. Quite a bit of flooding and Airdrie's park is not teh best in teh world.

Greenock seems to be badly affected and the 'Ton are at home so this game could be a doubt.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/glasgow_and_west/7792371.stm

[MUZZ]

c'mon the blues!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Jamie_Beatson]

Well up for this today! Come on Saints!

[Calypso Kid]

Young Im Old Enough To Be Ure Father :cool:

Well you should know better!

[SingaporeSaint]

So no pitch inspection ?

[The ghost of Jim Morton]

So no pitch inspection ?

It would seem not!!!!!!! I have checked all the official sites and they is no word of any planned inspection. The weather here in Perth this morning is lovely if a little cold.Blue skies, no frost and the wind has dropped considerabley since last night.Looking forward to this match and can't wait to get going....

COME ON YOU SAINTS!!

Are we gonna have a good sing-song today??? Lets give it laldy...

http://www.macgregorps.act.edu.au/__data/assets/image/0012/32232/choir.JPG

[perth_saintee12]

Should be a cracking game.

[duncan08]

From the official website...

"Manager Derek McInnes has expressed surprise that the Diamonds are at the foot of the table and having seen their game in midweek against Clyde is in doubt that his players will need to be on top of their game to secure the three points."



is that a typo or has del just turned very cocky and complacent?


:laugh:


from my understanding that looks like he thinks it will be an easy game. no game in this division is easy (except dundee :laugh:)

[SingaporeSaint]

From the official website...

"Manager Derek McInnes has expressed surprise that the Diamonds are at the foot of the table and having seen their game in midweek against Clyde is in doubt that his players will need to be on top of their game to secure the three points."



is that a typo or has del just turned very cocky and complacent?


:laugh:


from my understanding that looks like he thinks it will be an easy game. no game in this division is easy (except dundee :laugh:)


Pedantic f*cker

[duncan08]

:shock:

sorry i was bored...

[Dunfermline Saint]

Team from SSN

Main
Irvine
Craig
Morris
Rutkiewicz
McCaffrey
Millar
Hardie
Holmes
Milne
Samuel

Subs

Anderson
Sheerin
Swankie
Jackson
Hillcoat

[Tarvie]

This should be interesting, its either a humping for Airdrie or were going to be over confident and lose 1-0

[SingaporeSaint]

Gulp 4-4-3

I'm nervous already.

[Dunfermline Saint]

Gulp 4-4-3

I'm nervous already.

Shouldn't be with 12 players!

[SingaporeSaint]

That proves how nervous i am

[SingaporeSaint]

Shouldn't be with 12 players!

please dont be as pedantic as duncan08m ; )

[Dunfermline Saint]

please dont be as pedantic as duncan08m ; )

In all the time I have posted on here I have never had a chance to make a pedant's post. I feel it is a rite of passage that I have made. You should be proud in helping me to achieve it!

[Shaggy Jenkins]

Oh great 4-3-3 I hope im wrong but I have a bad feeling about this

[sjfcsean]

yes! Dunfermline 0-1 Clyde

[Tarvie]

Clyde 1-0 already

[SingaporeSaint]

well done clyde, we love ya

[Macarius]

Get in ya daft weegie bastards!

[THE LARK SAINT]

dunfermline 0 clyde 1

[Dunfermline Saint]

Like the quote from the Dunfermline match updates;

01 Under way, Loy lining up wide right to beguin with ... Clyde scored

[SingaporeSaint]

In all the time I have posted on here I have never had a chance to make a pedant's post. I feel it is a rite of passage that I have made. You should be proud in helping me to achieve it!

please dont be a pedantic pr*ck either then ; )

[Kevin]

Updates here Airdrie v Saints (http://www.weareperth.co.uk/vforum/showthread.php?p=173437#post173437)

[SingaporeSaint]

Clyde 2 points off Dunfie at the moment.....mental league

[Dunfermline Saint]

Dunfermline equalise with a penalty.

[SingaporeSaint]

back to square one then

[SingaporeSaint]

good to see morton equalise and keep the pressure on the dees

[O'Rourke]

HT nil nil. Sounds grim! :sad:

[SingaporeSaint]

0-0 not so bad !

[HertsSaintee]

Much improved performance from last week. We have created a couple of good chances through a great run from Millar and Sammy creating some space for himself on the edge of the area. Less said about the resultant shot the better though. Airdrie should have scored from a corner near half time though. Major let off. Get the feeling if we stick one away we'll see it out. Like to see Gavin in on the left wing wing Sammy and Savo up front to run at them through the middle. However, if we concede...

[O'Rourke]

Much improved performance from last week. We have created a couple of good chances through a great run from Millar and Sammy creating some space for himself on the edge of the area. Less said about the resultant shot the better though. Airdrie should have scored from a corner near half time though. Major let off. Get the feeling if we stick one away we'll see it out. Like to see Gavin in on the left wing wing Sammy and Savo up front to run at them through the middle. However, if we concede...

Cheers for that, better than the report I listened to.

[Dunfermline Saint]

Dunfermline winning.....no pressure lads!

[Dunfermline Saint]

Not anymore.......2-2

[SingaporeSaint]

Dundee presently in 9th place !

[Barty1884]

3-2 clyde!

[duncan08]

3-2 clyde :D

[Shaggy Jenkins]

We just cannot score at the moment

[SingaporeSaint]

lets sign that man from clyde in the window.....

[Shaggy Jenkins]

still in the same position tho only now 5 clear of Livi and they also have a game in hand

[sjfcsean]

4-2 Clyde Pat Clarke

[Barty1884]

4-2 Clyde
Pat Clarke again!

[duncan08]

4 - 2 clyde!!! :D:D:D:D:D

[SingaporeSaint]

clyde going mental, who do we play next ?

[sjfcsean]

Do we worry playing Clyde next week ?:laugh::laugh:

[sjfcsean]

4-3

[Barty1884]

Do we worry playing Clyde next week ?:laugh::laugh:

I'm still worrying about beating Airdrie 1st!!

[SingaporeSaint]

pars got one back...sounds like a good game.

[duncan08]

4 -3 :(

[Macarius]

Penalty To Saints

[Macarius]

Liam Craig Nets It

[sjfcsean]

4-4

[Barty1884]

4-4 Dunfy - Clyde

[duncan08]

4-4

what a game


1- 0 us!!!!!!!

[Barty1884]

Yaaas!

[garydavidson]

Liam Craig Nets It

your faster than sky sports, i thought you were taking the piss there :)

[SingaporeSaint]

SSL has us scoring in 58 mins ???

[saint in exile]

Nice one.It said the goal was scored in the 58min on Sky Sport news,is that a mistake or was it a late KO?

[inex]

All sources have it at 58 mins.

[Shaggy Jenkins]

phew........hold on!!!

[sjfcsean]

nooooooooooooo 1-1

[Tranmere Saintee]

1-1

[saint in exile]

shit

[Shaggy Jenkins]

Ffffffffffffffffffffffffffffuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu uuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuucccccccccccccccccccccccccckk kkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkk

[duncan08]

ft shit

[inex]

89th minute equaliser. Atleast they are up to speed now. :(

[Barty1884]

FT

[Shaggy Jenkins]

Poor

[inex]

FT

[Rodgers]

poor ****ing show

[garydavidson]

ah thats crap! another opportunity missed to move a few more points clear. thankfully the pars never won to gain ground on us. its going to be a long season.

[Shaggy Jenkins]

7 points would of been a handy gap with those games in hand for dunfy and livi.

[duncan08]

at least dunfy drew as well


now livingston are level with them

[Shaggy Jenkins]

Have to start putting the ball in the net again and soon

[poang]

We were awful today, got lucky with the penalty and didnt deserve to win at all. Holmes missed our only real chance at goal, looked like an open goal from where i sat

[Cagey]

Very disappointing. Sounds like we didn`t create many chances. If we can`t beat the bottom team then we are going to struggle to win this league.

[SingaporeSaint]

i'm not too dissapointed but we must ensure we take 3 points from our home games

[dan the saint]

Very disappointing just lost 2 points again 2 a team fighting 2 stay up

[Kevin]

Holmes missed an absolute sitter, Millar hit the side netting, Sammy shot wide as did Savo. On the other side though, Airdrie had good possession and apparantly deserved the draw. Goal we gave away was from a quick break off their line, down the right side and cross into the box was met by Watt who shot past a stranded Main, who had come off his line into no-mans-land again :roll:

[Kevin]

On the up-side, Dundee are in 9th place and in the drop zone :D

[SingaporeSaint]

ach, we are still top of the league, lets not start to blame individuals for what is an era of not the right result against Airdrie

[Saint1981]

another game done.....still 5pts clear.....dunf play livi next week so something has to give. 3pts vs Clyde please

[Chansey]

3pts vs Clyde please


I'd say clyde are the form team in the league at the moment, and Pat Clake is on fire, another very tough game bekons....fingers crossed!

[SingaporeSaint]

no easy games in this league, it will be a relief to face the ger's in the cup !

[bleacher]

Championship winning teams don't lose late goals, they score them :sad:

[SingaporeSaint]

Championship winning teams don't lose late goals, they score them :sad:

Lets just hang our coats up, switch off the lights and go home then ! Jeeez !

[SingaporeSaint]

Championship winning teams don't lose late goals, they score them :sad:

and when did we score the week before ?

[O'Rourke]

Young Dorris scored for Arbroath today, he may have a lot to offer us if he's ready to step up.

[saint5588]

I wasnt at the game today but every time i have watched saints away to airdrie we play awful, its a point and at present thats good enough, got to start scoring more than one just to ensure the 3 points. Lets get behind the team next week at home and get the needed 3 points before the trip north on the 3rd

[Dennistoun Saint]

Sickener to lose a goal so late but another point against a team battling for everything they can get, another game undefeated, still top and 5 points clear going into Christmas. It's a cliche but there really are no easy games in this league and very little between the teams. We don't have some God-given right to claim three points just for turning up against a team in a lower position. Let's have some Christmas cheer for f**ks sake guys! Top of the league for Christmas - who'd have thought that in August/September?!

[SingaporeSaint]

Sickener to lose a goal so late but another point against a team battling for everything they can get, another game undefeated, still top and 5 points clear going into Christmas. It's a cliche but there really are no easy games in this league and very little between the teams. We don't have some God-given right to claim three points just for turning up against a team in a lower position. Let's have some Christmas cheer for f**ks sake guys! Top of the league for Christmas - who'd have thought that in August/September?!

Good man ! Let's keep behind the team and keep these winging w@nkers in place. Wasnt like this when we were in the third division. All the boo boys never turned up for two or three years. Mon the Saints.

[SJC]

We're still top of the league

We were pretty poor today after a good start, some players seemed content to pass the ball along the half way line

Bad result on a day where we should have gone further ahead of the rest

[Dennistoun Saint]

Good man ! Let's keep behind the team and keep these winging w@nkers in place. Wasnt like this when we were in the third division. All the boo boys never turned up for two or three years. Mon the Saints.

Good - hope they stay in their boxes. Especially when we're top of the league! Cheers SingaporeSaint, Merry Christmas and here's to continued Saints success in the new year!

[HertsSaintee]

I thought we played ok in the first half, but Airdrie really upped the pace in the 2nd half, playing some good stuff and generally bullying us off our game. Felt we moved the ball too slowly to be effective today, and there was a severe lack of forward momentum with players far too unwilling to drive from midfield and too often checking back - I thought their defence looked a wee bit shaky and we could have taken advantage of that by running at them. Both stikers had stinkers. MoM for me was probably a toss up between Ruti and Caff again. Still, no ground lost, that's the main thing.

[soulfulsaint]

Just back from game. Feels again like we dropped points rather than won them, but still top with points in hand and its a week closer to the end of the season. So rationally you have to be happy.

Thought Morris had another very confident game, maybe lies just ten yards too deep but great possession player, but midfield not firing and lame upfront. Craig had a good game and thought his penalty had sealed it until we conceded possesion (Holmes) and then looked indecisive at the back for their equaliser. My major concern is that we do not yet have a settled side and will now lose McCaffrey due to suspension. So the one 'settled' area is up for debate again.

Samuel and Miller had busy moments but neither seems capable of penetrating into the box and worrying defences. Samuel faded, Swankie came on, but over the piece neither is the answer. So sorry to report that the 'forum darlings' had a very mixed day, Craig and Miller were decent, Irvine's crosses - 1 out of 10, Samuel innefective and Swankie all but invisible. It would seem that young blood and trendy hair cuts do not a footballer make.

The old bald guy looked as composed as ever for his 10 minutes and I am at a loss to explain why Sheerin doesn't start, Craig had been moved back to left-full back to accomodate Sheerin's class, then the wizard is benched, and Craig's cutting-edge is blunted. Back to the drawing board.

But all in all an other point and a step closer.

[The ghost of Jim Morton]

Same as..5 points clear and little damage done. Thought a draw was the very best we deserved although it did feel a bit like a defeat when they equalised so near the end.We need to get back to 4-4-2 and stop trying just to accomodate certain players. As has been the case recently our final ball was piss poor and we really never looked like scoring until the ref awarded the penalty.There are some players who need a rest and I hope Del has the bottle to do it...Still a points a point...Bring on Clyde....

[henryhallsdanceband]

Rats - but as said - another point in the bag and one game closer.

[dave mc]

Thought that was our best performance for a while,a lot of decent play,albeit we didn't penetrate enough.I read it as 4-4-2,with Sammy wide left,where he had a good first half.Soft goal to loose so late on,ala Morton,Queens,Clyde even Scumdee,that's 10 points dropped late on,we've not picked up that amount late on,hope they don't come back to haunt us.

[SingaporeSaint]

Singapore is off to bed but heartened by the most recent posts. Hopefully the negative brigade will be gentle overnight.

[101 Saint]

Samuel and Miller had busy moments but neither seems capable of penetrating into the box and worrying defences. Samuel faded, Swankie came on, but over the piece neither is the answer. So sorry to report that the 'forum darlings' had a very mixed day, Craig and Miller were decent, Irvine's crosses - 1 out of 10, Samuel innefective and Swankie all but invisible. It would seem that young blood and trendy hair cuts do not a footballer make.

The old bald guy looked as composed as ever for his 10 minutes and I am at a loss to explain why Sheerin doesn't start, Craig had been moved back to left-full back to accomodate Sheerin's class, then the wizard is benched, and Craig's cutting-edge is blunted. Back to the drawing board.

But all in all an other point and a step closer.
Millar averages 6/7 goals per year yet he looks scared to shoot at present. The lack of forward propulsion from Saints hint at OTT instructions to avoid conceding. Swankie is a confidence player and his confidence has gone.

Irvine came to the rescue (defensively) on a number of occasions.

When Peanut came on, we sat even deeper. Jody needs to shift up the park and that would force Peanut, et al, to do likewise.

Surprised to see Jacko on the bench ahead of Peaso.

[templeofsaints]

Could have so easily have been worse but I'm happy the lead is unchanged. Report is on the Temple now but I think we have some problems brewing in the side:

Holmes - not contributing enough. He does win balls in the air but doesn't find his teammates enough (whether through his own sense of reading the game or their lack of support). Not scoring enough for a player playing up front - he should be hitting the target at least with some of his headers.

Sammy - needs to start taking men on. He was too easily crowded out today.

Morris / Hardie - Sorry but I can't see this pairing working in the centre of midfield. Both have a tendency to drop deep and play in similar positions - hence either the lack of support from the middle for the front men today or the lack of options because all our midfield had dropped back (Millar is just as guilty).

Defensively we're solid but the goals are drying up. Sammy on the left was wasted today - I'd have started Millar in the middle and played Sammy on the right with Sheerin on the left - it gives us some options and a combination of players that can pass the ball forwards accurately and some pace.

McInnes has to take some of the blame as well. I can't understand why he left Holmes on and took Savo off. Sherlock seemed to be struggling for pace and wasn't winning enough balls to keep him on the park. Also we need to get the players back showing more confidence on theball - take their opponents on and try and run the ball to the byeline. Keep at least two forward when we're defending corners - I mean 11 in the bloody box to defend against Airdrie ?!?!?!!?

Anyway rant over - I'm more relieved than anything else tonight that we've not blown our lead. Although given Clyde's form and the Caff ban I'm getting more nervous about next weekend.

[saint_markperth]

Samuel and Miller had busy moments but neither seems capable of penetrating into the box and worrying defences. Samuel faded, Swankie came on, but over the piece neither is the answer. So sorry to report that the 'forum darlings' had a very mixed day, Craig and Miller were decent, Irvine's crosses - 1 out of 10, Samuel innefective and Swankie all but invisible.


You have just cast yourself as public enemy number 1 now - how dare you say that Samuel is not the answer blah blah blah. Wait for the Samuel loveteam to come on and defend him :)

[The ghost of Jim Morton]

I think that after going unbeaten for twelve games we are so concerned with not losing that we don't put enough into trying to win the game..That seemed the case today....

[101 Saint]

McInnes has to take some of the blame as well. I can't understand why he left Holmes on and took Savo off. Sherlock seemed to be struggling for pace and wasn't winning enough balls to keep him on the park. Also we need to get the players back showing more confidence on theball - take their opponents on and try and run the ball to the byeline. Keep at least two forward when we're defending corners - I mean 11 in the bloody box to defend against Airdrie ?!?!?!!?
Jacko was stripped before Swanks, Del then waited and whilst Jacko was desperately trying to keep body temperature, Homer decided to try an Iwelumo.

As for the corners, Del thinks he is right; fool that he is.

[ancientsaint]

I blame NOOSE because he upset Rusty when he was limbering up by asking Rusty for a photograph.....shame on you Noose !!!!!!!

That aside we seem keen on giving this title away-particularly in the last few weeks and its only by results elsewhere that we are able to hold on so-far....But Del has a hell of a lot of decisions to make in the next few weeks.

certain players just are not performing to maximum potential and is has become evident that we need a Short-Sharp-Shock............Giving away at xmas is nice - but lets not overdo it Del.........Nuts have to be stuck in the vice and crushed - guys have to stand up and look at themselves.

[StDuncM]

If you think we have problems then spare a thought for Dunfermline. Conceding 4 goals at home is not great for a team harbouring the same ambition as ourselves. I would rather have 5 points more in the bag, and be 13 games undefeated. Wonder if they are saying less than complimentary things on their forum tonight. Big get out of jail card eventually!

Stay positive. We are in pole postion after all and remember the start to the season we had!

[Saline Saint]

You have just cast yourself as public enemy number 1 now - how dare you say that Samuel is not the answer blah blah blah. Wait for the Samuel loveteam to come on and defend him :)

Make that two of us,I thought Samual & Millar were poor beyond belief today running about like headless chickens with the ball then the final product the bit that actually matters the cross/shott ends up in the stand or no harder than a pass back for the keeper to deal with.Poor wee things are lacking in confidence,my backside,if you cant go to Airdrie with the confidence your going to hump them then god help you.

[Jamie_Beatson]

Holmes was ineffective today, as was Hardie who looks miles off the pace just now. I'd like to see a midfield of (l-r) Sheerin, Morris, Moon, Millar, next week if we are content to play Millar on the right. If not then Millar and Morris in the middle with Swankie out right. We definitely need four men in the middle though.

[templeofsaints]

If you think we have problems then spare a thought for Dunfermline. Conceding 4 goals at home is not great for a team harbouring the same ambition as ourselves. I would rather have 5 points more in the bag, and be 13 games undefeated. Wonder if they are saying less than complimentary things on their forum tonight. Big get out of jail card eventually!

Not so sure Dunc - ask me again once we've played Clyde next Sat :D

[Saline Saint]

If we are going to punt long balls to the front (did it from the get go today) would someone let our resident carthorse (Holmes)know his place in the grand scheme of things it would be good if he could master the art of the subtle glancing header.Can anyone recall a Saints player benifiting from one of his touches.He's got a head like a ten bob bit.

[HertsSaintee]

I wonder if the pre match comments from Saints managers and players are not helpful. All this guff about them being surprised about Airdrie being bottom of the table gives them too much respect, and I think that translated into our performance today. We are top, they are bottom, end of. We should maybe try talking ourselves up instead of our opponents to give the players a mental edge. Perhaps the performances might have a bit of swagger and confidence then?

[mainstand]

Jacko was stripped before Swanks, Del then waited and whilst Jacko was desperately trying to keep body temperature, Homer decided to try an Iwelumo.

As for the corners, Del thinks he is right; fool that he is.

God I thought that was 2 posts without slagging Del :-)

Del isn't the only manager in the country that plays corners in that way and it is nothing new. The idea is that if you get the ball you have more options to attack from deep with runners going in various areas, we did it twice today in teh second half and if memory serves me right Holmes miss was from one of these moves. Leaving one up the park does not result in the opposition taking an extra man out as even with no one up fiels Airdrie still had 2 back.

[Cagey]

I think Del is a bit defensive minded but hay we are top of the league so we can`t argue. Every player in the box at corners is his response to our poor start to the season & he is not going to change it now. Wish he was the same with the formation.
We were going along quite merrily with 424 but he thinks he has to have Morris & Samual in the team & changes everything. Millar is wasted out wide. Morris is a good enough player & has not had a bad game since he came in but the balance of midfield is all wrong now.

We have to go back to 424 with Millar in the centre of midfield. If that means dropping Hardie or Morris then so be it.

If this was a run at the start of the season & another couple of teams were getting the results we would be calling for something to happen just like we did at the beginning of the season.
maybe Del should call them in for extra sessions or do we need an international break.

[Southpaw]

Deserved our point today....just! Samuel looks lost out wide and Millar has gone right off the boil.


If we are going to punt long balls to the front (did it from the get go today) would someone let our resident carthorse (Holmes)know his place in the grand scheme of things it would be good if he could master the art of the subtle glancing header.Can anyone recall a Saints player benifiting from one of his touches.He's got a head like a ten bob bit.

Didn't see many punts today Saline. I thought we kept the ball well at the back and midfield today. We just don't have a cutting edge going forward.

[Derek Patterson]

Any word on Sammy as he seemed to be limping for a good 5/10 mins before he came off? Nobody really shone today although Craig showed glimpses of class at times. Highlights were probably the 2 moments of hilarity from Alzo first of all with the Cruyff turn to the oncoming striker and the wee sidestep when they changed ends.

[mainstand]

Any word on Sammy as he seemed to be limping for a good 5/10 mins before he came off?

I think that is why Swankie was rushed on ahead of jacko as 101 pointed out on one of his earlier posts.

[Perth-Saint]

Thought Ruti and Caff were solid again. Craig was decent for most of the game, Millar was ok. Hardie, Morris and Holmes were poor in my opinion. Why the heck was Savo taken off instead of Holmes?

I think a draw was about right although we seem too relaxed throughout the game hoping something will just happen for us. As we all know you have to fight for everything in this division.

Really have to win the next two games in my opinion.

[sjfcsean]

Really have to win the next two games in my opinion.

Agree with that and hopefully Dunfermline draw with Livingston on Saturday. Also after they play Livingston Dunfermline are playing Dundee at Dens. Them slipping up could get us a fair few points in front of them.

[billy butlin beviesbirkie]

Are We Fair Weather Saints ?to Silky For The Wet & Cold.?

[SaintSam1884]

I am surprised anyone thought we played well today. There were some promising spells but the end result was littered with disappointment and only highlighted the problems in the side at the moment. For me it was only the central defenders who played well today. Craig and Irvine did well when driving forward but neither of them is particularly gifted defensively. Craig has an excuse, Irvine doesn't. Having to play Craig at left back in disappointing because we could use his drive, ability and delivery in our midfield at the moment. Unbeaten in thirteen games is all well and good but the glass is becoming half empty for me. The goals are drying up, the midfield is being outwitted and the defence can only hold out for so long. Very disappointing.

[perth_saintee12]

Need to win next 2 games in my opinion. Performance was slightly better than last week i must admit. Up against Clyde our bogey team saturday, unsure if we can win.

[andrew]

Airdrie are diabolical. They are rank rotten and surely the worst team in this division since Stranraer or East Fife. Take their no. 6 as an example. He's a 2nd div player at best.
Some folk seem to think that Airdrie are not such a bad team, including our manager. No, they are a bad team. We made them look good.
What annoyed me was that you could see from the first ten minutes what a gulf there was between the teams, but, as usual, our midfield were too lightweight and lacking any creativity (until Sheerin came on). We should have gone at them hard, wide and on the floor.
Millar does a rather neat pirouette but then plays the ball backwards. Sammy hits the ball too far away to catch it on many of his runs. Hardie looked slow, and well beaten to most balls. Up front we are clueless just now, but maybe service is an issue. Too many favourites are being given a game.
I said after the diddy cup loss at Dingwall that we looked lightweight. We still do.
We are making things so hard for ourselves and are our own worst enemies.
We can drop points when we are far enough in front, and against teams that are half decent. Right now I consider us only 2 in front, not 5. It is a disgrace that we couldn't beat such a poor side.
Never mind, have you seen how many league goals the mighty Dee have scored?
Clyde next week, and they are so much better than Airdrie.
Come on Saints. We're frustrated, but still behind you.
By the way, well done Airdrie, £20 for me and my 15 year old. £26 at East End, for example, is a disgrace and worse than at McDiarmid.

[slf]

i was there.fair result we were cack.we had as many as the airdrie support had which was pish.never seen the lovely sam .choo choo the noo.

[Dennistoun Saint]

We can drop points when we are far enough in front, and against teams that are half decent. Right now I consider us only 2 in front, not 5. It is a disgrace that we couldn't beat such a poor side.

I know, imagine if we were only two points clear at the top of the toughest league in Scotland - bloody disgrace!:roll:
You also are keen to point out our many failings yet think it's a disgrace we couldn't beat such a poor team. Surely if we're not that good ourselves a draw's a decent result for you?
I share your concerns about the goals drying up but keep the faith! Some folk need to get a sense of perspective.

[superhans]

Today was a huge let down, they are awful. Our performance was pretty poor, we were given a life line and couldn't hold on for six or seven minutes against a terrible team. The lack of goals really worries me, created little in the last three games

[Radford 72]

Thought that was our best performance for a while,a lot of decent play,albeit we didn't penetrate enough.I read it as 4-4-2,with Sammy wide left,where he had a good first half.
Agree, as usual, with you Dave.

Started well with a good tempo and should have taken the lead from a tremendous Irvine/Millar cross that Holmes just couldn't quite reach. I don't think Airdrie would have come back from that as they hadn't had a kick up to that point. They settled themselves though to be fair and had a couple of decent chances before half-time. Still thought we'd created more though and felt we were in a decent position.

Second half wasn't as good though and Airdrie looked capable of hurting us on the break. When they had spells of possession though I thought we defended well and didn't look like conceding. The danger was always going to be on the break as they have more pace than us in the middle of park so could get forward in numbers.

Holmes had the easiest chance of the match and I'm surprised McInnes didn't hook him after that. Maybe worried about his confidence in the long run but it was shot for that match and his chin just dropped. Stupid, stupid challenge by their guy for the PK. Probably was a foul but the sort that must leave a manager raging. Great play by Morris though in the build up, holding possession and playing a good ball to Jackson.

Quality delivery for Airdrie's equaliser and I'm not sure there was really anyone to blame in our defence. Maguire made a great run between defender and goalkeeper and as said, the cross was just quality.

Defensive unit still looks solid and Morris is a class act. Millar was in better form too. Hardie was disappointing again but whilst yesterday was an exception, some weeks we simply need him in there. We might get away without him against Clyde and that might be something for McInnes to think about if Moon is fit. Samuel individually was fine and had the beating of his man but he's wasted out on the left (or right). Been enough said about Holmes elsewhere but Milne is slipping into that habit he has of not even getting into goalscoring positions.

[The ghost of Jim Morton]

Agree, as usual, with you Dave.

Started well with a good tempo and should have taken the lead from a tremendous Irvine/Millar cross that Holmes just couldn't quite reach. I don't think Airdrie would have come back from that as they hadn't had a kick up to that point. They settled themselves though to be fair and had a couple of decent chances before half-time. Still thought we'd created more though and felt we were in a decent position.

Second half wasn't as good though and Airdrie looked capable of hurting us on the break. When they had spells of possession though I thought we defended well and didn't look like conceding. The danger was always going to be on the break as they have more pace than us in the middle of park so could get forward in numbers.

Holmes had the easiest chance of the match and I'm surprised McInnes didn't hook him after that. Maybe worried about his confidence in the long run but it was shot for that match and his chin just dropped. Stupid, stupid challenge by their guy for the PK. Probably was a foul but the sort that must leave a manager raging. Great play by Morris though in the build up, holding possession and playing a good ball to Jackson.

Quality delivery for Airdrie's equaliser and I'm not sure there was really anyone to blame in our defence. Maguire made a great run between defender and goalkeeper and as said, the cross was just quality.

Defensive unit still looks solid and Morris is a class act. Millar was in better form too. Hardie was disappointing again but whilst yesterday was an exception, some weeks we simply need him in there. We might get away without him against Clyde and that might be something for McInnes to think about if Moon is fit. Samuel individually was fine and had the beating of his man but he's wasted out on the left (or right). Been enough said about Holmes elsewhere but Milne is slipping into that habit he has of not even getting into goalscoring positions.

I normally agree with your match summaries as they are fair, balanced and accurate but I'm sorry Radders, this is nonsense. We had to rely on Main twice to save our sorry arses, had at least 1 headed of the line and lost a shocking goal( the crosser of the ball should have been closed down much, much quicker). Our attack was impotent, our final ball was very poor and our first touch was ( for some players ) a joke.To often we turned back when there was a decent attacking option and looked more afraid about getting beat than anything else.We were lucky to get even a point.

[Radford 72]

We were lucky to get even a point.
Clearly that seems to be the majority opinion Ghostie, so maybe I'm just in too much of an Xmas mood! I genuinely thought there were good aspects to our play yesterday. Clearly there were failings as the result was poor but it wasn't a disaster.

[The ghost of Jim Morton]

Clearly that seems to be the majority opinion Ghostie, so maybe I'm just in too much of an Xmas mood! I genuinely thought there were good aspects to our play yesterday. Clearly there were failings as the result was poor but it wasn't a disaster.

I agree. We got a point, we're still 5 points clear and there were a few plus points.Our final ball though Radders, really is quite often shite. I wish the full backs would ,when getting in a good position, take the ball much further( to the bloody bi-line) before crossing. Defenders are then all running backwards , attackers are get time to get into the box and in general this gives the attacking team an advantage. I'm sure though Del has told them to make sure they don't get caught out of position when going forward and this effects their decision making...

[mainstand]

Agree, as usual, with you Dave.

Started well with a good tempo and should have taken the lead from a tremendous Irvine/Millar cross that Holmes just couldn't quite reach. I don't think Airdrie would have come back from that as they hadn't had a kick up to that point. They settled themselves though to be fair and had a couple of decent chances before half-time. Still thought we'd created more though and felt we were in a decent position.

Second half wasn't as good though and Airdrie looked capable of hurting us on the break. When they had spells of possession though I thought we defended well and didn't look like conceding. The danger was always going to be on the break as they have more pace than us in the middle of park so could get forward in numbers.

Holmes had the easiest chance of the match and I'm surprised McInnes didn't hook him after that. Maybe worried about his confidence in the long run but it was shot for that match and his chin just dropped. Stupid, stupid challenge by their guy for the PK. Probably was a foul but the sort that must leave a manager raging. Great play by Morris though in the build up, holding possession and playing a good ball to Jackson.

Quality delivery for Airdrie's equaliser and I'm not sure there was really anyone to blame in our defence. Maguire made a great run between defender and goalkeeper and as said, the cross was just quality.

Defensive unit still looks solid and Morris is a class act. Millar was in better form too. Hardie was disappointing again but whilst yesterday was an exception, some weeks we simply need him in there. We might get away without him against Clyde and that might be something for McInnes to think about if Moon is fit. Samuel individually was fine and had the beating of his man but he's wasted out on the left (or right). Been enough said about Holmes elsewhere but Milne is slipping into that habit he has of not even getting into goalscoring positions.

I am glad to see you and dave were at the same game as I was. Agree with both.

[The ghost of Jim Morton]

I am glad to see you and dave were at the same game as I was. Agree with both.

I'm glad to see you, Radders and Dave were all wearing the blue tinted spectacles...If you don't think we were poor yesteday god help us when we do have a game in which you think we are poor....

How good out of 10 please were our....

1.Finishing/Hiting the target......3/10
2.Passing...............................5/10
3.final ball..............................3/10
4.Crossing..............................4/10
5.Defending............................8/10
6.Second phase ball collection....3/10
7.Craft/composure/ball control.....2/10

Tin helmet time again......http://www.wellingtonsurplus.com.au/images/s/BH0120.jpg

[mainstand]

I'm glad to see you, Radders and Dave were all wearing the blue tinted spectacles...If you don't think we were poor yesteday god help us when we do have a game in which you think we are poor....

How good out of 10 please were our....

1.Finishing/Hiting the target......3/10
2.Passing...............................5/10
3.final ball..............................3/10
4.Crossing..............................4/10
5.Defending............................8/10
6.Second phase ball collection....3/10
7.Craft/composure/ball control.....2/10

Tin helmet time again......http://www.wellingtonsurplus.com.au/images/s/BH0120.jpg

As for your scores above I think you are having a laugh but it's your opinion and your obviously a lot older and wiser than some of us :-)

[Jags Ya Bas!]

I wonder if the pre match comments from Saints managers and players are not helpful. All this guff about them being surprised about Airdrie being bottom of the table gives them too much respect, and I think that translated into our performance today. We are top, they are bottom, end of. We should maybe try talking ourselves up instead of our opponents to give the players a mental edge. Perhaps the performances might have a bit of swagger and confidence then?
It could work both ways. Talk yourselves up and the opposition is likely to be more determined to bring you crashing back to earth.

[Saline Saint]

Is it just me that doesnt subscribe to the Jody Morris appreciation society?This guy has got to start delivering and do it now.If everything on here about him is to be believed we should be watching him run the show week in week out.One decent ball that lead to yesterdays penalty is not enough and that was proven a few moments later.Oh but he holds up play(cause he doesnt know where to go next)Oh but he starts the build up from the middle(by passing the damn thing all the way back).Im not blaming him for our down turn in form over the last few games but it is strange that things began to falter when he came back in.

[SingaporeSaint]

Is it just me that doesnt subscribe to the Jody Morris appreciation society?This guy has got to start delivering and do it now.If everything on here about him is to be believed we should be watching him run the show week in week out.One decent ball that lead to yesterdays penalty is not enough and that was proven a few moments later.Oh but he holds up play(cause he doesnt know where to go next)Oh but he starts the build up from the middle(by passing the damn thing all the way back).Im not blaming him for our down turn in form over the last few games but it is strange that things began to falter when he came back in.


but you incinuate in your post that he is to blame with out saying it. So Morris not good enough for saints ?

[Jags Ya Bas!]

So Morris not good enough for saints ?

Maybe it's the case Morris isn't suited to Saints.

[SingaporeSaint]

Maybe it's the case Morris isn't suited to Saints.

good question ?

[StDuncM]

Could it be that Hardie and Morris cannot play in the same midfield? From what I have read on WAP Hardie is a shadow of his former self. Perhaps a spell on the sidelines is in order.

[Kevin]

I don't think Hardie has regained his fitness and fire after that long layoff last year, certainly tries hard but was breaking down during the second half yesterday.

[Saline Saint]

but you incinuate in your post that he is to blame with out saying it. So Morris not good enough for saints ?

He's plenty good enough,just wish he would role the sleeves up and deliver on the hype.

[soulfulsaint]

He's plenty good enough,just wish he would role the sleeves up and deliver on the hype.

The guy is a really good player as the cliche goes he "oozes class" what maybe an issue is a the deep possession game he is plaing, which may well be too subtle for this division. Saints fans are impatient at best, look at the stick McInnes got as a player when playing deep/holding role. I thought Morris was by some distance the best player at Airdrie.

He reminds me of a cross between Charlie Nicholas and Davie Cooper - Chas and Dave.

[john1962]

He reminds me of a cross between Charlie Nicholas.

A moaning faced hyper critical illiterate dick? :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:

[Jamie_Beatson]

He would work much better with Mooner or Millar I think. Hardie was completely out of the game from fairly early on yesterday.

[dave mc]

I'm glad to see you, Radders and Dave were all wearing the blue tinted spectacles...If you don't think we were poor yesteday god help us when we do have a game in which you think we are poor....

How good out of 10 please were our....

1.Finishing/Hiting the target......3/10
2.Passing...............................5/10
3.final ball..............................3/10
4.Crossing..............................4/10
5.Defending............................8/10
6.Second phase ball collection....3/10
7.Craft/composure/ball control.....2/10

Tin helmet time again......http://www.wellingtonsurplus.com.au/images/s/BH0120.jpg

Certainly not a case of me wearing blue tinted specs Ghostie,just an honest opinion.Having seen most games this season,yesterdays performance was much better than any of the last 4 imo.We kept possession much better,all we really lacked was a cutting edge.I like to look at both teams,and thought Airdrie had good movement and pace out wide,the boy gave Liam a torrid time in the first half.Tolerance and expectation levels seems to have lowered and heightened respectively lately,but no team lies down,and fans have to be patient and hope our quality wins more points than others.Some fans are getting like Old Firm fans,expecting world class shows every week,and not realising the opposition are there to do a job.As for your marks,God only knows what you'd give against the previous 4 teams,'cause we were much poorer than yesterday.

[The ghost of Jim Morton]

Certainly not a case of me wearing blue tinted specs Ghostie,just an honest opinion.Having seen most games this season,yesterdays performance was much better than any of the last 4 imo.We kept possession much better,all we really lacked was a cutting edge.I like to look at both teams,and thought Airdrie had good movement and pace out wide,the boy gave Liam a torrid time in the first half.Tolerance and expectation levels seems to have lowered and heightened respectively lately,but no team lies down,and fans have to be patient and hope our quality wins more points than others.Some fans are getting like Old Firm fans,expecting world class shows every week,and not realising the opposition are there to do a job.As for your marks,God only knows what you'd give against the previous 4 teams,'cause we were much poorer than yesterday.

I actually think I would give about the same marks for the previous 4 games. They have all been pretty poor with the same faults. We have very little creativeness in the final 3rd of the park and our strikers have lacked the killer touch.I honestly believe it's the midfield that is at fault and with so many possible combinations available to Del it's a very tricky job. If we get the midfield right, the strikers will get many more chances to put the ball in the net.............

[dave mc]

I actually think I would give about the same marks for the previous 4 games. They have all been pretty poor with the same faults. We have very little creativeness in the final 3rd of the park and our strikers have lacked the killer touch.I honestly believe it's the midfield that is at fault and with so many possible combinations available to Del it's a very tricky job. If we get the midfield right, the strikers will get many more chances to put the ball in the net.............

That's something i'll agree with,our midfield is not creating nearly enough decent openings or contributing in a scoring sense.As i said earlier Airdrie had decent width and pace,and got to the goal line more often than us.Del has a problem in working out his best 4,personally Swankie would be in mine more often than not,for his width and trickery,but i know i'm in a minority .Not sure we can carry a less effective Hardie much longer,time for more energy in there,maybe Mooner,but that would give us a midfield smaller than Snow Whites mates!

[garydavidson]

Agree with that and hopefully Dunfermline draw with Livingston on Saturday. Also after they play Livingston Dunfermline are playing Dundee at Dens. Them slipping up could get us a fair few points in front of them.

I dont think its up to the pars now, livi seem to be back in it and scoring plenty of goals with two of the top scorers in the division. by next week they will be back into second place.

[Al C]

. I thought Morris was by some distance the best player at Airdrie.



Absolutely agree and think he has been getting consistently better in recent weeks. Find the criticism he is getting staggering. Sometimes he passes the ball square or, god forbid, backwards? It is called keeping posession. Endlessly lumping the ball forward does not work, as we see time and time again.

I think McInnes needs to settle on a consistent midfield but whatever he decides Morris simply has to be in it.

[101 Saint]

God I thought that was 2 posts without slagging Del :-)

Del isn't the only manager in the country that plays corners in that way and it is nothing new. The idea is that if you get the ball you have more options to attack from deep with runners going in various areas, we did it twice today in teh second half and if memory serves me right Holmes miss was from one of these moves. Leaving one up the park does not result in the opposition taking an extra man out as even with no one up fiels Airdrie still had 2 back.

You're explaining Del's thinking but are supporting this tactic? I believe you are a football coach in real life, do you employ this technique? Times without number we win the ball, or second ball and the recipient looks up and cringes; "wha ah'm a gonnae play this tae?"

Del's instructions appear to be directed at maintaining the unbeaten run, rather than winning three points. Robbo didn't save anything other than freekick effort. Draws cost us against Gretna, let's not allow them to do so against Dunfermline.

As far as Homer is concerned, we better get used to it. Del is convinced by the method, that's why he signed Skippy McBreen, that's why he signed Homer. One option might be to try Mental up front; gets him out the battle and he knows how to score with his head.

[Broon]

I was extremely disappointed yesterday. In all honesty, it was an Airdrie team which lacked confidence and was there to be taken to the cleaners. In spite of that, we let them build their confidence and by the end, they were knocking the ball about well without really threatening. I doubt they resorted to hoofing the ball once - if you notice they played everything out from the back. It was interesting to see bottom of the league try and play a passing game.

Anyway, on to Saints. The formation looked a bit shitty from the start but it should have been enough. Samuel was giving them hell on the left and looked quite good again - he needs to find those shooting boots though. He seemed to stop playing in the second half though, it was a bit weird. Was he injured?

Up front we looked dreadful though, that was the main problem. Homer is poor in the air so for a target man he's pretty much useless. With the ball into feet he is a far better player as he uses his body well to protect the ball. As for Savo, he's not had a shot on goal since the Dundee game. He shouldn't be near the team at the moment. In midfield Miller (not a right midfielder) was ok, Morris was class and Hardie was fairly awful. I cannot understand how he is getting picked.

As an attacking threat we were impotent until Jacko came on - what a difference. He makes the right runs. When Holmes goes to win a header Jacko is ready for the flick every time. Only a couple of offsides stopped him from getting clear. And of course he goes down too easily so is worth 5 or 6 pens a season. Defo deserves a start next week.

Over all, it was an un-characteristic error by Ruti for the goal (though Main was nowhere to be seen). It was a shame, because the defense were super all day long. Craig had it hard in the first but was exceptional in the second. Irvine was excellent. 2 points dropped but we didn't play that well, though not terrible.

[chopper]

I have been fortunate (or unfortunate, given the weather) to have seen the last 4 matches we have played and, being honest, we have come out with pretty much what we deserved from them all in my opinion - and it is a couple of points less than what I thought we would have.

Before the game, I had a mixture of feelings - looking for a win against the bottom of the table side who are really struggling and looking to just make sure we didn't concede ground to Dunfermline at a ground we traditionally get the best part of f*** all from normally!!!

Over the course of the 90 minutes there can be no real arguments that the draw was the fair result, though for the equaliser to come from poor defending and shambolic goalkeeping having done so well in the last few weeks and rightly earning the plaudits from the various media outlets the gaffer has been quoted in was disappointing.

We look a very good side on the counter attack and, for me, we look the type of side that Hamilton wish they were in going up to the SPL - being very pacy, with wide players who go forward as often as possible, thus pushing the opposition back and allowing them to have less focus called on to their defensive ability, which (certainly in the case of our full backs) is not as good as the attacking abilities they have [NOTE THIS IS NOT A CRITICISM!!!]

The one thing missing was the end product. I lost count of how many times Morris, Hardie or Millar got the pass spot on to the wide man whose delivery was generally of top order for the chance to go begging. Any decent Holmes-esque striker at this level would have certainly had a couple of goals with the crosses delivered into the box (though Airdrie must be credited with some good defending of these cross balls on occasions as well). Holmes' miss was one that befitted a striker lacking in confidence, however it only takes one to go in off his posterior for him to then go on a run of form that will hopefully see us wrap up a league title that, realistically, should be ours for the taking already.

Final point, and I apologise if you are bored with this post already, is that I agree with the point regarding why Sheerin wasn't playing. Hardie wasn't having his best game ever and, for me, we didn't need a big tough tackling player in the midfield as Airdrie didn't have one but we needed someone with the guile to create something. Millar looks like he could certainly do us a job in the middle of the park and it would allow Sheerin to come in from wide, or to allow Craig the opportunity to push further forward on occasion with Sheerin covering.

All in all, the dropped points haven't hurt us so far because of the other teams taking points off one another, but as we have seen already, it only takes someone to go on a little run (like Livi in the last couple of games) for us to get dragged back in to a scrap rather than being out front while the rest trip each other up.

[Noose76]

Chopper, at least you didn't take a crack in the jaw off the Section B this time! :laugh:

[chopper]

Chopper, at least you didn't take a crack in the jaw off the Section B this time! :laugh:

Touche, touche :laugh:

[mainstand]

You're explaining Del's thinking but are supporting this tactic? I believe you are a football coach in real life, do you employ this technique? Times without number we win the ball, or second ball and the recipient looks up and cringes; "wha ah'm a gonnae play this tae?"

.

I coach kids yes, and that is very different. I actually think there can be benefits in bringing all men back. very few teams will put extra men into teh box if we don't have any men up front.


As far as playing the ball out from teh back how many times do players clear it long and then just see the ball coming right back at them. This was we should be playing it short and building from teh back.If the goalie gets the ball he can then have a number of options with runners going in various directions.