#22 - 27/12/08 - Clyde (h)

[The ghost of Jim Morton]

Right, yesterdays gone and next up are Clyde. A bit of a bogie side for Saints this term ( and others). Well I'm positive this week, positive that we will beat them at McD. McInnes will need to decide what he thinks is our best side and our strongest formation and stick with it from here on in.We are top of the league and frankly , it's time to show why we are top of the league. We need to get more positive as a team and start trying to win matches instead of trying to make sure we don't get beat. We are the best team in this league, we have the best squad in this league, we have very few injuries and we need to start believing that we will win the championship.

As for Clyde, they are certainly getting better and must be gaining a fair bit of confidence which I think will ensure that they come to McD. with the attitude that they CAN beat us. This should mean it's a much more open game than we have see of late in Perth.Obviously we must be at the top of our game if we are to win , but I believe we will be. We must concentrate for the full 90 minutes, but I believe we can and will. We must use craft and guile and above all we as a team MUST believe that winning is the most important thing and and be prepared to sweat blood and tears to reach our ultimate goal.

Team wise, barring injuries, I want to see this.....


MAIN



IRVINE, ANDO, RUSTY, CRAIG



SWANKIE, MILLAR, MORRIS, SHEERIN.



SAVO, JACKO.


Subs. Baldy(Mclean) Holmes, Moon, McDonald, Hardie...

Injured ..James. suspended Caff....

No place for...Samuel, Morgan, McKoy ( if he's still with us???)

No defenders on the bench two attackers,two midfielders. If needed Sheerin could fill in at LB in the event of an injury...Positive line-up giving out a positive message......

*** we need to sign at least 2 defenders in the window***

Come on Saints!!!!!!!

The time for pissing about is now OVER!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Perth-Saint]

Main

Irvine Ruti Ando Craig

Swankie Millar Moon Sheerin

Jackson Samuel

Subs: Hillcoat, Hardie ,Savo, MacDonald, Holmes

[StDuncM]

Right, yesterdays gone and next up are Clyde. A bit of a bogie side for Saints this term ( and others). Well I'm positive this week, positive that we will beat them at McD. McInnes will need to decide what he thinks is our best side and our strongest formation and stick with it from here on in.We are top of the league and frankly , it's time to show why we are top of the league. We need to get more positive as a team and start trying to win matches instead of trying to make sure we don't get beat. We are the best team in this league, we have the best squad in this league, we have very few injuries and we need to start believing that we will win the championship.

As for Clyde, they are certainly getting better and must be gaining a fair bit of confidence which I think will ensure that they come to McD. with the attitude that they CAN beat us. This should mean it's a much more open game than we have see of late in Perth.Obviously we must be at the top of our game if we are to win , but I believe we will be. We must concentrate for the full 90 minutes, but I believe we can and will. We must use craft and guile and above all we as a team MUST believe that winning is the most important thing and and be prepared to sweat blood and tears to reach our ultimate goal.

Team wise, barring injuries, I want to see this.....


MAIN



IRVINE, ANDO, RUSTY, CRAIG



SWANKIE, MILLAR, MORRIS, SHEERIN.



SAVO, JACKO.


Subs. Baldy(Mclean) Holmes, Moon, McDonald, Hardie...

Injured ..James. suspended Caff....

No place for...Samuel, Morgan, McKoy ( if he's still with us???)

No defenders on the bench two attackers,two midfielders. If needed Sheerin could fill in at LB in the event of an injury...Positive line-up giving out a positive message......

*** we need to sign at least 2 defenders in the window***

Come on Saints!!!!!!!

The time for pissing about is now OVER!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Ghostie, I think the only change to that would be replacing Jacko with Holmes and dump Hardie from the bench with Samuel taking his place.

[Pablo]

Time is right to pitch Jacko into the fray, might just give Savo and Holmes a bit of a kickstart too. Midfield needs to be structured better - on Saturday Millar kept thinking he was a central mifielder whereas he'd clearly (and wrongly IMO) been asked to play wide right. I'm going for:

Main

Irvine Ruti Ando Craig

Swankie Millar Moon Sheerin

Jackson Holmes

Subs: Hillcoat, Morris ,Savo, Hardie, Sammy

[sjfcsean]

Main

Irvine Rusty Ando Craig

Moon Millar Morris Sheerin

Jacko Holmes

Subs: Hillcoat, Swankie, Savo, Peaso, Sammy

[i'm old greg]

I thnik it might b a good game to take a bit of a chance, things haven't been going to well recently and the team as a whole have looked a bit flat, I know there been alot crying out to revert to 4-4-2 but we're the home side and the onus is on us to win the game and I suppose we can expect Clyde to do as others have and pack the defence and make us beak them down (although Dunfermline score suggests they might not) so extra width and men in midfield may serve us well.

I'd go:-

MAIN

Irvine Rusty Ando


Swankie Millar Morris Sheerin Craig


Jackson Holmes

Subs:- Hillcoat, Samuel, Savo, Moon, Peaso


Moris would most likely sit a bit deeper and protect the back three and Millar might have to do a bit of tracking back for Swankie.

As has been said, Clyde have been a bit of a bogie team so I think we should have a real go at them.

[ancientsaint]

Main
Irvine Rusty Ando Craig
Millar Moon Sheerin


Jackson Holmes Milne


Subs....hilly---swankie -morris- peaso - samuel

[Broon]

Main

Irvine Rusty Ando Craig
Swankie Moon Morris Sheerin
Jacko Homer

Subs: Hillcoat, Miller, Peaso, Samuel, Hardie

Tear them apart Saints!

[Mike180279]

Main
Irvine Rusty Ando Craig
Swankie Millar Morris Sheerin
Jackson Holmes

Subbies
Hilly, Savo, Samuel, MMM, Mooner

[St Mikey]

I frankly don't care who is playing!!!!!

As long as we get the 3 points.

OH WHEN THE SAINTS,
GO MARCHING IN.
OH WHEN THE SAINTS,
GO MARCHING IN.

[Radford 72]

I've had Hardie in my side every week up until now but it's getting harder to justify picking him and we might get away without him on Saturday. They specifically had a player mark him at Broadwood, so there's a chance we'll catch them off guard if he starts on the bench too. McInnes is hopefully that Moon and MacDonald will be available again and I'm torn between Moon in the middle or Millar as they are weak at left wingback, so it might be to our advantage to have Swankie up against whoever they have there. The German that played there at Broadwood has left them.

If Swankie plays, the delivery might be more up Holmes' street too, especially with the Wizard pinging them in from the left. I do find it a bit amusing how Jacko was getting punt on loan last week and is now back starting in most sides! I'd probably start with Samuel though, as Savo's gone a bit off the boil.

Main

Irvine - Rutkiewicz - Anderson - Craig

Swankie/Millar - Millar/Moon - Morris - Sheerin

Samuel - Holmes

Subbies: Hillcoat/McLean, Swankie/Moon, Hardie, Milne, Jackson/MacDonald.

[Mike180279]

I was one of the ones who thought Jacko Fitness wise could benefit from a short stint away from the club....but his appearance at the weekend (surprised by this) and yet another draw leads me to think, something has to change and perhaps he is the man!

Crunch, crunch the sound of humble pie being swallowed!

[541ntees]

Main
Irvine Rusty Ando Craig
Swankie Millar Morris Sheerin
Holmes Savo

subs- hill/mclean Mooner Sammy Jacko Peaso

[dan the saint]

Main
Irvine Rusty Ando Craig
Swankie Millar Morris Sheerin
Jackson savo

Subbies
Hilly, Mooner, MMM , Samuel , Holmes

[101 Saint]

Midfield needs to be structured better - on Saturday Millar kept thinking he was a central mifielder whereas he'd clearly (and wrongly IMO) been asked to play wide right.
Why do you think so?

[101 Saint]

I do find it a bit amusing how Jacko was getting punt on loan last week and is now back starting in most sides!

Absolutely! I read somewhere else that we don't have a poacher in our squad, pretty sure the author was one of the dudes calling for Peaso to be moved on in January:?

We have the best pool of strikers in the league. I'd swap any of them for Curier and all bar Jacko for McMenamin, but Dundee can't match us for depth of quality. No pleasing some folks.

[ryangordon86]

McInnes will need to decide what he thinks is our best side and our strongest formation and stick with it from here on in.

I'm sure you're cutting and pasting this phrase every week! It's true though. I believe Del should pick a side and stick with it. It's the only way to breed confidence in the team

[The ghost of Jim Morton]

I'm sure you're cutting and pasting this phrase every week! It's true though. I believe Del should pick a side and stick with it. It's the only way to breed confidence in the team

It's called minimal effort my boy, minimal effort:wink:

[Finners]

Well crew of 8 of us going to rangers game but i think i'll get another voucher at this game for 2 other saintees who arent season ticket holders. Do i have to specifically ask for the voucher or do they just give it to you when you pay to get in?

[monkfish]

Why do you think so?

From what I could see he drifted back into the middle a lot of the time vs Clyde, but that could have been to cover for the bald backpasser and MM.

[Macarius]

Well crew of 8 of us going to rangers game but i think i'll get another voucher at this game for 2 other saintees who arent season ticket holders. Do i have to specifically ask for the voucher or do they just give it to you when you pay to get in?

They just gave me mine when I payed in at the Morton game which is a bloody good thing because my mind escaped me for a brief second and I completey forgot about the voucher.

[Steve Maskrey]

I do find it a bit amusing how Jacko was getting punt on loan last week and is now back starting in most sides!

...and that everyone thinks Swankie should start despite the fact no-one voted for him in MoM against Airdrie and the average comment about his performance was that he was invisible!

Main

Irvine Ando Rusty Craig

Samuel/Millar Morris Hardie/Millar Sheerin

Jacko Holmes

Subs: Hillcoat, Moon, Peaso, Savo, Swankie

Time to give Jacko a start alongside Homer?

[Broon]

...and that everyone thinks Swankie should start despite the fact no-one voted for him in MoM against Airdrie and the average comment about his performance was that he was invisible!

Swankie was good against Airdrie. He got a couple of good runs and balls into the box. We looked better when both him and Jacko were on the park.

[101 Saint]

Swankie was good against Airdrie. He got a couple of good runs and balls into the box. We looked better when both him and Jacko were on the park.

The Airdrie game played in Airdrie?

He was good in the home game but good in last weekend's game, nah!

[101 Saint]

From what I could see he drifted back into the middle a lot of the time vs Clyde, but that could have been to cover for the bald backpasser and MM.

I assume you mean Airdrie? I never saw any instructions to go wide. I think he was following Del's pre-match instructions perfectly. Don't understand why people assume he should be playing wide right.

The official site decreed that the formation was 4-3-3 so you would expect the midfield three to be narrow, wouldn't you?

[CynicalSaintee]

4-4-2. Can't afford to sacrifice a midfielder in place of a striker against a team who scored 4 at EEP. We just can't buy goals at the moment, but I think that's because the last few games the opposition's gone out of their way to stifle us (as well as some shite finishing, to be fair). I don't think Clyde will be as negative as Airdrie/Queens/Morton, and they'll come at us, and it's this type of game which will suit us much better. From what I hear, as I wasn't at the Airdrie game, Mad Mental's lost his mental, so if Moon is fit, I would be tempted to put him in MMM's place. I'd go for Jacko/Peaso up front as all the otehr partnerships have dried up totally. Plus it's a home game, so Swanks should start.

Main
Irvine - Caff - Rusty - Craig
Millar - Morris - Moon - Swankie
Peaso - Jacko

Bench; Hillcoat, Hardie, Sheerin, Anderson, Savo

[perth_saintee12]

Main (Legend!)

Irvine Ruti Ando Craig

Miller Sheerin Hardie Morris

Savo Homer

[slf]

loadsa the old crew are gonna make this one braw.will we fill the east.hopin for a btg crowd,then again we probably get humped.thats what often happens.i leave the team lines to the manager.just dinnae put 11 men in defence at a corner ,thats daft.lets go steam those clyde chuffers.

[perth_saintee12]

Mon Saints lets get this monkey off our back of Clyde being our bogey team we need to start racking up the points MON THE SAINTS!!!

[StDuncM]

just dinnae put 11 men in defence at a corner ,thats daft.

Better than having none like when we got humped 4-0 earlier in the season against Thistle.

[O'Rourke]

We sorely need a convincing home win.

St johnstone at a canter, three nil home win cheers.

[Southpaw]

Might have to be a re-think on some of the teams posted....could be a midfield starting slot for Liam!! :)

[The ghost of Jim Morton]

Might have to be a re-think on some of the teams posted....could be a midfield starting slot for Liam!! :)

And....???? What is it you know that we don't...MCome on, spill yer beans.:)

[Southpaw]

A loaned LB from the Hibees...don't know a name, sorry!

[The ghost of Jim Morton]

A loaned LB from the Hibees...don't know a name, sorry!

In time for the Clyde game????

[Southpaw]

He's certainly training with us but I don't know enough about him to know if he'll come in straight away...hence the "might" in my original post. :)

If the paperwork has been done then I would have thought Clyde at home would be an ideal game to play him.

Apologies for the vagueness....it's just that I don't know!! :)

[sjfc.spl.09-10]

i said a couple off weeks ago get jacko in the team again and i get told he wasnt going to get a game this season

changed ure minds now:twisted:

[mainstand]

He's certainly training with us but I don't know enough about him to know if he'll come in straight away...hence the "might" in my original post. :)

If the paperwork has been done then I would have thought Clyde at home would be an ideal game to play him.

Apologies for the vagueness....it's just that I don't know!! :)

Could it be THIERRY GATHUESSI. Morais has also been told that he can leave Easter Road.

gathuessi is actually a right back so it can;t be him.

[101 Saint]

He's certainly training with us but I don't know enough about him to know if he'll come in straight away...hence the "might" in my original post. :)

If the paperwork has been done then I would have thought Clyde at home would be an ideal game to play him.

Apologies for the vagueness....it's just that I don't know!! :)
Seems a strange time for an emergency loan. More likely that this boy has arrived to sign a "full" loan deal. It also confirms the story that Del will likely use Monday to parade his new signing and
Craig's availability will afford Hards to get a break (or operation) so that will answer that question!

[mainstand]

Seems a strange time for an emergency loan. More likely that this boy has arrived to sign a "full" loan deal. It also confirms the story that Del will likely use Monday to parade his new signing and
Craig's availability will afford Hards to get a break (or operation) so that will answer that question!

Could be a signing in January but just getting him in early via a one month loan deal.

[Southpaw]

Could be a signing in January but just getting him in early via a one month loan deal.

I agree, that's why my original post was a bit "ifs, buts and maybe's". Anyhoo...as long as he's a decent left back who allows Craig to get further up the park, that'll do for me.

[Radford 72]

As TS posted further up, the left back is 18-year-old Paul Hanlon, who has played about a dozen games for Hibs.

Month initially to assess him and then the deal can be extended into a full loan.

Be interesting to see if he is pitched straight in. He's not played a first team game since August.

[StDuncM]

Highly rated by Hibs according to a couple of forums I had a look at plus this.

http://thescotsman.scotsman.com/sport/Hanlon-on-loan.4823868.jp

[The ghost of Jim Morton]

New team selection......



MAIN



IRVINE, ANDO, RUSTY, HANLON



SWANKIE, MILLAR, MORRIS, CRAIG.



SAVO, JACKO.


Subs. Baldy(Mclean) Holmes, Moon, Sheerin Morgan ...

Injured ..James, Hardie, Peaso, Sammy... suspended Caff....

[sjfc.spl.09-10]

Singing Tomorrow :)

[Cagey]

What will you be singing ?.

[saintee4life]

lets itroduce a new mmm................................MAD MENTAL MOOOOOOONER

[sjfc.spl.09-10]

What will you be singing ?.

Hockey Cockey:laugh:

[mainstand]

I would think Hanlon will be on teh bench for teh start of this match. Why take the rick and change 2 of the back 4 to start the match.

[The ghost of Jim Morton]

I would think Hanlon will be on teh bench for teh start of this match. Why take the rick and change 2 of the back 4 to start the match.

Cos we,ve only taken 7 out of the last 17 points perhaps?????? Lets get positive......

[101 Saint]

I would think Hanlon will be on teh bench for teh start of this match. Why take the rick and change 2 of the back 4 to start the match.

Del's previous form suggests that Hanlon will start. Cameron, Lynch Smith and Morgs were all pitched in straight away. If there's any truth in the Hards injury story it frees Liam into midfield.

There must be a reason why the deal was pushed though before 01 January 2009.

[Steve Maskrey]

There must be a reason why the deal was pushed though before 01 January 2009.

Simply because with McCaffrey suspended and James injured, we're short of defenders at the moment? He sounds a good prospect and it looks as if Del's main target doesn't come off then we could have this lad until the summer

[101 Saint]

Simply because with McCaffrey suspended and James injured, we're short of defenders at the moment? He sounds a good prospect and it looks as if Del's main target doesn't come off then we could have this lad until the summer

But Kerzo, McKoy or Morgs could have sat on the bench and pretended to be defenders. I'm sure Hanlon will start.

[Steve Maskrey]

But Kerzo, McKoy or Morgs could have sat on the bench and pretended to be defenders. I'm sure Hanlon will start.

Given that both McKoy and Kerr are no longer at the club and Morgan's last appearance in the team was in midfield then we're still short of defenders. No doubt Hanlon will start with Craig in midfield

[scotty gordon]

i think he will start,liam into midfield,a solid performance i hope,saints MUST WIN

COME ON YOU SAINTS

[The Real Saints]

Let's hope the players haven't been over-indulgent in the last few days! It is clear where the problems lie. Our midfield isn't creating enough, and the strikers aren't getting a sniff. The defence is our strongest area, and unfortunately that must be rejigged tomorrow, though I'm sure Anderson can step in to do a solid job in place of the suspended Stuart McCaffrey. The big question is whether McInnes will start with new one-month loan signing and Scotland U-19 captain Paul Hanlon at left-back, and push Craig forward, which I feel would benefit the team. We need Liam's attacking prowess, and I doubt McInnes would have made this latest short-term signing if he didn't mean to throw Hanlon straight into the action, especially considering we have other makeshift options in Craig, Anderson and Morgan.
I doubt Hardie would have started tomorrow regardless, so injury doubts probably mean he is out of the starting XI and, in probability, the matchday squad.
Morris has impressed me in recent weeks, and I would love to see Millar beside him in his most effective position, the centre of midfield.
As Radford has said on P&B, it has been hinted that Jackson will start tomorrow. Given Samuel's injury, I think it is fair to say that the most likely partner for young Andy is Derek Holmes. He would benefit from Swankie's trademark delivery on the right wing. It would be a shame to leave out Sheerin, who looked our most creative threat when he came on last Saturday, but we just have too many other options and the probable physical nature of tomorrow's match could pass him by.


Main

Irvine Rutkiewicz Anderson Hanlon

Swankie Millar Morris Craig

Jackson Holmes



It goes without saying that we must improve dramatically in order to beat Clyde. They are our bogey team, and there is no worse time to play them. They proved they are no pushovers with their 4-4 draw against Dunfermline last weekend, and we seem to be in the doldrums at the moment. We must match them in pure physical play, and show we want it more. We must be the first to every ball. It is important that we see a performance and get a result which will relieve the fans, and send out a message to the other teams in the league - that we are at the top and here to stay.

[MUZZ]

lets have a big crowd, plenty of singing and a good festive game. probably asking for too much though.

[slf]

lets have a big crowd, plenty of singing and a good festive game. probably asking for too much though.

i agree .maybe the 2zzer man might give us cheap beer to help us sing ,somehow i doubt it.

[perth_saintee12]

lets have a big crowd, plenty of singing and a good festive game. probably asking for too much though.

My personal opinion is that the crowd will be more or less the same. No significant difference.

[The ghost of Jim Morton]

My personal opinion is that the crowd will be more or less the same. No significant difference.

Be prepared to be proved wrong then...Crowd will be at least 3200 ( was 2412 last time against Clyde and 2749 against Morton a couple of weeks ago):wink:

[SingaporeSaint]

As second place in the prediction league and keeping within modesty boundaries, I would like to express that the crowd will be slightly more than normal.

[The Inspiration]

I think hanlon will be on the bench today.. simply brought in as cover for defence.. not brought in to play left back. Craig will play there until del sorts out that position in jan. Ando and rusty with an injured james and suspended caff means no defensive cover.. hence a rushed move for hanlon that couldn't wait till thursday.

Ill go for a saints win, any win will do. Scrappy game, good crowd. Up to us to provide an atmosphere.. mon the saints

[The ghost of Jim Morton]

I think hanlon will be on the bench today.. simply brought in as cover for defence.. not brought in to play left back. Craig will play there until del sorts out that position in jan. Ando and rusty with an injured james and suspended caff means no defensive cover.. hence a rushed move for hanlon that couldn't wait till thursday.

Ill go for a saints win, any win will do. Scrappy game, good crowd. Up to us to provide an atmosphere.. mon the saints

Where to you get RUSH MOVE????????

Seeing as Del has been chasing they boy since the start of the season, I see no reason for him not to start. Del obviously rates the kid and this is no knee-jerk signing. He will start today and will extend his loan till the end of the season come January.

****ing great signing. Well done Derek McInnes

[sjfc.spl.09-10]

Should Be An Easy Game Today!

COME ON YOU SAINTIES!!!

[The ghost of Jim Morton]

Should Be An Easy Game Today!

COME ON YOU SAINTEES!!!

Try to remember, we are Saints, nothing is ever easy.......:laugh:

'MON THE BLOOOOOOOOOOOOSSSSSSSSSS

[Southpaw]

Feels like a big game today......1st minute, last minute, I don't care. Lets get the 3 points.

Best of luck boys!

[perth_saintee12]

Feels like a big game today......1st minute, last minute, I don't care. Lets get the 3 points.

Best of luck boys!

May prove exceedingly difficult in bits of the game and yes saints plese dont let clyde run through the whole team from kick off and score inside 120 seconds!!!!!

[StDuncM]

Should Be An Easy Game Today!

COME ON YOU SAINTIES!!!

Newbie stole your thunder, Ghostie!

Hope it is not a bad omen!

Big win today. They are in for a heluva beating......this time.

[saint sid]

Time to snot this bogey team out of our systems!
Really hope we hump them 5-0 or something.

[Jags Ya Bas!]

A draw would suit us fine.

[The ghost of Jim Morton]

A draw would suit us fine.

Surely your wanting to WIN....against Ross County:laugh::laugh::laugh:

[saint sid]

A draw would suit us fine.

We`ve had more draws than Rolf Harris, so nothing less than a win will do today! attack, attack, - attack-attack-attack, 5-4 would be nice also!

[Steve Maskrey]

I think Clyde will come out and attack us, which should suit us as it'll open up spaces for us to play in. With Hardie and Samuel injured, a great opportunity for Del to try something different in midfield.

[Southpaw]

Really important to get a win now that the Pars game is off. Big chance to open up a gap.

[The ghost of Jim Morton]

KNOCK, KNOCK...

[Finners]

Who's There?

[The ghost of Jim Morton]

WENDY!!!!!!!!!!!

[SingaporeSaint]

Topov !

[The ghost of Jim Morton]

Topov !

Topov, Topov, Topov Twine. ( was spotted by Mrs Ghost this morning in the toon.)

[saint sid]

Topov Topov Topov the league

[O'Rourke]

Young Hanlon starts. Anderson in for Caff. Swankie starts as does Sherinio!

Looks a decent line up! I'll stick by my three nil prediction.....

[Johnstoun]

Positive lineup from McInnes, hopefully it'll spark a bit of creativity.

[O'Rourke]

Hibernian two down at home! Whatever happened to their promising young left-back?

[O'Rourke]

Sean Higgins packs a punch for County as they go one up!

[Dunfermline Saint]

1-0! Savo!

[Tarvie]

Savoooooooooo mon the Saints

[saint sid]

where`s best place to get updates on 1st div today? sky`s crap setanta`s crap and cant find decent radio station, anyone know?

[O'Rourke]

where`s best place to get updates on 1st div today? sky`s crap setanta`s crap and cant find decent radio station, anyone know?

Here!

[saint sid]

Here!

ha ha! will stay here then!

[Tarvie]

where`s best place to get updates on 1st div today? sky`s crap setanta`s crap and cant find decent radio station, anyone know?


Open all mics on Radio Scotland (tinternet)

[a monkey]

Open all mics on Radio Scotland (tinternet)

http://news.bbc.co.uk/player/sol/newsid_7740000/newsid_7742200/7742209.stm?bw=bb&mp=rm&news=1&bbcws=1

[Tarvie]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/player/sol/newsid_7740000/newsid_7742200/7742209.stm?bw=bb&mp=rm&news=1&bbcws=1

Too quick for me......

Sounds like Saints are well on top of Clyde

[Tarvie]

Cuthbert sent off for Morton & Combe sent off for Killie....not a good day for keepers

[a monkey]

sounds like we're all over them.

need to keep it up though and actually finish them off, can't just sit at 1-0 and hope we hold on.

[101 Saint]

Looks good so far. Plenty possession, good crossing and good movement. Very big crowd all hoping to celebrate tonight.

[a monkey]

Very big crowd all hoping to celebrate tonight.

what's the number?

[O'Rourke]

Savo's stock is rising!

ICT bottom of the SPL, Black going to Hearts and Cowie wanting away.......

Hope we can hold on to him!

[Tarvie]

Sounds like its still all Saints and Hanlon doing pretty well.

[a monkey]

sounds like we're well on top

still need that second goal before i'll feel comfortable though...

[O'Rourke]

Millar on for Ando! Have we gone three at the back?

[O'Rourke]

Sean Higgins packs a punch for County as they go one up!

Knockout blow from Higgins two nil County and a good result for Saints.

[Tarvie]

Fantastic save from Main that keeps its at 1-0

[a monkey]

keep your grubby little hands off our keeper Levein!

standing ovation for savo.

still need a second though!

[Tarvie]

Still 1-0

[a monkey]

clyde down to 10 men

[a monkey]

full time

good result, would have liked us to kill the game off in the 2nd half though.

[Tarvie]

Full time 1-0 well done Saints

[O'Rourke]

Phew....

Great result though.

[O'Rourke]

McSwegan is a fud.

[soulfulsaint]

greetings from sri lanka - that'll do nicely. back home next week in my Jody style pearly king suit come on da saints

[SingaporeSaint]

Well done saints, good win and great unbeaten run.

[SingaporeSaint]

full time

good result, would have liked us to kill the game off in the 2nd half though.

Yes, we all would have liked that.

[SingaporeSaint]

...but loving the unbeaten record !

[Coltrane]

A win is a win...well done Saints....

[SingaporeSaint]

greetings from sri lanka - that'll do nicely. back home next week in my Jody style pearly king suit come on da saints

Hopefully you are out with the Tamil Tigers celebrating our win and league standing

[tbaysaint]

good win,good crowd,good unbeaten run,other results gone our way also,good christmas now,now lets start of new year where we left of this one. i hope to be clear of the man flu by then...WELL DONE SAINTS.......

[O'Rourke]

good win,good crowd,good unbeaten run,other results gone our way also,good christmas now,now lets start of new year where we left of this one. i hope to be clear of the man flu by then...WELL DONE SAINTS.......

Man flu?

Try stage 2 Man flu, now that's really bad mate.

[THE REBEL SAINT]

crowd is 3491

[101 Saint]

Thanks to Geoff a lot of part timers saw the Champions elect. Hopefully many of them will make our next home game and catch the Saints bug. Thanks Del, happy new year to one and all.

[Jamie_Beatson]

Good win today, but Clyde were pretty poor. If we had a bit of killer instinct in front of goal we would have won much more comfortably.

Goal came when a deep Craig cross was nodded down by Holmes into the path of Milne. It just seemed to hit Milne's legs and trundle into the bottom corner.

Thought Hanlon was very composed for his first game, he looks a good prospect, while having Craig in the midfield made a world of difference. Sheerin also played well, while Morris was outstanding again.

Only real problem is our finishing. Holmes looks useful in terms of knocking down for others - but his finishing has been appalling lately. He missed two excellent chances again, and put that on top of misses against Airdrie and Morton (having seen the highlights), and it might be time for Samuel to start instead. Particularly against County, who Samuel has had some joy against this year.

[sjfc_camo]

paul hanlon really impressed me today even when he covered at centre back definitly my man of the match

[SJC]

We dominated that match and should have scored a lot more

The referee was a disgrace though, their keeper should have been off for an awful foul on Holmes, one of their strikers threw an elbow at Andersons face and Milne was kicked in the head when he was on his knees after being pushed- in all of these incidents, the ball was nowhere near where the foul was commited

Anderson looked to have taken a bad one from one of the Clyde players and needed help getting off the pitch- that challenge was so late I doubt anyone in the ground actually saw it

Sheerin was magnifficent today, Milne put in a man of the match performance too and was giving a staning ovation

Holmes missed another absolute sitter in the first half then another golden chance in the second, he did however set up the goal with a header at the back post which hit of Milnes knee and into the net

The left back played well after a very nervous start and looks like he could be a good player, Craig played well as did Swankie

Rutki went bursting up the pitch far too often though, he needs to hold the line

3 points, better performance, awful refereeing performance- normal service resumed then

[Dennistoun Saint]

Good win and a good performance too. We played some lovely stuff today. Morris deserved his MoM award. Very assured, bossed the midfield and some lovely passes. Hanlon had a good debut too. Made some very good forward runs and never looked phased – can see why Hibs rate him so highly. Craig was far more effective in midfield and it definitely hurt the team when he had to drop back after Ando’s injury. Swankie had some nice touches and he put in a couple of excellent crosses but I’d still like to see him take players on more often. He looks very short on confidence but it’s little wonder with some of the OTT abuse he gets. Savo and Holmes don’t look nearly as dangerous as earlier in the season and I think that’s a large contributing factor to why we’re just getting narrow wins (or draws) in games we dominate. Good performance all round today though and another priceless three points! Happy 2009!

[The Real Saints]

A much improved performance today. We passed the ball around very well at times, despite Clyde doing their utmost in the second half to prevent us gaining any momentum by hacking us down right, left and centre. The referee seemed to be on the away side also, bottling it more than once. Surely the goalkeeper running out of his goal, as the last man, and taking down Holmes should be a straight red? And Anderson was deliberately tripped in an off-the-ball incident and had to be replaced, yet the referee and his linesmen didn't spot it.
Good to see Milne score for the first time in a wee while, although perhaps Hutton should have saved it. No failures today. Hanlon looked very impressive both at left-back and centre-back when Steven was substituted, certainly feeling there was no reason he shouldn't get forward. Rutkiewicz was immense, although he gave away the ball a bit too often in the early stages. Today showed how we need Craig in midfield. He and Sheerin worked very well together, and Swankie put in his best performance of the season ; really excellent - his combination with Millar when the latter came on was fantastic. Jody was characteristically neat and classy, hardly a pass going astray and really getting into the thick of the action, and deserved his sponsor's MOTM award.
I am very relieved. We looked like champions today, and dealt well with anything Clyde threw at us. Onwards and upwards!

[Jamie_Beatson]

On a separate note - Clyde were a bunch of dirty cheating bastards. Constant bad tackles, several bookings and a red card. At one point Holmes was down injured in the Clyde box, and Alan Main had the ball. He rolled it to Hanlon who was about to knock it out of play when the ref stopped the game. Because it hadn't gone out it was a drop ball, and Clyde refused to return it to the Saints keeper. Willie McLaren contested the drop ball and won it, even though Saints clearly had possession. It wasn't as if Clyde were challenging for the ball when play stopped either.

[Shibbydoo]

Dirty cheating b**tards!!

You can tell it's Bomber's team.

[Phil]

Willie McLaren contested the drop ball and won it, even though Saints clearly had possession. It wasn't as if Clyde were challenging for the ball when play stopped either.
He got a few more boos after that and he had a crappy game too :)

[THE REBEL SAINT]

He got a few more boos after that and he had a crappy game too :)

why boo a former saints player

[MUZZ]

why boo a former saints player

willie's a good lad. hope things go well for him at clyde.

[The ghost of Jim Morton]

A game made a bit tough by our lack of killer touch in front of goal. Clyde were to be honest, fecking woeful but at 1-0 it only takes one mistake and your back to square one. Thankfully we looked pretty solid at the back and Hanlon had a very good game at LB .Results are what count though and you only get 3 points however many you score. Our play in the first half was excellent and at time very fluid which was great too see. The second half was not as good and we did seem a tad nervous towards the end but seeing as we have lost a few late goals , that was understandable. Unlike others , I thought Swankie was at times poor and too often failed to take his man on.Having said that , he had some nice touches as well. Morris was immense and Sheerin was not far behind him. Holmes played much better till the Clyde keeper tried to take his head off. How that was not a straight red only that dickhead Mr Sommers knows.Most pleasing was that they tried to bully us and kick us off the park, but we stood strong and never allowed them to boss the game. Mc Sweagan is a dirty *** bastard and a disgrace of a player. He was blowing out of his fat arse after only being on the park 5 minutes and deserved to get a straight red. Shellsuit Bob looked a we bit of a handfull till his buckie induced hangover kicked. The incident with the drop ball made him public enemy no.1 and as the game wore on he faded before throwing his dummy out of the pram when he was replaced. He truly is a wee cnut.Serial flasher Lithgow was exposed more than once at the back and the best shout of the day had to be fae Davie who sits behind me when he screamed " Lithgow, gonna show US your Boaby"

All in alll 3 good points against a team who we always struggle against and who have been on a decent run themselves. Well done Saints, well done Del and well done Saints fans for turning up in numbers..

8 points clear, 14 unbeaten, two months at the top ...Next please!!!!!

[MUZZ]

i know the 3 points is the main objective but does no one else think our style of play is rather boring to watch?

[saint5588]

Great game today, good to see Craig in the midfield. Hanlon had a great game especially when moved to the centre of defence when Ando went off injured. Every player had a great game and if chances had been taken it could easily have been 4-0

[Derek Patterson]

Clyde were generally filthy but at least Lithgow didn't get the Derek Lilley oot. Quality cos I work in Cumbernauld so will be wearing my new WAP shirt on Monday. I'm sure they'll appreciate it.

[101 Saint]

The second half was not as good and we did seem a tad nervous towards the end but seeing as we have lost a few late goals , that was understandable.

In the last 14 games, I can't recall conceding many late goals. Agree that we look scared of conceding but I don't think it's based on anything other than Del's paranoia.

[The ghost of Jim Morton]

i know the 3 points is the main objective but does no one else think our style of play is rather boring to watch?

I don't think it's our style Muzzman, I just think lately we have not been all that good. Youv'e been watching to much Premiership stuff. This is how it is in this divsion man.:wink:

[perth_saintee12]

Impressed with Hanlons first performance, herd he is the u19 or u21 scotland skipper not too bad. Far better improvement from performance in recent weeks. Clyde were poor couldnt get out of their half and brought about 100 fans not do good. A good win if we are going to get promotion.

Next stop is Dingwall which again is a game we should win but should not underestimate Ross County as we also doing have a glowing record up in Dingwall.

Dunfermline game postponed also due to frozen pitch.

[MUZZ]

I don't think it's our style Muzzman, I just think lately we have not been all that good. Youv'e been watching to much Premiership stuff. This is how it is in this divsion man.:wink:
honestly ghost though, we are only top through grinding wins out like accies did last season and yes it is successful. the fact that the rest of the teams in the division are not too great has also helped. mate, the premiership stuff i watch is shit too just now, cannae blame it on that mate :)

[The ghost of Jim Morton]

In the last 14 games, I can't recall conceding many late goals. Agree that we look scared of conceding but I don't think it's based on anything other than Del's paranoia.

We have conceded 7 goals in the last 10 minutes of games this season. That's out of 22 conceded all season. So 1/3 of all the goals we have lost this season have come in 1/9th of the time we spend on the park. 2/3 coming in the other 8/9ths. Nae wonder Dels fecking paranoid...

[Southpaw]

i know the 3 points is the main objective but does no one else think our style of play is rather boring to watch?

We're certainly not Arsenal if thats what you mean....

I think we try and play as much football as we can Muzz. Even today, we played the ball along he back 4 quite a few times and found Morris in midfield as often as we could. Morris and Sheerin like to play football, Millar is quite direct and Swankie gives us good width.

To be fair to the players, if they could play silky football all the time, they probably wouldn't be playing for us! :)

[mainstand]

In the last 14 games, I can't recall conceding many late goals. Agree that we look scared of conceding but I don't think it's based on anything other than Del's paranoia.

Here we go again. 101 can you never make a sensible post without a wee dig at the manager. Del must have knocked you back or something for you to hold such a grudge against him.

The manager is paranoid because he doesn't want to lose a goal? there are 40 paranoid managers in Scotland then.

The players are at a stage now where they have gone 14 matches without losing a match, the last thing someone wants to do is cause a goal that costs us a result. It's himan nature and nothing to do with your alleged paranoia!!!

Stats on ghoals lost and scored available here: http://www.theleagueinsider.com/ebook/64/

[supersaint44]

Very impressive play at points today, no question on who deserved to win the game. We had some nice play at times with a solid looking backline even with the loss of Ando we coped well. The one bad point i would say is that i thought the linking between the midfiled and the strikers, seemed to be nonexistant at times with the midfield seeming to be reluctant to go forward and help the strikers. A lot of the time whne the ball was punted up to Holmes we only had Savo anywhere near to try and retreive the knock downs or Holmes had to try and keep the ball to lay off. In the first half Craig tried to help this but he was moved to left back and we lost the link. i think its an area to try and improve as we ned it to create more chances or its just gonna be punt to holmes as it has been most of the day.
Back onto a positive matter Hanlon played very well, looked strong, big, composed and cool all afternoon, if a similar player can be found id be quite happy. In general the whole of the defence looked very solid and good alday with a few minor exceptions. Another thing which was good was that with Craig in the middle, and Morris playing well today, and with Mooner/Millar showing well int he latter it looks like |Hardie will be hard pressed to make it back into the team. which i think is a good thing, as i am a Hardie fan but i feel it is this sort of competition he needs to have to get himself back to form and then back into the team.
The only real worried i had today was looking at the game how many shots on goal did we have? it was very few, despite our good play and possesion we didnt make it count and that worries me, i mena even the goal was jammy.

[templeofsaints]

Thought Clyde did ok in the 1st half despite Neddy McLaren but the 2nd showed their true colours again. Hutton should have walked for that challenge and the assault on Ando was ridiculous. However fair play to the ref he was dishing the cards out and tried to play some advantage at times.

As for Saints - superb performance only let down but some poor finishing. If we'd won that by 4 or 5 I don't think Clyde could have complained. Defensively Hanlon looked excellent and slotted right in. Ando was having a good game before he had to limp off. Midfield was outstanding - a lot more mobile and willing to pass the ball about this week. Millar had a good game in the middle when he came on as well.

Up front Savo deserved his goal. Holmes worked his arse off but he needs to find his man more with the headers - can't complain about the attitude, workrate or other cliche stats that the managers use though. If I do have one complaint its the tendency to defend too deeply on a one-goal lead - only happened for a few minutes today.

But this is simply the sort of result that has me thinking this WILL be our year.:D

[Dave H]

Probably one of the most one sided games I have seen this season in the first division.
Dominated from start to finish, bossed the game for the 90 minutes.
Created a few opportunities and on another day would have scored more goals.
Quicker and more skillful in all departments that made Clyde look like a kicking team. infact Clyde are just a kicking team. I am thankful we only have one player injured, as could have been many more.

Great result, just wish for a couple more goals and this would be far more enjoyable :D but I am not being greedy, 1-0 to end of the season will suffice.

[101 Saint]

Here we go again. 101 can you never make a sensible post without a wee dig at the manager. Del must have knocked you back or something for you to hold such a grudge against him.

The manager is paranoid because he doesn't want to lose a goal? there are 40 paranoid managers in Scotland then.

The players are at a stage now where they have gone 14 matches without losing a match, the last thing someone wants to do is cause a goal that costs us a result. It's himan nature and nothing to do with your alleged paranoia!!!

Stats on ghoals lost and scored available here: http://www.theleagueinsider.com/ebook/64/

Why should Del be immune from criticism? We have played some terrible football over the last three games with crosses coming from just inside the halfway line, playing with XI in the box at defensive corners and most of our players looking scared to break out from a defensive stance until the ball is fully under our control.

The first half today was a massive improvement with Liam constantly bursting forward whilst Ando used his centre-back position in the team to create attacks.

The stats show us having conceded 6 and scored 5 in the last 10 minutes of league games. Therefore, we are as likely to score as we are to concede. Paranoia, nothing else.

Look how long he made the subbies wait. He was scared we were gonna concede yet when they come on we looked the ones most likely to score. He needs to relax.

[Phil]

why boo a former saints player
I don't know. Why don't you ask those who were booing?

[Dave H]

immune from criticism? Paranoia, nothing else. He needs to relax.

:D look in the mirror :D todays games was the most comfortable win I have seen this season. Clyde had about 5-10 minutes attack all game, First half being a counter attack that main saved and second half a couple of corners.

I think some fans need to relax; however we have forgotten what it is like to be top of the league and unbeatable! The opposition also are aware that we are unbeatable just now :D no pressure on us, it is called confidence :D now what online chemist has a special price on chill pills, someone add a sticky topic on here :)

Although every team would like to have a 2 goal cushion, I would feel much more safer, but in all honesty I could not see Clyde scoring today, we could still be playing and we would be dominating the possession and territory.

[Radford 72]

In terms of football, that's up there with the best we've played this season and probably no coincidence that Swankie was back in the side. I don't think a three or four goal winning margin would have flattered us but we need to be more clinical in front of goal. It's strange/lucky that just as our defence tightens up (1 goals conceded in 4 games) the strikeforce isn't delivering as regularly.

Holmes needs a goal and had another couple of glorious chances today, one early doors where he sidefooted straight at Hutton and then the header late on. His general play was very good though, winning his share in the air and holding the ball and linking play well. Him and Milne still seem to be on a different wavelength at times recently but two good invididual performances and they did combine for the goal.

Can't really pick a failure for us though. Midfield four all linked well with the Sheerin, Craig and Hanlon triangle working particularly well on occasion. Hanlon had a good debut. He's not Goran Stanic with the ball at feet but still got into good areas, put some decent balls in and defended well both from left back and centre back. I think Goran's lack of aerial ability concerned McInnes and that shouldn't be an issue with Hanlon... for the time he's actually here anyway! Irvine was fine and whilst I don't think Anderson will feature regularly at centre back this season, he did fine. Rutkiewicz is inspirational. Morris continued where he's left off since the Queens game and that's three clean sheets since then, with Airdrie's last minute goal the only black mark.

Clyde set up decently IMO and certainly were looking to win the game. They were unfortunate that for only the the second or third time this season, we got up a few gears today. Billy Gibson again deserves mention for his performance.

All told, pretty chuffed with our performance, although would obviously have liked a few more goals. Good to have points on the board, even if our lead is maybe a bit false with the games in hand other sides have.

Thought Main was good for us as well. One dodgy moment with a cross but his save from McSwegan at the end was top class, although it won't get the credit it deserves since it lacked the Hollywood effect. Also thought it was disappointing that some of Clyde's players lose the plot a bit in the second half, with their discipline going out the window. Emslie in particular was kicking anything that moved.

[mainstand]

Why should Del be immune from criticism? We have played some terrible football over the last three games with crosses coming from just inside the halfway line, playing with XI in the box at defensive corners and most of our players looking scared to break out from a defensive stance until the ball is fully under our control.

The first half today was a massive improvement with Liam constantly bursting forward whilst Ando used his centre-back position in the team to create attacks.

The stats show us having conceded 6 and scored 5 in the last 10 minutes of league games. Therefore, we are as likely to score as we are to concede. Paranoia, nothing else.

Look how long he made the subbies wait. He was scared we were gonna concede yet when they come on we looked the ones most likely to score. He needs to relax.

He needs to relax??

God o'mighty!

A 2 year old will tell you that you don't put subs on when you are defending or under pressure. So he held off and put them on when we were in their half.

[perth_saintee12]

Vry comfortable win. Could of been 4 or 5

[101 Saint]

He needs to relax??

God o'mighty!

A 2 year old will tell you that you don't put subs on when you are defending or under pressure. So he held off and put them on when we were in their half.

From the time they were ready, until the time they entered the field, we were mostly in their half!

[Broon]

I thought that was a good game. We played some fantastic football at times and I am at a loss to explain why the ball never seemed to land at a Strikers feet in the box 99% of the time.

There was no real failures. Standouts were Hanlon who was very composed and put in two great balls into the box and Swankie who showed exceptional control and his crossing was great. Great stuff - it was nice to watch a Saints team play flowing football at times.

Holmes really needs that goal. He had two glorious chances today but never looked confident of taking them. His overall play was very good though, and some of his touches defies logic for a man his size. He played well.

[bleacher]

The stats show us having conceded 6 and scored 5 in the last 10 minutes of league games. Therefore, we are as likely to score as we are to concede. Paranoia, nothing else.

Except stats can be interpreted in many ways. Four times we have lost leads late on - QOS, Morton, Airdrie and Clyde and only once have we grabbed points at the death - against Morton. Del's mentality is to hold leads late on and sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't.

We played very well in the first half today. Morris and Craig in the centre were much more effective than Morris and Hardie. Didn't think we got much out of either Swankie or Sheerin though.

Hanlon was very impressive and Main's save at the end was described in the Radio Scotland report as 'world class'.

Anyone else think John Brown's half time team talk was 'Get out there and kick f**k out of them!' :D

[Perth-Saint]

I don't think we would have been flattered if we had won by four or five. Good performance by Morris, fair play. Ruti did well once again. Was a good performance and another clean sheet....good good.

[lampshade]

well done the saints, much better today.

[R.B.B:- Adz]

Getting better and still nothing like our best. 3 big players out today and we still showed our class. Was so glad that the midfield played well without Hardie to avoid those pining for him. Four big personnel and positional changes and still 3 points and a clean sheet. Onwards and upwards with plenty left in the tank.

[scotty gordon]

great result 2day but i woz listening 2 radio scotland while at the game and when main saved us the commentator said this and there woz a comment that a spl team woz after him ie CRAIG LEVIENs name woz mentioned ANY 1 HEARD THIS

[Cagey]

Good to have a cushion at the top of the league even though a few teams have games in hand

We won the game quite comfortably even though we had our usual 5 mins of stress at the end.

No failures today with Hanlon having an impressive debut & looking very comfortable & composed on the ball even if he did give me a wee bit of a fright dribbling the ball out of the box. Ruti played a captains part & played through a thigh strain for the last 20 mins even heading the ball of the line in the last couple of minutes when Main mucked up a punch out.
Ando played well until his injury. Miller looked good when he replaced Ando in his more accustomed midfield role.
Swankie was a bit frustrating as I felt he was just that bit short on effort & change of pace at times but he played his part & covered well for Irvine who probably had his best game this season due to Swankie`s play.Savo gave 100% as usual even if he didn`t know much about his goal. Homer missed a couple of sitters but his contribution over 90 mins is positive.

McInnes should have put his last 2 subs on a bit earlier as Moon contributed quite a bit even if Jacko didn`t get a touch.

[Alan Main FanClub]

great result 2day but i woz listening 2 radio scotland while at the game and when main saved us the commentator said this and there woz a comment that a spl team woz after him ie CRAIG LEVIENs name woz mentioned ANY 1 HEARD THIS

No chance. Alan is a Saintee. He'll be in the SPL with us next season.

Like to refer back to my post on the Martin Hardie thread? Saints play better football without him? People agree now?

Think next week, Mooner and Jacko should be given longer. Thought young Moon was impressive in the last five minutes, feel he did more than Miller did in the 30 mins he got! And Savo or Sherlock shouldah been hooked for Jacko earlier, they were both F**ked!

[Scobby_SJFC]

Wasnt at the game today, 3500 is a good crowd any atmopshere??
good result today as they were 6 unbaten, 8 clear now with dunfy getting some fixture pile up, good day for the blueeees!!!

[ancientsaint]

Jeeezus...there is definately NO pleasing some folk....8pts ahead of the rest of the pack...points on the board.

So what do we do _:

We blame the manager or the chairman or the groundstaff or the stewards or the referee or the assistant referees or the 3400 + fans who made the effort to turn up- then there were the disgraceful performance from the tannoy announcer and the ball mascots or the sponsors or the goalkeeper or the left back or the 2 centre backs or the righ back or the whole midfiels and the strike force oh yeah and we chose the wrong starting eleven - the subs were not who they should have been-the bulbs in the floodlights were the wrong wattage -the grass was too long or short or green or brown....but above all that we got the points and others behind us didnt......but are we happy ....!!!

[541ntees]

Great performance today especially when John Brown's instructions were to "try and injure every saints player"!

Main's save was world class from that fud McSwegan!
All the defence played really well, special mention for Hanlon who had a solid debut and Rusty who was the inspirational captain.
felt sorry for Craig who was thriving being in the mf and had to go back to lb. Sheerin and Morris showed their touches of class and composure. Swankie looked more confident the more the game went on and linked up really well with Millar - clyde struggled to deal with their pace.
Savo was ...Savo. Homer was outstanding. he won everything with not much round him.Savo seemed to be behind or in line with him whereas Jacko was running onto his flick ons. Mooner looked lively too.
Can't believe we only scored 1 with the dominance in possession we had-the ammount of ball that flew across the box with no one getting on the end was unreal.
And how did Clyde only get 1man sent off? well done Liam for not retaliating

[garydavidson]

three points today is all I care about.

I think the problem with savo and holmes is that savo goes for balls with holmes when he should maybe hold back a bit to see what holmes can do with the punt or cross that comes his way.

main had a terrific save to keep us in it but flapped at a cross that, i think, joddie had to clear off the line when it came back in.

clyde looked gash willie was mince. their guy who was marking holmes had probably the best game for them. sorry i dont know many clyde players names.

why were the officials wearing clyde strips? they should have had on the lime green number today, bad call but probably worse for clyde than us in the end.

[perth_saintee12]

"clyde strips" ha-ha!! Was not far off.

[Finners]

who was the player that shoved mcswegan and basicaly told him tae gtf straight after his sending off? Just interested - looked like sheerin.....

[wee john]

I think the main difference was us playing only 2 up front again, Sammy IMHO does not fit in, we got to the top of the league playing with only savo and holmes up front and that system done the biz yesterday as it has all season.
I really hope Del keeps playing this system and forgets all about Sammy.
This system WILL win us the league.

[wee john]

"clyde strips" ha-ha!! Was not far off.
it was shocking that the ref had the ame colour of shorts as clyde and the same colour top as the clyde keeper.
someone made bals up there.

[SaintSam1884]

who was the player that shoved mcswegan and basicaly told him tae gtf straight after his sending off? Just interested - looked like sheerin.....

I thought it was Sheerin too.

[Cagey]

I think the main difference was us playing only 2 up front again, Sammy IMHO does not fit in, we got to the top of the league playing with only savo and holmes up front and that system done the biz yesterday as it has all season.
I really hope Del keeps playing this system and forgets all about Sammy.
This system WILL win us the league.

Have to agree with that but will Del ?.

[perth_saintee12]

if he has been watching then yes.

[cockneysaintee]

"who was the player that shoved mcswegan and basicaly told him tae gtf straight after his sending off? Just interested - looked like sheerin....."

It was Sheerin.

[Finners]

It was Sheerin.

in that case.... well done sheerinho :D

[Lincolnshire no More]

We started the run with Sammy and Holmes up front. I don't think 3 up front is working for us this season but any 2 from 5 seems to work whether it Holmes and Savo, Peaso and Savo, Holmes and Jackson and Sammy and whoever.

If we do play three up front I think it should be Jackson on the right as he was dangerous from there last season.

But our midfield four showed yesterday that they can dominate a game. All they need to do now is to contribute with more goals.

[garydavidson]

http://www.sundaymail.co.uk/sport-news/scottish-football/sfl/sfl-1st-division/2008/12/28/st-johnstone-1-0-clyde-78057-21000533/

"Milne stole the plaudits when the ball bounced off his knee and into the net for the only goal - not that he admitted it.

He joked: "I controlled it with my knee into the bottom corner. I practise that all the time in training "

still the luckiest goal i have seen in a while.

[Carse of Gowrie Saint]

One of our best performances this season. The team had a great shape to it and some of our passing was excellent. Only concern for me is that none of our strikers are natural goalscorers and the midfield aren.t scoring either. We really should have won the game by 3 or 4 goals.

Priority is a fox in the box in the Jauary sales.

[Jamie_Beatson]

I actually feel like we have men in our squad that could do a trick for us up front. The ball was constantly dropping inside the box and bouncing, but no-one was getting right on top of it to create a chance. I feel that Macdonald and, in particular, a fit Andy Jackson would finish these off from time to time.

[garydavidson]

One of our best performances this season. The team had a great shape to it and some of our passing was excellent. Only concern for me is that none of our strikers are natural goalscorers and the midfield aren.t scoring either. We really should have won the game by 3 or 4 goals.

Priority is a fox in the box in the Jauary sales.

Well who is scoring? taken from http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/football/stats/

Best 5 Offences (Goals scored) Overall
St Johnstone 29
Livingston 27
Dunfermline 26
Ross Co 24
Clyde 22

I do agree though we should have had at least three yesterday. We are now on 30 goals scored in the league!

[101 Saint]

I actually feel like we have men in our squad that could do a trick for us up front. The ball was constantly dropping inside the box and bouncing, but no-one was getting right on top of it to create a chance. I feel that Macdonald and, in particular, a fit Andy Jackson would finish these off from time to time.

Peaso is probably the best poacher in the league, arguable one of the best in Scotland. Why do Saints fans forget the past so quickly?

Folk on here are slagging the strikers; Morton, Queens and Airdrie saw us create how many chances? Against The Diamonds, Robbo only made one "save" from a weakly hit freekick!

[Perth-Saint]

Steven Milne 8
Liam Craig 4
Colin Samuel 3
Paul Sheerin 2
Gavin Swankie 2
Stuart McCaffery 2
Derek Holmes 2
Martin Hardie 2
Kevin Ruti 2
Peter MacDonald 1
Own Goals 1

Defence 4/29 13.79%
Midfield 10/29 34.48%
Attack 14/29 48.27%
Own Goals 1/29 3.44%

There are the league stats, just worked it out. We have scored 29 goals in the league now.

[Cagey]

if he has been watching then yes.

Yes but is he an expert like us & do you see the game properly from the dugout.

[541ntees]

I think the main difference was us playing only 2 up front again, Sammy IMHO does not fit in, we got to the top of the league playing with only savo and holmes up front and that system done the biz yesterday as it has all season.
I really hope Del keeps playing this system and forgets all about Sammy.
This system WILL win us the league.

I agree with Savo and Homer being the 1st choice strike force, but i would not forget about Sammy-he offers that little touch of the unknown that defenders fear. Jacko would be my straight swap for Savo. With injuries and suspensions to come , Peaso's time will come too.

[wee john]

Peaso is probably the best poacher in the league, arguable one of the best in Scotland. Why do Saints fans forget the past so quickly?


IMHO arguably the funniest post of the year.
Only my opinion of course:laugh:

[St Mikey]

Dunno how Clyde ended the game with only 10 men. Their forward (9) should been off for continued use of the elbow in aerial challenges, there centre half (5) for battering the crap out of Holmes and Mclaren cause he is a fud.

Worst game for abuse I have seen in ages.

[saintj]

is homer a striker? :) i mean, how many chances does the guy need, he could of had at least 4 in the last 5 games or so

its funny, i was moaning about savo's poor ball control up until he scored when it bounced off his knee and in

we were in complete control until liam was moved to lb, we looked so much better when he was in midfield, the passing, the creativety, we had everything except the amount of goals we deserved, when he moved back we became the saints of the last 4/5 games

much improved performance and hanlon slotted in very well