Livingston (a)

[JamesMcClean]

I think Livi were extremely poor last night and gifted us more opportunities than we normally would have got. We should have been much more clinical in front of goal and there was a part of the game at 1-0 where we retreated and brought a lot more pressure on ourselves. We need to get better at killing teams off! Livi however, look like they will 100% be relegated and are more than likely to keep going with Martindale until it's too late, which could be a blessing for our team and keep us away from the automatic relegation place. Getting a comfortable win should hopefully help with the confidence and the introduction of the academy boys should hopefully give some of our under performers a wee kick up the erchie! We really need a big performance against the Fun to make sure we kick on and get further up the table...as it is going to be tight between finishing top 6 or in the play off spot!

I don’t think I’m going ahead of myself by saying that I don’t think we need to be worrying about the play off spot now. Maybe prior to the Well game on the 13th but the points gained over the last two weeks should ensure that we are now firmly looking upward. Top marks TBF for that BTW - after the defeat in Paisley we were facing a run of in form Well, Celtic, Hibs, Aberdeen and of course away on the plastic schite at Livi where we hadn’t won since the Jurassic Period. It could have been grim. However 9/15 pts out of that lot is more than decent, particularly with that pish from up the road heading doon on Saturday. The way top 6 is now set up though is it’s likely going to be between us and the SSBs for the final spot. The rest look fairly entrenched in there, particularly Motherwell who I thought had just been going through a purple patch which would fall away. But following last night (and kudos to them for an excellent performance) that’s just not going to be happening. Falkirk definitely HAVE had a purple patch though - I highly doubt they’ll maintain a top 6 push but they’ve got enough to be safe from the play off spot. IF we can finally get a consistently fit squad AND get a solid keeper in, then we very much can do it - it’s firmly in our own hands.

[Arabdownsouth]

I don’t think I’m going ahead of myself by saying that I don’t think we need to be worrying about the play off spot now. Maybe prior to the Well game on the 13th but the points gained over the last two weeks should ensure that we are now firmly looking upward. Top marks TBF for that BTW - after the defeat in Paisley we were facing a run of in form Well, Celtic, Hibs, Aberdeen and of course away on the plastic schite at Livi where we hadn’t won since the Jurassic Period. It could have been grim. However 9/15 pts out of that lot is more than decent, particularly with that pish from up the road heading doon on Saturday. The way top 6 is now set up though is it’s likely going to be between us and the SSBs for the final spot. The rest look fairly entrenched in there, particularly Motherwell who I thought had just been going through a purple patch which would fall away. But following last night (and kudos to them for an excellent performance) that’s just not going to be happening. Falkirk definitely HAVE had a purple patch though - I highly doubt they’ll maintain a top 6 push but they’ve got enough to be safe from the play off spot. IF we can finally get a consistently fit squad AND get a solid keeper in, then we very much can do it - it’s firmly in our own hands.

I'd agree with most of this,except to say I dont think Hibs are anything special and are definitely not out of reach,should have beaten them both times really.

[A. J]

Hopefully Jim playing to our strengths made Livvy look poor, same again v them lot please.
Address the main weaknesses in the window and who knows.

Much happier this morning.

[Whitfieldarab]

Im in Tenerife for Hogmany so didn't make last night and couldn't find a pub with a link so how did Stirton and Cleal Harding do?

[Stoke_Arab]

Im in Tenerife for Hogmany so didn't make last night and couldn't find a pub with a link so how did Stirton and Cleal Harding do?

Both did well.

Stirton linked up play well, especially first half. Gone (mainly) were the high punts up the centre and we played some of the best football we've played all season. Better composure and decision making in the final 3rd and we could have scored 5 or 6 last night.
Stirton did have a chance with a header but the ball came at him very fast and with attention from a defender was unable to get it on target.
He also had a shot from outside the box but was Vicko esque. Subbed around 70 minute mark for Haddie #1

When I see SCH play it's his composure that always impresses me. A calm presence, rarely pulled out of position. Never gets caught upfield with space in behind him.
He had a great game although seen someone say he dived in for their goal, would have to see that again to know.
Overall this boy is class and he stood up to their pressure very well. Only going to get better and better

Folk saying they both need to start in the Derby. Wouldn't mind that at all but have a feeling Goodwin will freshen it again.