sherm

Challenge Cup 1st Round vs Arbroath
Gretna 3-2 Arbroath
Scorers: Deuchar (2), Bingham

The score doesn't really say much about the game to be brutally honest. We controlled the game from start to finish, and we beat them on shots and possession. 2 good moves in the last 15 minutes brought them their 2 goals, but Pat Clarke scored them both. He was only on the pitch 20 minutes. However, my front pairing of Deuchar and McGinty looked good, with Bingham behind them. We looked a force going forward every time but need to be more solid at the back. Overall it was a good start though.

sherm

"If I'm honest Si, I'm pretty happy. A good win to round off our first game. I think we could be a very prosperous pairing together. Bad news about David Graham though"

"Yes, he's out for around 2 months. We need to find someone else to play in central midfield now. Stevie Tosh could be the answer, he looks solid and is a strong physical presence"

"You're right. Cant wait to see the odds for Division 2 though, should be interesting to see us..."

Ladbrokes Odds, Scottish Division 2

4-5 - Partick and Raith
Evens - Morton
10-1 - Gretna
33-1 - Forfar

"10-1! That's surprising, considering we have only just come up. What you reckon gaffer? Gaffer, who are you....."

"Sorry Simon, was telling Fiona to put £100 quid on us for promotion. should make a nice little kitty for us"

"What are you like? You don't change over time do you? I often wonder why I became friends with you..."

sherm

Scottish Division 2
Gretna 3-1 Stirling
Scorers: Deuchar, Bingham (2)

We were much more solid at the back in this game, even though we did lose a late goal. I think clean sheets are going to be a rarity this season. I think Deuchar and Bingham look like being a good pairing up-front, with McGinty a good back-up off the bench. Kenny's goal was a good team move that resulted in a simple tap-in. David scored 2 set-pieces, a free-kick and a penalty, but again overall I can't fault the players. Good, solid performance

"Again I'm happy with the boys. It would have been nice to have a clean sheet but hey, that's life. Let's see if we can get a decent run in the league cup and meet one of the Old Firm"

"Well we have got to get past Brechin first boss, at their place too. It wont be easy"

"Nothing will be easy Simon my friend, nothing...."

sherm

"Crap! Thats the only word i can use to describe that performance. We were shocking out there today"

"Have to agree with you there boss. The only good point was Kenny Deuchars lethal finishing. He got 1 chance and scored. I think he will get us a few goals this season"

"Simon, can i ask you something...dont call me boss. You are my best mate of 25 years and were best man at my wedding, call me Nick"

"Ok boss"

sherm

Scottish League Cup 1st Round
Gretna 1-2 Brechin
Scorers: Deuchar

We were awful today, never really got going. We didn't get our first chance till the 68th minute, which Kenny put away but even after that we didn't come into the game. Brechin deserved the win and if it wasn't for Tom Heaton in net it would have been about 7-1

sherm

"I understand your concerns Jamie, I really do. I cannot give you a promise I can't keep, as it isn't fair on you"

"I just feel that I need playing time boss, im at that age now. If im not going to get first team football then i need to move in order to get it"

"I see. so your putting in a transfer request? Well in that case, i will comply. I will send a fax out to all mclubs in Scotland noting them of your listing, and will let you know know any developments"

"Ok boss, thanks for listening. I appreciate it"

"Not a problem son, not a problem"

sherm

Scottish Division 2
Gretna 4-1 Ayr
Scorers: Bingham, Hannah, Tosh, Baldacchino

Much better today. If we play like that every week then we should have no trouble at all. The only surprise in this game was that Kenny Deuchar didnt score. David Hannah and Stevie Tosh were magnificent in the central midfield, creating and starving Ayrs front 2 of any room. Stevie got a thouroughly deserved MoM award. David Raven was superb at the back too. On the whole, best performance of the season so far

sherm

"Did you hear that local phone-in after the game on Saturday?"

"No, why was it our fans?"

"Yeah. They said it was reminiscent of how Gretna played last season when they battered everyone in sight, and score over 100 goals. Isn't that great?"

"I dont know, is it? They might be expecting us to do that every week. We've got Morton next match and they were one of the favourites for promotion. That wont be so open a game"

"Comne on boss, be optimistic for once"

"My nickname is Pessimistic Nick, so how can i be optimistic?"

"Oh yeah, i forgot about that"

sherm

Scottish Division 2
Gretna 1-2 Morton
Scorers: Deuchar

We didnt play badly in this game, we just werent clinical enough in front of goal. We actually had more chances, 12-7, but Morton took more chances than we did. I was disappointed with Stevie Tosh though. After his performance against Ayr I thought he would be really up for it, but it wasnt to be. He was outmuscled in the midfield and didnt look up for it, and I brought Skelton on for him. Overall we cant afford finishing like that again

sherm

"Nick, that Sean McDowall fellow from the Gretna Echo is here. He wants to talk about the game"

"I suppose you had better send him in then"

"Hi Nick, good to see you again. So Saturday's game...."

After McDowell has left

"I dont like him Si"

"What do you mean, he was only doing his job"

"Yes i know, but theres something about him. He seems too...friendly to me. I dont trust him, so just be careful what you say to him ok"