retired_embartl

Results

Sat 02/08 Arbroath 0 Airdrie United 0
Tues 05/08 CC Arbroath 3 Cowdenbeath 1. Brown 8, Swankie pen 92 Heenan s/o 115 McAulay 118
Sat 09/08 Stranraer 0 Arbroath 0
Tues 12/08 CC Arbroath 1 Berwick 0 Feroz
Sat 16/08 Arbroath 0 Queens Park 1 Menelaws 88.
Tues 19/08 CC Arbroath 2 St. Mirren 0 McAulay 54 Heenan 90
Sat 23/08 Albion Rovers 0 Arbroath 2 Heenan 48 ,74
Tues 26/08 CC Arbroath 3 ICT 0 Gardner 39 Heenan 83, 89
Sat 30/08 Arbroath 5 Ross County 1 Brownlie 18, Hannah 22, 60, 74 Heenan 27 Gardner 33 [/i]



Transfers In

Andy Scott – 22y/o forward – make weight in departure of Greg Henslee – moody.

Transfers Out

Ross Currie- Dundee Utd 24k 22 y/o D/DMRC 16 Starts plus 3 subs.
Greg Henslee – Stranraer 6k +p/exch 2 games, 4 subs, 1 assist

Table after 5 games

<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">Team W D L F A GD Pts1. Queens Park4 0 1 11 6 +5 122. Stranraer3 1 1 11 5 +6 103. Ross County3 1 1 9 7 +2 104. Brechin3 0 2 12 10 +2 95. Arbroath 2 2 1 7 2 +5 8 6. Aidrie United 2 1 2 7 5 +2 77. Albion Rovers2 0 3 6 12 -6 68. Berwick1 2 2 6 8 -2 59. Stenhousemuir1 0 4 5 9 -4 310. Dumbarton0 1 44 14 -10 1</pre>

retired_hunar_s

Still a really consistent and great story Roddy - and am still blushing about being including in the 'declaration of Arbroath'

Ross Currie - I signed him in my game

retired_embartl

thanks Currie's a good player, just needed to raise funds

September Review

Fixtures:

Wed 10/9 H v Stenhousemuir LC, Sat 13/9 A v Berwick, Sat 20/9 H v Stenhousemuir, Sat 29/9 A v Brechin

August was an excellent month for us, although also quite a tiring one as we managed to fit in 10 games in all! We lie well placed in the table with my only disappointment, and many other fans I suspect being the defeat by Queens Park. Since then, the threat of new forwards to the club has worked wonders with Paul Brownlie and Kevin Heenan in superb form ably supported by Andy Cargill and Jim Gardner. Robbie Campbell could find life difficult once he regains full fitness!

Elsewhere I’m back haggling over the phone with ICT about a possible bid for their striker Steven Hislop but it sadly fell through after ICT asked for a tad too much money, and they disliked the idea of having to pay for whoremonger Andy Scotts ridiculous wages. Duncan McLean is coming on loan though as added strength up front from Dundee. He is a powerful forward who will certainly play a role with us this year. Last season he was with Peterhead on a season loan, scoring 10 goals from 40 appearances. I’m sure he’ll better that record whilst with us – even if he is only with us until February where we will assess the situation further. If all goes well he might come on a permanent basis. His arrival was well timed too as sadly Gavin Swankie has twisted his ankle badly and it will take 3 months to heal properly. I feel for the lad who has been giving his all for us recently. However there’s always a silver lining – and ours is Duncan who arrived in time beating the deadline which sadly put paid to my plans to get rid of Scott. Ah well he can pester Roddy and Jake in the reserves.

In the awards I was delighted to finally receive a hand written – not another automated message – from the SFA who awarded me with the Manager of the Month Award for August – another addition to adorn my desk. I must say it is a very gratifying feeling when hard work is appreciated. I do have to dedicate it to my players though as it is they really who won the games, and qualified for a Cup final in October. Berwick Rangers Martin Neil and John Fallon of Stranraer picked up the Player and Young Player awards respectively.

As the International weekend dawned, with me sneaking down south to watch England play at Macedonia before returning in time for our League Cup clash with Stenhousemuir whilst my friends get England at Old Trafford. I’d expect the Scots to enjoy the weekend with a home tie with the Faroes to contend with first, at least guaranteeing them 3 points. David McInally returned from injury after a lengthy lay off but he could be back into action soon than I expected following injuries to Dirno, Cargill and Ritchie. The local sanatorium reckons no longer than 1 month out for the reckless trio.

It was a triumphant round of Internationals on Saturday as Scotland slaughtered the Faroes 6-0 with goals from Barry Nicholson, Barry Ferguson, Gary Caldwell and Steven Hughes. England, courtesy of Michael Owen and Darius Vassell kept me happy with a 4-1 win. Germany’s victory over Iceland meant they were in the play offs, but also giving the Scots a bit of breathing space over the Icelanders. Turkey’s win over Liechtenstein means England and Turkey are level on points – with England playing the Liechtenstein’s as their game in hand.

retired_embartl

Returning on Wednesday we had a League Cup tie with opponents we would also be facing in the league at Gayfield soon after. McInally though came down with a chest bug moments before the game, but it’s quite a serious one though and on doctor’s orders he’s on medication for the next 3 weeks! He has been sent home to recover quietly, lest the bug be contagious. New loanee Duncan started from the bench as the side pretty much selected itself as our injury curse begins to haunt us once more, although the side is pretty much full strength.

The first half saw a return to normality as it ended all square, paling in excitement compared to the last game here! However for me the important factor was not to lose players to injury again. We were already in one Cup Final – that’s excitement enough for one season. Sensini, Gardner and Brownlie all made way in the second half for McMillan Bowman and McLean as we sought to end the tie standing up. However as the tie wore on I was getting very concerned about the prospect of extra time and the effects it could have on the side. However in a late attack by us Cusick sent a ball forward for Bowman to chase. He duly did and laid the ball back for superb central midfielder Darren Spink to lash home from 25 yards. It was an excellent strike and it almost brought the house down such was the level of cheering emanating from our loyal followers.

Germany’s 3-0 victory over Scotland dampened celebrations somewhat but they still held a strong position in the qualifiers, 3 points ahead of Iceland with 1 remaining. Michael Ballack was the difference between the sides, bagging two very well taken goals according to reports. England as expected defeated Liechtenstein so only a high scoring Turkey win in Istanbul would send England into the play offs. Before I had a chance to set off home for some R n’ R , A phone call from John Christison let me know we’d be facing Airdrie United in the second round but sadly for the first time this year we would be away from home in the cup, playing at New Broomfield.

On Saturday for our trip to Berwick it was an unchanged side, save for Brownlie and Heenan switching roles. That paid off after 12 minutes as Paul Brownlie nodded home a McGlashan centre. That goal was only an equaliser though as David Robertson had given Berwick a 2nd minute lead, taking advantage of confusion in our penalty area. However our good form continued as Paul Brownlie struck again to the delight of the tiny away following, and our bench. Darren Spink’s free kick finding Brownlie in space to volley home past a hapless Neil Inglis. Before the half was out we had made it 3 as our evident superiority showed. A break away down the right led to a quick passing movement involving Heenan and McGlashan, the ball was then swiftly moved to the left of the field where an unmarked Jim Gardner struck another astonishingly powerful shot from 25 yards into the roof of the net.

Unfortunately that game also saw another injury. John McGlashan pulled his groin and will take 4 weeks of rest and maybe another week on top to recover fully and regain fitness. In midweek whilst Ayr were disposing of Gretna in the League Cup I was comforting a distraught Steve Florence who was lying prone on a hospital bed with some morphine at hand whilst doctors were working on his fractured collarbone that happened after falling off a ladder at home. The poor man would miss 3 months of football and my selections sadly became even easier with absolutely no competition. However we are certainly strong enough for this league as our recent victory proved.

Lee Walker added to my injury worries again as the young right back managed to injure himself whilst training all on his own. It’s taking the smegging wee this. As we prepare to take on Stenhousemuir for the second time in 10 days I have to put Innes Ritchie as an emergency left back despite the giant having absolutely no left foot whatsoever. I pray that our visitors don’t find that out too early. McLean gets a start up front with Brownlie moving to the right wing.

The first half almost saw Duncan open his account early on but then Kevin Heenan was forced off injured. I’m losing my mind at the moment. Craig Feroz took his place. Darren Spink cheered up the crowd and Steve and myself by grabbing the opening goal from a Jim Gardner cross before Duncan’s incessant pressure forced Brian Crawford into an embarrassing mistake, heading past his own keeper from another Gardner corner. 2-0 at the break and I’d be looking to make subs at some point to prevent further injuries. Eddie Forrest soon replaced Sensini and Gary Bowman saved Jim Gardner from doing any damage to himself with 25 minutes remaining. Duncan had a late one v one shot saved late on but our lead was never under threat as I ordered all the lads to just take it easy for the final few minutes to secure another solid home win.

retired_embartl

The board are happy with the way things are going at the moment but I still find their mid table ambition slightly bizarre. If we get further injuries we could have to settle for that but I hope not. Heenan had picked up a knee injury in the game, meaning a 3 week lay off for one of my star men. Fortunately Andy Dow was back available to play there.

In midweek we had the second round of the League to contend with. Gary Gow, Andy Dow ( for Heenan ), Craig Feroz ( Paul Brownlie ), Kenny McMillan (Spink) Eddie Forrest (Sensini) and Paul Farquharson ( Gardner ) came in as I tried to rest who I could. No need to pick up avoidable injuries.

In a tight first half no goals were scored as we looked to ease into the game gently. No-one was to overdo themselves tonight that was an order. In the second half I subbed Connaghan ( McAulay ) and McMillan (Bowman) to save legs. McLean could have won it for us with 10 minutes to go but instead Jerome Vareille stole it for Airdrie in the last minute. On play it was unjust but I’m not unduly upset. It’s one less competition to get injured in and we’re already in the final of one.

Papers will say players out there had a poor game but for me they did what I wanted. Take it easy, don’t risk anything and see what happens. The fact we came close to winning is good enough for me.

The players rested were in all in superb shape for the trip to Brechin. Sensini replaced Connaghan, Hinchcliffe came back as did Paul Brownlie Jim Gardner and Darren Spink. The first half did not go well for us. Brechin took a deserved lead through Graham Gibson before McLean left the field injured – WHY! To be replaced by John McAulay. Brownlie returned up front. Sadly we didn’t get into the game after that and even after a roasting at half time the players were always second best to the home side and I could not complain when Graeme Holmes scored in the second half. For once our defence was having a shocker. The game ended 2-0 to Brechin and we deserved it. A poor game through out the field but nevertheless we are still well placed in the league. When our players return to fitness I’ll be happy though.


Results

Wed 10/09 LC Arbroath 1 Stenhousemuir 0 Spink 90
Sat 13/09 Brechin 1 Arbroath 3 Robertson 2, Brownlie 13,16 Gardner 36
Sat 20/09 Arbroath 2 Stenhousemuir Spink 33 Crawford O.G
Tues 23/09 Airdrie 1 Arbroath 0 Vareille 90.
Sat 27/09 Brechin 2 Arbroath Gibson 24, Holmes 64

Transfers in

Duncan McLean 20 y/o Striker

Table after 8 games

<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">[Team W D L F A GD Pts1. Ross County6 1 120 7 +13 192. Arbroath4 2 212 5 +7 143. Aidrie United4 2 2 11 6 +5 144. Stranraer 4 1 315 13 +2 135. Queens Park4 1 3 13 13 0 136. Brechin4 0 4 13 14 -1 127. Albion Rovers3 1 4 10 18 -8 108. Stenhousemuir 3 0 5 13 13 0 99. Berwick 1 3 48 14 -6 610. Dumbarton1 1 68 20 -12 4</pre>

retired_embartl

October Review

Fixtures:

4/10 H v Stranraer, 8/10 H v Dumbarton, 19/10 N v Hearts 25/10 A v Airdrie United

Well September was an injury ridden month but still one I’m satisfied with. We are well placed in the league and are without several key players. Another one of them Darren Spink dropped out of training clutching a muscle – and he’s on his way to the hospital to find out the damage. Steve will be with him there to report back to me. Robbie Campbell at least cheered my up by declaring himself fit – a phrase I have not heard enough of so far, but will hopefully be sick to death of eventually!

With 3 straight wins I am not surprised Dave Mosson picked up the Manager of the Month award for Ross County – they haven’t even conceded since their visit to Gayfield. In the monthly board meeting. John told all staff members how pleased he was with the progress the club was making. The finances are holding up and add that to a healthy position in the league, it was worth splashing out on both Chocolate AND plain digestive biscuits. Hopefully I’ll be savouring some more sweet Tea and chocs in future months.

In Europe, Dundee went out of the UEFA Cup at the first round stage, with their rivals Dundee united winning through. On Saturday it was back to league action again, at Gayfield to host Stranraer, currently 4th in the table. David McInally was back from injury at last, taking over from Ritchie at left back whilst 16 year old Paul Pirie replaced Spink in the centre. The game also saw Greg Henslee return to Gayfield with his new side. Andy Dow also came into midfield, with Brownlie taking the strikers role as Feroz went wide right.

A poor first half for us saw us go into the break a goal down after David Wilson, aided by former Lichtie Greg Henslee, scored a classic poachers goal in the 28th minute. Our defending was too erratic and almost cost us and further and without the solid and confident base we usually have our attacks were few and far between, a combination of hopeful punts up field and wild striking. Sadly the second half didn’t pick up either as Pirie and Gardner were subbed, for both poor games and picking up yellow cards, but neither McAulay or Bowman could add much. We had one good opportunity late on but Craig Feroz shot high and wide with the goal at his mercy. A disappointing game for us then, but hopefully only a mild set back.

There was little time to recover from that set back though with a home game against Dumbarton in midweek. I’m hoping for a positive response from the players as we cannot afford to keep dropping silly points. Perhaps they are so unused to being one of the better sides in a league they’ve forgotten how to be ruthless. McAulay came in for Pirie and McLean went up front with Brownie supporting.

A much better first half against struggling Dumbarton saw us take an early lead to go in 1-0 at the haft time whistle. Capitalising on poor Barton defending, Duncan McLean swept home from 40 yards with John Wight all over the place. It was some finish for you’re first goal. Soon after the half time whistle and he had a second. Paul Brownlie’s run and shot was parried by Wight but McLean picked up the pieces to ram home. Sub Jim Gardner ( for Campbell ) then missed an open goal before we sealed it with 10 minutes to go. A John McAulay corner found the head of Duncan McLean and the striker completed a deserved hat –trick! After not scoring in is first 5 appearances, the Herald were being slightly over critical of the lad but it’s a great way to shut them up. A Gary McCutcheon effort in the final minute was no more than a consolation for Dumbarton. For us though we had a confidence boosting win which will hopefully set us up for another good run.

That win put us temporarily in second although we had played a game more. The other teams will be playing next week whilst we travel to Hampden on Sunday 19th to face Hearts in the Challenge cup final. Missing for that game would be Roberto Sensini. A 3 month lay off for our big man in defence. I was almost in tears – of anger. Banging my head on the office desk didn’t help one bit as I had to lie down soon after with a damp tea towel round the forehead. From this semi-recumbent posture I watched Scotland secure their play off spot with a 3-0 victory over Lithuania thanks to a Tom McManus hat-trick. Andy Cargill’s return from injury cheered me up a little and then when a good friend told me England had beaten Turkey 2-0 in Istanbul I was very happy although not at all surprised that a petulant pillock called David Beckham had got himself sent off.

Later in the week it was great news to see the return of Paul Dirno and Kevin Heenan to training and Wednesday’s session started off very positively. Then Kenny McMillan tripped over his bootlaces and Dennis couldn’t walk through a door properly and we would have to wait another 2 weeks before those two were back with us. Call me greedy but is it so bad to want all my players fit?

That was all we had to contend with before the weekend cup tie with Hearts. The whole turn was turning out to support the club in their “big day out” adventure to Hampden Park. That ground was going to be filled with emotion and vibrant Lichties. We were easily the underdogs, and Hearts are way ahead of the rest of the pack in Division One, so I’m simply hoping the players do the club proud as really that is all I can ask of them.

retired_marcias

Excellent stuff - keep it up

Only just came across the story so I haven't really got the time to read through all so far, but the regular tables and results gave me a good idea together with skimming the text and I'll be keeping up to date from now on!

Great to see a story so enthusiastically written about a season-long relegation "battle" rather than the more obvious promotions

retired_embartl

cheers glamdring , thought I'd give you some time to catch up

Lining up in 4-4-2 formation this time, Cusick Forrest Ritchie and McInally protected Hinchcliffe, whilst McGlashan McAulay Gardner and Heenan supported McLean and Brownlie. Our tough resolve lasted 20 minutes before Gary Wales beat Ritchie to a cross and nod in for the first goal. An enticing through ball from Paul McCullan brought Hinchcliffe out of his 6 yard area but Wales got to the ball first and poked sideways where Alan Maybury shot into the unguarded net as Hearts took a commanding lead into half time. It was a difficult situation to consider.

We were trying but being outclassed. If we were too negative Hearts would find a way through and we’d never get back in the game – but if we went full pelt for goals we would leave ourselves dangerously open at the back. I decided to go 4-5-1 one again with McLean and Ritchie making way for Cargill and Dow. Unfortunately John Knox scored via a deflected free kick off Gardner to make it 3-0 inside a few minutes of the restart. Pride was what we were playing for now. With 15 minutes remaining, Cargills persistence forced a goal as his run and cross was headed into his own net by Stephane Mahe which at least gave our supporters something to cheer about. Hearts were clearly the better side I and was not going to start criticising my team after this game.


That game over with and the disappointment dealt with quickly by myself and Steve it was time to concentrate on Airdrie United away next week. Our league form has been too patchy recently and we’re in danger of falling off the pace. In midweek the third round of the Scottish League Cup occurred and there were wins for Aberdeen, Dundee, Falkirk, Hibs, Dundee United and Livingston over Clyde, Airdrie United Dunfermline, Forfar, Queens of the South and St. Mirren respectively.

At the weekend we were returning to the league and a trip to Airdrie, who conquered us in the League Cup. A tight first half saw few chances although McGlashan, Heenan and Cargill all picked up yellows. I was acutely aware that McGlashan’s would now mean a 3 match suspension for 48 points. In the second I brought on Dow to solidify our midfield and it was one of the most turgid displays by is in a long while. To say I was furious is an understatement. Lee McVey and Scott Wilson scored for Airdrie as our ability to play football seemed to gone off on a walk down memory lane to the days we performed abjectly in the first division. At the end I had to apologise to the fans who had stayed to the end. Our defence was all over the place and our attack had nothing. Maybe mid table mediocrity doesn’t so unambitous after all. When I told the players that I was hopeful we might be able to stay in this division, many asked why. Responding by pointing out we’ll be relegated if they play like that again there was an ominous silence in the dressing room. They had better improve fast.


As the month drew to a close there was little else of note. Cowdenbeath are our opponents in the Scottish Cup, at Central Park, whilst Rangers and Celtic continue to progress in the Champions League stages. Darren Spink returned to light training during the week and could be available for our trip to Queens Park in November.

Results

Sat 4/10 Arbroath 0 Aidrie United 1 Wilson 28.
Wed 10/10 Arbroath 3 Dumbarton 1 McLean 15, 49, 80 McCutcheon 89.
Sun 19/10 CCF Hearts 3 Arbroath 1 Wales 20, Maybury 27, Knox 55 Mahe O.G. 76
Sat 25/10 Airdrie United 2 Arbroath 0 McVey 52, Wilson 65.

Table after 11 games

<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">Team W D L F A GD Pts1. Ross County8 1 2 25 10 +15 252. Stranraer6 1 4 19 15 +4 193. Queens Park6 1 4 18 15 +3 194. Airdrie United5 3 3 14 8 +6 185. Arbroath5 2 4 15 9 +6 176. Brechin5 0 6 15 19 -4 157. Albion Rovers4 2 5 14 21 -7 148. Stenhousemuir4 0 7 16 19 -3 129. Dumbarton3 1 7 13 24 -11 1010. Berwick 1 5 5 11 20 -9 8</pre>

[This message was edited by Brian of Nazareth on 29 February 2004 at 20:28.]

retired_embartl

November Review

Fixtures:

Sat 01/11 A v Queens Park, Sat 08/11 H v Albion Rovers, Sat 22/11 A v Ross County, Wed 26 H v Brechin, Sat 29 A v Stenhousemuir

After a poor month of October we have some work to do to maintain our promotion push. The first game of the month sees us away to Queens Park, hardly an easy game but one in which the basic fundamentals have to be put right. Up the flanks and 100% commitment. Spink and Connaghan came in for McGlashan and Forrest whilst Heenan moved to the right, swapping with Andy Cargill.

A tight first half with few chances saw us keep another goalless half time score. McLean, Pirie and Dirno came on in the second half but neither side could fashion a threatening opportunity with Jim Gardner’s 35 yard run and shot the closest the game went to seeing a goal. At the other end our defence marshalled itself well and we came away with a solid point. It is was interesting to note on BBC Radio Scotland that Alan Kernaghan had been sacked as Clyde boss. Gordon Wallace who I assume is now in temporary charge faces a situation similar to that we did last season as Clyde lie bottom with just 3 points.

In midweek Clyde announced a successor and it turned out to be Campbell Money the former Ayr and most recently Stranraer. With Stranraer proving a tough side this season it will be interesting to see if Clyde and Stranraer swap places in May. Elsewhere in the Scottish League Cup Celtic, Falkirk, Hibs and Rangers recorded wins over Livingston, Dundee, Dundee United and Aberdeen .

The following weekend and we were hosting Albion Rovers. Robbie Campbell replaced Gardner and Brownlie and Heenan switched roles. This is a game we should be looking to win. Which is why I was kicking the advertising hoardings in frustration as Graeme McCaul set up Charles McLean in the 11th minute to open the scoring. Clearly the absence of Sensini was hurting us much more than I thought. However some intense pressure and poor finishing from Heenan we levelled on 26 minutes through a well struck Paul Brownlie free kick. It was the least we deserved.

In the second half it appeared the tight at the back talk mentioned by Jake at the break was totally ignored as McLean to my absolute intense anger scored a simple goal on 57 minutes. Robbie Campbell was the scapegoat here as I immediately brought Gardner on. The substitution worked though as the experienced left winger swung in a corner 5 minutes later that Darren Spink managed to get his head to and nod us level. Sadly despite our best efforts we were unable to further find a way through and the game, disappointingly finished goalless. Yes it most certainly seems as though our promotion chances are limited. We won’t go up if we play like this and continue to drop points. John Christison’s expectations all of a sudden don’t seem as unambitous as I thought. We are now 9 points behind Ross County, our next opponents in 5th spot.

retired_embartl

In midweek though I received a fax from Stranraer – it was something I certainly wasn’t expecting. Of course I had known that Money had left for Clyde but even so I never even thought my name would be considered! Considered it was though and here was Robert Clanachan offering me the post as manager of his side! Finances were slightly better and they were 3rd in the league… it was a tempting offer certainly but I wanted to build Arbroath into a side worth remembering. I didn’t want my legacy to read – “relegated from division one”. I politely declined citing personal reasons but of course I was flattered nonetheless. I forwarded my rejection onto John Christison before the journalists starting creating silly rumours again.

On the 15th, it was the play offs for the Euro 2004 Championships and there were some intriguing ties. Scotland started off away to Slovenia with Wales away to Sweden, Ireland at home to Ukraine with Turkey hosting the Czech Republic and Croatia welcoming Romania. After the first round of matches Scotland, Croatia and Ireland would seem to be the only sides in favourable positions as Croatia and Ireland took 3 goal leads for the away leg whilst Scotland, to the delight of many a drunk local won in Slovenia thanks to a goal from Scott Dobie in the opening minute. Turkey and Sweden won 1-0 in their home legs making for exciting second leg matches.

They took place in midweek and, Arbroath, like the rest of Scotland was one happy place to be, with the odd nutter going over the top to the consternation of a few. I wonder if that tramp really did steal that Scone. There were few goals on the night, with Scotland, Ireland and Turkey all enjoying 0-0 draws whilst Wales’ 2-0 victory over Sweden saw the Welshman through into their first major championships in over 40 years.

With the Ross County game upon me sooner than I imagined I was at least satisfied to have David McInally available to me. He would replace Campbell on the bench. John Cusick had also returned to sufficient fitness after picking up a niggling knock against Albion. Duncan McLean took Kevin Heenan’s strikers role after an enthusiastic display in front of Roddy Grant. Kenny McMillan, although short on fitness would replacing the ageing legs of John McGlashan in the midfield who needed a break. It goes without saying that this a must not lose match at Victoria Park.

Of course the lazy fools started appalling, as Stephen McGarry scored inside 5 minutes and Andy Dow was subbed soon after a terrible display at left back, however David McInally who replaced him was not much better. A half time roasting did little to inspire my pathetic charges and it was soon 2-0, thanks to Martin Wood. Andy Cargill and Paul Brownlie came off immediately to boos from our own fans after an absolutely disgraceful effort on the park and Andy will be tasting some reserve action in the coming weeks hopefully. Duncan McLean did pull a goal back later thanks to Paul Pirie, but it was to no avail as the retards conceded another one soon after via Craig Campbell. After that we elected not to take a bus home as I forced all the idle farts to run back to Arbroath, one or two were let off as they had actually shown a willingness to win the ball. We’re now 6th and way off the pace. **** promotion, I’m concerned about another relegation the way things are going. With Sensini still absent for 6 weeks or so, we have no leadership at the back as Dennis Connaghan has proved to be a disappointment. I rarely hear him on match days, not what I expect from a captain.