AJS

Robbie Fowler's hat trick vs Arsenal.

Just in. 1st away day of the season and it was awesome. Cagey start from both teams but i thought we played the better football, they created some chances but failed to capatalise and Ross hit the post. Odi's opener was great vision from Duff, everyone expected him to hoof it into the box but it was a neat move. 2nd half, we came out guns blazing. Rooney has a fizzing shot blocked and from the following corner, Foran's flick on was nearly turned converted in by a St Mirren defender. Hayes broke clear from the midfield and threaded it through to Odi, he took a terrible touch but still finished well. McGowans goal was a cracker but we weathered the storm and were probably deserved winners. Change of the game was when Nick came on and played centre mid, the role seem made for him and he was defnitely my motm. Foran slotted back in nicely today and Duff did well switching to full back. Tbh Proctor going off was a blessing in disguise as he did not start the game well. Rosscoe and Granty looked solid and Esson made some stunning saves. Just a great away day

Esson Proctor, Tokely, Munro, Shinnie Hayes, Duff, Duncan, Foran Odhiambo Rooney Subs: Tuffey, Golabek, Morrison, Blumenshtein, Ross, Sutherland, McBain

McNamee or O'Leary would be good signings at the back. Could Get Morais back on a short term deal to enhance attacking options as well.

I wonder if there will be a team left to field by the time the weekend starts.

Seriously if there are any free agents out there we need you!

My first away day of the season. Me + 2.

Mahonio, i get that your all for the free speach, voicing the opinion and all that jazz. But surely you must have seen this kind of reaction coming from certain people who read your posts.

Survival. In order for us to stay stable financially and keep as good a set of players as we have. Survival is worth any drubbing in the cup. And getting the home form sorted.

I would agree with Butcher's priorities. I would take survival over winning the league cup any day. Losing 6-0 is extremely poor but it was the cup, had it been the league i would have been a tad worried. We fielded our 2nd string team and Celtic fielded their strongest team so it made each teams point last night.

Feel free RiG.

Don't care who we play and what side we pick, 6-0 is a disgraceful score. I think we should search the free agent market for some reinforcements at the back before we get into deeper trouble.

Delighted Shinnie is starting and Sutherland deserves it as he has been impressive from the bench recently.

I wonder if we may look at bringing Oji for another trial, given that we are struggling defensively. I liked Mackay-Steven but was very injury prone.

I rest my case. It is ashame to see it happen to Dundee but as its been said they just never seem to learn.

Against Celtic i don't see the formation changing but i wouldnt mind a switch to 4-4-2. Tuffey Duff, Tokely, Munro, Shinnie Hayes, Duncan, Cox, Sanchez Foran, Rooney Subs: Esson, Proctor, Blumenshtein, Ross, Odhiambo.

Since the start of the seaon we have played Celtic, Hibs, Dundee Utd and Hearts, all of which finished in the top 6 last season. We've also played Hamilton, a team who are turning into the new Aberdeen for us as we haven't beaten them in the SPL. We've also had multiple injuries at the one time, something that we haven't really had before during a season and most of whom are getting back to full fitness. Couple these circumstances together and i'd say its been an unfortunate start to the season. Yesterday was a perfect example of how makeshift our squad has had to be at times. I have concerns about the home form but then i remembered we didnt win at home last year until October and after that we didn't lose at home again. All we need is one result to go our way and i think it will boost the teams confidence a fair bit. The season has started badly i guess you could say, but it is by know means a forgone conclusion.

On the creativity front i thought we did more than Hearts but just did not finish them when we had the opportunities. Hearts only real chances were their goals. Defending was shambolic, Munro and Innes couldnt cope with Kyle's presence, Ian Black going of was the worst thing that happened to us. Proctor was awful as well, Templeton beat him almost everytime. Come January some younger, pacier defence cover is required. The positives i take from today was the performance of Nick Ross who i thought was outstanding, looked a major threat at times today. Stuart Duff also looks a good addition to midfield. He provided some superb passes today and wasn't afraid to get forward.

Official site says that Gillets MRI Scan showed cartilage damage. Says he misses several weeks with it, yet another injury!

Fantastic servant to the club. A player who built his first team career at us and has left a void that imo is yet to be fully filled. I think he will get a warm welcome from supporters, he certainly won't get heckled from me.

Great news, looking forward to seeing how Gil gets on after he recovers but we really need our skipper back!

Esson McCann, Tokely, Munro, Gillet Duff, Cox Hayes, Sanchez, Odhiambo Rooney Subs: Tuffey, Proctor, Innes, Duncan, Morrison, Sutherland, Ross

Another statistic i noticed is that when Rooney misses a penalty he puts away the rebound, or when we played Partick he missed the 1st one but got another one and stuck it away.

Well done to the boys, good point and a real boost in confidence.

Yes!!