Yngwie

The players we had out there did pretty well under the circumstances against a decent side. Without Carson, Vincent and Welsh the midfield had a bit of a soft centre but we still restricted Ayr to a few real chances. Downsides are that our finishing was really poor, and we conceded that goal too easily without putting in a proper challenge from the point we played a poor ball into their box. We know we can be so much better than that, which gives hope for moving up the table by Xmas.

I kept on wondering why there were no fans in the stadium and was grateful to the commentator for reminding me every 10 minutes that the game was behind closed doors because of COVID-19.

I thought the broadcast was decent enough, apart from when the ball was not in play like waiting for a corner and the AI went in search of it. The commentator has a difficult job without a sidekick or a support team in his ear and was ok with that in mind but just wasn’t adequately familiar with the players on the pitch. That needs to improve and he could have been better prepared in terms of recognising them.

And yet not remotely surprising (to the extent that I am £20 richer than I was at 3pm, but it’s little consolation). Such a weak starting line up and bench. With injuries and a lack of games, I don’t think we have ever been so unready for the season to start.

Hearts will finish 20+ points ahead of us this season. It’s all about the playoffs and Dunfermline will likely be right up there. It’s a pity we are playing them when we aren’t ready for the season to start.

Don’t think you’ll get any savoury delights like that, but there might be some cookies?

I do like the Nations League concept, so much better than meaningless friendlies. And it’s nice to see the league tables currently being topped by footballing nations that people used to laugh at like the Faroes, Luxembourg, North Macedonia and, erm, Scotland.

All my life Scotland have excelled at building up hopes and then shattering them.

Points awarded to Cowdenbeath after Allardice takes two penalties in the shootout. 😀

Yes, the match was abandoned at HT when he got his test result!

Does Kai now have to isolate for 14 days after Scotland U19 coach Billy Stark tested positive? 🙁

Wow, that’s a really weak team, even under the circumstances.

Wouldn’t be surprised if we get absolutely hammered tonight. Half the first team missing and the rest of the squad not at match fitness, with us still being in pre-season mode.

Clach Friday, Elgin Saturday.

I wonder if any studies have been done yet on closed doors matches since football restarted to see if there has been any change in the split of home/away wins?

On the one hand it’s very sensible, Some crowds better than no crowds, but there’s also the consideration that the ‘provincial’ teams would arguably get a competitive advantage for non-footballing reasons. Being made to play behind closed doors is used by football authorities as a punishment, but in the current circumstances the teams affected would have done nothing wrong. I like the idea because it suits us but I know how I’d feel if ICT had that imposed when central belt teams were allowed fans back.

Sturgeon has now said that the phased return of fans from October is “unlikely”. I think we can take that to mean it won’t be happening- she couldn’t ban folk from visiting their parents but then say it is ok for football matches to have crowds.Not good news for clubs. 🙁

The recent developments on COVID measures surely reduce the prospect of fans getting into stadiums any time soon. Teams in our league just aren’t viable without crowds. What’s going to happen, will there even be a season 20/21 for us? 🤷‍♂️

Specifically for the U23 squad. Presumably they can be called up to the first team if need be, but I’d be pleasantly surprised if that happened.

If we signed Stokes now, we might be able to get him match fit in time for the season kick-off.....season 21/22, that is.

😮

I see on the BBC player rater for last night’s game he scored just 3.07, the lowest of any player, just a few days after being at fault for the decisive goal. He will do better if he gets the chance, but even at his best with us his main quality was in driving forward rather than being a particularly solid defender.

If we need a right back, my Saints supporting mate is offering to drive Shaun Rooney up the A9 for us.

I remember being down in the Borders for a few days, possibly at Christmas, but was keen to see that game and set off but ended up turning back after hitting a blizzard. So I’ve still never seen a game at New Bayview although I have been outside the ground when in Methil for work.

On a brighter note, the Championship league placing for 19/20 have been reviewed by the SQA and ICT are being upgraded to the Premiership, in accordance with our manager‘s initial recommendation.