Robert

I was really looking forward to the game when the draw was made, assuming that even if it was to be on TV it would be the Friday evening or the Saturday or Sunday. When I heard it was the Monday, I could not believe it, I am away quite a lot during the week, and am in London that night, so will not even be able to see it on TV, relying instead on the radio commentary (if there is one) on line or the text updates. I hope we still get a great, noisy support, and I will be there in spirit if not in body. Go for it guys!!

First two teams drawn out: we are off to Dingwall again!

I actually thought he did ok. A couple of wayward crosses but he was pushing forward and creating overlaps.

Reid scored his first goal for us today.... lol.... I was told at half time that Tom Walsh is out for two months with a broken foot. If so, we will miss him badly as he has often been our best player, particularly recently, and we need an outlet with pace.

I agree with DD. A strong start made the game safe. It could have been six or seven by half time. White had a great turn and shot that the keeper saved well, whilst several efforts were saved or came close. Possibly inevitably, the second half was subdued with the game won. East Kilbride did have more possession, but rarely threatened and I only recall Ridgers having one save. McCart again the pick of the defence, but Rooney got forward well. In midfield, Chalmers continued being more positive, but Doran was the stand out. Yes, he has lost pace, but his creativity was apparent. White and Oakley both put in a good shift. Given how Ayr fans will be feeling, we did what we needed to do. Pity it was a small crowd, but some noise from the north stand, and a great tribute to young Dawn. I'm hoping we draw County in the last 16....

It's on according to the club's twitter feed. Will be interesting to see I feel any of the youngsters start. Presumably Rooney and Mckay back from suspension, with Mckay replacing Donaldson, who I hope will not be out for long. Remember the minute's tribute for young Dawn in the 16th minute. Her family will appreciate it.

HT 1-0 FT 5-0 ICT White EK Longridge Crowd 1387

Definitely. The look of sheer surprise and joy on his face!

Hopefully he picks Perth!

He was on the bench for Forfar today.

That was an enjoyable afternoon. The team were up for it and positive, and we deservedly won. Ridgers did what he had to do. With only four fit experienced defenders, credit Tremarco for doing so well at right back. Yes, he had to pull back to cross with his left foot, but I thought he put in a great shift. He fortunately recovered from an early knock. McHattie seemed comfortable on the left. Donaldson was steady enough, with a couple of wayward passes, and McCart was the pick of the defence for me. I don't think Donaldson is fully fit at present so all credit to him for his performance. I like the Donaldson / McCart pairing. Chalmers had the best game I've seen from him since Tannadice last season and was a justified Man of the Match, whilst I enjoyed Welsh's skill in he corner running diwn the clock. He was also more positive with the ball than in some games. Polworth picked up a knock, and I hope that's not the last we've seen of him. Even as he was deservedly applauded off, some were questioning why he was being clapped. Doran had a better game. He has lost pace, but was holding the ball well. Walsh was a bit quieter than some recent games, but still put in a good shift and we need his pace and creativity. I was really impressed by White today. Yes, he (and Doran) missed very good chances (we also hit the post, Doran I think) but the ball was sticking a lot more and he was linking up well. He also got the vital goal. Mackay didn't have his best performance when he came on, but he has been injured so was probably lacking sharpness. Trafford actually impressed me in his time on the pitch. Ayr did create chances, but we handled them pretty well and coped with going in front. A very satisfying display! We only had one senior player on the bench, so hopefully we stay clear on suspensions, and get Oakley, Austin and maybe even Beith fit soon, particularly if Polworth is leaving. Looking forward, we should not under estimate East Kilbride, but hopefully we get a few goals and a good display, and can then look forward to moving up the league. But really well done to all 13, great to see a performance and win!

With Cammy Mackay back from Rothes, Daniel Hoban is on loan to Forfar for the rest of the season.

If he's heading off, to St Johnstone or wherever, I really hope he flourishes and has a great career. Woth his assists, I think he has often been under rated, so he will be a great loss to us, either now or in the summer.

Cheers Andy, you have put Scottish tennis on the map, and inspired other U.K. Youngsters. I really hope that you make Wimbledon, and have a great swan song,

HT 1-0 FT 2-1 ICT White Ayr Moore Crowd 2187

Saw on line he is in talks with a club. We have brought this on ourselves. Fans near me are on his back for everything and miss the vision he has. Not sure if it is a pre contract or whether they want him now. Either way, we will be poorer without him but I wish him well. His goal and celebration in Dingwall when we won 3-0 springs to mind. I really hope the fans support our local youngsters as they break through. Otherwise the lure of other clubs will overshadow us.

Reports on social about Dow having a "clandestine" meeting in Tesco car park tonight......

If that had gone in White would be our hero rather than the villian many have cast him as!!

HT 1-0 FT 2-1 ICT White QotS Dobbie Crowd 2298 Yellow Mckay Straight red Semple Happy New Year to Gringo and all score predictors!

Thanks for that, some interesting figures!

I understand your frustration, but we are not going to find a Shankland or Dobbie that we can afford. Over the years, we have unearthed players who have flourished with us, and often their careers have dipped after leaving us. Storey is one example of that. I prefer Oakley of our current group of strikers, but White has scored 9 goals before new year despite not always starting. Until any of our youngsters are able to command a regular start, we may not find a better option, but I agree we should try. We also need to be aware of possible injuries and suspensions. Mckay and Donaldson will pick up suspensions before too long, and Rooney is suspended now. We are probably a versatile defender light. Time for a couple of loans, targeting players who want to make a point to their latent clubs?

Indeed, looked more dominant on the highlights than at the game itself. If the ref had not already lost the plot, we may have got a penalty at the death when Fox pulled Mackay down on the line.

I agree. We seem to save our best displays for County. If we can become consistent and play for 90 minutes every week it will make a big difference.

I really don't know how we lost that. We recovered from going behind, and were the better team for the last hour. I can't fault the players for effort, and we came very close a couple of times, particularly through Walsh and McCart. I thought Walsh had an excellent game, closely followed by Polworth, Rooney and McCart, but all 11 played their part in what easily could have been a win. I don't agree about the substitutions. We were well on top, so not changing it was the right thing. That changed with the County goal. County fans I spoke to afterwards couldn't believe their luck. A disappointing end, but if we can maintain that effort and keep trying to play forward quickly, there is no reason why we cannot at least cement fourth place. Next week's game could be pivotal as it can let us pull clear a bit. I thought the ref lost control a bit when the smaller bust up took place in the first half between Donaldson and Lindsay, so no real surprise if all kicked off late on. Until I saw the photo above, I'd no idea Roooney was involved, but as half the players were, perhaps surprising there were only two reds.

I'm going over early by bus for a couple of pints before kick off. Hope that will be the start of a really enjoyable day!!