Hank Scorpio

Dumbarton deserve praise today - so I’m going to give them it. They played very well and deserved to win. Kyle Hutton in particular was a constant thorn in our side and read the game very well, broke up our play and generally dominated our midfield. Duffy had clearly done his homework on our makeshift back line and knew that Watson was never going to go beyond the right back, instead looking to cut inside high up the park and find Hendry. As soon as he stopped and brought it back on to his stronger foot Hutton either read it and cut it out or anticipated it and pressured Hendry enough to not allow him to make an incisive pass. Quite an impressive performance from someone who I’ve never been impressed by any time I’ve seen, until today. Our defence was ragged, which shouldn’t be any surprise to anyone. Anderson looked out of place and Watson, as alluded to, didn’t influence the game in an attacking sense. Kieran MacDonald took the captains armband and was superb again. Our lack of goals is concerning. For all our injury woes our front line had remained relatively untouched, which makes it all the more worrying that we are struggling to find the net with such regularity. We’re top at Christmas - that’s good. But we could really do with a few players finding their shooting boots soon.

Incessant booing and complaining when we don’t launch the ball to McGeever can f**k off any time, as well.

Almost goal of the season for us to when it was 0-0. About 25 passes then a reverse chipped ball from a Hendry split the defence open and Dingwall lifted it first time over the goalie, only for it to hit the bar and bounce straight back into the goalie’s waiting arms.

I thought the ball bounced out of play down at the bottom left as you fave the park prior to the Sons’ free kick being given from which they scored. We’re getting bullied, no doubt about it. We need to change it. I’d put Anderson to centre half and swap MacDonald and Watson back.

Every time we kick it long your centre half headers it back 30 yards so we don’t have much choice. Dumbarton goal was goal was going about 3 yards wide before the deflection but our defence has been a real mess - which shouldn’t be any surprise.

I’m pretty keen to hear how a comment about a left back being not very good can be described in any way “irrelevant” when he’s previously been described as the best we’ve ever produced. Unless of course it’s jUsT yOuR oPiNiOn.

A quick reminder that Kirkcaldy food bank will collecting today at the game. This time of year can be especially hard for less well off families with the added pressure that Christmas brings. Please donate kindly and give what you can.

I’d like to talk about Kieran MacDonald. He’s the best left back we’ve had in the last 10/15 years. Granted, we’ve not exactly been blessed with prowess in that area but he is a fucking great player. When we signed him all the Airdrie fans said his final ball was poor - nonsense. He’s got about 10 assists and has chipped in with goals, too. First touch is exemplary and is a real threat going forward. I love watching him. Right up there as POTY so far. Is he signed up for next year?

Watched John’s pre match interview there. Still no Anderson according to him, so almost certain that we’ll line up Watson, McKay, MacDonald, Armstrong as a back four right to left, which is a bit terrifying tbh. He also mentions that we’ve lost someone else in training through the week but wouldn’t say who it was. I swear to fucking god if it’s Kieran MacDonald I’ll lose my shit. Surely there’s never been a better opportunity for Dumbarton to beat us at home? 1 defeat in 16 in all competitions, more clean sheets already this season than the entirety of last season - all whilst having an average of about 5 players out per week. Really impressed by McGlynn’s work this season, not getting anywhere near enough praise.

Quitongo was absolutely hopeless on the first day. First touch non-existent and must’ve kicked the ball straight out of play a good 15 times. Unless he’s improved a monumental amount I’d imagine we’ll be focusing a lot down his side.

Can you post a photo? Sounds great. He’s probably laughing at him because he’s tried to injure him and in turn got himself sent off, brains.

I’m gonnae have to insist this SAndo and GAndo muck ceases immediately.

On Armstrong, he’s been playing with an injury for months which eventually got too much last week. It’ll take him a while to get back to full speed. I’ll admit he’s been underwhelming but he’s a match winner on his day. I think he’ll be vital in the arse end of the season, probably once it gets a bit warmer! Edit: He’s also been playing out of position a lot and being asked to play in a way he probably never has before. He came on yesterday to stretch the game and we nearly immediately got Bene sent off and he again got shoehorned into left back.

I, personally, am thoroughly looking forward to Falkirk absolutely dominating a side each and every time the opposition gets a man sent off this season.

At least you’re taking it well.

Not sure why Anderson would be suspended.

McShane running 30 yards to push the referee is one of the most bizarre reactions to a foul I think I’ve ever seen. He sort of stumbles over the downed player but WTF is mcshane doing?

I was really surprised he didn’t go for that. I was sat at such an angle that I saw the two hands go into the referee’s back. I don’t think for one second he’s ran over to him with the intention of pushing him, but he did. Not something I’ve ever seen on a football pitch at that level before!

Anyone else catch the boy with the pony tail kicking out at Bowie in the box when the ball was away as he lay on the floor? Left hand side of the goal in the second half.

We cannae all aspire to to heady heights of 4th in league 1, I suppose. When’s the hotel going in?

You’re fucking 4th, pipe the f**k doon.

Because I won’t chastise a goalie that made a mistake in terrible conditions after being in goal during our best defensive record since 2010?

I thought initially that Munro could’ve done better at the Falkirk goal, but it was blowing a gale and absolutely pissing sideways rain and he’d not conceded a goal in 360 minutes prior to today so I’m willing to give him a pass.

You’re right. We were fine today, despite what Falkirk salty boys say. Our back four had a 19 year old with almost no experience in the first team, a left back at centre half, a striker at right back, a left winger at left back, so it’s a moot point. Regan Hendry obviously makes a massive difference to our side, he was head and shoulders above anyone else.

Enjoyed the game. Been a while since I’ve enjoyed going to the rovers as much as this. Just got a good feeling about the side. We finished the first half so comfortably, Regan Hendry absolutely strolled it - totally ran the show, we had a lot more of the ball despite Falkirk having the better chances. Second half the momentum shifted and Falkirk had the best of the ball. when Benedictus got sent off it looked like the game was up but the players battled for everything and threw themselves in front of shots and ran themselves into the ground. Our back 4 at various points of the game included Watson at centre half, McDonald at centre half, Armstrong at left back and Anderson at right back, so to hold on and actually end the game the stronger really speaks of the character of the boys. Sort of feels like 2 points dropped but also pleased with a point.