farflung lichtie

On the other hand, I would be reluctant to change the current setup since: a) why change a winning, more settled formula especially given earlier criticisms of management making too many changes; b) our very small squad (just compare our team-sheets versus the length of the opposition's in every game played so far) means most will get a runout sooner than later; and c) wouldn't it be a nice diversion to go on a serious cup run and remember Hamilton won this trophy last season. Interesting to see Arbroath's shape after going ahead against Ayr. We seemed to withdraw to our own half so any pressing really started only when the ball was in our half of the pitch. I was wondering if this was a deliberate approach in response to our poor home record, trying to keep things very tight and hit on the counter. to be fair, we did try second half to press higher up the pitch. And finally .(after the conversation about segregation etc), our so-called PA system is virtually inaudible in most parts of the terracing.

I thought we created quite a few more chances than Queens but finishing was woeful. I don’t think any shot from decent positions went less than 10 feet over the bar and Bird should have buried that header.. We should have taken something from that game but our truly abysmal home form continues. Overall we kept a decent shape and there were bright showings from a few players. On as sub, Dow was very effective so I presume it was later subs that made it a little imbalanced. We knew it would be a tough season but need to start picking up points to get underway. Last season, QP were the team that handled the wind most effectively at Gayfield. They did ok today but didn’t create much upfront. Enjoyed their keepers antics - kept the fans entertained. And finally, it was excellent to have the freedom of the terraces with no segregation. Of course we need the income from larger travelling support but adjusting the barriers to suit seems sensible.

A bit depressing from the home perspective…..BUT Utd have some quality players and the luxury of being able to work them into shape after a troubling league cup start. They showed great mobility, pace and commitment which overwhelmed our makeshift setup on more than a few occasions. For our part, we still haven’t got the full squad in place and especially the setup (who fits best where). No time available to work on the gaps and the connections can drag this out Looking for some consolations, Arbroath have had terrible, extended starts to 2 of our 4 Championship seasons, we hadn’t beaten United at Gayfield since the late 60s, and even kept a fortunate clean sheet second half. Both BBC and away teams persist in repeating the cliche that Gayfield provides a ‘tough challenge’. I think we won 1 league here last season. We can’t keep relying on producing the goods in away games. That plus an inability to score risks keeping a decent following into the season.. Dire start but it’s a long way to go.

A passable performance yesterday tho preseason games mean so little (surprising that the home fans reacted so badly to a Balde’s response to a bad challenge). Falkirk seemed to be able to bring on plenty of subs yet we had relatively few. We definitely need some defensive cover, even with Hammy returning. We were opened up a few times at the back tho the customary superb last ditch blocks and tackles meant no further goals conceded. Is there enough bite in midfield ? (Balde brings this and Gold - is that enough?). Is a real wide player still required? I thought Keghan did well coming on so maybe one option back in play. Having three ‘proper’ attackers is encouraging tho we need to see how they perform and link in real games.

Hope we can capitalise on the opportunity avoiding playoffs offers by moving to fill some of the gaps in the squad necessitated by the significant turnover expected. Early mover advantage, though many will not yet be available but priority in attack A couple of issues with the ground could use some attention. The PA is inaudible from many parts of the terracing (compared with the deafening/excessive noise at some grounds). I also think extensive rehabilitation of the playing surface itself is needed. You can see the unevenness and wear in some places. Summer growth will disguise this but it’s exposed in winter

Strange season for the Lichties albeit we survived – for which immense credit to all concerned. We managed to grind out results thanks to a solid defence and we did it the hard way. Glancing at the stats, we seemed generally unable to score against the lower-ranked teams (0.5 goals per game For vs >1 Against) which gave our direct rivals a real advantage. We actually performed OK against the final top 5 overall 20 games against the Top 5 21 GF 29 GA 23 Points 16 games against the Bottom 4 8 GF 18 GA 11 Points After outscoring all the others last season, we managed the lowest Goals For this season, since Dumbarton and Brechin in 17-18 and Alloa in 15-16, all of whom were relegated On the head-to-heads, nothing was predictable. What does that all mean? Maybe we struggled more against teams playing it tight. Plus the worst home record in the league - well, I blame the wind and the fact our players train exclusively in Perth GF GA Pts Dundee 7 7 5 Ayr United 4 4 5 Queen's Park 4 7 4 Partick Thistle 0 7 1 Morton 6 4 8 Inverness Caledonian Thistle 2 7 2 Raith Rovers 3 5 2 Hamilton Ac 1 1 5 Cove R 2 5 2 Totals 29 47 34

I also didn’t think there was that much between the teams yesterday with the key/critical proviso that they could threaten to score and did whereas we carried limited threat which changes the whole equation. We had quite a few corners and forced their keeper into 2 good saves yet looked like we didn’t really know how to open them up. Once we fell behind, we committed more forward so it made them look more expansive. They had more in reserve and could bring on strikers as subs. We don’t enjoy such luxury. it’s all gone too negative on here. We’ve somehow dragged ourselves out of certain relegation to have a more than decent chance of survival…. despite having scored notably fewer than anyone, and thanks to grinding out all these draws. Fairly good turnout of supporters 250? yesterday but far too quiet. The home support was noisy and showed how to get behind their team. We’ll need to up our game on the terraces to make a difference on Friday

Our lack of any cutting edge meant the usual outcome. We shaded possession, had many more corners but threatened rarely. Once they had broken through it was comfortable for Thistle. As noted before, they had the luxury of bring two proven strikers as subs - we only had Hilson who was not effective today. Bitsindou was effective but El mhanni wasted too many and subs the same. Been a poor season and not the best time to lose momentum.

Too much pessimism after that really poor showing on Saturday. As usual, expectations around that single game were somewhat inflated - a common pattern for Arbroath over the decades - so seasoned observers are familiar with the deflation that followed. The big crowd, even the lively young ultra mob, were strangely quiet the whole second half so I feel we collectively shared in that poor showing. Once again, the closeness of the Championship (no other division ever has the same small ratio of points between top and bottom 2:1 this year) means you can’t rely on other results going our way. Since a re-energised Cove ( thanks to us, they’ve picked up 8 points over the season - a really dire gift to your nearest rival) could pick up 4-6 points in their last 2 games. So we need one or possibly two results. We can do that. As mentioned, earlier we would have been delighted to be in this position going into the final games. We need to grind it out ourselves to get over the line, without relying on others.

Getting a little ahead of ourselves. Tough, nervy game on Saturday against opposition we haven’t beat these past 3 occasions. Cove have only narrowly lost out to Queens and ICT their past two games so still in with a shout. Larger home crowds at Gayfield have often been associated with a less than joyful spectacle, if not worse. So let’s keep things real and hope the crowd lend support when needed.

An obvious victim of the pitch watering right before the start. He had to change his footwear after about 15 minutes. I wonder if there have been other casualties in other games especially in the goalmouth areas since they collect more water?. Not an excuse - we should be trying the same at the other end. But timing of the watering might be worth considering. I don’t buy the characterisation of Arbroath as ‘physical/hoofball’ merchants and perhaps just because Raith engage in plenty of superfluous passing from side to side. We are much better with ball on the deck (cf the second goal against Ayr on TV lately). I felt earlier this season we were struggling to match the muscularity of opponents as we did last season but seem to have improved in this. I note Raith conceded more fouls than Arbroath yesterday. After that awful start and poor first half, I was slightly disappointed not to edge the win when we really need it and with three tough games to finish. A draw was a fair result - our default this season - and we could have lost it. I thought Balde and Olusanya as subs were effective, Allan and Linn much less so. Still all to play for.

Fantastic committed and disciplined performance, and much needed.. Queens were passing it around well first half without creating many openings up top but I feared they might wear us down as the game advanced. But second half, we stepped up a bit and maybe Queens got frustrated trying to unpick our solid defence. Good turnout of the Lichtie support on a wet night..

Well that was a real delight to steal a point. Was almost getting greedy for all 3 points after our equaliser but we didn’t create much all evening. A poor performance from Arbroath, disjointed as it had been much of the season …and yet we hung in there and so it’s four unbeaten. Morton must be kicking themselves they never converted about 3 goldplated chances. You also have to factor in a goalkeeping error so most unfair to lay it on the keeper. I can’t recall Gaston saving a penalty so great time to do it. Real drama to compensate for dire football (at least from the home side). Pitch didn’t look great but it’s that time of year just before the first real growth. Don’t know why our home form has been so abysmal this season but there is some spirit and resilience.

Totally disagree - as an old timer supporter, it’s tremendous to hear this amount of noise and accompanying vocal support throughout the game. Getting back to real crowds and chants last heard maybe in the 70s and adding a positive vibe which must help the players. I’d be happy to see additional instrumentation added - it all adds to the sense of ‘occasion’. I would suggest attending a game is not the place to nurture a delicate state of health. Without them too many of the ‘mature’ section of the crowd are just too quiet or reactive which means too much sombre silence.. More needed, much more

Delighted to salvage a point at the death - just desserts for the sizeable away support. Tight hard fought game well Cove have plenty of experienced decent players. The 3 sub halftime switchover changed things significant. We missed 3 excellent chances second half so could have edged it. Away results and decent spirit give us a chance. It's been a struggle all season but don't see the justification for excessive gloom

The truly abysmal home run continues, by far the worst in the division and, compared with a half-decent away record, one obvious ‘reason’ we’re in this predicament. A high proportion of these 12 games have been in windy conditions (more than usual I’d say) and we seem to handle these less well than most visitors. Is this because our too-frequent personnel and lineup changes reduce the players ability to become accustomed to conditions/playing together. Is the parttime thing a factor and, related to that are fitness levels what they were? We seem to lack some of the physicality/athleticism/aggression of last season, vital in this league. We can’t seem to string 3 passes together at Gayfield. Against Raith, we conceded possession in midfield, lost most 50:50s and, when we had the ball, we’re unable to find a player or, in most cases, keep the ball on the ground. Yet barely 6 weeks ago, we looked the better side at Starks Park, tho only managed a draw. Can’t really blame the home crowd. Finally, it’s always preferable - given the choice - to play into the wind first half.

As mentioned, Arbroath’s truly abysmal home form this season is the main reason we are in the relegation places worst in the division. We’ve picked up only 7 points from 11 games (compared with 14 away) just managing a goal a game on average. After last season great home record, it’s odd (plus cup exits). The previous league game at Gayfield -v ICT - was a major letdown. That tempers any risk of optimism anhead of this game. Seems to me more games have been wind-affected this season negating our decent football style ((!?*). Avoiding conceding early might help confidence but we need to find a way to overcome this home handicap.

Looks like another home game severely affected by strong winds - like most this season (that’s climate change for you). Normally I would hope to avoid conceding early since we’ve struggled to score against ICT but the wind factor (direction/and which half) makes it more of a lottery. Hope the new intake of players can maintain the ‘fresh start’ feel to the new year.

Its all doom and gloom on here, some justified. I wisnae weel so couldn't make it to Gayfield last night though watched it on streaming which was depressing. The result may have been no different but I really dislike us willingly moving games to Friday evenings (the part-time factor, reduced attendance/revenue). On the positive side, I thought we might succumb to heavier defeat when they went 0-4 up with 25 minutes left. Nicking a goal at the end was unduly appreciated along with Cove's late defeat of Accies. - you have to relish the small things. I would add that, as with the previous game at Gayfield, Queens Park play the conditions better than almost any other I've seen - quick accurate passing at speed plus Simon Murray. The long injury list, the lack of alternatives (due to unsatisfactory signings plus unwanted departures) and relatively small squad (to fill gaps or the bench) are becoming critical. A bit worrying that our strongest asset, defence, are leaking a few goals of late partly due to lack of midfield cover and continuity. That said, we had avoided defeat in 4 of the previous 5 league games... wins needed but we were seldom blown away though if you can't score, it's always going to be an uphill battle. Working with such a limited number of fit players plus dents to morale might start to erode confidence further. Slight uneasy recollections of 20 years ago when, after a glorious season in the Championship we struggled/limped through the second season. There's a role here for supporters in showing some loyalty in adversity (easy at other times). A combination of poor signings/inadequate replacements (eg Scott Allan for Nicky Low as it has turned out), many more injuries and some suspensions compared with last season is now accepted wisdom. I don't buy into the `change the manager' angle, at least during this season since any replacement would face the same set of challenges (and evidence of managerial change bringing positive shortterm results is tenuous at best). We are adrift but not completely at sea. Longterm Lichties know we travel in hope rather than expectation so let's not give up hope yet.

Cementing our claim as draw specialists. Probably had the edge overall but a couple of decent saves earned Raith the point. They looked less likely than us and created zero - we did little better and this was a great opportunity to grab a third win of the season. That said, I’ve never such a depleted bench, I think we used all available subs and Oakley’s injury is an added concern. Bobby had his quietest game of the season but Shanks couldn’t do much. Thought Hoti and Bitsindou looked good, Fosu was showed presence up top and nice to see Hilly buzzing around.

I consider it really odd and counterproductive for Arbroath to rearrange games for Friday evenings. It reduces potential attendance, it slightly disadvantages parttime players and also regular Lichtie supporters travelling up. They’ve done it again for the league game against Queens Park in a fortnight. Seems close to shooting yourself in the foot

I think Friday night games are an abomination and should only eventuate when enforced (eg by TV scheduling). Particar issue for the Lichties travelling to games. I can't really understand excessive criticism of management so soon after the best years in our history. Youd think that might have earned them some latitude. Poor showing so far confirms how difficult it is. Yes a few errors of judgement but a fair bit of bad luck some of which went our way these past few seasons. Doesn't mean they have a free pass but let's keep a bit of perspective. Maybe too many inputs seem like arising from dissatisfied consumers rather than supporters. The kind of folks that leave games early or, a personal gripe, remain silent on the terraces rather than lending vocal backing. I have a slight concern with how sustainable the recent commercial initiatives are.

From the podcast and some talk here, too much stress (,both useages) on Arbroath getting a positive result. It makes me nervous let alone the players. Long way to go etc every game important etc. I would merely suggest we do our best.

We deserved something out of that game, came close enough and had the bulk of possession. But we didn’t get the breaks and probably don’t carry a sharp enough threat up top. Ayr didn’t do that much, though a strong spell latter part of the first half could have yielded something. The weakened defence through nonstarting TOB and then Bitsindou’s injury left us a bit vulnerable. Ayr were OK, but nothing special, which is reflection of this whole league.

Just to clarify - I meant running out of steam in a game (not overall).. He starts and plays 60 minutes as lively as anybody on the pitch and I’d like to see that maintained. Have you checked the interview with Pink after the game? For all that, we still need better back up to replace him for the remaining minutes.