Waspie
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Posts posted by Waspie
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Poor performance from Alloa tonight, never managed to get on the ball and knock it around with so many players off the pace. Having managed to get ahead in the second half and at that point looking pretty secure, conceded two really poor goals when the ball should have been cleared on both occasions. But no complaints at all, Kelty deserved to win.
Players have been doing so well of late but we remain a work in progress and we saw that tonight. Hopefully get a good reaction on Saturday.
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On 17/03/2024 at 12:04, AlloaAdam said:
Think the greatest praise I can give Andy is that at times under our previous few managers the games had felt like a chore, whereas now it’s Sunday morning and I’m already looking forward to the next game. Even if we aren’t winning we are playing much better football and the players are clearly enjoying themselves as well. Long may it continue.
Agree 100%.While the results under Brian Rice were generally ok (decent for first season and a half, rubbish this season), the football was grim and we never really looked like a coherent team. Very frustrating given he inherited a capable squad and added good players to it. I found his reign a massive slog.
Andy very quickly did the things lots of fans had often called for. Players in their most effective roles in a settled system and allowing partnerships to develop. No surprise players grow in confidence in that situation. The system he settled on was the best one as well. 4 at the back suits the defenders better than 3, and the 3 behind a striker or something similar suits our squad with so many good creative players. Having nailed this down so well I'm sure he could tweak things when required and still get good results. That's the way to run a team, not chopping and changing all the time and playing people out of position.
But I'd be doing a big disservice to Andy to just say the turnaround is down to him sorting out the obvious issues with the way the team was set up. The leadership and communication he always showed as a player are clearly to the fore. People want to play for him and he has everyone pulling in the same direction. When things go wrong he speaks openly and honestly and sets out a way forward. Fans will accept defeats and bad days if they can see what a manager is trying to do and if it's clear things in general are going in the right direction. I don't expect Alloa to win every week but I do want to see a team set up properly and trying to make the best of what we have. Andy has been nailing that so far. Whatever happens the rest of the season - and obviously there are going be bad days and setbacks - there are real grounds for optimism.
9 hours ago, Magic Hat said:Absolutely brilliant news about Andy Graham. As Brian said he would have got time from even the most critical of fans. I wasn't 100 percent sure about the appointment as loved him so much as a player, but his record has been very impressive. Unfortunately sure his record won't have gone unnoticed to other clubs as well.
As for Kurtis, I am slightly less positive than some of our fans, realise I might be in the minority. Thought he was really poor under Rice, always had the energy and the enthusiasm but his passing was absolutely awful and he kept giving the ball away In the last few games under Rice and since Andy Graham has come in he has been much, much better and looks more composed on the ball and has added a couple of goals to his game.
I also wasn't quite as effusive as some fans about Roberts earlier in the season. Work rate and drive clearly really impressive but undermined a bit by decision making. Has continued to improve though and absolutely nailed down his place now. Perhaps down to growing in confidence and perhaps again knowing exactly what his role is in the team and how it fits with those around him. Wouldn't begrudge him a ft move if he could get it but hopefully he'll stick around. Really good story to see a player kicking on in his late 20s and given what he puts in he deserves it.
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Just about enough time left to wish all Wasps a Happy St Patrick's Day...
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Strange one. Started well and were opening City up with some more great football, got the early goal and looked capable of adding to it and getting it finished early. Conceded from City's first attack though and thereafter fell out it. Lot of credit to City for that, worked so hard and got in our faces and didn't let us play. They deserved the half time lead which I didn't think I'd have been saying 15 mins in and at that point it was looking like yet another frustrating day against City.
We came out looking more fired up and the early penalty settled the nerves - would like to see it again though! Lovely header then from Taggs then to go 3-2 up and this time we did press home the advantage. Could have had more than 5 in the end. We'll need to play better the next few weeks but can't complain with the result and the effort. Well done lads!
Once again plenty to admire about that young City team. Ran out of gas - and leadership from someone like Fontaine - but there are some good players there. Hope the club can regroup in League Two (and find a proper ground as a long term home).
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Is Wales away today? Read somewhere that it's the two games after this he will miss. We have good options anyway in Sammon and Roy. Friend of mine who supports Killie always says Sammo was at his best for them with a creative influence like Eremenko just behind him, rather than when they were launching high balls towards him. Think we've seen that in his cameos the last few weeks, he fits in well with this system. But Roy is also very capable of doing a job and he has been unlucky not to have played more, plus he has continued to offer a threat coming off the bench late in games. Two really good options.
Don't know what situation is with PJ but any kind of extended absence for him would be my biggest concern. Do worry that not getting cover there could be the one thing that comes back to haunt us.
Big game anyway against a team who we have often struggled against. Mon the Wasps.
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2 hours ago, Vegetableman said:
I heard Brian rice was in the stand , Looking for some management tips off Andy no doubt .
Probably left perplexed by how a team with 1 striker could have such a potent attacking threat.
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Great win and in the end we got the goals the performance deserved. Could and should have been out of sight within the first half hour with some terrific football really carving Kelty up. The young team were great again and having LD starting in among them added to the fun, some great tricks. Only worrying thing was not putting Kelty away and they came into it a bit before half time and were competitive after the break too. I did fear we might come to regret not finishing them off earlier. The second goal - at a point when the game was more even - effectively killed it and we really should have got a few more after that.
Defended well and Taggs and Sutherland were a constant threat going forward to. Kurtis never stopped, as always, and Scougall influential beside him (and grafting when required). Front four terrific with Steven so dangerous and Quinn having his best game in a while too. Subs also played their part - absolutely no failures.
Fair play also to Big Phil on his clean sheet, albeit hopefully PJ will be OK to return ASAP.
It was so frustrating earlier this season to look at the attacking talent in that squad and yet see such insipid, disjointed performances. Massive credit to Andy Graham for turning that around, it's been terrific to watch. Well done lads!
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50 minutes ago, Proudtobeabairn said:
An option to join FSS at the same time as season ticket renewal would be ideal
1 hour ago, LeodhasXD said:
https://www.designboom.com/architecture/summary-vibrant-grandstand-football-training-complex-aveiro-portugal-01-03-2023/
Saw this and thought of the Falkirk dual pitches for a 4th stand.Archibald Leitch was doing this a century ago with his double sided stand at Bradford Park Avenue for football and cricket. Fair to say the Portuguese one would fit in better at the Falkirk Stadium though
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6 hours ago, jpm said:
The 10 year Indodrill deal was announced prior to the Rangers game in September 2014, so has 6 months left to run. I will be leading the public information campaign for the ground to revert to officially being called Recreation Park, and never again referenced The Indodrill, in September!
Crowdfunder to secure Recreation Park as the official title? Either that or the Herve Ebanda Arena.
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11 hours ago, Brummo said:
Maybe I just got the wrong end of the stick from the reliable source who told me about the incident.
I had assumed it was a foul by Cawley but having watched it at 0.25 speed, I see that Cawley isn't happy about Sean Dillon's tackle from behind and must have said something to the referee.
The fact is your player got sent off due to his own indiscipline. That was the main point I was making.
Unfortunately I couldn't attend today because I had other commitments, which had to take priority.
You don't actually need to be there to comment on matches.
Just like being there and watching does not necessarily make your comments any more accurate because of your own tendency towards confirmation bias.
For the avoidance of doubt, I didn't make any suggestion that Kev didn't deserve a red card, simply that it wasn't absolutely clear at the time what it was for.
Not do I have any issue with you not attending the game! And while you don't need to be at a game to comment, it doesn't seem like a great idea when you're (wrongly) explaining to other posters an incident you didn't see. But each to their own.
Great game anyway and I'm sure both teams will take lots out of it. I'd also like to see both Alloa and Montrose in the play-offs.
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3 hours ago, Brummo said:
The sending off was because the player concerned who received a booking for a foul, immediately afterwards used expletive language towards the referee. That was what earned him a sending off.
It didn't happen like this at all. Maybe the masterplan for you is to watch games before commenting on them
1 hour ago, BigMartyn86 said:Our defending at times is terrible. We looked so much weaker today with Scougall back in at holding midfield instead of Virtanen or Robbo. Scougall is a tidy player but is absolutely wasted in the holding role. Also Kevin Cawley has been a great servant for Alloa and a proper club legend but he has seen better days and shouldn’t be starting games now.
Not sure about us looking much weaker, we actually played better for spells today and created more chances than in some of the games we won recently. And while the defending was certainly dodgy at times, the biggest issue was failing to deal with set pieces into the box rather than lack of protection in front of them, albeit that might have helped at times. Don't think Scougall was in a holding role either, it's effectively the same role Flanny played so well beside Stevie Hetherington, deeper lying playmaker. Those two complemented each other perfectly.
In the current squad Stevie and Roberts is the best combination. Roberts is a different player to Flanny and won't have the same composure, but his energy and drive has brought a lot in different ways. Stevie brings the defensive side but can also get on the ball, ping passes and also slow things down when required, something we've missed in his absence. Balance of the team is best with him and Roberts in the two (and Scougall in front). Miko is brilliant at the defensive side and can be a great option, but with him and Roberts you lack that foot on the ball. Robbo in his cameo last week actually looked like he might be the next best option beside Roberts while Stevie is out. But can see why the gaffer tried Scougall today. We're lucky to have these different options regardless and q few players making a claim.
Agree about Kev, think he's looked off the pace of late. I'm sure he still has plenty to offer but maybe as a sub for next wee while.
Thought Andy spoke brilliantly again after that game. Take the positives, address the negatives and aim to get on another run. Going to be a fascinating run in.
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Should never have lost that game, played some nice stuff and had loads of chances. Shot ourselves in the foot with conceding soft goals though - 2nd and 4th in particular - and the red card, whatever it was for. Encouraging thing was that the boys never stopped despite those setbacks. Looked the better team with 10 men and had a great chance to got 4-3 up then almost equalising again at the end. So I wouldn't be too down about it, I'm sure they'll bounce back.
Most disappointing thing is that's 7 points for the Mo from the head to head and that in no way reflects the 3 games. But fair play to Montrose for keeping going in each of those matches, could well end up being crucial.
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On 26/02/2024 at 12:44, Brummo said:
Looking forward to this. Montrose face a side we have a poor record against, while they are in great form. We will need to be at our best and for SP to come up with an absolute master plan for us to stand any chance of taking the wind out of Alloa's sails. If we do take something from this and Cove next week, it will really help our playoff aspirations.
We need to be 100% on it from the get go, as Alloa will take full advantage if we aren't.
Hopefully having a large and loud home support to cheer on the Mo will be a help.
Perhaps a wee bit OTT, I'm not sure an "absolute masterplan" is required to defeat the Wasps!
Been saying this every week but while our run of wins has been excellent, we remain very much a work in progress. To be honest all of the five wins were close games, even Cove, and our performances weren't great in all of them either, something the manager acknowledged. But we're well organised now, making the most of what we have and the spirit is clearly really good.
Traditionally our record against Montrose is good but that isn't the case this season. We chucked away a point at Links Park in one of the rare decent showings under Brian Rice, a game from which we deserved a point at least, then we chucked away two points at the Recs having done the hard work to get 2-0 up. Alloa will feel one point was a poor reflection on those two games and it clearly has a huge impact on the table when the sides are so close. Bound to be really encouraging for Montrose.
Hopefully Scougall is back on Saturday, felt he was really missed at Hamilton.
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13 minutes ago, printer said:
I thought Robbo and Kurtis were excellent second half as a pair. Really delighted for them getting a goal each. What a strike from Kurtis! Robbo is such a class act, he gave us that precious few seconds at times on the ball and then played the right pass.
Really liked the look of those two together in the deeper midfield two. As Robbo settled into it he started providing the cool head we've been lacking there of late (however well Kurtis and Miko have been playing) and with that and Steven moving central we looked much better. A fit Robbo looks like he could once again be a really good option for us. A legend of a player!
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Five in a row
It wasn't a great game and we really struggled to get on the ball again in midfield, a problem exacerbated by not having Scougall further up to bring some composure there. Kev worked hard but things weren't linking up really until Steven moved into that role late on. But the workrate and spirit was fantastic throughout and the team again stayed in the game and did their best with the ball we got. Terrific goal by Roberts who had a great game and it was really frustrating that we then conceded so soon. There was a spell then when it seemed sure Accies would score but we again hung in and started to find some space further up ourselves. It was fitting Robbo got the winner as he had really grown into the game as it went on. Looked like his old self!
A draw would have been fair but maybe we deserved a break against Accies after the last two games. Have to say they are way less than the sum of their parts, so many very good players in that squad.
Huge credit to everyone at Alloa on another great victory. Every player played their part and Andy played his hand beautifully. And there are more gears there if we get everyone fit.
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3 hours ago, LeodhasXD said:
Gross is ällöttävä. Way too many syllables. Must be a Finnish sense of humour.
Better get this ready for Miko's first goal....
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I'd be more cautious than some of our fans going by this thread! Our form is good and we are in a far better place under Andy Graham but we remain a work in progress. Performances have been mixed even in the current winning run. We weren't particularly good in the wins over Stirling and Annan at home, and while we ended up giving Cove a bit of a doing on Saturday, they should really have had a goal or two before we went in front. There are loads of positives but also definitely still a few things to be addressed too.
As such, bit of a jump to say we'd be favourites against an Accies side which has plenty of very good players, despite not going as well as the fans would have hoped. I'd be happy if we could get a point here and keep the momentum going.
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10 hours ago, Magic Hat said:
An excellent second half performance on Saturday after a really poor first 45 minutes when Cove had looked the much stronger team.
Some really good performances, Taylor Steven was immense and thought PJ, Neil and Virtanen were all good as well. Fair play to Virtanen he has improved game after game and personally I would start him over Hetherington even when he is fit.
I thought Miko was really good again too. Second game in a row he's come off at the end with skinned knees after all his tackles! Deserves great credit for waiting for his chance and then taking it. I'd be hopeful there is even more to come from him too. And Roberts was busy as ever, someone who has already taken his chance so well. As a pair they bring loads of dig and drive.
The issue remains that we do lack someone to put their foot on the ball in the middle and take control when those two play in this shape. That was key to Cove dominating us in midfield in the first half. We were lucky to still be goalless before going ahead then quickly found ourselves two up early second half very much against the run of play. That won't happen every week, in the same way we wouldn't always get away with below par performances like we did against Stirling and Annan. Balance clearly hasn't been quite right since Stevie got injured, even though there have been loads of other positives in the team in that period.
Something for Andy to think about anyway and he's clearly across it given his post match comments after all of these games. Perhaps a slight change of shape if it's felt Miko and Roberts have to stay in and get someone else in with them, or perhaps as confidence grows we'll see those two developing further and showing they can slow things down. It will need addressed in some way though because as it stands better teams will take advantage. I'm pretty sure Stevie will come back in when he's ready.
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Fantastic win in the end! Cove will be wondering how that happened because they were miles better than us in the first-half. The concerns over our midfield to the fore there, just couldn't get our foot on the ball and absolutely dominated by Cove. Scougall ended up dropping deeper and deeper at that point to try and help Miko and Roberts without much success. We needed some good defending and a fair bit of luck to stay at 0-0. But then Taylor Steven went on a brilliant run and was pulled down and Taggs popped the pen away no bother. 1 up at ht and grand larceny!
Early second half Bobby Goals (you copyrighted it yet @Kevchenko?) took advantage of defensive howler to burst away and finish cooly and after that it was wide open and we looked like we might get a few more. Conceded out of nothing though - cross should have been stopped - and I feared the worst. But Steven stood up again with another beauty - then another fine goal after that. Felt like we needed that fourth goal too!
Whole team deserve great credit but special praise for Taylor, he was absolutely terrific today and is really hitting form. And I should mention the defence and PJ who kept us in it before we scored.
4-1 probably doesn't really reflect the game and there is still plenty to work on there, but it's a massive win and should be a great confidence boost. Well done to Andy and the players
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Flying Wasps based on results perhaps but pretty bumpy flights the last two games! Mentioned it on the Annan thread (and @printer explained it better) but I'd like to see Scougall play in one of the deeper midfield roles here. Roberts and Virtanan have done really well together but without Stevie Hetherington we do we miss someone who can put their foot on the ball and slow it down, just a wee bit more composure, and look to bring the boys further up into the game. That would be harsh on Virtanan, who has shown his worth but would probably drop out if this happened, but I think it would be good for the team.
Leaves a gap further up where Scougall was but we have a few options. Probably too early for LD to start as Rory said, but Kev can certainly do it, or bring Steven inside. I'd also be interested to see Ally Roy in that role. Seems to be an assumption he needs to play up top but a lot of the best work he did when he first signed was dropping back and linking things up. It was his through ball that set up the winner on Tuesday. Not necessarily saying he's the man for that role tomorrow but I'd like to see him there at some point, think he could do it. I'd also use Sutherland off the bench tomorrow.
I'm sure the boys will bring another big effort anyway and keep going to the end, looks like a really good spirit in the camp again
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1 hour ago, Rory said:
Much better game of football to watch than Saturday!
Nice to see Stanger and Churchy in the stand too.
Didn't think it was great to be honest and we were fortunate to win! Got the early goal - terrific work by Miko and Steven - but while we looked capable of opening Annan up when we went forward, it was all a bit flat. Failed to put them away and as the second half went on Annan got stronger. They deserved their goal but it was a poor one to lose. We were allowing Stirling to take short corners on Saturday and happened again tonight, indeed we were lucky to get away with one in the first half too. Great finish by Smith though. There were a couple more set pieces taken short after that as well, really needs tightened up.
Thought Annan looked more likely winners after their goal but Andy throwing on the attackers paid off with Sammo getting the goal after great work from Buchanan. Fair play to the pair of them and a big, big win on a night when Annan certainly deserved a draw.
Miko is doing well in midfield but it feels a bit harum scarum in the middle of the park with him and Roberts. I'd be tempted to pull Scougall back on Saturday. And Sutherland as an impact sub rather than a starter at the moment.
3rd
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Excitement at fever pitch for tonight's game
An important one for both sides though. Annan coming off a brilliant win at Hamilton but still in need of a few more like that if they are going to have a chance of avoiding 9th. Smith has been the danger man against us this season but certainly not the only threat.
Big win for Alloa at the weekend too, albeit not the best performance, and the opportunity here to move up to third. Not sure if any of the missing defenders from the weekend will be available. Would expect Annan to again take every chance to put high balls and long throws into the box so a bit more height wouldn't hurt, but Taggs reads the game so well and so calm at the back anyway so no worries if he is in the middle again. Robbo did well at RB on Saturday too. I would like to see Cammy at LB ideally.
Wonder if the manager might change it slightly further up just to give some players a rest and others a chance. Wouldn't be expecting too much of that but we do have good options available on the bench now.
Expecting a tough one but aim has to be to keep the winning run going.
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Very welcome win there from what certainly wasn't a vintage performance. In fact I'd say we were a good bit better in the first half of the Falkirk game in which we ended up getting thumped than we were today. Really struggled to get the ball down and knit things together. But the boys worked hard and the attacking threat in the team means that someone can come up with something even when we aren't playing well. That was the case with Taylor Steven's goal, a really great hit and delighted for him that it came off as he's been going for that one for a while! Fair play to the defence too, wee bit makeshift but pulled off clean sheet. Think I'd still rather see Sutherland further up and Cammy at LB though.
Stirling worked hard and defended well and might well have deserved a point overall, but let down by a lack of creative threat.
Alloa will need to be better in the weeks ahead but great win and hopefully we can keep it going on Tuesday night.
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1 hour ago, Vegetableman said:
Sutherland ?
The very man!
Clearly short at the back today with no Devine or Mackay but we know how good Taggs can be in the middle. Mon the Wasps.
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Kelty Hearts vs Alloa
in Scottish League 1 General Chatter
Posted · Edited by Waspie
Unfortunately with Sammo the team sometimes default to firing the ball long to him and that isn't his game, he really needs to link with those just behind. Printer makes an interesting point about LD being a bit off it in the three behind.
In fairness, very few players were at their norma level last night. There were other games of late - Stirling and Annan at home for example - when we didn't play great yet found a way to win. It looked a little after the goal last night that we might do it again but you won't always get away with it. Important to keep it in perspective.
One real positive was seeing Stevie out warming up. Would be a huge boost to have his bite and composure back for the run in.