Waspie

Alloa were poor again today, even allowing for challenging conditions. Another raft of changes and a predictably disjointed team. Not sure about the penalty and would need to see it again but we didn't pose any threat in that half anyway. The switch of shape in the second half was an improvement for the simple reason that it better suits the players we have and has most of them in their best positions. It still wasn't great and would need to be left to settle for it to really start working but we at least looked something like a coherent football team. Will it be left to settle? Given we've played 7 pre-season fixtures and now 7 competitive games and we're still constantly chopping and changing shape and personnel that seems unlikely. Kelty have a rookie manager and lot of new faces (and I'm sure a smaller budget) yet they seem to already know far better than us what they're supposed to be doing. I see the manager says we didn't deserve to lose (we did) and that missed chances and poor defending cost us. There are more fundamental issues that need to be addressed really. Was Neil subbed because of the penalty? If so that's also an interesting call. Searching for some kind of positives, good for Taggs and LD to get game time. Kev helped knit things together when moved to his natural role. Debayo showed some signs he can hopefully settle and do a job with games. And Cammy's goal was a beauty, so good to see him take responsibility and grab the ball then stick it in the top corner. If we were playing 4-2-3-1 he'd be a real option in the deeper two or the left side of the three behind the striker. Kelty were solid, well organised, linked up and had some kind of threat in attack. Certainly deserved to win the game.

It's certainly a positive take to say Saturday was a one off but based on our six competitive games so far the QoS match looks more like the outlier. It was lots of fun to watch but QoS were so wide open in that opening 45 it was unreal, trying to play out all the time and not looking comfortable with it. There was so much space to work in and it was more like the closing stages of some games with gaps all over the place. Stirling were never going to be like that and faced with a competent setup unfortunately we never looked like creating anything at all. Ultimately our main attacking threat was hitting set pieces towards Morgyn Neil. When that failed we pinned our hopes on a teenager who hadn't played at this level before. He did his best and hopefully he will go on to flourish but asking him to lead the attack for the last 20 mins of a much anticipated derby was an interesting call. I'm sure people are bored with me highlighting the importance of settled teams, formations and partnerships but Saturday was a clear example. Stirling are based largely on their League Two team and have clear limitations. They are aware of those limitations though and also their strengths. From the two games I've seen they are comfortable in their individual positions and the shape of the team and it all knits together nicely, a very well oiled machine. They defend well, compete in midfield and have a threat upfront. They are a proper team in that respect. Alloa have potentially a stronger side on paper but invariably have players not in the positions that best suit their talents, while we chop and change personell and shape frequently. When did we last have a settled, flowing, coherent team? A few questions about new signings too and we can only hope that's down to them still settling. But Stirling under Darren Young look more than the sum of their parts. Alloa haven't had that for a while and currently look a fair bit off it. There is a good team in there though, it's all down to how we deploy what we have.

Can't agree with you on that particular point BB Bino. We consistently play players out of position, change shape and personnel, don't have established partnerships in key areas and never look like a coherent, flowing team, despite having some very good creative players for this level. There was one well organised team out there who were hard to play against and making the most of what they had. It wasn't Alloa.

Poor game of football with very little real creativity rom either side. Stirling deserved their win though, they are clearly a well organised team, hard to break down, capable attackers, and overall making the most of what they have. All credit to Darren Young. Alloa on the other hand were once more very disjointed with no clear plan of how to get the best out of their key men. QoS were so wide open and kamikaze last week that it didn't matter, the chances came along. Against a side who actually challenged us to try and open them up we were clueless. Felt sorry for the kid thrown on for the last 20 minutes. Must be said too - and just like the League Cup game - Stirling looked like they wanted it more. Congratulations to them, deserving winners.

Have to say, Neil Parry was the best part-time keeper in Scotland for a few seasons and an absolute legend for Alloa. He made a few mistakes latterly after a very serious injury (which he returned from way ahead of schedule and effectively kept Alloa in the Championship in the process) which probably affected his mobility. I don't think we can reasonably compare him to a new keeper who has played 1 league game! If Ogayi gets anywhere near that level then we'll be very lucky indeed. Personally words like "raw talent", "athleticism" and "enthusiasm" about goalies set alarm bells ringing . Ogayi looked to me like he needs a good run of games (bounce games) and then we can see if he is an option for regular first team football. Hopefully he will go on to do really well.

That was ultimately a horrible season for Alloa! We never looked as good as we should have given we had a decent team on paper but they had a great knack of digging out results. The 3-0 win at Forthbank when we had huge injury problems, injured players on the field (and trialist from the fringes of the Bo'ness team at CB) was a special day, as was the late winner in the 2-1 victory at the Recs. That we contrived to lose 3 games in a row at the end and chuck it away hurt a lot and the hangover then saw us make an almighty mess of the following season. I could never have thought then any good could have come from any of that, but as it turned out it was all ultimately fundamental in Hartley coming and laying the foundations for a truly exceptional decade that wouldn't have happened otherwise. As such, made my peace with it now and can take pleasure from those wins despite what happened thereafter! As for tomorrow, hard to call. I didn't think the title winning Stirling side looked particularly strong on paper and Alloa probably shaded long spells of the League Cup game despite not playing well. That game did suggest though that Stirling have a settled and established team who all know their roles with a good spirit and momentum behind them. Crucially, they also have a few decent attacking options for League One. I'm sure they'll have enough to stay up comfortably and from there they can look to strengthen the team. Alloa have more flair I'd say but far from a settled team - even before we brought in a lot of new players. There were encouraging signs last week but Stirling will be nowhere near as open as QoS were, which certainly played into our hands. We'll need to defend much better too and I'd hope PJ will be back between the sticks. Really can't call it.

Was an interesting performance from Ogayi! There was mention on the stream today of relative standard of his previous club to Alloa. Due to a (niche I know) interest in football in the former East Germany I actually watch a fair bit of fourth tier German football in the area Tasmania Berlin play - the league is one of five regional leagues in the German fourth tier. The top teams get decent crowds and some were big names in East Germany. There is a big drop off towards the bottom of the league. But Tasmania were relegated (in some style) from that league a couple of years ago and play in another regional league at the fifth tier which is effectively amateur. Well below Scottish League One level. Tasmania finished lower half last season and from what I can see Ogayi played 1 game for them (in October). Bold call indeed to start him today. Ideally I'd hope he gets a bit more practice in our bounce games before we see him again in the first team. Terrific result in Dumfries and big improvement on League Cup. QoS were a mess but Alloa still had to take advantage of that. Virtanan and Roberts did well in the midfield and there was a better shape about the team with Scougall involved and linking play well in the first half in particular. The rather chaotic and wide open nature of that half suited Rodden and he took his goals very well. Needs to maintain that but a great start for him and surely big confidence boost after almost a year without scoring. Defence needs to tighten up but was great to see Taggs come back in (and on the right flank). Ideally think we'd be better at the moment with a back four with Neil and Devine in the middle. Perhaps most encouraging of all was the way the team worked so hard and were clearly all pulling together. A perfect response to the listless and disjointed performances in the League Cup. A lot to work on still but far more positive.

Was apprehensive when I saw the lineup followed by a terrible start but what happened thereafter was most surprising and very enjoyable. Aided massively by QoS being surprisingly awful it must be said but fair play to Alloa, took the goals really well. Time will tell if Rodden can maintain form but he finished those very nicely and given how hard he always works it's nice to see him get a reward. Sammon's goal was excellent too. On the flipside we gifted goals despite QoS not really creating very much at all. Did think the second penalty was a very tough call. A lot to work on and we won't face such charitable opposition regularly (I'm sure QoS will improve massively too) but after the shambles of the League Cup that was a real tonic and gives us something to build on.

Always hard to call with a lot of changes around the league and quite a few teams who could do well but could equally flop. But anyway.... Think Falkirk might well finally get the job done. Some questions over attack but the squad looks solid and the competition isn't too strong this season. Best case scenario for them is they get a nice lead and coast home. If they end up in a close race there are recurring doubts over McGlynn's handling of big games. Of course they might also have a mixed start and with memories of Airdrie still fresh the fans could quickly turn on McGlynn. Accies look decent on paper and have potentially excellent attacking options. Questions over the manager there too and some lingering ill feeling about the club. Not entirely convinced about the signings QoS have made but Bartley made a solid start with a struggling squad last season and I think they will be much improved and should make play-offs. Cove likewise with signings but there are a few really solid players for League One there and should in theory be up in the top half. Of the rest, I think we have some good signings and a few others that look questionable. I do believe there is a good team there if key men are fit and properly deployed by the manager but not convinced that will happen. The League Cup was a bit of a shambles and I do have slight concerns that the constant tinkering when we have so many new faces could lead to a bad start that would also be hard to turn around. Desperately need a striker but still enough good players to give any team in the league a real game if used properly. Montrose plateaued a bit last season after a few years of good showings. They'll hope it's been freshened up and Hester should bring goals. Perhaps the best part-time team. Kelty should be OK I think despite regime change. Tidser has made a promising start and I think will have a competitive team. Glad to see Edinburgh City back under their proper identity. Felt they overachieved last season even with the squad they had and obviously lost a few key men since. I think Maybury has done really well since going there and is one who deserves a shot at a bigger club but he's going to have his work cut out this season. Of the new sides Stirling will be full of confidence after an excellent League Cup group stage. I didn't think they were overly impressive against us actually but what was clear was that team was well organised and pulling together, and that allied with a few decent attacking options for this level should ensure they are difficult opposition for everyone. Don't see them struggling. Annan I don't know too much about to be honest but I'm absolutely sure they will be better than Clyde and Peterhead last season. Falkirk Hamilton QoS Cove Montrose Stirling Alloa Kelty Edinburgh City Annan

The Doonhammers away in the Borders is a notoriously difficult fixture. On a more serious note and regardless of result, we really need to see at least a much improved performance after the shambles of the League Cup.

Not sure why Falkirk fans are lecturing us on Sir Stevie given he has played 200 odd games for Alloa. We know well what he can do. Fair amount of those in the Championship too where he was very much at home. In fairness the Falkirk support have a good excuse for not knowing that as a firmly established third tier outfit. Whatever is in store for Alloa in the months ahead (and Viaplay Cup suggests there is much to be done), I'm absolutely sure that Stevie Hetherington is going to be a key man for us.

Unlikely given he didn't seem to know his best team at the end of last season after playing 50 odd games including friendlies. Ultimately we had enough good players and the opposition was of a standard that we sneaked into 4th. Adding a load of new players and continuing with the constant tinkering always had the potential to be a little dangerous. Still worrying that we're now into double figures of games between friendlies and League Cup this season and we look more of a rabble than we did at the start. What makes it more disappointing is that there is certainly a good team in that squad if allowed to settle into a shape, style and partnerships that suit their talents. I suspect that won't happen and that our best hope is something like last season where we end up with a team that is at least competitive.

I'd guess Steven Boyd was one of the four and he'd certainly have improved our attacking options. Not sure what to make of those comments from the manager. Missing out on four targets to full-time teams shows how difficult the market is, but also raises questions about how realistic those options were. Saying its not just about this window but long term is fair enough, but also then makes you wonder about that long term planning yet we're still going into the league season with one proven attacker. There have certainly been part-time forwards who have moved this summer who would have improved our current striking options so the pressure is on to get really decent loans in. I only caught the last half hour of the Stenny game and hard to see from that if the shape was much better. It was a good ball from Roberts to set up Sammo and the big man did well to finish it, very positive to see him off the mark given he is such a confidence player. Good header from Neil too and looks like he'll be a real threat from set pieces. Buchanan's finish was also very good - I wouldn't mind seeing him get a shot further up the field. A few positives to build on and hopefully we can give Ayr a decent game at the weekend to set us up for the league opener.

Very poor indeed from Alloa and extremely flat from start to finish (with the exception of the always busy Hetherington). No threat at all, extremely disjointed throughout the team and very passive. We struggled to find an established side and rhythm last season despite finishing 4th. I do worry about that this season and with so many new faces. A load of friendlies and two competitive matches yet hard to see any sign of a settled team or effective shape emerging. That should be the challenge for the rest of the group stage and initial league games.

I hope you're right as Rodden works so hard and everyone likes to see a player come from a lower level and grab their chance. I would say, if you take a look at his goals in that initial spell last year, they didn't come from him being calm and composed, rather he was swinging at everything and got a few goals that were a little unconventional. I didn't get the talk at the time of him being a natural finisher, it was all about energy, chasing everything and having a go. Very hard gig to maintain beyond the short term even as an impact sub and not a style that would work as a starter. I'd agree with AlloaAdam, in the circumstances we absolutely should have started with Sammon up top last night and creative influences in behind. You could have had a back four, Stevie and Virtanan sitting, then Cammy, Scougall and Coulson behind Sammon. I think that team would have won comfortably enough. As it was we were very disjointed in front of the midfield two and struggled to involve Scougall, something we saw a fair bit last season.

Alloa - Stirling looked like one step up from pre-season to me, plenty of endeavour but not too much quality. Alloa perhaps shaded possession while offering very little threat. Stirling at least have a few strikers there who can stick the ball in the net and that alone will give them a decent chance in the months ahead. A draw would probably have been a fair reflection but Stirling kept going and had that extra threat and I actually thought they perhaps wanted the win a bit more too. From an Alloa point of view there are some key men to come back who will bring creativity, composure and leadership. Even then, we very clearly need at least one more strong attacking option. Once again Rodden worked hard but still hard to see him ever being more than an impact sub. Didn't get anywhere near enough out of Scougall tonight either - not because of Scougall himself. Stevie and Virtanan is going to be a really solid CM but we'll need much more ahead of them and out wide. Donnelly, Cawley and Taggart will help massively but a half decent striker is absolutely key. I'm on holiday and watched the stream rather than going to the beach. First bad call of the new season.

Experienced and from the pic on the club site looks in good shape and well placed to form a partnership with Sammo - perhaps our search for another striker is over. Hopefully Mike will still be very much involved and I'm sure that will be the case. Fans might not agree with everything he does but nobody can credibly say he hasn't been hugely positive for Alloa.

I'd be happy with that first team too, if we got something like that on the park regularly and really let it settle we'd do well (with a pacy attacking option added as well).

He's said that a number of times since coming to Alloa too, although there were a few occasions last season when we did go with something very like a 4-2-3-1. I said this a few times last season too, but the idea that 2 up front is automatically more attacking than 1 is flawed. Perhaps the most attacking Alloa side I've seen (perhaps) was the Jack Ross team with Spence at the top and Cawley, Flannigan and Kirkpatrick behind. They had a huge goalscoring threat and were absolutely terrific to watch. The subsequent Goodwin teams in the same shape with slightly different personnel were also very good. Those were more effective attacking Alloa teams than last year with 2 up front in Sammon and MacIver. I do feel we are currently blessed with very good creative options for a 3 behind a striker and that we could potentially be as good as anyone in the league with that kind of shape. That said, those creative players can obviously also flourish in other formations, just need to ensure we get another really decent attacker (at least 1) if we're going with 2. Although - and this was mentioned last night on comms and last season here - we could also play Kev up with Sammon and he would do well, better than at RB! And that's perhaps the most fundamental point, play men in something like their natural roles whenever possible. The first leg against Accies was one of our best performances with key men deployed in their strongest positions.

Ha, imagine the Falkirk support if we turned up there with two Stevie Hetheringtons . Stevie and Virtanen in the midfield two

I thought the first half was pretty grim which wouldn't matter at all but for the fact we seemed to have lacked tempo in the other friendlies. As such, it was encouraging to see a much brighter second half, albeit still a bit harum scarum. The centre backs didn't have too much to do but looked solid and Deveney was busy with some good deliveries. Virtanen looks like he could form a formidable partnership with Stevie, who was just Stevie. Second time I've seen Roberts and again loads of energy, although hopefully will add a bit more composure as he settles. Up front as we all know is the problem. Robert Jones has really struggled everywhere he has been, hard to understand why he is on trial. It was good to see Rodden buzzing about like he did when he first signed but he's still really a wildcard off the bench for me. We need Sammon in there and at least one other attacker with pace and a goal threat. Broken record but we look potentially strong now in defence, holding midfield, and we're very well off in creative midfielders. Flat back four, Stevie and Virtanen in midfield two, with Coulson, Scougall and Kev behind Sammon (with LD to come back for the creative three). Think of that with Taggart and Deveney bombing down the flanks . It would make a really good team regardless, but particularly at the moment when we're so short of out and out attackers. And since Lewis expects it after his comments on the stream - Kev at RB again

I think there are reasons to be optimistic about a fair bit of our business this summer, albeit there are a couple of key outstanding issues to be sorted, but giving trials to players who struggled in notoriously awful Clyde teams has been a little strange. Hopefully just there to pad out the numbers. Striker the main issue for me. I always feel LD is best as a more creative influence behind the strikers. Of the out and out forwards we have, only Sammo is a regular starter at this stage. Our prospects will probably rest on finding someone else with a bit of pace and a goal threat. Easier said than done but still time yet. No stream tomorrow @LeodhasXD?

Delighted for the City fans that the name has been sorted. Heritage isn't important to all fans and I know there were some Edinburgh supporters here who didn't care, but I thought the change itself (without going into the questionable reasoning and manner in which it was done) was really sad. I couldn't tolerate FC Alloa for example. The thing that made Edinburgh City stand out was the resurrection of the old name and the rebirth of a club which had been horrifically bad on the field at times but kept battling away. With the link to the social club the 1986 version could be framed as another example of that refusal to go away - even after 31 years - and the way the club then worked away and progressed and became the rather unlikely first team to come up through the pyramid, then survived and even won a promotion, was a great story. To swap all that for FC Edinburgh - a truly awful name with no identity - seemed absolutely bizarre and it looked like an empty vessel last season, despite doing well on the field. It was hard to see any long term future for the club in that guise. Clearly a lot of work to be done yet in making the club sustainable in the SPFL long term and the ground remains is a massive issue, but with the old name back there's another chapter in the story of the old club that refused to go away. I hope the link to the social club is strengthened (and I hope you're going back Tam).

More fantastic work Kieren .

Great day out at the Recs today! Would echo what printer said, the quality of the legends showed again how lucky we were over the past decade or so. Even though a few of them weren't as mobile as they once were, their talent was clear. I was reminiscing about the first Cawley goal I saw at the Recs which from a great McCord through ball - then they go and do it again! And Graeme Holmes looked like he could still do a job for us, just so good on the ball and reading the game. I could go on about all of the legends though, real class acts and a treat to have them back. Was fitting that Kev scored that great goal. I'm sure he enjoyed the day and hopefully he has made a few quid. He deserves it all. Congratulations to those who organised the day, did an absolutely terrific job. Hard to take too much from it regarding our team for the new season. I think the manager has added a few promising ones but clearly short in attack and even today I think you could see that. Hopefully that's a priority for the next few weeks.