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Don't think we were "completely outplayed" by either Airdrie or QotS. There's no doubt we were outplayed yesterday though; it doesn't help when you concede two soft goals in the first fifteen minutes, but Falkirk were clearly reacting positively to their recent run of poor results generally and the FC Edinburgh home defeat in particular. They played very well and we would have needed to be at out best to take something from the game, and we weren’t. Rice is right to highlight how poorly we defended for the third and fourth goals. Taggs being out was a big miss, bigger than LD imo although he was a loss too. I agree with the opinion that Sammon and McIver as a pairing doesn't work particularly well, but IIRC those two started together in recent games against Falkirk when we have played well. Based on their performance yesterday, I still believe Falkirk are favourites for the playoffs and I give them a decent chance in the cup semi. Next week's game with Montrose is now huge. I'd hate for us to go into the Dunfermline game needing even a point from it. They may have nothing to play for, but I'd still expect them to beat us. If we do make fourth, then IMO that's a successful season, irrespective of how we do in the playoffs and Brian Rice should be given credit for that. Either way I think he's done enough to merit another year in charge.

We can agree to disagree on whether Strachan has been a good signing or not, but to say he shouldn't be near an Alloa shirt is emotional nonsense.

Pleased for Darren Young.

I'm certainly comfortable with him "near an Alloa" shirt. He's done fine for us, well in several games.

Steady, m8!

Hopefully big Jim will come on for a short cameo; pick up a yellow and sub himself back off.

Excellent news!

Yeah, I must admit when I saw the result on Tuesday, my gut feeling wasn't oh, no Edinburgh have picked up three points, but rather Falkirk are more likely to be up for Saturday's game/field a full strength eleven. I get that Falkirk's form has been poor these last few weeks, but that's understandable to an extent given their circumstances. If they do go up through the playoffs (which I make them favourites for) then clearly that is a very successful season for them. I reckon this will be a draw.

Any weekday, he charges a tenner at the weekend.

Imagine how much more he's enjoying his football since Barry Bawheid left taking his touchline negative haranguing with him!

No problem, you've gone 4-2-4.

Not the most dramatic gangster nickname. Any idea how he got it?

Yeah, but you have recognised how much he has come on. Some haven't. He's still much better going forwards than defensively, but it's going to be interesting watching him (and Stanger) careers, even if that is away from Alloa.

And yet Brian Rice still gets criticism at times for not signing an "experienced left back" for this season.

I think Hogarth is a talented young keeper and he has done well for us. I expect he'll be loaned out to a Championship team next season to continue his development. Good also to see Scott Taggart getting some recognition. Tbh he's hardly had a bad game in the seven years he's been at the Indodrill, very much Mr Consistency. The irony of him being chosen at right back won't be lost on some Alloa fans. I always find it difficult to select a team of the year, given we only see each other team in four league games maximum a season. Dunfermline have comfortably despatched us three times already for the loss of no goals, yet none of their players has really stood out, with the exception of Bene - surely the signing of the season? Paton at QotS is the other individual I'd pick out. Gallagher and Morrison also caused us lots of problems. I like McGinn as well.

Tremendous result which puts us in a much stronger place for fourth spot, given Queens (heavily)and FC Edinburgh losing. I've always said big Conor should start every game! Hopefully Durnan, Taggs and LD (and McIver/Scougs if they were subsituted because of injury) are fit ASAP.

Excellent new, Kieren, good luck with the organisation. If you need an extra pair of hands give me a shout.

Using last six games compared to five mitigates part of the impact of home versus away results which you would get with an odd number.

I don't know what his priorities are for the rest of the year, but he must be tempted given his form.

Couldn't make the game today as on holiday, so appreciate the comments on the game, with both sides in agreement. Clearly it's a blow that QotS have cut our lead over them to three points, but the FC Edinburgh result helps and we now appear to be in a three horse race for fourth. I'd rather be in our position given we have those extra points in the bag, although clearly anything can happen over the next four games. If nothing else it's going to be interesting.

Indeed. San Remo is a difficult one for him, with WvA and MvdP about, maybe needs to go earlier, even harder on the Cipressa. Who is your favourite for PR this weekend?

Easily done tbf.

Pogacar wins De Ronde. Only the third man in history to win both of the Tours of France and Flanders. Now has three of the five monuments on his palmares. Was asked about Paris-Roubaix in an interview afterwards - didn't rule it out, but said he'd need to put on a couple kgs.

Fair enough.

It's been relaid once. Can't remember exactly when, others can confirm. Not aware that there's any issue with it. PS Our first match on the original pitch was, IIRC, a 6-0 pumping from yourselves.