Raith Against The Machine

What is that ball through from Gullan? How has that ended up at the touchline?

That header from Duku is more than Ugwu or Gullan has managed all afternoon in terms of keeping the ball up. If Kennedy didn't have time for the shot, King definitely did but he wanted all day. Its no' happening.

From what I've heard rather than what I've seen, King should be a better fit in the midfield than Tait. Neither Gullan or Ugwu doing the job of a number 9 or a number 10. Both floating around, just not affecting the game in any meaningful way. More than just someone to link the midfield and attack, we need someone to be the attack.

f**k sake Kieran.

Good combination between Armstrong and Tumilty. With Ugwu and Gullan not getting any joy at all, we're going to have to get the full backs forward to create anything.

Everyone within 40 yards of the byline to defend a throw-in. Not the most adventurous of approaches...

We've managed to get the ball out wide to Kennedy a couple of times, but Arbroath have just stood him up with two men. Other than that, a few balls into Ugwu's feet, but he's struggled to get it under control. It's understandable on that pitch, but he's in the team ahead of Duku because of his ability to play with his back to goal. Have Gullan and Ugwu connected at all? I think we'd get on much better with an extra body in midfield, and just Duku (or Abraham, I suppose) up front.

What the f**k has happened to the park where the Rovers left back is? Tyre tracks!?

That fuckin' teamsheet format, man.

Well, he's not very good. He was definitely the victim of hype when he came to the Rovers, he was built up as the next big thing by Dundee, and their support seemed certain it was only a matter of time before he went down south for a fortune, and that he'd play for Scotland. Instead, he was garbage. If he hadn't scored the goal that relegated United, I don't think the Dundee fans would think particularly highly of him now either. That Hearts can't find a place for him in the Championship speaks volumes, too. As I say, though, maybe things will finally click for him. One of the biggest issues he had at Stark's was his complete lack of physicality, and he's clearly worked on that and bulked out since. He's just got an air about him though, of someone who always looks like he's got it, but never actually does. If I'm looking at the right stats, he's never scored more than three league goals in a season. He's 23. In terms of actual likeability, I'm not sure. Maybe I'm being a bit harsh, I haven't seen too much of him recently, but he's just a bit "nothing". He's like the anti-Declan McManus in that sense. McManus, even when he's not scoring, is constantly being a wee dick and getting involved and kicking folk and causing grief. Wighton is just a bit *shrug*.

Thoroughly unlikeable footballer, so needless to say I hope he fails miserably. In terms of playing style, though, he's a departure from the likes of Declan McManus and Kevin O'Hara and could quite easily give you that bit of variety in attack that you've needed when McManus is off the boil.

Aye, he was unbelievable that day. Head and shoulders above anyone else, and really unlucky to be on the losing side. I'm delighted with this. There was talk in another thread this week about how much easier it had been to sign attackers than defenders this year, for whatever reason, but this seems like about as solid a pick-up as the Rovers can expect. Young, with a fair deal of first team experience, and who's looked decent (and v handsome) at the level immediately below the one we're at.

At least you're not leaping to any premature conclusions, eh?

Well, we got a very clear answer on this one, albeit one heavily aided by Morton's feeble attack. All three central defenders absolutely strolled it.

I think the thing I enjoyed most about that was the Rambo 3 style end credits.

Thought Abraham was clipped before he could get a shot away as he burst into the box. Still came close to scoring, too.

Lads.

35/1 at McBookie. I've had a nibble.

There are kamikaze pilots who wouldn't take the Rovers number one jersey. The risk of injury is just too high.

Jamie MacDonald just another in a long line of Rovers keepers. One spontaneously combusted. Another came off injured in a bizarre gardening accident. And of course the one who choked on someone else's vomit.

Ronaldiainho. Never in doubt.

I'm quite enjoying this coverage, but it does have the washed out colour tones of a VHS recording of Football First.

I'd be very surprised if the team was significantly different from this, with Armstrong given a lot of licence to roam.

It'll be a return to the formation we used when Steven Anderson arrived last season. Armstrong has a big responsibility as the roving midfielder linking Hendry and Spencer with Ugwu and Gullan. Certainly can't face any accusations of being predictable today. It's incredibly unlikely that Morton saw this coming. It'll be very interesting to see how things go. Will Mendy and Davidson nearly cover each other's shortfalls, or will they compound them?