GroundskeeperWillie

Haha, this is just begging for a Chuck Norris facts type page about oor Lyndon isn't it

This, this, multiplied by infinity this. I don't care if this feels like an overreaction or getting carried away, but by Christ, for a man who had to battle back after being laid low by pneumonia (which could have caused all sorts of complications), to have still been chasing and harrying after 80-odd minutes, and to show the sort of anticipation and awareness he had to pounce on the mistake and score, guy's a fucking legend in my eyes. He may not at times be an aesthetically pleasing striker, but like Kenny Miller before him the amount of hard work and effort he puts in when wearing the Scotland shirt, I'd never have him out the team frankly. Sometimes having someone like that, who will willingly do all the donkey work even in the sort of conditions we saw tonight, I think he epitomises the kind of work ethic and spirit Steve Clarke has brought into this side. No doubts, we'd have lost that in games gone before (think back to when we played Macedonia in similar conditions under Burley). There's just something about this squad right now and after years of some mind-numbing awfulness, to be feeling so optimistic, even after just three games of a qualifying campaign, feels pretty darn good right now. Still feel the penalty they got was incredibly soft, don't think Porteous did a huge amount wrong, I thought he was just standing his ground, although apparently there's an angle that shows he stuck a foot out to stop him. Referee was atrocious, and also inconsistent with the cards - Tierney booked for dissent yet Odegaard had a proper hissy fit and gets away with it, dreadful...

I think it's best to just draw a line under all of it, to be honest. All done now, and main priority is that Rico Quitongo, who as mentioned is a genuinely top lad, recovers fully.

Appreciate that, I think it's fair to say there was a lot of emotion around it all at the time, no excuses and I've recanted my earlier posts. Was genuinely horrific at the time and my first concerns are with Rico Quitongo and hopefully he can go on and make a full recovery

I'd like to hold my hands up here and state now that I've clearly got this one badly wrong and can only offer apologies in that respect. I didn't have the benefit of the TV pictures and genuinely thought it was another player who was next to Quitongo at the time and had stopped the play immediately to get attention. I thought Gibson was further down the pitch. No excuses, I've ballsed that one up badly and am rightly getting called out on it. I was fairly perturbed at the sight of Rico Quitongo's injury, so from my perspective my reaction wasn't that I thought Gibson had anything to do with it (clearly). With that being the case - and I offered credit previously for the actions - Gibson therefore deserves a lot of credit for his actions in immediately getting the game stopped so that Quitongo could be given the appropriate treatment on-field. No excuses, bad form from me on this one.

Look, if that is the case then I completely apologise, but it was how it looked at the time (obviously without the benefit of re-runs on the telly) from the stand perspective. The reaction from a lot of us, given what we had just saw, was pretty much a horrible feeling with regards the injury, myself included. That's why I was struggling to get his reaction if I'm being honest, and just going by what it looked like at that time. I'm not sure who the player was who stopped the play from Annan, to his credit he saw immediately what was going on. But that's what makes Gibson's reactions all the more bizarre then if that is the case, because everyone in our area was more reacting with concern that a player had suffered an horrific injury rather than wanting to goad Gibson. Our bench were clearly angered by his antics as well. Anyway, as said previously, just hoping Rico makes a full recovery.

Very much this regards Gibson. To address what was said earlier, Gibson was initially wanting to play on and then laughing, when he was called out on it he started giving it the billy big baws 'mon then' to the stands. He may have been apologetic afterwards, but his behaviour of the moment was despicable, could have caused a riot and should have been sanctioned by the ref. Just hope for a speedy recovery for Rico Quitongo, one of the worst things I've seen on the pitch, was just so innocuous as well. Best wishes to him. As for us, well we're deservedly down, the second Annan goal summed up our season in a nutshell. Hopefully relegation spells the end of Duffyball. We looked far more threatening when McDonald was on, yet he persists with Rennie, who for a player with the height he has can barely jump (shades of a certain Robert Jones there...). First half was the usual hit and hope stuff as well. We need to say goodbye to Duffy if any kind of rebuild is to be successful, sadly I have no trust nor confidence in the powers that be to action that. It would be a real kick in the guts if they were to announce he's staying on in any kind of capacity for a longer term stay.

My comment wasn't aimed as a pot-shot at yourself (and apologies if it came across as such), more that it feels like a tired trope to just blame all of our ailments, on and off the field, on Danny Lennon. Particularly as no-one was griping as such when we started the season in the manner in which we did. My main complaint was that he tinkered so much that it was impossible to get a settled side, not helped arguably by Duthie being out for most of the campaign. Were some of his signings ill-judged and shouldn't have signed, yes absolutely. Would point out that it was one of his signings who was in my view one of the best players on display, and scored (Cameron). Same applies with Scullion. Could also be argued that if there was so much concern about who Lennon was signing, the board have right of veto, and could easily have stepped in. Also could be argued that Duffy's signings haven't set the heather on fire either, and whoever ascertained that longer-term contracts were a good move when a) we don't know who the manager will be next season and b) don't know where we will be next season was a bigger act of folly.

Assault, bit strong eh. Probably a foul but our defending contributed, and let's be perfectly honest had we scored via something similar we'd have not complained one iota. Also, not even the worse foul the referee (who for the most part at least tried to let the game flow) let go. First half we played well enough but second half, especially beyond the 60th minute, we reverted to type, punted the ball long hopefully, sat back and let them come onto us, and generally defended dreadfully. The lack of communication at times, highlighted actually by the own goal, is criminal. Euan Cameron best player for me, goal apart he worked hard and showed a bit about him. Cannae place all the blame on Lennon, although folk have been itching to for some time, relying on the so-called 'fact' that he had a huge budget, which is nonsense. Board just as culpable for where we are at. Could also be argued that our form in part has been down to the fact some of the teams we played latterly had nowt to play for (Falkirk excepting). Duffy still at times relies on us sitting back and trying to hold out, when we patently can't defend, full stop. And some of our play under Duffy has been eye-bleeding. Hoping for a miracle on Friday, might still happen, if we press like we did first half. But as stated, we played well then but never really troubled Fleming, certainly weren't laying barrage to their goal at any point.

They were the same with the first booking as well, but that tackle in itself was borderline a dismissal as well, you could hear the impact from up in the stands. Felt Mr Napier was not up to scratch though, refereed the game as if he felt it was beneath him to be doing the game. Was miles off the pace at times and just made up decisions on the fly at times. The moment he turned his back at a throw in thus was oblivious to all going on around him summed it all up.

Lets not beat about the bush, that was absolute garbage tonight and we literally just scraped past a 10 man team in the end. Had Mullen not made that superb stop in the second half, we were down. I can't believe how pedestrian we were at times, for a long period East Fife looked like the League One team. The sending off naturally changed that dynamic as they had to retreat into their shell somewhat and that gave us a bit of impetus, not that we used it often... I'd be starting Olly McDonald on Tuesday night and bench Doherty, he looked knackered early doors and just wasn't on it at all. Also hopefully Cuddihy stays fit so he can also start as I would also be giving Hynes some time on the bench, everything went sideways with him and the chronic lack of urgency seemed to be all too apparent when he was on the ball. Would have hooked him ahead of Scullion at half time. We were guilty of hit and hope tactics on Tuesday as well to be honest, just masked by the fact we scored and they didn't. To be clear, if we play like that on Tuesday, it will be advantage Annan going into the home leg.

Not our best performance by a long shot, but by god we'll take that result. Felt first half in particular we were reliant too much on too many hit and hope shells up the park. The goal though was a true testament to the tenacity of Cammy Salkeld, and it was nicely finished by Rennie. One thing not mentioned so far though was that Ryan Mullen made 3-4 really key stops, and that could be crucial going into Friday's game, as it was clearly the difference between having a lead to defend on Friday versus possibly having to chase it. Though Salkeld was by far our best man, although Sula and McLean patrolled the defence really well. As for East Fife, expected a lot more from them, almost forgot Alan Trouten was playing for them until he came off. If we get through, still fear that Annan will give us a really tough test, especially at Galabank, but we've still every reason to be optimistic we can stay up.

Bit frustrating to lose so late on, but there should be enough from our perspective to give us some hope going into the play-offs. Ultimately, our undoing was that we visibly tired the last half hour in particular. Salkeld, who was very impressive today, was gubbed, but such is our limited options off the bench that we don't really have a like-for-like that we can replace him with. Also thought defensively that the back four of Lyons, Sula, McLean and Quitongo did really well, and for all that Lyons possibly showed some tactical naivety for the second, equally Darren Hynes didn't help us for the equaliser by not putting the laces through it. If Kyle Doherty is to play up front, he really needs someone up with him. I feel he's in the 'not for me Clive' category right now, I don't think he offers near enough, but also feel Rennie has been like that for a few weeks now. Finally, a sarcastic well done to the complete moon units in the Dunfermline support at our section who seemed determined to pick fights rather than celebrate their title win. There was one particular twatweazle for whom a toe in the balls wouldn't have been enough. It wasn't helped by the non-existent segregation nor the fact there was only one steward covering that entire area (who was very apologetic and I had a lot of sympathy for, certainly wasn't her fault).

That was immeasurably better today, we played with a tempo and intensity that was mysteriously lacking against Kelty last weekend. I thought Liam Scullion was excellent. He's been very much maligned at times this season, but the last few weeks he has come into some really good form. His pace and the way he was finding space was causing the Edinburgh defence a lot of problems and his cross for Cuddihy's goal was superb. We're going to need performances like that if we are to get through the play-offs. I will go against the consensus in that I thought the Edinburgh equalizer was onside. However, given the assistant was the same one flagging for a substitution when the ball hadn't even gone out of play, it's a tough one to call...! And to be honest it's the only time I was going to defend the officials today. If Scott Lambie was excellent in the Falkirk, and Stewart Luke reasonable last week, Peter Stuart was just plain awful. At one point I thought the breeze was going to pick up a caution for persistent fouling. At least it seemed like a smallish breeze was responsible for the Edinburgh players hitting the deck the way they did. That should have been a straightforward game to officiate and he made a complete horlicks of it. Still feel we need to cut out some defensive frailities. Sula was determined to induce heart attacks in the stand with some kamikaze clearances, and at times we still give far too much space in midfield and to forward players. But credit deservedly goes to all the players today, and hopefully it gives a massive confidence boost for the play-off games upcoming (I say that because I doubt Peterhead will catch us now)

While I've no reason to doubt this, I'd be amazed if there wasn't any input at all into the bid from the club or the board, given the statement on the site talks about 'our' and 'the club's' bid. The thing with saying something like this is that it can almost be interpreted as a case of throwing the charity foundation under the bus if it all goes to pot. Also, if there has been no input at all at club level to this bid, it would naturally beg the question why not, given this has been hyped as our most significant move in a considerable period, potentially one that could be crucial to the direction of the club going forward. I also want this to go ahead, but do have concerns that the support Finnart has, especially from a local councillor who is fairly influential, may make this not a done deal by any manner of means.

In my defence though, I did caveat it with the fact that I thought Rennie looked unfit, and given Duffy had finished the Falkirk game with those two upfront, it made logical sense, to me (which should also be heavily caveated!) Does highlight the lack of options we have though

What a rollercoaster of a game that was. Full of thrills, spills and chills. Had the crowd begging for more, with chances galore. Oh, sorry, just been told, last Saturday was April Fool's Day. So now to the real report. An utter borefest of a game, completely devoid of chances, excitement, indeed devoid of any redeeming features (unless you suffer from insomnia, in which case, potential for a good day's sleep!) Both sides suffer from being minus any kind of attacking threat whatsoever. Kelty don't appear to have a recognised striker (granted Austin was injured, but don't know who their focal point was meant to be. Was it Agyeman? If so, I'd be a bit concerned. And for me, Cardle and Higginbotham are shadows of the players they potentially used to be). As for us, Doherty put in a shift at least, but was sadly well off it. I said last week I'd start Cameron and Doherty as a partnership up front, so have no clue why Duffy decided to play Cameron out wide (he tried hard, but with the tactics the way they were and the lack of support, it was never going to happen for him). Defensively, we've been better last couple of games, but that's about all we can say. Agree with this. Today's game had the feel of a end-of-season, nothing at stake kind of game. And given we still aren't technically safe from automatic relegation (especially with Peterhead winning today), that's completely unacceptable. Our tempo and style of play was reminiscent of a training exercise. I have no problems with trying to keep things tight, particularly after the 5-1 gubbing from Airdrie, but today was the kind of game for us to take by the scruff of the neck and try and get some confidence ahead of a key run of games. Instead, we seemed happy to sit back, hope not to concede and hope to maybe, just maybe, nick something. Will be glad to see the back of this season, and can only hope the board have some sort of trick up their sleeves for next season...

After some of the deficiencies of late, nice to have a relatively positive performance for a change, particularly defensively. If we had a more clinical presence up front (like early season Jordan Allan for instance) we may well have snuck a win there. POTM Kurtis Roberts for me, by far the standout of recent weeks. I'm not sure his contract status, but for me I'd be making a conscious effort to ensure he's tied down to us long-term. Any rebuild that we will likely need to make has to have him as part of it IMHO. Some of his touches and runs from midfield were excellent. Also thought the much-maligned Ross Lyon was really good today, but I feel if we can give him a settled run at right back, rather than the myriad of positions he's been asked to fill of late, it might help his confidence a bit. Not sure what the situation is with Rennie. His first couple of games he looked like someone who could make a difference, but his form has dipped badly. To me he doesn't look fit, which gives rise to questions about whether it's worth benching him for next week against Kelty (we finished with more or less Ewan Cameron up front with Doherty, potentially worth trying that). Also, kudos to Scott Lambie the referee today, he was excellent. When you don't really notice a referee during a match, it usually means he's doing something right and it was a very unfussy showing, only producing the yellow card when needed. In fairness, I thought he had been spot on when we had him down at Queen of the South very first game this season, and he was spot on again today.

Sadly the only part of the description fitting for me would be the anger bit tbh!

Even when it was going into stoppage time the nerves were still there for me, just because having watched Scotland all these years you come to expect something to happen where we snatch a defeat, or draw, from the jaws of victory. Not tonight though. That was a Steve Clarke tactical masterclass, fully justified bringing in McTominay and Christie after the Saturday game. The whole team rewarded him though. One of the best nights watching Scotland in a long, long time, may even just about eclipse that night in Paris. I said it at half time and will repeat, Porteous was outstanding, his composure levels were incredible, he didn't get involved, too much, in any of the silly stuff and him, Hanley and Tierney felt like the defensive line-up we've needed. Obviously way too early to get carried away, but at least we can celebrate that rare occurence, a perfect start to a qualifying campaign, no goals conceded and two different but good performances.

Rodri after those interviews...

Was anticipating a backs to the wall showing, possibly 1-0 down at half-time, never expected this. They've had chances but we've never been fully under the cosh per se. Plus we've had chances other than the goal, so a lot to be really happy with. No failures so far, think Dykes' touch let him down there for the chance at the end, put himself under pressure. Defence been good so far, Porteous really good and composed again (and given the feistiness of the match so far, really reassuring to see he's not the one doing stupid stuff). Ref dreadful so far, how the hell has Joselu escaped a caution. The temper tantrum moment deserved one, he could arguably had one for diving and he's generally been a complete nyaff. Porro too should have seen yellow for the disgusting antics in trying to get a fellow pro sent off. Hoping for the best second half, expect it will be tough, but if we can nick another goal that would be splendid!

Crofty's 'no Verstoppen him' now patter was also cringeworthy, binfire material. He was rather disappointed that the perceived advantage Hamilton was going to have by switching to mediums during the safety car period evaporated fairly quickly, despite initially coming close to overtaking his team-mate. The advantage the Red Bulls have even at this early stage though is frightening. Verstappen was easing past the likes of Hamilton and Alonso as if he were lapping him, rather than overtaking them for position.

Also felt refreshing to hear someone who called it straight down the middle, whereas many of our pundits always feel as if they have some form of agenda in their punditry (usually some sort of blinkered love-in for the OF). How many times have our pundits/co-commentators shown complete ignorance of the LOTG, particularly when it comes to handball, offsides and some of their ridiculous shouts about cautions. Also, a note for our VAR guys, that is what an offside looks like! Albeit felt the disallowed goal then the injury time winner for Barca wasn't an altogether true reflection of that second period. Was a cracking contest though and it looks like Barca's title now.