Marten
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Posts posted by Marten
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I didn't post after the third round of league games but it was a truncated weekend as all clubs in European qualifiers have been given the weekend off. Not that it did them much good tbh, only PSV won on the night and they played against a very poor side (Ajax and AZ did go through though). Therefore the only one of the "big" clubs to play were champions Feyenoord, who got their first win on the board after 2 draws by beating newbies Almere 6-1.
This weekend Ajax again dropped points in a poor 0-0 draw away at Fortuna Sittard. Feyenoord (5-1 at Utrecht) and PSV (4-0 at RKC Waalwijk) both had convincing away wins, AZ also won away, 2-0 at Vitesse, while Twente won 2-0 at Volendam. This makes AZ, PSV & Twente the remaining teams on a 100% record, all with 9 points from 3 games. Volendam, Utrecht, Almere and RKC Waalwijk are all still on 0 points.
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25 minutes ago, andrew21 said:
Love the fact that teams that have a) one game all season and have lost their manager and b) are sitting 8th in the second tier of the EOS league are being described as "strong EOS sides".
I mean strong in comparison to their northern opposition. I'd personally say that the standard in the EOS First Division is generally higher than the North Premiership.
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Yeah, I've been to their ground, it wouldn't look out of place in our league IMO. Good facilities.
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14 hours ago, tamthebam said:
I nashed down the road to catch the second half at Broxburn (and meet up with a mate). The pies were sold out...
You could at least have said hi to me...
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I just realised I never put the results of the extra preliminary round in here. So here are all "northern" results so far, both northern clubs lost in the first preliminary round.
First preliminary round:
Carnoustie Panmure 1-2 Beith
Luncarty 3-1 Loch NessSecond preliminary round:
Broxburn Athletic 3-0 Lochee United
Culter 3-2 Blackburn United
Fort William 1-10 Clydebank
Hawick Royal Albert 1-2 Golspie Sutherland
Hill of Beath Hawthorn 0-1 TayportA mixed bag of results, Lochee United had the toughest draw and didn't manage to beat a strong Broxburn side. Culter & Tayport both had good wins against strong EOS sides, Golspie's long journey didn't harm them as they managed to beat hosts Hawick. Fort William meanwhile didn't carry their good league form into the cup and got a hammering form Clydebank. Culter, Golspie & Tayport will join the 18 Highland League clubs in the first round.
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Broxburn Athletic 3-0 Lochee United
Unfortunately, our poorest game of the season so far. The first half was a cagey affair with nothing much between the teams, but 2 quick-fire goals just after HT meant we were up against it, we never really recovered form that. There are always "what ifs" like what if we got a penalty just before they scored the 3-0, but these things happen in football. It's too easy to just blame it on that moment as we didn't create enough. In fairness, credit is due to Broxburn as they've easily been the strongest team we've played this season. We'd have to be at our best to have a chance to beat them and we simply weren't, so the better team on the day won and we can't have complaints about that. It's a shame from our point of view but as much as I'd have loved a cup run, promotion is something we all really want so if we have an off-day I'd rather have it in the cup than in an important league game.
We just learn from this and move on. Thanks to Buchan Bowling Club who were great hosts to us before the game and the Broxburn committee who made us feel welcome. I had some good chats with very friendly people. As often with away days, a great day out despite the result!
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16 hours ago, Jordi1977 said:
Towards the end of the game, a few of the Lochee players were struggling to keep going and looked very tired... too many early season midweek games? Or just not used to being tested to that extent?
I think it's a combination of the 2, I spoke to some of the players before departure and they are glad the period of 2 games a week is over now as they have been really feeling it. Unfortunately, our poorest game so far. There are always "what ifs" like what if we got a penalty just before you scored the 3-0, but these things happen in football. But it's too easy to just blame it on that moment as we didn't create enough. In fairness, credit is due to Broxburn as you've easily been the strongest team we've played this season. We'd have to be at our best to have a chance to beat you and we simply weren't, so the better team on the day won and we can't have complaints about that. It's a shame from our point of view but as much as I'd have loved a cup run, promotion is something we all really want so if we have an off-day I'd rather have it in the cup than in an important league game.
We just learn from this and move on. Good luck to you for the next round and the rest of the season. Also thanks to Buchan Bowling Club who were great hosts to us before the game and the Broxburn committee who made us feel welcome. I had some good chats with very friendly people. As often with away days, a great day out despite the result!
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25 minutes ago, Stag Nation said:
East League? Time stands still in the Junior world ...
To be fair, the Midlands League is still organised by the SJFA East Region.
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7 hours ago, Edward said:
The recent embarrassment of Rangers, Hibs, Aberdeen and even Celtic. yes Celtic are in the Group stages but they end up being thrashed. The Irish Republic realised that they could not compete with the English Premier League in terms of TV. So they moved their league to summer not only for better pitches but many people watch. They also gained more sponsorships through the media
Scotland now needs to do the same. You are never going to compete with England. The second reform Scotland has to do is move to a 16 or even 18 club league. An example the top 8 play for Europe and champions while the bottom 8 play against each other for with four relegation spots.
Relegation from the Championship exists but only if the winners of the Regional Leagues meet the requirements.
The recent embarrassment of ... Celtic??? Yes, I know you immediately put a caveat down that you expect them to be thrashed. I'm usually not one to defend either half of the OF, but you can hardly slate them for their European performances this season when they haven't played a single game yet. And for that matter, summer football wouldn't change a thing for them as by the time they start in the CL, they are far enough in the domestic season anyway for that not to be an excuse.
So far the only clubs that lost a 2 legged tie against a team ranked lower than them were Aberdeen & Rangers, with the latter coming up against a really strong PSV side so other than the scoreline I wouldn't say getting knocked out by them is an embarrassment either. On the other hand, Hearts & Hibs were both unseeded in ECL QR3 and won their ties with good performances. Both simply faced a stronger team in the PO, with Hibs drawing arguably the strongest side in that entire competition so I wouldn't call it an embarrassment from them either, not even with that scoreline.
I'm not against discussions about league restructuring or even summer football, but these are rubbish "arguments".
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3 hours ago, Bonksy+HisChristianParade said:
Breadalbane are top of the league with a +26 goal difference after 4 games?
Ah, I didn't realise that, they must have strenghtened in that case as I thought last season wasn't the greatest for them?
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7 minutes ago, LongTimeLurker said:
Persuading Jeanfield, Kinnoull and Luncarty to return would be one possible solution, but no idea how open those clubs would be to the concept. Cupar Hearts might be worth a look in amateur terms? Then there's Breadalbane...
Cupar Hearts is outside our area, not sure if Breadalbane are currently interested as they aren't exactly flying high in the Perthshire AFA.
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3 hours ago, Lichtie78 said:
I think in the near future it needs to go to 2 smaller leagues. For teams like Arbroath Vics it's a really tough sell to the best amateur players to come and play junior where you have no chance of winning anything, and will take some absolute skuddings off the better teams. Not that appealing when you could stay amateur and play for leagues/cups.
Yeah, that's the problem now. Our games at Arbroath Vics and home against Forfar United were both far too one-sided and both finished 9-1 to us. These games aren't fun for either side. Especially the Forfar United game, we actually played very poor for our standards the first 40 minutes, turned up a gear for the last 5 minutes of the first half and were 4-1 up at HT, then took some of our best players off as we had Tayport a few days later and still scored another 5 in the second half. Occasionally a big win is nice for a fan, but when there is no form of excitement for too many games it's not interesting for us as fans, while it's demoralising for the opposition. Such games benefit neither side.
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3 minutes ago, TheScarf said:
Should it not be split into 2 leagues like the North Juniors? 20 teams with all part time players is wild.
I get your point, but teams also don't fancy 2 leagues of 10, 20 is a bit of an awkward number. In an ideal world, there would be a few new entrants from the amateurs so we could go to 2 x 12 or so.
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Last night was weird... a Wednesday without going to watch Lochee United. I'm getting withdrawal symptoms!
In reality, I'm sure many local players are quite happy to have a break from constantly playing 2 games a week. It makes sense as it's a 20 team league that needs to finish on time, but it's a lot for part-time players. Several teams were starting to get a fair amount of injuries. By the end of August already 11 league games played, quite something!
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The biggest Champions League victory of PSV (qualifiers included obviously) ever!
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My stepbrother who supports PSV is enjoying his time in the Philips Stadion now.
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On 26/08/2023 at 10:31, Brummie Clyde said:
For Hibs fans travelling down, would recommend drinking in the Jewellery Quarter. Lots of good pubs there.
Barton Arms is excellent and about a 20 minute walk from Villa Park, but will probably close at about 10-10.30pm on a Thursday night.
21 hours ago, Lyle Lanley said:What is the Arcadian Centre like?
Hibs are telling fans to be in that area before the game.
I'd second the Jewellery Quarter over the Arcadian. I used to live in Derby and been to Birmingham a fair few times, the best pubs are definitely in the Jewellery Quarter.
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16 minutes ago, HorseyGhirl said:
There are a few posters who will be all over me like a rash if results on Sat are bad for the SOS. Don't know how I've become the Guardian of the SOSFL; I'm no even from the Galloway. I'll wait for the results and then say my peace.
As long as you keep posting about the SoSFL. I don't often reply as it's the tier 6 league I know the least about (and the only one I've never seen a game in but I have plans to change that), but I do read it regularly as I'd like to stay informed about the other leagues.
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Meanwhile the Spanish FA changed their tune and officially requested him to leave. Also, they have changed their mind and are no longer planning to take legal action against Hermoso, which would have been scandalous. Rubiales deserves all he gets.
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1 minute ago, LongTimeLurker said:
There's an argument for that no question, but bear in mind that we'd have the Conference from next season if the SFA board had more control. Once we are closer to a majority of former junior clubs in the LL, this will likely get sorted. Right now there's still too many clubs that know that once they leave the LL their eventual natural habitat is tier 7 or 8 rather than the EoS or WoS premier so they are clinging on to what they have in an it's ma baw and you're no playin sort of way for as long as they can.
I know what you mean, I just said what the SFA should do. The awful conference plan shows they are not in the remotest bit interested in the pyramid as a whole, so I won't hold my breath for it actually happening!
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12 hours ago, Burnieman said:
They're not in the remotest sense linked, it's being used as a blocker by the LL to protect it's founder clubs and every single person can see that.
Yep, I'm sure they'd come up with a different excuse should the SPFL finally play ball. Don't get me wrong, I do agree that there should be automatic relegation from League 2 as well, but that's just not an excuse for not increasing relegation from the Lowland League. In my opinion, the SFA should take more control of the pyramid like the FA have done down south and force through better promotion/relegation. One auto-relegation spot from League 2 and at least 2 from the LL would be a big improvement already. Also, they can start with kicking out the B-teams after this season and replacing them by 2 more tier 6 clubs. Yes, I know only 16 member clubs are currently allowed and they only get away with 18 as these B-teams are "guest clubs", but I don't see why the league can't permanently go to 18 clubs without B-teams. Sadly, I know a lot of this is wishful thinking as I can't see the SFA upping their game any time soon, hence why I believe the LL should open up themselves, that will undoubtedly quicker increase the quality in the LL and give a stronger argument in any discussions with the SPFL.
And yes, I sound very harsh in my posts above, but that is because I do passionately believe in the principles of a pyramid. For all its faults, the pyramid has definitely shown to be a positive in Scotland but it still needs to improve. As the top non-league tier in the southern half of the country, the LL has definitely become more attractive. It's starting to become a good mix of ex-juniors, ex-SPFL, old senior non-league clubs & relatively new clubs. But the league lets itself down by its conduct. Allowing these B-teams in was an absolute disgrace. These teams have never added anything & only devalued the league. Also, not increasing relegation really let the league down. As said, there is no excuse really for any of that. That's why I sound so angry with the LL clubs blocking this using poor excuses. In my opinion, they are blocking improvement of the pyramid. And because I believe so passionately in the principle of the pyramid, that annoys me greatly.
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15 hours ago, Jordi1977 said:
Good to hear there are a load coming down for the game. Hope you guys enjoy your day out when you come down... but naturally hoping it ends badly
Slightly apprehensive about how many goals you guys are consistently scoring... and have a bit of solid experience with quality in that area... No doubt there are a few weaker teams in the league up there, just in the way it's been made up, but the regular target practice they give you may come in useful... and I've no doubt the top 4 or 5 sides at least are on at least par with the EoSFL Premier.
A cup run would be awesome... always nice to think you can get a shot at one of the "traditional" cup sides. The league for us this season is about improvement from last season and getting more consistency in our performances and our results. Whereas, I think you guys are definitely looking at this as a season to really go for the title and begin moving up the pyramid.
Yeah, it will be a good test for us. It's a shame the differences in our league are so big. Hopefully we can go up as the Highland League obviously would provide more of a challenge. But there are still a few good sides in our league so it won't be a walk in the park by any means. Because our league is so local I also look forward more to any cup games outside our area as it's a nice change from the usual.
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Spanish politicians are starting action to remove Rubiales as well. Good, get that creep out of there.
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16 hours ago, Le Tout P'ti FC said:
Good to hear, it's always good when clubs get off the mark. I hope they manage to do establish themselves in the EoSFL as they seem a decent addition.
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Northern clubs in the 2023/24 Scottish Cup
in North Pyramid
Posted
First Round draw:
Clachnacuddin v Inverurie Loco Works
Formartine United v Threave Rovers
Gala Fairydean Rovers v Strathspey Thistle
Wick Academy v Jeanfield Swifts
Lossiemouth v Beith
Caledonian Braves v Fraserburgh
Banks o' Dee v Dalbeattie Star
Turriff United v Sauchie
Golspie Sutherland v Forres Mechanics
Culter v Deveronvale
Tayport v Buckie Thistle
Brechin City v Rothes
East Stirlingshire v Huntly
Keith v Luncarty
Broxburn Athletic v Nairn County
Brora Rangers v Berwick Rangers
Already 5 northern clubs guaranteed to make it through, 3 all HL-ties with Forres Mechanics & Buckie Thistle visiting tier 6 opposition. You'd expect Formartine & Banks o'Dee to make it through, but some tough draws for other clubs.