Peter Jones enjoyed his first week on the blog so much he’s back for week two. We’re very happy about this and so are Alloa, who are thriving under his tutelage. What will this week bring?
Back north of the border and on the surface, we’re doing quite well. Keeping up with Cowdenbeath is a struggle, while trying to shake off Dunbarton is proving even more tricky.
Hot off the success of Octobers Manager of the Month and with a make shift starting XI due to suspensions and injuries, it’s not a bad time to play bottom of the table, Berwick. We’re burning down the house until Berwick pull one back but Counselor M’kay sees us clear.
Our defensive frailties show against Albion Rovers but fortunately, Dwyer has found his form again.
Kevin James is back in our defence after his toupee adjustments, but our midfield is down to the bare bones. We have to tear Pat away from Colin Murray in the Channel 5 studio. Amazingly, he slots one confidently into the back of the net like his old Chelsea days. But silly Brebs has been at the Iron-Bru and he’s shown a second yellow. I keep Pat on his feet by telling him he’s not taking any penalties if past evidence is anything to go by.
A delay in his suspension means he gets some game time with the Counsellor. The liquid girders are flushed down the sink and a very handy away win against 4th placed Montrose.
Simpson is back. Built in the Dion Dublin mode (being a defender/striker, not in the ‘beneath the towel’ mode as Fergie once eulogised) he’s back in defence so 16 yr old Bryan Smith on loan from Partick Thistle gets his first start. One for the future that lad. Finally able to shake off the persistent ‘barters and we put a little light between us.
Amazingly, this home match is the 2nd in a row that we break the 1,000 attendance mark. Two quick goals either side of half-time and another three points in the bag.
Two quick 1st half injuries but Mathieson has the magic sponge for our ailments. Strangely, nearly half the crowd stayed away. Obviously saving the pennies for some last minute stocking fillers.
And so, onto the top to the table clash. Can we provide an early Christmas present for the fans? Indeed we can. The elders of the squad leading the way and calming the excited boys the weekend before Santa arrives.
The boxing day clash proves the Scots prefer to stay at home. Another two goals from Dwyer and we are top of the league on goal difference.
The New Year message gives pleasure before pain. (Wasn’t that a Muller advert voiced by Vic Reeves??). And a happy new year to you, you miserable ba….
Arbroath next in the Scottish FA Cup, full of confidence after winning their man the Manager of the Month award for December. Mathieson always eager to burst a new year bubble and puts them to the slaughter in 14 manic minutes.
My board are a right fickle lot…
Leave us alone, Dumbarton!
Back down to earth with a pretty limp performance. Maybe we shouldn’t allow any fans in as the big crowds looks to have spooked the lads.
Two days after rejecting Simpsons move to Swansea, he exacts his revenge and gets himself sent off for dissent. Fortunately, pettiness doesn’t enter into the language of our elders and we scrap a 1-0 win over bottom Berwick.
Well, we’ve turned in Arsenal. “And that’s just how we like it.” To quote The Highbury Mystery.
Is this a sign that SAD in taking over after the Christmas excitement? The Cows have a game in hand over us but we’re 11 points clear of Dumbarton. Promotion is the aim so there’s a healthy cushion for us.
Och aye for now!