Normal service resumed

Twelve minutes into the evening kick off at Recreation park last night and all the knee jerk comments made in the aftermath of the defeat to Falkirk last week seemed to have been forgotten about by the travelling support. Normal service had been resumed and the feel good factor had returned. Only a couple of hours earlier I had been sharing jokes with fellow fans on our bus regarding e-mails sent to Anne Budge asking for the removal of our head coach over the past few days. How stupid must those fans be feeling today when they look at the championship table?

As we found our seats in the east stand news had trickled through that our often maligned ex frontman Christian Nade had given his Raith side a precious if not deserved point at Easter Road. After a solid ten minutes laughing at that news I eventually got round to looking at the team we were putting out and trying to make sense of the shape of the side. Jamie Walker would be given a free role playing infront of Gomis, Buaben and Pallardo. A narrow midfield but one which would offer more protection to our two centre halfs compared to last week. The other notable change was Keatings being given the nod upfront instead of Zefuik which allowed us a good option to stretch the Alloa backline.

We started the game at a brisk pace with Wilson finding the feet of Sow on a regular basis which allowed Walker and Keatings time to provide support. Alloa seemed reluctant to push the play early on which would allow Pallardo the time to carry the ball forward and strike a sweet right footed effort from twenty yards out which flew into the top corner. It was the early breakthrough that we craved to steady the team off the back of the defeat last week and helped set the tone for the rest of the first half. Seven minutes later Keatings would jinx past two Alloa players before finding the bottom corner with a tidy finish just moments after Simmons had broke through a static hearts defence only to see his effort hit the post. The remainder of the first half saw Hearts dictate play with Pallardo impressing and Sow looking sharp uptop but we were unable to strengthen the scoreline with Keatings smacking the bar from a free kick.

As with any game of football at any level 2-0 is a precarious scoreline and I was not impressed with some of the slack casual play in the final third at the beginning of the second half. Alloa made two changes on the hour mark introducing their two new loan signings and they would both be involved in the build play to the Spence goal which offered the home side a chance to repeat their heroics from the challenge cup semi final. The goal was a poor one to concede with Ozturk and Alexander possibly needing to have a look at themselves. The goal aside it was good to see the big Turk back in the side and he along with Danny Wilson can be pleased with their distribtuion from the back in this game.

The goal represented another test for the champions elect and they responded within a matter of minutes. Slack play from Simmons presented Walker with the opportunity to run through on goal and he slid the ball low and to the keepers right to restore the two goal advantage. The match played out at an exhibition game pace with Hearts playing within themselves and keeping the ball in an efficent manner with Paterson adding a fourth goal in the final moments of the match to add a touch of gloss to the final score.

All in all a routine match with the shape of the team utilizing the skills of Jamie Walker well in his prefered number ten role.

Match Ratings

Alexander -6

Paterson -7

Eckersley -7

Ozturk -7

Wilson -7

Pallardo -8

Gomis -7

Buaben -7

Walker -8

Sow -7

Keatings -7

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Scott

Time for some perspective not panic!

Season 2014-15 as a Hearts supporter has been an exciting one. A mix of proven SPL players and unknown overseas talents have been brought in to help compliment the local talent already at the club and the squad now have a depth and balance not seen since the early Romanov years which has helped steer the club to a 10 month unbeaten league run which was brought to a frustrating but entertaining end yesterday at the hands of a Falkirk side brimming with confidence off the back of their own good run of form. This run has seen supporters flock back to the ground and bask in the joy of watching their side play with swagger and vigour whilst also showing a good portion of grit and steel at the back.

This is all in stark contrast to the previous couple of seasons watching the team struggle against the backdrop of administration with what was a commited squad but lacking the experienced quality needed to get the best out of the youngsters at the time. As we all dragged ourselves along Gorgie Road after the game yesterday we should as fans have the long term forsite to look at the bigger picture and ask would we have taken this position at the start of the season? Of course that answer is yes but I feel that most non old firm fans struggle with the expectation of seeing their team in such a lofty position and with an unbeaten record to boot. Behind all that bravado displayed in the pubs and on social media recently I think has been a struggle to enjoy the championship battle and instead get caught up in all the stats and headlines brought on by the unbeaten run.

Today is not the time to take the mantle of keyboard critics and lambast consistent performers for one poor game or to question a style of play which has served us well this season and instead focus on the next five matches which include four against the bottom three sides. It’s all fine and well earning praise as fans for our efforts during the last couple of years but it is vital that we show patience and encouragement during these next couple of months to ensure our lads make it over the finish line. The league is still ours to throw away and our main challenger have a very congested fixture list to contend with using an ageing squad lacking proper leadership on and off the park.

Onwards and upwards still for the jambos these days. HHGH!

Thank you for reading this and please feel free to comment below.

You can add us on twitter @mnfitba or type in monday night fitba on facebook and like our page.

Scott

Always offended, never ashamed

It’s been three days since Ann Budge released her statement condemning elements of both the Hearts and Celtic support after another poison filled fixture between the sides. During the past 48 hours many fans, pundits and ex pros have had their say with most saluting the stance that the new Hearts supremo has taken on a subject which has cast a dark cloud over the Scottish game for too long. Now this is not going to be a stone throwing exercise to try and claim the moral high ground, in a general sense Hearts fans on the whole need to dispense with certain songs and continue to police games themselves as has been evident at some away games over the last few seasons. I personally also cannot play the part of a shrinking violet due to my teenage years being spent in the stands shouting pure vitriol at many footballers on match day. I would like to take this opportunity to comment on the reaction of certain people with links to Celtic and the club’s own rebuttal to the Ann Budge statement.

Charlie Nicholas is a fine example of someone who should not be seen nor heard. His desperate attempts to halt his descent into middle aged life are a continuous irritant to myself but that doesn’t come close to the anger I feel whenever I have the misfortune to read one of his articles in the Daily Express. Take his column this week for example. Instead of taking the opportunity to back the Budge statement and condemn the thugs who vandalised the Roseburn stand, he decided to drudge up bitter memories of playing at Tynecastle back in the 80’s recounting stories of sectarian abuse and being spat on. Two questions came to mind when reading this tale of Jackanory. Question one is why is an ex pro with an opportunity to help try and calm down the situation deciding to instead provoke more negative reaction and question two how did he know it was a hearts fan who was abusing him if it was a Scotland youth game? This man is a joke who even most Celtic fans do not have time for and in my eyes should never be asked to discuss any aspect of the Scottish game.

Anthony Stokes – To be fair to the lad he has his own mind and I applaud him for at least engaging with some Hearts fans on twitter. Now the only problem with this is given his loose commections with a certain rebelious gang, surely Celtic’s PR team should be trying to make sure the lad keeps his distance from such a debate. If Anthony Stokes is being personally subjected to abuse that goes past the usual football banter then that is uncalled for but I think Stokes should maybe be looking at himself and thinking do I ever say or do anything that brings these feeling out of certain individuals.

Celtic FC – A club that for too long has made good business out of being offended at every turn. Their response this week has been laughable to say the least. Firstly they create stories of fans trying to get on the pitch last week, a story with no proof whatsoever, then they begin to act like sulky teenagers proclaiming” well they did it first” and” they keep picking on us”! When will this club man up and realise that they should be catering for the majority of decent Celtic supporters and not for the vocal minority who need politics and religion in their football diet because the product on the park is boring them to tears. Instead of joining Ann Budge in lambasting both sets of fans they spouted the usual tired cliche “well we will look into this”.

So what was your take on this subject? Leave your comments below or @mnfitba

@mnfitbaScott

Time to exercise the ghosts?

Its cup day tomorrow albeit still a bit weird to see such big cup games taking place in November. Amongst a skew of all premier league ties and potential giant killing acts for Spartans and The Rangers is the clash between an erratic although still dangerous Celtic side and a Hearts team who given their season aims and ambitions have the luxury of viewing this encounter as a pressure free sideshow from league proceeding……………Or is it? Its been nearly a year since Celtic rolled into town at the same stage of the cup competition and blew a young hearts side low in confidence away and its fair to say the survivors of that squad will be aiming to go out there and prove they can go toe to toe with the champions. Tonight I look at how many of that squad are improving a year on and look at how influential they can be tomorrow.

Jordan McGhee – Played the full 90 last year and certainly would have learned a few harsh lessons in that game alone. Showed raw potential last year which this season has developed into a consistent string of performances at right back and centre half. Looks assured on the ball and has developed physically over the summer. Definate Scotland player of the future along with one or two others at the club. Might have to be content with place on the bench tomorrow but will offer a good option if injuries hit our back four.

Kevin McHattie – A real favourite of mine in terms of his ability to drive forward and link up well with the widemen infront of him. Still needs to work a little on defensive positioning but his confidence seemed to be at an all time high before last weeks attempted GBH from saint Kenny. Having hard working midfielders infront has certainly helped after watching Kevin gainfully try and cope with marking two men most weeks last season.

Danny Wilson – Whereas last season the captaincy seemed to be dragging Danny down, this year he has grown in stature and looks very relaxed and assured whilst always offering a threat at set pieces. Was worried that last year would take time to shake off for him but he has really started to show why he was so coveted as a teenager at Rangers. Shame that he is a fitness doubt tomorrow.

Scott Robinson – Very combative player who seems to very much be on the fringes of things this season. Unfairly targeted by the boo boys and although maybe not a fit for the way Robbie wants his midfielders to play will no doubt easily attract a few clubs in January. Never hid when things on the park got rough last season and for that he deserves more credit than he gets. The fact he is not included in most matchday squads shows how far the club have come since last year.

Calum Paterson – Will be in a more suitable role tomorrow compared to cutting an isolated figure upfront this time last year. Ability has never been in doubt and this season his fitness levels seemed to have went up a new gears. Can mix it with the best and is vital to us not being bullied off the ball tomorrow.

Jamie Walker – Only real positive to come out of the 7-0 performance last year. Never hesitated in having a go at the Celtic rearguard and has the swagger and confidence to make a difference tomorrow. Like Patterson his fitness has improved greatly this season highlighted by last weeks 2nd half performace against the other half of the bigot brothers.

Brad McKay – The angry man has had to deal with some flack in previous weeks but has rammed those words down his doubters throats. A Colossus at the back when dealing with aerial duels but tomorrow will be his biggest test. Stokes,Guidetti and Griffiths offer great movement and intelligence that our side will seldom experience playing in the SPFL this season. One of those lads you want to do well as his passion and commitment to the club can never be in doubt.

Dale Carrick – Speedy is another injury blow which given the physical presence of Celtic at the back is a real shame. Willing runner and has looked more composed and ready for first team football compared to earlier outings in 2013. Will be a vital squad member when back fully fit and offer us something different upfront again.

Billy King – Billy never made it off the bench last year and in other outings looked to be a bit overawed by some of the brutes still plying their trade in our top league. This season has saw him mature and although he still can float in and out games at times, he has great awareness and a great ability for finding pockets of space around the opposition box. The number of assists he provides is also greatly unrecognised by some of us supporters.

So there we are folks. Hopefully my observations offer some comfort for those of us who were present last year and lets make sure these guys along with other players are given our full backing tomorrow.

Whether you agree or disagree please feel free to leave some feedback here or @mnfitba

Scott

I’ve got you under my skin

Amongst all the chat and analysis over the the 2-0 win for Hearts at the weekend, there seemed to be a performance that was not picked up on much by many sections of the press when looking at some of the poor decision making made by senior Rangers players. Lee McCulloch was guilty of trying to referee the game at times, was ran ragged by James Keatings in the second half & don’t get me started on that pitiful dive in the first half. His ability to rub me up the wrong way during most games I have watched him in got me to thinking about other players past and present that had that great knack of getting under my skin.

Here are some of my favourite picks:

David Weir – During his Rangers days thought he was Richard Gough and seemed to be consistently in the referees ear. Along with Alan Mclaren seemed to be dragged down a little by playing the Rangers way.

Tommy Turner – A tache to grace the greatest Liverpool team but not the ability. Always seemed to be whinging at younger players with more ability and looked like a school janitor not a footballer.

Scott Brown – Not so much a knock on him but the reaction his average performances garner from the press at times always seems to get on my wick.

Gary Mcswegan – Decent player in his day buy as a youngster I would always get infuriated with him and his Kardashianesque backside always being caught offside.

Ritchie Foran – One of many hardened Spl veterans that perform swan dives anytime he is blown on by an opposition player. Disgusting bully who found his place in a couple of Butcher sides.

Stephen Simmons – Billy big time attitude and I still remember him cheering on hearing the celtic Juventus score during a cold midweek cup exit in Dingwall.

John Mcglynn – Nice guy and good Hearts man but my god how his tactical ineptitude had me tearing my hair out most weeks. The insipid cup performance at Easter Road is one of the worst witnessed in my time as a Hearts fan.

Kenny Shiels – a Junior level manager who thinks too highly of himself and his teams. His attempts at mind games are laughable.

What would be your choices? Leave your feedback here or on @mnfitba

Scott