It is again a good time to be an Accies supporter. The managerial change has proved to be a positive move despite an early season Ramsdens Cup defeat and Alex Neil is assured of my support through thick and thin, as was his predecessor. The signing of MAC (pending formalities) should be another step forward, with my only question being why no other teams seem to have been chasing him given his record in Scottish football.
Saturday's opponents Queen of the South are one of only 3 unbeaten teams in the Scottish Professional Football League Championship after 2 rounds of games. Another tight 2nd tier season looks to be in prospect. 39 goals have been scored in 10 games this season with Accies and QoS providing 12 of these - the difference in the teams being the solidity of Accies' defence. I can't see too many changes to the team after the fine home win against Dumbarton, but Andreu must be close to a start - but at the expense of whom? While QoS are one of the form teams in the league to date (early, I know) Accies are at home and this is the sort of game we must win if we are to challenge for the one direct promotion spot. Unlike many, I am no fan of play-offs - but it seems that in this instance they are the closest we will get to a 2nd promotion place, so are welcome none the less, despite the fact that they undermine the league structure and are a blatant commercial ploy. I reckon this season must be close to being the 50th anniversary of my first game at Douglas Park - promotion would be a fine way to celebrate and I'm not fussed about the route we take. 3 points on Saturday, please.
Our toughest test so far, I think. QoS will be no pushovers - in fact a possible prediction for Champions. But nor will they relish a trip to NDP. Should be a great game, and I'm really looking forward to it.
ReplyDeleteWith Derek Lyle on form for them and Keatings for us it will be interesting to see how the respective defences cope. No artificial pitch advantage as Queens are fellow revolutionaries this season as well and I'm taking 4 payers at the gate with me tomorrow so lets hope for a 1400+ crowd
ReplyDeleteReally looking forward to the game. It will be the first meaningful measure of our promotion aspirations. Hopefully the good form continues and we can sneak a victory.
ReplyDeleteTop of the league!
ReplyDeleteGreat result today. I was delighted that MacKinnon and Ryan were on the scoresheet - confidence boosting for both, although I suspect that Ryan is not the under-confident sort! The anticipated goal fest didn't happen but another clean sheet is very welcome. Hope Alex Neil's injury is not too serious but delighted to see that we gained then enhanced our lead after his departure. Twitter feed suggested that minutes 45 - 75 were nervy, but that might just have been me. It's been midgy all day up here! We nearly got Ian's 1400 crowd - hope they counted me because I've paid!
ReplyDeletePleased with what was a good all round team performance but particularly pleased for Daz. Nice to see his hard work rewarded witha goal. What is also pleasing is that if Keating is not scoring others can.Still not seen enough to gauge whether this is a championship winning team, a play off team or also rans but forthcoming games against Killie, Falkirk and Dundee will answer that question.
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