The phoney war is over so to speak when on
Saturday Accies travel to Kirkcaldy to take on Raith Rovers in a historic first
game for both sides in the new league set up. Raith seem to have had the upper
hand in recent seasons at Starks Park but we have won our last 2 games against
them home and away, 2-0 on both occasions. Going into this game Canning is
suspended and Alex Neil seems to be still struggling with his role as a player
manager in terms of playing or not. Against Airdrie he sat on the bench but at Stirling
last week resumed his place on the park perhaps mindful that exiting two cup
competitions in a row would not set the tone for the upcoming season. Alongside
Canning he clearly had the desired effect so I fully expect him to play this
Saturday.
Raith have had a good start so far winning both
their cup games although extra time was need against Stirling. Up front they
have former Accies loanee Greg Spence who scored 15 goals last season and
summer signing Calum Elliot. Calum appeared to be heading for Livingstone but
ended up signing a one-year deal with Raith. If he can keep injury free, I
suspect he will be a key player and he grabbed 2 goals in Raith's 6 - 0
demolition of Queens Park last week.
While Chairman Les Grey is quoted in the
Advertiser today (Friday) that he is “still looking to bring in two or three
players before August is up.” it should be more or less the same squad as last
week with perhaps a full 90 minutes for Andreu and a place on the bench for
Andy Ryan who returns after suspension and played midweek against Rangers under
20’s.
Sounds like we set out our stall in an attacking way. Whatever the plan, it seems to have worked. I'd happily have settled for a draw in this one, so it's a great result! And another goal for Keatings. Onwards and upwards.
ReplyDeleteFor most of the game the opposing midfields cancelled each other out and a 0- 0 draw looked on the cards but James Keating showed a strikers nuance and was on hand when the ball fell in front of him to knock it home. Overall a good solid team performance especially since we were without Longridge and Routledge. I know Mcshane has his critics but I think he works hard and for a big lad has some nice touches. I hope Alex perseveres with him and Keatings up front. This was also one of Alex's best performances and I think he just has to accept difficult though it might be that he has to play most weeks.
ReplyDeleteHighlights here
ReplyDeletehttp://www.raithrovers.net/raithtv?vid=152