[Joethistle]

Looking at table today after the results it is shaping up towards a very close league again this season with no team really standing out from the rest as yet. Going to be a close thing at bottom again going by the current points attained by teams.
The last few seasons it has been a very fine line across most of the teams. One decent wee run could win any of about 8 teams the title.
I am very happy the way my own team is going just now considering age of players, but we have also made a couple of excellent signings which could help us challenge from now till the end of the season if we could just get a run going.
I think next season will be a more realistic aim if we can keep these players together. Be interested to hear other opinions on who might come out top this season.

I went with HOB and will stick with my original choice as they seem to be doing alright so far.

[Clearviewoftheball]

Saw H o B at St Andrews today Joe, according to their supporters they were pretty much at full strength donno about the home team tho looked to havee one or two strangers from last time I saw them. Very little between the teams, the officials played a big hand in crucial decisions, 1) Saints keeper appeared to handle outside box and could have been punished. 2) HoB striker Bathgate at least two yards offside when he was played in for first goal, good finish though 3) St Andrews twice denied a strong penalty claim when first HoB defender blocked with his arms on the ground then pulled the ball back in to his body as home striker was about to shoot at 0 v 1 def pen, pos red card, neither given, ref only a few yards away def bottled it.

St Andrews maybe created just the more chances but HoB were far more clinical, second goal came when good free kick played in and Bathgate rose unmarked to put the game out of sight.

Plenty of tough tackling although flowing football was sporadic felt a wee bit for the home side as they caught the hard end of decisions but they failed to cash in when they were in the ascendency.

HoB for the league ? If they can take those officials with them and they have the balls to deny Linlithgow or Bo'Ness penalties (I doubt it though) Credit where its due though and for being a wee bit sharper where it mattered they were just worthy of the points.

One thing dissapointing though HoB supporters, bench and players continually calling for fouls every time there was contact putting pressure on the referee. i know most people are like this but thought it a wee bit ott today.

St Andrews on the other hand are right in the relegation zone and will need to get a rub of the green before very long if they are to survive.

[Deanburn Dave]

My team Bo'ness United have only played 7 of their 20 Superleague games and have lacked a bit of consistency. Our league performance has gone:- WDWLLWD so no back to back wins from the back to back champions !!! I think we have a good standard of player in the squad but we need the team to get things sorted out and improve our results if we are to retain the league.

Bonnyrigg are fancied by some but I think Hill of Beath look a better side and after a bad start have won 6 and drawn two of their last 8 games (impressive).
Camelon and Lithgae are also going to be challenging for the title and both have the potential to go on a run.
Bathgate, Camelon, HoB's and Lithgae are the only sides who have won three games in a row so far this season which is an indication of how difficult this league is.


My honest prediction is that all the teams in the league will take points off each other over the next couple of months and it is going to be the start of the April before the picture is a bit clearer. Hopefully the BU's will be up there challenging again for the title.

Come on the BU's !!!

[Deanburn Dave]

Clearviewoftheball, on 07 January 2012 - 21:53, said:

One thing dissapointing though HoB supporters, bench and players continually calling for fouls every time there was contact putting pressure on the referee. i know most people are like this but thought it a wee bit ott today.

I usually stand close to the dug outs at the away grounds if I can but no longer at the HoBnobs because they have mastered being a synchronised bunch of greetin faced moaning twats. Seeing the management team and half a dozen subs leaping out to yell abuse at the officials because a throw in is given against them near the half way line annoys the hell out of me. Swings and roundabouts guys these things balance themselves out over a season etc..............put the dummies back in and just get on with the game.

[Clearviewoftheball]

Fair comment Dave, ur right HoB have an impressive run of stats, Bonnyrigg continue to get results as well though and are worthy contenders and maybe can go all the way who knows and you may be right about having to wait until later in the season for the league to stretch out, already though at the bottom end Carnoustie, Lochee, Musselburgh and St Andrews look isolated although really important win for Lochee today, my belief has always been that Kelty would pull away from the bottom as they have some good players tho the management team have never really impressed me whilst at other clubs.

The Premier is hotting up as well, Oakley look to be a juggernaught at the moment and altho I did not expect Downfield to stop them the margin of the win was impressive. Tayport now 4 draws in a row need to be getting their house in order as Broxburn and Sauchie look to have some form and plenty games in hand, for 'port to spend another season in the Premier would be a blow to football in the Tayside area, the "fed" seem to have the sign on them. Peni's win at Newtongrange may just confine Star to another season looking up at the Super. Biggest surprise is Glenrothes at the top end despite their pre season woes, well done to them

At the bottom Armadale are in trouble with Downfield, Arniston and somewhat surprisingly Ballingry are also in danger if one of the bottom teams hit form and both of those must be thanking their stars for the demise of Forfar. I think the last time Broxburn gave Ballingry such a heavy spanking they sacked their management team, will they be consistent ? lol. Seriously though I am not an advocate of managers getting sacked without reasonable time to assert their influence on the team.

The regional leagues are tight but I strongly now fancy Violet to emerge despite the controversy surrounding their managerial appointment, as for the other two results swing too much to have such confidence.

[Chee Force]

I thought hillo beath were pretty poor when we played them at theirs but that might just have been just that game, they were lucky to get a 2-2 draw with us but they are still a good side,,not played boness yet so cant comment, so the best team we have played the season imo was bonnyrigg, gave us a right doing.


but to take the drop after seeing them yesterday would be carnoustie, we were very lucky to go in at half time level very lucky indeed,, but 2nd half only one team were ever going to win us 3-1 so mid table safety would be my goal this year,



oops and the scottish

[David Beckham]

Chee Force, on 08 January 2012 - 09:26, said:

I thought hillo beath were pretty poor when we played them at theirs but that might just have been just that game, they were lucky to get a 2-2 draw with us but they are still a good side,,not played boness yet so cant comment, so the best team we have played the season imo was bonnyrigg, gave us a right doing.


but to take the drop after seeing them yesterday would be carnoustie, we were very lucky to go in at half time level very lucky indeed,, but 2nd half only one team were ever going to win us 3-1 so mid table safety would be my goal this year,



oops and the scottish

You were indeed lucky to be all square after the 1st half yesterday, Carnoustie should have been at least 3 up. I thought you lot were very poor yesterday until your 1st penelty, then it was one way traffic. A great strike from Hagen though. despite that i still think it will be close at the end of the season with any 1 from 4 contesting the relegation spot.

[Joethistle]

David Beckham, on 08 January 2012 - 14:25, said:

You were indeed lucky to be all square after the 1st half yesterday, Carnoustie should have been at least 3 up. I thought you lot were very poor yesterday until your 1st penelty, then it was one way traffic. A great strike from Hagen though. despite that i still think it will be close at the end of the season with any 1 from 4 contesting the relegation spot.

When we played St Andrews I didnt think they were that bad a side tbh. I would struggle to give you a couple of teams for relegation this season. Hopefully we will do enough to stay mid to top half this season.
People saying HOB have been carrying a wee bit luck as they havent been that good against their team. That is a good sign for them because they will hit a bit of good form at some stage this season and that could help them win it.

[Font Of Information]

Joethistle, on 08 January 2012 - 19:55, said:

When we played St Andrews I didnt think they were that bad a side tbh. I would struggle to give you a couple of teams for relegation this season. Hopefully we will do enough to stay mid to top half this season.
People saying HOB have been carrying a wee bit luck as they havent been that good against their team. That is a good sign for them because they will hit a bit of good form at some stage this season and that could help them win it.

Our problem at the minute is putting the ball in the old Onion Bag, as far as the rest, Only team we havent played is Kelty, but Bonnyrigg by far the best, Bo'ness and Linlithgow weren't anything special but took there chances, Hill Of Beath are agricultural and have little flair but are top for a reason, maybe they do bully the officials but they also work bloody hard for each other, if Bathgate, Gemmill and Dair stay feet they could be there or there abouts.

To go down, we need to start scoring and we will be ok but Carnoustie looked poor both times at The Rec, Lochee should pull clear providing people stay fit, Musselburgh could struggle but Camelon and Bathgate should pick up enough points at home

Its going to be tight

[Van magic]

Font Of Information, on 08 January 2012 - 20:17, said:

Our problem at the minute is putting the ball in the old Onion Bag, as far as the rest, Only team we havent played is Kelty, but Bonnyrigg by far the best, Bo'ness and Linlithgow Kweren't anything special but took there chances, Hill Of Beath are agricultural and have little flair but are top for a reason, maybe they do bully the officials but they also work bloody hard for each other, if Bathgate, Gemmill and Dair stay feet they could be there or there abouts.

To go down, we need to start scoring and we will be ok but Carnoustie looked poor both times at The Rec, Lochee should pull clear providing people stay fit, Musselburgh could struggle but Camelon and Bathgate should pick up enough points at home

Its going to be tight

Massive compliment for Bonnyrigg there hopefully we keep it up and go real close for the league and cup long long way to go tho this time last year similar position but then fell away feel this Bonnyrigg team are different tho don't know when they are beating. KEEP IT UP LADS!!

[boheesian]

Clearviewoftheball, on 07 January 2012 - 21:53, said:

Saw H o B at St Andrews today Joe, according to their supporters they were pretty much at full strength donno about the home team tho looked to havee one or two strangers from last time I saw them. Very little between the teams, the officials played a big hand in crucial decisions, 1) Saints keeper appeared to handle outside box and could have been punished. 2) HoB striker Bathgate at least two yards offside when he was played in for first goal, good finish though 3) St Andrews twice denied a strong penalty claim when first HoB defender blocked with his arms on the ground then pulled the ball back in to his body as home striker was about to shoot at 0 v 1 def pen, pos red card, neither given, ref only a few yards away def bottled it.

St Andrews maybe created just the more chances but HoB were far more clinical, second goal came when good free kick played in and Bathgate rose unmarked to put the game out of sight.

Plenty of tough tackling although flowing football was sporadic felt a wee bit for the home side as they caught the hard end of decisions but they failed to cash in when they were in the ascendency.

HoB for the league ? If they can take those officials with them and they have the balls to deny Linlithgow or Bo'Ness penalties (I doubt it though) Credit where its due though and for being a wee bit sharper where it mattered they were just worthy of the points.

One thing dissapointing though HoB supporters, bench and players continually calling for fouls every time there was contact putting pressure on the referee. i know most people are like this but thought it a wee bit ott today.

St Andrews on the other hand are right in the relegation zone and will need to get a rub of the green before very long if they are to survive.

Nothing new there then, all part of their strategy. I know all benches and players do it but they take it to another level.
Remember hearing a Ref after one of our matches there when someone asked him to clarify his decision. " Just because your Bo'ness doesn't mean I have to give you anything"

[drs]

Having seen all of the teams except for Lochee the team I think are in a false position are St Andrews, they should have beaten Camelon but just couldnt score. At the top of the league, I've no idea who will win but Mon the Mariners!

This post has been edited by drs: 08 January 2012 - 21:01

[wingnut]

Bonnyrigg 1-0 down again yesterday and came back to win 2-1,canny seem to get out of the habit of giving the 1st goal away but another good comeback and played well 2nd half which was a good game to watch and a good 3pts to get after the break.

[dare to fail]

A good game to watch if you like your football punt in the air with the wind behind. Get real

[wingnut]

dare to fail, on 08 January 2012 - 21:47, said:

A good game to watch if you like your football punt in the air with the wind behind. Get real

What's your problem,did you no win the raffle.

[patriot1]

Without doubt Bonnyrigg are the best side i have seen this season which worries me as we play them on saturday. They have a good combonation of pace and skill and i would be quite happy to see them win the league. As for Hill of Beath they haven't impressed me at all. We should have beaten them at Keirs Park earlier this season when we missed a sitter in the last minute and all they did in the 2nd half was play long balls behind our defence and out for goal kicks. And yesterday we certainly did not get many decisions from the officials although it was a poor game

It's not looking too good for Carnoustie at the bottom as they are struggling to pick up any points at the moment but Musselburgh could do with a win or two to ease themselves clear of the bottom and i reckon 9 points from their last 8 games should be enough for St Andrews.

[Clearviewoftheball]

patriot1, on 09 January 2012 - 02:11, said:

Without doubt Bonnyrigg are the best side i have seen this season which worries me as we play them on saturday. They have a good combonation of pace and skill and i would be quite happy to see them win the league. As for Hill of Beath they haven't impressed me at all. We should have beaten them at Keirs Park earlier this season when we missed a sitter in the last minute and all they did in the 2nd half was play long balls behind our defence and out for goal kicks. And yesterday we certainly did not get many decisions from the officials although it was a poor game

It's not looking too good for Carnoustie at the bottom as they are struggling to pick up any points at the moment but Musselburgh could do with a win or two to ease themselves clear of the bottom and i reckon 9 points from their last 8 games should be enough for St Andrews.

11 points from 12 games so far and you reckon they need 9 from 8 ! Any basis for optomism ?

A couple of wins may be just enough considering there is no 6 point pick up from Forfar but I think you will be hoping Carnoustie stay rooted.

[Sarge Bullman]

Clearviewoftheball, on 07 January 2012 - 22:39, said:

Fair comment Dave, ur right HoB have an impressive run of stats, Bonnyrigg continue to get results as well though and are worthy contenders and maybe can go all the way who knows and you may be right about having to wait until later in the season for the league to stretch out, already though at the bottom end Carnoustie, Lochee, Musselburgh and St Andrews look isolated although really important win for Lochee today, my belief has always been that Kelty would pull away from the bottom as they have some good players tho the management team have never really impressed me whilst at other clubs.

The Premier is hotting up as well, Oakley look to be a juggernaught at the moment and altho I did not expect Downfield to stop them the margin of the win was impressive. Tayport now 4 draws in a row need to be getting their house in order as Broxburn and Sauchie look to have some form and plenty games in hand, for 'port to spend another season in the Premier would be a blow to football in the Tayside area, the "fed" seem to have the sign on them. Peni's win at Newtongrange may just confine Star to another season looking up at the Super. Biggest surprise is Glenrothes at the top end despite their pre season woes, well done to them

At the bottom Armadale are in trouble with Downfield, Arniston and somewhat surprisingly Ballingry are also in danger if one of the bottom teams hit form and both of those must be thanking their stars for the demise of Forfar. I think the last time Broxburn gave Ballingry such a heavy spanking they sacked their management team, will they be consistent ? lol. Seriously though I am not an advocate of managers getting sacked without reasonable time to assert their influence on the team.

The regional leagues are tight but I strongly now fancy Violet to emerge despite the controversy surrounding their managerial appointment, as for the other two results swing too much to have such confidence.

Looking at the league tables Violets form is unquestionable. However I watched them play Falkirk in the East cup earlier in the season and, despite the late winner, I was quite unimpressed. I take it they have improved since then? Giving them the benefit of the doubt as it was early season.

As for the Superleague, a Camelon/Bo'ness/Lithgae straight shootout would be perfect from a local perspective but the league is so tight maybe only Mussey, Carnoustie and St Andrews can be ruled out at this point.

[HTG]

Bonnyrigg were streets ahead of anyone else we have played this season. If we dont win it, i'll be stunned if it's not them.

[Tynieness]

HTG, on 11 January 2012 - 12:31, said:

Bonnyrigg were streets ahead of anyone else we have played this season. If we dont win it, i'll be stunned if it's not them.

i wasn't particularly impressed with bonnyrigg when we played them, but they may have had an off day
best team i have seen this season was Camelon

[Auld Heid]

For me the league would be down to either Hill of Beath or Bonnyrigg who are the 2 best teams we have met this season.

Bonnyrigg were by far the best side we have played this season by a country mile.

HOB were not the greatest footballing side but you won't get an easy game from them home or away and will pick up more points than they lose.

Bo'ness are not a great side in my opinion - they (deservedly) beat us in the Scottish by an odd goal at a time when we were struggling to find form and were poor defensively. Althought they beat us it was far from convincing. The league game I was disappointed with only a point. But their track record still demands respect.

Musselburgh - far to inconsistent - we won 3 - 1 but it could have been 7 - 6 with the chances

Bathgate - the poorest team we have played by far - any form whatsoever and we could have hammered them

St Andrews - missed that game

Carnoustie - lost to them - but as much down to our own self destruct rather than any perceived quality from them

Lochee - our best performance and result - again they are to inconsistent and have lost to much ground already

Camelon - Danny seems to be now getting them to play a little - so will prove troublesome for lots of teams

Linlithgow - we will only pose a threat if we can sort out our defence - you don't win leagues with the goals against column that we have. Going forward will cause anyone problems.

[HTG]

Your arse must be agony after that fence sitting expedition AH!!

[Van magic]

Tynieness, on 11 January 2012 - 12:34, said:

i wasn't particularly impressed with bonnyrigg when we played them, but they may have had an off day
best team i have seen this season was Camelon

Can't have been that impressed with your own team then we never played out best il give u that but give us some credit for the second half performance!! The 3rd killer goals came when our left back could Hardly walk never mind run and your player had the easiest of chances. Opinions tho

[Tynieness]

Van magic, on 11 January 2012 - 13:22, said:

Can't have been that impressed with your own team then we never played out best il give u that but give us some credit for the second half performance!! The 3rd killer goals came when our left back could Hardly walk never mind run and your player had the easiest of chances. Opinions tho

hey i haven't been impressed with my own team all season.
like i say i believe your side had an off day that is all ,as all reports suggest you have been playing very well this season and i would rather your team won the league, if bo'ness don't retain it, which i can't see happening

[HTG]

Tynieness, on 11 January 2012 - 14:26, said:

hey i haven't been impressed with my own team all season.
like i say i believe your side had an off day that is all ,as all reports suggest you have been playing very well this season and i would rather your team won the league, if bo'ness don't retain it, which i can't see happening

Don't give us that. Your son's first game was at the home of the Gallant. We know where your heart lies.