RossP

Turns out it was: - Yes - Yes - No - Yes Broomhill didn’t really turn up, unfortunately, and then after the (fairly soft) penalty and red, that was game over. Samuel did well and I’m intrigued to see if he’s put in a two with Billy or if he’s a solo striker that gets 30mins or a rotation when Billy tires. No finesse in his play, but plenty of energy and physicality. Duffy, Anderson, Gilmour were all pretty good. Longstaff was again anonymous, where he was playing as left wing back. Roll on an away day to Bonnyrigg please!

- Maybe. - No - No - Probably not Hopefully, the likes of Roddy will get an hour or so in his comeback from injury. That would be like getting a new signing, I suppose.

Hoping for the thaw to hit on Friday/Saturday as forecast, as trains and pitches will be scunnered until then. Could also do with a couple of new signings in to replace all the departures!

If I wasn’t already excited enough, saying good morning to Charlie Christie who is staying in the same hotel, has bumped up the excitement levels further.

I was really surprised at how often he won the ball back (cleanly) in the Cove half last weekend. Seemed to sneak up on the likes of Vigurs and nick in or lean in, to then create a chance for a (offside) goal.

Seeing the team line up for tonight is really giving me the fear for who will be playing RB for the Scottish Cup semi (Carson is suspended). Still no sign of Duffy or Ram, or that geordie guy we signed. Lewis Hyde has been rinsed in the few times he’s featured at RB, and I can’t see many others filling that role effectively. Maybe Devine? it would be brave to go with a change of formation to accommodate e.g. 3-5-2, with the three D’s in the middle of defence and Harper and Henderson as wing backs.

Several chances to clear the ball missed, leading to a desperate, clumsy challenge at the edge of the box. Vigurs puts the ball in the bottom corner from the resultant free kick, which Ridgers was supposed to be covering.

Aye, Dan has been awful so far. Frustrating, after some of the earlier positive performances this season. Shaw has been good, nicking possession off defenders and being a general pest. Samuels has looked dangerous a few times when he has time and space on the right.

Vigurs already looking knackered running over to take a corner.

It was. It’s a bit of a morgue just now at Balmoral Stadium. Last time here our young team had already offended Shay Logan and set fire to the pitch… but no sign of that today. Perhaps saving their money for the Semi-Final? Here’s hoping for no injuries on this pitch considering we lost MacGregor and Allardice last time out.

If we win the Scottish Cup, at least we can buy an entirely new team of ringers who want to play in Europe for the guaranteed group stages - they'll be fairly rested at least!

I look forward to the excitement of Monday’s draw, seeing all the great away days against lower league teams disappear one by one… along with any money spinning ties v the top 4 premier teams… to then get Motherwell or Livingston away (again).

Raith currently 3/1 for the win on Saturday. Those odds won’t last.

Good shout. I didn't think about Carson going into midfield. I recall Ram having a 0% pass rate when he played in the last few mins of that Partick game - hopefully if he's starting there'll be a significant improvement.

We’ll be lucky if we have three outfield players on the bench tomorrow. A CM of Lewis Hyde Cameron Harper and Aaron Doran. I’m thinking Hamilton’s odds are generous!