funky monkey

I'd give McKenzie and Curragh a run up top in a 4-4-2. It was noticeable that the Kilbirnie no 7 and no 9 were able to control and hold up the ball and bring others into play, Boylan struggles to do that. He is lightening quick and when on his game he is an asset, but he isn't on his game just now.

Agreed. Centre mid is where our problems stem from. We lost Frye and Hanvey and missing McGuiness as a starter. Fleming is a fantastic player, but plays too deep, more like an old style sweeper.

Buffs 0 Pollok 2 As poor a Buffs performance as I can remember. Attitude of the players is questionable. Manager chops and changes the team, players out of position. No real shape about the team. No midfield to speak of. What a difference a few weeks makes, optimism is gone. A massive cup tie against Beith next. Possibly for the first time, questions being asked of the manager.

I think that Whyte and Nisbet are both important players for us and each will make a valuable contribution over the course of the season. Whyte is a youngster making his way, he has all of the qualities needed to become a top class defender, perhaps could do with being more vocal. Nisbet is proving to be more effective as an impact sub. He goes past defenders with ease and has goals in him. He wins a lot of set pieces with his direct running. He will play his part for us. We all want the perfect team, but given the resources available to Chris and Barry, they are doing a good job no doubt.

Buffs have signed David Syme from Troon.

Buffs were poor first half. Surrendered midfield with the formation we used. Second half Wardrope provided a better shape and got a good goal. When on top and looking likely, we gifted a goal and that was that. Pollok up next and then a season defining Scottish tie against Beith. We aren't too far away, but our lack of strength in depth will cost us.

Talbot are a fantastic club, but as the recent cup tie showed we are competitive with them. As you say, if we want to be genuine contenders this season we've got to go to Beechwood and win on Saturday.

Signed Ewan McLevy on loan from Kilmarnock. Other than that, squad list on the first post is accurate. I'd assume Campbell may make himself available in an extreme emergency.

Latta left in the summer. Campbell hasn't been about Abbey Park for a while.

The new Idles album hits the spot, not sure there will be many better this year. Pity I forgot to get tickets for the forthcoming tour. Think they are on the edge of greatness.

Another excellent cover from Ezra ...

Good question. Talbot know how to win games, even if they aren'tplaying well. However, Buffs have a good recent record at Beechwood. Recipe for a cracking cup tie.

Carlo Monti is unstoppable when in the mood.

Joe will get a new club no problem because he is a good player. His antics at Largs were unacceptable and not for the first time. It would seem that the dressing roomis going to be a happier place. We could do with an extra couple of bodies as the squad is very thin.

After a poor performance against Largs, the last two games against Kilbirnie and Troon has seen Buffs at their best, playing some wonderful passing possession football. All of the boys played their part yesterday, Fleming has brought some real quality to our midfield and McKenzie is always sniffing about looking for a goal. Long serving Buffs like Maitland and Boylan are playing for the jersey and Pettigrew is quality at the back. If you need a bit of magic, a wee trick, then Monti is your man, he is in fire just now, one of the best players I've seen in the hoops. I thought Troon huffed and puffed yesterday. Easy to see Nade's quality, he'll grab a few goals this season no doubt. Good luck to Troon for the rest of the season. As for Buffs, Johnstone Burgh up next in the League Cup, looking forward to it. Onwards and upwards COYB