timlichtie

Davo always seems to have an inspired performance against us yet the Raith fans don’t rate him. Does he raise his game against us ?

Dick Campbell has used recent games to try to integrate his January signings, with limited success. I expect him to revert to the formation and personnel that took us to the top. The gap will narrow but we should have enough to finish top. The chasing pack will all take points off us but off each other too. A draw on Saturday I’m hoping.

My verdict on the new signings is: Wallace has to start. I’m baffled by these different strike pairings every week when we have easily the best in the league in Wallace and McKenna. Like the Forfar game the midfield was lacking. Whatley should play. He gives 100% as does Gold. We really lacked that commitment tonight. I didn’t hear the boos but I’m not surprised. The last 45 was the worst we have played this season. If we’re going to win this league then it’s time to go back to the side which got us where we are.

This is a crucial game. I’m travelling for it hoping for a solid win so no nerves at Raith on Saturday.

I watched the warm up. The conditions were ok. The wind really picked up after kick off. The forecast was for it to moderate so the ref did the right thing to try and get it played.

The last time I cancelled my trip through due to the forecast wind the game went ahead. With the low pressure passing close to the north then the forecast could change quickly. I’m keeping my options open and fingers crossed. We need a game!

Like it or not, our success this season has been significantly due to Ryan Wallace with his goals and assists. He and McKenna are our proven partnership up front. I really enjoy the creative play of Wallace and am baffled by his detractors. Sadly, Danny Denholm has not merited a start this season but Dick sticks by him. It’s looking windy for the game so a day for ball players and battlers. A return for Whatley perhaps?

I think we would do fine at the higher level. Way back in the 60s we had a good go in division 1 and were well supported. Any feedback from the friendly last night v the Arabs?

Have to agree. Once we were chasing the game McCord might have been the man to unlock that packed defence. Gav was off his game. Is it a derby thing? He never seemed at his best against us either.

There's a real danger of getting carried away about yesterday's result. Forfar defended well and scored 2 good goals. On another day both of those could have gone wide. Their keeper was by far the busier and made some great stops. Again, a deflection or miss hit shot could have beaten him on several occasions . One of these days! Donnelly is a tricky player but not a target man. He and Wallace link well at times but yesterday a more physical style from McKenna may have worked. Could Donnelly have been brought in to deflect the flak from Wallace?

I think we need more protection in front of the back 4. Either Whatley or Gold in there, sadly at the expense of McKenna. It's a great squad who all deserve a start!

Both Donnelly and Denholm did well yesterday, but against a weak defence. In a closer, more physical contest I would pick McKenna every time for his more dogged style. He is much more likely to win headers or chase back and win the ball in midfield. It's great to have these options!

The second half was our best this season. Donnelly brings something different and links play well. I'm not sure he should start ahead of McKenna who was great when he came on. Maybe Donnelly on the left instead of Denholm?

On the evidence of his last couple of appearances, McCord is back to his best and is a real asset. I'd be sad to see any of the current squad go, but there are guys who would get regular starts elsewhere .

A John Gemmell debut hat trick?