Insert Amusing Pseudonym Posted April 10, 2021 Share Posted April 10, 2021 Last night's win means we are at least guaranteed the first round of playoff fixtures off 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RossBFaeDundee Posted April 10, 2021 Author Share Posted April 10, 2021 53 minutes ago, topcat(The most tip top) said: Or alternatively.... Raith’s final game against Hearts at home now looks unlikely to carry any importance for the visitors. If Raith need something from that they’ll probably get it You don't think Neilson might want to make the league win look convincing? 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
San Starko Rover Posted April 10, 2021 Share Posted April 10, 2021 You don't think Neilson might want to make the league win look convincing?Difficult to say, if he plays his full team for the rest of the season every dropped point will be criticized by the fans but if he plays fringe players he can spin it as trying new players and systems to prepare for next season more easily. I think Nielsen would love to win every remaining game to look convincing but he might be safer spinning it as trying things to the fans to try and keep them off his back. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Insert Amusing Pseudonym Posted April 10, 2021 Share Posted April 10, 2021 6 minutes ago, RossBFaeDundee said: You don't think Neilson might want to make the league win look convincing? Arguably the seeds of his destruction at Hearts with a lot of the support date back to the dead rubber at Easter Road in his first season with us. Went there as champions and picked a bizarre line-up with two left backs and lost comfortably. His failure to treat the derby as a must win wasn't well received, even with a 20 point lead. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
johnnydun Posted April 10, 2021 Share Posted April 10, 2021 1 hour ago, topcat(The most tip top) said: Or alternatively.... Raith’s final game against Hearts at home now looks unlikely to carry any importance for the visitors. If Raith need something from that they’ll probably get it Hearts letting a team win to Dundee's expense? Well I never! 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Always Hearts Posted April 10, 2021 Share Posted April 10, 2021 59 minutes ago, RossBFaeDundee said: You don't think Neilson might want to make the league win look convincing? I think Hearts will try to win every match. However, players can sub-consciously relax when the league is won so no doubt it’s better for Raith that it will likely be a meaningless match for Hearts. In saying that, with it being live on TV, it maybe gives the players some incentive to turn up. One thing for sure is that this Hearts team isn’t good enough to not give 100% and beat anyone in this league. 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RossBFaeDundee Posted April 10, 2021 Author Share Posted April 10, 2021 2 minutes ago, Always Hearts said: I think Hearts will try to win every match. However, players can sub-consciously relax when the league is won so no doubt it’s better for Raith that it will likely be a meaningless match for Hearts. In saying that, with it being live on TV, it maybe gives the players some incentive to turn up. One thing for sure is that this Hearts team isn’t good enough to not give 100% and beat anyone in this league. Idk the contract situation for each player at Hearts, but surely some will be wanting to prove that their worth having theirs extended, so you'd like to think that they wouldn't get too complacent... I'm hoping, anyway. 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TxRover Posted April 10, 2021 Share Posted April 10, 2021 2 hours ago, topcat(The most tip top) said: Or alternatively.... Raith’s final game against Hearts at home now looks unlikely to carry any importance for the visitors. If Raith need something from that they’ll probably get it True enough, but I was hoping of a choke. Morton are the big winners from yesterday, likely making their game the 20th a dead rubber. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
topcat(The most tip top) Posted April 10, 2021 Share Posted April 10, 2021 Idk the contract situation for each player at Hearts, but surely some will be wanting to prove that their worth having theirs extended, so you'd like to think that they wouldn't get too complacent... I'm hoping, anyway.It would be very annoying for Hearts to suddenly turn into an impressive functioning unit only after it doesn’t matterAnd given that this has been a very annoying season thus far it can’t be ruled out 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
topcat(The most tip top) Posted April 10, 2021 Share Posted April 10, 2021 True enough, but I was hoping of a choke.I was hoping to beat Brora but dreams don’t always come true 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Monkey Tennis Posted April 10, 2021 Share Posted April 10, 2021 No change really, but one game fewer left. Second looks more like a 2 team battle, while 3rd remains between 3. 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spikethedee Posted April 10, 2021 Share Posted April 10, 2021 Victory on Tuesday pretty much guarantees us a play off spot; 8 points ahead of Dunfermline with three to play. Wouldn’t trust us to do that, obviously, Still think it’ll be the current 2-4 in some order or another. Still think whoever wins will get pumped in the playoff final. 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RossBFaeDundee Posted April 10, 2021 Author Share Posted April 10, 2021 Congrats to Hearts on winning the title today in the most fitting way possible, with any challengers tripping themselves up and eliminating themselves. Twas the day of the draw today, and a very frustrating day (I would assume) for all involved in the play-off hunt. A no doubt aggrivating point for Dunfermline fans, whose winless streak now extends to 6 games in all competitions. Despite taking the lead early, Ayr responded swiftly enough and neither team could find a winner. While they're fortunate enough to not be further behind in the hunt despite the poor result, another away game without a win has to be frustrating for Stevie Crawford's men. The Pars have 3 consecutive home games now, and really need to take advantage and find that form if they're to ensure their place in the top 4. A thoroughly turgid affair, Dundee can thank their lucky stars that they walked away with even a point. Despite being in control of the majority of possession and shots, it all largely counted for nothing as Morton set up to claim a point and nullified the Dees pretty effectively. A late goal for the Ton looked to have been just punishment for Dundee's lacklustre performance, but an even later equaliser saved their blushes to an extent and somehow keeps them joint in 2nd on points. James McPake cannot afford his team to start slowing up in quality as we approach the end of the season, as their last 4 games are all extremely tough ones, and the Dark Blues will need to be at their best if they're to leap over Raith and take that 2nd spot. A pretty even affair between two of the biggest wild cards in this hunt, QoS manage to end Inverness' impressive winning streak, but just didn't have enough to claim all 3 points and catch up with their opponents. Despite being the better of the two sides earlier in the game (I'm assuming so based off the stats & BBC report), it was Caley who went behind in the 2nd half. However, on-form Nikolay Todorov once again provided the goods for ICT and salvaged a point quickly after. Like all teams today, AJ and NM will be disappointed that they couldn't take further advantage of the other results, and despite their impressive form of late, Caley now have just 3 games to cement that play-off spot, whilst Queens are getting to the point where wins NEED to happen if they're to jump over a couple of other teams. 70 minutes into the game, Raith were 2-0 up and looking to be coasting clear away from Dundee in 2nd spot. Even after Arbroath got a goal back, the news of Dundee going behind against Morton would've been very welcome, as at that time the Rovers stood 3 points clear in 2nd. However, a late Ricky Little equaliser gave both Arbroath a valuable point in their battle to escape 9th, and demoralised Raith fans as they suddenly found themselves back level with their play-off rivals. That sort of capitulation won't be particularly encouraging for the Kirkcaldy faithful, and the team need to get back to winning ways if they're to secure 2nd place. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TxRover Posted April 10, 2021 Share Posted April 10, 2021 Tuesday will decide if it will be two teams fighting for second and one clear favorite for fourth...or...one leader for second (pending the head to head) and the competition for fourth between two clubs...or...two stumbling bums seeking the steam grate that is second while three teams club each other over the last spot. Should make for delicious painful watching for the Raith and Dundee fans, who will surely both expect the worst. 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RossBFaeDundee Posted April 12, 2021 Author Share Posted April 12, 2021 (edited) A massive Tuesday night for the play-off hunt, as two games that could have big consequences by the end of the season take place tomorrow night. In the big game on the telly, we get the final installment of this dramatic match-up. In the first game, Dunfermline came from 3-0 behind very late on to nick a point, and in the second Dundee would come back themselves, only to snatch and grab all three. Dundee are now 4 games unbeaten in the league, but their last game on Saturday was a severely lacklustre draw nicked in the dying minutes, and has their fans extremely cautious as to whether or not their form of late is another false dawn or not. For the Fifers, the dawn seems to never come right now, with a frustrating point away to Ayr leaving them winless in 6 straight games in all competitions. Dundee got lucky in their chase for 2nd with Raith capitulating at the end, and with 3 of their last 4 games of the season being away from home, they really need to set down a marker if they're to prove they deserve it. Meanwhile for the Pars, they need to take advantage of their game in hand over Inverness CT, and their next 3 games all being at East End Park (a place where they can actually win sometimes), if they're to finish in the top 4. No matter the result, you better believe at least one fanbase will be screaming for their manager to get the sack..... probably both actually regardless. I don't want to say this is a "must-win" game for Queens if they're to make it in, but it pretty much is. While their fans might just be relieved that they are all but confirmed safe, their incredible form in 2021 is a stark reminder that they can beat anybody and cause an upset or two. Raith fans will know this well, with QoS' first result to mark their upturn in form coming in a clean sheet win at Stark's Park. Allan Johnston's side look a much different outfit now than they did prior to that game, but Raith have the ability to turn it on and ease past anyone when they need to. A disappointing draw against Arbroath should inspire a reaction from John McGlynn's team, who threw away a shot of clearly leading the pack late on, and the now 4-league game unbeaten Rovers will look to take their frustrations out on the Doonhamers. Easier said than done however, as Queens have lost just once in the league at Palmerston in 2021. Both teams seriously need the 3 points if they have any aspirations, and as usual a draw would not be superbly helpful for either... Edited April 12, 2021 by RossBFaeDundee 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Salvo Montalbano Posted April 12, 2021 Share Posted April 12, 2021 We aren't winning on Tuesday. Dundee/Draw no bet should be on everyone's midweek coupon. 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Boo Khaki Posted April 12, 2021 Share Posted April 12, 2021 Well prior to Saturday Morton fans were utterly convinced they were in for a pumping at Dens, only for Dundee and McPake to revert straight back to pre-March type and end up scrambling for a point at home. Just seems to be the way of this league this season. Every single fan is convinced their team is going to lose each week. 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RossBFaeDundee Posted April 13, 2021 Author Share Posted April 13, 2021 Let's just get this over with, can't be arsed. Two teams that really could be doing with wins right now combine to have an absolutely pish match in Fife. Dundee were the side more in control throughout the game, but in their first goalless draw in 13 months they looked like the anaemic Dundee side of last season, with no real goal threat whatsoever. Dunfermline meanwhile just didn't look good, simply put. While now 5 games unbeaten in the league, James McPake's side once again underperformed and his decisions for changes were... let's say questionable. Unlike on Saturday, the Dees don't get away with their inability to put teams away and fall away from Raith and "firmly" into 3rd (i.e. not even remotely 3rd at all). While another clean sheet is nice, their games only get harder, and now almost definitely need all 3 points against the Rovers if they're to even hope of grabbing 2nd. As for the Pars, they remain in 5th by a point behind ICT, and now no longer have the advantage of a game in hand. 7 games winless in all competitions now, Stevie Crawford needs to find a way to reinvigorate his weary team if there's any chance at the top 4 and probably keeping his job. Oh, and as expected, calls for both gaffers to be emptied. Very predictable. A massive 3 points for Raith down in Dumfries tonight, against a Queen of the South team that has been impressive all year. In what seemed (I didn't watch) to be a relatively even game, an early strike by Gozie Ugwu was all John McGlynn's lads needed to finally separate themselves from Dundee and go 2 points clear into 2nd place. While there is still 3 games to go, avoiding a loss at Dens will very likely wrap up that week off for Raith, and you can't say they haven't deserved it over the course of the season. Getting Livingston vibes from them right now, who is to say they couldn't get past one of the terrible teams at the bottom of the Prem? As for Queens, tonight's loss is a huge blow to their hopes of finishing in the top 4. Still some big games to be played, but they'll absolutely need to avoid any more losses in them. If any team could shock us though, it's this QoS side. 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
topcat(The most tip top) Posted April 13, 2021 Share Posted April 13, 2021 Or alternatively....Raith’s final game against Hearts at home now looks unlikely to carry any importance for the visitors. If Raith need something from that they’ll probably get itThe way things are going it may carry no importance for the hosts either 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TxRover Posted April 13, 2021 Share Posted April 13, 2021 (edited) Raith are pretty well situated for a team facing at Alloa, at Dundee and Hearts. Playoff spot seems assured, and a win Saturday potentially makes the Dundee match winner take all. Playoff football chances, 99%. Dundee, once again a surprise, the mid-late season revival seems to have stalled. Facing at ICT, Raith and at QoS, they have opponents who have all intermittently shown a real ability to put any opponent to the sword, and just as often a complete lack of familiarity with quality football. Losses to ICT and Raith would result in massive pressure for the season ended and maybe just end McPake. Playoff chances about 80% ICT, the in form team, whose traveling revival act slithered to a halt last week versus Queens. Facing Dundee, at Hearts and Ayr is far from a cakewalk. While Hearts might have their foot off the throttle, Dundee will be clawing for points and Ayr will be potentially fighting for their Championship life. Certainly not an easy act for ICT. Playoff chances 70% The run in for the Pars (Queens, Arbroath and at Alloa) would make them favorites to squeeze into the top four in any rational world. But with the “magic” of Crawford, just about anything is possible. A team that seems to have lost its way, and a staff that seems to have totally lost the plot... but just a couple of wins away for a turn around. Playoff chances, 40% Queens is in the old tight spot, but not out of chances. A run of at The Pars, at Ayr and Dundee makes for interesting possibilities. This team is certainly capable of winning all three, but that nasty GD is a handicap in catching ICT. Playoff chances 11% Edited April 13, 2021 by TxRover 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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