Arbroath v Killie

[deadasdillinger]

That was rank rotten. From the first few goal kicks, it was obvious the long kicks wouldnt work with the wind. It made for 50/50s on or before the half way line and kept the ball coming down our throat. I'd have changed the approach after 5 or 10, but in 90 we didn't change it once.

If the full backs come and offer with Arbroath pressing pretty high, they would inevitably have received the ball under pressure... so if playing it out from the back then wasn't an option, they could have hoofed it clear, which is all Hemming was doing anyway!

Arbroath had their tactics spot on. Their keeper judged his GKs perfect with the wind assistance, playing them down the throat of Nouble, whose first touch, ability to take a ball in, link up play, play on the turn, quick feet, strength, were all amazing. The first half hour in particular was the best centre forward performance I've seen in ages. It took far too long for Euan Murray to lamp him consecutively on the left shy line and the byline - both great challenges that won the ball but left some on him and quietened him down a bit.

So impressed with the big guy, an absolute monster able to hold off several defenders and beat them with skill and pace. So unlucky not to score.

As I said, their tactics from the back were night and day to ours. They judged it so much better with the wind in their favour. There was one piece of play early first half where the keeper pinged a lovely low ball to their left back who went on a run, played it to their attacker, cut inside, and if he had got his shot away earlier would probably have scored.

I was very happy to get in at half time 0-0. We had Euan Murray and his outstanding blocks, Zach Hemming and some good saves, and sheer luck that they hit the post, to thank.

I have serious doubts about TW's ability to change a game. We were so spoiled with Clarke. What change came about as a result of his half time talk? He said in his post match interview that we hadn't trained to go long and had planned to play football. Sort it at half time then. Tell your keeper not to go long, with kicks that the wind took all the way through to the opposition goalie.

What did his substitutions achieve? The game was crying out for a change and nothing that TW did had any sort of positive effect.

It was maddening. 80 minutes in, Fraser Murray takes a free kick that had to land at the back post, 7 or 8 yards out... and with the wind he hit it straight out of play. The previous 80 minutes should have been a f**king clue! Take a bit off it!

A very off night for everyone really, bar Murray who was a rock and Hemming who won us the point with his late double save.

I shouldn't moan as much when the point takes us top, at least for today, but I thought Arbroath started so well and looked a bit more vulnerable second half without the wind assistance - we could have won that game if we had played better.

Overall the trip has been fantastic, though. Staying in a top class B&B with the whole family, and really looking forward to explore Arbroath today. Brilliant to tick new grounds off at the age of 34!

[Otis Blue]

8 hours ago, lichtie23 said:

Well that’s not great 

Ouch, doesn't look good ...... hope he recovers OK, as he's had a rough time with injuries IIRC. Decent player too.

[Hammerafc]

We need to hope we can hold on to Nouble til January, I'm scared Livi might recall him earlier especially how pish they've been ahd not scoring. Maybe I'm getting carried away but he could be the difference between eh ye ken that word I'll no even dare teh say a loud or simply just staying in the league. 

You can't recall outfield players outside the transfer window.

[afc_36_0]

Came away disappointed not to take all 3 points which shows how far we’ve come. Some great performances and unlucky not to score hitting the post a couple of time and 1 cleared off the line (i think), mckenna should have scored too. Hope killie fans had a good day night and would imagine will be the happier side taking a point home.

[deadasdillinger]

7 minutes ago, afc_36_0 said:

Came away disappointed not to take all 3 points which shows how far we’ve come. Some great performances and unlucky not to score hitting the post a couple of time and 1 cleared off the line (i think), mckenna should have scored too. Hope killie fans had a good day night and would imagine will be the happier side taking a point home.

I was behind it, not quite on the line but definitely goal bound if not for Euan Murray's immense reading of the game. Can't think when I last liked a signing as much as I do him. Bachmann or Stewart, maybe. What a player. 

[Sweet Pete]

Impressed by Arbroath. On balance of play they more deserved the win, so we need to be happy with a point and a clean sheet as we scarcely deserve it.

[Lurkst]

1 hour ago, deadasdillinger said:

Brilliant to tick new grounds off at the age of 34!

Decided to leave it til next February, when I'll be 52.

 

[Squirrelhumper]

We were rank rotten but fair play to arbroath. 

Good away day.

[Squirrelhumper]

11 hours ago, Lex said:

Haven’t seen any of Killie since the playoff hilarity. They’re still fucking shite, I see.

Same as you lot then.

[craigkillie]

We aren't going to be remotely exciting or pretty this season, but that's 6 games and 1 goal conceded which is the sort of defence that will hopefully take us a long way towards winning the league. Arbroath were every bit as good as I expected, I don't see why they can't end up in the top 4 this year given the dearth of quality elsewhere.

[1320Lichtie]

I just want Nicky low to be ok

[1320Lichtie]

11 hours ago, S G 07 McH said:

Agreed.

Agreed. Auchenleck would give most teams in this league a run for their money, maybe beat one of them .

We bitched Auchinleck about in that 3 going on 6-0 win in the cup with Omar Kader on the wing

 

pipe doon

[stevieKTID]

Beautiful sky before kick off, Gayfield looked great under the flood lights ( taken from the comfort of my sofa btw )

Good luck Lichties for the rest of the season.

[1320Lichtie]

Hope Killie fans enjoyed Gayf. 

[DUAFC]

18 hours ago, kilMARKnock said:

Sure that one was Tombestoning, a school reunion in Arbroath brings up some deadly consequences........... 

PM me, I'm sure I can email a kindle version if like me you've gave in and donated the majority of your old fashioned kind of book collection. 

Thanks for that. I'll just stump up and buy it however.

[paul wright scores]

Enjoyed my trip to Arbroath but we absolutely stole a point last night. I was really impressed with the way Arbroath played, in fact they looked far fitter than we did and played at a tempo we struggled to match for much of the game. 

Nouble, McKenna and Low were all outstanding and Nouble's play in the first half was the best I have seen from a centre forward so far this season; he was unlucky not to score twice. 

I though our tactics were stinking and why we resort to hoofball when Shaw can't/doesn't jump effectively the majority of time and when Robinson is about 5' 7'' I don't know. 

I honestly don't see this team winning the league the way we are playing at present, there is so little creativity in the team.  

If Fraser Murray hadn't chipped in with a few goals early in the season he wouldn't be in the team - IMO he's been a passenger for most of the season so far.   His namesake Euan and Hemmings are the only reason we picked up a point last night.

We don't create enough down both wings to put opposition defences under pressure.  Naismith and Rory didn't contribute much last night again.   

Anyway all credit to Arbroath, who are where they are in the league on merit.   I thought they were a better team to watch than ICT and easily the best team I have seen this season so far. I can easily see them finishing in a play-off place.  

Edited September 25, 2021 by paul wright scores
Typo

[craigkillie]

As dull as it sounds, we probably don't need creativity in the team, we just need to avoid conceding many goals and will generally score at least one most weeks. None of the teams that have won the Championship in recent years have been particularly swashbuckling attacking outfits.

[Lichtielegend]

13 minutes ago, craigkillie said:

As dull as it sounds, we probably don't need creativity in the team, we just need to avoid conceding many goals and will generally score at least one most weeks. None of the teams that have won the Championship in recent years have been particularly swashbuckling attacking outfits.

 

As long as you have a goalscorer in the team like Boyce or Shankland were for the previous 2 title winners. 

 

Are you confident Shaw or Robinson can do that?

[craigkillie]

I'm confident they'll both get double figures and that the midfield will chip in some too. Expecting lots of 1-0s and a few 0-0s like last night.

[SotesBornalichtie]

A lovely evening and a big crowd for a match that was almost like a coming of age game, where the players showed, and must now have the  self belief, that they are Championship players. After an initial flurry from Killie we were the better side and unlucky not to win the game.

Whilst big Joel and Nicky Low were as good as ever, I thought Henderson, Little and O'Brien were outstanding, but the whole team played well and Chris Hamilton slotted in seamlessly in the right back role.

Killie's late subs made a difference for them and, if I remember correctly, brought out the only save Gaston had to make. 

Hopefully we can keep our good run going, avoid serious injuries, keep up the feel good feeling around the club and finish well clear of 8th spot come next May.