Season so far

To use that well worn footballing cliche, if, at the start of the season, you had offered Campbell Money 7 points from three matches he would have bitten your hand off. So far, we have demonstrated an element of solidity throughout the team that was not there at all last season. We have won games that last season we would have lost. Having said that, not everything in the garden is rosy. When did we last go on a cup run of any description? Even the Stirlingshire Cup is beyond us. While our elimination at the hands of Colin Brown down in Berwick was unfortunate, we were well and truly gubbed by Tartan Franchise MkII the midweek just past. This game was a bit of an eye opener. Franchise FC are only one league above us, but the ability of their players to control the ball, pass it, move around, not even too swiftly, collect the return pass and then shoot, and sometimes on target, was startling when compared to, in particular, our lumbering midfield. Is it any wonder that we have resorted to long range passes (punts?), bypassing our midfield maestros? Although credit to our permatan centre half Jamie Smith who does seem to be an excellent proponent of this particular activity. I wasn't at the game today but over on Pie & Bovril, it seems that we actually played decently, passing the ball about well. I can't believe Albion will be anywhere near the top 4 this season, but any point away from home this season will be a bonus; and we now have 4. Disappointingly, Willie McCulloch's new cohorts set the pace at the top. I couldn't even cling to the delight that their injury time winner had brought my coupon home, as 10 man Dumbarton had minutes earlier scuppered that hope, so it was a double blow to hear East Fife had triumphed so late in the game. So, my first little post comes to a conclusion. The intention is that after each match, these posts will provide some sort of insight into how the team is performing, who is playing well, and who is playing badly etc etc. But, as luck would have it, for me anyway, the next two matches I watch will be in Prague and Manchester, so I can look forward to seeing how Vladimir Smicer is enjoying life back home, and how Russell Anderson deals with the Manchester United 2nd choice strike force. But of course I'd much rather be at Ochilview!