Here we go again

It didn't really take too long before the optimism of the new season became a distant memory. 90 minutes in and it's as if it was all a bad nightmare; again. Albion Rovers are not very good but they made up for what they lacked in ability by putting a great shift from the first minute to the last. So while our team might have most of the possession and passed the ball about (the halfway line) we were ineffective. There were no killer passes. Too many times we got into position to cross and either cut back or if they did cross, it was straight to a defender. Up front is a worry, where Dalziel and Gibson don't cut it for me. Love came on and was a menace for the 15 minutes or so he was on the park, and he came the closest to scoring with a header well saved by the Albion keeper. We created very few clearcut chances. Dalziel sclaffed one shot which the keeper almost managed to help into the net but otherwise chances at a premium. It is still early days and too soon to get too depressed but it was not a good start today. We still have Brand and Brazil to come in to the team and they can only imrove things (surely) . As far as the team is concerned, my view was:- 1. Bennett - did ok. Almost pulled off a great save at the penalty but in truth had little to do. 2. Lyle - hopeless today. He was so lethargic and when he did get forward he was unable to deliver the ball into the box, preferring to turn back and pass the ball. 3. McGroarty - he was never my favourite signing, an opinion which remains unchanged. He literally did nothing. 4. Thom - seemed untroubled throughout the match. Reality is that while the Albion strikeforce were a couple of pests, they are unlikely to trouble the scorers too often. We will face better players than that. 5 Smith - didn't put a foot wrong. My MOM. 6 Tyrell - how on earth does he keep winning our player of the year award? 7 Shirra - had high hopes but he was disappointing today. Didn't get involved anywhere nearly enough. 8 Hampshire - he looked ponderous throughout the match and actually didn't look fit. Did nothing. Just like last season. 9 Dalziel - goodness me. Did he have his boots on the wrong feet? Looks low on confidence. 10 Gibson - ineffective. 11 Thomson - misplaced so many passes. Another player with a big reputation who had a disappointing debut. Surely he can only improve. As for the subs, Love was good. Caused them trouble and came closing to scoring. He must be close to a starting spot. Ferguson, when he came on looked old and slow. Despite this, I can't fathom how Tyrell starts ahead of him. My summer holidays start next week (boy, do I wish they had started yesterday) so I miss the next 3 or 4 matches. Bizarrely, by the time I return, in all likelihood we will be out of two cups before the end of the first week in August!