Management thoughts on the Selkirk game.

Posted on Sunday, February 21st, 2010

Mike says -

“First of all everyone involved with the First team wish big Finlay a speedy recovery. We could see the ambulance on the Field Turf but only heard the bad news after the game. Finlay is a big part of the Spartan family and I’m sure he’ll soon be back around the Academy swapping “hospital” stories with Sam. 

Yesterday morning it looked like the game could be in doubt but the fact the park saw a lot of morning sun meant everyone got a lift when they arrived at the Academy. The players got an even bigger lift when they saw how flat the surface was and they took these positive vibes into the game to give a very professional performance. Yarrow Park cut up quite badly two weeks ago and last week Fernieside had a very uneven surface so on both occasions we had to adapt or passing style to suit the conditions. Yesterday we could get the ball back down on the ground to pass it and pass it we did.

Having said that we were 20 minutes in and honours were even when Dan flighted a lovely ball onto Donal’s head for him to score with a terrific header. Cloudie then took over and showed what a good, good player he is. He scored a hat-trick in 7 minutes, 5 goals in 34 minutes and for most of his 70 minutes on the park he was unplayable. There is definitely life in the old dog yet.

Our second goal less than a minute after Donal’s header probably decided the game and was a lesson I drum into our team before every game. Selkirk took the centre, played the ball back the way and promptly lost it. Donal and Cloudie went through on big Doddsie unopposed and Donal unselfishly set his striking partner up. I hope our lot take on board the reason I make sure we knock the ball forward after any kick off we take. Anyway although Cloudie had a purple half hour the whole team and subs played very well which was more than pleasing when you remember we rested Deano, Alex and Gavin from yesterday’s starting line up.

We get a break from league action next Saturday with a cup game against Lothian but it didn’t go un-noticed that Whitehill picked up 3 points at Peffermill. The fact that it is still their league to lose is keeping every Spartan foot on the ground.  All we can do is keep the pressure on Whitehill, Lothian, Heriot-Watt and Tynecastle by winning games.

Finally although yesterday was Cloudie’s day I have to say a word about our Spaniard. Jorge is technically the most talented player in our squad and Sam and I are slowly giving him more and more game time as he adapts to how football is played in our country. His touch, awareness and weight of pass is second to none and we hope to give Mr Vinelli a good bit more time on the park in the coming weeks.

As for now, next Saturday can’t come quickly enough.”

Mike