The new season got underway at Gayfield on Friday night and I'll be honest, I enjoyed it.
Yes, it had a pre-season feel to it and yes it wasn't exactly a tremendous result, but it's always good to get back into the football and I do like a Friday night game. I also really like the new format for the league cup, particularly the penalty shoot-out if it's a draw, and I think it's a welcome change to the calendar.
I'll be honest, I was a little worse for wear at the game so my analysis perhaps won't be very in depth, but I thought there were clear signals as to how we'll try to approach the season. The new manager has clearly tried to inject some pace in the wide areas with Obadeyi and Johnson getting time on the park and that's a welcome addition. Where that leaves the likes of Spittal, who was poor on Friday, is anyone's guess.
I do think we're crying out for a big number 9 in the John Daly mould, someone for Murray (who was also poor) to play off. I don't know where that's going to come from though, with the next signing about to be the 34 year old Dutch lad from Willem II who will be playing off the main striker. I do think a big number 9 would improve us though.
Disappointed with the goal they scored. It was their first real attack of the second half and I felt at the time the keeper should have dealt with it. Instead Bell flapped at the cross and we didn't defend it properly. It's a shame as the 3 points would have been handy (I reckon 10 points has to be the target to progress), but the bonus point was very welcome. It was interesting that 3 of our takers were defenders - I'm not sure what that says about our forwards.
Ultimately it was good to see some football again and I'm looking forward to getting back to Tannadice on Tuesday night for the second game of the section against Cowdenbeath.
Mon the Terrors
AFC 1 DUFC 1 (3-5 on pens for bonus point)
posted on 18/7/16
The new format drove a lot of sites crazy, with LiveScore insisting we were sitting in 3rd on 3 points whilst Dunfermline were ahead of us, yet to play a game. It's a weird format but I suppose it's something different. It also hasn't been a massive farce so far, so that's a positive for the Scottish football executives.
Think it'd be a mistake to start the season without some sort of big striker, but if there isn't a decent one around I suppose it's better than signing any old mince. We had enough of that last season.
posted on 18/7/16
It also hasn't been a massive farce so far, so that's a positive for the Scottish football executives.
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It makes a welcome change
And we certainly did have enough diddies last season.
I'm still not convinced by Donaldson at the back either. I don't particularly like his attitude if I'm honest but maybe he'll sort that out this season.
posted on 18/7/16
Did daly actually retire when he left us last season?
Maybe he is available
posted on 18/7/16
He is retired now, but he played for Raith last season before taking on a coaching role at Hearts.
posted on 18/7/16
Ivan/Hobo - watched most of the match and you really should have won by three or four - although Murray's finishing was poor, he gets in the right positions and you can see he is a talented player
posted on 18/7/16
Steve
We'll be quite reliant on him. It's a big season for him - his first as our first choice striker. Hopefully he'll step up to the plate.
posted on 18/7/16
Murray's second goal against Brechin was a screamer. In the first half of that match he was through one on one with the 'keeper three times without scoring. That said, he keeps chipping away regardless. Think a big number 9 type striker would be great though, don't know if anyone is available for us. Nice move and a good finish for Anier's goal. As for their equaliser, whilst I agree Bell could've done better the Arbroath player jumped into him with his arms up, more often than not you see that given as a foul on the 'keeper, then their forward dinked the ball over the line with his elbow!! Still, gave us the excitement of a shoot out.