Hearts V St Johnstone – Cinch Scottish Premiership (18/01/2022)

It feels good to finally be back on my way to Tynecastle Park after over a month since my last visit which was on 12th December due to Scotlands covid restrictions and the Scottish footballs winter break being pulled forward. I jumped on the train to Edinburgh from Polmont, a short 20 minute journey. The rain was coming down as I left Haymarket station and felt pretty glad I’d moved my season ticket seat up 25 rows as when I sat down the front these kind of games were always a time for a snorkel and wetsuit. Went to the club shop before the game to get a shirt printed but the printer wasn’t working, although earlier I had tweeted saying I’d be bringing a shirt for printing and the club shop liked the tweet.

I got to the stadium a little earlier than usual as it was announced vaccine passports were being checked but when I got there about seven o’clock there was a small queue. The concourse was pretty quiet so made the most of it and got a prematch steak pie and a Fanta that cost me all of £5.20, the pie was good and filled a whole nicely.

Got to my seat and checked the starting lineups to see John Souttar, a favourite of mine, in the starting eleven which was a shock seeing just days earlier he had signed a pre contract with Rangers. As his name was announced over the tannoy prematch it was met with a chorus of boo’s and in the opening few minutes his every touch had the same reaction until a section of the crowd began applauding.

Hearts had a shout for a penalty on 10 minutes as Josh Ginnelly was brought down in the six yard box but nothing was given. 23 minutes gone and McKay had Hearts best chance but it was saved well from distance. Half an hour played and Souttar found himself in the box and was brought down from behind but again nothing given. The referee again proved that Scottish officials would make good comedians as the half came to an end with the clock still on 44 minutes and he blew his whistle.

St Johnstone looked poor in the first half but Hearts weren’t taking advantage as they played long ball after long ball up to the diminutive trio of Ginnelly, McKay and Mackay-Steven, and only had chances from long range. If they are to play the long ball game a target man is needed up top.

Twenty seconds into the second half and Josh Ginnelly placed the ball to the keepers left after a sublime through ball from Barrie McKay to make it 1-0 to Hearts, what a start to the half.

Hearts had another great chance with just over an hour gone, but neither McKay it Ginnelly could take advantage of a mistake at the back. Even Mr reliable when it comes to free kicks Stephen Kingsley couldn’t beat the wall from a free kick in his usual range.

It was 2-0 to Hearts on 75 minutes, after Barrie McKay made a fool of two Saints defenders as they fell over one another and played in Ginnelly who was in space inside the box and with another cool finish bagged his second of the game. St Johnstone threatened into injury time but heroics from Craig Gordon kept it at 2-0.

A much better second half for Hearts as they dropped the long ball game and played football how we know they can. McKay had a cracking game and showed the quality he has and with a brace Josh Ginnelly looked to make a good shout for a starting place. Another win and cements the Jam Tarts in third place going into Saturdays away cup tie against Auchinleck Talbot.

So onto my ratings…

Ticket Price – Season Ticket

Programme Price – £5 (Double edition)

Programme Rating – 8/10

Refreshments – 8/10

Stadium Facilities – 7/10

Getting to stadium – 8/10

Stadium rating – 9/10

Thanks for reading my thoughts on Hearts against St Johnstone.

Daz Carding

Blackpool V Hull City – Sky Bet Championship (01/01/2022)

Left the joys of the promenade and arcades fo a few hours as I made my down Seasiders away to Bloomfield Road, after a morning spent at the Sea Life Centre. A nice easy walk from near Blackpool Tower to the ground, pretty much a straight road. I got to the stadium at around two o’clock and wandered around to take in the sights, managed to see the Stan Mortensen and Jimmy Armfield statues.

I got through the turnstiles just after twenty past two. Picked myself up a meat and potato pie, a packet of salt and vinegar crisps and a bottle of Tango all for the price of £7.50, the pie was bloody tasty with a good filling of both meat and potato. As I made my way through the concourse to block P, I found myself in a corridor of tangerine which was a hall of fame. The walls were lined with photos of the best Blackpool players from each decade, from Stanley Mathews to Brett Ormerod.

I’ve been to Bloomfield Road a few times now but this was the first time I’d sat in the Matthews West Stand, had a good view from my seat just on the edge of the 18 yard box. It’s a good stadium but the only thing letting it down a bit is the fourth stand which doesn’t look right compared to the other three, as it looks like a temporary stand.

Blackpool started the game the better side and had the best of the early chances, but as the half went on it was Hull who looked more likely to break the deadlock as they were making the most of some mistakes at the back by Blackpool.

But with 30 minutes gone and Gary Madine smashed the ball into the net from the penalty spot after Josh Bowler was brought down inside the box after cutting inside well.

After the goal, the away side still looked the better side and should have really equalised before the break as their attacker Tyler Smith fired wide. It was the Seasiders who went in with the 1-0 advantage at half time though, proving that if you don’t take your chances it could prove costly.

The halftime break must have done the home side a world of good as they came out just how they did in the first, with a trio of good chances but not one could beat the Hull keeper.

In the 66th minute Hull we’re lucky not to be down to 10 men as 24 made a grim challenge but the referee only showed a yellow. I think a red would helped Blackpool control the game even more, as they had easily been the more dominant of the two sides in the second half.

Into the last 10 minutes and it was still all Blackpool but they just couldn’t get the ball in the net, in a rare attack though it was Tom Eaves for Hull who went closest from distance. With 5 minutes added on at the end, Hull sprung into life and went all out attack, if it wasn’t for Daniel Grimshaw making some great saves then they could have easily found themselves level but it wasn’t meant to be.

A good game to be fair with the Seasiders coming out on top with a 1-0 win thanks to Madine’s penalty in the first half. Hull fans could find themselves wondering how they didn’t come away with at least a point though but thanks to the heroics by Grimshaw they left empty handed.

So onto my ratings…

Ticket Price – £24

Programme Price – £3

Programme Rating – 8/10

Refreshments – 7/10

Stadium Facilities – 7/10

Getting To Stadium – 8/10

Stadium Rating – 7/10

Thanks for reading my thoughts on Blackpool against Hull City.

Daz Carding

The New Saints V Haverfordwest County – JD Cymru Premier (06/11/2021)

I travelled home this weekend to Shropshire but with Shrewsbury Town being drawn away in the FA Cup on the Sunday, I had to look elsewhere for a fixture to attend. So I got a lift off me owd mate Crouchy through to Oswestry as I met him after getting the train from Telford to Shrewsbury, for my first ever Welsh Premier League game and visit to Park Hall for The New Saints against Haverfordwest County. Managed to get a parking spot outside the ground, then went to the venue which is connected to the ground for some pre match grub and a drink. I got a hot dog for £3.50 which was a steal, a bit of a wait which meant I watched the first 10 minutes of the game from inside the venue, worth the wait as the hot dog was amazing.

Another new ground checked off the list, Park Hall looks pretty modern with an astro-turf pitch and two stands. There’s a main stand on one of the touchlines, which was covered with a fabric cover and a stand behind the goal. Due to the rain we sat in the covered stand running down the touch line, about 10 yards outside of the 18 yard box.

TNS’s Ryan Brobbel opened the scoring after a whipped ball in from Redmond and was headed in from close range for 1-0 with about 30 minutes gone. Three minutes later McManus cooly slotted the ball past the keeper from close range for 2-0 to the home side. It was soon 3-0, following a mistake by the away keeper who passed the ball straight into the path of McManus who easily finished just shy of the 40th minute.

It’s safe to say TNS were the dominant side from the opening of the first half and deserved the lead at the break. The away sides keeper had a mare and Haverfordwest were playing the long ball game with nothing coming off, as they looked to have no ideas in the final third of the pitch.

With 15 minutes of the second half gone TNS made it 4-0 with a screamer by Danny Redmond from outside of the box into the bottom right corner that easily beat the keeper, easily the best goal of the game in my opinion.

15 minutes were left to play and McManus got his hat trick, he looked in an offside position but the flag stayed down and he composed himself to neatly beat the keeper for 5-0 to TNS. The goal fest was completed as the score went to 6-0, via a goal from Dean Ebbe after a superb long ball over the top he pulled the ball down well and with his second touch beat the keeper.

Looking at the league table before the game the 15 point gap between the sides and the 8 places between them made me think the game was only going to go one way, and I wasn’t wrong as Haverfordwest failed to ever get into the game. TNS looked really strong and showed why they have been top dogs in Welsh football for a long time.

So onto my ratings…

Ticket Price – £8

Programme Price – N/A

Programme Rating – N/A (Team-sheet only)

Refreshments – 8/10

Stadium Facilities – 8/10

Getting To Stadium – 8/10

Stadium Rating – 7/10

Thanks for reading my thoughts on TNS against Haverfordwest County.

Daz Carding

Hearts V Dundee – Cinch Scottish Premiership (23/10/2021)

With the international break and an away game, made my first trip to Edinburgh in 3 weeks to see Hearts against Dundee, who now seem to be a rival of the Jambos after the voting debacle. I got the 1241 train from Stepps to the capital, giving me plenty of time to get to Tynecastle, get food and get through the Covid passport checks at the stadium. Completed my now home game ritual of the lucky Hearts boxer shorts, listened to the latest episode of Scarves Around The Funnel and got food, before heading into Tynecastle Park. There was a slight queue at about 1410 getting into the Wheatfield Stand but it flowed quickly and the Covid passport checks were pretty straight forward.

As the queue at the food kiosk was low, I decided to get my steak pie, Fanta and water as I got into the stand and at £6.20 for the three I was satisfied, the steak pie went down a treat as a follow up to my Greggs steak bake and chicken bake. My seat had been moved for the last time this season due to Covid so I was sat up at the back of Block D, I had been told by Hearts ticket office that due to a health and safety review my seat in row 3 had been removed so for the rest of the season I will be sat up in row 23 of Block D, which has its perks as I’ll keep dry and it’s a cracking view.

A good first half from Hearts, spread the ball well, especially by Cochrane and Souttar. On 37 minutes the Jam Tarts got what they deserved, after some nice passing play in the box the ball was laid off to John Souttar on the edge of the box and the Hearts centre half curled the ball into the top corner for 1-0. A great goal and finish from in my opinion when for one of the first names on the team sheet.

I noticed what an awful player Charlie Adam is, whenever Beni Baningime got the ball he constantly fouled him. He can’t keep up with the pace so just commits fouls, he looks like a Sunday league player who’s just in from a night out the previous evening. The officials were back at their best, no bookings for the constant fouls by Dundee players but two for nothing challenges by players in maroon.

Charlie Adam must have taken the team talk as Dundee were committing fouls as they couldn’t match the Jambo’s so showed that by committing fouls. Worrying for Hearts as Boyce limped off on 60 minutes and was replaced by Gnanduillet. Gary Mackay-Steven hit the post with the keeper well beaten after some great play from Hearts. Boo’s rang around Tynecastle as former Shrewsbury and Hibs class clown Jason Cummings came off the bench, almost a similar reception that Scottish football’s serial scumbag Leigh Griffiths received from the Hearts crowd.

It looked like Adam was getting away with his neanderthal tactics once again as he pulled Kingsley back by what looked like a headlock but when the ball went out he was finally booked.

It shows what great depth there is in the Hearts squad now compared to previous seasons when we can bring players like Mackay-Steven and Josh Ginnelly off the bench in the second half. Craig Gordon went down after a knock to the head following a clash with a Dundee forward in the box, but while he was down getting treatment some scummy Dundee fan decided to throw a full cup at him, showing what a classy support they have.

A lapse of concentration from a corner by Hearts led to Dundee equalising through a Jason Cummings header with under 10 minutes to play. Due to stoppages there were 7 minutes added on, but that wasn’t long enough for Hearts to find a goal to retake the lead.

Still unbeaten in the league and sitting top on goal difference but they really did feel like a massive two points dropped against a team they should have really beaten as to be fair Dundee were poor but Hearts didn’t take control of the game in the second half and that cost them.

So onto my ratings…

Ticket Price – Season Ticket

Programme Price – £3.50

Programme Rating – 8/10

Refreshments – 8/10

Stadium Facilities – 8/10

Getting To Stadium – 8/10

Stadium Rating – 9/10

Thanks for reading my thoughts on Hearts against Dundee.

Daz Carding

Irvine Victoria V Vale Of Leven – SFA South Challenge Cup Round 2 (16/10/2021)

My journey started at midday as I left Stepps and headed towards the Ayrshire coast once again, this time a few stops on the train earlier than last week at Irvine. My first trip to Victoria Park but my second SFA South Challenge Cup game of the season, I would love to be able to get to a game in each round of this cup this season.

Another scenic train journey which can’t be grumbled at, the only issue with the train journey was the smell of piss travelling through the carriage from the toilet. Nice easy walk to Victoria Park, the home of Irvine Victoria, which didn’t even require google maps to get there as the ground is easily seen from the railway line as my train passed.

I got into the ground at about half two, headed straight to the kiosk and picked up a plain pie for £1.50 which was satisfying and wasn’t as plain as the name states. A bonus while waiting on my pie was a dog in the queue also, as regular readers know I love a dog at the football, I keep toying with the idea of bringing my dog along but not sure he would sit for the duration of the game. The ground is a great little junior ground, with a partially covered stand along the one side of the pitch, a terrace behind the goal and a cracking stone wall along the other side, which has the railway line running behind up a hill.

A crowd of what looked like around 100 were at Victoria Park for the second round cup game between Irvine Victoria and Vale Of Leven. The game had something I’d not seen at a football match before as there were twins playing, one on each team, number 6 Chris Jackson for Vale of Leven and number 9 Shane Jackson for Irvine Victoria. The return of no linesman this week, but the two people they had fill in to run the line both stood in the same half making any decision all the more tougher for the referee. I found a spot stood on the half way line next to the scaffolding from where the game was being filmed and also the home dugout.

The first half was a very even half, with the bulk of the play in the middle of the pitch and plenty of battles between the two midfields. Both teams had a few chances, with the home side having the best of the chances when they rattled the bar but neither side could get a goal.

A slip at the on the half way line by Victoria’s Clayton Smith lead to an unlikely counter attack which left the keeper facing two players and Callum Richardson for the away side slotted the ball past the keeper it make it 1-0 to Vale Of Leven with 5 minutes to play.

The second half was another close battle and I was certain we would be getting extra time but that late error cost Victoria the game and it’s Vale Of Leven who go into the third round draw. Both sides looked decent throughout the game but chances weren’t taken and I felt they both sides cancelled each other out well. I really enjoyed my trip to Victoria Park and hopefully get to a third round tie of the cup now.

So onto my ratings…

Ticket Price – £6

Programme Price – N/A

Programme Rating – N/A

Refreshments – 7/10

Stadium Facilities – 6/10

Getting To Stadium – 9/10

Stadium Rating – 8/10

Thanks for reading my thoughts on Irvine Victoria against Vale Of Leven.

Daz Carding

Troon FC V Darvel FC – West Of Scotland Premier Division (09/10/2021)

A last minute decision to go to a game this weekend as it’s the international break, led to me deciding on Friday night to plan a trip to the Scottish west coast seaside and one of the homes of golf, Troon. A £10 train ticket from Stepps to Troon helped make my choice as being a student money is a little tight, so Saturday morning arrived and I slept through my alarm but luckily my wife woke me up at 1110 and I had to leave at 1155.

So Troon FC V Darvel FC and a first trip to Portland Park it was on a nice wet and grey Scottish October Saturday, safe to say I wouldn’t be going for a dip in the sea. No paddling or sand castles, but I did get to check off another new ground the list which is always a bonus. The train journey was a pretty scenic one with plenty of loch’s and golf courses could be seen from the window. A nice little walk, that took me under 10 minutes,to the ground through housing estates and could see the sea at the end of the road. Didn’t need google maps as I trusted my senses as I spotted the ground from the train, so just heading in that direction.

Got to Portland Park at half one, with half an hour till kick off, a very well set up ground as I got through the turnstiles with ease and was greeted by a programme seller as I got in. There’s a club house inside the vicinity of the ground with great facilities available to fans, I picked up a prematch steak pie and topped it with some ketchup and at £2 it was more than worth the money. The ground is amazing excellent non league ground, with a covered seated area to the left of the dug out and three uncovered sides with a terrace behind one of the goals. Love being back at non league games and the bonus of dogs in the ground, as I was treated to meeting two golden retrievers, Dog Watch is officially back!!

There was a fair turn out fans wise, I’m guessing that’s the perks of it being an international break and will do Troon the world of good via gate receipts. A good mix of home and away fans, which created a good mixed atmosphere. The rumbling of the odd train going past on the opposite side from where I was.

A good first half of football as both sides played well but neither really created many chances, Scott Ferguson for Darvel had the best chance with 10 minutes to go till half time, turning the defender inside out but put his shot across the keeper and just wide. As always the officiating was woeful, a deliberate hand ball right under the referees nose resulted in a free kick and no card, then the linesman signalled for a corner and the referee gave a goal kick, although it was good to see linesman in the junior leagues for a change.

The away side broke the deadlock and took the lead at the start of the second half as Daryll Meggatt rose above the defenders to head home from a corner for 1-0. Darren Miller hit the post from a free kick on the edge of the box, as Darvel looked the better side in the early stages of the second half.

Another set piece and a second goal for Darvel as Jason Marr got up well and headed past the keeper to add to the away teams lead with just under five minutes left, a deserved second goal for their second half performance.

In all a good game, both sides looked decent and played some good football, the right result in the end as Darvel were the better side and deserved the win. Really enjoyed my first visit to Troon and would highly recommend it to anyone who fancies an afternoon out, a well ran club and a great ground with brilliant character. Was great to see a Hearts hero of mine, Ryan Stevenson lining up for Troon and an added bonus I got to have a chat and grab a photo with him after the game.

So onto my ratings…

Ticket Price – £7

Programme Price – £2

Programme Rating – 7/10

Refreshments – 7/10

Stadium Facilities – 9/10

Getting To Stadium – 9/10

Stadium Rating – 8/10

Thanks for reading my thoughts on Troon against Darvel.

Daz Carding

Troon FC V Darvel FC – West Of Scotland Premier Division (09/10/2021)

A last minute decision to go to a game this weekend as it’s the international break, led to me deciding on Friday night to plan a trip to the Scottish west coast seaside and one of the homes of golf, Troon. A £10 train ticket from Stepps to Troon helped make my choice as being a student money is a little tight, so Saturday morning arrived and I slept through my alarm but luckily my wife woke me up at 1110 and I had to leave at 1155.

So Troon FC V Darvel FC and a first trip to Portland Park it was on a nice wet and grey Scottish October Saturday, safe to say I wouldn’t be going for a dip in the sea. No paddling or sand castles, but I did get to check off another new ground the list which is always a bonus. The train journey was a pretty scenic one with plenty of loch’s and golf courses could be seen from the window. A nice little walk, that took me under 10 minutes,to the ground through housing estates and could see the sea at the end of the road. Didn’t need google maps as I trusted my senses as I spotted the ground from the train, so just heading in that direction.

Got to Portland Park at half one, with half an hour till kick off, a very well set up ground as I got through the turnstiles with ease and was greeted by a programme seller as I got in. There’s a club house inside the vicinity of the ground with great facilities available to fans, I picked up a prematch steak pie and topped it with some ketchup and at £2 it was more than worth the money. The ground is amazing excellent non league ground, with a covered seated area to the left of the dug out and three uncovered sides with a terrace behind one of the goals. Love being back at non league games and the bonus of dogs in the ground, as I was treated to meeting two golden retrievers, Dog Watch is officially back!!

There was a fair turn out fans wise, I’m guessing that’s the perks of it being an international break and will do Troon the world of good via gate receipts. A good mix of home and away fans, which created a good mixed atmosphere. The rumbling of the odd train going past on the opposite side from where I was.

A good first half of football as both sides played well but neither really created many chances, Scott Ferguson for Darvel had the best chance with 10 minutes to go till half time, turning the defender inside out but put his shot across the keeper and just wide. As always the officiating was woeful, a deliberate hand ball right under the referees nose resulted in a free kick and no card, then the linesman signalled for a corner and the referee gave a goal kick, although it was good to see linesman in the junior leagues for a change.

The away side broke the deadlock and took the lead at the start of the second half as Daryll Meggatt rose above the defenders to head home from a corner for 1-0. Darren Miller hit the post from a free kick on the edge of the box, as Darvel looked the better side in the early stages of the second half.

Another set piece and a second goal for Darvel as Jason Marr got up well and headed past the keeper to add to the away teams lead with just under five minutes left, a deserved second goal for their second half performance.

In all a good game, both sides looked decent and played some good football, the right result in the end as Darvel were the better side and deserved the win. Really enjoyed my first visit to Troon and would highly recommend it to anyone who fancies an afternoon out, a well ran club and a great ground with brilliant character. Was great to see a Hearts hero of mine, Ryan Stevenson lining up for Troon and an added bonus I got to have a chat and grab a photo with him after the game.

So onto my ratings…

Ticket Price – £7

Programme Price – £2

Programme Rating – 7/10

Refreshments – 7/10

Stadium Facilities – 9/10

Getting To Stadium – 9/10

Stadium Rating – 8/10

Thanks for reading my thoughts on Troon against Darvel.

Daz Carding

Hearts V Motherwell – Cinch Scottish Premiership (02/10/2021)

A lot easier trip to the capital for me this week compared to last weeks rather expensive debacle. The train from Stepps to Edinburgh was surprisingly quiet and thankfully the rain eased off as I walked into Gorgie from Haymarket. Stopped off on the way at The Gorgie Fish Bar for a pair of jumbo sausages, which were bloody delightful, if you’ve not been there before a game at Tynecastle then your missing out.

I got the ground at about twenty past two, as they were checking vaccine passports at today’s game as there would be more than 10,000 fans in attendance, although I use the word check loosely as all they did was a quick glance at my phone. I’m glad I turned up early as there was a bit of a queue to get into the Wheatfield Stand and once again my seat had been moved, this time a row back and in the middle of Block F. Got myself a water and a Fanta before the game as there was no queue, for the price of £3.20 for the two drinks. I think going forward I’ll get my water before the game as it was cold, rather than being sat there for the first half going warm and stale.

A tasty atmosphere as the game kicked off, a top end of the table clash with both teams at the right end of the table and both sets of fans in fine voice. With no more than 4 minutes played Liam Boyce was brought down in the box by the Motherwell keeper, must admit it looked a bit dubious but who cares Hearts were handed a penalty much to the protests of the Motherwell players. Top scorer Liam Boyce confidently put the penalty away for his 10th goal of the season and a goal which sent Hearts to top of the league.

Hearts got a well deserved second goal on 22 minutes after Baningime drew a foul on the edge of the box, and free kick specialist Stephen Kingsley stepped up and got the ball over the wall and into the back of the net for 2-0 to the Jam Tarts. What a difference since the last time Hearts were a top flight team, celebrating the goal the whole team ran to the bench to celebrate and showed what unity there is in the team now.

Tony Watt went close for the visitors from distance with Craig Gordon pushing the ball over he bar, then from the resulting corner Gordon made a class double save to keep the score at 2-0.

What a superb first half of football from a Hearts point of view, looked great going forward, passing the ball well and solid at the back. Still a few moaners sat around me in Block F even though we were two goals to the good, I guess you just can’t please some people. It did make me happy to hear chants praising Robbie Nielson being sang by a big chunk of the home support, for the majority the feel good factor is back at Tynecastle.

The second half started on a sour note as Hearts centre back Craig Halkett limped off and headed straight down the tunnel. Cammy Devlin was pulled down in the box shortly after and Hearts had a second penalty, Boyce was the obvious choice for the spot kick but this time the keeper guessed right and made the save.

The referee decided he hadn’t been the talking point of the game, so began to make the usual comical errors expected from a Scottish official. First booking Moore for a challenge where he seemed to win the ball and then not booking a Motherwell player for making no attempt for the ball, Scottish refereeing is consistent but unfortunately consistently bad.

The second half didn’t offer too many highlights but Hearts did more than enough to keep the 2-0 lead and another clean sheet. Worryingly a few Hearts players looked like they took a knock, let’s hope they are something they can shake off during the week.

A fifth win of the season for Hearts, still unbeaten and sitting top of the league, it’s pretty good for Hearts fans at the moment. Another solid home performance and some great individual performances, my man of the match was Cammy Devlin, who did well keeping the game under control in midfield.

So onto my ratings…

Ticket Price – Season Ticket

Programme Price – £3.50

Programme Rating – 8/10

Refreshments – 6/10

Stadium Facilities – 7/10

Getting To Stadium – 8/10

Stadium Rating – 9/10

Thanks for reading my thoughts on Hearts against Motherwell.

Daz Carding

Hearts V Livingston – Cinch Scottish Premiership (25/09/2021)

A bit of a mad rush today and I missed the first 5 minutes of the game, as I had an induction at a new job at 1200. I had to get a taxi to Croy train station, then the 1425 train to Haymarket and finally an Uber to Tynecastle. Nightmare of a day, this meant I missed the first 10 minutes of the game to much of my annoyance, but I guess that’s the issue with relying on public transport.

Found my seat which was moved again due to Covid protocols but I was in the same seat as I was for the Hibs game, so I knew where I was going which saved some time. No pie today as I scoffed a sausage roll on the train, got a nice cup of luke warm water that cost £1.

With 25 minutes gone, following great play from McKay who switched to Cochrane, who then played a great ball back to Smith who volleyed in a screamer from near the edge of the box to make it 1-0 to the Jam Tarts.

On 32 minutes it was 2-0 to Hearts, Baningime was brought down in the box and Liam Boyce cooly put the penalty to the keepers left.

Great first half from Hearts, not such a good half of you are a Livingston fan though. Hearts bossed the half and Gordon was rarely tested, Smith looked like he wanted another goal as he went close as the half came to a close from distance. I loved the link up play between Cochrane and Kingsley down the left, with Cochrane impressing most from the Hearts eleven.

More great play from Barrie McKay in the box and his ball across the six yard box found Cochrane in space who put the ball away for his first Hearts goal and much deserved too, for 3-0 on 64 minutes.

A great Hearts performance and still unbeaten this season, one of the best Hearts performances I’ve seen in a long while and very much deserved three points against a Livingston side who looked very poor. Special mentions to Woodburn, McKay, Kingsley, Cochrane, Smith, Devlin and Moore who all played superbly today but my man of the match was Alex Cochrane who had a great game.

So onto my ratings…

Ticket Price – Season Ticket

Programme Price – £3.50

Programme Rating – 8/10

Refreshments – 3/10

Stadium Facilities – 7/10

Getting To Stadium – 8/10

Stadium Rating – 9/10

Thanks for reading my thoughts on Hearts against Livingston.

Daz Carding

Scotland Women V Faroe Islands Women – FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 Qualifiers Group B (21/09/2021)

Pretty easy journey, train from Stepps into Glasgow Queen Street and then a short walk to Glasgow Central followed by a second train to Mount Florida, all for the price of £4.10. After my three games at Hampden Park in the Euro’s this summer I knew the walk to the stadium like the back of my hand, but what I couldn’t find so easily was a cash point that didn’t charge me to get money out!

Got to Hampden with about 20 minutes till kick off, so plenty of time to get a Fanta they set me back £3. Didn’t get any food as I had a couple of currywurst hot dogs before I left for the game, not going to lie they were spot on. After paying £1.25 to get cash out I found out when I got in the stadium that they weren’t taking bloody cash. Found my seat in section P, in between the halfway line and the corner flag. Only the one stand was being used, but there was still just over 4500 in the stand, so had a bit of an empty feeling to the stadium but Hampden tried its best to create an atmosphere before kick off with a flashing light show accompanied by music.

I caved in and got myself a steak pie for £3.20, which upon taking a bit instantly regretted as the crust was awfully dry and the bottom was oddly damp. Was not a fan of the pie in the slightest!

Scotland took the lead in the 19th minute through a screamer from the edge of the box from attacker Erin Cuthbert, who fired into the top corner and gave the keeper no chance. Within two minutes the Scotland side were 2-0 up, this time following a great cross into the box was met by the head of Chloe Arthur. It’s safe to say the home sides lead really reflected their dominance. On 27 minutes it was 3-0 to Scotland and a second headed goal for Arthur, as she rose well above the Faroe Islands defence to bravely beat the keeper.

With just over five minutes left of the first half, a looping ball towards the back post was neatly volleyed in past the helpless keeper by Christy Grimshaw for 4-0 to Scotland.

To say Scotland dominated the first half would be an understatement, the four nil score line could have easily been six or seven. The Faroe Islands didn’t have a single chance on goal in the first 45 minutes and didn’t look like testing the Scotland defence at all, I think you could count the number of times they got into the home sides half on one hand.

Minutes after the restart and the away side grabbed a goal with their first real chance of the game after a cross was headed in from inside the six yard box by Maria Biskopstø for 4-1.

Any Faroe Islands comeback was short lived as on the 60th minute it was 5-1 as Martha Thomas easily side footed the ball into the bottom right corner from the edge of the box past Joensen in the Faroes goal, who was having a shocker.

Nice to see Glasgow City defender Jenna Clark get a run out for her debut cap, coming on with 20 minutes to play, a player who’s always impressed me at the back when I’ve seen her play for Glasgow City so in my opinion a much deserved cap for the young centre back. Clark marked her first appearance for Scotland with a goal as she beat the offside trap after a stunning ball was played into her and she stabbed the ball past the helpless keeper after finding herself one on one, and putting Scotland 6-1 up in the process.

My personal player of the match Claire Emslie added to the goal haul to make it 7-1 with a sublime free kick on the edge of the box into the top right corner, a well deserved goal in my opinion for the Scotland number 18.

Before the game came to an end Erin Cuthbert, who was announced as player of the match, took a nasty blow to the head and was stretched off as she had a really good game. Here’s hoping she is ok and makes a full recovery.

Before the game I had a feeling Scotland would win but I didn’t think it would be by such a large margin, but other than the Faroe Islands goal they were hardly threatened. The visitors didn’t seem to change their tactics of starting deep regardless of how many they conceded, so were constantly on the back foot. This kind of victory will give the Scottish side a massive boost in confidence going into the rest of their games in qualifying. Was really happy to be able to see Jenna Clark’s senior team debut and goal as I also got to see her Champions League debut for Glasgow City.

So onto my ratings…

Ticket Price – £10

Programme – £2.50

Programme Rating – 7/10

Refreshments – 5/10

Stadium Facilities – 6/10

Getting To Stadium – 8/10

Stadium Rating – 7/10

Thanks for reading my thoughts on Scotland against Faroe Islands.

Daz Carding