Croatia V Scotland – UEFA Euro 2020 Group D (22/06/2021)
Finished work at four, so had to make a mad dash for my train into the city and then down to Glasgow Central for the train to Mount Florida. Had a spare 5 minutes at Central so picked up four tins of BrewDog Punk AF, had a pair on the train and the others while waiting for my entry window of half five.
Bit more of a buzz pre match outside the stadium than there was on Friday, might have been helped that both teams needed a win to have any chance of progressing. To be fair to the Scotland fans they were making plenty of noise even though Hampden was only at 25% capacity.
There was a similar number of Croatia fans as there were for the game against the Czech Republic and they managed to create some atmosphere. Was a shame to hear some Scotland fans booing the Croatian national anthem, don’t recall that being a rivalry at all but still you don’t boo national anthems.
Scotland started the game at a fast pace and looked like they were up for it, but after 10 minutes it was all Croatia and Nikola Vlašić made the most of the dominance to break the deadlock after a Perišić knockdown he neatly put the ball past Marshall. As I was the only Croatia fan sat where I was, it’s safe to say I got some pretty evil looks when I leaped to celebrate the goal.
Croatia seemed to have found their groove and looked in control with some Scottish fans even booing their side, that was until a shot was only half cleared by the Croatian defence and fell to McGregor smashed the ball into the bottom corner which had the Scotland fans in rapture. The goal just before half-time meant we went in to the break at 1-1.
With no concessions stands open inside the stadium I had to make do with a packet of crisps and some sour patch kids for a late tea at half time. Could have murdered for a chicken balti pie and a Fanta.
The second half began and it was all Croatia as Scotland struggled to get a grasp on the game and there was a feeling of nervousness in the crowd from the Scotland fans. They had every right to feel nervous as Luka Modric scored an absolute peach with the outside of his boot from the edge of the box into the top corner. WHAT A GOAL!!! I thought I was going to get lynched for my stupidly loud and high pitched “YESSSSSSSSSSS” when the ball went in.
Then after a succession of corners Croatia put the nail in Scotland’s Euro 2020 coffin, as Perišić rose above the defender and headed onto the far post and into the goal to make it 3-1 and putting Croatia up to second in the group and into the round of 16.
I left the stadium very happy after seeing a Croatia win and even had a few Scotland supporters shake my hand as I left. There seemed to be a lot of people heading toward the train station so I opted to use the shuttle bus which got me back to Glasgow city centre in 15 minutes.
So onto my ratings…
Ticket Price – €50
Programme – £10
Programme Rating – 10/10
Refreshments – N/A
Stadium Facilities – 8/10
Getting to stadium – 8/10
Stadium rating – 8/10
Thanks for reading my thoughts on Croatia against Scotland.
Italy V Wales – UEFA Euro 2020 Group A (20/06/2021)
I spent my Sunday afternoon/evening in the fan zone at Glasgow Green to cheer on Italy against one of my rivals Wales(booo). Due to a rail staff strike every Sunday up to the end of July I had to get a bus into Glasgow city centre rather than my usual train.
I took the same route as last time so arrived a bit early as the fan zone didn’t open till 1630 rather than the usual 1600, got through security without a hiccup.
I’d read online that VW were giving away free VW Euro T-shirt’s so after asking 4 volunteers I was informed they had ran out, you snooze you lose I guess and I definitely snoozed.
Disappointingly there were yet again more empty benches than there were full, which is odd as the game was sold out for the fan zone. I think a lot of people got caught up in the excitement when tickets went on sale and rather than cancel those tickets just haven’t been turning up. If people cancelled their tickets then I could attend more games at the fan zone and others who missed out could experience the fan zone.
I decided to take my own food and drink with me as didn’t fancy paying £4 for a small chips or £4.50 for a bottle of beer, so I enjoyed my bbq Pringles and orange squash.
It was a good game and I got the result I wanted as the Italians left with all 3 points after a 1-0 win thanks to a Matteo Pessina goal which he hooked passed Ward in the Wales goal from a Veratti low cross. We also got our first straight red card of the tournament as Ethan Ampadu saw red for a late challenge on the ankle of Bernardeschi.
With only one game in the evening session I headed home, they were showing the Switzerland v Turkey game in full afterwards but as they were showing the goals as they went in during the game I didn’t fancy it.
So onto my ratings…
Ticket Price – £0
Programme – N/A
Programme Rating – N/A
Refreshments – N/A
Stadium Facilities – 7/10
Getting to stadium – 7/10
Stadium rating – N/A
Thanks for reading my thoughts on my trip to the UEFA Euro 2020 Fan Zone in Glasgow.
St Rochs V Ashfield – Preseason Friendly (19/06/2021)
A nice free day out at a ground I’ve never been to and two teams I’ve never seen play before. Free to get into the game and as the conductor didn’t come by I got free travel to the game too.
I arrived with time to go get a bacon and black pudding roll which hit the spot. Made my way to the ground as google maps decided to take me through some blocks of flats, which looked the kind of place that looked like a few dodgy dealings have taken place. I arrived at the ground and found a space near the halfway line behind an old school barrier.
The first half kicked off a little late due to the game before this one starting late, the game had a good non league preseason feel to it with plenty of hard tackles, players getting changed in cars, kids kicking stray balls on the pitch, dodgy haircuts, fake tans, the keeper having to wear a bib due to a kit clash and two different kits for the away side.
The first half had had five goals with Ashfield going in 3-2 up at the break with number 17 for the away side grabbing a first half-trick and easily being the best player on the pitch. We had a penalty that didn’t need VAR to help with the decision that St Rochs put away with ease.
Number 88 for St Rochs levelled early in the second half with a Gazza against Scotland like goal that would have been at home in any game at the Euro’s.
17 got his fourth with 10 minutes left to play, if there had been linesman I’m pretty confident it would have been called offside. The goals continued as St Rochs number 9 hooked the ball into the top corner after a defensive mistake to make it 4-4.
With minutes left to play the Ashfield defender made a reckless challenge inside the box and gave away a second penalty which was neatly put away for 5-4, would say if got my money’s worth but it cost nothing to get in.
Thoroughly enjoyed the game and couldn’t have asked for more goals wise. Think I’ll try to make my way to James McGrory Park to take in a proper St Rochs home game this season.
So onto my ratings…
Ticket Price – £0
Programme – N/A
Programme Rating – N/A
Refreshments – N/A
Stadium Facilities – 0/10
Getting to stadium – 6/10
Stadium rating – 3/10
Thanks for reading my thoughts on St Rochs against Ashfield.
Croatia V Czech Rep – UEFA Euro 2020 Group D (18/06/2021)
I can finally tick attending a major international tournament off my football bucket list as I made my way to Hampden Park this afternoon. After having a ticket in 2019, to losing it in the ballot to then getting one again on Facebook thanks to Julijan. I was sat with the Croatia fans, which has been a dream since Euro 96 and World Cup 98.
Due to Covid, entry into the stadium was staggered and my window was 1400-1430 which meant I was in the stadium 3 hours early. I got my step count up for the day also as a steward told me to go round the whole circumference of the stadium to get to my gate, once I was in I was told I could go in via any gate….
I made my way to my seat in block 13 and was pretty happy that they were showing the Sweden V Slovakia game on the big screen, just a shame about the garbage that the “UEFA DJ” was blaring out.
Pre match the Croatia fans were creating a superb atmosphere and the section we were in looked great with all the red and white. Managed to grab a photo with some fans and I think a few thought I was Croatian as they shouted to me in Croatian as they passed!
Onto the game and it was a good start for the Czech’s as they created some good early chances as they took the game to Croatia. But Croatia had the first real chance from Perišić but he couldn’t beat the keeper.
VAR was called upon as the first half drew to a close, Schick who scored twice against Scotland, went down after a collision with Lovren and play continued. But play was called back and the referee signalled for a VAR check for a possible penalty. After a few minutes that felt like hours, the referee pointed to the spot. A drowsy looking Schick became the top scorer so far as he tucked away the penalty for his third in two games.
With what felt like the next attack Rebić got through on goal with only the keeper to beat but he managed to pull his shot wide. So we went in with Czech Republic leading 1-0 at the break and looking the better side if I’m being honest.
With nothing open apart from the toilets and a table with free cups of water, there wasn’t much to do at half-time but one thing that did make me laugh was when they showed the best goals so far in the tournament and they showed Schick’s second goal against Scotland which was met by a chorus of boos from the Scotland fans in attendance.
The second half had barely got going and Croatia drew level as Ivan Perišić made the most of a smart pass from a free kick and smashed the ball across the Czech keeper.
Croatia seemed the better team in the second half in my opinion and if they had taken the chances that were created would have came away with the win. But with only getting a point they will need to beat Scotland on Tuesday at Hampden Park if they are to make it through to the knockout stages.
Regardless of the result I had a good day out and really enjoyed my first Euro’s game, the atmosphere that was created by 5,607 in attendance was superb. The set up was great and worked really well, looking forward to Tuesday now with hopefully a few more fans at the game and hoping for a Croatia win!!
So onto my ratings…
Ticket Price – €50
Programme – £10
Programme Rating – 9/10
Refreshments – N/A
Stadium Facilities – 8/10
Getting to stadium – 6/10
Stadium rating – 7/10
Thanks for reading my thoughts on Croatia against Czech Rep.
Ukraine V North Macedonia – UEFA Euro 2020 Group C (17/06/2021)
Back to the fan zone at Glasgow Green I went today to take in the game that John Hartson said would be the game of the tournament, Ukraine V North Macedonia.
Mr Hartson was not wrong as it was a thoroughly entertaining game of football with two missed penalties, 3 goals and some great end to end football. Felt slightly sorry for the North Macedonia players as they put in a great performance and I felt as though they deserved a point from the game. As the Dutch won their game later in the evening this they are now out of the tournament.
After being sent to the wrong part of Glasgow Green and missing kick off on Monday, I now knew the right way to get into the fan zone so made it with 15 minutes to spare. Had a good chat with a bloke selling Scotland flags, scarves and badges outside about Hearts and the game tomorrow. A lot of the security and volunteers enjoyed giving me stick for wearing my Hearts shirt.
The sun was out with a nice cool breeze today, which was perfect for sitting on a bench taking in some good football. Much better than the cold on Monday.
Had a wander through the part of the fan zone where they activities were taking place and it was pretty busy with a 5 a side game, crazy golf and other activities. I managed to make an arse of myself posing with the giant match ball.
I spotted people in some white VW Euro’s t-shirts that looked pretty smart and upon searching google, found that they were being given out free at fan zones and games, so I’ll be on the hunt tomorrow at Hampden Park or Sunday when I’m back at Glasgow Green for Italy V Wales. Although I can’t complain as I did get a free Glasgow host city sticker.
Rather than paying the prices for drinks I took my own this time and a few snacks which meant the whole day out cost me my train fare of £2.10 which can’t be grumbled at. All in all another great trip to the fan zone, happy that I have managed to get tickets for 5 more games.
So onto my ratings…
Ticket Price – £0
Programme – N/A
Programme Rating – N/A
Refreshments – N/A
Stadium Facilities – 7/10
Getting to stadium – 7/10
Stadium rating – N/A
Thanks for reading my thoughts on my trip to the UEFA Euro 2020 Fan Zone in Glasgow.
Poland V Slovakia – UEFA Euro 2020 Group E (14/06/2021)
After week away visiting family and friends back home in Shropshire, England, I had booked myself a free ticket for the evening session of Euro 2020 Group E games at the fan zone in Glasgow. As I’ve never been to a Euros before I’m trying to make the most of it, got my usual train into the Glasgow Queen Street station and made the walk down Argyle Street towards Glasgow Green, where the fan zone was located in Glasgow.
The walk wasn’t too bad about 15 mins or so but it wasn’t without incident as a sea of Scotland fans were heading back into the city centre after their 2-0 loss to Czech Republic in the 1400 kick off, a fan asked me for a lighter to which I politely said “No, sorry I don’t smoke”, to which he replied with disgusting homophobic insult back (people wonder why others have a low view of football fans). Once I reached Glasgow Green it was a little confusing as to where the entrance was as I headed to the People’s Palace entrance to the park and after eventually being directed to the right place to be I began my security checks to get in. I was checked via a security scanner and had my bag searched, oddly the CoVid test bus had finished testing at 1700.
Once I got through security I made my way through the trees towards the main fan zone area, there were a few activity’s for kids to take part in and a merchandise stand which had a good selection of memorabilia. I decided to buy a programme for the Glasgow games so I wouldn’t need to carry it when I go to Hampden on Friday.
I had booked one of the benches in the fan zone and it was really well managed with social distancing well organised, great view of the big screen and table service for drinks and food. One thing that was a bit annoying was the prices of food and drink as I paid £4.50 for a bottle (not a pint) of 0% Heineken!! Safe to say I’ll be taking my own drinks and snacks next time.
As for the game itself it was a tasty affair as the Slovakian side shocked the 10 man Poles as they came away 2-1 winners, must say there was a healthy Polish contingent in the fan zone and they went bananas when they equalised but come the final whistle they weren’t so buoyant.
Roll on Thursday for my next trip to the fan zone for Ukraine V North Macedonia!!
So onto my ratings…
Ticket Price – £0
Programme – N/A
Programme Rating – N/A
Refreshments – 2/10
Stadium Facilities – 7/10
Getting to stadium – 6/10
Stadium rating – N/A
Thanks for reading my thoughts on my trip to the UEFA Euro 2020 Fan Zone in Glasgow.
Glasgow City V Hibernian – Scottish Women’s Premier League (23/05/2021)
Finally I was back in my natural habitat!! After 14 long months I was finally back in a plastic seat in the rain watching a game of football and it ended 0-0…
It was bloody great to be back, I’ve got to say the team at Glasgow City and the staff at Broadwood Stadium handled the safety and covid protocol superbly.
The rain began to fall as the teams were being announced and it didn’t hold up during the game, making it tough playing conditions on the plastic pitch. Both teams struggled to create chances but have to say City had the upper-hand and seemed the better side, but neither side could make a breakthrough. City goalkeeper Lee Alexander was hardly troubled by Hibs and although City had several opportunities to take the lead it just wasn’t to be.
Special mentions go to Priscila Chinchilla and Lauren Davidson who both had great games and caused Hibs plenty of problems but my personal Player Of The Match was centre back Jenna Clark, she was like a rock at the back and worked the ball forward well when needed.
Broadwood as a stadium is a great venue and it would be good to see it full of fans again soon, but I must say it’s location is a bit of an issue due to the lack of close proximity to public transport.
So onto my ratings…
Ticket Price – £7
Programme – N/A (online pdf)
Programme Rating – 6/10
Refreshments – N/A
Stadium Facilities – 7/10
Getting to stadium – 3/10
Stadium rating – 7/10
Thanks for reading my thoughts on Glasgow City against Hibernian.
A bit of a strange Edinburgh derby this one, both started the competition as Premiership clubs but now at the semi final stage in different divisions. There may be many arguments about the game but it’s still a derby and also a chance of getting to the Scottish Cup final.
During the opening 15 minutes Hearts took the game to Hibs and seemed to be play the style of play that’s done us well so far this season. Hibs caught us on the break and had space for a shot but Smithy did well to block. The Jam Tarts were limiting Hibs to very few chances.
Boyce did well running with the ball to the edge of the box but he seemed to take an extra touch rather than get the shot off. Doing well testing with set pieces, Olly Lee had a good strike from the edge of the box but just wide. Up to the 20th minute you couldn’t tell the teams were in different leagues I be honest. Jamie Walker seemed up for the game today and was getting stuck in well.
It was developing into a very open end to end game and was really good to see it so competitive. Hearts were dealing well with any pressure being thrown at them.
Hibs had the best chance so far as Nesbit headed but the amazing Gordon pulled off a superb left handed save from point blank. As good as it is seeing Walker get so stuck in, he was giving away some silly fouls in dangerous places. Hibs seemed to just be taking more control of the game as the half went on, but Hearts stayed strong at the back and were clearing their lines well. Having Gordon between the sticks is reassuring and gives us a bit of confidence at the back. We needed our attacking players on the ball a bit more. Hibs put a dangerous ball in the box but Popescu did well to put Doidge off who put it wide.
When we get the ball we need to make the most of it, our main threats and chances seemed to be coming from set pieces. Roberts created some space for himself near the edge of the box and got a good shot off but Marciano saved comfortably in the end. Boyce played the ball to Wighton who puts a dangerous ball across the six yard box but just too far away from Walker for him to get a touch, good pressure from the Jambos.
We went in at half time scoreless, a score that was a good one to take at half time. If we wanted to get a result though, our wide players needed to get in the game more as Boyce seemed lonely upfront.
During half time I read some very sad news that ex Jambo defender Marius Zaliukas passed away. The big man was skipper when I first became a Hearts fan upon moving up here, made a huge impression on me and was a favourite of mine. Very sad news indeed. Rest In Power Big Man.
The second half began at pace as Hearts pushed forward but worryingly Hibs threatening on more than one occasion. Too many dangerous attacks for Hibs, thankfully Boyce was able to clear on the near post when Hibs went close. We needed to calm it down a bit and get a grip on the game. Two great subs to be able to rely on came off the bench on 55 minutes as Naismith replaced Walker and Peter Haring came on for Roberts who had a quiet game. A change of shape may help Hearts threaten a bit more, as Wighton pushed up into a front two with Haring and Naisy in the midfield.
Olly Lee found a lot of space out wide and put in a beautifully floated ball onto the shaven napper of Craig Wighton, who nodded into the bottom corner. Hearts lead 1-0!!!! After the goal Hibs made a change and Hearts worked the ball in the middle of the park, so we have them on the ropes? Isn’t Wighton showing us what he can do these last few games, Get In There!! Think I almost took the roof off the pubshed when it hit the back of the net!
Halliday picked up a booking for smashing Boyle, can’t complain at the card being shown. Then up the other end Boyce was drawing the players in green and white to make mistakes and give away silly fouls. Hibs caught us napping on the break but Kingsley did superbly to get across and clear the danger.
A free kick given away results in a Hibs goal with a header from Doidge who levelled, Gordon could do nothing to keep it out. The lead lasted 7 minutes, now to see what the boys in maroon are made of.
Smith with some great battling out wide and put a pass into the box to Lee who swept it to Wighton who shot wide. Still very much anyone’s game at this point as the game is end to end. Hibs created a chance but then on the counter Boyce was one on one with the keeper but his shot went agonisingly wide.
The rain and wind in Glasgow is horrendous which must make it hard to play in. I can attest for it as my shed in Glasgow is getting a battering and just had to miss a few minutes to go pick up some patio chairs which hit the shed.
Need to hold our nerve as the game enters the final ten minutes but Halkett picked up a yellow and gave away a dangerous free kick in doing so, luckily it was hit against the wall. Hearts then attacked and forced a corner out of nothing, good to see we are still threatening and earning some set pieces. Goal scorer Wighton came off for Aidy White with seven to go. Some tired looking legs out on the pitch for both sides as the game enters the last five minutes, but they will have to muster up some strength as the game looked like it was heading for an extra half hour. Hearts dealt with pressure well as Hibs had a shout for a penalty but it resulted in a Jambos free kick.
As the referee blew for full time, a 1-1 draw is a fair result but not what we wanted. So we go to extra time at a sodden Hampden.
It was good to see Hearts keeping the ball on the ground and passing well as extra time started, Popescu and Halkett were blocking and clearing well at the back. A scare as Gogic tested the goal but Gordon did superbly to turn it around the post.
Henderson came on for Olly Lee in midfield to add some energy. The game was still end it end in the extra period with both sides going for it. Halliday landed awkwardly from a collision but not sure if it was cramp. The ever reliable Craig Gordon kept out a long ranger that took a deflection. Haring played a superb through ball to Boyce but his touch let him down, encouraging to see that we were still creating as we go into half time of extra time.
In the first minute of the second half Hibs got a penalty after what looked like a dive but it was smashed against the bar, danger averted. At the other end Boyce deflected a cross onto the post. The breakthrough had to come and it did when McGinn brought White down in the box and Hearts got a penalty!! Boyce put it away with precision past the keeper with ten minutes left to play!!!! Get in there Boycie!!!!!!!
Gordon again saved the day with a cracking save from a Doidge overhead kick. Andy Halliday took a bad knock to the head and was replaced by Irving with five minutes left.
The referee blew up for full time of extra time after three added minutes and Heart Of Midlothian have made it to the Scottish Cup Final!!!
The game was a good game over 90 minutes but then it became a great game in extra time, this was a proper derby game, a shame us fans weren’t there but still a great moment and a great memory for Hearts fans, getting one over the neighbours from Leith!! Another trip to Hampden just days before Christmas against either Aberdeen or Celtic, could Hearts give us all an amazing Christmas present come December?
My Man Of The Match was Craig Gordon, the Jambo’s keeper really proved his worth as he he made a number of top drawer saves and kept Hearts in the game numerous times. What a difference it is having a keeper like him in goal.
PLAYER RATINGS
GORDON – 9
Smith – 7
Halkett – 7
Popescu – 7
Kingsley – 6
Lee – 7
Halliday – 7
Wighton – 8
Walker – 7
Roberts – 6
Boyce – 7
Haring – 7
Naismith – 7
White – 7
Henderson – 6
Irving – 6
After the incredible high of tonight, next up for the Jam Tarts is a home game next Saturday in the Championship against Inverness.
Thanks for reading my thoughts on Hearts against Hibs.
Getting to watch the game on ifollow today but not via video call this week as Crouchy gave me his spare code so got the game on in 3 Faces Of Foleys pubshed.
Not sure why Walker isn’t starting as he has been our better player so far. Four changes for Salop today with Burgoyne back in goal, Fossey, Williams and a debut for Charlie Daniels after joining in midweek on a short deal.
Town were quite dominant in the first quarter of an hour, getting forward well. Udoh was unlucky early on and Cummings shot just over. Nice to see the new signing Daniels getting forward well from left back, will be interesting to see what happens when Golbourne is fit again. He was linking up well with Vela on the left hand side. Clarke went close with a header from a corner. Early on we were creating well and looking tidy at the back.
I think I jinxed it with that last sentence, in what felt like Rochdale’s first attack the defence seemed to be static and with a header from Rathbone Dale took the lead.
Salop really need to be more clinical in the final third, Cummings, Udoh and Clarke really should be doing better. The midfield seem to be lost in the game and nothing being created, seemed that the goal knocked the stuffing out of us.
Town seem to have fallen asleep as a ball was knocked over the top and Pierre couldn’t keep up as Newby slotted past the advancing Burgoyne to send the visitors 2-0 up.
Cummings always seems to want to take a touch too many rather than feed the ball to a team mate or take the shot on. Really hard to see how Salop are going to get back into this game, frustrating though as we seemed to start well but the hunger had gone. Silly mistakes have crept in.
A great corner into the far post from Daniels and Pierre smashed a bullet header against the cross bar, would have been the perfect time to score just before half time. Another corner into the second minute of injury time from Daniels and it was met on the 6 yard box by Pierre again but this time it was neatly headed in to the goal to get one back and make it 2-1. Salop have dominated the possession and more shots at goal but need to make it count now as we went into the break behind.
Several early set pieces for Town in the second half and both taken by the new boy Daniels, good to see the early pressure from Salop. Daniels seems a smart player and has the quality with some great passes. Town pressuring well and penning Dale back, we just need to get that ball into the net.
The game has become very end to end, with each team being able to cancel each other out. Cummings really doesn’t look right in the position he’s in and he just seems to make everything look difficult, would be considering bringing him off. Rochdale went close with a free kick from the an angle on the edge of the box. Ryan Barnett came in for the last 20 minutes replacing High.
Another Pierre header from a Daniels corner but was headed down and bounced just over the bar. Town seem to not want to shoot when the ball is in the box and want to make the extra unneeded pass. Some good long range passing from Norburn picking out Fossey well.
A clash between Fossey and Beesley who were both down and received lengthy treatment, must have been some blood as Fossey had to switch shirts. The Dale playing having to go off due to the collision.
Salop having the bulk of the possession, but frustratingly Dale players seem to be blocking any chance we have. Aaron Pierre flicked on a header in the box and Fossey with a close range header but a great save from the Rochdale keeper denies Salop. Our best chances seem to be coming from our defenders, which is worrying when we have three strikers on the pitch.
Walker came on with just over 2 minutes left of normal time for Vela, must have been due to the booking or for Walkers aerial presence. Town still having the better of the possession as the clock runs down, getting the ball into good areas as Udoh got into the box but wasted the chance. Udoh has seemed the liveliest of the three strikers today with Clarke having a very quiet game.
Eight minutes of added time as Zamburek replaced Fossey, a good attack minded change and a bit of energy added to the game. Daniels with another dangerous ball into the box and Walker unlucky not to get his header on target. Rochdale decided to want to keep the ball in the corner with 5 minutes left to play, annoying from a Town perspective.
Town causing problems after another Daniels ball into the box as the ball bounced around after the keeper fumbled but Ro-Shaun Williams’ first time shot was blocked wide. This ball just won’t go into that bloody goal!! The referee blew up after the 8 additional minutes came to an end.
A frustrating defeat for Salop today, we dominated possession wise and looked good as we had the ball box to box and glimpses of quality but once again our strikers just didn’t perform as we would hope they should. I think Cummings needs to be dropped and earn his place back as he really is not looking worthy of a start. A good debut for Daniels and Fossey did well coming back into the team.
My Man Of The Match was the debutant Charlie Daniels, he showed that he had that touch of class and experience, did well getting forward and delivered some great crosses and set pieces. Hopefully his experience runs off on some of the other players in the squad and see us push on.
PLAYER RATINGS
Burgoyne – 5
Fossey – 7
Williams – 6
Pierre – 6
DANIELS – 8
Vela – 6
Norburn – 5
High – 5
Udoh – 6
Clarke – 5
Cummings – 5
Barnett – 6
Walker – 6
Zamburek – 6
Another midweek game for Salop as they they travel to the North West coast to take on Fleetwood Town, which could be another tough game for Town as they are decent side but then again Shrewsbury seemed to do better away from home this season.
Thanks for reading my thoughts on Shrewsbury Town against Rochdale.
Once again the game was watched on BBC Scotland tonight and had the added fun of me trying to find the channel for my Dad to watch the game on freeview who lives down in Shropshire, England. Safe to say anything technology wise is far from his strong point. Wonder how many other English Hearts fans there are like me, my Dad keeps his eye on the scores due to me being a fan so thought it would be nice for him to watch it rather than make do with me telling him about it in the morning.
Strangely Jordan Roberts missing from the squad tonight, hoping it’s nothing serious or a falling out of favour as he’s been great so far. Elliott Frear coming in for him and Andy Halliday making his first start for Hearts. Nice to see the Red Card To Racism logo on the players shirts tonight and the cards held up as they lined up.
Hearts started well knocking the ball around with ease and creating plenty of space out wide. The BBC commentary team of the mind numbing duo McLeod and Dodds took only four minutes to mention both the sea and the wind. The start was encouraging from the Jambo’s and was nice to see Olly Lee spreading the ball around nicely. But with just 7 minutes on the clock disaster struck as the impressive Josh Ginnelly pulled up with what looked like pain in his thigh and had to go off and replaced by Craig Wighton, safe to say there was a sad feeling in the Carding household. As an ex Shrewsbury Town boy this exiled Salopian has a soft spot for him and was overjoyed reading that he wants to stay here permanently.
On to another player loved in 3 Faces Of Foleys pubshed, it was great to see Michael Smith thriving moving well around the pitch and playing some lovely passes. Safe to say Hearts were comfortable and seemed to be dominating up to this point. But after a few defensive errors Doolan was left in space to get a shot off but thankfully we have Craig Gordon in goal, danger averted. Worrying that we seemed to be switching off a little at the back.
Centre back Popescu made a penetrating run as he took on two Arbroath players but unfortunately his shot was blocked, but great play from the Romanian. Annoyingly it seemed that the referee began to react to shouts from the bench as he awarded some harsh free kicks Arbroath’s way, I think we will have to get used that the standard of refereeing will be even worse than the dire officiating in the Premier League.
Craig Gordon again showed class to once more deny the veteran Doolan. Safe to say Hearts needed to do more of the simple stuff, stop wasting passes and allowing Arbroath to have more chances. As the first half entered its last 10 minutes the Jam Tarts changed to a 4-4-2 with Wighton joining Boyce up top. Safe to say it wasn’t the best of first halves and the sides went in goalless at the break.
Hearts began the second period well as Frear put in a dangerous ball but Wighton couldn’t get anything on it. Jamie Walker did very well to work the ball into the box and get the ball to Smith who’s shot hit Wighton. Hearts were dominating well as Walker swung but missed the ball then Lee hit it and was once again blocked by an Arbroath body. Craig Wighton was played through by Boyce but the keeper slid out well to stop him. As Hearts enjoyed a strong spell Elliott Frear had an effort that looked destined for the top corner but went just over, even the keeper looked as if he knew he had been beaten. Great spell from Hearts.
Elliott Frear was replaced by Aidy White. The Jambo’s needed to step it up a bit as everything they threw at the Red Lichties was being blocked. Andy Halliday looped a long ball towards Liam Boyce who smashed wide from an angle, a frustrating night for the Northern Irishman in front of goal but a great ball from Halliday. Another peach of a long range pass from Smith into Wighton who chipped the ball superbly over the keeper after a great run to put Hearts 1-0 up. My wife told me to sit down and stop waving my scarf around, forgot I’m not in the ground. Ah well at least we were in front with 20 minutes to play.
The goal seemed to settle Hearts for a bit as we began knocking the ball about and finding space once again. Liam Boyce had a shot blocked and then dragged the rebound just wide, it was good to see Hearts still going for goal and not sitting on a 1-0 lead. Heading into the final 10 minutes Jamie Walker came off and was replaced by Peter Haring, who it’s great to see getting more minutes under his belt.
It’s funny hearing the commentator apologising for any bad language as you can clearly hear the old school character Dick Campbell with there being no fans there. There was a moment of worry as Stephen Kingsley went down after being caught on the ankle. We had a late scare as Ruth shot was blocked by Halliday in the 91st minute and went just wide as Gordon was sent the wrong way. Hearts managed to break with Boyce but there was just too much on his pass for Aidy White to get on to. Arbroath kept pushing lots of players forward as the game headed for its end and McKenna had a late effort but blazed over with the last kick of the game.
That game shows that not all games will be easy as we managed to scrape a tough 1-0 win. Not the most easy on the eye game of football and there will be more games we will need to win like this. It’s not about playing pretty but about coming away with three points and that’s exactly what Hearts did this evening at Gayfield, wasn’t pleasing on the eye for the majority but a wins a win. A very different game from last week but there were a few positives as Smith and Kingsley played well, the two centre backs weren’t scared of getting forward, Wighton will gain confidence from getting the goal and Gordon was solid when called upon. 6 points from our opening two Championship games is just what we wanted and Hearts sit happily at the top of the table.
My Man Of The Match was Michael Smith, he kept his composure well, looked calm and comfortable on the ball and his passing was on point this evening. He really is on his way to becoming a true hero at Hearts in my eyes.
PLAYER RATINGS
Gordon – 7
SMITH – 8
Halkett – 7
Popescu – 7
Kingsley – 7
Halliday – 7
Lee – 6
Ginnelly – 6
Walker – 6
Frear – 6
Boyce – 6
Wighton – 7
White – 6
Haring – 6
No Championship action for Hearts next week as we travel to Hampden for last seasons Scottish Cup Semi Final again Hibs, yes you read that right last seasons Scottish Cup Final. Classic SFA, also don’t see why the game is being played in Glasgow when both sides are from Edinburgh and pointlessly travelling through to Glasgow during a global pandemic. Here’s hoping Ginnelly’s injury isn’t too bad and the knock to Kingsley was just a knock and nothing serious.
Thanks for reading my thoughts on Hearts against Arbroath.
Football Days With A Salopian Jambo 