Salop traveled south to London for an away game against Wimbledon, but the game was being played at QPR’s Loftus Road due to Wimbledon’s new stadium at Plough Lane yet to be completed. This is Town’s first game in two weeks due last weeks game against Doncaster being called off due to international call ups.

Started the game on ifollow listening to Stuart Dunn and Mark Elliott but the ever dependent ifollow kept cutting out and losing connection. Luckily Crouchy came to the rescue and i watched the last 15 of the first half via video call.

Can’t really say much about the opening half hour as couldn’t really listen to much. Bits I picked up were that both the Salop centre backs were booked. We were creating a few chances but no end product.

When I got to see the game it seemed a very end to end game. The Dons has an effort but nothing came of it and the person in charge of the audio played celebration crowd noise even though it don’t go in, this crowd noise needs to go. Wimbledon went close a few times but the debutant Iliev did very well to keep them out. Salop also were going close and went very close with just before half time as Barnett put a chance just wide. The Town dominated possession wise but just couldn’t make the most of it and get ahead so we end in 0-0- at half time. Salop are missing Whalley to create stuff going forward to feed Clarke.

Back to audio only at the start of the second half as Crouch wouldn’t answer his phone, poor form. Salop won an early corner that was promising as Clarke made a nuisence of himself. Free kick in a good position but out for a corner.

As Crouch finally answered the phone upon his return from the shop Sam Rickets was booked and must have said something to the officials, will be interesting to see what happened. Town seem happy knocking the ball around but not getting it forward. I feel a change could mix it up a bit, maybe bring Udoh on. This game could go either way with how both teams are playing.

Town lucky as the Dons had a shot but luckily he hit is own player square in the face for the block.

Zamburek came off for Walker, hopefully change the game a bit. We seem to be lacking a bit in the game and a bit lethargic. Good build up play and keeping the ball well but still that end product is missing.

Good ball into the six yard box but Cummings couldn’t turn it goalwards. Town starting to look a bit more lively now with just over 20 mins to go, worryingly neither team look like scoring. Keepers are busy but only collecting long balls and back passes. Piggott tested Iliev from distance and the keeper pushed it over. Iliev having a really good game when called upon and looked confident. From the corner danger was caused but the defence did well to clear.

Salop just not being given the room to play with by Wimbledon, limited to long balls and not really getting to play it into the box. Udoh came on for Cummings for the last 15 mins, hopefully to inject some pace up front. Unfortunately every Salop attack seems to fizzle out for a throw in or to the Dons keeper. Salop need to start making the most of second balls as we aren’t getting after them at all. Worryingly it looks like Wimbledon are the team most likely to score as they’ve got in the box when Salop haven’t. Seems like a long time since we had possession in their box.

High comes on for Barnett who hasn’t really been in the game. We’ve had one shot all game and that was blocked, really need to change what’s happening up front as it’s really not good enough.

With the clock running down Salop stepped the tempo up and creating more. As the clock hit 90 we put a corner in and Clarke got ahead of the defender and headed into the net. 1-0 to the Town, we might not deserve it but who cares we lead!! Our second shot of the game and this one counted as it went in the goal!!

Town should have had a penalty as Clarke was taken down in the box, even referee Crouch was shouting for a penalty but nothing was given. Salop cleared a Wimbledon long ball and the referee blew for time.

It’s not always about playing pretty football, it’s about leaving with 3 points. Happy to get our first win of the season under our belt and hopefully that will be the result that we now kick on with for the rest of the season.

My Man Of The Match was debutant goalkeeper Deyan Iliev, when called upon looked steady and composed, kept Salop in the game at times when we were caught napping and pulled off some good saves. Should be good cover for the injured Sarkic and competition for Burgoyne.

PLAYER RATINGS

Iliev – 7

Williams – 6

Ebanks-Landell – 6

Pierre – 6

Golbourne – 6

Zamburek – 6

Vela – 5

Norburn – 5

Barnett – 5

Clarke – 6

Cummings – 6

Walker – 6

Udoh – 6

High – 5

The games come thick and fast after today as we have a 6pm kick off Tuesday at home against Bristol Rovers, which Salop should be looking to carry the momentum of a win and being back at home and hopefully another win against the Pirates.

Thanks for reading my thoughts on AFC Wimbledon against Shrewsbury Town.

Daz Carding

@Salopian_Jambo

League football returned to Tynecastle as we take on a team that should be challenging us up near the top of the table in Dundee. Decided to watch on BBC tonight, was treated to a bit of Elvis before kick off, something kept catching his eye off screen strangely.

Happy to see both Boyce and Smith back in the squad, a very strong looking line up with Ginnelly and Roberts starting wide as I expected. Only Kingsley starting from the side against Raith midweek, Gordon back in between the sticks that adds that confidence at the back. Naismith must still be feeling his knock as he’s on the bench. Shows a difference from last season with the depth of the squad being able to make so many changes. Dundee have three men who could cause issues with Adam, Dorrans and Sow.

Hearts began well dominating in the early minutes with Ginnelly not far off on a volley just wide of the post. Roberts also working well down the left putting in a dangerous ball.

3 minutes gone and some great movement from Micheal Smith in the box and he stroked the ball under the Dundee keeper to make it 1-0 to the Jam Tarts!!

The SFA officials are at their best as Ginnelly is ruled offside from a Roberts cross although he’s played onside by a pair of defenders in white. Some good passing from Hearts early on and getting plenty of balls into the box which is a great sign as it’s great to see such attack minded play and composure. Dundee look a little off the pace as Ginnelly and Roberts causing them lots of trouble out wide. Kingsley looking very good at left back. Watching this kind of football is making me want to be back at Tynecastle even more.

Adam tried a shot from distance but Gordon pulled off a brilliant save. Dundee seem to be playing very direct with long balls to nowhere, as Hearts have control in midfield and using the width well. Has to be said Michael Smith has settled back in well after international duty.

A mistake from Adam let’s Jamie Walker in who forces a corner. The resulting corner is headed out to Ginnelly who drops a shoulder around 35 yards out and the Englishman smashes a screamer low beyond the keeper on 24 minutes to make it 2-0, now that’s how you score your first goal for Hearts!!

Dundee have an instant reaction as Charlie Adam forces his way through and hits a belter from the edge of the box, nothing Gordon could do about it.

Kingsley and Roberts have linked up really well so far down the left and looks as if a great partnership could be formed there. Hearts needed to keep an eye on Charlie Adam as he began spreading the ball around well, like he is known for.

Ball comes to Boyce in the box but he slips as he got his shot off, but the ball comes off Marshall’s hand as he tries to block the shot and a penalty is awarded to Hearts. Boyce stepped up and confidently tucks the penalty away to make it 3-1 to Hearts after 33 minutes. What a game this is.

Hearts began to test Hamilton in the Dundee goal at every chance we got. The way the game was going was worrying for Dundee as Hearts were really dominating and frustrating them. Good to see Smithy driving forward from the back a lot, putting in his usual 110% effort.

Olly Lee with some smart play to win Hearts a free kick in a dangerous position just before half time. Stephen Kingsley took the kick and wrapped it into the top corner, another screamer for Hearts to make it 4-1 at half time.

An unreal first half of football, playing with confidence both in attack and defence. We had Dundee well and truly in our back pocket.

The second half started and Charlie Adam thought he would try to beat Gordon from inside his own half but it was easy for Hearts number 1 as it went off target. Just minutes later a free kick was given for a high boot near the edge of the box and Adam went just wide. Everything Dundee were creating was coming through the former Liverpool man. Dundee look a different side after the break as their sub Afolabi tested Craig Gordon.

But Hearts seemed to deal with the Dundee pressure as they found themselves on the front foot again with more great creative play from Ginnelly.

Mullen had a shot from distance which gave Gordon a change to show off his great agility as he got to the shot and pulled off a great save. Good to see Hearts limiting Dundee to shots from distance.

Kingsley, Roberts and Ginnelly continued to cause trouble, a highlight being Kingsley having a crack from long range after some nice passing. Andy Irving was lucky to not see red as he was booked for an out of character challenge on Dorrans.

A lapse of concentration got us in trouble as Afolabi had the ball in the box and found Mullen who dinked the ball over Gordon to make it 4-2 with just over 20 minutes to play. Squeaky bum time?

Ginnelly continued to impress and whipped in a great ball for Walker who’s header was tipped over by Hamilton. The game had developed into a good competitive period. Robbie Neilson made a few changes, Irving was replaced by Haring, Halliday came on for the impressive Ginnelly and Liam Boyce made way for Craig Wighton.

Jordan Roberts showed good strength as the ball looked to go out of play and fed the ball to Halliday who’s shot deflects just wide. As we entered the final 10 minutes the game was end to end until Smithy passed to Roberts who then laid off to Kingsley who found space and pulled the trigger from over 30 yards from goal and the ball flew into the net to bag his second goal and make the score 5-2 to the Jam Tarts!! What a bloody goal!!

Even though we were 5-2 up, we still kept attacking, Jamie Walker laid the ball off for Andy Halliday who scored his first in a maroon shirt with a great finish as he put the ball across the keeper and it was now 6-2 to Hearts as we entered time added on.

The referee blew the whistle and Hearts managed to beat the team who many see as the main challenger for top spot in the Championship 6-2. What a performance from the Jambo’s, the team oozed confidence, played with composure and didn’t show any hint of panic. Robbie’s tactical work was spot on as he changed formations when he made subs to fit the players on the pitch.

My Man Of The Match was a tough pick between two players, Josh Ginnelly and Stephen Kingsley. I went with Kingsley as not only did he score two crackers but he worked tirelessly on the left side and I think he can be another integral part of the team this season.

PLAYER RATINGS

Gordon – 7

Smith – 8

Halkett – 6

Popescu – 7

Kingsley -9

Lee – 6

Irving – 6

Ginnelly – 8

Walker – 7

Roberts – 7

Haring – 6

Halliday – 7

Wighton – 6

Next up is another Friday night game, as the Jambo’s travel to the coast to take on Arbroath under the floodlights. Hopefully we can continue the buzz the players will have after this victory and come away with another win.

Thanks for reading my thoughts on Hearts against Dundee.

Daz Carding

@Salopian_Jambo

Back to Premier Sports tonight for some more League Cup action at Tynecastle, still a shame that I’m watching from home and not sat in the Wheatfield. But at least we are getting to watch the boys in maroon. But this means we have to put up with Chris Sutton’s drivel but Michael Stewart isn’t much bloody better, there arguing is embarrassing.

Change in between the sticks with Ross Stewart starting and Craig Gordon dropping to the bench. In all quite a young looking eleven with Cochrane, Brandon, Moore, Henderson and McGill all starting. Great to see Peter Haring starting and wearing the captains armband, a happy sight for all Jambos.

Seeing the teams enter the pitch makes me want to back at Tynecastle that little bit more.

Early free kick as we look to get forward and looking lively from the off, from the free kick Hearts are given a penalty in the first minute as Benedictus is booked for hand ball and Craig Wighton puts the ball in the back of the net from the spot. 1-0 Hearts in the first two minutes of the game!!

After the goal my Premier Sports feed crashed so on to good old Brian’s stream I go, one plus being no Michael Stewart or Chris Sutton.

Kingsley looking good in the early stages of the game and good to see Lewis Moore getting on the ball and back starting for Hearts.

Stewart shows he’s got a good save in him as he stretches a leg to make a stop even though the ball had already gone out. Raith putting in a few balls from distance testing the Hearts defence but they are coping alright with the balls in.

Wighton does well to work the ball into the box and tried to beat the keeper at the near post but MacDonald saved, a good effort though. He then made a good run into space one on one with the keeper but was ruled offside. The game seems to be flowing a lot better than the last two games. McGill, Cochrane and Moore having a good start and may work their way into the squad for Friday.

Aidy White had a bit of hand bags after penetrating into the Raith half and squared up with Davidson after it liking being bought down. Haring and Kingsley both seem to be coping well when called upon.

As the first half ticks on I was pretty happy to have my tweet read out on Hearts TV and good to hear a bit of pub shed appreciation.

Harry Cochrane showing what he can do with a beauty of a ball out wide to Moore who then put a good ball in the box but nobody was there to get on the end of it. After this moment of class we saw a moment of comedy as Raith’s Tumilty slipped over on the touch line.

Hearts win a second penalty but unsure as to why it was awarded as Wighton was taken down outside of the box and Henderson had the ball taken off him cleanly in the box, but won’t complain as a penalty is always good to win. Wighton stepped up again as he went the same way as his first and got a second goal, a great time to get another goal just towards the end of the half. Henderson went looking for a third as he found space and moved into the box and beat the keeper with his shot but unfortunately not the Raith skipper.

Good first half, Moore looking lively as he did when he played last season which is good, Cochrane and McGill having a good game, also nice to see Stewart rarely being called upon. Hearts go in 2-0 up at the break.

Frear started the second half by heading straight into the Raith box as his effort tested MacDonald. Stewart in the Hearts goal was seeing more of the ball as it was being passed back to him more often but not really being tested by Rovers.

Roberts came on to replace White, which meant Hearts went to three at the back with two wingbacks. This lead to Hearts being caught out and on the break Duku scored an absolute screamer for Raith to make it 2-1, there was no way Stewart was stopping that one.

Jordan Roberts went down near the edge of the box looking for another penalty but was shown a yellow card for diving. Watching the replay back it was clearly a dive.

Hearts were still on the front foot as Henderson did well and found Frear who put in a great ball, the latter showing what a great crosser of the ball he is and could be a valuable player this season.

Having three at the back was leaving us open a bit, so the addition of Popescu strengthened the back a bit as we went back to four in defence. Robbie Neilson also brought on Olly Lee as Henderson and McGill parted. It was nice to see that when we gave the ball away were quick to try to win the ball back, a definite improvement from last season. The game was starting to be end to end as Raith caught the Jambos napping but Stewart smothered the ball well to end the danger.

Harry Cocrahne continued to battle well in midfield and was really impressing, he found space for a shot but put the ball well over the bar. Still good to see he has the confidence to have a go for goal. Two more changes came in midfield as Walker and Ginnelly replied Frear and Moore, changes to maybe try to make sure of the result and to give them some game time ahead of Fridays game against Dundee.

Walker was caught as he was on a run by Benedictus who was lucky to not be sent off having already been booked, the resulting free kick came to nothing. At the other end Raith had a penalty shout of their own as the ball struck Kingsley on the arm but the referee didn’t give a penalty, may have been given elsewhere.

It was nice to see Hearts still pushing for a third rather than sitting back and defending a 2-1 lead, but fair play to Raith they kept going and making a game of it. They tested Stewart from a free kick but the Hearts keeper got down well to push it away from goal, he did really well to keep the score at 2-1. Raith we’re trying to finish the game strong and push for the equaliser.

But as much as they tried it wasn’t to be, as Craig Wighton sealed the hat trick with a great goal. He was one on one with his former Dundee team mate Benedictus and with some great footwork and a nutmeg he left him for dead before smashing the ball into the net to make the match ball his and take the score to 3-1 to Hearts. Safe to say my shout of “What a goal” woke the dog up and gave the wife a fright.

The goal had knocked the stuffing out of Raith, as Lee tried a left footer from distance but he sliced it. Then with the ball on the by line Olly sent in a great cross across the box and Wighton was unlucky not get to his fourth of the game. Rovers had the last chance of the game with a shot from very far out which went over the bar and then the referee blew for full time.

A better performance from Hearts than the previous two League Cup games, great showings from the young lads who came in and good to see that we have good depth this season. Great confidence booster for Craig Wighton with his first goals in maroon. A good result and will have the team in high spirits ready for Friday’s Championship opener against Dundee.

My Man Of The Match was a close one as Elliott Frear just pips Harry Cochrane, his crossing was great and created many chance for Hearts and he seemed to be able to play as both a wide man and wingback roles when needed.

Player Ratings

Stewart – 6

Brandon – 6

Haring – 6

Kingsley – 7

White – 6

Cochrane – 8

McGill – 7

Moore – 7

Henderson – 6

Frear – 8

Wighton – 7

Popescu – 6

Roberts – 6

Ginnelly – 6

Lee – 6

Walker – 6

Next up the big Championship opener against one of our rivals for promotion, Dundee. One I’m looking forward to as I used to live up there and always loved the Jambos getting one over on them.

Thanks for reading my thoughts on Hearts against Raith Rovers.

Daz Carding

Another game I couldn’t attend, so here’s my thoughts on the Betfred League Cup game between Cowdenbeath and Hearts as I watched online in 3 Faces Of Foleys pub-shed.

Massive thanks to Brian Wilson for the stream so I could take in the game from East Fife’s Bayview Stadium, played here as Central Park could not be used due to flooding. Made it a little less painful to watch from home as I’ve always wanted to visit Central Park due to the unique stock car track around the pitch.

No idea what happened in the first 10 minutes as there was some trouble with the feed from the stadium. Could have been the best 10 minutes Hearts will play this season but we will never know….We had a picture but oddly no commentary or sound, better than nothing though I guess.

So now we were watching the game, Hearts looked comfortable passing the ball about the plastic pitch but seemed slow getting forward in attack, which was surprising seeing that we had both Ginnelly and Roberts on the park. Early on though Jordan Roberts looked sharp and like he could really add something to Hearts game. Captain Steven Naismith was putting in a shift battling for every ball and keeping the side ticking over as always.

During the first half it was mainly Hearts game to win and they did well to keep the Cowdenbeath chances down to set pieces but the Jambos just weren’t making the most of their control on the game. Strangely after his great debut in midweek Ginnelly was pretty quiet in the first half out wide as the main source of play was going through Roberts.

Jamie Walker had a golden chance to take the lead but missed a diving header from close range, to be honest was expecting him to break the deadlock. Then after a mistake from their goal kick we failed to take advantage and the attack faded to nothing.

We had the Blue Brazil penned back into their half and easily coping with everything they had in the way of attacks. But it looked as though the Jambo’s were missing an out and out striker in the game and needed to start taking chances.

Not the best of first halves to be fair to both sides as the game had the feeling of a pre-season friendly of sorts. Hearts were dominant but just lacked that finishing touch and went in scoreless at half time.

As we returned for the second half we were welcomed to commentary and sound from the pitch. Got to admit though I enjoyed listening to Brian slagging his pal from Canada more than the commentary to be honest, a highlight being the mention of yellow snow haha.

Robbie Neilson made a change at half time bringing Wighton in for Naismith, which would give us a striker to hopefully find the breakthrough. Early into the half and Ginnelly was brought down in the box but no penalty was awarded. By the way messers Roberts and Ginnelly played as the half went on I think we could see these pair as our men out wide this season and could cause plenty of Championship teams problems. The pair worked well together to create a chance as Roberts put in a great ball but unluckily Ginnelly header over with Hearts best chance of the game so far. The pair even managed to switch sides of the park to try to confuse the Cowdenbeath defence.

As the second half wore on Hearts began to give away stupid free kicks for hand balls and silly fouls, also continuing to waste any chance they had going forward.

The young lad McGill can be proud of his debut in maroon as he put in a tidy shift in the middle of the park, he was replaced for another debutant in Elliot Frear. Chances kept coming for the Jam Tarts as Wighton had a header blocked and from the block Roberts volleyed just wide, it really felt like whatever we did a Blue shirt got in the way. As frustrating as that was we weren’t helping ourselves as we were wasting our set pieces and attacks were ending in nothing.

After some good work from Lee who found Jamie Walker, saw our number 7 go really close from near the edge of the box. Must admit our midfield looked decent in parts today, I’m sure all the pieces of the puzzle will fall into place after a few competitive league games.

With just over 10 minutes left to play, the Jambos won a corner which was taken by substitute Frear and the new boy whipped in a great ball and Halkett was there like he was many a time last season to head into the net, not going to lie I jumped off the sofa in the pub shed like we had just won the cup. 1-0 to Hearts, something else to be happy about came minutes later as Peter Haring came off the bench again which was a great thing to see as I think he is an important player for us.

Late in the game as Hearts broke Jamie Walker was needlessly hacked down, I was surprised that their man got away with a yellow and not red. As we played into injury time Roberts worked into the box and was pushed down, penalty to Hearts. With Walker bagging a penalty against Caley he was the right man for the spot kick, but to my surprise the home keeper got down to his right and made the save.

The game ended 1-0 to Hearts, not a game that will live long in Jambo memories but another win and another clean sheet. A few positives from the game were Gordon looked solid when called upon, we looked assured at the back and seem more confident than last season by a country mile. I think we really need to bring in another striker as the depth isn’t the greatest and unfortunately I really don’t see Wighton being the back up for Boyce.

My Man Of The Match was Craig Halkett, not just for getting the winning goal but when he was needed at the back he did the job asked of him and in a way controlled the defence.

Player Ratings

Gordon – 6

Brandon – 6

Popescu -6

Halkett -8

White – 6

Ginnelly – 6

Lee – 5

McGill – 6

Walker – 7

Roberts – 7

Naismith – 6

Frear – 7

Haring – 6

Wighton – 5

Two games coming up this week, both at home. We play Raith in the Betfred Cup on Tuesday and then Dundee on Friday in the Championship opener. A win against Raith will see us through in the cup and we all know the reasons why the Dundee game is a huge one.

Thanks for reading my thoughts on Hearts against Cowdenbeath.

Daz Carding

Seeing as I won’t be going to any games any time soon, I’ve decided to document the games I watch online/on tv that I should have been going to.

We start with the first competitive game for the club that I hold a season ticket for Heart Of Midlothian as they began there quest towards League Cup glory with a group game at home against Inverness, on Premier Sports.

I may not have been at the game in person but cardboard cut out me took its place in the main stand, bit of a shame they couldn’t put it in my season ticket seat in the Wheatfield but that’s just me being picky.

Must admit, I’m glad not many Hearts games are on Premier Sports as there is only so much Chris Sutton I can take, had a proud husband moment at half time though as I was in the kitchen I heard my wife shout “Fair play Chris Sutton can be a wank sometimes”.

So on to the game, there were a few debutants for the Jambos with Popescu and Ginnelly donning the maroon shirt for the first time. On the flip side we were without Boyce and Smith who are away with Northern Ireland.

It was clear this was the season opener as both teams had a few cobwebs to shake off but Hearts looked the better side. Think the ref should have maybe got a card out as Storey clearly shoved Halkett into the advertising boards, even though the commentator said he was going for the ball… yeah if the ball was on the back of Halkett’s shoulder.

Ginnelly and Walker were getting on the ball and using it really well, both making the most of the width and creating chances. I do feel that Hearts still need more back up for Boyce as poor Craig Wighton just doesn’t look good enough, many a time he was in a good position but just lacked the final touch.

Craig Gordon returned for Hearts and showed why his so highly rated, making what can only be called an amazing save. Getting Gordon back in Gorgie could be the signing of the season in my eyes as he commands his area so well and is exactly what you want as your last line of defence.

Captain Steven Naismith was his usual self taking control of what was happening on the pitch and guiding players through the game, I think when him and Boyce are both on the pitch together it could be a fun season ahead.

The teams went in at half time goalless and to be fair I think (not being biased) that Hearts should have been in front as they were the stronger of the two sides as the stats showed.

I was really impressed with Ginnelly as he was creating some great space out wide and always looked capable of making a chance when on the ball and linked up well with Brandon on the right.

It was great to see the effort on show by the players, night and day compared to last seasons shambles. I think Robbie as a Hearts man has installed belief and passion back into a squad that on paper is more than capable to win promotion.

A dubious penalty was awarded in the 61st minute to Hearts as a Josh Ginnelly shot was blocked by what looked like the arm of Caley’s Cameron Harper. Was surprised to see Jamie Walker step up to take the penalty but was jubilant in the Carding household when he sent the keeper the wrong way and put it in the back of the net to make it 1-0 to Hearts. A lead that we deserved.

Just after the goal the first changes for Hearts were made and two debutants came on as Jordan Roberts and Andy Halliday replaced Irving and Wighton. I was excited to see both these players as they arrived with some fanfare and both didn’t disappoint as they got stuck in and had a good half hour each. On the subject of subs with 10 minutes to go Peter Haring came on and showed what Hearts had been missing as he controlled the game from the middle of the pitch, very happy to see him back in a maroon shirt.

A lot of positives out of tonight’s game, lots of players not scared to have a go from distance which was missing last season and the effort was 10 times better. I think the midfield looks the best I’ve seen at Tynecastle in a few years. A much deserved win and a good 90 minutes to get back into competitive football. Think once Souttar is fit again Popescu may slip onto the bench, he seemed to make a few mistakes and got in Halkett’s way a few times. Also can’t see how when he’s back from injury, how Berra is going to fit into the team or even the squad.

My Man Of The Match goes to ex Shrewsbury Town player Josh Ginnelly, he may not have scored but he showed his class taking on Caley defenders and getting in space on several occasions. Going to be exciting seeing him as the season progresses and hopefully can turn the loan deal into a permanent one.

Watching on the TV was alright but made me want to return to Tynecastle and to a live football match soon, hopefully Hearts have the chance to trial with fans back in the stadium.

Thanks for reading my thoughts on Hearts against Inverness.

Daz Carding

St Mirren Park (The Simple Digital Arena) – St Mirren

This was my first visit to St Mirren Park but I wasn’t seeing St Mirren take to the field in their black and white but I did see a team in black and white, that being Germany.

The game was the final of the 2019 UEFA Women’s Under 19 Championship between Germany and France.

I hadn’t managed to make it to any of the other games in the tournament so made my way to St Mirren Park. The game finished 2-1 to France and was a very competitive game with Germany taking the early lead through Anyomi but the French weren’t behind for long when they equalised under 10 minutes later with a goal from the impressive Sandy Baltimore. The rest of the game was at a fast pace and I was really impressed by both teams, with around quarter of an hour left the French ladies took the lead and completed the comeback when Lakrar sealed the win.

After the full time whistle blew you saw how much it meant to both teams as the French were elated and the Germans were truly upset to have not come away as champions.

The stadium was very much like most new stadiums that were built between 2000 – 2010, each stand looking the same and lacking character. A plus was that it was a short distance from the train station but there was nothing in the close vicinity of the stadium. UEFA had decorated the stadium with their branding and the flags of the nations that took part in the tournament, also outside there was a fan zone with face painting and inflatables for the kids.

So onto my ratings…

Ticket Price – £5

Programme – Free

Programme Rating – 6/10

Refreshments – 4/10

Stadium Facilities – 5/10

Getting to stadium – 9/10

Stadium rating – 6/10

Thanks for reading my thoughts on my first visit to St Mirren Park.

Daz Carding

Hearts V Hamilton – Scottish Premier League (15/2/20)

I arrived at a very wet Tynecastle knowing that the Jam Tarts needed a victory today. At home against a team we should be beating, surely it could only end one way?

I thought covering my legs in a poncho to keep dry would be a good idea but the rain ran off my legs soaking my trainers and my parka was soaked through. Around my seat was flooded and set the stage for great conditions for a game of football.

Hearts made several changes to the team that lost mid week, but disaster struck after only 5 minutes Hamilton took the lead after some shocking defending. Matters only got worse as the away side were awarded a penalty which they converted and Hearts were 2 down after only quarter of an hour.

Things looked up for the Jambo’s slightly when strangely Hamilton was sent off for Hamilton for a handball outside the box. Hearts failed to make the most of it in the remaining 25 minutes of the first half and went in 2-0 down at the break.

I’m don’t know what Daniel Stendel said at half time but it worked as Jamie Walker got a goal minutes after the restart. Hearts then dominated the game with numerous near misses or for the linesman to signal offside. It just didn’t look like it was going to be Hearts day.

As the minutes passed by Hearts kept on pressing and brought on Connor Washington to add more attacking threat. With it looking like Hearts were destined for another loss, a looping ball was played into the box and Craig Halkett got on the end of it to draw Hearts level with 3 minutes remaining.

Not the result that Hearts needed but still a point gained. Next stop a trip to Paisley against St Mirren, which will be my second trip there but first seeing St Mirren.

So onto my ratings…

Ticket Price – Season Ticket Holder

Programme – £3.50

Programme Rating – 5/10

Refreshments – 7/10

Stadium Facilities – 8/10

Getting to stadium – 9/10

Stadium rating – 8/10

Thanks for reading my thoughts on Hearts against Hamilton.

Daz Carding

@Salopian_Jambo

Gay Meadow, Shrewsbury Town.

A ground very close to my heart as I spent a lot of time there growing up as a Shrewsbury Town fan. Many a Saturday and Tuesday spent on the famous Riverside Stand, usually freezing as the River Severn flowed right behind the stand and if a ball went over the stand you would see someone with a net nip out of the ground to retrieve the ball from the river.

I’m glad that I got to watch games from every stand at Gay Meadow, The Riverside, The Wakeman End, The Station End and the Centre Stand which was the only stand to have seating.

So many great memories there such as being a sponsor of a friendly against Everton, playing Chelsea in the FA Cup, making the Conference Play Off final with a victory over Barnet and seeing Super Sammy Aiston light up the Gay Meadow pitch.

I loved how close to the pitch you were which made for an intimidating atmosphere for visiting teams. There was nothing better than be crammed on the Riverside and non stop singing until the 90th minute.

It was very hard to say goodbye to the Meadow as I had grown up visiting the ground and now we would be leaving it all behind for pastures knew. It was both a shame to be leaving but also exciting as we moved our club into the future.

The last game at Gay Meadow was a League Two play off semi final against MK Dons, which finished 0-0. After the whistle blew the majority of the Salop fans celebrated and said goodbye by invading the pitch for one last time, I managed to get two things to remind of the day, a lump of Gay Meadow’s turf and goalkeeper Scott Shearer’s towel. I still have the towel but the turf did not last for too long. A few months later I received a gift of a seat from the Centre Stand which one day I would love to have mounted on the wall but unfortunately my wife is not allowing that.

A couple of weeks after the last game I had the chance to play on the hallowed Gay Meadow turf, which I still get goosebumps now.

The land that once was the centre of football in Shrewsbury but now it is filled with apartments and homes but to me it will always and forever be Gay Meadow.

Thanks for reading my memories of Gay Meadow.

Daz Carding

Liverpool V Shrewsbury Town – FA Cup 4th Round Replay (4/2/20)

So I found myself returning to Anfield, home of the current European and World Champions for the first time since I sat in the Kop back in 2010, but this time I would be stood in the Anfield Road stand cheering on my beloved Shrewsbury Town in the FA Cup!

I was staying in Liverpool and considered walking to Anfield as I had a long time until kick off but was talked out of it by my wife so I boarded the bus which dropped me off right in front of the Kop, which looked amazing from the roadside.

I had plenty of time to kill as I was waiting on my friend who had my ticket, so I wandered around the whole perimeter of the stadium so that I could take in the whole ground and what a sight it was. I paid a visit to the Hillsborough memorial to pay my respects and had photos taken with the Bill Shankly statue and the famous Anfield gates.

I visited the oversized club store before wandering around to the away end, only to be greeted by what seemed like hundreds of security and police. It was quite busy getting in as traffic on the motorway had delayed many Salop fans which meant the kick off was pushed back by 15 minutes.

Once in the stadium the concourse felt over populated and took a long time to get through and up the steps to my seat, but once I was in I was overawed by the size and sights of Anfield and what made it more special was I was seeing my team take to the pitch. The away end was packed and making a great noise, I was slightly disappointed by the famous Anfield atmosphere as they seemed rather on the quiet side. The main stand towered over the other three but the Kop stood out as it was full of banners and creating the only atmosphere from the home supporters.

My view from the away end was decent as I was slightly to the right of the goal and had a totally unobstructed view. Even though I have been to Anfield twice before this time felt more enjoyable and I took in a lot more of the experience of visiting a great top flight stadium.

Shrewsbury showed Liverpool far too much respect and let them play the game they wanted, shame VAR ruled out the goal and an unfortunate own goal gave Liverpool the goal they needed to get them into the next round. It wasn’t the best of games and 1-0 seemed a fair result.

So onto my ratings…

Ticket Price – £15

Programme – £3.50

Programme Rating – 7/10

Refreshments – 4/10

Stadium Facilities – 7/10

Getting to stadium – 7/10

Stadium rating – 8/10

Thanks for taking the time out and reading about my trip to Anfield.

Daz Carding

Falkirk V Heart Of Midlothian – Scottish Cup 5th Round (8/2/20)

This was my first trip to the Falkirk Stadium and one I had been wanting to tick off my list for a while after passing it on the motorway several times, so I was more than happy when they won their replay which meant they would be hosting Hearts.

The stadium is quite far away from either of the two train stations in Falkirk, either a 30+ minute walk or a bus journey. The weather wasn’t the kindest so the walk was out of the equation, the bus dropped me off over the road from the stadium which was ideal.

The stadium itself looks pretty modern from the outside but only has three stands, the missing stand is the one running along the touch line which opened the stadium up to the elements. The away support were housed behind the goal and home fans took up the remaining two stands.

I felt that the missing stand withdrew some of the atmosphere as the noise of the crowd escaped through the mass gap. All three stands are undercover which was an added bonus as the weather was atrocious, as you can see by the photos.

Falkirk have a plastic pitch which I’m not the biggest fan of, give me a grass everyday of the week. I understand it means less games abandoned but I feel it ruins the game. It wasn’t a good game from a Hearts view and Falkirk seemed the better side hitting the woodwork three times, but in cup football it doesn’t matter how you play it’s winning the game and progressing that counts. I feel that the horrific weather played a big part in the game and Hearts did enough to go through to the quarter finals.

So onto my ratings…

Ticket Price – £10

Programme – £3

Programme Rating – 6/10

Refreshments – 5/10

Stadium Facilities – 7/10

Getting to stadium – 4/10

Stadium rating – 5/10

Thanks for reading about my trip to Falkirk Stadium.

Daz Carding