East Stirling 1-1 Hearts B

East Stirling 1-1 Hearts B

Lowland League

Friday 29th September 2023

Another trip to watch the Hearts B Team albeit this performance wasn’t one that will fit into the ‘vintage’ category as the boys were held to a 1-1 draw at East Stirlingshire.

Since I last watched Hearts (away at Brechin in August - feels a long time ago), the lads have been in decent form in the Lowland League and established themselves near the top of the table with just one defeat so far in 11 games heading into this one - testament to the fact this is a good and genuine crop of lads with pretty decent attitudes (can always tell) who’ll always be prepared to roll their sleeves up, compete, and give things their best shot.

A win in this game would have seen the boys leapfrog East Kilbride and go back to the top of the table, and they couldn’t have made a better start as just six minutes in, Murray Thomas whipped in a cross having burst down the left and it was on a plate for Callum Sandilands who finished at the back-post.

Not the first quality player I’ve seen score in the sixth-minute this week… but fine play by Big Muz both to keep the ball in firstly (superb tenacity) and then deliver such a pinpoint cross. A good finish by Callum Sandilands (think that’s his sixth of the season), the usual piggyback celebration (loves one of those does Callum) and even better for his dad who got credited with the goal on East Stirling’s Twitter feed.

Sadly though, that positive start proved to be the highlight of the night for Hearts.

If they’d got a second goal then I feel the likelihood is that a few East Stirling heads would have dropped and it might have become ‘comfortable’ and the boys certainly had chances they were guilty of not putting away.

Firstly, Ryan Duncan beat the offside trap just after Callum’s opener (clever play; quality through ball - not certain by who but think it was from Mack Ross as he popped some decent ones about from that position) and although RD beat the ‘keeper with his effort, it was blocked by the cover defending. 

Then, just a few minutes afterwards, Harry Gordon skewed an effort wide from inside the area after some top footwork and trickery from Bailey Dall (what a lad) with the ball tight to his feet followed by a subsequent cut-back that was inviting - and later in the half there were further chances as Callum Sandilands slipped two delicious balls through. One found Big Muz who didn’t hit his shot first time, waited, and that just allowed the defender to get back and cover the angle, then another where Sandilands went to James Wilson who was fast, sharp, got up after being knocked over (probably should have stayed down and made the referee make a decision) and forced a stop.

But despite all Hearts’ ability in possession, pattern play, intelligence and capability (all of which was evident in little bits and pieces; just not fluid or flowing like I’ve seen in the past), from about 20 minutes onwards, East Stirling started to get back into things, get a bit of a foothold, and push for an equaliser.

Liam McFarlane had to deal with a few crosses from corners where the hosts looked a constant threat - and they rattled the bar from one after Hearts couldn’t clear their lines. In an open-play instance around the half-hour mark, one of their strikers nearly nipped in whilst McFarlane was waiting to collect, No.9 posed a threat and was in a physical battle with Luke Rathie (needly but interesting to watch), and a few minutes before half-time that persistence/pressure shown by East Stirling paid off as they broke down their right (Hearts left), No.9 slipped an inviting pass into the feet of Scott Honeyman inside the box who lashed it home quite emphatically with power.

So 1-1; the all-important second goal of the game had gone to the hosts (massively important) and now there was work to do in the second half.

If you’d have asked me at half-time then I’d have probably predicted there would be more goals as the first half (far from perfect) had been entertaining and open with some decent ideas. I thought there would be an improvement and from a Hearts perspective, enough chances had been created to give that belief.

Sadly, it didn’t transpire because the second half felt a bit flat. It definitely lacked in zip and intensity as it petered out into a 1-1 draw.

East Stirling had a couple of chances straight after the re-start as Liam McFarlane got fingertips on one effort to turn it over before another caught a wicked deflection inside the box (definitely one of those ‘Oh crap, where’s this ball going?’ heart-in-mouth instances) but it ultimately flew wide of the post.

Up at the other end, James Wilson was involved in another big moment as he used his pace excellently to beat his man and get into the box only to be denied again by the ‘keeper at the second attempt after he got up having initially been knocked over, Callum Sandilands was flagged offside (probably wrongly) in an instance when he was put through - albeit even if the flag hadn’t gone up, he was denied anyway, and when Matty Gillies came on, the ball sat up for him to have a pop from about 25 yards out and he smashed one wide. Can’t fault him for having a pop in that instance though!

As it got nearer towards full-time, East Stirling applied some more pressure and went close to winning it - one header from a cross went wide, they remained a threat at set-plays as well and that meant Liam McFarlane and the defence had to concentrate a lot, but ultimately there were no further goals.

Overall, the performance itself was disappointing from Hearts but the result means there is at least some reward for what was put in - and they didn’t get beat. That’s a positive!

The quality was evident in the players themselves but only in snippets. Not for 90 minutes and not cohesively. The speed of play at times was often slow, in a few areas the lads wanted too many touches rather than just instinctively doing stuff (where these boys thrive and can torment teams as they’ve done various times before), the intensity in the second half never felt as if it was there - and whether you use the word flat, leggy, tepid, disjointed or rusty, it’s probably an accurate description of some parts of the game. There were some good bits, neat and nice possession-based stuff, but much more needed to win convincingly - and having not played competitively in the Lowland League for three weeks, there was an element of rustiness present for sure for whatever reason.

A few players did do okay. Callum Sandilands (great finish by his dad for the opener) was energetic, a lot of the positive play which led to things up top involved him - and I’d love to see him used further/higher up the pitch because I know how much quality he can bring in attacking areas. Playing in a deeper role, he’s good and intelligent and his reading of the game (positioning) stood out in this one. But playing higher is where he’s even better, IMO, and absolutely thrives!

Likewise, Adam Forrester - not perfect (nobody was) but I felt he was one of the better players in a Hearts shirt and having not been able to watch him whilst I was up in pre-season doing all the games, it’s great to see him back playing and involved again. 

I thought Luke Rathie did okay (good tussle with the No.9 at times - loved watching that) and the way the game panned out, it was a test, but his physicality was strong and he always looks confident and usually solid.

Amongst some of the others, Kenzi Nair used his pace well to get out of trouble - especially with one early in the second half when he got goal-side in last-ditch style to block a shot (good defending as it looked like the odds were against him initially). Harry Gordon and Ryan Duncan weren’t bad - probably needed to be given the ball a bit more often but, again, the performance as a whole team wasn’t the greatest ever. Mack Ross hit some decent passes over distance to open things up. Good distribution; 2-3 in each half, and that was his best strength in this performance. 

Bailey Dall; gave the ball away a couple of times (it happens) but some excellent contributions high up the pitch in attacking situations - especially the one with his footwork where he wriggly, persistent, beat two men and set up Harry Gordon (definitely a bit of luck involved but love that). Two good crosses early on too; Dalldini at his finest and I don’t mind the fact he’s prepared to take people on. Also had a clever run where he could have been found for a shot, and a couple of bits defensively too, and I thought he was unlucky to be subbed. 

Murray Thomas got an assist (nice from you big man) and put in 1-2 other deliveries which were right on the money. James Wilson - flashes and snippets, good pace and enthusiasm and with a bit more know-how and experience (which will come over time) he’d have probably got a goal in this game. Liam McFarlane had more work to do than I’d have liked but whenever he was called upon, he pulled off saves and was a presence. A few worrying moments but alright on the whole and nothing he could have done about the goal.

And a little mention for Gus Stevenson; only on the pitch for a few minutes near the end but he seemed to give the team a bit of a lift and balance at that point and it was noticeable.

Plus, it was class to see another sub, Matty Gillies, get some minutes and come on in the CDM role and he’s earned the right to be in this team. A top lad, great character, got stuck and competed to win a few things, showed the physical aspects to his game - especially when an East Stirling striker just bounced off him at one point in injury-time and Matty is someone who deserves this ‘step up’ to the B Team for his second Lowland League appearance after doing well in the U18s so far this season, plus representing Scotland at age-group level. Always a pleasure to watch him, a decent lad with ability, good attitude (most important thing) and I’ve a lot of respect for what he’s all about and the more he plays, the better he’ll become over time!

If Mak Kirk had been involved (presumably he wasn’t due to the first team’s game at Notts County today) then I’d like to think with his predatory instincts around the box and proven track record for scoring goals, he’d have finished at least one of the chances created somewhere on the night but it wasn’t to be. 

I said in the summer that I wanted to watch more B Team games this season, so  I’ll be back up to watch a few coming up (Celtic, Berwick and Edinburgh University all for definite) so I’m looking forward to those.

Up the Hearts!

And well done again to Jamie Sandilands on his first goal of the season! Top finish for a goalkeeper, especially from 50 yards away!

Team: Liam McFarlane, Bailey Dall (Ethan Drysdale), James Wilson, Callum Sandilands, Murray Thomas (Bobby McLuckie), Harry Gordon (Matty Gillies), Kenzi Nair, Adam Forrester, Ryan Duncan, Luke Rathie (C), Mack Ross (Gus Stevenson). Unused Subs: Jack McConnell, Kai Smutek, Harvey Chisholm.

Rangers 4-0 Livingston

Rangers 4-0 Livingston

Viaplay Cup Quarter-Final

Wednesday 27th September 2023

If you’re Rangers and you hammer Livingston at home, then it’s expected.

If you’re Rangers and you lose to Livingston at home, there’s massive scrutiny, a media storm, questions flying around left, right and centre, and everyone has an opinion from seasoned pundits to Barbara on the tills at Tesco. 

Throw in the struggles which Rangers have endured already this season - in spite of the good result against Real Betis and three points against Motherwell last time out, the pressure that’s already on Michael Beale - and the fall-out from such a defeat would have potentially been supersonic.

Thankfully, Rangers worst fears weren’t realised in this game - and, if truth be told, it was a pretty comfortable night for them even if they did get a shade of good fortune with that opener (definite foul; just not given) and the fact the final scoreline was a bit flattering as the game lacked entertainment.

Just a case really of getting the job done and getting into the next round.

In a game which won’t live too long in the memory, Rangers knew that Livvy were likely to rock up at Ibrox and be defensive, so the need for an early goal was massive and after James Tavernier forced the visiting ‘keeper into a fingertip save inside 10 minutes, the opener soon came thanks to Abdallah Sima. Yes, there was a push and I don’t think there’s anyone who would disagree. Nine times out of 10 you’d get the decision but this was the one instance you get away with it, and thereafter what can’t be denied is the quality Sima showed as he worked his way into the box and fired home emphatically from a tight-ish angle!

That’s how the game stayed up to half-time; there wasn’t very much else to get excited about either. Everyone knows that a 1-0 lead can be precarious and Livingston almost equslised around the hour mark when Luiyi De-Lucas flashed a header just wide in what was a warning to Rangers that their job wasn’t done yet.

A second goal was needed so step forward Ridvan (quite literally) who carried the ball out of defence on a 50-yard run from the left-back spot, kept going, and eventually smashed a shot into the net from 20 yards - immediately releasing the unease and frustration that was starting to build up. Shades of Ryan Giggs against Arsenal; albeit less men beaten and miles more space allowed to him as Livingston’s defence stood off, but a quality goal nonetheless.

Things still didn’t quite go perfectly for Rangers from this point onwards as Ridvan was soon taken off having gone down whilst Kemar Roofe also went off apparently injured, but gloss was added to the scoreline late on as, firstly, Abdallah Sima made it 3-0 before Ryan Jack got on the score-sheet right at the end for 4-0!

Disaster averted; still far from the most exciting game ever, but at least Rangers are still in the Viaplay Cup. 

That’s what they needed to achieve beforehand and a Semi-Final against Hearts now awaits (which will be a tough game) whilst Hibernian and Aberdeen will do battle in the other semi.

Rangers B 4-1 Alloa Athletic

Rangers B 4-1 Alloa Athletic

SPFL Trust Trophy

Tuesday 26th September 2023

Typically pish Scottish weather, six hours traveling, two buses and two trains required to go and watch Ross McCausland in this game and I could have hardly picked a better one as he was directly involved in three of the four goals Rangers scored as they booked their place in the next round of the SPFL Trust Trophy with this win over Alloa Athletic.

Ironically, the first time I ever watched Ross was at Alloa’s ground 19 months ago when the B Team beat Broomhill - and he created such a positive impression in the space of 90 minutes that I’ve followed his career closely from that night onwards. 

Anyone who knows me will know how highly I rate him. Along with being a brilliant and humble lad (most important thing) who is an absolute credit to his family, he’s also genuinely one of the best players in the U18s-21s age bracket I’ve watched anywhere over the past few years; quick, sharp, tidy, a brilliant attitude and right now he’s flowing with confidence and buzzing having had such a positive start to the season where his end product has been quality (six or seven goals already going into this game - I will admit there’s been that many I’ve lost count), his performances both consistent and very impressive, and he’s become one of the names on everyone’s lips earning plaudits far and wide and very respected for who he is.

I didn’t need any ‘reward’ for going to watch him in this game as I knew beforehand that I’d be watching a quality player who I love to bits in his element and doing what he enjoys - and it took the wee man just six minutes to show what he’s capable of as he put Rangers infront with a goal that just underlines what he can do.

Nipping in to win the ball about 25-30 yards out, he twisted, turned, beat his man, took it past another and rode a challenge to create space for himself for an opening and despite a few premature half-appeals for a free-kick, he subsequently hit a shot which was lashed with power and precision straight past the rooted Alloa ‘keeper.

It raised a smile. For anyone else, it would be a quality finish. For Ross McCausland that’s just normal and a fantastic example of what he can do when he’s full of confidence, how good he is, and exactly why I think the world of him. Absolutely love it!

With Rangers attacking well and looking in a determined mood at this point, I was already thinking it might become the Ross McCausland show and a second goal very nearly came because in Rossy’s next involvement, he chased down Alloa’s No.2 on the edge of the visitors’ box, forced a mistake and the ball eventually reached Zak Lovelace who let fly with a zipping effort that was brilliantly palmed over by the ‘keeper.

McCausland and Lovelace linked up again a few minutes later; Rossy this time being given the ball cheaply inside his own half, driving with it like a knife through butter for 40-50 yards and eventually releasing it out towards the right for Lovelace who flashed a ball through the six-yard box, but on the back of that opening Alloa soon went close themselves at the other end through Connor Sammon who blazed over.

As the first half wore on, you felt that if Rangers made it 2-0 then they’d probably win quite comfortably, whereas if the visitors got the next goal instead, then it would become one of those tight and difficult-to-call games.

And as half-time approached, Alloa got better. They’d already had a few chances when just a few minutes before the break they finally put the ball in the net; Paul Nsio being off the pitch having received treatment when Rangers had to defend against a corner, and unable to clear their lines properly, Quinn Coulson’s curling effort came back off the post and dropped for Morgyn Neill who slotted home the rebound from eight yards to make it 1-1.

The second half then proved to be pretty tight with not much in the way of goalmouth action happening at either end for a long spell. Instead a torrential downpour soaked the players and made their shirts feel much heavier, it was difficult conditions, and the extra concentration required by everyone meant things became very tight and tentative.

Ross McCausland had a few involvements; including a good dribble from right to left in one instance - across the box and then into the area where his shot was blocked - great technique nonetheless and another little glimpse of what he can do. He tried to play a couple of through balls which nearly worked out but Alloa just about maintained their shape to prevent being caught and as the rain finally eased with about 10-15 minutes remaining, penalties seemed the most likely outcome.

Alloa even went close a couple of times in the last 10 minutes but then, with about five minutes to go, Rangers made the breakthrough to re-take the lead - and of course Ross McCausland was involved. Switching the ball from right to left and finding Robbie Fraser inside the box who cleverly knocked it back for Findlay Curtis to slot the ball home for a goal which he’ll remember fondly for years to come.

And then the game was wrapped up just over a minute or so later when Findlay Curtis turned architect as he latched onto a ball forward that caused confusion in the Alloa defence, rounded the ‘keeper to an extent and squared it for James Graham who had a simple finish with an open goal at his mercy.

The 3-1 scoreline possibly flattered Rangers but in the last action of the game it was 4-1. 

Ross McCausland (again) found the feet of Christopher Eadie who beat his man and got into the box and was brought down by the Alloa ‘keeper. The referee had no other choice and after Rossy grabbed the ball and gave it to Arron Lyall, he slammed home his spot-kick to ensure it was a good night for the young lads and they’ll now ‘host’ Airdrieonians (not sure where but possibly at Cappielow again) in the next round.

On the whole though, a pleasure to witness the game, see Ross McCausland in his element - smiling, happy, enjoying his football, impacting a game so positively and contributing so much towards the outcome.

His first touch was decent (proven various times). Technique class; you only have to watch his goal to see that. He looked sharp, slick, tidy, tried to link things up and be positive in the attacking third by wanting to find team-mates and make something happen and although there are a few bits and pieces still for him to learn and improve, it’s minor stuff when you look at the bigger picture and what’s clear is that he’s got so much talent, is a good player, is absolutely flying with self-belief and confidence right now (again, just look at his end product - goals/assists and performances so far this season) and he is an absolute asset to have in a team. 

It’s exactly why I rate him and have been mentioning his name to everyone for the past 19 months. It’s why I respect him so much and wanted to be at this game because I knew I’d see a quality player in their element!

Keep it up, keep enjoying your football, keep making your family forever proud by just being you and having fun, and whatever happens in the next few weeks/months and years ahead (and I’d love to see you get the Northern Ireland cap at some point because you deserve that - and it will be such a special moment if/when it does happen) then, as you know already, you’ve got my full support for the rest of your career - and it was good to finally speak to you for a few minutes afterwards last night at long last!

Class player! And my absolute pleasure to be there to see this game!

Amongst some of the others; Robbie Fraser did well and got two assists (just about) and was great down the left at times, Zak Lovelace showed snippets of what he can do (deserved a goal with that shot that the ‘keeper palmed over), Arron Lyall got a goal at the end and was bright/productive in driving with the ball - especially in the second half, Archie Stevens tried to make something happen before (I think) he picked up a bit of a knock late on - didn’t mind him nor Johnly Yfeko who went off too, whilst the goals scored by the two subs - Findlay Curtis and James Graham will do their confidence good given their respective ages. 

The one other player who I want to mention is Jack Harkness because what I picked up on is that he reads a game particularly well - evidenced by his understanding at times in the first half (really good) and then evidenced in an instance where he nipped in to nick the ball off an Alloa player’s feet and toe-ended the ball away to safety. Good work. What I didn’t realise until afterwards was that this was his first game back from injury (hence why he went off after an hour) but I liked what I saw and can appreciate his value just from seeing this 60 minutes, and who knows, I might even come back up here and watch him in particular in a game at some point in the future. Top work, keep it up, take confidence at being back and the more the game-time builds up, and rest assured that if I’m noticing that contribution, then other people will be seeing it too and it will win respect.