Sunday 2nd January 2011 - Raith Rovers v Dunfermline Athletic [Preview]

Click here or read below of my preview of the forthcoming Fife derby between Raith Rovers and Dunfermline Athletic. It was published on The Away End.

Title honours up for grabs in Ne'erday clash

Raith Rovers are fighting to get their pitch ready for their eagerly anticipated fixture against Dunfermline Athletic on Sunday. The pitch at Starks Park is still frozen in areas, but the club are confident that it will be playable in time for the Fife derby.

The consequences of this game are huge in the race for the First Division title. A Dunfermline win would send the Pars seven points clear of their Kirkcaldy neighbours, a sizeable gap for the turn of the year. However, a win for Raith would see them close the gap on Dunfermline to just one point, with a game in hand.

Raith, despite occupying third place, are on a poor run of form. They have failed to win since 30 October and were unable to score in their last two games. However, John McGlynn's side will be pleased that they have managed to keep a clean sheet in these previous two games after they fell to a shocking 4-2 defeat at Alloa Athletic in November.

Dunfermline on the other hand are on a fairly decent run. They have picked up eight points in their last four games and thrashed Cowdenbeath by five goals on Wednesday night. Jim McIntyre's side have a great attacking threat but have been known to crumble defensively. They have thrown away 2-0 advantages against Dundee and Raith to draw 2-2 in recent months.

What we can expect in this New Year derby is a very stuffy game played at a frantic pace. Raith have a very well organised and hard working defence and it is unlikely that Dunfermline's attacking threat will be sharp enough to penetrate the home defence very often. Dunfermline will probably have slightly more of the ball, but when Raith have possession, they will look to break quickly with the pace of their attacking line.

Raith's key player will undoubtedly be Gregory Tade. The big Frenchman causes havoc every time he plays due to his sheer athleticism and pace. He will be the target man for any long balls and is a key part of the Raith counter attack system.

Dunfermline's key player would normally be Steven Bell or Willie Gibson, but they will miss out due to injury and illness. Therefore, Andy Kirk will be the player that Pars fans will look to for a spark. The First Division joint top goalscorer has struggled to rediscover his scoring form recently, but found himself back on track after he scored the opening goal in the romp against Cowdenbeath on Wednesday.

You don't have to look far for a classic game between Raith and Dunfermline. The sides last met in a 2-2 draw at a packed East End Park on 13 November 2010. The Pars dominated the first period and went in 2-0 up at the break thanks to goals from former Rover, Pat Clarke and Callum Woods. Rovers fans stood in silence at half time as they tried to comprehend the sheer dominance of their west Fife rivals.

The second half began with Rovers finally creating a few decent chances. However, Dunfermline should have sealed the game shortly after the break when Kirk missed an open goal after a deep Clarke cross. The Pars fans had their heads in their hands once more when Neil McGregor picked up his second yellow card of the game after scything down Scott McBride.

Raith were now well in control but fifteen minutes from time their fans were almost rioting. Kirk had left the pitch to be treated by the physio, while manager McIntyre made two substitutions. Kirk was unaware that he had been subbed and after receiving treatment he strolled back onto the pitch to make the teams even again at 11v11. Referee Eddie Smith soon turned his attention to the Raith fans screaming “cheats!” and booing incessantly. He finally realised that Kirk had incorrectly come back onto the pitch and booked the striker before he trotted back off the pitch onto the bench.

Raith managed to grab a goal back on the 83^rd minute when keeper' Chris Smith failed to hold onto the ball and former Par Ian Williamson nicked it off him and slotted home into the empty net.

Minutes later Williamson rattled the bar and Craig Wilson fired a belting shot inches over. The Pars looked to have held out for the three points, but two minutes into stoppage time Allan Walker looped the ball over Smith into the back of the net to level the game at 2-2.

For Dunfermline fans it felt like a defeat, for Rovers, it was a victorious feeling.

With so much to play for, Sundays game should be a cracker too.

Wednesday 29th December 2010 - Falkirk 0 v 0 Raith Rovers

Click here or read below for my match report of the Irn Bru Scottish First Division fixture between Falkirk and Raith Rovers. It was published on the official Raith Rovers website.

 

Stalemate At Falkirk

Raith Rovers rounded off a fantastic year with a well earned draw at the Westfield Stadium.

The majority of the match was an even contest with both sides unable to break each other down but as legs began to tire near the end, opportunities followed.

It was the visitors that had the best two chances, both falling to Gregory Tade in the dying embers of the game. However, Falkirk goalkeeper Robert Olejnik was in fine form, denying the Frenchman one-on-one both times.

Despite a poor first half display from both sides, the signs were initially positive as Falkirk's Mark Stewart broke free at the back post only for former Falkirk stopper Mark Campbell to make a superb sliding tackle just in time.

After twenty minutes of play being stuck in midfield, Mark Twaddle made a neat run down the left hand side but was averted by Rovers captain Grant Murray. After the resultant corner, Raith broke up the pitch and Scott McBride hit an effort wide of the post.

Moments later, the ball was at the other end of the pitch as Kenny Deuchar nodded a dangerous header across goal, but thankfully for the 547 away fans, Campbell was on hand to head over his own bar for a corner.

The rest of the half produced few other chances and it was made harder to watch by referee Stevie O'Reilly as he persisted in talking to players for long spells after strong tackles. Indeed, three minutes from the break Raith gaffer John McGlynn was given a warning by O'Reilly for seemingly voicing some concerns over his performance.

Within five minutes of the second period Raith created the best chance of the match so far, as a cross-cum-shot from McBride was nearly diverted in at the back post by Tade.

John Baird and Allan Walker had attempts on goal for Raith which were followed by a tricky Kieran Duffie shot, however, David McGurn in the Raith goal did well to tip over.

Half chances appeared at both ends, with the majority created for Raith by Tade and Walker while Burton O'Brien and substitute Kallum Higginbotham fired over for Falkirk.

The Kirkcaldy side looked to have taken the lead on the 76th minute as Baird fired a well struck effort into the bottom corner but he was adjudged to be offside.

As the game drew to a close, Falkirk had numerous scrambles in the Rovers box, with the home support often crying for a penalty to be awarded.

In the last minute of regulation Raith should have taken the lead as Tade found himself clean through on goal after a long ball but his effort was well saved by Olejnik.

Much to the Falkirk keeper's horror, three minutes into stoppage time, Tade was one-one-one with him again. The Austrian made another fine block with his legs, but this time the ball fell to Baird on the edge of the box, who fired another shot at goal. With Olejnik beaten, Rovers fans thought Baird had scored, only for Scobbie to clear the ball off the line.

The final action of the match was a Raith corner swung in by Walker and the home fans watched on through their fingers as Laurie Ellis headed the ball across goal, inches from the head of the inrushing Baird, and wide of the post.

A draw was the fairest result, but both teams will still feel that they had enough chances to win the match.

With Dunfermline Athletic thumping Cowdenbeath by five goals, the New Year derby between the Pars and Raith becomes more important. A Raith win on Sunday would take them just one point behind their West Fife rivals, with a game in hand.

The Future's Rosy, The Future's Red

Click here or read below for my article on the recent Aberdeen AGM. It was published on The Away End.

The Future's Rosy, The Future's Red

On Monday night Aberdeen held their 107^th AGM to around 100 weather-beaten shareholders. Nothing out of the ordinary was revealed, but on show was proof that chairman Stewart Milne and the board still put their hands in their pockets more than some Aberdeen fans give them credit for.

First on the agenda was the possibility of new signings for new gaffer Craig Brown. David McNamee does appear to be expected as the first signing, but Milne warned fans that there would not be an abundance of new talent through the doors of Pittodrie in January. Milne then stated that he believes Brown and his assistant Archie Knox can keep the club in the SPL with most of the resources that he has at hand already.

“There's not bags of money available in Scottish football.

“Football is all about getting the best out of a squad available.

“That's what Craig and Archie will set out to do.”

It therefore appears that there will not be a huge turnover of players in the winter transfer window, but more of a gentle alteration.

Also for discussion was the move of the club from Pittodrie to Loriston Loch, which Milne revealed should be in place for the 2013/14 season.

“The aim would be to have all the funding in place by the first quarter of 2012 with a view to starting the project in the second part of 2012 to have the stadium ready to play in for season 2013-14.”

The inevitable question of how and why Mark McGhee was sacked at the beginning of the month was then answered by Milne.

“We came to the conclusion it was the right time to make a change.

“When you don't make a change, there is potentially an even greater cost of not making a change.”

After many Dons fans questioned whether the club could afford to sack McGhee, Milne quickly proved that he and the board were still willing to put hands in their pockets to benefit the club. Quite rightly so, since they were the ones who appointed McGhee in June 2009 for what can only be described as a disastrous reign.

“In neither case did the funds come out of the football budget, we have found that money from elsewhere.”

Some Aberdeen fans should probably be a bit more thankful to have a chairman who puts his hand in his pocket time and time again for what can from the outside, look like a impossible task. In McGhee, Milne may have appointed the wrong man, but on paper it looked like a fairly good appointment. Ultimately it failed, but it is always hard to predict who would do the best job at a football club.

Aberdeen fans should take comfort in the fact that Milne is trying to build a rosy future for the once proud club. The completion of a new stadium may still seem miles away, but once it goes through it should rejuvenate the club and can hopefully be followed up by a fruitful youth academy.

The Dons may be bottom of the SPL right now, but fans should have faith in the wily old foxes that are Brown and Knox. Firstly, to keep their club up this season, push them further up the table the following season and by then the new stadium and youth academy should be well on the way for what will be the start of a new era for Aberdeen Football Club.

Play-off Madness

Click here or read below for my article on the radical SPL play-offs proposed by Dundee United chairman, Stephen Thompson. It was published on www.theawayend.net.

Play-off Madness

Dundee United chairman, Stephen Thompson, has controversially proposed his own Scottish Premier League plans which would determine the winner through a play-off system at the end of each season.

All twelve current SPL clubs were due to meet on Monday to discuss the possibility of a ten team league,only for the snowy weather to scupper the plans. The discussion was to be based around the system proposed by SPL Chief Executive Neil Doncaster, a system which would see the bottom side in the Scottish top tier automatically relegated, with the winner of a 'SPL2' moving up a division automatically. As the regular season finishes, a play-off scenario containing the ninth placed team in the SPL and second, third and fourth in the SPL2 would then take place.

However, Thompson believes the SPL proposals are not radical enough and says that the top four teams to finish in the SPL should battle for the title in a play-off.

Thompson has stated that "just going back to a top 10 will not change anything. If we are to have just 10 in the top league, we have to look at really radical proposals.

“Fans of teams outwith the Old Firm have become fed up of those two sharing the title between them.

"It is incredible and extremely regrettable that the last non-Old Firm title win was 25 years ago.

"I think we need to go further and make things more interesting at the top of the table as well as having promotion/relegation play-offs."

Fair?

Is Thompson's idea fair though? Is there really any justification for a team to finish top of a league after 36 gruelling fixtures, only for the SPL to turn around and say “sorry guys, but now you have a match against the fourth placed side who finished 'x' points behind you, to see who are the champions”. If that fourth placed side knocked out the table toppers and went on to win the play-offs, would they really be worthy winners? Despite (for arguments sake) finishing twenty points behind the first placed side, why should they be rewarded with the trophy because they managed to collect a decent amount of points during the regular season and then winning four games on the bounce, right at the end?

Surely, the worthy and correct champions of a long league system are the side who collect the highest number of points? Scotland's top flight already has two competitions which have a knock-out system. The Scottish Cup (a competition that Thompson's side won last season) and the Scottish League Cup are already in place and give teams outside the Old Firm a better chance of winning competitions because teams do not have to be consistent over a long period of time to win it.

Crowds

Thompson asks us to consider “a top-four play-off with home and away games and a play-off final at Hampden.

"There would be full houses for all the games and it would create huge interest from the TV companies and the fans and would generate a lot of money, perhaps as much as £2m extra income for the teams in the SPL.”

That is all fine and well, the play-off matches would indeed be absolutely exhilarating. However, what about the money and crowds that Celtic and Rangers will lose during the regular season? The last time an Old Firm side finished outside the top four in Scotland was in the 1989/1990 season, when Celtic finished fifth. In every other season since, both of the Old Firm have finished in the top four. So what exactly is appealing to Celtic and Rangers fans about this play-off ending season? All Old Firm fans will realise that their clubs have an extremely rare chance of not making the play-offs. So why do they need to bother going to any league games until the play-offs? There is no incentive at all. Most Old Firm fans would find something else to do on a Saturday because there would be no reason to turn up to watch their team play a meaningless match.

Thompson may not care if Old Firm home crowds drop sharply, but what he would certainly miss, as a chairman, is the thousands of Old Firm fans that pay to come through to Dundee to watch games containing his football club.

Conclusion

Not only is Thompson's proposal grossly unfair, but it is also selfish and clearly only in the interests of his and similar sized clubs. We may well see Hearts or Dundee United win the top tier of Scottish football once more with this new system, but if they finish ten or twenty points behind the actual winner after 36 games, do they really deserve to be holding the trophy?

Scotland says 'snow way' to winter break

Click here or read below for my article on a winter break in Scottish football. It was published on www.thefootballreporter.com.

In recent weeks Scotland has been pounded with copious amounts of snow. Postponements have been rife and so to avoid all the hassle caused by these call-offs, fans and pundits have started calling for a winter break again. But could it really work?

To be blunt, no, it could not.

Some of the flooding during the storm

On 21 July 2009, Scottish First Division side Raith Rovers hosted a friendly against Hibernian. Everything was going well until the second half. The players came out and started the second period, but after just two minutes there was a power surge and the floodlights cut out. In just the next ten minutes, as the lights were turning back on, a freak storm occurred and flooded the pitch. Unfortunately, the match had to be abandoned.

If you had not already observed, this was a friendly abandoned due to weather, not in winter, but in the heart of summer. Admittedly it was a freak storm, but it underlines the point that Scottish weather is unpredictable at the best of times.

The current league campaign has seen postponements because of large amounts of snow (and referee strikes) as early as 27 November, while last season, Scottish clubs still saw matches called off as late as 2 March because of frozen pitches. So going by the events of just one year, 2010, if a winter break was to cover all possibilities of postponed fixtures, it would have to start in mid November and continue till mid March.

Of course this is far too long a period for no football to be played in the current league set up. How are Scottish teams supposed to find enough time to play their 36 or 38 league games, plus cup fixtures, between August and mid November, and mid March till May? Some clubs would have to play at least two games a week for the entire season to fulfil their fixtures. The product on display is bad enough already without having to watch the same players trying to perform whilst physically shattered.

Three or four months of fixtures cannot be wiped out because pitches 'might' freeze or flood, or snow 'might' compromise the safety of fans. Instead, the country has to continue to battle on with what the weather serves up. If Scotland is hit by adverse weather during December and January, then so be it. It can not be predicted when conditions will be unsuitable, so clubs have to stay tough and play the hand they are dealt by nature.

Some may say the solution would be to employ a winter break and extend the season by a few months. However, this would lead to league campaigns finishing in June or July. How are pitches supposed to repair themselves if football is still being played deep into the summer? How are clubs going to afford paying wages for one or two months longer when they struggle to pay wages as it is? And how are players going to have enough time to recuperate for the following season if they have just a few weeks to rest?

The 'winter break' is a pipedream and always will be.

Boyd Seeks Gers Return

Click here or read below for my article on Kris Boyd and his proposed move to Rangers in the January transfer window. It was published on The Away End.

Krismas Comes Early For Boro Fans As Mowbray Punts Flop

Just over a week ago it was revealed that Middlesbrough manager Tony Mowbray had informed striker Kris Boyd, that his services were no longer required, as the Teesside club aimed to reduce their wage bill. Now, it has been sensationally revealed that Boyd may be seeking a return to former side, Rangers.

Boyd: During happier times at Ibrox

Pre-season promotion favourites Middlesbrough, currently sit second bottom of the English Championship after a staggering eleven losses and just five wins after nineteen games. Gordon Strachan, who resigned after just under one year in charge, was replaced by Boro legend, Mowbray in October and he now seeks to dispose of surplus players which disturb the 'balance' of the side.

Boyd arrived at Middlesbrough from Rangers in July this year with the aim of scoring goals, and lots of them. However, Boyd has struggled to find his finest form and has scored a measly five in nineteen appearances. After chatting with Mowbray, the 27-year-old has reportedly informed his agent to speak to Rangers to try and negotiate a way back into Glasgow.

Rangers of course are still in financial turmoil and currently in talks with a potential buyer, so now is probably not the best time for the club to be signing an expensive player.

Another problem is that Rangers have moved on as a club since Boyd's departure. He was replaced in the summer by strikers James Beattie and Nikica Jelavic and it would therefore be reasonable to suggest that the Gers cannot afford £18,000 a week of wages that were offered to Boyd before he left for England.

Moreover, there seems to be a fairly muted response from Rangers fans around Scotland with the news of Boyd seeking a move back 'home'. After all, some fans feel betrayed that he left for a club they regard as smaller than Rangers and believed it was a money-motivated move.

However, this is not the main root of concern from Rangers fans. In Boyd's last thirteen appearances for Rangers, he only scored four goals, of which two came from the penalty spot. Add this to Boyd's recent Middlesbrough record, Rangers do not need an expensive out-of-form striker on their books.

The other problem holding back a Boyd move to Glasgow is that Rangers do not appear to need the SPL top goal-scorer of all time. The Gers sit top of the SPL, two points clear of bitter rivals Celtic, with a game in hand. They are still in Europe and both of the Scottish cups. This is largely thanks to Kenny Miller, who has looked a totally different player since Boyd left and has scored eighteen goals in the SPL so far, which is seven more than any other player. The importance of Miller is obvious, because Rangers have not had the help of Beattie and Jelavic to boost the 'goals for' column as they have been injured for a large part of the season. Beattie is almost back to full fitness and Jelavic is hoping to be back in the next month so it seems that Boyd is not wanted, nor needed at Ibrox any more.

Miller has been on top form since Boyd left Rangers

So, if Rangers are happy with what they have, where next for Boyd? His perceived laziness on the pitch certainly lowers his chances of finding a top club, but to have scored more goals than Henrik Larsson in the SPL by the age of twenty seven is a fine achievement and should appeal to many managers in the Championship, or even at a higher level. People may scorn at the idea of Boyd in the English Premier League, but it has been argued by many that if you give Boyd enough chances at any level, he will stick the majority of them away.

Raith Rovers 0 v 1 Queen Of The South

Click here or read below for my match report of Raith Rovers v Queen of the South. It was published on the official Raith Rovers website.

Mistake Costs Rovers Dear

Raith Rovers fell to a close 1-0 defeat at the hands of Queen of the South this afternoon.

The Starks Park side dominated possession for the duration of the match, but were handed the sucker punch on the 75th minute when Raith goalkeeper David McGurn sliced a kickout straight to Queens and after some quick passes, Ryan Conroy slotted the ball home.

Raith’s passing was very pretty, but ultimately toothless. However, huge credit must be given to the Queens defence who stood tall and showed great determination.

The result is a blow for Rovers as second placed Dunfermline Athletic lost 2-1 to Greenock Morton, meaning the Kirkcaldy side missed a great chance to pull further clear of their Fife rivals.

Queens visited Starks Park after making two changes to their side. William McLaren and Ryan McGuffie replaced Allan Johnstone and the injured Rocco Quinn, while Rovers swapped Iain Williamson for Stephen Simmons, who had recovered in time from his calf problem.

It was the away side who threatened first as McLaren shot straight into McGurn’s arms, although Rovers created their own chance after good link up play between Gregory Tade and Jamie Mole found John Baird, but his long range effort flew over the bar.

The next twenty minutes saw some very attractive football from the home side, but ultimately their final ball was not good enough to penetrate the deep-sitting Queens defence.

With the home fans beckoning attacking football, Raith started to create a few opportunities. On the 26th minute Allan Walker drifted a free-kick into the Queens box only for Iain Davidson to head straight into David Hutton’s hands.

Three minutes later Tade made a lung bursting run forward but his shot was high and into the stands.

The end of the first half bore witness to more attacking play from Raith and Queens sat back, trying to  keep a clean sheet heading into half time. Craig Wilson, who made many great runs down the right, flew up the pitch, cut inside and his left footed shot drifted wide of the Queens post. Then moments later, Queens failed to clear their lines but a well struck shot from the edge of the box by Simmons was bulleted over.

The second half started off no different from the first, with Raith dominating possession, but Queens had the first opportunity on 59 minutes when Simmons blocked what looked to have been a goal-bound Queens shot.

However, Rovers regained possession and continued their mission of passing through the Queens defence. Unfortunately for the home side, David Lilley and his teammates were stubborn and Raith could only attempt long range efforts from Walker and Wilson, although the latter’s shot was just inches over.

Disaster struck for the Fifers fifteen minutes from time when McGurn, who had been a spectator for most of the match, sliced his kick-out only as far as Derek Holmes who headed the ball forward to McLaren and he set up Conroy perfectly to slot the ball past McGurn with ease.

Raith were stunned but vowed to battle on taking a more direct route, but ultimately Queens comfortably held out for victory.

The Lang Touners must pick themselves up quickly and prepare to travel west for a top of the table clash against fierce rivals Dunfermline next week.

Gratton Has Left The Building

Click here or read below for my article on why the Edinburgh Capitals head coach resigned from the club this week. It was published on http://www.britishicehockey.co.uk/.

Gratton Has Left The Building

Edinburgh Capitals head coach Brad Gratton resigned from his post on Wednesday despite being in only his fourth month in charge. So let the conspiracy stories begin...

One thing for sure is that the timing does seem a little odd. The Capitals last fixture was on Halloween where they fell 4-1 to the Sheffield Steelers in Edinburgh, yet Gratton handed in his resignation on Wednesday morning, just hours before the return fixture against the Steelers.

To add more fuel to the fire, the day after the 4-1 defeat to Sheffield, The Scotsman ran a story with the Canadian-born Gratton where he came out all guns blazing, claiming if the players didn't buck up their ideas “they will sit on the bench or in the stands. I will go down to nine guys. We're losing with fifteen and we can lose with nine." Clearly he was feeling let down by his players.

This backs up a theory amongst some fans that there was unrest in the changing room. However, Scott Neil, the Capitals owner gave a press release on Wednesday after the resignation, which indicated that Gratton actually felt “restricted by the resources” that Edinburgh could offer. So the question is, did Gratton feel that the lack of money and facilities available were holding him back, or was the problem the players?

In an interview published today, The Scotsman managed to get a few words from Gratton as he left. He revealed that he felt the players he had signed could have done a decent job in the Elite League. “I've brought some quality players in here...this group of players has talent.” He then spoke of how he wished “it was a better situation” as “things have not been happening”.

He surely must have known the lack of resources that Edinburgh have for a professional ice hockey team before he accepted the job and his “over the last few weeks, things have not been happening” comment could possibly point to player problems and unrest. If he is adamant that the quality of player is there, then the indication would be that the players were unhappy at something.

This is all pure speculation, but the press release from Neil bemoaning resources could quite easily be a diversion away from dressing room problems. Either way, it has been a disappointing start for the Caps, sitting in 8^th place out of 10. One things for sure, if there is a problem in the dressing room, it needs to be sorted soon or the playoffs will be an impossible target.

Neil may bring in a new coach, or he may try and appoint one of the current players as player/coach and use the extra funds for another player. Slovakian born Martin Cingel could be the perfect choice. He is now in his ninth season at the Capitals and despite his lack of coaching experience, he knows the club through and through. Whether he wants it or not is another question.

Children Collide - Theory Of Everything [Album Review]

Click here or read below for my review of Theory Of Everything by Children Collide. It was published on www.puregrainaudio.com

I reviewed Children Collide's debut album The Long Now earlier this year and felt that with a few extra touches, they could become Australia's best band of today. I gave that album a 9/10 rating and when their follow up album Theory Of Everything was announced to arrive on Australian shelves on August 27th this year, I realised I had become a little sceptical that they could somehow step up another level. Incredibly, they have.

The album starts off in unspectacular fashion with "Future Monks", but when it gives way to lead single "Jellylegs" you can't help but be blown away. The melody and power that this song possesses is nothing but perfection. The ultimate pop-rock song.

There are a few odd moments on the album which add a bit of individuality, as seen on track three "Asleep On My Feet". An unsuspecting intro suddenly cuts into an angst ridden rock song, but although caught out by the sudden change in pace you can't help enjoying it.

"My Eagle" is a return back to pop sensibility and was selected well by the band for their second single. Inevitably, John Mackay's vocals in the song will cause comparisons to Aussie sensations Wolfmother, but I can assure you "My Eagle" is far more satisfying than anything off Wolfmother's latest effort Cosmic Egg (which really should have been entitled Cosmic Trash).

"Arrows" can draw comparisons to a typical Stereophonics effort, but again Children Collide spice things up with the epic "Loveless", proving that the band have more up their sleeve than just loud rock music.

There are twelve tracks on the album and thankfully Children Collide keep up their form right until the last seconds. The final three songs are arguably just as good as the first three, which is quite incredible. Many songs at the end of albums could be described as 'leftovers', but with "Inventions", "Into The Sky With Ivy" and the Sonic Youth-esq "Seven Forks" you could easily be excused for wanting to listen to the whole album again, straight away.

It will take something spectacular to displace Theory Of Everything as the best rock album of the year.

Rating: 9.5/10

Ceremony - "Someday" [Song Review]

Click here or read below for my review of "Someday" by Ceremony. I was published on www.puregrainaudio.com today.

Some of you may have forgotten about Ceremony after they released their debut long play Rocket Fire in April this year. So I'm here to remind you of their brilliance.

"Someday" hit the music waves on January 26th, but despite it's relative modernity you could find yourself taken back to the eighties. New Order's much over-looked debut album Movement is the work that comes to mind when listening to "Someday". Like most early New Order songs it is noisy with distorted and ridiculously reverberating guitar licks. Thankfully, like New Order's efforts it is not overpowering and the solid synthesizer-esq bass helps smooth over the cracks. The accompanying thin drumming and almost emotionless voice of Paul Baker gets as close as it can to Movement without totally ripping it off. Although it must be said that seeking Ceremony's originality isn't helped by the fact that New Order released a song called "Ceremony"...

Enough of the comparisons.  Ceremony have their own sound and are (just) unique enough. Any fans of shoegaze really should give Rocket Fire a good hard listen and if not, at the very least try "Someday". It has plenty of melody packed together and I doubt many would be left disappointed after three blissful minutes. There is also the added bonus of actually being able to hear what Baker is singing, a rarity for a shoegaze band. Most singers appear to sing at their microphones through a brick wall.

Sure, there has been more than enough soft but noisy bands recently, but Ceremony are definitely one of the best.

Run Time: 3:25

Rating: 8/10

Greenock Morton 0 v 1 Raith Rovers

Click here, or read below for my match report of Greenock Morton v Raith Rovers which took place this afternoon. The report was published on the official Raith Rovers website.

 Table Topping Rovers Send Morton Rock Bottom

Greenock Morton lumbered to a narrow defeat against table topping Raith Rovers at Cappielow Park this afternoon. Apart from numerous long range efforts, the home side struggled to threaten the Rovers goal and despite throwing men forward at the end, the Fifers held on.

Raith were the better team in what was a fairly scrappy affair and would have been disappointed to go in at half time without a goal to show for their efforts.

The second half failed to see an improvement in quality but Allan Walker snatched the points away from Morton on the 61st minute as he belted the ball past Colin Stewart. His strike condemns Morton to bottom while it keeps Rovers on top.

Rovers tried to pass the ball around right from the start, but Morton had an early chance headed over by Allan Jenkins.

Raith had their first opportunities through a powerful Grant Murray header and a Jamie Mole cross which caused problems for Stewart in the Morton goal.

The Kirkcaldy side then tried to convert their possession into goals on 15th minute as Mole cut a ball across goal but Morton crowded out the onrushing Walker.

Gregory Tade drilled a ball across goal without any takers before Stewart pushed a rasping Iain Williamson shot up in the air and Stuart McCaffrey headed the ball over for a corner.

John Baird had two chances as first Walker and then Craig Wilson aimed two crosses at the striker. Baird's first effort failed to find the target but after Tade did great work down the right hand side to release Wilson, the receiving Baird met the ball perfectly but lashed it into the side-netting.

Despite Morton being on the back foot for the majority of the half, they still managed to carve open a great opportunity on the 37th minute. Brian Graham had the beating of Laurie Ellis in the box and from a tight angle stroked the ball inches wide of the post, but credit must go to Raith keeper' David McGurn who looked Schmeichel-like as he made himself as big as possible.

Rovers fans were shouting for a penalty as the half drew to a close when Baird’s run into the box was halted by a blatant body-check by Smyth.

Morton came out in the second half looking to cause a few problems in the Rovers defence with Michael Tidser curling a shot over the bar and Allan Jenkins heading over from a corner.

However, on the 57th minute Rovers went close again when Baird drove a fierce shot only to see a Morton defender block the effort away on the six yard line.

Baird then stung the palms of Stewart moments after McGurn had dealt with a Tidser shot comfortably.

The next attack saw Raith finally take the lead. Wilson's deflected pile-driver fell to the unmarked Walker who drove the ball at goal and despite a strong palm thrown in the way, Stewart couldn't keep the ball from nestling in the back of the net.

Graham Weir, who replaced Tade had an effort saved on the 86th minute, before Allan Moore pushed his team forward in search of a dramatic late equaliser.

Marc Smyth and Tidser hit long range shots over the bar, but the best chance for Morton to equalise came on the 89th minute. With Rovers defenders scrambling around Graham, he turned and watched his shot crawl inches past the post with McGurn scrambling.

However, it wasn't to be Morton's day and the result means they now prop up the rest of the division. On the other hand, Rovers keep up their lofty position and hold Dunfermline in second place below them in the league table.

Picture © Jim Foy

written by Will Lyon

Edinburgh's Silver Swimmer

Click on the picture or read below for my interview with Commonwealth Games silver medallist Michael Jamieson. It was published in The Student today.

 Edinburgh's Silver Swimmer

Will Lyon speaks exclusively to Commonwealth Games swimming silver medallist Michael Jamieson...

22 year-old Michael Jamieson was just 0.08 seconds from a Commonwealth gold medal in last month’s Delhi games. The Edinburgh University Swim Team member was denied first place in the Men's 200 metre breaststroke competition by Australian, Brenton Rickard, and had to settle for silver.

Teammate Kris Gilchrist stated that himself and Jamieson felt they could grab a one-two finish, so disappointment was the first emotion experienced by the pair as they finished 5th and 2nd respectively. However, since then, Jamieson has realised his achievement.

“I was a bit disappointed at first, but over the last few days, especially in the second week in Delhi, it really started to sink in.

“We got to see a few different events and I think as it sunk in I got more and more chuffed with it.

“Some people were saying that it came as a bit of a surprise that I was on the podium in the first place but it wasn’t a surprise to me, I was always looking at getting on the podium this season.

“Obviously with the race being so close I hope it’s been looked at with a fresh attitude really because I think that the fact I was disappointed shows that I definitely feel there’s more in the tank.”

Jamieson has taken a lot of confidence from his showing in Delhi and believes that the organisation of Team Scotland was key to his success.

“I managed to qualify for the world student games last year which outside of the Commonwealth and Olympics is the only other multi sport event.

“I learnt a lot last year being at the athletes village which helped me prepare for the experience in Delhi.

“Again, I’ve learnt a lot over the last few weeks, just about how resolute we had to be, staying healthy and to avoid illness.

“I think I was quite lucky in that respect as there was a lot of swimmers especially in the Australian and Canadian teams  that struggled with illness as the games went on.

“That was down to the preparation that we had, so it really helped us to be wary of it.

“We had a trip to Delhi in September last year just to see the site. Then we had a few try runs from the village to the pool to get an idea the time it would take and how the transport would run. So I think the Scottish team had of an advantage in that respect, we knew what to expect.”

Leading up to the games there were concerns over the state of the athlete’s accommodation, but Jamieson felt it had no impact on his performance.

“The block we were initially supposed to be in was one of the poor ones but when we got there it was fine.

“We were prepared for anything really due to the reports in the media leading up to the games, but we were pleasantly surprised when we arrived!

“It was a bit rough round the edges and it wasn’t completely finished, but there were no major faults.”

Looking towards the future, Jamieson spoke of his ultimate goal, an Olympic gold medal. He then revealed how he is trying to achieve it.

“I’m sure my goal is the same as hundreds of other athletes but I want to win Olympic gold, definitely.

“Looking at the final in the 200 metre last week, there were five Brits involved and only 2 are selected for the Olympic Games.

“The Olympic trials is going to be for everyone involved, probably the biggest and most important point of your career.

“I’ve had a detailed plan and goal system over the past few years and I’m on schedule.

“I was to get a medal in Delhi and that was the goals for this season and it’s encouraging to be on target, but there’s a lot of work to be done.”

When asked if he felt any pressure to get an Olympic gold, Jamieson was quick to suggest otherwise.

“I’m responsible for the amount of pressure I put on my shoulders and I think that’s something I’ve had to work on in the last couple of years.

“Coming through the ranks as a junior I used to put a lot of pressure of myself and it would really affect me if I didn’t reach my goals, but I’ve learned how to adapt to that.

“I take confidence from every event that I compete in. I felt really relaxed competing in Delhi, I’ve struggled with nerves in the past, but I feel like I’ve matured in the last 18 months and I’m really comfortable competing in that environment.”

Born in Scotland, Jamieson is keen not to forget his roots, despite acheiving international success. Although he has also been coached in Paris and Bath he could only praise Uni's coaches and teammates who helped form the person he is today.

"The programme at Edinburgh Uni has been a great help over the last couple of years.

"Moving to Paris was a great experience and I still miss the city, however,  I’ve still got a really good relationship with Chris Jones, the head coach in Edinburgh.

"He's done a amazing job with that program and he’s the one responsible for the progress the team has made.

"Last year I went back up to Edinburgh for a few months and spent some time with the squad and the facilities they have at St Leonards are perfect for a performance group.

"I’m always happy to be associated with a team like that."

However, Jamieson must look towards the future and it would be fair to say that his Commonwealth success has only increased his enthusiasm.

Jamieson clearly has the potential to realise his Olympic dream and he hopes that in two years time he can achieve glory at the London Olympic Games.

"It's just under 18 months to go now till the Olympic trials. Over the last couple of weeks I’ve had a nice wee break but now I can’t wait to get stuck into the new season!"

Raith Rovers 1 v 0 Ross County [Match Report]

Click here for my match report of Raith Rovers v Ross County which took place this afternoon. It was published on the Official Raith Rovers website.

Cowdenbeath 1 v 2 Raith Rovers [Match Report]

Click here for my match report of the fixture between Cowdenbeath and Raith Rovers that took place this afternoon.

Raith Rovers 0 v 2 Stirling Albion [Match Report]

Click here or read below for my match report on Raith Rovers v Stirling Albion. It was published on the official Raith Rovers website.

Rovers Blow Golden Chance 

Raith Rovers blew a fantastic opportunity to send themselves back to the top of the First Division table this afternoon when they lost 2-0 to Stirling Albion at Starks Park.

Table toppers Dunfermline Athletic lost 2-0 to Queen of the South at Palmerston Park, but Raith failed to leapfrog them after blundering numerous second half chances.

Kick off was delayed for a short time when one of referee Collum’s assistants had to pull out due to an injury. The call went out for a replacement from the crowd and was answered by Chris Phillips whose dad Tom is the Supporters’ representative on the board at Stark’s Park.


Chris Phillips takes up his position on the touchline Stirling Albion had the best chances of the first half and after Stephen Simmons brought down Chris Aitkin in the box on the stroke of half time, the former Ayr United skipper stepped up and sent the away side in with a one goal advantage.

Rovers had ample chances to equalise as Willie Dyer rattled the crossbar, John Baird shot inches wide and Mark Ferry was denied by a goal line clearance, but when Gordon Smith found himself one-on-one with David McGurn he made no mistake and sealed the three points for Albion.

The start of the match was a little tentative although Ferry, Craig Wilson and Grant Murray all had half chances for Raith in the first fifteen minutes, while McGurn made a great reaction save from former Rover, Ryan Borris.

Borris was causing problems again on the 19th minute as he beat two defenders on the edge of the Raith box, but Murray flung himself in the way of his goal bound effort to concede a corner. After initially clearing the corner, Wilson gave the ball back to Albion but again the Kirkcaldy side were saved by the diving Murray who blocked Aitkin’s shot wide of the post.

Aitkin was instrumental in midfield and he threaded through a great pass to Nathan Taggart and Rovers had McGurn to thank as he made a fantastic leg save from the winger.


McGurn keeps Taggart out with a great block Rovers turned up the heat as Gregory Tade hit over with an overhead kick and Allan Walker headed wide of the post, but it was Stirling’s Aitkin who was causing the most havoc.


Tade tries an overhead effort that went just over On the 40th minute Aitkin played a lovely one-two with Taggart but Aitkin’s effort hit the side netting.

Four minutes later, referee William Collum pointed to the spot as Aitkin was brought down by Simmons and although it was definitely a foul, there was some debate about whether the challenge was made in or outside of the box.

Aitkin stepped up and rattled the ball straight down the middle to send the away side in at the break one goal to the good.


GOAL: Aitken sends his spot kick past McGurn
Raith started the second half with nerves and could have been punished straight away, but somehow Borris missed the target after cutting into the box well.

The home support encouraged their side forward and the team responded with some fantastic opportunities.

Ferry was unlucky to see his powerful header cleared off the line by Taggart before Dyer rasped a 25 yard shot off the Albion bar with Reidford well beaten, Walker got a diving header to the rebound but the Bino’s keeper did well to touch it over the bar.


Dyer’s shot has Reidford beaten but it crashed back off the bar Raith were camped in the Stirling half and Murray had one attempt deflected wide of the goal and then headed another over the bar. Moment later, Scott Robertson was lucky not to score an own goal as he nearly diverted a Baird cross into his own net.

On the 65th minute another chance went amiss when Iain Davidson fed a delightful ball through to Baird but the former Airdrie man missed the target by inches.

Raith were all over the visitors at this point but John McGlynn felt that a bigger aerial threat was required with Tade and Ferry making way for Jamie Mole and defender Mark Campbell. Both subs made their way upfront to try and knock down long balls.

However, the substitutions appeared to work in Stirling’s favour as Rovers struggled to keep their rhythm going.

Graham Weir replaced the tiring Baird and as Raith pushed up the pitch it was inevitable that Stirling would catch their opponents on the break.

First of all Stirling substitute Sylvano Comvalius found himself one-on-one with McGurn and the Rovers keeper’ saved well.

Weir fired a wayward drive on the 89th minute before Stirling sealed the points one minute later.

Aitkin turned supplier as he released a great ball to Smith who ran the entire Raith half and although McGurn made himself big, Smith found a way past him and celebrated his goal with the ecstatic Albion fans.


GOAL: Smith sends the ball past McGurn to seal the points Rovers tried in vain to get another goal although Campbell should have done better from seven yards as he hit a vicious shot over the bar, but in truth, the game was already over.


Sparky had a great chance but sent the ball over from 7 yards All in all, a bad day at the office for the Rovers and a fantastic scalp for Stirling, who drag themselves further away from the bottom of the league table.

Pictures © Jim Foy

written by Will Lyon

Third Lanark

Click on the picture below to read my article on Third Lanark and their home, Cathkin Park. The article was furstly published in the official Raith Rovers matchday programme 'The Rover' on 2nd October 2010. You can also click this link or read below as it was then published on the 11th November 2010 at the Away End's website.

Cathkin Park: The forgotten home of Scottish Football

Efforts being made to restore a piece of Scottish history By Will Lyon

Cathkin Park has an eerie feel to it these days. After all, it was around 43 years ago that it's occupiers Third Lanark went bust and departed the ground.

Being only 21-years-old when I visited the ground this summer I found it hard to imagine the 45,455 spectators crammed in to watch Third Lanark take on Rangers in a 1954 Scottish Cup Third Round tie.

This is because all that remains now is a section of the original wall, a crumbling terrace littered with rubbish and tall trees which have shot up around the pitch.

An amateur Glasgow side still play football at Cathkin Park but now the majority of it's visitors are dog walkers and local teenagers who find themselves at a loose end at night.




History


Third Lanark are normally the only league side associated with Cathkin Park but it was actually Queens Park who owned the ground when it first opened in 1884, although back then, the name it possessed was Hampden Park.

19 years later The Spiders sold the ground to Third Lanark who renamed it New Cathkin Park and for the next 61 years The Hi-Hi's played senior football on the famous pitch.

Thirds were a fairly successful team in their complete 95 year history, winning the Scottish Football League, Scottish First Division, Scottish Cup and were also runners up of the Scottish League Cup. Their attendances reflect their success as they were fairly consistent right up to the end.

Before Queens Park sold the ground, Cathkin Park played host to two international matches. In fact, on 15 March 1884 the first all-ticket match ever was held at the stadium when Scotland welcomed England north of the border for a hostile fixture.



The Future 


Sadly, it is unlikely that Cathkin Park will become anything like it was in it's heyday, with the main stand, the roof covering the opposite terracing and the quaint pavilion all now completely gone. However, work is being done to restore some of it's former pride.

Scottish actor Simon Weir has begun work on restoring the ground, after finding out that his great-grandfather John Weir played for Third Lanark during the 1910's.

He updates his blog 'Friends Of Cathkin Park' regularly with discoveries of old photos, videos, stories and also a commentary of how his restoration work is proceeding.

The original wall that remains around half of the ground contains graffiti and 43 years of mould, yet Weir has been trying his best to scrub it all away.

Whether you have watched a competitive fixture at Cathkin Park, or weren't even born when Third Lanark disbanded, I would recommend you take a day out to visit the park. To stand on the touchline today and imagine the amount of quality players who strutted their stuff on the pitch in front of thousands of adoring fans almost half a century ago and beyond, is quite something.

You can check out Simon Weir's progress at: http://thirdlanark.blogspot.com/

Women's Rugby Firmly On The Rise

Click on the picture below for my interview with Rosalind Murphy of Edinburgh Uni and Scotland rugby teams. The article was published in The Student.

Edinburgh Athletes Go For Gold

Click on the picture below for my article on Edinburgh Uni athletes who are travelling to India to compete in the 2010 Commonwealth Games.

Raith Rovers 2 v 1 Falkirk [Match Report]

Click here or read below for my match report on Raith Rovers v Falkirk. It was published on the official Raith Rovers website.

Rovers Battle Hard To Beat The Bairns Raith Rovers 2-1 Falkirk 25 Sep 2010: Irn Bru Scottish 1st Division Raith Rovers kept the pressure on table-toppers Dunfermline Athletic this afternoon as they came from a goal behind to win 2-1 against Falkirk. Falkirk took an early lead after Raith defender Laurie Ellis hesitated a moment too long, allowing Ryan Flynn to nip in and put the away side ahead. Rovers turned up the heat and found a more than deserved equaliser, when Gregory Tade capitalised on a mistake by Robert Olejnik and placed a shot into the empty Falkirk net. The second half was a stale affair but after Falkirk fans were soaked by sprinklers in front of the McDermid Stand, Rovers found the winning goal when Willie Dyer fired in a long range effort to secure three points for the Starks Park side. Raith almost scored a lucky goal after just four minutes when Stephen Simmons hit a cross-cum-shot, only to see his effort narrowly miss the target. However, it was the away side who took the lead first. Mark Stewart threaded a fairly harmless pass into the Rovers box but Ellis seemed to be caught in two minds and missed the ball. Flynn didn't need any further encouragement as he slotted the ball past David McGurn with ease. Rovers responded in positive fashion when Iain Davidson headed narrowly wide and Craig Wilson saw his long range effort whistle past the post. However, the Starks Park side appeared to have lady luck on their side as Falkirk failed to find the net after two stramashes in the Rovers box. Allan Walker then saw his free-kick well saved by Olejnik before Raith had a golden opportunity to equalise on the 36th minute. Wilson crossed a delightful ball into the Falkirk area but Mark Ferry and Tade found themselves in the way of each other and the ball trickled out for a goal kick. One minute later, Raith's frustration turned to joy as Falkirk defender Brian McLean and Olejnik were caught in two minds after a long ball up the pitch and Tade capitalised on the indecisiveness, nipping in and coolly passing the ball into the back of the empty net. Rovers now had a spring in their step and put Falkirk under tremendous pressure for the remaining minutes of the first period, but Walker, Wilson and Simmons couldn't find the net with their efforts. Just two minutes before the break Rovers had a penalty claim dismissed by referee Steve Conroy as McLean clearly handled the ball in the box, but the whistle blower suggested it had been ball to hand. The second half began at a slow pace and aside from a tame Carl Finnigan effort, the first moment of entertainment in the half arrived fifteen minutes in when the Falkirk fans at the front of the McDermid stand received a soaking from a sprinkler. Chants alleging the lack of soap and water to be found in Falkirk quickly ensued from the amused home support. Unfortunately the second half witnessed play becoming bogged down in the centre of the pitch, but this all changed twelve minutes from time. Dyer was given far too much time and space down the left wing and he fired a speculative effort into the Falkirk goal. As Dyer's shot was heading towards goal, substitute Iain Williamson appeared to distract Olejnik as he cut across his line of vision and the ball rolled into the bottom corner of the net. Steven Pressley urged his side on in search of an equaliser and John McGlynn responded by bringing on defender Mark Campbell for his first appearance in a league match since a 2-1 defeat to Greenock Morton in January. Falkirk's pressure was dealt with well by the Kirkcaldy side, as they limited their opponents to one last chance when substitute Mark Millar fired a freekick into the Rovers box but McLean could only head past the post. Raith sit one point behind leaders Dunfermline at the top of the League table and are now five clear of third placed Falkirk. Pictures © Jim Foy written by Will Lyon

Soundpool - Mirrors In Your Eyes [Album Review]

Click here or read below for my review of Soundpool's new album entitled 'Mirrors In Your Eyes'. It was published on PureGrainAudio.com

 

  Soundpool - Mirrors In Your Eyes

Soundpool's record label, Killer Pimp, start off their biography of the band with a sentence containing the words "explosive third album." They have it wrong, completely wrong. Mirrors In Your Eyes is not 'explosive,' but wish-washy and dreamy. Although it did not come as a surprise to see them signed to the same label as A Place To Bury Strangers, to be fair to the latter, they actually provide moments of magic that keep you interested.

Although the above paragraphs may come across in a negative fashion, Soundpool are actually a decent band. The music is soft and melodic thanks to some lovely smooth bass-lines, slithering synthesizers, harmonic vocals and relaxed drums. You would be hard pushed to find a 'weak' song or indeed a terrible one.

While taking each song as one single entity is fine, a problem arises when you stick them all together. It would be too simplistic to say all the songs are the same, but unfortunately that is the term that Mirrors In Your Eyes will be labelled with. You hear the first track and greet it with open arms, but three tracks down the line you have forgotten that there is any music
playing at all.

It is the perfect record to fall asleep to as it glitters and glistens over your ears, but it really fails to keep the listener's attention. All the album needed was one or two tracks to take a different direction or just a change of pace. Unfortunately Soundpool have failed to do so and therefore produced a boring album.

Rating: 5 / 10

Track Listing:

01. Mirrors In Your Eyes
02. But It's so
03. Kite Of Love
04. Makes No Sense
05. Sparkle In The Dark
06. I'm So Tired
07. That Sunny Day
08. Shelter
09. Listen

Run Time: 45:56
Release Date: 04.27.2010

Whirlwind White Is Back

Click on the picture below for my interview with snooker legend Jimmy "Whirlwind" White. It was published in The Student.

What Is The World Coming To?

Click the picture below for my column article on lies, conspiracies and cheating in the world of sport. It was published in The Student today.

Aberdeen v Raith Rovers [Preview]

Click here or read below for my preview of the Co-operative Insurance Third Round fixture between Aberdeen and Raith Rovers due to take place tomorrow night.

Aberdeen FC v Raith Rovers FC 22/09/2010

After two goalless draws in league business over the last two weeks, Raith Rovers aim to knock top flight Aberdeen out of the Co-operative Insurance Cup on Wednesday evening at Pittodrie. It was just seven months ago that the Rovers travelled up to Aberdeen and knocked Mark McGhee's men out of the Scottish Cup.
          There's no doubt that McGhee will be more determined than ever to make sure that the result isn't repeated this time around.
          However, it won't be an easy task. Aberdeen played very defensive tactics against Motherwell on Saturday as they drew 1-1, because key players such as Peter Pawlett, Fraser Fyvie, Sone Aluko and Andrius Velicka were all missing through injury. It is likely that McGhee will be without all four of those players on Wednesday too.
          The Rovers still have long term absentees Dougie Hill and Mark Campbell on the sidelines, although Campbell played 45 minutes of the reserve game last week which is encouraging for the Kirkcaldy side.
          Mark's brother, Martyn recently spoke to Will Lyon, who was writing and reporting on behalf of the 200 Club. Martyn confirmed that his brother was still struggling after his car crash in February and is unlikely to feature against the Dons.          
          "He's got a wee bit to go. He's still taking it easy, trying to build it (His knee) up. It's been a long process but at the end of the day it's something you would take, he was very lucky!"
          Mark has been at the Rovers since 2006 and Martyn revealed that rumours of his brother joining him at Ayr United over a season ago were unfounded. "There was talk about that at one point because he does a lot of miles. But he decided he wanted to stay at Raith as he was enjoying it so much, the travelling wasn't much of an issue."

Players to watch........
Aberdeen - The Dons are suffering numerous injuries to their flair players at the moment, although former Rover Paul Hartley will be looking to dictate play in the middle of the park.
Raith Rovers - Obviously Gregory Tade will be the one to watch as the Frenchman scored the goal that knocked Aberdeen out of the cup last season. Meanwhile, at the back Grant Murray and Laurie Ellis will be determined to keep a sixth clean sheet in a row to help the Rovers progress to the next round.