Couldn't help

thinking about yesterdays game even though I didn't want to. In the much colder light of day it still seems as bad, and a whole lot of people (the team) need to take a look at themselves. I'm not going to phyco analise the performance, I've a fairly good idea whats acceptable and what isn't. They all have a ton of work and thinking to do before next Saturday or the Shire will really heap further embarrassment on to yesterday. It's up to you lads, prove yourselves. One thing I forgot to mention from yesterday was saying hello to Tommy Graham. No hesitation in saying one of my favorite ex players, nice to see you Tommy, and he wasn't looking a day older! Good effort today by Andy Murray, but oh......if the tennis world thought there may be a shift in power in 2010 think again, Federer was awesome and the best the rest can expect is the scraps from his table I'm afraid. Next time Andy.

Game 29
Berwick 0-2 Montrose

If you were there today you'll know. Pre match atmosphere was good in both the Pilot and the Black and Gold. Everybody was in good fettle. The two away fans took their places in the away end...... and that's as good as it got. To say the performance today was bad in no way describes how bad it was. Not one Berwick player today has any right to pick up a penny in his pay packet. The whole thing was way beyond shocking. On this today we can forget about anything come the seasons end. I recall one shot on goal, could be wrong but I kid you not. I'm not going to say more as quite frankly I can't find the words.
Overall totals 2527.5 £559.73
BRFC Totals 1675.8 £404.81

My first

live game tomorrow since December the 12th. I've missed our last two games for various reasons but am looking forward to tomorrow. I'm gonna leave my mate who happens to be of the brass monkey persuasion in the house tomorrow but I'm looking forward to seeing how we cope with a team yet to win in the league this season having only managed to amass six points during that period. Our two players are back from suspension as is Graham Guy from injury. How will the manager juggle his resources given last weeks result at Elgin? Lets go for another big win and really get our challenge going. Anyone in any doubt remember that game at Links Park and a certain Kevin Webster, I know we all feel sorry for his wife, but......
Noticed as well that the club are supposed to be looking at the former Clyde and Brechin City striker Sean McKenna who was released by the Glebe Park club recently, can't say I know anything about him though. See you at Shielfield tomorrow......

Did you

watch THE game last night then. Bloody Man United, you can't fault them however for keeping going to the end. Sitting watch it and occasionally having a loud voiced conversation with the telly I just knew it was going to happen. The commentator had just said they were known for scoring late goals, then lo and behold......Another great game mind with some exception stuff. I turned over a couple of times during the kick off overlaps and watched a wee bit of the St Mirren Rangers game but went back quickly as I was in danger of falling asleep. Really sad to see the throwing incident, apparently the police have arrested him today but it is sad to see that these low lives are still populating our game.

A win

for Livingston last night puts them 3 clear of the Shire and 5 from us, By all accounts there wasn't much in it but what I did find interesting however was that on the night that they did go clear at the top only 503 of the towns public turned up. Put this into perspective by saying the town has a population of nearly 76000 and I think that the ambitions of the club may not be shared by the indigenous residents. That represents 0.66% of their population. The same crowd for Berwick would represent 4.31%. Just an observation. On a different note I see that the club have put Chris McMenamin out on loan to Linlithgow. Pity for the lad that he doesn't seem to be making the progress his skill suggested he might only a short time ago. And to finish with a curious one Queens Parks second goal against us a week past Saturday was apparently their 3000th home league goal in their illustrious history. What I want to know is whose been counting!

Not noticed

too much that's caught my attention today on the football front. Watched the London derby from the Valley last night good win for the Orient. Not sure which one's on tonight but I'll be watching whatever it is, selective viewing there then! Will be keeping an eye off course on the game from our division tonight as well but apart from that well....... Oh, just heard on the news that the French intend to impose a partial ban on burds wearing things that cover their faces. Pity we didn't have these forward thinking individuals when I used to go to the Duns dances, ladies you knew who you were!

Another week

of footie ahead and I might even get a live game at last, Martin! Noticed that Livingston are playing their postponed game against Elgin tomorrow night. To much to hope for a favour from Elgin especially after what we done to them on Saturday, is it too late to say sorry, probably ye. On that result thanks Kevin for telling me that the last time we scored five away from home was December 27th 2003 at Forfar. And on one of our postponed games a lad from Annan tells me that they (Annan FC) will be proposing that our postponed game at their place goes ahead on the 10th of February. No doubt we'll hear on that one.

It's stats

tonight as I've been having a wee look after our superb win yesterday. Take nothing away from anyone that was one hell of a score, even more so when you look at who was absent. Nice wee problem for Jimmy for next Saturday selection wise, it'll be interesting to see who he goes with, he certainly got it spot on yesterday. Stats, yes, yesterday was our biggest win of the season by some distance. The previous biggest win was by a two goal margin and we've not even scored four. We're just two points of the top and maybe more importantly eight points clear of fifth. Our top scores, both of them, only have six each but our goals have been shared amongst ten players. Not relying on the one man syndrome then. Not checked further back but sure someone will tell me when we had a bigger away win than that.

What a

great win today, but unfortunately I couldn't make it as we were at the Radio Borders party in Melrose Rugby Club last night to celebrate the stations 20th birthday. It was a good night made even better by the free bar! So I'm afraid the thought of a drive to Elgin this morning was fairly far from my thoughts. No matter though the lads didn't need my help, and with apparently only 16 fit players appear to have taken Elgin apart. Great to see Steven Radzynski get a couple, can't do his confidence any harm at all. Unfortunately both Shire and Forfar won as well and Livingston got a last minute equaliser so things remain really tight. Great win though and gets us right back on track. Will need to bring myself up to date with the team situation though as from various reports on line our selection situation appears to be fairly dire. Did I say it already...GREAT RESULT......

Scottish Football

and especially all at Dunfermline and Stenny, await the decision re the Scottish Cup. It will be interesting to hear the result as they did break a number of rules. Given that I read that Livingston no longer have to pay the fine they were given it certainly appears the Scottish Football authorities have a collective will of straw. Surely the rules are set, if clearly broken beyond doubt, then the punishment applies. But don't we live in a "not my fault" culture?

What a

great game last night. Good win for City but over a two legged game United can't be unhappy. How about the "up you" from Tevez as well. Due to the staggered kick offs I turned over a couple of times to the Rangers Hanilton game, and oh what a difference. Maybe something to do with the fact that it was the third meeting in ten day or the half empty stadium or the inevitable outcome, but I didn't linger. A couple of games on tonight as well and Livingston try again against Dundee if they managed to get a plumber in today. If they did I hope he got paid in cash, oops. is that naughty!

Big one

on the box tonight when City and United go head to head. It's no secret where my loyalties lie so I'll certainly be watching with interest. Only one shock in last nights cup games but the crowd at Edinburgh City was quite creditable. Three more cup games tonight in the "Scottish" plus various games in the English leagues to keep an eye on as well. On the black & Gold front I see the club have released Peter McMahon, remember him? Think it was inevitable wasn't it? Could never see him coming back really and it may free up a wee drop of money on the wages front.

It appears

all of tonight's ties are on although I'll watch the Newcastle game on Sky. Will be tracking all the Scottish Cup scores however on the BBC site. I've said it before on here that I hope Edinburgh City get through to play Hibs, no bias there then! If your like me you'll have been thinking over Saturdays game. Every blow is eloquently described in Dave Cooks match report on the official site. They need to get it out their system this week and get a win at Elgin on Saturday. It could certainly have been worse as regard opponents but they will still need to work for it. I was up for the first encounter this season and vividly recall, what seemed like an 98th minute equaliser, can't remember exactly what minute it was didn't matter really at the time, if you were there you'll know what I mean.

Just back

from a weekend away, which didn't, fortunately, as it transpired, include our game at Hampden. I only got the score courtesy of the radio, but fairly soon after had a more detailed run down. The worrying thing being, that it's bad enough to get beat but when you hear that is exactly what we deserved it doesn't help soften the blow any. That was a bad result in more ways than one given the other postponements and unfortunately, and I take no pleasure in saying this, was what I feared may happen. Does this mean that those who came in are short of the mark, or that they all had an off day. It's a blow without doubt and we need to get back on the mark next week.

Looks like

the thaw/etc has come to late for many games tomorrow, certainly three in our league are off so lets hope we can make our game tomorrow count. I've not heard anything else about team selection so we'll need to see who Jimmy drafts in to fill the four "vacancies" so to speak. Can't be there tomorrow unfortunately but my ghost will be there for me. We need a result tomorrow, come on the lads......

It's all

systems go for us at Hampden this Saturday with the game in no doubt, as I found out this morning when I phoned them with my official web site hat on plus my West of Scotland correspondent, that's you Kev, told me "It's been snowing in Glasgow much of today but not really lying and shouldn't pose any threat to the game with rain and comparitively midler, that'll be Bette then, sorry Kev couldn't resist! conditions expected for Friday and Saturday".
So our first game in over a month. Although team selection is somewhat curtailed, what with suspensions and injuries to Gray and Brazil, which apparently have not improved during the enforced closure. So an enforced team rejigging, is that a word? for the manager. If I'm being really optimistic I'd say this gives the other squad members a chance to impress. Or is the replacement of four regular first teamers in an admittedly tight squad too much to ask. Certainly hope not but we'll see eh?
Living in Berwick it might be a bit surprising to see that the Albion Livingston game is off already and at this stage seven other games in the SFL have inspections. If our game ends up being one of the few surprising then that makes it all the more important to get something from it.
Final note tonight, someone at East End Park must be tearing their hair out tonight as the Pars have been booted out of the cup for apparently FOUR breaches of cup rules. Oops bit of a bollock there then

Only word

on Saturdays games so far has been the postponement of the Stranraer Montrose match although it's been switched to Links Park. Not just state of the pitch apparently. There is a burst pipe situation at Stair Park. Common sense shown by both sides to ensure a game I'd say. Nowt about any of the other games though including our own. Had a look at the QP site but there's no mention of any pitch situation, is that good news do you think? Still at least there's been a few games on the box this week, but I need a game featuring Black & Gold don't you?

It's exactly

a month today since our last game, the Shire one remember, no, don't blame you. What chance Saturdays game then? They do have under soil whats it mind plus this thaw we're having but I don't want to get too excited yet, there may be the proverbial plague of locusts or something else that the authorities deem to be unsafe or unsuitable! Infact not seen any indication what will be happening come the weekends games at all so far. Is that a good sign do you think? Listened to the City game on the radio last night, great win. Any of you that know me will be aware of my tenuous link to them, my daughter has a season ticket? She was telling me about the tickets for the League Cup semi finals. City wanted to sell theirs for about £20 but United wouldn't have it and wanted twice that. Apparently both clubs have to agree so now City have to charge £40 with the game at Old Trafford costing £45. Somebody has to pay for it I'm afraid.

Ever thought

your talking to yourself? I sometimes do when I'm scribbling this but I had a look at the Blog's viewing figures today and apparently a few of you actually look in regularly. Got to say I'm pleasantly surprised. Most off course are from within these shores but there have been regular visits from a number of other countries. Got to say HELLO to my three viewers in Turkey, Pakistan and Palestine plus everyone else off course. On a different subject got to say well done to Jim McInally the Shire boss on picking up the award from our league. Creasy this month eh? If we ever get any games played that is!

Definite thaw

in the town today gave me a wee boost for next week and the return journey to some normality in life as well as football. I spoke to my son on the phone and he told me the same thing was happening in Edinburgh. Fingers crossed. I watched the Hamilton Rangers game at lunch time then the draw and the tie that jumped out at me was the potential Hibs v Edin City one. What a great game that would be for the East of Scotland side. Apparently Irvine Meadow took home a cheque yesterday for something like £100k. There are a fair number of games scheduled this mid week but how many actually take place is the question, one of these being the Edin City v Montrose one. Under normal circumstances that's one I'd go to myself.

Not like

a Saturday at all today. A handful of games across the country and I spent the afternoon listening to fitba on the radio. In the Scottish Cup games that did go ahead there were no shocks, no surprise there then. What will this week bring? We're due at Hampden next Saturday so that's the next one to wonder about. They do have under soil heating mind, but that's only any good if every street, road, close and alley within a 10 mile radius is spotlessly clear of ice snow and everything else that might constitute a one in a hundred chance of the slightest injury to life or limb. I'll be at home again next Saturday then won't I......

In line

with most other places there's no change to the weather in Berwick so our last game, barely remember it, remains the 12th of December. I've got to say I can't begin to guess where our next one will be although I watch the weather forecasts with hope. You must remember however these are produced by the same mob that told us this would be a mild winter! So we currently have four games to catch up and with more to come a big part of the remaining season when things improve is going to involved two games a week. Better cancel my line dancing classes then......

We had

a productive Trust board meeting last night in the Pilot, where as usual we got through a lot of business. We even had a Trust member take up the open invitation to come along and see us in action, so to speak. Well done Chris. We have a standing agenda item where our rep on the FC board brings us up to date with what is happening at Shielfield. Obviously the present situation, re the weather, was discussed and the fact the it's likely to be upwards of 6 weeks with no home games. So, on the back of that we decided to give the club an extra £500 on top of the £300 a month we already give them. Might not seem a lot but the Club has already intimated anything we can do is gratefully received, so hopefully this this will be of some assistance.

Saturdays match

postponed already, no surprise at all if you live in the town. Atrocious weather must have made even the inspection a formality. I actually phoned County Hall today and asked why we in the town have never seen a snow plough. The person that I spoke to sounded surprised and said she'd record my phone and add it to a list. Anyone in the town that sees a Dodo in the next couple of days let me know cause one things for sure you'll see one of them before you see a clear road in this town. Including the two for Forfar that's the fifth postponement on the trot due to the weather. Is that some sort of record, let me know if you do.

Oh no

even the glam games on the tele are taking a dive now with both English League Cup semi finals postponed, pitches fine, "approach" areas unsafe, more of that bollocks. You know what I mean. Mind you today has been pretty severe. I've been in my present job almost 7 and a half years and this morning was the first time I've been unable to get down the A1. I got 15 miles south and had to turn back, the most main road in the area was completely untouched. Eh, new Northumberland Coonty Cooncil whats going on???

Didn't think

I was going to get a game on the box tonight until I checked out the SFL site to find that the Partick Morton game is on BBC Alba. Now, my Gaelic is a wee bit rusty so I'll have to play it by ear, so to speak, and as they say let the footie do the talking. Main thing is I can get a game. It's almost coming to the time where I can't remember my last live game. I can really, but if feels like a hell of a time and going by our weather in the town this Saturdays game against Stranraer has got no chance.Winter breaks, no change from the big wigs, but we're having one!

Watched a

great game on the box this afternoon from Old Trafford, and to make matters better the "underdogs" won. This is probably going to be the only shock of the FA Cup weekend but I thoroughly enjoyed it on a very dour Sunday afternoon. In total I'll have watched the best part of three games today so that's a fairly good indicator of how my day has panned out. It's back to work tomorrow for this individual after a fortnight off......and how I'm looking forward to it!

Game off

was always going to be the call, wasn't it? I popped down to Shielfield just after the ref had made his decision and spoke to Ross the groundsman who actually said that the reason for the postponement was the water/snow/slush on the pitch. It wasn't frozen at that stage just a combination of all of the above. Got to move on now however, and add that game to our growing list of "midweekers to be rearranged. Queens Park was the last one to go today, not because of the pitch but this ever growing curiosity of the surrounding area being unsafe. What a load of bollocks, I ask you. Anyone who has been around Berwick station this week was taking their life in their hands, but no mention of shutting that due to "unsafeness" When's the last time your local shopping centre was shut for a similar reason, I ask again why pick on football?

As I

write Tweedmouth is fairly well under snow. Although temperatures at present are still above freezing. I must say the general concences still is that the game will be off. The pitch inspection will go ahead in the morning but unless we see a huge change overnight don't hold your breath.