Big one

tomorrow night at Links Park. Unfortunately due to work commitments I'm unable to make it but rest assured I'll be in touch with events via various media. Wee bit worrying that Montrose had a moral boosting win on Saturday against higher league opposition. I really hesitate to even think it, but, they've not won in the league all season, we're of the back of......
Just had a look at the draw. Good one for Edinburgh City and I think Irvine Meadow at Hibs, and good one for Forfar at home to the Saints. Ah well, cups are boring aren't they, they are aren't they!

Was thinking

of going to the Alex Jack Cup Final at Prestonpans today but the weather got the better of me and I stayed indoors watching footie on the tele instead, I know, the lazy option. However speaking to Davie Watkins tonight he reckoned I made the right decision as the weather was terrible. Oh by the way in case your interested Leith beat Eyemouth. We have a midweeker this week albeit one nobody particularly wanted. No matter we must look for full points at Montrose and the same next Saturday. I've watched two and a bit games on the tele today and am just about to watch Barca v Real. Suits me fine before you ask especially if you have an old lady nipping your ear to go and see her mother! Not you is it?

Looks like

our game went as you might have expected today at Dingwall. You'll be aware I couldn't be there so I'm thus far just going on the result. On the face of it it appears fairly conclusive and whatever the meat on the bones of the result we exit the cup. Mind you I said the other day that Tuesdays result at Montrose is what really matters and I stand by that. I just hope that today's result won't cause too much damage in the team and they can recover in time for Tuesday.

Interesting news

from up Ochilview way with the Warriers changing club status. Their statement went like this "Stenhousemuir have changed the legal status of the company behind the football team with the decision announced at their Annual General Meeting on Monday. The Ochilview club have moved become the first football league club in Scotland and they reckon they are the first in Britain to move from a Private Limited Company to a Community Interest Company (CIC).

The move is designed to safeguard the future of the club with a club statement advising that the move was being done to stop ‘the club being taken over by people who did not have the best interests of the club at heart and could cause problems of the type well know in modern football in the UK."

What strikes me is the bit about it being done to stop the club being taken over by people who etc. Good job that wasn't the case at Livingston! Oops, that was naughty.
Huge game for us tomorrow. The club could be doing no more preparation wise and I really hope it pays dividends. Come on the Rangers.......

Almost time

for our cup tie. I think I've said before that I'm unable to go as I'm launching my book in Duns on Saturday, yes my book, copies still available, that's enough I know. My thoughts off course will be at Victoria Park and I'm certainly hoping. A result would be excellent for club coffers and moral in general. Although if I'm being honest the most important for me is Tuesday at Montrose and the following Saturday at home to Elgin. Six points is a must and I certainly think the team are capable. Mind you I'm presuming that Montrose can actually get their team to Montrose for this one. Lets put a couple extra in just for having to go back lads. I think Montrose have been a bit cheeky about this one.

We knew

it would happen didn't we, no not the 13th euro defeat by Rangers, although if you watched it it was no surprise. Just another low in the recent euro life of the Glasgow team. No, it was off course Livingston's victory against what the Daily Record described as "rotten Rovers" We are getting no help what so ever from anyone else in our league and my worry is that Livingston are improving week on week. Our next test against them for us is only a few weeks away and already has this writers mouth salivating!

Big game

tonight. No, not some Champion's League nonsense but Livingston v Albion. A win for Livi will put them 5 points clear and a win for Rovers puts them equal with us, I think. Personally a draw will do for me or at a push a win for Albion. Oh and going back to the Champions League it's another night for the faint hearted to avoid a certain game again. How many will that mob ship tonight then? Is it too much to hope that a couple of other SPL clubs can step up to the plate and put some pressure on the old firm. The time is right certainly as we're witnessing two of the poorest sides they have put out for many a year. And how about that little Algerian ned at Ibrox. Rangers managers of old would have had him down the road long ago, bring back Scott Symon.

I see

on the SFL site that the Montrose match will now be played next Tuesday. Apparently the Berwick fans that made the journey on Saturday will get in for nowt. Not sure who knows who was there, not too hard I'd imagine, but I'm sure I'm not the only one who made the trip on Saturday who will be unable to make the return trip. No matter good luck to those that do. Also apparently Montrose were not exactly broken hearted to have the game postponed. Me thinks if our lot has been of the disposition to make an issue of the affair a case might have been feasible, but hey, we're not that kind of club (now) are we!!

Having stayed

in Angus for the weekend I learned a bit more about the events which led to our game being off. Apparently a woman had been dropped off from a taxi on the A90 at Longforgan, just south of Dundee. As she was walking along the A90 she was struck by a lorry. A complete tragedy off course. We now go forward to Dingwall this Saturday, a game I had originally intended to be at, however my book will be sent from the printer this week and will go on sale this Saturday morning at Duns News in, off course Duns. The shop have asked me to be there from 10-12 to. would you believe it, sign any copies that people buying may want signed. I kid you not, you can now call me Mr Pike! Joking really......

Made it

to Montrose today despite the weather and was enjoying lunch in the "Picture House" when I got a call saying the game was to be held up due to a fatal accident on the A90. A short while later another call told me the game was postponed due to travel difficulties faced by those traveling north. Further investigation revealed that an accident on the A90 yesterday was the underlying cause. Mind you by the time all this became apparent the rain was falling in biblical proportions and I for one was quite happy to stay in the pub. Apparently the game will now take place a week on Tuesday. Football IS only a game and we should all take a minute to think about the unfortunate individual who lost their life yesterday.

All thoughts

turn to Montrose at this stage of the week. I've just had a look at the BBC site and this is what they are saying "Rangers miss injured Steven Radzynski and David Greenhill, while Jamie Ewart has flu and Steven Notman is doubtful". Now we all know that this mob are more than prone to making the odd gaff where we are concerned so I'm left wondering if any, or all, of this might be true. We'll all see come tomorrow no doubt. I for one am looking for a return to form and a win at Links Park tomorrow. Given their record anything else will be a disaster. No matter, I'm going for a 3-0 win.

Notman back

apparently. He may be in contention for Saturday which will be great news but maybe we better just wait and see. I'd much rather he is 100% ready which of course the manager will ensure. Are you going to Links Park then? I'll be there myself hoping to see our second away win and I really hesitate to say that they ain't won this season! Gotta mention last nights game, you know which one. Another blatant hand ball goal and Henry said he wasn't the ref....eh?? It was a hand ball, no goal he cheated simple as that no goal. Replay the game and ban him from playing. If a stand is not taken at some stage just throw away all the rules and make it up as you go along.

Nothing fresh

tonight at all I'm afraid. One thing I did notice a couple of days ago was the fact that Mark Peat has only conceded three goals at Shielfield this season and two of them have been a penalty and an own goal, not bad eh? Apart from that the media are getting into their usual excited state about the ROI playing in France. Sorry but I don't really care what they get up to. France v ROI two foreign sides playing each other. How do you baffle a Republic of Ireland international? Ask him which part of the Emerald Isle he comes from!

Burley has

gone, hardly surprising as far as I can see. Only pity is that the team didn't go with him. Yes, Burley was short of the mark but the raw material he had to work with is rotten. What has happened to our young players coming through and going on to become proud talented members of our national team. Christ we're even accepting those that have been in Scottish education for five years. The whole thing is a shambles and lets not forget the problems start at the top. There are far too many "suits" in Scottish Football and far too many there for their own edification. I can remember, not that long ago, when we qualified for FIVE consecutive World Cups. Now we're below Gambia and Gabon......

On a

day of no Black & Gold news I thought I'd share a wee story with you. I've mentioned my book about Duns FC before, it's almost ready by the way, but I got an email request for two copies. As I've been doing I asked the lad how he heard about it and here's a wee bit of his reply "Thank you for the email,I help to run the programme shop at York City and a supporter from Alloa brought some Alloa programmes in for exchange and the advert was in the Alloa v Clyde programme" I had actually sent an email to every club Duns played against and Duns had played Alloa in the Scottish Cup in the 50's. No one from Alloa had told me they intended to put an ad in their programme, but thanks to then for doing it. In a very round about way it's got me a couple more sales. Ain't things strange sometimes......

Been going

over yesterday in my head and the only useful conclusion I can come to is thank christ it's over. I'm not being ungracious but it was awful. Looking away for a split second I noticed a Brighton player diving, cheating B******. Sorry about that but yes it was bloody terrible. We have an ideal chance to get back on track next week, before our cup break, at Links Park where Montrose have still to record their first win this season. Mind you, before yesterday Queens Park hadn't drawn away from home this season......
Forgot to update my seasonal figures after yesterday's game, so here they are
GAME 24
BERWICK 1-1 QUEENS PARK
Overall totals 2058.0 miles £468.73
BR Totals 1210.3 £313.78

Today's game

at Shielfield must be the worst I've seen this season. Nothing went right with most of the players unable to do anything but boot the ball as high as possible. I accept everyone has an off day and that was certainly the case with our lot today. The exception must be Andy McLean who was rock solid, the rest, onto next week. We did improve a wee bit at the end and some will say we had our fair share of bad luck. But I'm afraid it was a stinker.

Looking forward

to tomorrows game but as usual it will not be easy. The Spiders away record gives no real indication as to how they may perform. If you believe the weather boffins, I know neither do I, the weather could be the deciding factor. No matter a win tomorrow is what's required as we press to keep the pressure on everyone else. According to the BBC site Steven Notman is the only absentee, which if correct could be worse as apparently more than him left the pitch at Stair Park last week less than 100% fit.

Really struggling

to come up with something tonight so I'll tell you about my book (again) I received the printed proof today, it looks like a real book, wow! Kind of funny mind you thumbing through it thinking of all the work that's gone into getting it to this stage, and it's still not ready. Really pleased that we kept the cover black and white gives a good feel to it. Its been suggested that we have a special event to launch, not my idea either! I'll let you know the details nearer the time, not long now......

Mid week

again and not much on the football front. Watched Leeds Grimbsy last night and intend to watch Southampton Charlton tonight. I know, sad etc but hey, I pay Sky over 40 quid a month, mind you that may change soon we'll see. Too early for me to give too much thought to Saturdays game but I had a quick squint at the Spiders away record and its exactly equal so there's not much indication there. Not much movement from any clubs on a change of kick off times for Saturdays games either given there's more of these pointless friendlies. Think you'll find the vast majority of fans watching club football. Except off course those given no choice by having games canceled, pointless or what?

Did you

get a chance to see the incident that led to Liverpool's equaliser last night against Birmingham. To say it was a dive does not do dives any justice at all. The lad, him with that strange name was so blatant he should be banned for a long time. I don't blame the ref, it must be hard keeping an eye on twenty two grown men who will do anything to gain their side an advantage at any expense. But lets be quite clear here what they do is CHEATING and nothing else. The way all the commentators seem to laugh it off as "simulating" What the hell is that supposed to mean I ask you. Come on you lot call it for what it is CHEATING. And you lot that are doing it, hang you heads in shame.

I see

that Stirling Albion have squared away their life threatening bill. I for one am quite happy about that. I don't like to see any team in bother especially a team not a million miles away from ourselves in terms of size etc. Sadly I don't think it will be a case of if this will happen again but when. In these times of fiscal constraint it's doubly important that every club keeps their house in order. Which makes good reading for Black & Gold fans this season as the board are being particularly careful and actually reducing debts. And remember the accrued debt which arrived as part of the takeover. On a final note of caution let's never as a club be complacent again, we've all been there before haven't we!

Couldn't remember

just who has got what goals for us so far this season so I had a look at the BBC site. Now I know they are sometimes a wee bit of the mark in terms of accuracy, just have a look at what they said about our match yesterday, but never the less according to them our goals have been shared between eight players. Hence I suppose why our top scorer only has four. That raises a question would you rather have one prolific guy way out in front or as we have with them shared around?

A great

win today at Stranraer, our first on the road in the league this season. Unfortunately Elgin couldn't do us any favours so the position at the top remains unchanged. Not being there I'm thus far just looking at the sketchy information available but we apparently were 2-0 up at the break then 2-2 and ultimately a win. Great to see Gray get a couple I think we could see more goals from him this term. No matter it keeps us right there but I'm afraid I'm getting this feeling it could come down to us and "them" this season, what do you think?

Stranraer tomorrow

in another important game, aren't they all, for the black & gold. They always seem to mean more to me when we're near the top. We're sitting very nicely in second place which is all the more unusual when you consider that that a win tomorrow would be our first away from home this season. Our home form is second to none and all we need do now is get thing's sorted away from home. Another point I thought was interesting is that we are the only team to have taken anything from Almondvale this season. I said It yesterday but reiterate it now we need some of the other teams to start pressing Livingston. So come on Elgin geese a hand tomorrow......

Bad boys

as we all know seem to flourish in football like no other industry. Latest in the long sorry list is the lad Barr at Albion Rovers. Apparently he had a barney with his manager last Saturday at Shielfield, some of you may have witnessed it apparently. This seems to have been the fourth such incident if you believe what you read, and his punishment, yes punishment, is to go on loan to a club in a higher division. Obviously the manager at the Somerset Park club must reckon he's made of sterner stuff and can handle young Barr, good luck my friend.
Are you making the trip to Stranraer on Saturday then? Definitely winnable I'd say and it's about time someone else relieved Livingston of some points as well as us! Come on the rest of you eh......

A warning

to all of you of a nervous or squeamish disposition, or indeed, parents of young, impressionable and vulnerable minors. I do not make this warning lightly and would heed you all to beware. After all you can have Waterloo Road, Natural World, Ruth Watson or indeed Britain's Best Brain on Channel 4. What am I whittering on about I hear you ask. Well don't say I didn't warn you.......RANGERS ARE ON THE TELE TONIGHT in the Champions League.........

You may

remember a few days ago I highlighted a stat I had found on the BBC site and posed the question whether it may be right. Well DucketBlog regular Kevin McCormack done some digging and I thought I'd share Kevin's findings with you. He goes on to say......

Hi Colin

Great find that statistic... took me a while to find that section on the BBC, I certainly never check there.

I've had a look back though,

The last 0-0 - I was there - I remember Kevin Haynes being sent off. It was home v Elgin City, 7th April 2007, as things got nervy ahead of winning the title 2 games later.

I think the Stat only concerns league games

So if you take the 3 games after 7th April and 36 games in 07/08, 36 games in 08/09, in neither season did we have a defence good enough to hold out for 0-0 most of the time (!), and then 11 league games this season... you get 86. Amazing. In truth it is a few more - 5 cup games in 07/08, 3 last year and 3 this year so far gets up to 97 games - nearly 100! Got to be worth some press coverage.

Great stuff Kevin that certainly puts some meat on that particular bone.

I read

that Stirling Albion are the latest team looking into the financial abyss. Can't remember all the details but I think they have a small number of days to sort the situation. In football terms the amount is the equivalent of a few days wages to a premiership player but is enough to threaten the existence of the Stirling Club. No doubt the debate will raise it's head about clubs responsibility to run a tight fiscal ship but I await to hear the latest on the Trusts situation re raising cash to take over the club only for the owner, I hate that word in relation to football clubs, turning down their last bid as insufficient. I certainly wish them all the best.

A very

satisfying weekend for all things black & gold. Puts us nicely into second place behind our "friends" from you know where. Just had a glance at the BBC site and our particular bit. According to them it's 86 games since we were involved in a 0-0 draw. I've not checked but do you reckon that's right? Apparently that was Albion's first away defeat of the season as well. Next weeks game is looming already and for once we're not playing a team from the top half.