Holmes_and_Watson

They probably don't need the reminder about Cyril Smith beating boys.

Somehow Hearts got a winner against such massive odds. We live in memorable times.

There's a good atmosphere in the Edinburgh derby. They're into the joke shop fixture split part of the season. It's going to be hard enough for Hearts to win the league over Russell Martin's former Rangers and Paul Tisdale's former Celtic. But harder still is being a goal down and facing 10 men, after the Hibs 'keeper was sent off. It's a nightmare scenario, as it's well known 10 is tougher than 11.

Party

Ornament

Remember kids: Forest fires can be devastating, and, in hot weather, can be started by even one pun on a football forum.

A superb performance and, despite the result, a great day and amazing support. Everyone worked their socks off. We did so well first half, but had to dig in second. Delerium when Azaz's goal went in. But it's us, so you knew it was going to still be a challenge. No shame in losing to that winning goal (not as good as ours though) Jander, I thought, stood out for us. Important all over the park. But so many other good efforts. Worse for wear today, but thankfully I'm not preparing for a game on Tuesday.

Could be a general observation, or on something specific to today. 🙂

Catchy. Better than "Stumble with Starmer" or "Be a bigger tit with Polanski" I did have to remind myself what the name of his outfit was. I see they have a 1930s German lightning bolt logo. I was confusing them with the Rearrange Party (Interior design for all!), The Renege Party (Honest about not following their manifesto) and the Regain Party (Stopping the boats, by invading France)

1-0 defeat to Dijon. At just after 50 mins Dijon managed to get a decent cross on. Abu wasn't close, but the header went wide. But that was the first. Their next one was again not tightly marked, and a good glancing header went into the corner. From there, VA offered very little. They offered no real ideas or support going forward. Dijon didn't have many chances either, but didn't make the most of the 2 or 3 good ones they had. VA nearly had a chance from a deflected header in added time, but nothing came from it. All of the above was a shame. Because VA started not just brightly, but with intent. Good movement and working as a unit put them on top. There were even a few moments of flair. They had a good shape too. Abi put in crosses, that no one was on the end of. When it was him in the middle, he was either stretching for it, or just couldn't guide it. If anyone was going to take the lead in the first half it was VA. There were plenty of positives, and one of there better performances of the season. They also worked hard and tracked back to stop any Dijon threat. Although starting to fade, the goal took it's toll on morale. Abu did quite well, apart from that marking. Good dribbling and some good passes into the channels. I'd expect to see more of him, and he's got more to offer. Down to 11th though, with another defeat. The midtable pack are overtaking.

With Downes missing, I'd expect him to be getting a fair number of minutes, if not starting, against another top PL club.

I'd scream in pain shouting "Get this football ground off of my legs! I'm being crushed!"

A combination of reminding other clubs these players still exist; reminding some players how good it is to play, and that they can do it elsewhere; praying some previously unused youth players can be used in next season's budget conscious squad; hoping that some of the forgotten players who they know they can't shift, will put in performances. Yup. "opportunity to seize". 🙂 It will be interesting to see Abu again. I'd love to know what went wrong there, as this level was well within his capabilities.

Should he stay, this article suggests that we won't have to worry about a World Cup injury, as Clarke will stick with the squad he has. https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/c1w4vl3nyz0o

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