The Return Of Scottish Bell Cup 30th July

[Mr Chips]

Can someone confirm to me if Clyde held an open day for players a few weeks back, my flatemate has just been suggesting to me they did and loads of posties, juvie, amatuer players turned up. Have to fancy brechin, the cup specialists if this is the case!

[Mr Chips]

Another interesting thing I have found from my research is that Peterhead have only lost 5 times at home in 3 years. Michie banging in the goals too. He'll be thinking he's the big time hot shot even more in aberdeen pub/club scene than he already does! They won away at Brechin last week too did Peterhead. Hmm bound to get a home treble on the go. St Johnstone will win easily I reckon. Steven Milne too good a player for division one!

[crowie]

Mr Chips,

Graham Roberts advertised for players for Clyde. He didn't quite make it clear that he was looking for league players who had been freed etc and he ended up with about 2,000 applications from everyone who still had the vague thoughts they could make it as a professional footy player

[kompressaur]

Despite taking an early lead through Craig Bryson, the Bully Wee lost tonight’s match with Livingston by two goals to one.

Clyde slowly began to control the game in the first half as they passed the ball well and it was of little surprise when they took the lead. Good work by Malone and Miller allowed Craig Bryson to steer the ball home from close range to cheer the support.

Numerous SPL and SFL managers including Alex McLeish watched as Livingston continued to be put on the back foot as Clyde competed well with O’Donnell and McHale prominent. Against the run of play, the Lions got back into the match and for Clyde it was a poor goal to lose. A weak cross was missed by the Bully Wee defenders and fell into the path of ex-Manchester United player Paul Tierney to fire past trialist ex- Dundee United keeper Paul Jarvie.

Disappointingly for Clyde, Gary Arbuckle limped off injured midway through the first half but Clyde appeared not to be too downhearted and continued to press the SPL side. Indeed Clyde were unfortunate not to regain the lead as a magnificent Miller lob crashed off the bar as Clyde's passing and style of play continued to entertain the home fans.

The second half was a scrappier affair, though Clyde were seldom troubled as chances were few and far between. However, just as it appeared that a draw would be the final result, Livingston scored. A cross was not collected by trialist keeper, ex Gretna player Craig Summergill, and after a melee in the box Robert Snodgrass crashed the ball into the roof of the net. Clyde nearly equalised in the final moments when Romauld Bouadji missed from close range despite displaying great skill in creating the chance in a crowded penalty box.

So it was not to be for the Bully Wee but the match again proved to be valuable exercise in preparing the squad for the new season.

The final match before the big kick off is on Wednesday 27 July against Larkhall Thistle at Gasworks Park, Raploch Street, Larkhall; the kick off will be 6.30pm.

Clyde: Jarvie (Summergill), McGregor, Malone, Higgins, McKeown, McHale, Bryson, O’Donnell, Arbuckle(Bradley), Miller (Brawley), Bouadji.

Subs: Brawley, Bradley, Masterton, Dick, Hilland, Summergill (GK)

Livingston: Ludovic, McKay, Tiernay, Brittain, Dorado, Pinxten, Trialist, McLaughlin, McPake, Pereira, Adam

http://80.75.76.19/clydefc/news.asp?id=1648

By my reckoning thats only 3 Players (Arbuckle, Malone, Bryson) from last season. Bradley too but he was a bit of a bit part player. Roberts could have anything though. Actually im just looking through the new squad and he really seems to have signed a load a youngsters with no 1st team experience amongst them. I could be with Mr C here :think

This looks like their only experienced signing i can see

ROMAULD BOUADJI Position: Defender Birth Place: Paris, France Nationality: French Date Of Birth: 10 January 1983 Date Signed: 18 July 2005 Previous Clubs: St,. Etienne, Carshalton Atheltic, Farnborough Town, Gravesend and Northfleet

His career never really took off did it?

Roberts said on Friday-

I’m down South this weekend to watch a few games and specifically two strikers.
The work goes on and we will continue to look to bring in players to improve the overall quality of the squad.”

Roberts also confirmed that a move to bring in a player on loan, to bolster the team is still very much a possibility, “the striker I’ve got my eye on has actually picked up an injury so that put it on the back burner but I’ll chat with the SPL side on Monday to try and see if we can do a deal.”

You believe this?

“Sporting Lisbon wanted to play us but it was too short notice, as Broadwood was being used, so reluctantly we had to refuse but regardless it will be an important weekend as we prepare for the season ahead.”

aye alright Graham. I think this game is gonna come too quick for Roberts and will have a team of inexperiece out. Need to see the team v Larkhall tonight but i'd expect him to at least play his possible starting 11 for sat at some point tonight. Surely its an exercise for him to see what hisstrongest teams got and to give them a chance to play together.

Brechin's last season in Div one maybe came too quickly for them too. They suprised folks (well me) in actually going up and all in they werent that bad in games and never really got gubbed. Last season they started slowly and drifted to 9/1 in the betting. I got on them then as i expected them to go on a wee run and they did () and bar a bit of inconsistancy about new year especially at home i think they finished quite competatively enough. Need to go look at Brechin again but i think they'll have a better time of it in the poorest first division in years.

Aye Mr C i could be interested in your Brechin.

Peterhead i still have too many doubts about Mr C. The 5 in 3 year stats suprises me i must say. I must have caught them at home in all 5 (Nah we were on Albion Rovers @ 9/1 that time )

I still have a thing about Berwick being ok on the road and i couldnt go near this myself Mr C.

[crowie]

Joe Miller, ex Celtic (scored winner in 91 cup final v Rangers) is Roberts assistant. There was talk when they came that if short on players that wee Joe could end up playing for Clyde. I noticed the Miller up front from the Livi match report, that could well be him. He must be mid to late 30's now. Will still look about 16 and ID'd in pubs though


I got 1.53 on Ross County v Montrose on Betfair, best according to RFO was 1.44. Happy with that and I think that will be my only bet in this cup. Prefer to watch results for the first couple of weeks.

[kompressaur]

Believe it should be him Crowie. He aint played since 2002 mind

I aint so keen on your Ross bet Crowie. I do think they'll win but i reckon they could be in for a game. I actually will proably be taking Ross on the handicap coupon this year but i think Montrose could have not a bad side together and have always done ok in cups last couple of seasons.

Montrose hav e a great site with some good links. Away to read
http://www.montrosefc.co.uk/Fixtures-Results.htm

and fortheir match reports
http://www.sportnetwork.net/main/s162.htm

[kompressaur]

Actually Crowie i aint going near this one and think Ross will win but its unpredicatble. Henry Hall has had the chance in the summer to get rid of the players he didnt want since taking over during last season and he'll be getting a team together and plugging i nthe gaps etc. I see new striker Willie Martin ex Ross County got a hatrick for Montrose the other day but will miss out the Ross game due to suspension.

Aye i have lost my away confidence a bit.

[kompressaur]

3/1 im seeing On Berwick Mr C. I might take on your Peterhead. Your right in the fact that Bavaidge, Mitchie and young Linn they got from Duundee last season are quite a strikeforce so im wary. I just feel thet 3/1 could represent some value but theirs that 5 games in 3 seasons to look at too

Last season at home they were beaten-

6-1 by Falkirk,
2-1 Ross County,
2-1 Gretna
3-2 Albion Rovers

also theirs the 3-1 defeat at Huntly in the Scottish up at Huntly

This is from their last friendly game of the seaosn on Sunday taken from Brechin City's site. Thought it would be worth a read for us all

For the last pre-season friendly, Brechin welcomed 2nd division newcomers Peterhead to Glebe Park. The Blue Toon clinched promotion in style from the 3rd division, finishing 27 points ahead of 3rd placed Cowdenbeath.

Brechin started with Craig Nelson between the sticks, with Steven Hamilton, Scott Walker, Paul Deas and Gary Bollan all in defence. The midfield consisted of Stuart Callaghan, Grant Johnson, Steven Ferguson and Kevin Byers. Paul Ritchie and a trialist (who will be named soon) posed a threat upfront.

Like the previous pre-season friendlies, the start of the match was quiet with very few chances being created. The first real chance of the game fell to the trialist, who struck a low shot from just outside the box but Paul Mathers saved comfortably in the Peterhead goal. The trialist had another pop at goal minutes later but his shot went wide of the post.

Mid-way through the first half there were handball claims in the Peterhead penalty area. Steven Hamilton's long throw into the box caused panic and the ball looked to have struck a hand, but the referee waved away claims for a penalty. Minutes later Paul Ritchie came close when his shot at the back post was well saved by Paul Mathers.

It was one-way traffic throughout the first half and Brechin came close again, Stuart Callaghan striking a blistering shot just wide of the goal.

Then, against the run of play, Peterhead opened the scoring with their only shot on goal. Nelson originally saved well from a low shot but a Peterhead forward followed it up, tapping into the corner.

The start of the second half was similar to the first, with Brechin dominating possession of the ball and creating chances. The impressive Grant Johnson came close as his shot from outside of the box swerved wide of the target, the influential midfielder also came close again with a header from Craig McEwan's cross.

Brechin continued piling on the pressure, the ball set up nicely for Gary Bollan who struck a fierce shot which went wide of the target while the trialist came close again but his shot went straight at the keeper. Grant Johnson had another attempt on goal as his shot from outside the box just whistled past the post after Darren Smith had set him up.

Good link up play saw Darren Smith whip an inviting cross into the box which was headed over by Davie White. The last chance of the game fell to Grant Johnson, whose shot was tipped over by Paul Mathers.

Overall, Brechin played quite well and created a lot of chances, although a few really should have been put away. Grant Johnson in particular was outstanding throughout.

Despite only having one shot on target, which proved to be the winner, Peterhead looked a useful side who liked to pass the ball about and should do well in the 2nd division.

[kompressaur]

Nah ive just been looking at Berwick and i dont think they're worth a bet now. Theyve lost their best player Darren Smith to Brechin. and i dont really see much at the moment that inspires me over them. Think i'll sit this one out none the less Mr C but good luck if you take the home.

I still like Forfar @ 5/1 Victor Chandler. Look at that as it approaches.

I'm getting interested in Brechin though as they seem to be a team well used to each other. Aye i could be on them too. Anyone know the best price about for them thanks?

Albion Rovers won up at QOS in the League cup last year and i know their a differant side but i could be tempted to take the odds on them clicking again up there. Footballs a funny old game and i think ive seen Albion @ 7/1+ Corals go 7/1 i see. Could add their 5/1 on Elgin as i dont actually think they'll be that much between the clubs in age and experience. Folks are tipping Elgin for a poor season but i dunno. This is John Robertsons season to get it right and he's got some good youngsters there and seems to have got some more talented youngsters from bigger clubs this close season.

Need to confirm that though

[Mr Chips]

Just hearing from my mate that Forfar have signed ex Killie keeper Colin Meldrum. Sure he has some U21 pedigree of some sort. 6 month deal for the Loons

[Beanie]

Originally Posted by Mr Chips

Just hearing from my mate that Forfar have signed ex Killie keeper Colin Meldrum. Sure he has some U21 pedigree of some sort. 6 month deal for the Loons

Since all my posts nowadays seem to include some comment on how shite Livi and their ex players are, I can't let this one go.

Meldrum was at Livi last season, and was awful. He had one good game v Celtic while Roddy McKenzie was injured and so got a run in the first team for a few games. During that period he made more mistakes than I care to remember, and barely got a sniff of a game after that.

Might be better for Forfar though.

[kompressaur]

Meldrum was ok when he was at Killie i think Beanie but you'll know best as i never bothered with the fella.

I dont even know if i'll be on Stenny after hearing they will be without McGrillen as he's on holiday , Cramb aint fit and Carroll is only rated 60/40. I ve bad feelings about this one now Beanie and Stenny's poor record at local East fife doesnt fill me with confidence and i could be a virtual spectator

[Beanie]

Originally Posted by kompressaur

Meldrum was ok when he was at Killie i think Beanie but you'll know best as i never bothered with the fella.

I dont even know if i'll be on Stenny after hearing they will be without McGrillen as he's on holiday , Cramb aint fit and Carroll is only rated 60/40. I ve bad feelings about this one now Beanie and Stenny's poor record at local East fife doesnt fill me with confidence and i could be a virtual spectator

'On holiday'

Thats why I love this country with its shitey wee leagues

That is a concern Komp, no doubt about it. Im gonna do another write up on the Rangers Grudge Match bet tonight, as that and the Hearts bet will be my biggies, but all the other possibles, including Stenny, I'll leave for tomorrow.

If those three are all missing, I wouldn't be so happy. I'll try and find out what team played v Livi and see if any of those three took part.

There's so much football these days we can afford to only take selections we are 100% comfortable with and still get plenty selections on the coupon.

Wonder where daikoku is these days. Im sure he'd have had a nice long preview for one of these games.

And stevenc1 as well, who'll be able to give us some cracking insights into the lower leagues.

[Beanie]

None of them played v Livi, so thats something atleast.

[Mr Chips]

Norning chaps, been debating the first round with a mate who watches a lot of lower league games, particuarly Division 2. Runs main Forfar website, here's his thoughts:

Arbroath v Stranraer – Arbroath are a decent price there – but you are looking at SD1 v SD3. Arbroath are capable of springing a surprise at home, but have a lot of new faces.

Suspect a tentative Stranraer win



Ayr v Stirling – Ayr have re-built using a lot of Ayrshire junior players. Stirling are mostly unchanged from last season but are extremely lacking in firepower.

Ayr Win



Brechin v Clyde – Brechin have the nucelaus of last years squad intact, and Ian Campbell will have them organised. Clyde, for all their novelty value, have assembled a half decent squad – however not trained together for long. Home advantage should see a

Brechin Win



East Fife v Stenhousemuir – Can’t see anything but a Stenny win here, my tip for Champions this season also



Morton v Gretna – Complete unknown quantities – avoid like the plague.



Partick v Cowden – Partick are misfiring big style pre-season. If you wanted to take a risk I’d go for a cowdenbeath win here, however partick SHOULD win.



Peterhead v Berwick – Peterhead should walk this on the back of last seasons promotion



Queen of the South v Albion – QOS all the way – rubbish odds though



QueensPark v Hamilton – Hamilton will do well this season



Raith v Elgin – Raith should win this, not as certainly as their odds would suggest however



Ross County v Montrose – I think county will sneak this with home advantage, not a good bet



St Johnstone v Alloa – St J all the way, depending on what Alloa side actually turns up



St Mirren v Forfar – Mirren have a number of new signings, Forfar missing tosh which will see Shields marked tightly. A lot will depends on whether Sellars takes a game. Forfar ARE a good early season team, defo worth a punt on those odds IMO, however “experts” would suggest St Mirren



Dundee v East Stirling – East Stirling win ;-)