I wont bother with a big write up, u saw what happened when i did on Tuesday...
Tuesday's game... 1st half was quite even. Queens had a few shots from distance which Peat made to look easy. Arbroath missed a GOLDEN opportunity, from a quick whipped in ball, Martin missed a free header from 6 yards out. He had a similar header later, 8 yards out, slightly more difficult, but headers that he was slotting away early in the season!!
2nd half, still quite even and looking very 0-0ish until we won a penalty. Martin stepped up unconfidently, and blasted it 2 yards to the keepers right, perfect height for him, and he palmed it away
Everyone had the feeling that if that had gone in, Queens would have crumbled, but the save made them stronger. A defensive error gave them the opening goal, then a rash challenge in (literally) the last second of the game earned Rennie a red card for last man, and they slotted in the penalty. We also missed one 1/2 chance and one GREAT chance at 1-0, Brazil along the byline, cut back to the striker 12 yards out who blasted it over.
If it had been 1-0 i would have been confident. 2 goals makes it a hell of a lot harder versus the best defensive record in the league.
On the positives, we have Bishop back in defence (who i'm sure would have prevented their 1st goal). More good news, SELLARS might be playing. This would be a great lift to the team, as he had been influential all season when fit. Negatives, Rennie is suspended, along with Brazil. These are our 2 starting right side players, but we have McMullen stepping in at right back (who likes to get forward), and maybe Webster on the wing, very creative and can put in a great cross.
Gayfield will have a large home support. Not quite the fortress it was, but the players and manager i'm sure will want to do it for the fans that have stuck with the team through thick and thin.
Expect an attacking line-up from Arbroath. Potential line up would be... Very good keeper that the defence can have great confidence in, solid central defence, 2 full backs that can push up, 2 strong central midfielders with Sellars always able to pick passes, 2 nippy skillful wingers, and 2 out-and-out strikers.
I'd imagine Queens will try and sit on their lead, being so good at not conceeding. Arbroath will remember how only a month ago we managed to beat them quite comfortably at Gayfield, albeit 1-0, so there's always hope.
Yet again i've got myself psyched up and can see us taking a victory. Remember i am biased tho
The early goal is all important, but if we can score first, this tie will be wide open.
NOTE - Remember we are on pish form, 3 losses on the bounce, and probably still on a downer from missing out on the league, then losing a late goal on Tuesday...
I don't usually bet on games like this, and probably a big
no-bet again, but i see value in a home win, so i'll be taking some juicy odds! (someone could tell me the best available??? including
betfair)
Arbroath @ 6/5+ for myself
Bugger, it ended up a big write up again!
Scots Playoffs 5th May
.GIF "Thumb(1)")
