Scot's 1-2-3 - Bonfire Day Cracker

[kompressaur]

Division One
Queen of South v Clyde,
St Johnstone v Airdrie Utd,
Stranraer v Ross County,

Division Two
Alloa v Stirling,
Ayr v Gretna,
Morton v Dumbarton,
Peterhead v Forfar,
Raith v Partick,

Division Three
Albion v Queens Park,
Arbroath v Montrose,
Cowdenbeath v East Fife,
East Stirling v Stenhousemuir,
Elgin v Berwick,

[kompressaur]

St Mirren and Hamilton meet in the bells Challenge Cup (odds to follow) on Sunday.

Clyde even money i reckon at QOS. Dont think i'd chance them. QOS at home could be hard to turn over.

Airdrie i think have done ok v St Jonstone lately and are playing well. They wont be scared to get into St J and should be a good game. st Johnstone will be about 4/5. Their great to watch and exciting but i dunno if i could take them at home.

Bah Stranraer v Ross is a horrible game. If Ross played well today in their win then i could be tempted as i liket hem on the road and i aint a big Stranraer fan. Nah maybe Strarear are gonna start playing better and still nick the odd point here and there. Possiblity. Ross will be 5/4 no doubt.

Alloa v Stirling. Stirling will have their fans but as i mentioned last time thee 2 play i like taking alloa. Alloa are dire though and Hendrie myust be about due the sack. Surely he would go if he loses this local derby?

I'll take Gretna down at somerset. Veraille went off injured today and so did Weaver i belive. Gretna 8/13ish?

Dumbarton should push a 4/7 Morton team but i think i'll be on the home.

Peterhead v Forfar is a bugger. Looks like goals. Peterhead looked good again today with Linn playing out his skin. Forfar are ok on the road though. Dodgy game. 5/4 the home?

Raith and Partick are playing murder. Raith got a good win at Partick earlier and think they were ok for it. I think Partick will be slight favs.

Not read East fife v Albion but i see no reason why i wont be on Queens Park. Even money maybe even 11/10. I'll be on it.

Arbroath v Montrose looks an awful game in so many ways. I aint even gonna look at it.

Need to read up but i dunno if i'd chance Beath at probable 7/10 type odds. Hard one.

stenny at East stirling @ about 2/5. Still might have them.

Elgin must have played Berwick 3 times already this season. elgin are awfull. I'll prob take the Berwick Bastards and they better not stop winjning now im on them. 1/2 or similar surely?

[kompressaur]

I reckon it will be just QP and Cowdenbeath for me. We've lost the last 24hrs of posts possibly

It was me going on about Cowdenbeath wasnt it? I bet you Parahandy will just copy me this week and take them at 4/5 with Skybet as he wont get any better :p

[kompressaur]

Well looks like the posts have gone. Soz to Mr C and Parahandy and others that have posted.

Crowie you got Ladbrokes odds on Queens Park and Cowdenbeath thanks?

I dont fancy having a bet on the Challenge Cup but ive a wee sneak for St Mirren. Couldnt bet on it. Well i could if i wake up Sunday with no coupons to pick up.

Im off Ross County (i never mentioned them did i? ) Think Stranraer will keep it too tight. I can think of better 6/5 shots. Not many mind. St Johnstone v Airdrie is a horrible game for me. Airdrie will cause them probs. Then again St J could win 5-0. I like the thought of a few goals mind as theyve both got some players that can score at the mo.

Nice read on Pie and Bovril from a Morton fan on whats happening there-

There's a lot of concern regarding tactics, formation and player selection, naturally intensifying after losing to our rivals on Saturday. That's 3 league defeats in 4, going from 1 point behind to 10 behind in the process, so there's bound to be a high level of concern.
My main concern has been in suddenly starting to chop and change the team after losing at Firhill, the first game in which we've been outplayed all season. We changed to 4-4-2 the following week and beat Raith away, then Jim said he was unhappy with the performance and completely changed things again, resulting in the home loss to Stirling. All change again for Gretna and another defeat..
Another major concern has been our apparently abandoning our style of playing the ball on the deck. Suddenly our defenders are all punting the ball right over the midfield and it's horrible to watch, as well as being ineffective. We also have some of our high profile signings such as Temps and Lilley not getting the goals we'd hoped for, mainly due to the poor service referred to above.
Jim inherited an underachieving team a year ago and greatly improved discipline and consistency up till this current slump. My hope is he'll now settle on a first choice eleven, get back to playing the ball on the deck and have patience with Temps, Lilley, McLaren etc. to deliver, which I'm sure they will.
We've also been hit with injuries to Temps and McLaren during this time which hasn't helped.
Losing at Partick and Gretna is no disgrace, I was at both games and our opponents were fired up and deserved their wins. The defeat at home to Strirling in between, together with all the changes, makes it look a bit of a crisis, when in truth it's something which happens to all teams at some stage in the season.
We're a bit short in the squad meaning several players don't play in their most natural positions. However I think we should persevere with a regular first eleven, and keep collecting as many points as we can to keep in touch at the top until the transfer window.
I then believe two good signings could give us the stability and consistency we need to push Gretna all the way. If Dougie is willing to spend yet again (not gauranteed), we need a solid left back and an experienced midfielder IMO. If we can then get a good run going we can either challenge Gretna for the title, if they hit a slump, or if not at least get the confidence high enough to win the play-off matches.

Gretna are 11/10 ht/ft (victor chandler) and i should be on that. Well i'll be on the 10/11 in the high street as i think Gretna will enjoy this Saturday. Nah ive just had doubts with them coming back to the pack a bit. Nah ht/ft theyve gotta be worth a chance especially if Veraille is out. Infact if Veraille is out im taking it. Might take it anyhow.

Queens Park are 5/4 with Ukbetting and Totalbet. Bloody lovely price that is. Big Lennon cant save them. I'd be all over that price especially seeing as they'll match your bet up to £25 the pair of them. I'll be on the 21/20 in Hills.

Cowdenbeath i think i will go with probably but only if there is a few positive signs. East Fife have had probs with injury themselves and theres that Noble problem with the manager i mentioned. Aye Beath look nicer and nicer. East Fife manager is getting it in the neck again from fans i think.

[Mr Chips]

Just looking into some value bets on the odds against sides this weekend. Have shortlisted:

Alloa 11/8
Partick 11/10
Montrose 6/4

Lots of very skinny odds for some teams this weekend including Gretna Berwick and Stenny. Good accy material. Montrose could be one for the Angus derby, been scoring recently and Arbroath struggling

[MickeyPaul]

All my initial thoughts, stolen by that darned server. Briefly, Queens Park, yes - Cowdenbeath, yup - Forfar, maybe, Clyde, maybe. Airdrie I want to look into also and a couple of others. Good weekend in prospect and I shall return with every single bit of info you could possibly need. I'm a bit depressed we lost so much from here. Apologies folks.

[kompressaur]

I like/liked Alloa Mr C. Just based on previous performances v Stirling. I dont know if i can still trust them though. Stirling have played well last 3 and played well for at least one half a game last 7. Hendrie at Alloa is due the sack and this could do it. Nah i'll leave Alloa i think this week but good luck Mr C if you take 'em. I can see why you like Montrose but again things would have to be taken on trust them i think. are they on theyre way back? Theyve done ok last 2 games but they were both at home v the worst teams in the league. arbroath have threatened a bit to start their season lately and should be up for it. At least Montrose have started to score goals.

Partick i have a wee fancy for but im put off that they put in their worst performance of the season v Raith last time at home in defeat. I was in bed for 4:25pm that Saturday when Raith got a quick couple that afternoon Skybet go a stand out 5/4 on Partick mind.

Ukbetting and Totalbet go the 5/4 on Ross i predicted. If i could i would i reckon. Nah maybe not. Nah maybe sought. I dunno.

I like gretna/gretna (11/10 victor chandler) Only worry is it could be one of them games. If Veraille is out injured im taking it though.

Aye as Parahandy predicted no-one is going near Skybet's 4/5 on Cowdenbeath. I'd love to get on it now

Bollocks UKbetting and Totalbet go 5/4 on Queens Park. Wish i could get that you lucky people.

[MickeyPaul]

New man in charge of QOS:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/foot...th/4395342.stm

That's put me off Clyde now actually.

[kompressaur]

I dunno Mick. Clyde seem just ok to me. Looking at them away

Scottish Division 1 Ross County 3-1 Clyde 06-08-2005
Scottish Division 1 Stranraer 1-2 Clyde 20-08-2005
Scottish Division 1 Brechin 1-1 Clyde 10-09-2005
Scottish Division 1 St Mirren 2-0 Clyde 17-09-2005
Scottish Division 1 Airdrie Utd 1-3 Clyde 01-10-2005
Scottish Division 1 Dundee 3-3 Clyde 26-10-2005

A bit hit and miss. Palmerston used to be QOS's fortress.

Scottish Division 1 Queen of Sth 0-0 Brechin 13-08-2005
Scottish Division 1 Queen of Sth 0-1 St Mirren 10-09-2005
Scottish Division 1 Queen of Sth 1-2 Hamilton 24-09-2005
Scottish Division 1 Queen of Sth 1-0 Airdrie Utd 15-10-2005
Scottish Division 1 Queen of Sth 1-3 St Johnstone 22-10-2005

Dont get me wrong i dont think theyve been much good in their games. St J done them, a 90th minute winner v Airdrie, Hamilton were comfortable and should have had a few more before ht, 1-0 v St Mirren aint all bad and a draw. Aye i aint getting involved.

[kompressaur]

Ladbrokes odds out. Partick 11/8. I could be interested. Lots to weigh up but it should give me something to look at. Aye i reckon thats well worth a look. Raith seem to have lost the plot a bit it seems.

Queens Park 5/4 back of the net! ...ah doobie doobie doo..exchanging glances..

Stenny ht/ft 4/5?

[MickeyPaul]

I reckon I could build a case for Elgin 1X - they've done well against Berwick so far and Berwick are so up and down; after playing well enough against 'beath they could be due another struggle. On 2nd thoughts, the Elgin odds just aren't good enough for me. 6/1 for the win..... nah. Berwick just keep pulling out the results don't they and that away record is bloody frightening. 6 wins from 6 and only 2 goals conceded. Next!

Cowdenbeath are better than East Fife probably, they were maybe unlucky not get at least a draw at Berwick, their form is super, they have plenty of goals in them, have been very tight at the back, (F22 A5 in their last 10) but I'm getting slight worries over this one now. It's the odds...... I really want evs at least. East Fife have only lost 2 of their last 10 and they were defeats at Berwick and Stenhousemuir. As I said in my deleted post, I feel 'beath are on a par with those two and should win but, the odds......... it looks a risky one.

I initially felt rather confident about Queens Park but I have wee (massive) doubts there too now. Albion unbeaten in their last 3 (sounded not bad against Montrose in that 1-1 with plenty of goal attempts) and looking at Queens Park away results, but for that win at 'beath early doors, they aren't too impressive. Just going over the report of their 0-1 win at Montrose and it sounds like a terrible match with few chances created. A battling performance at Stenny in a 1-0 defeat, a 1-0 defeat at East Fife which the report is calling 'an awful game of football' their 0-2 home loss to 'beath recently has been described as 'a dire performance'........ they were 2-0 down HT at Elgin in September...I'm really off this one now.

Next!

[daikoku]

Scottish First Division: St. Johnstone v Airdrie, Pick X2 @2.22 @ Ladbrokes and Coral, 3 units

I've created my own double chance here to take advantage of the cracking odds available at Ladbrokes and Coral:

1.33 units on Airdrie @ 5.00 with Ladbrokes
1.67 units on Draw @ 4.00 with Coral

There's not much to say here but I think this is pure value, and in my eyes it's a must take.

St. Johnstone

I can't believe the price on the home team here. 1.6 ish for a home win, you've got to be joking! So let's look at the home record....P6 W3 D2 L1. Yes it's not bad but it's no better than Clyde and Hamilton who would definitely have a home price closer to evens if they were hosting Airdrie.

Owen Coyle was drafted in at the end of last season to take over the managerial reigns. Coyle has been busy in the transfer market and brought in some good quality players for this level of football. Have a look at some of the more experienced signings...

Defence

Mark Campbell from Falkirk
Goran Stanic from Livingston
Kevin James from Falkirk
Simon Mensing from Clyde

Midfield

Neil Janczyk from Hearts
Scott Paterson from Partick
Darren sheridan from clyde

Attack

Steve Milne from Plymouth
Jason scotland from Dundee United

The signings are mostly seasoned first division players with Stanic, Scotland, and (arguably) Milne adding some higher level experience.

Consistency still seems to be a problem for the Perth side who finished 8th last season, 4 points behind Airdrie. Looking at St. Johnstone's goals record at home does give more hope with 15 scored and 6 conceded. However 12 of those goals were scored in 3 matches against Hamilton, Brechin, and Queen of the South. Both Brechin and Queen of the South lie at the bottom of the division and have the worst defences in the league.

Airdrie

Well Airdrie had a poor start to the season with 2 losses and 1 draw in their first 3 games. Things did pick up when they managed their first victory of the season against, guess who, St. Johnstone. Yep, Airdrie beat St. Johnstone 3-1 back in August, in fact St. Johnstone have a poor record against Airdrie....

H2H's St. Johnstone - Airdrieonians

Scottish 1st Division 2005/2006

Airdrieonians St. Johnstone 3:1

Scottish 1st Division2004/2005

St. Johnstone Airdrieonians 1:2
Airdrieonians St. Johnstone 0:0
St. Johnstone Airdrieonians 1:1
Airdrieonians St. Johnstone 1:0

Scottish Cup 2002/2003

St. Johnstone Airdrieonians 1:1
Airdrieonians St. Johnstone 1:1

St. Johnstone haven't beaten Airdrie in the last 7 games between the two teams.

Airdrie don't have the best of away records( P6 W1 D3 L2) but they do have an incredibly mean defence. It's Airdrie's defence that I'm really pinning my hopes on as they've only conceded 6 goals in 6 games, a better record than league leaders St. Mirren.

Summary

With the talent available St. Johnstone could win this game comfortably but the odds for Airdrie to grab a win or a draw are too much to resist. Both teams suffer from inconsistency, but with the H2H's overwhelmingly in Airdrie's favour, coupled with the good defensive record I've got to take X2 here.

[milners]

Card isn't the best is it!!!

Nothing in the first i fancy

Second division do like Morton but doubts as they have lost 2 in the trot, but 1.62 at home is fair i suppose i did have them down at 1.33 although thinking about it i think the price should be more 1.5.

Stirling Albion to win again not sure although Alloa have been poor but Stirling are away and 2.5. Wait for team news on that.

Nothing else in that division!!!

3rd Division like MickeyPaul like the look of Queens Park but recent results for Albion Rovers is putting me off.

Cowdenbeath is putting me off due to East fife's recent form

Thats it!!!

What a terrible card.

[MickeyPaul]

I had mentioned Airdrie in my deleted post, Daik. Last 10, their record is equal to St Johnstone's and that cracking 4-0 win at home to Dundee is a boost. St Johnstone, we all know they are capable on their day of blowing most of their rivals away, they just don't have many of those days. It looks tighter than the odds suggest and I'm certainly considering the X2.

[daikoku]

Originally Posted by MickeyPaul

I had mentioned Airdrie in my deleted post, Daik. Last 10, their record is equal to St Johnstone's and that cracking 4-0 win at home to Dundee is a boost. St Johnstone, we all know they are capable on their day of blowing most of their rivals away, they just don't have many of those days. It looks tighter than the odds suggest and I'm certainly considering the X2.

Aye Mickey it was a good win for Airdrie last week, but Dundee had quite a few players out methinks. I remember reading about the Dundee injuries late on Saturday morning but didn't have time to write my usual war and peace epic, so just skipped it .

To be honest I'd not be surprised by a St. Johnstone goal feast like Komp mentioned but at the end of the day if the odds are set wrong you've got to take it.