Enforced break takes it toll in Scottish Cup exit
I don't know about you but I had one of the quietest festive seasons ever.
I wouldn't exactly say that I looked after myself especially but with the scheduled fixtures that we had you need to be careful. As it turned out the games against Berwick Rangers and Stranraer were called off, as was our Scottish Cup replay once again in between Christmas and New Year.
For any Annan fans out there who were disappointed and confused about the Stranraer game surprisingly falling victim to the elements on the morning of the match all I can say is that it was the correct decision.
We trained at the club the following morning and the pitch remained unplayable. At the time I was surprised myself to receive the manager's text but after walking across the surface it would have been dangerous for the players; and that was after a further 24-hour thaw.
Since then we have, at last, got ourselves back in action albeit in our disappointing 5-2 defeat to Brechin City.
Jim Weir's Brechin side were comfortable winners at Galabank
After the weather we've had over the last six weeks we returned to action in cinditions that weren't dissimilar to that of the original tie. It was a horrible night for football to say the least and it ended up a bit of a nightmare for us as well.
There is no doubt that Brechin were a much better side than they showed in the original tie up at Glebe Park and they deserve their place in the fourth round.
Despite that, we definitely shot ourselves in the foot. The first four goals were absolute gifts for our opponents and were so easily avoidable.
After losing the first goal we quickly got back level thanks to Bryan Gilfillan's header and should and have gone ahead before a three-goal blitz before half-time left us shell-shocked.
We knew it was going to take an almighty performance to win the game from that position and, although we gave ourselves a chance with an early second-half goal, the damage was done.
I can't help but wonder what might have been if we had faced up to each other the following week.
I'm not sure what Brechin have been up to during the enforced break but we only managed to get one friendly in and our training sessions were limited. That game on Tuesday was like playing your first match of a new season but without a full pre-season behind you.
It's disappointing that we haven't given the supporters the derby against Queen of the South they craved but I think we can hold our heads fairly high and say that we gave it our best shot.
At the point of writing, the club are in limbo as to whether we will have a fixture this coming weekend.
Our original match against East Stirlingshire has been cancelled due to the Scottish Cup but we are hoping that a rearranged match against Stranraer can get the go-ahead.
The further cancellation of the Threave Rovers v Stenhousemuir replay has left Stranraer without a fixture as they are due to play the winners in the next round. I'm not sure how far ahead the club are in terms of getting the game on but the players are certainly keen to get Tuesday's defeat out of the system.
Hi there, I'm Chris Jardine, midfielder with Scottish Third Division side Annan Athletic. I hope, throughout the season, I can give you a good insight into life at the newest Scottish League club and maybe even a few laughs along the way.
Comment number 1.
At 8th Jan 2011, jpannan wrote:Hi Chris
Not often I disagree with your comments, however the pitch WAS playable on the 2nd. It was possible to push a long spike in the pitch with the only little doubt being a 3 x foot sanded square in the penalty box. The pitch inspector (I understand is a goalie in the summer league who no doubt dives on harder surfaces) made the wrong decision especially as it was thawing rapidly and a further 5 hours to kick off.
The Stranraer management on turning up were amazed at the decision.
It was certainly better than the previous time when a friendly game was played with Threave.
Frost overnight 2 - 3rd caused the conditions you experienced at training.
Best wishes for 2011.
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Comment number 2.
At 8th Jan 2011, Kickback wrote:Happy New Year Chris.
Do you think you will get a new contract in the summer?
And what about the Jambos still flying eh!?
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Comment number 3.
At 11th Jan 2011, Rob04 wrote:#2
Well not at Hampden this year eh!?
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Comment number 4.
At 13th Jan 2011, Kickback wrote:Bad night I'm afraid.Maybe the boot up the arse the team needs.
Reading there own press maybe.But that pair from Glasgow have nothing that should worry us (or other teams) It's all about having confidence in yourself and also the referees playing fair...
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