Annan continue the push for points
I'm hoping not to put a jinx on things but the boys down at Annan Athletic appear to be hitting form at just the right time.
Our at the weekend meant that for the first time since joining the Scottish Football League in 2008 we have won four league games on the bounce.
More importantly, it saw us close the gap on second placed Albion Rovers - who we can now leapfrog should we win our game in hand.
The players are obviously delighted with the way things are going just now but I'm not sure the same can be said about our club secretary, Alan Irving.
The boys are all pretty sure he's devastated to be paying out all these win bonuses.
Although nothing like the one we find ourselves in now, we have been in decent positions before and let things slip away, so absolutely no-one at the club is getting carried away.
We're happy right now and it goes without saying that confidence is high but we know that you can quickly be brought back down to earth in this league.
At this stage of the season a couple of results either way can have a huge impact on your season.
The other results in the division went our way at the weekend to further strengthen our position in the play-off places and it's incredible how much we've all began to keep an eye on things at the top.
I've always been one for looking at what our rivals are doing but it's now the first thing you ask after your own game has finished.
It was the same after training on Tuesday night.
There were eight of us from Saturday who did just a light session and straight away we were on the mobiles looking for the latest from Elgin against Berwick.
Berwick managed to sneak a late win, by all accounts, and that shortened the gap between us, but hopefully we can at least maintain the gap before we play them at Galabank in a few weeks.
Obviously Arbroath were in action too but I think they will go on and win the title, so I have taken them out of the equation at this stage.
We travel to Hampden this weekend hoping to improve on our last visit in February.
We don't have the best of records at the national stadium and the 3-0 reverse a few weeks ago was one of the lowest points of our season so far.
Obviously the team is more important, but on a personal level I'll be hoping things go a little better for me this time.
I suffered a head knock very early in the last game up there and had to come off shortly afterwards so I'll be at least hoping to stay conscious for more than 10 minutes on Saturday.
It could turn out to be a bit of a different match to what we usually face when playing Queens Park.
Regardless of whether you're home or away they always try to play football.
After seeing the state of Hampden during the League Cup Final at the weekend, we could both be struggling a bit with the playing surface; I don't think I've ever seen it looking so bad.
Let's just hope it suits us a little better and we can adapt to the conditions better than our opponents.
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 23rd Mar 2011, Richie866 wrote:I always read your blog with great interest Chris. I am a Brechin City fan and your manager Harry Cairney was a legend in these parts when i was a young pup, also 1 of your centre halfs was once in the Royal Signals (i Believe) I am in the R.E.M.E and have met signallers who knew him.
Anyway, cheers for putting up with my blather.
I really hope Annan get promoted this season, just to see Harry back at the glebe for at least 2 games a season (if we dont get promoted)
Stephane Guivarc'h
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Comment number 2.
At 24th Mar 2011, JP wrote:Great blog, although I wouldnt give up on the title quite yet. Arbroath host Stranraer, followed by an away game at Albion, then Down to Annan at the tail end of the season.
I'm not saying we have an easy run in but with current form who knows.......
Jp
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Comment number 3.
At 25th Mar 2011, Chris Jardine wrote:Thanks for the comments once again.
Richie866 - the first time I came up against Harry was in our cup tie from a few years ago; Brechin beat us in a replay at Galabank after another 2-2 draw at your place! That'll be our captain, Kevin Neilson you're referring to I would imagine.
JP - the fixtures are certainly interesting and as you know we have a very tough end to the season. Note that I did say, "at this stage".....
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Comment number 4.
At 26th Mar 2011, Andrew wrote:Seven games to go, two of them at home to Clyde. The 30th of April is starting to look important, of course you have to be in a position to take advantage of it . . .
Best of luck. First place is still very much up for grabs.
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