It's all about results for Annan
Two points from top spot with five games to play; it doesn't make for bad reading at all does it?
Ok, I missed out the wee bit that do have a game in hand, but I also missed out that they still have to come down to our place in the second last game of the season.
It's great to still be involved in things at this late stage in the season and hopefully we can stay in the title race until Arbroath come to visit.
That has the potential to be some day at Galabank.
We've got some huge games to play before then, starting with Albion Rovers at Cliftonhill on Saturday.
It's always a difficult match against Rovers and they will be confident going in to this one after their fantastic last weekend.
With six wins in seven our confidence isn't too bad either, so it's set up nicely.
We're undefeated against them so far this season and we will be delighted if that remains the same come 5pm on Saturday.
The boys kept themselves in this position on Saturday after the previous midweek.
There wasn't much in the game and we managed to win it with a solitary strike from Ian Harty.
It wasn't pretty at times but we make no apologies for that. If it continues like that in the remainder of the games and we end up successful then so be it.
It's all about results from here on in and it doesn't really matter how we get them.
We continue to get stick for the way we play (unfairly so in my opinion) and another five games of the same isn't going to make any difference to us.
I have to say though, the Clyde fans have given us a giggle over the last two matches.
They were giving Mark Docherty (Sparky) a bit of stick for his, shall we say, high-pitched tones when shouting for the ball.
He's a bit of a squealer is Sparky, but it went unnoticed by the players until the Bully Wee's visit last Tuesday.
They left it until a particular shout to Sean O'Connor in the second half and after that they never let up with loud shrieks of "Sean, Sean" every time he was on the ball.
It's probably one of those situations when you had to be there to appreciate how funny it was.
To put it into perspective, we were losing the match 2-0 at the time with only minutes to go and even our manager was in stitches!
I'm going to finish this week by asking you to give me your thoughts on the extra officials in European games.
I know I'm drifting away from Third Division topics, but it's becoming frustrating watching them do absolutely nothing.
I never saw any of the Champions League matches this week but I got in from work on Wednesday night to see a snippet of the highlights.
This has nothing to do with the result affecting me in any way but, I'm sure like most people, I couldn't believe the decision in the incident between Evra and Ramires.
It was bad enough that the referee didn't give it but, when you see it from behind the play, you can see the official on the bye-line looking straight at the incident with no other player even close to obstructing his view.
So, what exactly is the purpose of the extra officials?
I get the impression that they are told not to get involved in decisions unless the match referee asks for help in their earpiece.
I may have missed it but I wouldn't mind seeing a bit of clarity as to their actual responsibilities during a match, because, to me, that guy from last night got an all expenses paid trip to a Champions League Quarter-Final.
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 7th Apr 2011, Henry McClelland wrote:Hiya Jardie, Hiya Pal.
I had a wee chuckle at your last paragraph, remember when you got an all expenses paid trip to the Europa Cup Final?
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Comment number 2.
At 7th Apr 2011, marco44 wrote:Jardie the extra officials are a complete waste of time.
I have yet to see them make a decision in any game.
A freebie to the Europa Cup Final that was kep quiet.
Do you not think the reason the team sometimes gets stick is because they punt the ball up the park too often and miss out the midfield?
Annan have got some good ball players who can pass the ball about when they get the chance (Jardie included).
Five games left in the League and sitting in second place. Should be an interesting end to the Season.
If Annan get promoted do you think they will be able to afford to give you a new contract?
Good luck for the rest of the Season.
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Comment number 3.
At 7th Apr 2011, Kickback wrote:One of the better blogs you have done.
Any truth in the rumour Harry Cairney is leaving in the summer?
Heard this the other day.Moving to the US to help set up a training academy?
Would you ever consider this?
Also if the rumours are to be believed Neil Mcfarlane is in the running to be player manager on a non contract basis.
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Comment number 4.
At 7th Apr 2011, Kickback wrote:Mark Docherty.Was that him that played with Heart of Midlothian as a youngster?
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Comment number 5.
At 7th Apr 2011, tomslaford wrote:Will Ananan get promoted ? .... if they do you should treat all your fans by taking them down to England to watch a non league match. Two mini buses should do it!
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Comment number 6.
At 8th Apr 2011, Rabster wrote:The extra official is just a poor excuse to not implement goal line technology.
Good luck for the rest of the season. The mighty Pars scored a very late winner to keep us in touch with promotion, so I agree, results are everything.
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Comment number 7.
At 8th Apr 2011, Chris Jardine wrote:Thanks to everyone for their comments this week.
Henry McClelland - I do remember the trip although if it was all expenses paid then you owe me two taxi fares from Dumfries to Annan and back!
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Comment number 8.
At 8th Apr 2011, Chris Jardine wrote:marco44 - I definitely think that's why the team gets stick but sometimes that type of football is needed. It's certainly frustrating for a player like myself but I realise that when we're leading a match it's all about not conceding another goal and sometimes that's not always going to be pretty.
I also think that Annan can afford to keep me next season; I'm never too difficult to deal with! Whether they want to keep me is another story altogether.
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Comment number 9.
At 8th Apr 2011, Chris Jardine wrote:jamborobbo - interesting rumours you have there but I can honestly say they are new ones for me regarding both the manager and Neil MacFarlane. With regards to Mark, I'm not too sure if he was at Hearts but I know he spent a spell with St Mirren.
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Comment number 10.
At 8th Apr 2011, adam wrote:notice how he doesnt reply To my comment about the poor defeat at hampden in the last article.... he knows im right. Queens park did not deserve to lose.
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Comment number 11.
At 8th Apr 2011, jpannan wrote:Adam I was at the game, Annan were a big improvement than the previous visit however QP were very very average and you seriously cannot believe they deserved anything from the game. Big Craigie had little to do.
The game was spoiled by some questionable refereering decisions and Annan were fortunate that Coxy was not red carded eary on.
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Comment number 12.
At 9th Apr 2011, div3champs wrote:Good luck for the rest of the season. As a Sons fan, I remember the way Annan welcomed us for our championship party in 2009 and my friends and I had a great day. We hope to renew our acquaintance in the 2nd division next season should we stay up!!
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