Clach 6-1 Nairn
It\'s easy to criticise isn\'t it? But I really do not like to. "Well don\'t then" I hear you cry. Supporters like a moan, don\'t we? We are almost as bad as Jordan Macrae in that respect. And that is really saying something.
Equally, nobody likes to be criticised. Just ask Alexander O Neal. Because if truth be told, our biggest critics are really ourselves. Those voices in our heads that tell us, often in no uncertain terms, when we mess things up. It reopens existing wounds from our pasts, and reinforces those deep held feelings and beliefs that we are rubbish and useless. Or maybe that is just me? But the truth of the matter is that we are all human(well, apart from Robbie Duncanson, who is Superhuman)and as such, we will fail from time to time. We make mistakes and can often make unhelpful decisions. The key is, not to allow it to grow. Accept, learn, let it pass and move on.
Our performance in midweek at Mosset Park was a case in point. We could criticise, but to what purpose? In these times where everyone is seemingly a keyboard warrior, is it really helpful? Today was a chance to have a reset and to refocus.
And what better game to do it, than againstour arch rivalsfrom justdowntheroad. There is something special about these Derby games. Of course, there is also a fair amount of pressure and perhaps a degree of anxiety too. Even though we all make mistakes, no-one wants to be "the one ". Fortunately, us supporters never have to face the same scrutiny. Nobody wants us dropped or sacked because we didn\'t cheer loud enough.
So, it is fair to say that there was more than a bit of pessimism before kick off today. A sizeable crowd, swelled by a good number of travelling fans were generally unsure what to expect. The Gaffer too will be used to criticism, whether it\'s team selection, tactics, or fashion choices. And he will also acknowledge that the buck mainly stops with him.
He made a number of changes today, notably Harry reverting back into defence, probably due to the absence of Michael Finnis, and the welcome return of defensive lynchpin Jacob Kerr to name but two. All is right again in the world.
And maybe the stars were in alignment today as when the boys came out to She Bangs the Drums by The Stone Roses, some of our junior supporters were banging the Clubs drum. Coincidence?
The weather was a mix of clouds and sunshine almost reminiscent of the opening sequence of The Simpsons. So, was this going to be a case of "Doh!", or "Mmmmm".
Both teams started brightly, and we both had chances in the opening minutes. There was a greater sense of fight and determination today, and this came to fruition after only three minutes when Troy Cooper found space in the box to fire us into an early lead. He could not disguise his delight. Seeing Troy with a big smile on his face is a wonderful thing.
County were playing in a change strip that was neither blue or grey, and only time will tell if it is like the infamous "unlucky " grey kit worn by Manchester United in 1996. It certainly wasn\'t lucky for them today, as they were completely overwhelmed by our energy and desire. For a Derby game, it was almost TOO easy.
The dazzling runs of Mikey Mackenzie almost led to a move that would have doubled our lead, but we need not have worried, as moments later Sam Thompson crossed for Troy again to show how dangerous he can be. 2-0
Troy was later to be awarded Tomatin MOTM, and you really couldn\'t argue. Hopefully, he would want to share the credit with everyone else that was involved today though, as this was a meticulous team effort.
Troy turned from scorer to provider on 13 minutes, putting Jordan Macrae through, who made no mistake. 3-0.
Allan Macphee, displaying his usual skill and industry to create opportunities and to almost score himself was back to his best too, it seemed. And it was this that helped Jordan secure his second of the game. 4-0, and the Lily Loyal burst into song. "We\'re back, we\'re white..."
Wayne Mackintosh reduced our lead, but this really was mostly one way traffic. Mark Ridgers, resplendent in Orange, was at his best when diving low to his right, preventing a second goal for our visitors.
Just before half time, Tom McHale equally had to be astute when tipping over a fierce strike from Allan Macphee. 4-1 at half time, and all that criticism that was so prevalent after the loss at Forres, was rapidly evaporating. That\'s football for you.
The second half was an exercise in being cool, measured and in control.
Sam Thompson, possibly having his finest performance in a Clach shirt so far, made it 5-1 with a sweet shot, before Mikey Mackenzie rounded off the afternoon with a breathtaking moment of individual skill. It was a fitting end to a fine display. Substitutions were made to good effect and Tommy Havlicek caught the eye for his coolness and skill. But this was a day when goalscorers made the difference.
And of course there are many reasons to love it when the boys score. I love to see plans come to fruition. To see the end product of teamwork and to see the joy that it brings to everyone that loves this Club. But now, there is an extra reason to love it when the ball nestles in the back of the net. Thanks to those hard working guys behind our Socials, we now get to see our heroes in a variety of poses. We are getting accustomed to seeing Jordan smooching his muscle(s), but we now get to see a sheepish looking Troy kissing the badge, Mikey doing, well I don\'t know what, Kuba with his binoculars, and Michael Finnis going old school with both arms raised, while looking slightly embarrassed. Still, he probably thought that it would never get used.And that is all great, but there is a good chance we might never get to witness the celebration photos of the unsung heroes. I\'m looking forward to seeing Jacob doing the Love Heart with his hands pose!!!
But, we are back to KDM Evolution Trophy duty on Tuesday evening where we host Elgin City. It would be great to see another bumper crowd. And if we have to criticise, maybe it can be aimed at James for getting shirt numbers wrong. Unfortunately he\'s no Rachel Riley.