January 2009 Archives

Well, it wasn't the first "double" over the Old Firm since the 80s, but 4 points from a possible 6 is a good return for any team, and blew the prospect of a pointless January out of the water.

If we're honest, both games could have gone either way, but it was pleasing to see the team show a bit of resolve and notch two good results. That being said, it is important to keep things in perspective - our closest rivals for third spot, Hearts and Dundee United, have both proved adept at taking points of the Old Firm this season. While many will think that the "big" games have now passed, there are two even bigger ones coming up in February.

However, a win at Falkirk on Saturday will set February up nicely, with the month surely being kicked off with a home win against East Fife in the Scottish Cup. It is always difficult to know which Falkirk side will turn up, but we rarely have easy games against them. Hopefully the confidence has returned and Seve and Zander can continue their solid form at the back, as I certainly fancy us to nick at least one goal. All Dons fans will also be looking forward to the return of Jamie Smith who, on form, is terrific to watch.

Finally, I noticed Jimmy Calderwood's recent comments about the comments at the start of the season being hard to take. I can see both sides of the coin here...JC must take a lot of credit for our European run last season, and everyone got some fantastic memories. However, there is no manager in the SPL who will not be criticised if their team lose at home to ICT and Hamilton in consecutive weeks, aside from some of the performances at Pittodrie which were lacklustre to say the least. And while Europe is still fresh in everyone's mind, so is Queen of the South. The team are playing better, and I would say the majority of fans are behind JC - so let's move on and look forward to the rest of the season with confidence.

After a pleasing few games, the winning run came to an end in disappointing fashion last Saturday at Hamilton. It was not a pleasant afternoon, and not just because Hamilton were not prepared for the large Dons support who filtered into a temporary stand shortly after kick-off. While the players were suffering with flu earlier in the week, we looked second best for large parts of the match, and after going behind it was going to be very difficult to come back.

The usual indignation which follows defeats to "smaller" clubs was tempered by the fact that the players have done well of late, particularly in the previous two games against ICT and Hearts, where on both occasions 3 points were thoroughly deserved.

However, it is going to be a difficult month in the SPL. Kilmarnock away next week is not a trip to relish, then Celtic and Rangers come to Pittodrie in successive weeks, neither of whom can afford to slip up. Both are there for the taking, of course, and Hearts and Dundee United have played both recently and not lost. Given our recent home league record against Celtic, a point would be an excellent result. At the end of the month, a tricky trip to Falkirk awaits to complete a month after which, if we are still a few points off third, we will be doing well enough.

Finally, win or bust this weekend...a Scottish Cup tie at Alloa. The words "banana skin" are written all over this one, and the press up here have shown some signs of concern. In practice, the players should be delighted to get the chance to knock it about on a plastic pitch instead of enjoying a trip to, say, Ochilview. A massive Dons support will travel again, and will expect a comfortable win...with Queens Park and Queen of the South still very fresh in the memory. Jimmy Calderwood survived those two humiliating defeats, but with the season finely balanced between being a success or failure, and the dismal League Cup showing, a Scottish Cup run is hugely important.

Whatever happens, we must be in the hat on Sunday.