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Armagh Rover · Joined: 25 Jul 2008 Posts: 5750 Location: Nottinghamshire

I dont think Dundee are being very fair with Byrne never mind us. I always thought a season long loan deal meant a player didn't play against his parent club.

Vinnie · Posted: Wed Nov 22, 2023 9:06 pm Post subject:

badpress139 · Joined: 19 May 2015 Posts: 2635 Location: Glenrothes

Think your right. The fact they not allowing him to play they must be recalling him I would think. He was fine to play for us in the league Cup, knowing that it would be over by December.

wellyboot · Joined: 14 Jul 2008 Posts: 2579 Location: Aberdeenshire

Castle · Joined: 24 Jul 2010 Posts: 4940

I don't subscribe to the notion that this game isn't important and it's the league we need to concentrate on. For me winning this game could potentially go a long way to helping us do better in the league in the coming months. Get into the next round and we could possibly have a six figure influx of cash boosting the coffers in January. Might help us get Byrne back after his loan expires or help us get cover in other areas. Or maybe our local and division rivals will win the tie and then get that financial boost instead.
I mean it's not as if losing this match will then guarantee that we'll win next week at Inverness or the week after against Partick. Arguably a confidence sapping defeat will lessen our chances of winning league matches.
As for the game itself I must admit to having serious concerns for our chances. Suspensions, injuries and absentees will have a major impact of our defensive capabilities.
The last two times we've played Dunfermline they have been close games and by full time the chips have fallen in our favour. Seen Dunfermline play us three times and I watched them against Dundee Utd a couple of weeks back and they are a very decent team and after losing to us in dramatic fashion last month they will be right up for this match. I think it'll be a blood and thunder affair and I wouldn't be surprised if there is a red card or two so our guys will have to keep their heads.
I won't give a prediction as I don't want to jinx it but I'll be there hoping for the best.
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Neil M · Joined: 16 Aug 2008 Posts: 2600 Location: Aberdeen

Great post Castle and yes, the third constest this season where we are up against out Fife rivals. I agree that defeats can be morale-sapping and heads can go down - as well as the prospect of even an easier draw in the next round and a bigger name somewhere down the line. We need to be mentally ready to face Inverness and Partick with confidence and belief - if we are to stay in contention for the title.

Expect the hardest game against the Pars so far this season! Whoever is the most up for it on the day will win - and boy will they be up for it! Right now I would take a win on penalties!

embow · Posted: Thu Nov 23, 2023 3:29 pm Post subject:

No game is unimportant in whichever competition it's part of. Wins always give everyone, especially the players and management a great lift, even more so if it's against your neighbours and local derby team. Wins in cup competitions lead to progress and greater financial rewards, even in the Challenge Cup. They may not be as large, but, nonetheless, the further you progress still not to be sniffed at. Likewise over the league season every point gained transfers into pounds as does league position at the season's end. It could well be backs against the wall stuff for us tomorrow
evening but a repeat of the last result will do me just fine.🤞🙂
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Franco · Joined: 10 Oct 2019 Posts: 1204 Location: kirkcaldy

Ach it's the fourth meeting this season , but , after a wee hesitation caused by the tv coverage, I'm going along with my son and his pals.
Decisions for IM to make. In defence , it's going to be an unusual pairing or a new one.
Brown and O'Reilly as the CB pairing would seem the obvious one but.....no Byrne in the defensive midfield and Brown is the obvious alternative there!! Sam Stanton could play more defensively .....but his goals have won six points for us against the Pars.
On the other hand, Sam one back allows an extra place for another attacking talent . Hamilton is bound to play but it's your guess which forwards are the ones starting on the bench.
Dunfermline are also stronger going forward than the last time, but I'm not expecting to see Bene or Breen in defence so maybe the highest scoring Derby of the season,so far.
C'mon The Rovers.

Long time fan · Joined: 18 Jan 2022 Posts: 79 Location: Kirkcaldy

Heard it was Mcpake that begged Dundee to not allow Byrne to play tomorrow night. I really hope we gub them and rub his nose in it. Despicable character!

If our midfield and forwards put on a show we will score more than them. COYR.

Cuparman · Joined: 12 Jul 2008 Posts: 1881 Location: Irvine

badpress139 · Joined: 19 May 2015 Posts: 2635 Location: Glenrothes

So potentially we could end up playing pars 8 times this season, 2 legged play off. Ridiculous.

I worry about our CB's tonight. Do we play two boys with limited fitness so brown can play in midfield due to the absence of Byrne?

We will score, so as always, score more than the opposition and we win.

embow · Posted: Fri Nov 24, 2023 1:58 pm Post subject:

Neil M · Joined: 16 Aug 2008 Posts: 2600 Location: Aberdeen

StarksBarmy · Joined: 03 Apr 2010 Posts: 4031

I like it almost as it is but would have 3rd v 4th, one legged tie at home ground of 3rd place, same again 2nd v that winner at home of 2nd place then the final v 2nd bottom over two legs. Premier side still gets that advantage that they all want but it is not nearly as exaggerated.

This would reduce fatigue with much fewer play off games in such a short space of time for Championship sides and would also keep the season more interesting with more to play for with there still being possible promotion for top four places. Reward for only top two means a whole lot of dead rubbers come middle/end of season = lack of interest/ lower attendance/ less money for clubs

On to tonight, I really can’t predict what I see happening. Before a ball is kicked I’m seeing it as a right 50/50. Given our issues are defensive, I’m thinking we should just set up super attacking, go for the jugular and what happens, happens. Win or lose, it would make for a cracking cup tie unlike the league games which have been pretty tame, tight with attacking football at a premium.

I’ve just cracked open my 1st beer, let’s go Rovers!

Armagh Rover · Joined: 25 Jul 2008 Posts: 5750 Location: Nottinghamshire

We've got two chances tonight.......... none and damn all , what's up with Dick now missing