Cupar Eagles victorious
The waiting is finally over
Yes Cupar Eagles finally got that first win of the season in spectacular fashion. Cabana Utd were the opponnents and turned up with a vociferous backing from their own support behind the goals. They looked assured and quietly confident within themselves before kick-off thinking the Eagles would give a bit of stubborn resistence but the realisation being they would turn us over with a bit to spare given our rather paltry points total.
This is the Cupar Eagles line-up that faced Cabana Utd Monday August 28
1. Walter the Fridge
2. Ally the Rock
3. John the Captain
4. Tommy the Powerhouse
5. Andrew the Wippet
6. Craig Scholsey
Subs:
7. Harry the Cat
8. Colin Oggy
On the face of things this line-up didn't look particularly strong. Our new signings the McGregors were absent through injury but we were bolstered by the return of the Rock in Ally Syme. After a tactical and motivational speech from myself and John (the management team) we were ready.
5 mins in the game Scholsey scores to put the Eagles 1 up after a delightful through ball from Capatain John. Another great start but we tend to score first these days and then be soundly beaten by the finish.
7 mins and Cabana equalise the Rock dithered in defence and although the Fridge tried valiently to rescue the situation we paid the price 1-1
12 mins Eagles back in front this time an exquisite finish from out top marksman Scholsey his 6th this season
15 mins Another equaliser sloppy defending to blame
17 mins Eagles restore their advantage with another well taken goal from Scholsey
Half-time: Cabana 2 Eagles 3
Into the second half and with the talk at half time about defending tightly it fell on deaf ears as the Rock was caught out again and its back to square 1 at 3 a piece
27 mins A magnificent counter attacking move leads to us having the lead once again at 4-3 Scholsey finishes of a move that even the mighty Palace would be proud of.
33 mins and its back in the balance Cabana take advantage of tired legs to level it for the fourth time.
As we moved to the close of the match and with tiredness now playing a part. We could have brought fresh legs on with Oggy and the Cat eagerly awaiting their introduction but I decided to leave it be in the belief that it would disrupt our rhythm. This was to prove the masterstroke as with our 6 players performing at unprecedented levels in their Cupar Eagles career with possibly the Rock being the week link in the chain we finished of with with a glorious winner (Scholsey again) with only a minute to go. With perfection last ditch tackles by myself to deny 2 goal scoring opportunities we hung on as full time whistle went amidst ecstatic scenes of celebration in the realisation that we had done it. After a long journey with morale sometimes at a alarmingly low ebb this made it all worthwhile. The Cupar Eagles had conquered their Everest. With 5 goals man of the match without question was given to Scholsey who was given a perfect 10 by two of his team mates for the award within our post match analysis.
Final Score: Cabana Utd 4 Cupar Eagles 5
Goalscorers: Scholsey 5
Now bring on the Splorintina next Monday!
The Cupar Eagles are back!
Wednesday, August 30, 2006
Thursday, August 24, 2006
Snow Patrol and Cupar Eagles Lose...............
Going to see Snow Patrol in Edinburgh tomorrow, support comes from The Kooks and The Hazey Janes who are from Dundee. Should be a good day out as part of the Fringe. I will report later how is went.
The Cupar Eagles lost 8-1 on Monday, I will be back on Monday night to add pressure on manager Tommy Marshall's team selection!
The Cupar Eagles lost 8-1 on Monday, I will be back on Monday night to add pressure on manager Tommy Marshall's team selection!
Tuesday, August 22, 2006
Yes they are Totally Bonkers......................
Tommy and Harry star in Palace Adventure No 26
Having never been to St Andrews before and i mean the home of Birmingham City football stadium not the golf town in Fife, myself and Harry decided we would embark on another Palace supporting venture to the home of the promotion favourites. The plan was simple get train down to the midlands watch the footy and then return back to Cupar the same night. Unfortunately my voyages mostly do not go according to plan and inevitably we end up lost or lose each other and basically something untoward generally happens.
Saturday morning i was up with the larks at 0615 whereupon i then left my house at 0630 to collect the former Cupar Eagles number 1 goalkeeper the Harry "The Cat" Hood at his house 4 miles away arriving at the pre-arranged time of 0645. Harry though forgot to get up and getting a little anxious i tooted the car horn a few times to try to wake him. This did the trick but i think i woke up most of the Polish students in the caravans next door. Anyway after a bit of a delay we set of back to Cupar. After leaving the car back at the house we set of to the railway station arriving 0720 for the 0730 train to Edinburgh. The train was late (typical Brittish Rail) not getting there till 0752 and it was looking like touch and go whether we would get the connection for B/ham at 0856. We did however make it and upon arriving Harry walked straight out of the station past the barrier guards thinking this was the way to the correct platform for our next train. Once outside in the fresh air he realised this was the wrong route and he cursed me for following him out (I thought he wanted to buy a paper or something) and the guards looked a bit baffled when we immediately came back in. We made our connection though by a few minutes and we congratulated ourselves as our travel plans (although not quite running to clockwork) where sufficiently good enough for the first leg of our journey. Sitting back in the safe knowledge we would make the game (although we didn't have the match tickets as they never arrived by post but that was okay as i would pick them up at the box office later) we started on our carry out which consisted of 2 cans of San Miguel and 2 cans of Holsten Pills each.
The train arrived on time at 1300 found a taxi to take us to the ground and collected the match tickets from the box office without a hitch. After consuming 2 or 3 pints within the stadium and soaking in the pre-match atmosphere we were ready for the main event the Blues v the Eagles.
Palace started the better team and soon had B/ham on the ropes and after splendid interchanging moves involving Kennedy and McAnuff the later scored although it took a slight deflection but the Palace contingent went mental. 1 up inside 11 mins what a start but the Blues started to get their act together and soon equalised and it finished 1-1 at the interval. Another pint was in order.
In the 2nd half it was pretty even chances at both ends but just when we thought we had earned a point a last gasp winner was scored by B/ham who replaced us at the top of the league (what a absolute sickner).
As we shuffled out the ground in a rather despondent mood on the way back to railway station (our train was leaving at 1800) we kept our eyes on a off license to take back on the train which hopefully would ease our suffering and lighten our moods. Unfortunately we couldn't spot one and proceeded to get lost. By the time we found the station we had missed the train and were thus stranded in B/ham. In situations like this i try not to panic and thought the best way to handle this is to get inside a pub wherupon we could gather our thoughts and plan a new strategy. After a few pints we had the answer get back to the station and jump on a train heading towards Scotland. This we did at about 2300 but after half an hour we came to the end of the line in a place called Redditch. We tried to sample a few of their local hostelries but disappointingly our alcohol levels were considered to high and the bar staff refused to serve us. Stuck in this backwater place and with no accommodation we tried to sleep on the bench outside the station. Using a pizza box which i had eaten earlier (not the box but the contents) as a pillow (sometimes you have to improvise) i attempted to get some much needed sleep. After a hour or so we got restless and proceeded to walk the streets to fill in the boredom unfortunately we got lost again and had to ask a policeman for the directions back to the station with the time about 0300. A very tedious night was had and when we realised we had to go back to B/ham in the morning to then get the train back home our moods were not exactly happy. Eventually morning came and at 0930 we got train back to B/ham then a little waiting for the Newcastle train where we would get off at York before continuing back to Edinburgh. Things did start to go better we never paid anymore for the journey (well except £3.70 from Redditch) and we eventually arrived back in Cupar just before 1800. Tired and rough Harry decided he had enough and ordered a taxi so he could get back for his dog. I had a few pints in the Imperial telling stories about our eventful journey to Nick (Ipswich fan) and Ian Rollo who is into bees before a pint in Shelleys where we witnissed a talking parrot (couldn't get it to say Eagles though). I then finished off with a visit to the Parsonage where Billy (the sad Dundee supporter) and Stevie Coll (supports the sheep shaggers) listened intently to my Palace adventure.
Next game i am attending is Cardiff at Selhurst Oct 14 with Harry.
Tommy the Eagle
Having never been to St Andrews before and i mean the home of Birmingham City football stadium not the golf town in Fife, myself and Harry decided we would embark on another Palace supporting venture to the home of the promotion favourites. The plan was simple get train down to the midlands watch the footy and then return back to Cupar the same night. Unfortunately my voyages mostly do not go according to plan and inevitably we end up lost or lose each other and basically something untoward generally happens.
Saturday morning i was up with the larks at 0615 whereupon i then left my house at 0630 to collect the former Cupar Eagles number 1 goalkeeper the Harry "The Cat" Hood at his house 4 miles away arriving at the pre-arranged time of 0645. Harry though forgot to get up and getting a little anxious i tooted the car horn a few times to try to wake him. This did the trick but i think i woke up most of the Polish students in the caravans next door. Anyway after a bit of a delay we set of back to Cupar. After leaving the car back at the house we set of to the railway station arriving 0720 for the 0730 train to Edinburgh. The train was late (typical Brittish Rail) not getting there till 0752 and it was looking like touch and go whether we would get the connection for B/ham at 0856. We did however make it and upon arriving Harry walked straight out of the station past the barrier guards thinking this was the way to the correct platform for our next train. Once outside in the fresh air he realised this was the wrong route and he cursed me for following him out (I thought he wanted to buy a paper or something) and the guards looked a bit baffled when we immediately came back in. We made our connection though by a few minutes and we congratulated ourselves as our travel plans (although not quite running to clockwork) where sufficiently good enough for the first leg of our journey. Sitting back in the safe knowledge we would make the game (although we didn't have the match tickets as they never arrived by post but that was okay as i would pick them up at the box office later) we started on our carry out which consisted of 2 cans of San Miguel and 2 cans of Holsten Pills each.
The train arrived on time at 1300 found a taxi to take us to the ground and collected the match tickets from the box office without a hitch. After consuming 2 or 3 pints within the stadium and soaking in the pre-match atmosphere we were ready for the main event the Blues v the Eagles.
Palace started the better team and soon had B/ham on the ropes and after splendid interchanging moves involving Kennedy and McAnuff the later scored although it took a slight deflection but the Palace contingent went mental. 1 up inside 11 mins what a start but the Blues started to get their act together and soon equalised and it finished 1-1 at the interval. Another pint was in order.
In the 2nd half it was pretty even chances at both ends but just when we thought we had earned a point a last gasp winner was scored by B/ham who replaced us at the top of the league (what a absolute sickner).
As we shuffled out the ground in a rather despondent mood on the way back to railway station (our train was leaving at 1800) we kept our eyes on a off license to take back on the train which hopefully would ease our suffering and lighten our moods. Unfortunately we couldn't spot one and proceeded to get lost. By the time we found the station we had missed the train and were thus stranded in B/ham. In situations like this i try not to panic and thought the best way to handle this is to get inside a pub wherupon we could gather our thoughts and plan a new strategy. After a few pints we had the answer get back to the station and jump on a train heading towards Scotland. This we did at about 2300 but after half an hour we came to the end of the line in a place called Redditch. We tried to sample a few of their local hostelries but disappointingly our alcohol levels were considered to high and the bar staff refused to serve us. Stuck in this backwater place and with no accommodation we tried to sleep on the bench outside the station. Using a pizza box which i had eaten earlier (not the box but the contents) as a pillow (sometimes you have to improvise) i attempted to get some much needed sleep. After a hour or so we got restless and proceeded to walk the streets to fill in the boredom unfortunately we got lost again and had to ask a policeman for the directions back to the station with the time about 0300. A very tedious night was had and when we realised we had to go back to B/ham in the morning to then get the train back home our moods were not exactly happy. Eventually morning came and at 0930 we got train back to B/ham then a little waiting for the Newcastle train where we would get off at York before continuing back to Edinburgh. Things did start to go better we never paid anymore for the journey (well except £3.70 from Redditch) and we eventually arrived back in Cupar just before 1800. Tired and rough Harry decided he had enough and ordered a taxi so he could get back for his dog. I had a few pints in the Imperial telling stories about our eventful journey to Nick (Ipswich fan) and Ian Rollo who is into bees before a pint in Shelleys where we witnissed a talking parrot (couldn't get it to say Eagles though). I then finished off with a visit to the Parsonage where Billy (the sad Dundee supporter) and Stevie Coll (supports the sheep shaggers) listened intently to my Palace adventure.
Next game i am attending is Cardiff at Selhurst Oct 14 with Harry.
Tommy the Eagle
Monday, August 21, 2006
Dundee 3 Clyde 0, 20/August/06
Dundee beat Hamilton 3-0 on Sunday at Dens Park, Ross Harris scored the first with a 25 yards drive, the second came from the penalty spot after new striker Derek Lyle was tripped in the box, Lyle netted from the spot, the third just after half-time when a great turn and finish from Gavin Swankie.
We should have scored a few more, but could have lost a couple of goals, overall a good performance and lets hope we can keep it up in the coming weeks.New signings Derek Lyle and Callum Reidford both done well and Ross Harris was alot better in the middle of the park. My man of the match was Gavin Swankie who could have had a hat-trick.
We should have scored a few more, but could have lost a couple of goals, overall a good performance and lets hope we can keep it up in the coming weeks.New signings Derek Lyle and Callum Reidford both done well and Ross Harris was alot better in the middle of the park. My man of the match was Gavin Swankie who could have had a hat-trick.
Saturday, August 19, 2006
Cupar Eagles Draw.......
Cupar Eagles drew 3-3 with Monkey B Team at St.Andrews on Monday night, goal scorers were Craig Halley, Andy Bauchope and super sub and Manager Tommy Marshall.
Hamilton 1 Dundee 0, 12/August/06
Left Cupar by train at 09:52 and had to stand all the way to Edinburgh, good value at £19.50 return. Changed trains at Haymarket for Glasgow, then train to Hamilton West arriving at 12:30, had a few pints in the Bay Horse which was very busy for last year's Scottish Cup Tie, but not this time. After that made my way up to the Hamilton social club and met Dave MacKay and his son Stuart at the car park had a quick chat, then headed for the club, first people l seen were Arnie and the two Billy's from Inverness. So l got myself a drink and joined their company. A few well known Dundee fans were in as well.
To the game and we struggled to get going, Calum McDonald was getting a hardtime from their tricky winger, and Hamilton missed a few chances. We missed two good chances as well both falling to Bryan Deasley who missed them maybe on another day they go in. Alex Rae hit the post as well. Halftime and the Accies groundsman waters the touch line, they done it before the game as well. Hamilton took the lead when a good cross was headed home, trialist keeper Chad Harpor got a hand on it but failed to keep it out. We then take Gavin Swankie off for the french trialist, when maybe Deasley needs a rest. Anyway the game fades away and another three points are gone.
I got a lift home to Cupar from Dave MacKay and the excitement of the game must have been too much for young Stuart who fell asleep!
To the game and we struggled to get going, Calum McDonald was getting a hardtime from their tricky winger, and Hamilton missed a few chances. We missed two good chances as well both falling to Bryan Deasley who missed them maybe on another day they go in. Alex Rae hit the post as well. Halftime and the Accies groundsman waters the touch line, they done it before the game as well. Hamilton took the lead when a good cross was headed home, trialist keeper Chad Harpor got a hand on it but failed to keep it out. We then take Gavin Swankie off for the french trialist, when maybe Deasley needs a rest. Anyway the game fades away and another three points are gone.
I got a lift home to Cupar from Dave MacKay and the excitement of the game must have been too much for young Stuart who fell asleep!
Friday, August 11, 2006
Yes I'm going to Hamilton and Cupar Eagles lose!
After losing last saturday to Partick 1-0 in the league, and going out 3-1 by the same team in the Cis Cup on Tuesday. I will be at Hamilton on Saturday to back my team.......as we can only get better!
Meanwhile Cupar Eagles lost 3-0 on Monday, by reports they played well and were unlucky not to get a result.
Meanwhile Cupar Eagles lost 3-0 on Monday, by reports they played well and were unlucky not to get a result.
Vllaznia Uefa Cup 2003
After waiting 23 years, the day has finally arrived, Dundee Football Club are in the UEFA Cup for the first time since 1974. We had drawn KS Vllaznia who play in Albania, so after scare stories for our safety, I booked up to go with the official trip with the team. Costly at £500 but it had to be done. So after staying overnight at Mike Dunn's the morning had arrived. After a lift to Edinburgh Airport at 07:00am, I joined the queue to book in. The Capital Dark Blues had arrived just before the players led by Jim Duffy. It was quickly done and it was up to the departure lounge for the charted flight to Tirana. A few pints and something to eat it was time to go. Dundee fans from all over Britain were on this trip. Once on the plane after sky tv were filming our every move, Jim Duffy welcomed everyone on to the flight; I was sitting next to Troyso one of the head people from the Trades Bar Dark Blues. The journey went very quick as we seen Dusseldorf(Germany) and Naples(Italy) and then across the sea our first glimpse of Albania with Tirana in the distance. It looked quite barren, as we approached the airport I will never forget the landing as we just went straight down to the runway, which is very small. Getting off the plane the first thing that hit us was the heat, it was well over 100 degrees, after a long wait in the arrival lounge where we had to fill forms and pay a tax to enter the country. It was time to get on the two buses that was waiting to transfer us to our hotel.It certainly looks a poor place with loads of beggars outside and the local kids selling cigarettes. After a 40-minute trip we arrived at the 5 star Sheraton Hotel.
After a quick pint, I booked into my room, what a hotel the best I've stayed in. Unpacked my bag then had a quick shower. It was back down to the hotel bar which was busy with the 75 Dundee fans some of them them in the swimming pool. Which the bar staff stopped serving beer to because of safety fears. After that we planned to hit Tirana so after meeting up with two of the Glasgow fans Deeko and Colin who had travelled via Budapest. Ian Rae and Brian Gavine came along as well. We then hit the bars of downtown Tirana; it's a bit mad traffic wise. It seems who ever gets to the corner first, has first go at the roundabout. After a few beers we all went for a meal, which was very good. The people can't do enough for us and the Bitsburger beer is going down a treat.After a walk back toward our hotel, we end up meeting the Charlton dees and end up sitting outside this massive disco complex, a pity it's a Tuesday night. After getting lost we ended up at the local army base with guards outside. Better not mess with lot real guns and all that. No photos they say, anyway they point us in the direction of the Manhattan Cowboys Bar, and what a place full of Dundee fans singing outside with the Lokeran fans who are playing Tirana. The local police come along to say we need to go inside as it's a residential area. So inside the singing goes on into the small hours of the morning, with the dj blasting out Blondie. Got back to the hotel at 04:30.
Up early for breakfast, a great selection of meats, cheese ect. All washed down with coffee. A few of the lads are looking rough this morning, with Ian Rae going back to his bed. Myself and a few of the Capital Dark Blues head down for our last walk about Tirana, loads of markets and there does not seem to be any major shops. We end up in this small bar, where the barman would not take some of our Albania money saying it's out of date! They take anything euros, pounds or leke which is their currency. But you have to watch what change you get back. Anyway time flies and it's back to the hotel for the midday bus trip to Shkoder.
Packed with loads of bottled water the two buses leave the very hot Tirana. The first bit is good motorway and what's all the fuss about the roads. Then we hit the countryside with views of a place stuck back 100 years ago. People living in tin sheds, sniper positions still with Albania flags flying, with plenty evidence of the war and people rebuilding their houses. The road is just a dirt track now with top speed around 30 mph, a long journey is now faced. As we go through the steep mountains the villages seem to get poorer and poorer, with men and woman selling fruit by the roadside. We even had to stop to let a herd of cattle by and some of the vehicles should be in museums. Any way after two and a half hours we stopped for a break, a cool beer and toilet. With the local bar must have made a fortune. The strange thing l noticed was the dead foxes hung up on the wall. They were very small and thin. The sight of the kilts also amused the locals. We were just 20 miles from Shkoder and we got a police escort into the industrial town.
We were met by loads of riot police, very friendly though. After the match tickets were handed out, myself and a few other Dundee fans went in search of food, Vllaznia scarf which l got for 3 leke, then a few beers in the scorching heat. There was a TV station moving about as well filming the fans. It was getting close to kick-off time and we wished the Vllaznia fans all the best, most of them though Dundee would get beat 2 or 3 nil. Once inside the ground we had a good view of the pitch. The teams then came out and the Vllaznia captain carried a hugh photo of the ex president, who got murdered 3 weeks ago. Strangely instead of a minute's silence, the fans stood up and clapped their hands for the whole minute. So the game got underway, with Dundee starting very well. They forced Vllaznia into defending deep, and only good saves from their keeper kept Dundee out, with Hernandez missing two sitters. The home crowd are very loud, and nearly go ahead against the run of play. Spearoni making a brilliant save to deny Mansaku. The 11,000 Vllaznia fans could not beleive it. A couple of minutes later Steve Lovell puts Dundee ahead with a great goal, started by Smith who fed Nemsadze,who then plays a wonderful pass to the on rushing striker Lovell who blasts the ball into the bottom corner of the net, to send the Dundee fans wild in the Loro Borici Stadium.We reach half-time and we are really happy with the game so far. The police have to let us out for the toilet (a wall outside) we even managed a beer at the bar across the road. Back into the ground for the second half and straight away Dundee seal the victory when after good work by Gavin Rae who's shot is blocked, but he gatheres the rebound passes to Brady on the right and Nacho Novo is on hand to sweep the midfielder's low cross home. Dundee sit back a wee bit now, because the heat is unbelievable. Vllaznia hit the post late on, but we hold out and the final whistle sounds and theres sceans of joy from the Dundee players, staff and fans. Dundee have been wonderful tonight and now should get to the first round proper.
We are kept in for around 20 minutes, but when we get out the Bar across the road is swamped and by the time everyone is served all that's left is some bottled water in the fridge, the poor barman did not know what hit him. So it was time to head back down to Tirana Airport for the flight back to Edinburgh. The journey was a lot quicker in the dark or so it seemed. No problems at check in as they let us back on the plane, which had to leave before midnight or it's not aloud to go. So we leave at 11:30 pm and after a smooth flight we touch down in Edinburgh at 03:30. I got a taxi back to Mike's and l had some stories to tell. Got home to Cupar the next day, tired but very happy. Here's to the next trip.
After a quick pint, I booked into my room, what a hotel the best I've stayed in. Unpacked my bag then had a quick shower. It was back down to the hotel bar which was busy with the 75 Dundee fans some of them them in the swimming pool. Which the bar staff stopped serving beer to because of safety fears. After that we planned to hit Tirana so after meeting up with two of the Glasgow fans Deeko and Colin who had travelled via Budapest. Ian Rae and Brian Gavine came along as well. We then hit the bars of downtown Tirana; it's a bit mad traffic wise. It seems who ever gets to the corner first, has first go at the roundabout. After a few beers we all went for a meal, which was very good. The people can't do enough for us and the Bitsburger beer is going down a treat.After a walk back toward our hotel, we end up meeting the Charlton dees and end up sitting outside this massive disco complex, a pity it's a Tuesday night. After getting lost we ended up at the local army base with guards outside. Better not mess with lot real guns and all that. No photos they say, anyway they point us in the direction of the Manhattan Cowboys Bar, and what a place full of Dundee fans singing outside with the Lokeran fans who are playing Tirana. The local police come along to say we need to go inside as it's a residential area. So inside the singing goes on into the small hours of the morning, with the dj blasting out Blondie. Got back to the hotel at 04:30.
Up early for breakfast, a great selection of meats, cheese ect. All washed down with coffee. A few of the lads are looking rough this morning, with Ian Rae going back to his bed. Myself and a few of the Capital Dark Blues head down for our last walk about Tirana, loads of markets and there does not seem to be any major shops. We end up in this small bar, where the barman would not take some of our Albania money saying it's out of date! They take anything euros, pounds or leke which is their currency. But you have to watch what change you get back. Anyway time flies and it's back to the hotel for the midday bus trip to Shkoder.
Packed with loads of bottled water the two buses leave the very hot Tirana. The first bit is good motorway and what's all the fuss about the roads. Then we hit the countryside with views of a place stuck back 100 years ago. People living in tin sheds, sniper positions still with Albania flags flying, with plenty evidence of the war and people rebuilding their houses. The road is just a dirt track now with top speed around 30 mph, a long journey is now faced. As we go through the steep mountains the villages seem to get poorer and poorer, with men and woman selling fruit by the roadside. We even had to stop to let a herd of cattle by and some of the vehicles should be in museums. Any way after two and a half hours we stopped for a break, a cool beer and toilet. With the local bar must have made a fortune. The strange thing l noticed was the dead foxes hung up on the wall. They were very small and thin. The sight of the kilts also amused the locals. We were just 20 miles from Shkoder and we got a police escort into the industrial town.
We were met by loads of riot police, very friendly though. After the match tickets were handed out, myself and a few other Dundee fans went in search of food, Vllaznia scarf which l got for 3 leke, then a few beers in the scorching heat. There was a TV station moving about as well filming the fans. It was getting close to kick-off time and we wished the Vllaznia fans all the best, most of them though Dundee would get beat 2 or 3 nil. Once inside the ground we had a good view of the pitch. The teams then came out and the Vllaznia captain carried a hugh photo of the ex president, who got murdered 3 weeks ago. Strangely instead of a minute's silence, the fans stood up and clapped their hands for the whole minute. So the game got underway, with Dundee starting very well. They forced Vllaznia into defending deep, and only good saves from their keeper kept Dundee out, with Hernandez missing two sitters. The home crowd are very loud, and nearly go ahead against the run of play. Spearoni making a brilliant save to deny Mansaku. The 11,000 Vllaznia fans could not beleive it. A couple of minutes later Steve Lovell puts Dundee ahead with a great goal, started by Smith who fed Nemsadze,who then plays a wonderful pass to the on rushing striker Lovell who blasts the ball into the bottom corner of the net, to send the Dundee fans wild in the Loro Borici Stadium.We reach half-time and we are really happy with the game so far. The police have to let us out for the toilet (a wall outside) we even managed a beer at the bar across the road. Back into the ground for the second half and straight away Dundee seal the victory when after good work by Gavin Rae who's shot is blocked, but he gatheres the rebound passes to Brady on the right and Nacho Novo is on hand to sweep the midfielder's low cross home. Dundee sit back a wee bit now, because the heat is unbelievable. Vllaznia hit the post late on, but we hold out and the final whistle sounds and theres sceans of joy from the Dundee players, staff and fans. Dundee have been wonderful tonight and now should get to the first round proper.
We are kept in for around 20 minutes, but when we get out the Bar across the road is swamped and by the time everyone is served all that's left is some bottled water in the fridge, the poor barman did not know what hit him. So it was time to head back down to Tirana Airport for the flight back to Edinburgh. The journey was a lot quicker in the dark or so it seemed. No problems at check in as they let us back on the plane, which had to leave before midnight or it's not aloud to go. So we leave at 11:30 pm and after a smooth flight we touch down in Edinburgh at 03:30. I got a taxi back to Mike's and l had some stories to tell. Got home to Cupar the next day, tired but very happy. Here's to the next trip.
Friday, August 04, 2006
A Manager's Job is Tough..............................
Just got this email from Tommy read on........
Cupar Eagles set out to play their return game v Petrol Heads with a couple of changes from their regular line up. Out was madcap psycho Scolsey on vacation who makes Russel Brand from "Big Brother Big Mouth" seem normal and Billy the Rocket missed out through work commitments. An old veteran was recalled Roy "Rob Roy" McGregor who seemingly retired 2 years ago through a persistent back injury. The Cat was absent as he was getting a CD system fitted into his gleaming new red sports Ford Fiesta.
Confidence was low going into this match (we have lost 6 from 6 in this present league campaign) but as manager it is my job to keep the heads high and confidence flowing. I tried to inject a positive feeling within our camp and after an inspired motivational speech the Cupar Eagles were ready for battle.
Walter "The Fridge" was back in goal as number 1 in Harry "The Cat" Hood's absense and made some blinding saves early doors. We tried to keep the back door shut and with McGregor in excellent form stifling many opposition attacks it was looking fairly promising to gain something tangible from this encounter. As the midfield powerhouse i blitzed through the Petrol Heads midfield on numerous occasions and laid on some wonderful defence splitting passes to our strikers Oggy and the Wippet but unfortunately they could not take advantage and as a result we blew some marvellous chances to take the lead.
As what happens when at the bottomn and fighting relegation luck seems to desert the team and we paid the price when the Petrol Heads oppened the scoring against the run of play. Number 2 followed shortly then it was 3 and the 4th just before half time.
Morale at half time was low but following another speech from the Management team to lift the players we entered the 2nd half with renewed confidence. I tried to eliminate the basic errors we were making and tried to get the players to gel as a team. I have a thankless job at times and sometimes receive severe criticism for my unconventional Management style.
Into the 2nd half i found myself with a couple of glorious chances to score and on another day they would have broken the net but since i have had a barren spell in front of goal it was not to be and inevitability we conceded more goals 5 then 6 to 7 and finally 8 with no reply.
Back to the drawing board but some positives were taken in light of this setback. Veteran Mcgregor performed admirably despite his age and gained our prestigious Man of the Match award and Oggy had one of his better games. Down we may be but as the Cupar Eagles Motto states "Sometimes beaten but never conquered" and next week we live to fight another day.
Tommy Marhall
Cupar Eagles Manager
Cupar Eagles set out to play their return game v Petrol Heads with a couple of changes from their regular line up. Out was madcap psycho Scolsey on vacation who makes Russel Brand from "Big Brother Big Mouth" seem normal and Billy the Rocket missed out through work commitments. An old veteran was recalled Roy "Rob Roy" McGregor who seemingly retired 2 years ago through a persistent back injury. The Cat was absent as he was getting a CD system fitted into his gleaming new red sports Ford Fiesta.
Confidence was low going into this match (we have lost 6 from 6 in this present league campaign) but as manager it is my job to keep the heads high and confidence flowing. I tried to inject a positive feeling within our camp and after an inspired motivational speech the Cupar Eagles were ready for battle.
Walter "The Fridge" was back in goal as number 1 in Harry "The Cat" Hood's absense and made some blinding saves early doors. We tried to keep the back door shut and with McGregor in excellent form stifling many opposition attacks it was looking fairly promising to gain something tangible from this encounter. As the midfield powerhouse i blitzed through the Petrol Heads midfield on numerous occasions and laid on some wonderful defence splitting passes to our strikers Oggy and the Wippet but unfortunately they could not take advantage and as a result we blew some marvellous chances to take the lead.
As what happens when at the bottomn and fighting relegation luck seems to desert the team and we paid the price when the Petrol Heads oppened the scoring against the run of play. Number 2 followed shortly then it was 3 and the 4th just before half time.
Morale at half time was low but following another speech from the Management team to lift the players we entered the 2nd half with renewed confidence. I tried to eliminate the basic errors we were making and tried to get the players to gel as a team. I have a thankless job at times and sometimes receive severe criticism for my unconventional Management style.
Into the 2nd half i found myself with a couple of glorious chances to score and on another day they would have broken the net but since i have had a barren spell in front of goal it was not to be and inevitability we conceded more goals 5 then 6 to 7 and finally 8 with no reply.
Back to the drawing board but some positives were taken in light of this setback. Veteran Mcgregor performed admirably despite his age and gained our prestigious Man of the Match award and Oggy had one of his better games. Down we may be but as the Cupar Eagles Motto states "Sometimes beaten but never conquered" and next week we live to fight another day.
Tommy Marhall
Cupar Eagles Manager
Thursday, August 03, 2006
My Dad's Cats
Well Doddsy and Snowy are just about 17 year old, and they old cats now. Doddsy has been locked in a shed for 6 days, and bit through electric cables. Snowy loves going into the shower and is just a pest. When she was younger she hid toys thinking she had kittens of her own.
Any way here is two photo of them........
Doddsy.......... http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h75/billyt_01/Doddsy.jpg
Snowy........... http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h75/billyt_01/Snowy.jpg
Any way here is two photo of them........
Doddsy.......... http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h75/billyt_01/Doddsy.jpg
Snowy........... http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h75/billyt_01/Snowy.jpg
Tuesday, August 01, 2006
Dusanna and Dariusz
My other two cats, just as mad as Gizmo well almost.
First Dusanna black and white long haired cat, when young it went missing for about 3 weeks, nearly ten years old now and her favourite pastime is sitting in my bath/shower and cat calling in the middle of the night usually at 03:00am.
Here's a photos of her........... http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h75/billyt_01/239dusanna.jpg
Secondly Dariusz who is a ginger and white male, he's 7 years old now and when he was under a year old he broke his hip, he was either ran down or was kicked by someone. He has recovered well and the vet said it was the worst one he had seen. So he is a tough cat. He also went missing for around six weeks, not the first time so I got him chipped. When he came back he was as thin as a rake. It was a wonder he made it. He must have got locked in a shed somewhere. His favourite thing is getting petted, he just a big sook and it a complete pest to my brother Dougie who spoils him rotten.
Here's a photo of dariusz............. http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h75/billyt_01/240dariusz.jpg
First Dusanna black and white long haired cat, when young it went missing for about 3 weeks, nearly ten years old now and her favourite pastime is sitting in my bath/shower and cat calling in the middle of the night usually at 03:00am.
Here's a photos of her........... http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h75/billyt_01/239dusanna.jpg
Secondly Dariusz who is a ginger and white male, he's 7 years old now and when he was under a year old he broke his hip, he was either ran down or was kicked by someone. He has recovered well and the vet said it was the worst one he had seen. So he is a tough cat. He also went missing for around six weeks, not the first time so I got him chipped. When he came back he was as thin as a rake. It was a wonder he made it. He must have got locked in a shed somewhere. His favourite thing is getting petted, he just a big sook and it a complete pest to my brother Dougie who spoils him rotten.
Here's a photo of dariusz............. http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h75/billyt_01/240dariusz.jpg
Cupar Eagles lose 8 nil......................
In what was another defeat, this time by The Petrolheads, New signing Roy McGregor was on the bench and I will wait for Manager Tommy Marshall's report before reporting more.
Roy must have done well as he got MOM.
Over to you Tommy send me or post your views. I missed the game due to work.
Here's a old photo of some of the Cupar Eagles players http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h75/billyt_01/cupareaglesfeb2005.jpg
Roy must have done well as he got MOM.
Over to you Tommy send me or post your views. I missed the game due to work.
Here's a old photo of some of the Cupar Eagles players http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h75/billyt_01/cupareaglesfeb2005.jpg
Arbroath 0 Dundee 0
Went to Arbroath on saturday and we played okay, Bryan Deasley missed a sitter after 14 minutes. Andy McLaren then got injured and was carried off. Halftime was spend waiting to get a pie and bovril, at least 20 minutes!!
Into the second half and we done a wee bit better, with Deasley unlucky when he hit the post from outside the box, Scott Gates then missed a good chance and a late penalty was turned down. But we did look better when Alex Rae came on.
We will have to do better next Saturday against Partick thistle at Dens.
At least with Dundee United losing we were able to give Tommy, Steve and Harry some stick in the Trades pub in Dundee.
Into the second half and we done a wee bit better, with Deasley unlucky when he hit the post from outside the box, Scott Gates then missed a good chance and a late penalty was turned down. But we did look better when Alex Rae came on.
We will have to do better next Saturday against Partick thistle at Dens.
At least with Dundee United losing we were able to give Tommy, Steve and Harry some stick in the Trades pub in Dundee.
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