Team selection for the game was difficult, not just the starting 11 but also the subs and for the 1st time I had to leave two people out the squad which is never nice for a player or manager. Young Dylan has been suffering from labrynthitis for the last couple of weeks which can take weeks to recover from so that was a fairly straightforward one, but credit to Dylan who still pitched up and made himself available for selection and was there to support the boys. The second one was a lot more difficult. Conor Thomson has found himself on the fringes of the team most of the season and others have played a bit more than him. Conor has been a bit unfortunate but has just got his head down and worked hard in training trying to work his way into the team and it shows the strength of the squad that someone of Conor's quality is not in the match day 16. He has been in touch today and feels it is maybe time for a change so I have asked Charlie to place Conor on the transfer list and wouldn't be surprised if there are a few clubs interested.

I keep saying to the players that over the course of the season you need everyone in squad to contribute over the course of the season to be successful and so far everyone has done that. I look at the top teams in the league and they all carry good numbers in their squads and you need that when you are at the business end of the season and playing 3 games a week with suspensions and injuries to consider too. Players get frustrated when they don't play but as a manager you have got to speak to them and keep them involved as football can change so quickly and a player could be called upon to perform at anytime. Once that player gets that jersey it's up to them to keep it and for me that keeps everyone on their toes.

As I said there was decisions to be made regarding the team most notably with Moyesey and Adam. The big man had been floored all week with a stomach bug and hadn't trained while Adam had also been unwell late in the week. Both declared themselves fit Saturday morning and that was good enough for me as both players are honest guys who have done well for us this season. Both players gave their all on a heavy pitch and for me had nothing else to give which is all you can ask from any player.

The game itself was tough match against a very good Jeanfield team who played some good football, were organised and energetic. First half I thought we were slightly the better team with both teams having chances, us having more possession and with a well taken goal from Wayne to show for our efforts. Second half we started strongly and should have put the game to bed and missed four good chances including hitting the post. Jeanfield kept going and missed a couple of chances themselves before they did equalise and it was game on.

It was never in my thoughts to settle for a replay and certainly not in the players and the game was there to be won. This is where the players showed great character and spirit to go on and win the game. With Dave on holiday I was bouncing things off the skipper during the game and when I turned to him regarding subs he said he could get me a goal! Dave always says to me Archie is good for a goal and sure enough he delivered. I thought both subs made an impact and Fraser again responded in the right away to not starting. Wayne wrapped things up for us with another good finish after great play from Al Horne who was immense yesterday. After the 3rd goal went in I noticed Kiddo had picked up a knock and was hobbling badly. I took a bit stick from Wayne for ignoring his celebrations but I was too busy trying to get Scott ready as I thought there was longer to go than it turned out. I apologised to the wee man after the game as it turned out to be pretty much the last kick off the ball and as a sub you feel pretty poor when that happens.

Over the piece I thought we deserved it and in the last 15-20 minutes of the game we looked strong and the team most likely to go on and win it. Take nothing away from Jeanfield as I genuinely feel that they are good enough to compete in the Super League and we wish them well for the rest of the season. One very pleasing factor yesterday was the travelling support we had yesterday which was different class. I heard a wee rendition of the "Rosey Posey" after the second goal went in which was probably started by Charlie but great to hear nonetheless!!

Another huge game this Saturday away at Kelty against the league champions on their new artificial pitch. They are full of quality players and it's a major test for us against a top team away from home. Hopefully we can keep our unbeaten run going.

All the best!!

Robbie