City v Alloa.

Next up for City this season was a home game v Alloa, normally a very hard physical contest against an experienced squad. First thing in the morning the game could have been in doubt due to thick mist which gradually lifted and even required floodlights on before the start.

As usual changes due to availability, Brown in goal and Ryan back.

From the outset City continued from  last week by building from the back, through midfield and Alloa played like City of old hard hitting from back to front. First fifteen minutes was pretty even until Alloa's lone striker managed a shot at goal well saved by Brian but the rebound went too high into a crowd of players. From the short corner the forward scored with a shot low into the near post.

City were now on the attack, making chances and earning short corners but unlike Alloa, City messed up their corner, Alloa went the length of the pitch on a fast break which ended up with their striker having enough time to finish his late breakfast before finishing past a totally exposed keeper who was blameless. For lack of defensive cover at our attacking corner, something for the future to guard against.

The rest of the half City were on top but could not score. From a neutral point of view constructive comments would be holding onto the ball less, moving it a bit faster by slap hit and be willing to reset the play by going backwards, round the back and down the opposite wing, plus more cover at offensive short corners.

Second half starts and City are hit on the break again and it's 3-0 down, just the start City did not want but very quickly City forced a short corner, worked it to Rintoul who flicked the ball into the roof of the net for an excellent finish.

For the rest of the half I do not thing Alloa crossed the halfway more than once, it was a siege - more so tan last week. Chances were made, ( not describing your miss Donald), the Alloa keeper made some good saves and clearances, corners were not converted and Alloa took all three points home with them.

Summing up, Alloa admitted they were lucky to come away with the points.. We played hockey but need to move the ball with a bit more purpose and have confidence to change direction if the way ahead is cut off and not try  to force a pass. No reason to feel bad as performances not reflected in the scores so far this season, positive results will come. Holiday over FFS? And thanks to Alloa umpire, very fair I thought.