It was always going to be difficult against Lochee Utd, but having a limited number of players available, just made the job that little bit harder.

No Millar for the goal, so our top scorer took the No.1 shirt. Frenchie had to call off minutes before the start, while Joe and Tom could only hope to make it for halftime. Frosty took the right back slot, while Jonny started up front with Kev, who was making his 2nd appearance for us, after grabbing 2 at Portcullis, earlier in the season. We started in a 3-5-2 formation against the League leaders.

The first 45 minutes were played with a good tempo, with both sides competing, with no quarter given and none expected. Although we created a few good opportunities, thanks to some great work on the right by Thommo, we failed to cash in, although Jonny and Kev worked tirelessly, pressing and pressurising the Lochee back line in the hope of snatching a break in front of goal.

At the other end, Lochee created the best openings in the first 45. On 3 occasions, their forwards bore in on goal, only to find an inspired performance from our stand in keeper. Sean's first stop was a good save, low down to his right, while his second and third were good blocks with his legs. The second one being the best of the night, as he was going the opposite way to the ball, but somehow managed to get enough on the ball to direct it away from goal.

Apart from the 3 saves, Lochee had a few long range efforts, which never had any chance of testing the Firies No.1.

HT 0-0

Although Lochee had had a fair amount of the ball, we had more than matched them going forward and we looked every bit as capable as taking something from the game. No one in red could be unhappy with their individual effort. Only thing now was, could we keep the work rate and level going for the next 45.

Joe came on for Frosty at halftime, going into the midfield, with Cairdy going to right back. Another good 45 from Frosty. Makes the game look easy at times. Made several good tackles and read the game well, breaking up play. Also took a sore one to the ribs just prior to halftime.

Tom arrived pitchside as the sides prepared for the restart.

Within 4 minutes of the restart, Tom replaced Jonny. Paton went up top now, while Tom joined Joe and Sean F in the midfield 3. Good shift from Jonny, playing up top with Kev. Really unlucky on a couple of occasions, when his pressing almost caught the keeper out. Never let them get the ball easily and always prepared to put in a solid challenge.

We started well and looked good on the ball and it wasn't long before we broke the deadlock. As Lochee pressed in our third of the park, we moved the ball forward quickly, finding Paton on the right, just inside their half. He took the ball in his stride, going past the defender with ease. As he did so, Kev made a great run on the left, leaving his marker for dead, heading towards the centre of the goal. Paton, looking up, laid a great ball across the front of the goal and the onrushing Kev met it about 8 yards out, smashing it past the keeper and into the net, while being cleaned out by the Lochee keeper, as he tried to block the striker's effort. 1-0 to the Firies and deservedly so. 53 minutes played.

During the remainder of the game, we had several good openings to extend our lead, through Kev, Tom, Ritchie and Paton, but each time, we either overhit the pass or didn't quite connect with the ball cleanly enough in front of goal.

However, we didn't have it all our own way after we scored. With 37 minutes to go, we knew we would have to defend well to see this one out, but that's exactly what we did, all over the park. From back to front, every man in red put in a huge effort to protect the lead that we had worked hard to get. Sean came for 3 or 4 balls and managed to get enough on them to thwart any potential threat from Lochee, while I think we must have won over 95% of balls in the air, in and around our penalty area. Time and agin, Cairdy, Stevie and JHay seemed to rise above everyone to clear any danger and when we cleared our lines, Tom, Joe and Sean F seemed to have the legs and composure to keep the ball or find that measured pass out wide to the ever ready Thommo and Ritchie, who in turn had Paton and Kev in front of them and who never stopped showing for a forward pass. Fantastic effort from the Firies.

FT 1-0

Verdict - In my time at the Firies, we have had some good results and some good performances, but I really do think this was possibly the best footballing performance I've seen from us yet. Taking the number of changes in personnel and positionally, that we had to deal with, coupled with the fact we were playing one of the top teams in the league, it was an immense performance from the 13 players involved and a great result for us. It proved that we can match anyone on our day, if we turn up with the right frame of mind and show that level of determination and the effort on the park for 90 minutes.Everyone should take something positive from this game. I'm still buzzing from it!

Men of the Match - It was really difficult to single out one player from our team and it would have been easier to give all 13 of you MotM for tonight's game, but I've picked 2 players for different reasons.

The first MotM goes to Sean Hearn for his 3 saves in the first half. Just like JHay, he's not a keeper, however he's prepared to give it a go and what a go tonight. I'll be bold and say that Millar would be happy with any of the 3, although he probably would've used his hands more than his feet. Sean's stops in the first half made sure we went in level at halftime. Well deserved Sean.

The second MotM goes to JHay. Like I said before, he's no keeper, but what he is, is a colossal centre half, who on his day, is a physical barrier, that just shuts down the opposition forwards and lets them know they're in a game. He was good in the first half, but he was absolutely brilliant in the second half, winning tackle after tackle, winning the ball in air, time and again and when needed, he simply cleared the ball out of the danger area. Never, ever ask for the gloves again JHay! Well deserved James.