Exactly 100 folk turned out for Locos’ midweek clash with Fort William which must be the lowest attendance I’ve ever seen at Harlaw Park – confirmation, if any was needed, that there is little appetite for evening football on cold and damp November evenings.
Those who preferred the fireside actually missed quite a good game with Locos running out comfortable 4-1 winners against a gutsy Fort team. Man-of-the-match John Maitland scored two cracking goals.
On Saturday a healthy crowd attended the derby against Formartine United at North Lodge Park in very cold conditions, but any optimism from the midweek game soon evaporated as Locos were swept aside 4-0 by a stronger home team.
With the Scottish Cup tie with Annan Athletic approaching this Saturday, Locos probably didn’t need a derby beforehand. While it was by no means the toughest of matches, the team lost forwards Martin Bavidge and Joe McCabe to injury and both must be rated doubtful for the weekend.
Locos’ defence didn’t help the cause, being caught square for all four goals and you can’t give space to strikers of the quality of Barbour, Keith and Gauld. Locos were punished accordingly.
The side looked lightweight up front, although former goalkeeper Andy Reid was forced into a couple of decent saves.
There were some positives, however. Locos had some spells of composed football and I thought Kieran Adams came on to a good game. It has to be remembered that this was only his second match after an injury absence.
Greg Mitchell played well when he replaced Bavidge and substitute Michael Selfridge looked lively up front when he appeared.
So – the prospects for Saturday are by no means negative. If Dr. Jekyll can turn up instead of Mr Hyde, if the defence can concentrate for the full 90 minutes, and if the skilful Neil McLean and John Maitland play up-field in support of the forwards, then Locos have a chance. If Bavidge is out, there may be a case for Ryan Broadhurst to move back up top as the target man.
Annan Athletic are currently experiencing the same problem of inconsistency and the tie may well hinge on their form on the day. It’s a very intriguing prospect and Locos will be looking for a really good crowd to support them.
All roads lead to Harlaw Park on Saturday!