At the 18 game halfway mark this season, time for a mid-term report.
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A great recovery after a dire opening stretch of games (no win, infrequent draw in 12 games). The ship has been steadied, the captain not thrown overboard. We're facing a relegation battle second half but are in good shape to take this on. Well done Lichties for turning it around.
Some observations
Loan signings - Dorris has been outstanding, Forsyth was good, and Gates promising until last Saturdays tho only occasionally showed what he could do.
More solid defence - we've not lost heavily all season (the 0-3 capitulation to Ayr being the exception) and the recent run was probably build upon standing firm at the back. The settled pairing of Bishop and Raeside have done well with Rattray as a great alternative. Perhaps the presence
Up front - Scott is a real asset. As well as a good goals per game ratio, he offer a real out for the ball of defence and eases pressure that way always causing problems for the other defence with strength and pace. Now that Weir is also hitting his game after directing his frantic style, these two could do us proud.
Discipline - we've cut down on the caution and foul count which has given us not only problems during games.
Fitness we're still missing the long-term injured - Smith, Watson, Fraser and Lunan - all midfield, which means we can't afford. Now Morrison is out for a bit
Threats: The loss to injury of either front players especially Scott gives us a headache
Opportunities: the return of Marc McCulloch gives us good attacking options down the left and good delivery of the ball. With Forsyth back to
Others: We seem to have tightened up at home of late after a dire run extending back over the past season. Let's build on that. A little more professionalism and care late into games would also help throwing unnecessary points away