weeyin

From what Robinson has been saying it sounds like Hastie only started because Frear wasn't fit. So I don't think he's surplus yet.

The Friday night "just after closing time" threads always deliver.

Take a look at him for the Ariyibi cross, as an example. A confident Main would have already made the run to tap that in - last night's Main held off a second too long. It's that second, and that risk taking that are difference between a confident striker and one that lacks confidence.

For all my comments about Main, I'm not really criticizing him for losing form. I get that happens to the best of strikers. I'm more concerned that, by the way we are using him, we're slowing down his chances of finding that goal scoring form. We're turning him into even more of a Bowman when what we need is a Moult.

A big part of that, though, is because his lack of confidence has caused him to hold back a yard and not take those risks in the box that a confident striker takes. When he's feeling good, like all strikers, you seem him peel off his man and scream for a pass, or take up position to pick up rebounds or misguided shots.

It's not an either/or situation, though. If we are just playing Main up front, we immediately diminish our goal threat. It's like playing a keeper and saying "Aye we know he sells 2 or 3 goals a game, but he passes it really well out of his box". Main missing all these chances is as costly as a keeper selling a goal or two every game. Likewise, Johnson on his own has goal potential, but doesn't do the hold up play as well. What we need is either Main to find a bit of scoring form, or for someone else to support Johnson that can score a few more. The more often we play Main the less likely he looks to score - and that isn't helping him out of his goal slump. If anything, Main's other attributes are hindering him finding his scoring form because he drops a bit deeper and is able to avoid runs into the box while still looking like he's doing something. If you watch him jump, he's lost the confidence to even do that well. It's great to be a rounded player, but sooner or later a striker needs to score a goal or two. I'm not sure right now that we are playing him the right way to let him find that form again - we are slowly converting him into a hard working midfielder with strike rate of Alex Fisher. I agree we don't have many other options right now, but our lack of goals has been a concern all season.

I know, right? All these fancy leagues with their points for winning and their positions in the table. It's just not fair that we are better than some other teams.

I liked big Lee when he played for us, but would have been happy with either appointment. (Although McCulloch get bonus points for Umbrella-gate!)

Sadly, right now, he's not going to miss any sitters because he has given up taking risks to get into positon in the box. He's overcompensating by dropping deep and working hard, but that keeps him away from where he should be. I hope he turns it around soon, but I'm not sure playing him is helping his confidence.

5 behind Hibs, but 10 ahead of Accies - so still in our own wee league for now.

Dug in a bit the second half, but a great 3 points with some encouraging performances.

I remember the last time Danny Johnson scored. Honestly couldn't tell you the last time Main did.

Hibs decided they just need to kick us (and elbow us) into submission this half.

He's versatile, though. Can hit them poorly from either wing.

Same for me, but I was able to switch to the backup player and it's all good.

I found out recently that companies like Opta that measure these things just count the number of passes each team makes rather than how long each team has the ball. So they can look a bit weird sometimes. We have easily been the better and more dangerous team so far.

Better football. Still a few times when they have punted instead of passing, but better than Saturday.

100% Looking sharper, faster and our wingers putting the fear into the Hibs defence with their pace and willingness to take on their man.

That's because Main is hiding (which he's being doing for weeks now). And then we do that! Get in...

This has Hibs winning 1 - 0 with a 91st minute goal written all over it right now. We need to get someone on who can score.

I hope Main proves me wrong, but he looks less likely to get a goal than me tonight.

I'd say that was Ojamma playing beside Higdon and McFadden in the slot.

100% this. We've never had a striker (or supporting midfield) that can play 1 up front.

If we're going to play Frear, Ariybi, McCormack etc. the first thing we need at the back is to find players who can make simple pass to them instead of hoofing it over their heads. McHugh is probably better than Hartley and Aldred in that regard (although it's not a high bar).

I've yet to be convinced he'll even return. (I hope he does, obviously, but everything about it feels like a playing career ending situation).