THE way things work in journalism, freelance reporters are generally sent to the match closest to where they live. Thus, for years I spent alternate Saturdays at Rugby Park, Kilmarnock and Somerset Park, Ayr - the two closest grounds to my home.
Latterly during my years covering football, I would be sent, quite often, to Stair Park, to cover Stranraer, or to Palmerston, to cover Queen of the South. This has led me to having a wee soft spot for both clubs, in particular the Doonhamers, where Saturday afternoons spent in the company of Bert Houston, Jim Burgoyne and Sandra Brown in the press box were always good times.
I was therefore pleased to see Queens beating "Rangers", at Palmerston last week. You still have to favour either Hibs or the Rangers Tribute Act to come through to face whichever Premiership outfit has to go into the promotion/relegation play-off, but, it would be wrong to totally write-off the Doonhamers' chances of causing an upset.
The many good guys at the club, such as my old mate Euan Lithgow, deserve a wee season or two in the sun.
THE citizens of the Nation of Leith certainly trooped off to work this morning with a spring in their step. Yesterday's victory over the other Edinburgh side was a great boost for every Hibbee, one they badly needed after a couple of duff results.
But, I have a certain symathy for the Jam Tarts. It must be very difficult, having done the hard bit and won the league with games to spare, to keep-up the necessary intensity in what are, after all, for them meaningless matches.
The league is won, promotion is assured - job done. They can surely be forgiven for relaxing, even in local derbies. That's football.
WELL, that's Auchinleck Talbot into another Scottish Junior Cup final. I know, they still have to go through the formality of their semi-final second-leg, with holders Hurlford United.
But, in all honesty, there is just no way United can go to Beechwood Park and win by the three clear goals they will need to overhaul the 'Bot. That will not happen. The Affleck lieges can begin their preparations for another final. And, with "Scumnock" looking more and more like relegation fodder with each passing game, the "Talbot Bees" are buzzing.
The other semi-final, between Linlithgow Rose and Musselburgh Athletic is nicely poised, however. Athletic went to Linlithgow on Saturday and snatched a 3-2 win. You cannot rule-out Rose turning things around in the second leg, which promises to be a cracker.
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