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Well, the jolly month of April is over, and for Livi it has been very much a mixed month. And here I am, ready to recap the month in my usual half-baked style. In the spirit of spring, this review is brought to you my spoon-magnet and sex-bender Uri Geller. I have no idea what that last sentence meant either.
April started in footballing terms with the visit of a pess-poor, but improving, Aberdeen side
. In actual fact this game could not have started any better for Livi, when Juanjo Camacho whipped in a first-minute corner and Stuart Lovell rifled a header into the goal, before being booked for getting it right up the Dons fans. A great start, but as with much of Livi’s season, it proved to be a false dawn. Aberdeen won 2-1, thanks mainly to a remarkable fluke from the actually-a-bit-good Paul Sheerin. Alan Main was Livi’s mixed bag, at fault for both goals, but pulling off some great saves, including one every bit as good as Spunky Seaman’s wonder save in the FA Cup. An interesting note in this game was the injury to Gus Bahoken, forcing Camacho to step in as a makeshift left back, and do rather well. This injury, combined with the clubs decision that “left backs are for pusssies” (allegedly) would see Camacho making the position his own this month.
An Under 21 victory over Celtic was next, providing good entertainment, and showing the promise displayed by Richard Brittain and a certain Argentinean forward….more on him in a moment.
Hibs were up next, and all for a bargain £20. This pricing scheme would result in many fans boycotting; in addition, Hibs fans banned the Livi drumbeat mafia, thus making me actually alright with the price tag. Deasel didn’t pay, instead getting a lift over from 20 struggling Mr Universe contenders.
The game itself featured the debut of Mr Fernando Pasquinelli. Now this boy looked good, big, strong, skilful and willing to mix it. He linked up well with Xausa at first before Davide picked up an unfortunate injury. This curtailed Livi as an attacking threat, as Hibs went 2-0 up in a pretty dire display. The introduction of Quino proved the catalyst for a change in Livi fortunes, as Barry Wilson reminded everyone that he exists, by scoring a peach with three minutes to go, and Livi threw Marvin, Eugene and Fernando up front. Then it happened…Camacho fired forward a 50 yard pass onto the bonce of Marvin…Eugene flicked it on…Fernando muscled the defender out the picture and the on-rushing Burton O’Brien raced in, smashing a screamer past Colgan. Cue everyone going barmy.
We were back up to Aberdeen
after that, for a game which featured the most woeful refereeing ever seen. Livi had three stonewall penalties turned down and Barry Wilson (justifiably) sent off, for “fighting like a girl”. Wilson, Zarate and Maidana all hit the woodwork as Livi struggled to equalise. Further proof of how much better Livi were was evidenced by Sandy Clark’s radio assertion that Aberdeen were the better side. Says it all really. Bright spots for Livi were Maidana, Pasquinelli and Camacho. Winners
Fernando Pasquinelli has been a breath of fresh air for the Livi faithful this month. A powerful forward, he isn’t going to break any scoring records, but will surely end up as one of the most hated player sin Scotland, if he stays with us. His physical, yet skilful game has brought fresh enthusiasm to a sometimes-jaded looking team. We sorely needed someone to rile up opposing defenders, and Fernando has been doing just that. I hope he stays and gets a good pre-season under his belt, then opposing defenders are in for it!
Julian Maidana seems another shrewd January signing. Nothing seems to ruffle the big man (except possibly shoplifting charges) (nice one spike :o) – Dov) and his composed fluid displays have added steel to the back. He also looks like a right hard b*$tard. Julian we salute you!
Finally my pet project for the season Juan Jose Camacho has come good this month. Since coming into the side as an emergency makeshift left back, he’s done very well indeed. His pace may not be the quickest, but his passing moves the ball on far quicker than any sprinter could, he is nicely skilful and composed on the ball, and he is also looking a lot fitter and stronger than he has before. Nice one old son!
Losers
Lee Makel has had a dreadful month. His displays have been pants, and I wouldn’t be at all surprised if, come the end of the season, he is hauled into DK’s office and shown the furniture, the carpet, the windows and then shown the door.
Now this may a bit unfair, and I was gonna plump for Roly Zarate again, but Zarate has talent and has at least struggled to adapt, so he is spared this month, and instead reserve team superstar Cherif Toure Maman gets blasted. He is lazy, he is arrogant, and having watched three Under 21 games this month, I find his disdain for that level, and his teammates embarrassing. Punt him. Comparing his attitude with that of the professional and keen-to-impress likes of Coelho, Brittain and Pasquinelli, really shows this talent waster up as a big-time Charlie.
Well, rant over, hope you all have a sh*t month, e-mail to livispike@hotmail.com and as usual, all feedback, constructive or otherwise is welcome and appreciated.
Cheers, Spike.