Buffs FC (Scottish Team) - server 112

[Buffs Mad]

League: Buffs FC lose consecutive league matches for the first time with a 2-0 loss at home.

The 4* opposition set up in 4-5-1V but, as they were unmanaged and had a red card, they fielded no right MC. Buffs went 4-3-3.

The Buffs were 2-0 behind at HT to a dbl corner in the 3rd minute of a 6 minute flurry of attacks and a headed goal from FK in 43. Buffs Mad changed to hex but the Buffs could've played all day and not scored.

Defender Hutton picked up the Buffs 9th yellow card of the Campaign.

When interviewed later Buffs Mad said "It wisnae me."

Cup Qualifying: With a 4-0 lead from the home leg, the Buffs looked for a confidence boost in the Cup. The opposition had trained hard since the 1st leg and boasted 2 more Scouts in their line-up to field 8 Scouts and 1 World Class.

The home side started 4-4-2 and Buffs Mad put his managerial reputation on the 4-5-1V Defensive Counter-attacking system.

Buffs FC opened the scoring on 25 mins when Gemmill volleyed in a floated McCoist FK. The home side were finding no way to carve out the chances they needed so off went a Striker and on came an AMC for a 4-4-1-1. It remained 1-0 to the Buffs at HT.

For the second half Buffs Mad freshened up the wings - Baxter off for McFadden on the left and Henderson off for Johnstone on the right. 2 FKs came and went for the homeside - McGregor tipped them both over and Johnstone was denied when their keeper parried a driven shot. The tiring McCoist was replaced up front by Dalglish on 68 minutes as the Buffs seemed certain to hold on.

There had been nothing much between the sides all game apart from the Buffs greater accuracy around goal and McFadden reinforced that with a superb solo effort and curled finish at the back post on 89 mins.

So 2-0 on the road and a 6-0 aggregate win.

Buffs Mad later slaughtered a goat as an offering to the Gods in exchange for a kind draw.

Champions League: Buffs FC get a 3rd win, away from home - 5-1 to make things comfortable.

Home side went 3N-3W(DMs)-2N-1-1 so the Buffs started with a modified ND (2 AMCs and 1 Striker) before changing to ND at HT.

Goals: McStay (6), Johnstone (20), McFadden (47, 89), Gemmill (55).

There is still concern about the number of cards being picked up with another yellow today taking the total to 11 yellows and 1 red.

League: WOW! Buffs FC and the words 'league' and 'win' share the same sentence. Shockerooni! A 4-1 league win.

Buffs FC travelled to Iraq to take on a 4-2(DMC)-3N-1 and stepped out in a 3N-3N-2W-2. But Buffs Mad was too busy chatting to notice the oppositions change to 4-1-3N-2.

Opposition took the lead on 30 minutes against the run of play after they got 2 bookings and an injury and before their sub got on. Buffs Mad switched them to 3-1-3-2W-1 and the Buffs hit back quickly with 2 goals from either winger just before half-time. Baxter got his second from the left before GK McGregor was stretchered off (2 days) and Henderson got his second from the right on the final whistle.

Goals: Henderson (37, 90), Baxter (41, 66).

[Buffs Mad]

Cup Play-off 1st Leg: Buffs Mad orders the squad to put a sock down their under-crackers to not feel inferior against their Level 8 opponents. The opposition manager appeared to laugh as they emerged.

The home-side lined up in a 4-hex and the Buffs went all Cup-Style in their faces with a 4-5-1V Defensive Counterattacking.

The referee showed set his stall out early booking a home defender in 8 mins - Archie Gemmill curled and dipped one off the foot of the left post. The Buffs defence battled and bit, but Tommy Gemmell went a bit far in 31 minutes with a knee in the back of the home attacker........inside the box. The attacker was stretchered off (and watching manager a bit slow to replace him). And the resultant penalty cooly slotted home.

The second half started with 11 v 11 again. The Buffs were working hard and in the ascendancy, so Buffs Mad opted for some fresh legs as Bobby Murdoch and Ally McCoist came on for Paul McStay and Kenny Dalglish respectively. Soon, and just as the homeside introduced fresh legs too, McCoist was fouled wide on the edge of the box. His floated FK was nodded in by Jimmy Johnstone ghosting in from the back.

The Buffs then withstood wave after wave of attacks but gave up few chances. Hutton picked up a yellow as the match clock showed 10 mins left. But the Buffs held firm, against multiple corners and McGregor made 2 stunning saves.

2-1 win away. What's not to like.

Goals: Gemmill (8), Johnstone (63).

At the end Buffs Mad walked past the home dug out, pulled out a sock and said "What? I've got a foot down there."



League: Buffs FC fail to take the opportunity to close the gap in the league (due to managerial incompetence), drawing 2-2 with 3rd place Chelsea.

Today's visitors to Buffs Park stepped out in a 3N-2W-3N-2 and Buffs Mad ushered the Buffs into a 4-3N-1-2, but was never convinced it was the right action as he paced nervously.

The Buffs were dominating possession and creating chances against the managerless side, until he appeared late. With posssession in the balance and chances at either end the visitors took the lead from a corner in 28 mins. Buffs Mad wrestled with formation changes but decided to see out the half. At HT Buffs Mad took off Left Back McLeish and Central Midfielder McStay - on came wingers Baxter and Henderson to complete the switch to 3N-4-1-2. The pattern of the first half continued, end to end stuff but chances were at a premium. But again the Buffs succumbed to a corner as the visitors nodded a 2 goal lead.

Buffs Mad screamed at the wingers to push on and for Dalglish to touch the ball at least once! Hutton picked up the Buffs 13th yellow of the campaign for taking out the ball, player and half the midfield with an agricultural challenge. At the other end the visitors' defence was resolute. Corners were proving useless as the 2 central aerial defenders headed everything.....until Gemmill swung in a peach and Murdoch slammed it home on 75 mins. Tails were up and the Buffs pressed. 2 FKs were squandered and 1 brilliant save denied the Buffs.

The visitor defence was panicking in the last 10 mins. Where once they were assured they were no deflecting and giving possession away. When Gemmill slipped the ball through to McCoist it was "rabbits in headlights" as he crashed home. Just one more! And there was one more, one more fantastic save from the visiting keeper as he tipped over a ranged effort and then clutched the ball from the resultant corner to his chest. Final Whistle. Draw. Missed Opportunity.

Goals: Murdoch (75), McCoist (85).

Next up for the Buffs is the team in 2nd place - win or bust.

Champions League: Buffs Mad pulls up the comfy chair and gets a roaring fire going for a home match. The opposition comes out in a variation of the Christmas Tree, but the lights aren't on. Buffs go 3N-1-2-2W-2 in an attempt to conserve condition in key areas for the league match against second.

Buffs take a a 2-0 lead in the first 30-odd mins and Buffs Mad subs 2. The match clock ticks over as nothing much happening on the goals front with block after block, tackle, deflection and 5 saves from the away keeper in the second half - only one more goal came mid way through the half.
*yawn*
Souness came on in 81 mins and got the customary booking for the Buffs 5 mins later. So 15 matches = 15 yellows (+ 1 red). Oi Nordeus! Gonnae no dae that!

Goals: Dalglish (16, 72), Johnstone (34)

League: Buffs FC were on their travels tomeet the 2nd placed side from the Buffs lowly 8th place.

Both sides were equally matched but Buffs Mad had now grown a pair in light of recent league performances and was focussed on attack. The home side adopted their usual 4-1-3-2 and the Buffs signalled their boom or bust intent with an attacking 3N-1-2-2W-2.

Both managers were present.

The game started at break-neck speed and the home side took the lead in 2 mins after ST McCoist pulled a shirt outside the box. (Seemed like the referee wanted to get the Buffs obligatory caution out the way early.)

And so it continued - from end to end like a ferret in a shoe box. The Buffs levelled in the 9th minute through AML Johnstone, took the lead on 13 mins through ST McCoist. But the home side wre full of threat too.

No changes at HT and the frenzy continued with equal possession. McGregor had already made 1 save from a FK and the Buffs had been defending effectively but chaotically too - mistakes giving chances and last ditch tackles negating them. 4-1 but Buffs Mad was concerned that this might be one of those 'game of 2 halves'. He replaced AML/AMC Johnstome with AML/ML Henderson to give him options.

On 58 mins the home side swapped the DMC for an AMC and within 2 mins had pulled one back. Buffs Mad thought about the change and pulled back the wingers to midgield and went 4 at the back by taking off McCoist. But before the sub could be made the home side hit a 3rd with 16 mins left.

So all change it was, McGrain got on and McCoist off and Buffs defended and counterattacked in 4-1-4-1. It would've been less nervy had the home keeper not defied the laws of motion in reaching and tipping a Buffs FK over.

But it finished 4-3 and the Buffs leapt to the lofty heights of 7th; 6 points off the leader who they will meet the day after tomorrow.

Goals: Johnstone (9, 51), McCoist (13), Gemmill (20).

[Buffs Mad]

Cup: Buffs FC crash out of Cup on PKs.

The Buffs were 2-1 up from the away leg but all was still to play for on both sides. Opposition again boasted a better starting 11.

Opponent lined up in 4-hex and Buffs Mad manned the baricades with a 4-5-1V defensive counterattacking side. The Opposition manager came late and the Buffs had been creating chances but not taking them. Opposition took a first half lead in 38 mins when a FK from the right was volleyed home. A Buffs supported joined the action.

The away manager freshened up his wingers during HT and bagged a 2 goal lead 2 minutes after the restart from a strike that neither the GK nor the commentator saw coming. The Buffs squared up the agg when right winger Johnstone banged one in. McFadden came on for Right Winger Baxter and the chances were being made at both ends. The penultimate act saw the Away GK tip over a FK from Law. The opposition then nullified the corner kick and counterattacked - with GK McGregor pulling off a fantastic save to take it to ET.

The visitors were in the acendancy in the extra period, particularly the second 15 mins but the Buffs held on. Unfortunately the only one to miss a PK was the Buffs first penalty taker.

Out but not ashamed. The Buffs fought well and deserve credit.



League: Buffs FC scrape a draw with an 88th minute troll against plucky 10th. *sniffle*

The opposition set up in 4-2N-1-3 and the Buffs went 3N-1-3N-2W-1.

Goals: McCoist (36), Murdoch (88).

League: Buffs FC get out of the doldrums versus bottom feeders and blast the league wide open with a 2-1 away at the league leaders.

Four teams are now tied at the top and the Buffs have slipped into 5th 3 points behind.

Opposition set out in a 4-1-2-3 and the Buffs went defensive and counterattacking in a 3-1-4-2.

Buffs Mad had to withstand several nerve jangling moments after striker McCoist had given the Buffs an early lead. Three FKs were defended before the break but the home side pulled level shortly after the restart. Buffs Mad sent the wingers to more advanced positions. As the Buffs counter-attacked again and again, central defender Hutton went on an amazing solo run from deep and finished neatly after 'rounding the keeper.

Just as the Buffs looked comfortable and still threatening, at the back MC Gemmill pole-axed Messi in the box. Messi is as Messi does - he made a complete mess of it and ballooned over.

Goals: McCoist (4), Hutton (60).

Now the Buffs have to keep it going when they face the 6th placed side in the next league match. Oh the joys of being a manager. *bum-squeak*

Correction: The Buffs are 6th and play 7th next.

Champions League: Buffs FC put CL Group win beyond doubt with a 7-0 away win at the 3rd place side's ground.

The opposition has now become a bot and fielded a side with the players scattered across the pitch fairly evenly. Buffs Mad sent his charges out in a 4-5-1V.

The Buffs scored rougly every 10 mins until the 50th minute - they added one more mid-way before the end.

Buffs FC ratings included 1x9 and 6x8.

Goals: Henderson (5, 29), Mackay (17), McStay (36), McLeish (47, 49), Murdoch (70).

[Buffs Mad]

Day 12 review

Its been an up and down Season for the Buffs so far.

League

The Buffs league form has been poor to inconsistent with 4 wins, 4 Draws and 2 losses. Their record against lower Quality opposition is 1/3/2 and against higher Q teams is 3/1/0. The home record has also been very poor 0/4/1 against 4/0/1 away.

Champions League

The draw failed to give the Buffs much of a challenge in the Group stages with 5 wins so far for the loss of 2 goals.

Cup

The Buffs battled hard comfortably overcomng a same Q Lvl 9 opponent in the Preliminaries (9-2 agg); dispatching a 5Q higher lvl 7 opponent in the Qualifiers (6-0 agg); but finally losing on PKs to a same Q lvl 7 opponent. The 2 losses the Buffs have encountered were at home.

Player Performance

On balance the performances and ratings across the Squad has been 'not bad' perhaps even 'satisfactory' but nevertheless 'inconsistent' is another good description.

Three players who have struggled are DMC Dave Mackay, MC Paul McStay and new Striker Denis Law.

Dave Mackay has struggled in the league where he has been asked to play a more defensive role. It might be necessary to take a closer look at his training and role.

McStay was a Mr Scout player and scored 20-30 goals per season from midfield for 3 Seasons, but has now encountered the 4th Season slump that has afflicted the other 2 '4th Season' Mr Scout purchases the Buffs have had.

Denis Law has only played 3 matches but has been a damp squib. Rating 2x5 and a 6 with no goals and no assists is just not Buffs striker material. He has will be given only one more match as part of a 2-man strike force with reserve Kenny Dalglish (the assist King). If he can't perform there then he's benched until easier games come around.

DR Alan Hutton had been a cause for concern at the very beginning of the Season but is now excelling as a central DC in a 3 or right central in a 4. He might be an option to replace Mackay at DMC while he looks for form.

Way Forward

The Board have commissioned a study into the loss of form at home and Buffs Mad is scouring the globe for Witch Doctors of a high reputation.

Buffs Mad will revert to using either 4-5-1V or ND unless it proves impossible or mad to do so.

Dave Mackay will swap roles with Alan Hutton for 2 games at least and if performances dictate then he'll be benched for a couple of games.

McStay will be consigned to the bench as a bit-part player. A new MC is undergoing training.

[Buffs Mad]

Catch-up

League: Two steps forward then 1 step back. Buffs FC draw 0-0 at home. The Buffs just can't seem to take home advantage this season.

The Buffs drift to 5 pts off the top and will either remain in 6th or drop back to 7th.

Nordeus Game Engine goes daft as Buffs FC win 2 matches in 1 day O.o

League: Buffs Mad missed the match but he didn't expect FC Hope to have any. Buffs went out in ND v 3N-2W(DM)-2-1-2 and won 3-1 away. Both sides had 1 injury and DMC Dave Mackay is suspended for the next match after picking up his 3rd booking this season - he was gonna get benched a few games anyway.

Goals: McCoist (1, 48), Law (67)

Champions League: Buffs Mad got to the match just in time to throw the reserves in. Shockingly close at 1-0 but a win is a win. Available resources demanded a 4-5-1V v opposition 4-1-3W-2. GK McGregor got injured with 10 mins left and King Kenny snatched victory 7 mins from the end.

Goals: Dalglish (83)

The Buffs keep the move back up the league going, slipping into 5th 5 pts off the pace. Qualified 1st undefeated in CL.

League: Buffs FC's home hoodoo continues with a 5th home draw in 6 matches as they draw 3-3 v the 10th placed side.
(Very strange sequence given the Buffs 5 wins from 6 on their travels.)

The Buffs went in at HT 1 down but 2 goals midway through the second half put them ahead. But the lead only lasted 4 minutes as the visitors drew level. McStay came off the bench and his first touch saw him start a run that put Buffs ahead again but alas an 89th minute equaliser was to follow.

Buffs Mad now has to hope the top 2 draw later to have any hope from 7th.

Goals: Hansen (65), Gemmell (69), McStay (85).

Buffs Mad would like to extend apologies to our supporter for having to watch such drivel.

Champions League: Buffs FC get up for an early start while Buffs Mad is still frolicking across Candy Floss Meadow, munching Marshmallow trees and swimming in Ginger Beer lake.

Buffs draw 1-1 away. But more importantly the Buffs have now broken the Club record for cards with only half the season gone - 23 yellows and 1 red.

League: Buffs FC record a 4-0 win, away ofc, to keep in touch (just) with the leader - 4pts behind in 5th.

Now the real fight begins.

[Buffs Mad]

Halfway Point: League Update

Our Home form in the league continues to be poor and a source for puzzlement and concern - 5 draws and a loss. Also with an all-time record number of yellow cards for a season, after only half a campaign, the associated FKs have cost us.

But we're hanging in there working hard to turn the tide and try and score some goals.

[Buffs Mad]

League: Again its Swings n 'Roundabouts for the Buffs as they draw 2-2 away v 2nd bottom Club - conceding the equaliser in the last 5 minutes from a FK....again.

McCoist opened the scoring in 20 minutes but the Buffs were pegged back 10 mins before half-time. Winger Baxter restored the advantage immediately after the restart and the Buffs squandered a few more chances going into the last 10 mins. The home side then created a flurry of chances with McGregor saving 2 FKs in 5 mins.....but a 3rd left him helpless as the hosts grabbed an unlikely draw.

Once more the Buffs were punished with 2 yellow cards and gave up too many FKs in dangerous positions.

Champions League: Buffs FC win 3-0 at home to progress to the next round.

Opposition marched out in 5-XStyle and so Buffs Mad booted each and every one of his underforming no-marks up the backside and onto the park until until they settled in a 3-5-2V.

The Buffs went 2 up in the first half and although the opposition got some shots the commentator was not impressed enough to mention them. Soon after the restart it was 3 and Buffs Mad brought on left back McLeish and handed out the pipes and slippers to settle the lads into a 4-5-1V - job done. Man of the Match went to sub McLeish but the opposition GK deserved it more for some fine saves.

Goals: Law (24), Baxter (39), Johnstone (49).

Next up is a home league match, so no chance of a win there.

[Buffs Mad]

League: They maybe separated by thousands of miles but Buffs v Fenerbahce is a derby in every other sense and it produced another very good match tonight.

The Buffs had won the corresponding away fixture earlier in the season 2-1 but it was a tight affair.

Buffs stepped out in a 4-5-1V and Fenerbahce came out in a ND (although they are also known for their 4-1-3-2 and 4-3-3). This was no surprise and even while Buffs hold the better record in head to heads its always close.

Buffs Mad ordered a start in Defensive Counterattacking mode because Fenerbahce always come out fast. The start was frantic with Fenerbahce forcing several corners but the Buffs were breaking fast too, smacking the bar on the 5th minute. The 5th corner on 9 mins however proved 1 too many and their Striker nodded the visitors in front.

It was end to end and the stats (apart from corners) were very level. Although the commentary favoured the Buffs, Fenerbahce were creeping ahead on shots. The Buffs were absorbing the vistors threat well now and the appearance of a supporter helped swing things slightly their way. On 30 mins the switch from Counters On to Off was made and the Buffs attacked. The right and left backs were getting forward and wingers seeing plenty of the ball but the visiting defence was blocking most. McNeill picked up the Buffs customary booking on 33 mins but McGregor saved the shot over the wall. At the other end McCoist missed 2 good chances and Baxter, on one of the rare occasions he found space, tickled the side netting.

Half time came an went with no changes. Fenerbahce started briskly again but the Buffs soon gained a foothold. Both defences were solid and chances were hard to come by. The visitors replaced a striker like for like. Just after 60 mins Buffs Mad sent on James McFadden for the fast tiring Jim Baxter - he had worked hard but couldn't break loose of his marker. 3 mins later McFadden cut inside and poked it through to Johnstone who came in at the back post for a tap in. The visiting Manager must've been ready to make the change because on came a midfielder for the AMC as they went 4-1-3-2. But the Buffs were still in the ascendancy and probed at the defence. On 70 minutes lone striker Ally McCoist was rested and on came Denis Law. Soon Right Back Richard Gough surged down the flank again but this time he got free and centred a cross. Law stooped in a tangle of bodies and somehow got a flick on it. In off the foot of the post and it was 2-1, 76 minutes gone.

On 80 minutes Fenerbahce got another FK but this time it hit the wall. "Was the home hoodoo fixed?" thought Buffs Mad. The answer came on the 82nd minute when the visitors' left back Jamie Carragher was downed on the edge of the box. Up he got to take the kick, a floating lofted ball to the back stick - where MC Ucan buried it.

"Not again!" screamed Buffs Mad. Yes again, another home draw.

The Buffs actually moved up the table to 5th but dropped 6 pts behind the leader. Ordinarily Buffs Mad would think its a long shot but doable. However, with no home wins yet in the league the usual hopeful confidence was subsiding. One game at a time now.

[Buffs Mad]

League: In celebration of the Buffs first home win of the Season I offer a pic spam below

The Buffs were getting desperate: today saw the start of 2 matches in a row against the only teams to beat the Buffs in the league and the fact it was at home where the Buffs were yet to win was doubly worrying.

Early in the morning the Troll-Away tanker arrived and Buffs Mad had it pumped directly into the Plunge Pool. Captain Billy McNeill represented the players when he raised concerns about possible dermatological reactions. Buffs Mad pushed him in and announced that anyone not fully submerged would be fined 2 weeks wages.

Afterwards Buffs Park was renamed Abbey Park in a joint ceremony by a Shaman from Kenya, a Voodoo High Priestess from Haiti and Lucky Bob from the White Heather pub down the road.

The Opposition were set out in a 3-4-3 and Buffs Mad dithered before opting for 4-3N-2W-1. The first half was a cagey affair with few chances and while the Buffs had possession, what little threat there was came from the visitors (and their 3 man defence was blocking everything). At HT Buffs Mad gave his team the Hairdryer Treatment and ordered reserve strikers Law and Dalglish to strip for action.

The Buffs emerged from the break in 4-3N-3. The Buffs started quickly and began to dominate. Their shot count was rising rapidly and attacking comments were so frequent that the possession bar was seldom seen. But after 70 minutes there was still no breakthrough. So Buffs Mad went All-in - he shouted at the left and right backs and all the midfielders to motivate them in attack. This time the last 10 minutes went the Buffs way (rather than against which was the recent experience). Central midfielder Gemmill set up right back Richard Gough as he cut inside and played the 1-2 for the first in 84th min and Gemmill also was the supplier from a corner on the 87th which Denis Law nodded home.

Goals: Gough (84), Law (87).

The Buffs remain 6pts behind but move into 4th spot and play 5th away tomorrow.

[Buffs Mad]

*woop woop thats the sound of da police*

...................after investigating strange goings on at Buffs FC - they've just won 2 in a row in the league, so must be something dodgy.

League: Buffs FC travel away to meet 6th placed side to try to maintain their recent progress and avenge the earlier home defeat to the side. Opposition stole a march on the Buffs by setting up 4-5-1V but Buffs Mad had confidence in an all out 4-3N-3 attack. He had to, his job was on the line.

Wit training injuries to 2 key midfielders reserve MC Graeme Souness got only his 4th appearance in the league and he got the Buffs off to a good start with 2 first half goals interrupted only be Buffs usual booking - DC Hutton tried to swap shirts early. A third came on the 57th minute and 2 mins later a further goal completed the scoring. Buffs Mad then shuffled on 3 subs to rest players.

Goals: Souness (27, 45), Bremner (57), McNeill (59).

With the leader losing there will likely be a new leader but the Buffs are expected to finish the day in 4th, no more than 5pts behind.

Champions League: Buffs FC won 1-0 away from home in the CL 1st leg.

The opposition were set up pre-match in 4-1-4-1 so Buffs Mad elected to send the boys out in a 4-4-2 Defensive Counterattacking formation, however, a couple of mins before the end of the preparation phase the opponent changed to 4-5-1V and therefore the Buffs adopted an attacking 4-3N-3.

The Buffs took the lead on 35 mins with low 5* reserve striker Dalglish stealing the limelight from his more illustrious colleagues.
(When Dalglish plays one-off matches he shines but can not be relied on to perform day in day out, except in the CL where he's scored 7 from 5 this season.)

Nothing much of note happened thereafter. Buffs Mad did note that every recorded tackle in the first half was a foul, 6/6, and with Tackling at Normal he was at a loss what to do - FKs have cost us dear this season. So only thing he could do was change from Attacking to Normal. in the second half the Buffs clocked up 10 more tackles for only 1 foul.

Pretty boring scond half really: Law stoated a FK off the bar and McLeish managed to take the ball the length of the pitch only to balloon it over - numpty.

Goals: Dalglish (35).

League: Is the Buffs home hoodoo finally broken as they record their second home win of the season?

Buffs Mad left his charges in 4-3N-3 while he chatted and posted some profiles online of franchise MCs. As the march started the opposition had mirrored the Buffs with same formation. The Buffs dominated possession but God was it boring with no real chances for either side with feeble corners too. After 30 mins Buffs Mad opted for a change but noticed his error in leaving the wrong players in the reserves. The change was made 'tho with Kenny Dalglish making way for AMC/Winger Jimmy Johnstone.

Just after the change Hutton was caught in possession and again, for he second match in a row, took a tug at the opponents jersey. McGregor saved the FK but that booking for Hutton means the stalwart DMC is suspended for the next match with the second placed side. Buffs Mad wailed on the sidelines. The Buffs were pushing hard now and creating chances but the visiting defence were holding firm.

At the start of the second half the Buffs were in control. Passing, probing .....but procrastinating as they didn't seem to have anyone to take responsibility for shooting. So after a rare foray by the visitors DC McNeill gathered the ball and looked up, took it further, looked for the pass, took it even further, looked up and saw things open up before him....big toe meets ball meets net. 1-0 to the Buffs after 56 mins.

Buffs Mad then signalled the change with Souness to come on for Murdoch but had to wait for a break in the play. And Murdoch provided it himself when he nodded home from Johstone's cross. 2-0 and Murdoch seethed as he left the field to an ovation. Four minutes later the Buffs added a third as Law played a 1-2 with Johnstone and cooly finished in the corner. The final action saw the visiting keeper pull off an outstanding save from a Denis Law FK.

3-0 to the Buffs and they move up to 3rd (but still 5 behind). However, the loss of Hutton for the next league match could be a sore one and might induce some panic buying on the Market. O.o

Goals: McNeill (56), Murdoch (61), Law (65).