Voice of Reason: 19 November

Nov 21 2008

YOU were told in advance. And although Saturday's mauling of Queen's Park was no shock, the sheer beauty was a thing to behold.

Hampden Park witnessed the arrival of champions, of that there can be no doubt. This was football played the way the game was intended.

If we were on the X Factor, Simon Cowell’s eyes would be flashing with pound signs every time we appeared on stage. And do NOT talk to me about an embarrassment of riches. This week’s substitute parade was Ryan Stevenson, Alex Williams and Scott Agnew.

Enough to make the VoR weep with delight. These are good times my friends, very good friends.

DO DO DO DO…BRY-AN PRUNTY! Oh magnificent stuff ladies and gentlemen. Another three goals for the man they once labelled a team player.

This character is now a serious finisher after falling down the leagues from the heady days of Aberdeen and Celtic. The Prunt-a-nator is undeniably this league’s top finisher. And much like the mailman, he’s always going to deliver.

And usually a lot quicker too. Altogether now…do do do do…Bry-an Prunty!

THE world of junior football is shuddering.

Records are tumbling at Troon’s Portland Park where the legendary John Redmond is leading his team on a revival.

Mince when he returned, world beaters now. The latest victory against previously unbeaten Kello was their fourth in five games and tremendous stuff.

Apparently they’re calling him Johnny Redknapp down there, with his midas touch in full flow. And it was a stroke of genius to capture big centre half Johnny Baillie, who’s tearing things up at that level.

Baillie was a quality youth prospect at Hibs but his career looked like being destroyed by illness.

Now the Troon Redknapp has offered him a lifeline and my sources say Baillie looks good enough to go senior again. Best of luck to the lad.

AYR United’s Hall of Fame. Another top night and everyone who packed into the Princess Royal Suite at Ayr Racecourse enjoyed the top banter on offer.

Applause at this stage must go to Andrew Downie, who yet again turned in a power of work to make the event possible. A man who, given what he brings in for the club, more than deserves his due. Top effort.

NICE to see glove king Stuart McIntosh bow out on a high – with another clean sheet.

Tosh was one of Simon Stainrod’s barmy army in the early 90s when he famously saved an injury time penalty against Dundee at Dens Park.

He spent ten seasons at Auchinleck Talbot where he on Sunday, he was rewarded with a testimonial against an SJFA select.

And true to form, Tosh didn’t let the side down.

STALEMATE in the Ladbrokes Betting Challenge. The VoR and Dougie Morton are locked together like two bucking broncos battling for space in the punting arena.

We both came within a goal of tipping Nirvana on Saturday as our 4-0 scorelines fell one short for Chelsea and Ayr.

This week, Morton goes Reading 4, Southampton 1 while I’ll keep you right with Dumbarton 2, Albion 0.