Largs Thistle legend George Wall writes for the News about football matters local, national and international - including the WoSFL, the weather and the FA Cup third round.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

The Largs game was postponed again on Saturday - with the decision this time coming only 30 minutes before kick off.

I was on my way to the game but got the call. I have no idea what the surface was like, but why was there no inspection earlier if there was any doubt?

It wasn't all bad news though, with the two teams below Largs, Troon and Rob Roy, both failing to win. While all three teams have 15 points, Largs have the best goal difference of them all, and with fewer games played too.

 

The WoSFL result of the day for me on Saturday came in Kilwinning, where Whitletts beat the Buffs 4-3 in the First Division. Vics have endured a miserable first half of the campaign and Saturday's win was only their second of the season - and their first on the road.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Watching the FA Cup highlights on TV over the weekend, it was impossible to notice that three goals in big games were conceded because of teams trying to play it out from the back.

I just don't get it: if you don't have the skill, then just don't do it. It's a question of ambition versus ability.

Another thing I don’t get is not having someone cover posts at corners against you. You see lots of goals lost because of that. I guess Pep won’t be phoning me for any advice though.

All in all though some good games in the FA Cup - I thought Arsenal v Liverpool was exciting and a really open game with Liverpool stealing the victory.

I do feel for Liverpool's 21-year-old left back Owen Beck, though. With injuries at Liverpool, Jurgen Klopp decided to recall Beck from his season-long loan spell at Dundee.

It was reported that he would start against Arsenal in the FA Cup but because he picked up bookings against Bonnyrigg Rose and Inverness in the Scottish League Cup in July he needs to serve a suspension. That must have been a big blow to the boy.

A similar thing happened to me when I went on trial to Aston Villa when I was 18. The plan was for me to play in a reserve game but because Villa never got clearance I couldn’t play. I only got to train with them.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

It was good to see Morton continuing their good form on Saturday with a win at Dundee United - and another hat-trick too, this time by George Oakley.

One player that is making a difference in the Morton team, for me, is left back Lewis Strapp. He was injured a year ago playing against Celtic and was out for around 11 months with no contract.

He fought his way back to fitness, was brought back to Morton on a short term contract and now proving his worth to the club - which shows what you can do when you add determination and hard work to talent.