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Philbfctrois

Philbfctrois

Well-known member
Granted a bit later than normal

But I had to quickly drop the little one at home before I went to the pub

I say dropped I literally bowled him out at Brett Lee pace from a moving vehicle

Middle boy stayed with me and had a few games of pool

Anyway

Early start, wasn't that arsed about it until today when I jumped up at day break quicker than a rat up a drainpipe

It's back ....

Boys day today so I had in tow my 3 year old (2nd ever game) 11 and 14 year old boys (experienced campaigners)

First stop Stanley Park in the rain, loved this place growing up on the Gold Coast in the 70s, 80s and 90s, but the old lady looked a bit tired. Even had a full blown row with the jobsworth security bloke in the sports centre for tying to make us walk all the way to the cafe for a slash

Dick head !! we just ignored him and a happy slash it was

On to the match full of confidence after slash gate

I've always liked Appleton, liked him last time and I've always respected him for his comments towards the stains

433 then bit surprised by the team or was it a 4231 not sure but it certainly looked more attractive and attacking than some of the 2 banks of 4 Critch ball

Started brilliant 👏

Really good quick start, fast attacking play and a high press

Front 3 looked great and a well deserved goal, he properly smashed that, looked like Connolly was saying "sign a ** right back" he twatted that into the roof

Maybe could have had another one to two but to be honest they looked OK on the break

Then half time

2 pies and a couple of hotdogs later and it was proper shit it was like they just pushed further up and kept the ball better than us

I honestly don't know how every ball into our box missed everything

We just kept booting it away and they came back at us

Big Marv kept giving it away, to be honest he did it all game and is probably the only reason why he won't play any higher, the Nobber lad at the back had a good game and at least passed it to our players

Midfield struggling second half after being the complete opposite in the first half

Great 3 points in the end, if I was a Reading fan you would be gutted you didn't get a point

The City lad did ok but wasn't motm, Connolly and Bowler probably for us and Hendricks for them who ran the game in the 2nd period

All in all a decent game and a welcome 3 points after a weird pre season

Even got some gossip on SS that I will no doubt share another time
 
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Good summary that Phil. Long day for you.

I took my 4 year old today for his first game and had to sack it off at half time (not a bad thing in the end). Watched the 2nd half at home.

But come on - you cannot leave us hanging with that last sentence!
 
Macseasider said:
Good summary that Phil. Long day for you.

I took my 4 year old today for his first game and had to sack it off at half time (not a bad thing in the end). Watched the 2nd half at home.

But come on - you cannot leave us hanging with that last sentence!
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You need to stick with it Mac leaving early is giving up

It's worth it in the long run

Btw Freddie my 3 year old spent the entire second half whacking me on the head with an empty drinks bottle
 
Philbfctrois said:
Yeah I thought he did well in patches

First half Great, second not so but to be honest we didn't have much of the ball or so it seemed (not seen any stats)
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We didn't have much of the ball, but we probably had our better chances in the second half...

Bowler should have scored
Madine should have scored
Theeeeooo should have scored
and chubby Lavery should have scored (A few less sandwiches required in his picnics I think)
 
Blackpool Are Back! said:
He had a good 1st half but was a passenger 2nd half and shouldnt have been motm.
Bowler was head and shoulders above anyone else on the pitch, despite being double marked.
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He was.

But I saw enough of Fiorini to think he fills a massive missing piece in the jigsaw.

The Canadian lad looked - well theres no nice way to say it - miles off.
 
BFC_BFC_BFC said:
We didn't have much of the ball, but we probably had our better chances in the second half...

Bowler should have scored
Madine should have scored
Theeeeooo should have scored
and chubby Lavery should have scored (A few less sandwiches required in his picnics I think)
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When we first saw Lavery (away at Southport last season) me and Drew nicknamed him Jonny Lager

He's looking worse now
 
SlaveToTheRythm said:
He was.

But I saw enough of Fiorini to think he fills a massive missing piece in the jigsaw.

The Canadian lad looked - well theres no nice way to say it - miles off.
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Yeah he came on at a time we are holding on and didn't seem to m know where he was meant to be playing
 
Philbfctrois said:
I'm just thankful the staff removed the bottle top but seriously

What the fuck is that all about, he ended up wearing most of his drink
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Shit isn't it.

If its fizzy it won't last, plus they just get knocked over.

Don't often buy drinks now because of that, get them from that corner shop pre game.

I would buy if I remember to take some spare bottle tops in lol.... but then I'd be making a deadly weapon, so a bit risky. 🙄
 
Philbfctrois said:
Granted a bit later than normal

But I had to quickly drop the little one at home before I went to the pub

I say dropped I literally bowled him out at Brett Lee pace from a moving vehicle

Middle boy stayed with me and had a few games of pool

Anyway

Early start, wasn't that arsed about it until today when I jumped up at day break quicker than a rat up a drainpipe

It's back ....

Boys day today so I had in tow my 3 year old (2nd ever game) 11 and 14 year old boys (experienced campaigners)

First stop Stanley Park in the rain, loved this place growing up on the Gold Coast in the 70s, 80s and 90s, but the old lady looked a bit tired. Even had a full blown row with the jobsworth security bloke in the sports centre for tying to make us walk all the way to the cafe for a slash

Dick head !! we just ignored him and a happy slash it was

On to the match full of confidence after slash gate

I've always liked Appleton, liked him last time and I've always respected him for his comments towards the stains

433 then bit surprised by the team or was it a 4231 not sure but it certainly looked more attractive and attacking than some of the 2 banks of 4 Critch ball

Started brilliant 👏

Really good quick start, fast attacking play and a high press

Front 3 looked great and a well deserved goal, he properly smashed that, looked like Connolly was saying "sign a ** right back" he twatted that into the roof

Maybe could have had another one to two but to be honest they looked OK on the break

Then half time

2 pies and a couple of hotdogs later and it was proper shit it was like they just pushed further up and kept the ball better than us

I honestly don't know how every ball into our box missed everything

We just kept booting it away and they came back at us

Big Marv kept giving it away, to be honest he did it all game and is probably the only reason why he won't play any higher, the Nobber lad at the back had a good game and at least passed it to our players

Midfield struggling second half after being the complete opposite in the first half

Great 3 points in the end, if I was a Reading fan you would be gutted you didn't get a point

The City lad did ok but wasn't motm, Connolly and Bowler probably for us and Hendricks for them who ran the game in the 2nd period

All in all a decent game and a welcome 3 points after a weird pre season

Even got some gossip on SS that I will no doubt share another time Thought first half Fiorini did well tbf
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Thought Fiorini did well tbf first half especially.
A win on the board is all we’re arsed about end of. Atmosphere was shite 🥴
 
Philbfctrois said:
Yeah he came on at a time we are holding on and didn't seem to m know where he was meant to be playing
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He's not really trained with the squad... Seemed to keep drifting over to the right and getting in Bowler's way really..

I'm not sure what happened when Bowler squared it to him in front of an open net..... I must have missed it for a split second, because it felt like an absolute sitter. Whether the ball went behind him I'm not sure
 
BFC_BFC_BFC said:
He's not really trained with the squad... Seemed to keep drifting over to the right and getting in Bowler's way really..

I'm not sure what happened when Bowler squared it to him in front of an open net..... I must have missed it for a split second, because it felt like an absolute sitter. Whether the ball went behind him I'm not sure
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Looked like he didn't read it or the ball just wasn't quite right.

Either way can't make any judgements off a small stint when he's just arrived.

Think he could be useful after bedding in.
 
BFC_BFC_BFC said:
He's not really trained with the squad... Seemed to keep drifting over to the right and getting in Bowler's way really..

I'm not sure what happened when Bowler squared it to him in front of an open net..... I must have missed it for a split second, because it felt like an absolute sitter. Whether the ball went behind him I'm not sure
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It looked like he just fell over but to be honest I was at the other end of the ground and probably had a bit of concussion at the time

I do recall when he came on all the players looked a bit confused on what he was meant to be doing or where he was meant to be playing
 
Glad you made the trip, the gate was 10,831 but it looked less than that to me, absent ST holders perhaps?

Love Connolly as a DM but not as a RB cover, but ironically he wouldn't have been in the position to score if he wasn't RB today. He got caught out by the ball over the top (as he often does at RB imo), but otherwise he was my mom. He just gets better and better.

Overall I was very pleased with the first half, very little hoofball compared to last season.

2nd half was disappointing because we allowed them too much space, but I agree they kept the ball far better, maybe not too surprising with Jeff Hendrick being recruited on a free. Ince noticed how much time and space Fiorini had in the 1st half, and they managed to press him more in the 2nd. They had a lot of possession but created relatively little. We'd have been complaining about the final ball if it was us. Just a quick mention for Thompson, his back headed clearance from under his own cross bar was brilliant, and a goal saving header as well.

Really hope we keep Bowler, those dribbling skills were excellent and surely worth more than whatever Rovers are offering? He's still our main threat

I wouldn't hold it against young Freddie, the 2nd half was hard to watch at times. I thought the ref gave them everything in the 2nd half.

Looking forward to our trip to Stoke, not been there since 93.
 
Philbfctrois said:
You need to stick with it Mac leaving early is giving up

It's worth it in the long run

Btw Freddie my 3 year old spent the entire second half whacking me on the head with an empty drinks bottle
Click to expand...
To be honest Charlie had been to a kids party all morning with his mum at one of those hellish play centres. He got in the car at 2.15 and was drenched with sweat from causing chaos at the party. Half an hour in he was lying on me half asleep and asked if we could go home. Normally I'd have said no but he was genuinely knackered. Will try him again soon.
 
Dave62 said:
Glad you made the trip, the gate was 10,831 but it looked less than that to me, absent ST holders perhaps?

Love Connolly as a DM but not as a RB cover, but ironically he wouldn't have been in the position to score if he wasn't RB today. He got caught out by the ball over the top (as he often does at RB imo), but otherwise he was my mom. He just gets better and better.

Overall I was very pleased with the first half, very little hoofball compared to last season.

2nd half was disappointing because we allowed them too much space, but I agree they kept the ball far better, maybe not too surprising with Jeff Hendrick being recruited on a free. Ince noticed how much time and space Fiorini had in the 1st half, and they managed to press him more in the 2nd. They had a lot of possession but created relatively little. We'd have been complaining about the final ball if it was us. Just a quick mention for Thompson, his back headed clearance from under his own cross bar was brilliant, and a goal saving header as well.

Really hope we keep Bowler, those dribbling skills were excellent and surely worth more than whatever Rovers are offering? He's still our main threat

I wouldn't hold it against young Freddie, the 2nd half was hard to watch at times. I thought the ref gave them everything in the 2nd half.

Looking forward to our trip to Stoke, not been there since 93.
Click to expand...

Connoly and Firoini first half would be a good pairing. Connoly doing the dirty stuff and Fiorini pinging it about.

Im gonna back pedal a bit on Fiorinni as it's early doors but he definitely went missing second half when Reading pressed. Playing away, the home team are going to press so I want to see if he can find space to play.
 
SlaveToTheRythm said:
Connoly and Firoini first half would be a good pairing. Connoly doing the dirty stuff and Fiorini pinging it about.

Im gonna back pedal a bit on Fiorinni as it's early doors but he definitely went missing second half when Reading pressed. Playing away, the home team are going to press so I want to see if he can find space to play.
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Yep probably a bit lightweight in midfield shame we didn't get Brannagan

It was good that Appleton recognised if though

Dougall came on and the first thing he did was foul someone
 
Looked like the Liverpool style 433 that Critchley first tried but couldn't get to work. I think the system worked well with this team. We looked a lot more organised, especially in the first 25 minutes. The defence was good and Fiorini makes a huge difference in midfield. Played some nice football but also looked a bit flat at times. Can see Appleton's coaching has made a difference, fullbacks overlapping and centre halfs looked comfortable. I like Thompson and thought Yates worked hard today tracking back. We looked a bit flat at times but I'm really pleased with the performance overall.
 
Philbfctrois said:
Yep probably a bit lightweight in midfield shame we didn't get Brannagan

It was good that Appleton recognised if though

Dougall came on and the first thing he did was foul someone
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He stopped a potential attack though during a period where we was on the back foot.
 
Dave62 said:
Glad you made the trip, the gate was 10,831 but it looked less than that to me, absent ST holders perhaps?

Love Connolly as a DM but not as a RB cover, but ironically he wouldn't have been in the position to score if he wasn't RB today. He got caught out by the ball over the top (as he often does at RB imo), but otherwise he was my mom. He just gets better and better.

Overall I was very pleased with the first half, very little hoofball compared to last season.

2nd half was disappointing because we allowed them too much space, but I agree they kept the ball far better, maybe not too surprising with Jeff Hendrick being recruited on a free. Ince noticed how much time and space Fiorini had in the 1st half, and they managed to press him more in the 2nd. They had a lot of possession but created relatively little. We'd have been complaining about the final ball if it was us. Just a quick mention for Thompson, his back headed clearance from under his own cross bar was brilliant, and a goal saving header as well.

Really hope we keep Bowler, those dribbling skills were excellent and surely worth more than whatever Rovers are offering? He's still our main threat

I wouldn't hold it against young Freddie, the 2nd half was hard to watch at times. I thought the ref gave them everything in the 2nd half.

Looking forward to our trip to Stoke, not been there since 93.
Click to expand...
Bowler was unplayable today. Worth a lot more than the 3 million bids that's been rumoured IMO. We need to go all out to get him to sign. We won't be able to replace his talent and the difference he makes. I think he's only going to get better as well.
 
New left back did a good job, Fiorini started well, Corbeanu didn't seem to know where he was meant to be playing.
Yates and Lavery didn't offer much, Madine wasn't great but we would've struggled without him.
Hamilton can be good occasionally but today he was a liability.
Ekpiteta played like he had blinkers on.
Virtue and Carey didn't really impose themselves.
Bowler, Connelly and Williams did their jobs well.
Grimshaw didn't have much to do.
We need 3 or 4 players of better quality to comfortably stay up.
I like the way Appleton is trying to play but not sure he has the players to do it particularly in the front 3.
 
I thought Virtue was decent first half. Carey a bit less so. We were blowing second half and they took a lot of ground. Maybe the impact of one less in midfield? The new lad looked totally out of place in the middle. Isn't he a right winger? Whatever, a win's a win and but for our achilles heel of finishing good chances we could have been two or three up. Stoke will be tough. Can't wait.
 
On the new players.

Thought Fiorini was great 1st half, but got brushed off it a couple of times easily which better teams will punish.

Williams was excellent, cool and dominant.

Liked Thompson, upgrade on Garbutt without doubt so that’s decent.

Think the guy on loan from Wolves was wearing Heeley’s but hopefully he’ll get better once he wears football boots.

Made up Connolly got the goal, model pro, always gives everything.

I would like us to get a dominating midfielder, tall and physical and a mobile centre forward to add into the mix now and keep Bowler but I get that 3 million is a lot given his contract. He was unplayable for parts yesterday and if he was to go it would take away so much of our attacking threat, to the point of me thinking is that worth 3 million.

Sampled the new North Stand ‘fan zone’ and thought it was excellent bar for it pissing down. Maximising income for the Club too. Is that for us every game or just when away fans have half the East?

On that, Reading are a dogshit club in my eyes, a few of their fans waving notes on the way out, which I find so strange bearing in mind they looked like they dressed in Matalan or Primark. Shit following 1st game and a shit virtue signalling kit.
 
Adams Kebab said:
On the new players.

Thought Fiorini was great 1st half, but got brushed off it a couple of times easily which better teams will punish.

Williams was excellent, cool and dominant.

Liked Thompson, upgrade on Garbutt without doubt so that’s decent.

Think the guy on loan from Wolves was wearing Heeley’s but hopefully he’ll get better once he wears football boots.

Made up Connolly got the goal, model pro, always gives everything.

I would like us to get a dominating midfielder, tall and physical and a mobile centre forward to add into the mix now and keep Bowler but I get that 3 million is a lot given his contract. He was unplayable for parts yesterday and if he was to go it would take away so much of our attacking threat, to the point of me thinking is that worth 3 million.

Sampled the new North Stand ‘fan zone’ and thought it was excellent bar for it pissing down. Maximising income for the Club too. Is that for us every game or just when away fans have half the East?

On that, Reading are a dogshit club in my eyes, a few of their fans waving notes on the way out, which I find so strange bearing in mind they looked like they dressed in Matalan or Primark. Shit following 1st game and a shit virtue signalling kit.
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If aways have the whole east ya would think they would have that area, and reading have got to be the worst club ever.
 
Adams Kebab said:
On the new players.

Thought Fiorini was great 1st half, but got brushed off it a couple of times easily which better teams will punish.

Williams was excellent, cool and dominant.

Liked Thompson, upgrade on Garbutt without doubt so that’s decent.

Think the guy on loan from Wolves was wearing Heeley’s but hopefully he’ll get better once he wears football boots.

Made up Connolly got the goal, model pro, always gives everything.

I would like us to get a dominating midfielder, tall and physical and a mobile centre forward to add into the mix now and keep Bowler but I get that 3 million is a lot given his contract. He was unplayable for parts yesterday and if he was to go it would take away so much of our attacking threat, to the point of me thinking is that worth 3 million.

Sampled the new North Stand ‘fan zone’ and thought it was excellent bar for it pissing down. Maximising income for the Club too. Is that for us every game or just when away fans have half the East?

On that, Reading are a dogshit club in my eyes, a few of their fans waving notes on the way out, which I find so strange bearing in mind they looked like they dressed in Matalan or Primark. Shit following 1st game and a shit virtue signalling kit.
Click to expand...
Need to get Connolly in the centre of midfield
 
I think I can trump Phil's day. Due to the announcement of the rail strike, which didn't occur on Northern, I had booked the national Express Coach from Bradford, leaving at 08.15 to Blackpool arriving 10.30. I had decided to walk the 3miles to Bradford Interchange if the weather was OK estimated time on Google maps 1 hour 5 minutes. Now at my age, I thought I'd better leave a bit extra time so set off at 06.15 arriving at the Interchange at 07.05. I must admit it was a route march pace. after about half a mile the rain started and got heavier so I was completely soaked when I arrived at the Interchange. Time for a coffee and a bacon butty. I noted that the bus came along central drive to the bus station opposite the Castle Pub, due to the closure of the seaside way. A note was made as my return journey left at 17.15.

So it was a 5 star Breakfast in the Continental Cafe on Topping Street, well worth the money, and then a short walk to the Brew Room for a quick pint. Two or three more were enjoyed in the Cask & Tap and then a leisurely walk to the game.

I met my brother in law and his son and grandson at the ground, it was the grandson's first ever game and was nearly his last when he said man Utd were the best team, and i was old and ugly!!! Probably true though 😵‍💫

I enjoyed the game and what a fantastic goal it was by Connolly, following on from an excellent save by their keeper, Lumley, it appeared early on that it was going to be a massacre , but ended up rather 50/50, with both Lumley and Grimshaw making excellent saves.

Now, I've always classed David Webb as one of the better refs, but, IMHO he had a rather bizarre match, yesterday. An example being after a tackle that nearly took our man's head off, studs up and high, no card was given, and it seemed to be that Reading received the majority of free kicks for.so called, unfair tackles, but that's enough about the man in Black.

After 7 minutes of extra time, yes he played an extra two on the mandatory five, it was a case of escaping from a slow moving crowd both inside and outside the ground for a dash along Central Drive to get my bus home. I arrived after a short run from the King Edward to the castle where the driver was closing the luggage compartment ready for departure. I just made it. Believe me rushing and running when you've already done over 15000 steps is no fun at my age.

A good result with some good performances and some not so good, but, it was first outing and 3 points to start with i will take.

FOOT NOTE: I have two very large blisters on my feet, which are rather uncomfortable this morning. UTMP.
 
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Philbfctrois said:
Granted a bit later than normal

But I had to quickly drop the little one at home before I went to the pub

I say dropped I literally bowled him out at Brett Lee pace from a moving vehicle

Middle boy stayed with me and had a few games of pool

Anyway

Early start, wasn't that arsed about it until today when I jumped up at day break quicker than a rat up a drainpipe

It's back ....

Boys day today so I had in tow my 3 year old (2nd ever game) 11 and 14 year old boys (experienced campaigners)

First stop Stanley Park in the rain, loved this place growing up on the Gold Coast in the 70s, 80s and 90s, but the old lady looked a bit tired. Even had a full blown row with the jobsworth security bloke in the sports centre for tying to make us walk all the way to the cafe for a slash

Dick head !! we just ignored him and a happy slash it was

On to the match full of confidence after slash gate

I've always liked Appleton, liked him last time and I've always respected him for his comments towards the stains

433 then bit surprised by the team or was it a 4231 not sure but it certainly looked more attractive and attacking than some of the 2 banks of 4 Critch ball

Started brilliant 👏

Really good quick start, fast attacking play and a high press

Front 3 looked great and a well deserved goal, he properly smashed that, looked like Connolly was saying "sign a ** right back" he twatted that into the roof

Maybe could have had another one to two but to be honest they looked OK on the break

Then half time

2 pies and a couple of hotdogs later and it was proper shit it was like they just pushed further up and kept the ball better than us

I honestly don't know how every ball into our box missed everything

We just kept booting it away and they came back at us

Big Marv kept giving it away, to be honest he did it all game and is probably the only reason why he won't play any higher, the Nobber lad at the back had a good game and at least passed it to our players

Midfield struggling second half after being the complete opposite in the first half

Great 3 points in the end, if I was a Reading fan you would be gutted you didn't get a point

The City lad did ok but wasn't motm, Connolly and Bowler probably for us and Hendricks for them who ran the game in the 2nd period

All in all a decent game and a welcome 3 points after a weird pre season

Even got some gossip on SS that I will no doubt share another time
Click to expand...
Fair enough analysis!
 
Philbfctrois said:
Need to get Connolly in the centre of midfield
Click to expand...
Yeh that will hopefully be the plan.

Then I think we’ve got him, Fiorini, Carey and hopefully a new midfielder competing for the 3 starting slots. Would like to throw Stewart into that mix too for his usual 8-10 matches a season. Virtue did alright though to be fair and Dougall. We need lots of options in there though and it's already better than last season,
 
These Bowler should have scored comments. At the game I wasn't sure if he should have or not. Seen it back on the highlights and if he'd tried to tuck it just a bit more inside the post then the keeper would have saved it. He was only a fingertip away from getting to it anyway. If he got a touch to it, we'd be saying great save so think it's a bit harsh to say he should have scored.
 
BruceBFC said:
Bowler was unplayable today. Worth a lot more than the 3 million bids that's been rumoured IMO. We need to go all out to get him to sign. We won't be able to replace his talent and the difference he makes. I think he's only going to get better as well.
Click to expand...
Second half, watching from the West, I saw Bowler on the far side appear to go into a ruck with three of theirs and emerge out the other side with ball still at feet. I don't know how he does it.
 
20togo said:
These Bowler should have scored comments. At the game I wasn't sure if he should have or not. Seen it back on the highlights and if he'd tried to tuck it just a bit more inside the post then the keeper would have saved it. He was only a fingertip away from getting to it anyway. If he got a touch to it, we'd be saying great save so think it's a bit harsh to say he should have scored.
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Are they on about the one that hit the post, if so it's a shite shout as he did brilliantly to make the chance and was only a couple of millimetres from bending it in
 
Can't blame Bowler for hitting the post and although a pass to Yates, I think, and it's 2-0. But nobody was ever going to pass there.
 
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