O4tonygreen
Well-known member
A weird game for me yesterday. I don't know if others have days like this, but I seemed to be in a bad mood, and had a downer on the team right from the off, and was moaning for fun. I don't know if its because I knew that it was, to me, the most important game of the season so far, or that I just got out of bed the wrong side, but I was pessimistic from the start. Having watched the past few games I couldn't see where the next goal was coming from, and I was bemoaning Critch and his tactics, and the ever so cautious approach. I was also moaning at James, Dougall & Wintle in particular noting that there first move is always to look backwards and sideways. "We need to win this and have a right good go, rather than do the cautious approach" was my message to my kids.
Anyway onto the game. I thought we started well, and it was nice to see an end to end feel for the first 20 mins. I thought Madine (who I have been critical of for the past few weeks) was having one of his best games for us, and I was liking the 4-4-2 shape. However they scored a great goal (Dembele looked a bit of a player didn't he?), but we kept on going then got a deserved equaliser. But then my moaning returned as we seemed to go back to the cautious approach. I was hoping that Critch would have a go at them at half-time, but they came out in the second half and we were a bit ploddy . I went into full-on moan when he made the subs. I agreed with Yates for Madine, but couldn't understand taking a striker off for a midfielder. "Bloody typical, were are playing 3rd bottom at home in a six pointer, and we take a striker off for a midfielder" I spluttered.
Anyway, how wrong am I and how fickle am I. 20 mins later, Euphoria and Critchley is a mastermind.
Now, the morning after, my calmer observations......
The shape was much better. 4-4-2 to me is a must, especially at home. We just looked better. I would still like to see if Lavery and Yates can work together, but appreciate that Madine needs to play against the more physical teams
For the first time, we actually got to the by-line and put some crosses in. So many times this year Anderson and Bowler turn back inside rather than go to the line. The equaliser shows how dangerous it is when we get to the line. I'd also like to see Keshi and Bowler swap wings occasionally.
Another player I have been critical of, mainly for his lack of attacking prowess is Reese James, but I thought he had hos best game for us yesterday. The pass to Anderson just before the equaliser was exquisite, and he put in several really good quality crosses in the 2nd half. Jordan Gabriel looked a lot more dangerous on the other side too.
Ekpiteta and Husband are forming a really good partnership at the back . Big Marv gets better every week, and is my player of the season so far. Dougall and Wintle are a good base in the midfield, but I think that sometimes we should consider a bit more attacking options in there. Carey looks great in flashes and can be used as an impact sub until he grows into an even better player who can control a game over 90 mins.
I was so chuffed for Yates that he got his goal. We will need him and his goals this season. As mentioned above, get the ball into the box and he will score.
Well done Critchley. Brave substitutions because people like fickle old me would have probably slated you if we had not won, but that's why you are manager, and I am a sad old git in front of a keyboard.
Well done to the crowd. Very vocal today, even when things weren't going well.
Bid Boo to Peterboro and their blatant time wasting with players going down every 5 mins and breaking up the momentum.
Finally well done to the pies...much better
I am now in a dilemna, My miserable approach and moaning won us the 3 points today. Do I continue this approach, or try to enjoy things?
Up the Pool
Anyway onto the game. I thought we started well, and it was nice to see an end to end feel for the first 20 mins. I thought Madine (who I have been critical of for the past few weeks) was having one of his best games for us, and I was liking the 4-4-2 shape. However they scored a great goal (Dembele looked a bit of a player didn't he?), but we kept on going then got a deserved equaliser. But then my moaning returned as we seemed to go back to the cautious approach. I was hoping that Critch would have a go at them at half-time, but they came out in the second half and we were a bit ploddy . I went into full-on moan when he made the subs. I agreed with Yates for Madine, but couldn't understand taking a striker off for a midfielder. "Bloody typical, were are playing 3rd bottom at home in a six pointer, and we take a striker off for a midfielder" I spluttered.
Anyway, how wrong am I and how fickle am I. 20 mins later, Euphoria and Critchley is a mastermind.
Now, the morning after, my calmer observations......
The shape was much better. 4-4-2 to me is a must, especially at home. We just looked better. I would still like to see if Lavery and Yates can work together, but appreciate that Madine needs to play against the more physical teams
For the first time, we actually got to the by-line and put some crosses in. So many times this year Anderson and Bowler turn back inside rather than go to the line. The equaliser shows how dangerous it is when we get to the line. I'd also like to see Keshi and Bowler swap wings occasionally.
Another player I have been critical of, mainly for his lack of attacking prowess is Reese James, but I thought he had hos best game for us yesterday. The pass to Anderson just before the equaliser was exquisite, and he put in several really good quality crosses in the 2nd half. Jordan Gabriel looked a lot more dangerous on the other side too.
Ekpiteta and Husband are forming a really good partnership at the back . Big Marv gets better every week, and is my player of the season so far. Dougall and Wintle are a good base in the midfield, but I think that sometimes we should consider a bit more attacking options in there. Carey looks great in flashes and can be used as an impact sub until he grows into an even better player who can control a game over 90 mins.
I was so chuffed for Yates that he got his goal. We will need him and his goals this season. As mentioned above, get the ball into the box and he will score.
Well done Critchley. Brave substitutions because people like fickle old me would have probably slated you if we had not won, but that's why you are manager, and I am a sad old git in front of a keyboard.
Well done to the crowd. Very vocal today, even when things weren't going well.
Bid Boo to Peterboro and their blatant time wasting with players going down every 5 mins and breaking up the momentum.
Finally well done to the pies...much better
I am now in a dilemna, My miserable approach and moaning won us the 3 points today. Do I continue this approach, or try to enjoy things?
Up the Pool
keep up the good work 
