Lots of well deserved shout outs to the likes of Bogle, Washington, Shinnie etc but a special mention from me to young Maatsen.
What a prospect. Looked every bit as comfortable in midfield as at left back - maybe even more so. Great passing ability, quick, can beat a man - he could have a great career in front of him with a bit of luck. Jumping well ahead of myself here but if we go up, maybe we could borrow him again next year.
And no-one else has mentioned Ben Amos. No chance with the goals but a couple of really good saves and catches in the second half. He's a good, reliable keeper to have behind a defence that was under pressure tonight.
I honestly can't pick a stand out performer again today - one thing you get from a Bowyer said is they will always battle. Even young Maatsen puts himself about a bit. Love it.
I know Fleetwood have been on a good run but I was surprised at how well they played tonight. They out together some excellent passages of play, spreading the ball quickly and incisively. Evans -we all know his background- is a hell of a striker for this level as shown by how he tucked those chances away so superbly.
We looked excellent going forward at times in the first half and thoroughly deserved our lead. Those two minutes were a kick in the nads after how we started but Fleetwood deserved at least a goal from all they clever play. In a way it was nice to see how we managed after conversing a goal - not brilliantly as we let in another pretty much straight from the kick off! However, we slowed the game down after that.
Second half, we put in the hard yards again, although I thought we invited pressure on ourselves a bit too much. Albie did excellently to run into the box and win the penalty. We held on well again after that. Bogle worked very hard and did a job but Chuks is on a different level - imagine if he could manage 90 minutes every game, he'd be banging goals in left, right and centre.
Watson and Pratley showed their experience again - they must be constantly talking to that back line. Brilliant to see Pratley out an arm around Maatsen after he got worked up - proper Captain's work. Loved it when Chuks squared up to Finley after he pushed Maatsen into the advertising hoardings - Finley looked like a little boy in comparison. Don't mess with our Ian!
I wanted to see Maddison come on and bang one in the top corner but it was was probably good for him to get a bit more recovery in.
A nice bit of time off now for the internationals (always nicer to have a break in the back of a win) and hopefully we will see some more back from the injury list upon our return. A nice win in the cup wouldn't go amiss too!
We had to dig in against a very astute and experienced Fleetwood.
Bogle won't score many but he ruffles feathers and softens up the back two. He's Anneke's warm up man.
We struggled with their movment at times. They got round the back of us more then the other teams have combined! Maybe that's us missing Famewo? I don't know.
Overall, a very good win against a team who I think will finish top 6. They have lots of experience and a couple of quality players. We let them have the ball for the majority of the second half and I was a little disappointed with us. We have some great players ourself and as I've said before, we should get better, particularly in midfield with possession.
I thought Purrington was shaky, but their winger was quick which is probably why. Maatsen, Shinnie and Pratley were class, whilst it was probably Watson's best performance for us. Inniss is a monster but defended poorly for first goal. Bogle worked hard but just didn't look like scoring, would have been surprised if he did. Hopefully a goal does him the world of good because he needs it. Definitely doing his bit for the team though.
Defended Washington when we signed him and pleased he's doing well. Easy finish but was in the perfect place for his first, followed up with a decent penalty.
I don't see Levitt offering anything Albie doesn't or could.
They're different players. One's an attacking midfielder and the other one's a deep-lying playmaker. Levitt gets in the side if Pratley and Watson are unavailable, or we fancy knocking it about a bit more
Thought it was a very high quality game for League One. Fleetwood Town played some very good football. We were, just, worth a win though it was close at times and if it had finished a draw we couldn't really have complained. I think the level of experience in the squad is giving us the upper hand. After six wins in a row I'd say we look a good bet for promotion.
I don't see Levitt offering anything Albie doesn't or could.
They're different players. One's an attacking midfielder and the other one's a deep-lying playmaker. Levitt gets in the side if Pratley and Watson are unavailable, or we fancy knocking it about a bit more
But Levitt can't do the defensive job Pratley and Washington can do, Shinnie is our set piece king, and in terms of creative passes, is Levitt any better than Morgan?
Sorry that was a poor performance from the team, to give them 60% possession is a worry. May be we are too easily bullied.
We had 60% of the goals. Only stat that counts.
Watson showed his value. He and others only just getting into their stride.
Ironically it's a player bought before TS took over and who was being ignored in the "where are the goals coming from?" debate, Washington, on schedule for 20 goals.
It was interesting to hear some insights from Jason Pearce on commentary tonight. He knew we were switching to a back 5 way before the rest of us. Assume that its a common Bowyer tactic once they;d brought on the extra striker.
Yeah good game that. Good win against a decent team in the league. Really hope that Bogle scores soon. I like him and he works so hard. Washington done well again and very confident penalty. We're a good team again and don't appear to have any big egos getting in the way. Let's keep the run going. Squad looking strong. Just hope Famewo is not out long. Pearce will be back soon as will Gilbey & Oshie. Wonder if Maddison will get a start on Saturday? Good opportunity to give him a go. Getting over the disappointment of last season and enjoying this. Didn't think I would say that about being back in league one.
An exciting game against a good Fleetwood team . Am really enjoying watching this team especially with so many players injured . Maatsen is going to be some player , terrific attitude for a young loanee.
Could Fleetwoods Evans be worth a bid in January. Hate to be completely predatory but I think Fleetwood are in quite serious financial problems according to their CEO.
Could Fleetwoods Evans be worth a bid in January. Hate to be completely predatory but I think Fleetwood are in quite serious financial problems according to their CEO.
My wife came down when we were two up and said good, you are winning. I replied, it is good as they are the best team we have played so far. Then we were 2-2. I thought their second was a foul but they caught us napping. Still, we worked our way to a hard fought victory.
They were the first team we have played that had quality and a purpose to their play and I wouldn't be surprised if they turn out to be our main challengers. One thing I don't know is their ability to withstand inevitable injuries. I doubt there is any side more able to do that than us and the proof of this is that we have been doing just that.
It was interesting to hear some insights from Jason Pearce on commentary tonight. He knew we were switching to a back 5 way before the rest of us. Assume that its a common Bowyer tactic once they;d brought on the extra striker.
Comments
Piggott scores twice but Coppinger equalises for Doncaster (aged 39 and counting!)
What a prospect. Looked every bit as comfortable in midfield as at left back - maybe even more so. Great passing ability, quick, can beat a man - he could have a great career in front of him with a bit of luck. Jumping well ahead of myself here but if we go up, maybe we could borrow him again next year.
And no-one else has mentioned Ben Amos. No chance with the goals but a couple of really good saves and catches in the second half. He's a good, reliable keeper to have behind a defence that was under pressure tonight.
We looked excellent going forward at times in the first half and thoroughly deserved our lead. Those two minutes were a kick in the nads after how we started but Fleetwood deserved at least a goal from all they clever play. In a way it was nice to see how we managed after conversing a goal - not brilliantly as we let in another pretty much straight from the kick off! However, we slowed the game down after that.
Second half, we put in the hard yards again, although I thought we invited pressure on ourselves a bit too much. Albie did excellently to run into the box and win the penalty. We held on well again after that. Bogle worked very hard and did a job but Chuks is on a different level - imagine if he could manage 90 minutes every game, he'd be banging goals in left, right and centre.
Watson and Pratley showed their experience again - they must be constantly talking to that back line. Brilliant to see Pratley out an arm around Maatsen after he got worked up - proper Captain's work. Loved it when Chuks squared up to Finley after he pushed Maatsen into the advertising hoardings - Finley looked like a little boy in comparison. Don't mess with our Ian!
I wanted to see Maddison come on and bang one in the top corner but it was was probably good for him to get a bit more recovery in.
A nice bit of time off now for the internationals (always nicer to have a break in the back of a win) and hopefully we will see some more back from the injury list upon our return. A nice win in the cup wouldn't go amiss too!
We had to dig in against a very astute and experienced Fleetwood.
Bogle won't score many but he ruffles feathers and softens up the back two.
He's Anneke's warm up man.
We struggled with their movment at times. They got round the back of us more then the other teams have combined!
Maybe that's us missing Famewo? I don't know.
Anyway. Onwards and upwards.
Hope we don't meet this lot in the playoffs.
I thought Purrington was shaky, but their winger was quick which is probably why. Maatsen, Shinnie and Pratley were class, whilst it was probably Watson's best performance for us. Inniss is a monster but defended poorly for first goal. Bogle worked hard but just didn't look like scoring, would have been surprised if he did. Hopefully a goal does him the world of good because he needs it. Definitely doing his bit for the team though.
Defended Washington when we signed him and pleased he's doing well. Easy finish but was in the perfect place for his first, followed up with a decent penalty.
Crazy he has got in the side before Morgan.
In fact, I'll stick my neck out now. I reckon he could well go back to Man Utd in January.
I mean he'll play this weekend anyway.
Man U might not be happy though!
Watson showed his value. He and others only just getting into their stride.
Ironically it's a player bought before TS took over and who was being ignored in the "where are the goals coming from?" debate, Washington, on schedule for 20 goals.
Really pleased for Morgan.
Up the Addicks
They were the first team we have played that had quality and a purpose to their play and I wouldn't be surprised if they turn out to be our main challengers. One thing I don't know is their ability to withstand inevitable injuries. I doubt there is any side more able to do that than us and the proof of this is that we have been doing just that.