40 games in and I still can’t get excited about this team. They’re more organised and don’t seem to be as bad as defensively as they were under Bowyer, but it’s excruciating to watch even when we win, or in this case, don’t get beaten.
For want of a better analogy, I think the chance of getting in the play offs is like a doctor keeping a sick patient alive. We keep getting medication as a result of the other teams in and around us slipping up. Granted, we’re unbeaten over a run of games, but it’s very different to two years ago, the year before that and the run to the final in 98.
Today, I thought our attack was shown up to be lacking talent and skill. I just never thought we looked like scoring, even when they tired toward the end. For me, personally, let’s just put the two pillow of the head of the patient and bring this season to a peaceful end.
A positive was corners played deep which Inniss won. It resulted in our first against Sunderland, and despite knowing what was coming, Ipswich couldn't prevent him winning the ball. That looks a very dangerous set piece that could be very helpful to us in the coming games.
I didn't find the game boring, as it was fairly end to end, and Ipswich in particular were good on the counterattack but there was a distinct lack of quality from both teams with the final ball. I'd still rather that than pissing about passing the ball across the back four at every available opportunity, particularly given that we were constrained by the lack of forward options, so it was always going to be tricky. It's not the worst 0-0 I've seen by a long chalk, but wasn't the greatest, and I think the draw was the fair result.
I'd have trouble naming a man of the match today - Gilbey was impressive first half but tired in the second, Inniss was a nuisance in their area and solid without being imposing in ours, Matthews made some important interceptions and good forward runs but also got caught horribly out of position a few times, and Pearce and Purrington didn't really do anything to set my heart racing in a good or bad way (although Ben did hold one of their defence off well to get a cross in in the 2nd half). Disappointed we didn't bring on more subs, especially given we're playing on Tuesday, as I think some fresh legs would've helped towards the end. Shinnie on for Gilbey would've been the obvious one, and while bringing on Schwartz would've been a risk formation-wise, having him in the area for Inniss' knockdown from corners might've got the best out of both him and those passages of play.
For a 0-0 it was quite a good game to watch. Liked Brownie saying he never had any trouble playing into the sun. Try playing at 12.30pm on a brilliant sunny day in April mate. Nothing much on the bench for Nigel to use so we had to do it with what was on the pitch which didn't cut it today. Obviously our Danish option is not in favour with the manager.
A dreary game in which we were slightly the better side, without really deserving to win
While Bowyer made far too many changes in personnel and tactics, Adkins to me is going too far in the other direction, and as a result we're becoming predictable. The same formation 3 games running with no changes of shape to give the opposition something to think about. EVERY corner aimed at Inniss at the far post.
I'm puzzled by the lack of subs too. It's not just about fresh tactics, it's also to give fresh legs and preserving players for Tuesday. Gilbey definitely faded, and how long can Stockley keep playing full 90s as a battering ram lone striker before he pulls something?
I wasn't happy with the bench before the match anyway, a striker that he clearly doesn't rate, 2 non pacey midfielders and 3 defenders - why do we need 2 centre backs and a RB on the bench? How many times do teams EVER bring on 3 defenders as subs, as opposed to changing 3 midfielders and attackers? Baffled why Morgan wasn't on the bench or someone from the U23s, as we had no pace and energy on the bench at all.
Everything today was a bit mediocre really. The ref was rubbish, and even the camerawork wasn't as good as it normally is.
40 games in and I still can’t get excited about this team. They’re more organised and don’t seem to be as bad as defensively as they were under Bowyer, but it’s excruciating to watch even when we win, or in this case, don’t get beaten.
For want of a better analogy, I think the chance of getting in the play offs is like a doctor keeping a sick patient alive. We keep getting medication as a result of the other teams in and around us slipping up. Granted, we’re unbeaten over a run of games, but it’s very different to two years ago, the year before that and the run to the final in 98.
Today, I thought our attack was shown up to be lacking talent and skill. I just never thought we looked like scoring, even when they tired toward the end. For me, personally, let’s just put the two pillow of the head of the patient and bring this season to a peaceful end.
Yeah, but what did you expect? This was a team just relegated, losing several better players and shorthanded because of the transfer embargo, Under the Shysters, we would have been in administration at the end of September.
Just about everybody else in the division had prepared for the wage cap - and assembled their squads beforehand.
Along comes Thomas our saviour.
There was some money now to spend ..... but there's a wage cap. We were trying to play catch up. The better players available had already been snapped up by other clubs - and from the best of the rest, including Bogle and Maddison, we had just 3 weeks to put a squad together.
We had a winning run, but then lost both our 1st choice centre backs for a long period ..... and the wheels started to come off. Bowyer, feeling the pressure, appeared close to breaking point and blamed everybody but himself.
In January some players left and some came in ..... but results were just more of the same. Bowyer opted for the greener pastures of Birmingham a month ago - and in came 'Appy Adkins.
The first green shoots of Spring are now apparent. But it's all about trying to make the best of a bad job. It's the story of our season.
Lest we forget ..... there's been Covid. New players haven't been able to socially integrate and the bonds of friendship haven't had the same chance to form, as in a normal season.
Despite everything, raised hopes and frustrations, player shortcomings ..... guess what, we're a ragbag Third Division side and often look it. But we're 7th in the table, game in hand ...... and the playoff are in reach, if we take the chance.
At the beginning of the season, most of us would have been well happy to be where we are right now. Warts and all.
40 games in and I still can’t get excited about this team. They’re more organised and don’t seem to be as bad as defensively as they were under Bowyer, but it’s excruciating to watch even when we win, or in this case, don’t get beaten.
For want of a better analogy, I think the chance of getting in the play offs is like a doctor keeping a sick patient alive. We keep getting medication as a result of the other teams in and around us slipping up. Granted, we’re unbeaten over a run of games, but it’s very different to two years ago, the year before that and the run to the final in 98.
Today, I thought our attack was shown up to be lacking talent and skill. I just never thought we looked like scoring, even when they tired toward the end. For me, personally, let’s just put the two pillow of the head of the patient and bring this season to a peaceful end.
So we should ignore the real chance of going up.
I’m amazed it is a real chance to be honest. I’ve never known a season like this. The football has been for the most part, mediocre, and yet here we are, still with a chance of getting in the play offs.
As I said, for want of a better analogy I just think this season needs to end. Just my personal opinion, based on the quality, or lack of, on the pitch.
Perhaps it’s as a result of the last year taking its toll on me. I just can’t get excited about any of it, regardless of being a point off 6th
I thought there were four moments. DJ's header which was a goal if it went either side of their keeper, Stockley hitting the ball at the keeper when wide of him its a goal. JFC's shot which was very close and had the keeper beaten and from a corner the defender just getting there before Stockley where centimetres prevented a certain goal. I don't think I would include Stockley's first half chance as the angle wasn't great or JFC's shot from the middle of the area. On another day we score one of those and we say we we dug out a result and are all doing cartwheels. We are on a great run of wins and the odd draw.
It isn't champagne football, but we are digging out the results and not getting beat at the business end of the season.
No panic here yet. Still need to get to 75 points. 4 more wins. Pompey losing today helps a lot as our game in hand takes us above them into 6th. Not really concerned about Oxford, Accrington or Ipswich anymore. It's in our hands......just needs us to win 4 more games.
Getting sick of your constant rose- tinted positivity and optimism Golfy.
I thought there were four moments. DJ's header which was a goal if it went either side of their keeper, Stockley hitting the ball at the keeper when wide of him its a goal. JFC's shot which was very close and had the keeper beaten and from a corner the defender just getting there before Stockley where centimetres prevented a certain goal. I don't think I would include Stockley's first half chance as the angle wasn't great or JFC's shot from the middle of the area. On another day we score one of those and we say we we dug out a result and are all doing cartwheels. We are on a great run of wins and the odd draw.
It isn't champagne football, but we are digging out the results and not getting beat at the business end of the season.
You forgot to include from the edge of the box Pratley's rocket, headed directly for the corner flag, before it hit a defender and Bagatelled around the goal area. That could have gone anywhere. And it did. Everywhere.
40 games in and I still can’t get excited about this team. They’re more organised and don’t seem to be as bad as defensively as they were under Bowyer, but it’s excruciating to watch even when we win, or in this case, don’t get beaten.
For want of a better analogy, I think the chance of getting in the play offs is like a doctor keeping a sick patient alive. We keep getting medication as a result of the other teams in and around us slipping up. Granted, we’re unbeaten over a run of games, but it’s very different to two years ago, the year before that and the run to the final in 98.
Today, I thought our attack was shown up to be lacking talent and skill. I just never thought we looked like scoring, even when they tired toward the end. For me, personally, let’s just put the two pillow of the head of the patient and bring this season to a peaceful end.
Absolutely spot on. The sooner this season finishes the better. Roll on next season with a better squad and let's go again.
The point is, and we may choose different moments, but we have won games with less. Apart from chance at the very beginning, I couldn't see Ipswich scoring.
40 games in and I still can’t get excited about this team. They’re more organised and don’t seem to be as bad as defensively as they were under Bowyer, but it’s excruciating to watch even when we win, or in this case, don’t get beaten.
For want of a better analogy, I think the chance of getting in the play offs is like a doctor keeping a sick patient alive. We keep getting medication as a result of the other teams in and around us slipping up. Granted, we’re unbeaten over a run of games, but it’s very different to two years ago, the year before that and the run to the final in 98.
Today, I thought our attack was shown up to be lacking talent and skill. I just never thought we looked like scoring, even when they tired toward the end. For me, personally, let’s just put the two pillow of the head of the patient and bring this season to a peaceful end.
Absolutely spot on. The sooner this season finishes the better. Roll on next season with a better squad and let's go again.
But this season, we've very much still got a decent chance of getting in the playoffs. If we do, we could even be promoted.
Knowing full well we've a rebuilding job in the close season whatever the division, if we take the opportunity ....... surely, rather thanrebuild for another season in the Third Division, it's better to rebuild in the Championship?
40 games in and I still can’t get excited about this team. They’re more organised and don’t seem to be as bad as defensively as they were under Bowyer, but it’s excruciating to watch even when we win, or in this case, don’t get beaten.
For want of a better analogy, I think the chance of getting in the play offs is like a doctor keeping a sick patient alive. We keep getting medication as a result of the other teams in and around us slipping up. Granted, we’re unbeaten over a run of games, but it’s very different to two years ago, the year before that and the run to the final in 98.
Today, I thought our attack was shown up to be lacking talent and skill. I just never thought we looked like scoring, even when they tired toward the end. For me, personally, let’s just put the two pillow of the head of the patient and bring this season to a peaceful end.
Absolutely spot on. The sooner this season finishes the better. Roll on next season with a better squad and let's go again.
But this season, we've very much still got a decent chance of getting in the playoffs. If we do, we could even be promoted.
Knowing full well we've a rebuilding job in the close season whatever the division, if we take the opportunity ....... surely, rather thanrebuild for another season in the Third Division, it's better to rebuild in the Championship?
I dunno, just my opinion.
I agree with you 100 % my friend.
I just don't think we are good enough this season. I really want to be wrong as I hate being in this division.
Instantly forgettable game......poor from both sides, frustrating to watch and not helped by some poor refereeing. Getting more and more disappointed with Millar.
Washington was winning us games like this with some vital goals. Before that, Aneke was starting/coming off the bench to bag the goals in our narrow wins. It really is not a surprise.
I might be in the minority in that I was pleased to see us resemble a normal football team and not some freak shows conceding 2 per game in the first half at home.
Washington was winning us games like this with some vital goals. Before that, Aneke was starting/coming off the bench to bag the goals in our narrow wins. It really is not a surprise.
I might be in the minority in that I was pleased to see us resemble a normal football team and not some freak shows conceding 2 per game in the first half at home.
Yes there is that positive side to it as we were a pub side for long periods of this season
40 games in and I still can’t get excited about this team. They’re more organised and don’t seem to be as bad as defensively as they were under Bowyer, but it’s excruciating to watch even when we win, or in this case, don’t get beaten.
For want of a better analogy, I think the chance of getting in the play offs is like a doctor keeping a sick patient alive. We keep getting medication as a result of the other teams in and around us slipping up. Granted, we’re unbeaten over a run of games, but it’s very different to two years ago, the year before that and the run to the final in 98.
Today, I thought our attack was shown up to be lacking talent and skill. I just never thought we looked like scoring, even when they tired toward the end. For me, personally, let’s just put the two pillow of the head of the patient and bring this season to a peaceful end.
Absolutely spot on. The sooner this season finishes the better. Roll on next season with a better squad and let's go again.
But this season, we've very much still got a decent chance of getting in the playoffs. If we do, we could even be promoted.
Knowing full well we've a rebuilding job in the close season whatever the division, if we take the opportunity ....... surely, rather thanrebuild for another season in the Third Division, it's better to rebuild in the Championship?
I dunno, just my opinion.
100% mate, old age must be getting to @blackpool72 it has to be better to rebuild after being promoted.
Comments
Our dropping 2 points and looking blunt up front was bad enough.
But with Hull City winning, we've now squandered our chance of winning the title.
If he's dealing with someone like Scott Fraser he's the wrong person to be back there
While Bowyer made far too many changes in personnel and tactics, Adkins to me is going too far in the other direction, and as a result we're becoming predictable. The same formation 3 games running with no changes of shape to give the opposition something to think about. EVERY corner aimed at Inniss at the far post.
I'm puzzled by the lack of subs too. It's not just about fresh tactics, it's also to give fresh legs and preserving players for Tuesday. Gilbey definitely faded, and how long can Stockley keep playing full 90s as a battering ram lone striker before he pulls something?
I wasn't happy with the bench before the match anyway, a striker that he clearly doesn't rate, 2 non pacey midfielders and 3 defenders - why do we need 2 centre backs and a RB on the bench? How many times do teams EVER bring on 3 defenders as subs, as opposed to changing 3 midfielders and attackers? Baffled why Morgan wasn't on the bench or someone from the U23s, as we had no pace and energy on the bench at all.
Everything today was a bit mediocre really. The ref was rubbish, and even the camerawork wasn't as good as it normally is.
Under the Shysters, we would have been in administration at the end of September.
Just about everybody else in the division had prepared for the wage cap - and assembled their squads beforehand.
Along comes Thomas our saviour.
There was some money now to spend ..... but there's a wage cap. We were trying to play catch up.
The better players available had already been snapped up by other clubs - and from the best of the rest, including Bogle and Maddison, we had just 3 weeks to put a squad together.
We had a winning run, but then lost both our 1st choice centre backs for a long period ..... and the wheels started to come off.
Bowyer, feeling the pressure, appeared close to breaking point and blamed everybody but himself.
In January some players left and some came in ..... but results were just more of the same.
Bowyer opted for the greener pastures of Birmingham a month ago - and in came 'Appy Adkins.
The first green shoots of Spring are now apparent. But it's all about trying to make the best of a bad job.
It's the story of our season.
Lest we forget ..... there's been Covid. New players haven't been able to socially integrate and the bonds of friendship haven't had the same chance to form, as in a normal season.
Despite everything, raised hopes and frustrations, player shortcomings ..... guess what, we're a ragbag Third Division side and often look it.
But we're 7th in the table, game in hand ...... and the playoff are in reach, if we take the chance.
At the beginning of the season, most of us would have been well happy to be where we are right now.
Warts and all.
As I said, for want of a better analogy I just think this season needs to end. Just my personal opinion, based on the quality, or lack of, on the pitch.
Perhaps it’s as a result of the last year taking its toll on me. I just can’t get excited about any of it, regardless of being a point off 6th
The lack of creativity going forward was shocking through the middle.
Game was crying out for someone like him IMO
"Just wait until our 2 beasts are back.....then we will be unbeatable"
Get Washington & Aneke back for the final few games & hopefully we can snatch 6th.
It isn't champagne football, but we are digging out the results and not getting beat at the business end of the season.
That could have gone anywhere. And it did. Everywhere.
The sooner this season finishes the better.
Roll on next season with a better squad and let's go again.
But this season, we've very much still got a decent chance of getting in the playoffs.
If we do, we could even be promoted.
Knowing full well we've a rebuilding job in the close season whatever the division, if we take the opportunity ....... surely, rather thanrebuild for another season in the Third Division, it's better to rebuild in the Championship?
I dunno, just my opinion.
I just don't think we are good enough this season.
I really want to be wrong as I hate being in this division.
Getting more and more disappointed with Millar.
I might be in the minority in that I was pleased to see us resemble a normal football team and not some freak shows conceding 2 per game in the first half at home.