We looked like we were off the pace yesterday and allowed Ipswich to push and close us down all the time because we had Stockley as a target man but nobody to support him. The two wingers were sat back waiting for the ball for the most part and when they did have the ball quite often looked like they were reluctant to take the defenders on. I’m not convinced by Maartsen but, give him his due, whether from defence or in his new role, he does have a natural tendency to attack. I was hoping Ronnie would be brought on to support Stockley and so that we had two up front to push Ipswich back.
I'm just glad I decided to listen to it and work instead of paying a tenner and watching it and not working. Awful game of football. Has Schwartz shagged the gaffer's missus?
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.
What a load of defeatist old tosh.
We could grab a play-off spot and even if we're the worst team in it, we could still win with a bit of luck. Remember Portugal's 2016 group games in the Euros. How the hell did they win that?
Conversely we could be brilliant next season, get bad luck with injuries and red cards in the final matches, slip into third and then lose to a defected goal in the play- offs.
Adkins seems to have settled on his preferred starting 11. Like most I was surprised Ronnie didnt feature at some point yesterday. At the end of the day our run continues and I'm still confident we will make the playoffs. Once there anything can happen and If we maintain our run then i think we would be favourites to win them. Regardless of what happens the team will have a very different look next season imo whatever league we are in. The big surprise for me since adkins has come in is the absence of Shinnie, he has gone from automatic starter to fringe it must be frustrating for him. I think there will be a total rebuild and players like Albie and Vennings will be gone either loaned out or sold
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.
What a load of defeatist old tosh.
We could grab a play-off spot and even if we're the worst team in it, we could still win with a bit of luck. Remember Portugal's 2016 group games in the Euros. How the hell did they win that?
Conversely we could be brilliant next season, get bad luck with injuries and red cards in the final matches, slip into third and then lose to a defected goal in the play- offs.
You have to play the game now and go for it.
You can call it defeatist old tosh if you like. I prefer to call it being realistic. I would dearly like to be wrong and for you to be correct. But unfortunately I shall be proved right. We simply ain't good enough 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.
What a load of defeatist old tosh.
We could grab a play-off spot and even if we're the worst team in it, we could still win with a bit of luck. Remember Portugal's 2016 group games in the Euros. How the hell did they win that?
Conversely we could be brilliant next season, get bad luck with injuries and red cards in the final matches, slip into third and then lose to a defected goal in the play- offs.
You have to play the game now and go for it.
You can call it defeatist old tosh if you like. I prefer to call it being realistic. I would dearly like to be wrong and for you to be correct. But unfortunately I shall be proved right. We simply ain't good enough this season.
Has there been any games this season were we have lost because the opposition have had better players than us? Maybe Hull? Doncaster and Lincoln, before we brought in half the squad?
Certainly not Sunderland, Peterborough we gifted them 2 goals and 3 points, Blackpool at home we were a shambles.
Were are not 1970 Brazil or even 2019 Charlton but we should not be having to go on title winning form to scrape into the 3rd tier play offs.
Looking at other games and who Oxford and Portsmouth have to play, it will be a challenge to make play offs. However, it is in our hands. I fancy us to win against Peterborough and Lincoln. Pompey form poor now and Oxford go to a very in form Wimbledon on Tuesday I think. Win at Plymouth and we have decent chance. Personally I think we need Chuck's back to give us something extra. Washington returning will also help. Season is still very much alive but I get why some believe we won't make play offs
Not major fussed we didn't win as Sunderland was a real bonus of 2 points. Simply have to get 6 points minimum from our next 3 games. We then go into a very tricky May in a strong position. Hopefully Lincoln have one eye on the play offs and then Hull are champions when we play them.
Yes, and 3 of our 6 games are against teams with nothing left to play for. If we can up our game against them and get one of our goalscorers fit they should all be winnable. Then we need to beat one of Peterborough, Hull or Lincoln
Not major fussed we didn't win as Sunderland was a real bonus of 2 points. Simply have to get 6 points minimum from our next 3 games. We then go into a very tricky May in a strong position. Hopefully Lincoln have one eye on the play offs and then Hull are champions when we play them.
Yes, and 3 of our 6 games are against teams with nothing left to play for. If we can up our game against them and get one of our goalscorers fit they should all be winnable. Then we need to beat one of Peterborough, Hull or Lincoln
Not major fussed we didn't win as Sunderland was a real bonus of 2 points. Simply have to get 6 points minimum from our next 3 games. We then go into a very tricky May in a strong position. Hopefully Lincoln have one eye on the play offs and then Hull are champions when we play them.
Yes, and 3 of our 6 games are against teams with nothing left to play for. If we can up our game against them and get one of our goalscorers fit they should all be winnable. Then we need to beat one of Peterborough, Hull or Lincoln
Lincoln may have nothing to play for (confirmed in play offs by then).
I'm not sure it works like that though, you always want to go into the playoffs on a winning run, and it may make a difference where you finish. For example 2 seasons ago we jumped to 3rd on the last day of the 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.
What a load of defeatist old tosh.
We could grab a play-off spot and even if we're the worst team in it, we could still win with a bit of luck. Remember Portugal's 2016 group games in the Euros. How the hell did they win that?
Conversely we could be brilliant next season, get bad luck with injuries and red cards in the final matches, slip into third and then lose to a defected goal in the play- offs.
You have to play the game now and go for it.
You can call it defeatist old tosh if you like. I prefer to call it being realistic. I would dearly like to be wrong and for you to be correct. But unfortunately I shall be proved right. We simply ain't good enough this season.
I don’t think that’s the point he was making. For sure we may not be good enough this year, but we might get lucky if we squeak into the playoff places. It’s 11/1 against with the bookies, so not impossible. Overall we’re not good enough, but play at our best v. opponents having an off day, and you never know.
We might be good enough next year, and even be one of the favourites after a rebuild, but get unlucky, and stay down.
I’m just hoping all our luck has been saved up for the end of the season, I think we’re owed some.
A disappointing and low key afternoon, in which our lack of cutting edge was exposed against a resolute Ipswich rearguard. The dearth of attacking options on the bench was a real hindrance and a draw was probably a fair result in what was relatively mediocre League 1 fare.
Ipswich dominated the first 20 minutes and, while we worked our way back into the game, I was happy enough to go in 0-0 at half time. We got on top as the game wore on and Ipswich visibly tired, probably feeling the effects of their high octane start and their 3-0 drubbing at Plough Lane on Tuesday. We were, however, never really convincing as an attacking force, with Ryan Inniss’ dominance at corners our biggest offensive threat.
On the plus side, it’s another point and clean sheet, we’re nine games unbeaten and the season is still very much alive. Indeed, if we win our game in hand, we can leapfrog Pompey and Oxford and edge into the top 6. We’d have certainly settled for that a few weeks ago. The result does, however, really leave us needing to win a minimum three - and probably four - of our last six games, which is a big ask.
Matthews had a shaky start to the game but got better and, generally speaking, the defence was pretty sound, with Inniss dominant at both ends of the pitch. Ben Purrington also played very well and created one of our best chances of the game by getting past his man and pulling back a lovely low cross to Stockley in the second half.
In midfield, JFC was predictably our best player, knitting things together and firing a good shot just over late on. Gilbey wasn’t able to replicate the goal threat he offered against Sunderland, which the current formation needs with just one striker and two wide men. Pratters was ok and I thought that Watson - mandatory booking apart - improved the structure and passing when he came on against tiring opponents.
Up front, Stockley worked hard but was well marshalled and had relatively little support. He could perhaps have done better with his two shots but we know his strength is in the air. Jaiyesimi had a very quiet first half but came alive in the second, whilst Millar had one of frustrating afternoons.
Plymouth have won 11 games at Home Park and only the top two have picked up more points at home. I’m therefore expecting quite a tough game on Tuesday and Adkins may make a couple of changes to freshen things up. Assuming everyone came through ok from Saturday, I think he’ll leave the defence unchanged, although I can see Shinnie perhaps coming in for Gilbey, who had been out for quite some time. Options up top are limited and I suspect he’ll retain Stockley and the two wingers, rather than introducing Ronnie as a second striker but who knows.
Fingers crossed that we can turn in another good away performance.
Is it just me who thinks on the ball Watson is really decent and underrated .
Watson has an eye for a good pass, knows when to keep it simple and reads the game well. Good positional play and reading of the gameplay also.
He made a difference to our ball retention and passing when he came on. But your saw his slow feet earn him a booking today .... it was a poor 1st touch but no longer quick enough to recover it.
Our run started when Watson was brought back in and sat in front of the back four we stopped leaking goals .... he is a very good passer of the ball and would have him in the side ahead of Pratley all day long
If we are going to play 433 then we have to do it the Liverpool way .. with false nines and not wingers ...... wingers play to wide and to far away from Stockley
Lincoln may have nothing to play for (confirmed in play offs by then).
I'm not sure it works like that though, you always want to go into the playoffs on a winning run, and it may make a difference where you finish. For example 2 seasons ago we jumped to 3rd on the last day of the season
And the year before we tested players against Rochdale and lost, losing that momentum. Let’s hope Lincoln make the same mistake.
I feel so grateful to have achieved 550 games so far in my career, I want to thank everybody who has helped me along the way. Managers, coaches, physios,etc, but most of all to my parents and my wife.
Is it just me who thinks on the ball Watson is really decent and underrated .
Watson has an eye for a good pass, knows when to keep it simple and reads the game well. Good positional play and reading of the gameplay also.
He made a difference to our ball retention and passing when he came on. But your saw his slow feet earn him a booking today .... it was a poor 1st touch but no longer quick enough to recover it.
Our run started when Watson was brought back in and sat in front of the back four we stopped leaking goals .... he is a very good passer of the ball and would have him in the side ahead of Pratley all day long
Watson may be a better footballer than Pratley, but a worse defensive shield, especially when not 100% match fit, as shown by the ridiculous number of bookings he's picked up due to late challenges
Not major fussed we didn't win as Sunderland was a real bonus of 2 points. Simply have to get 6 points minimum from our next 3 games. We then go into a very tricky May in a strong position. Hopefully Lincoln have one eye on the play offs and then Hull are champions when we play them.
Yes, and 3 of our 6 games are against teams with nothing left to play for. If we can up our game against them and get one of our goalscorers fit they should all be winnable. Then we need to beat one of Peterborough, Hull or Lincoln
Hull could well have nothing to play for either.
Nor did Leeds last year but it made no difference.
With the wage cap gone and NA at the helm I can look forward to a potentially entertaining season next year even in L1. We should get some quality in and I think we will attract good loanees. NA's experience will count I think.
A bit of an odd question, but do you think we will stronger next season if:
- We miss out on the play offs this season by a whisker - Sneak into the play-offs but do not make the final
I don't see us as a promotion team this season, as much as I would like us to be.
It's a good question. Another question is would we be better off in the 2022/23 season if we went up or not this season?
I suppose the worst case scenario would be the current top 2 went up and we lost to one of Lincoln or Blackpool in the play off final.
Next seasons league 1 could be comparable to when we were in it with Norwich, Leeds and Southampton.
What a strange question? Why would you presume that we'd get relegated again in 21/22?
There's too much second guessing on this thread. There's never a bad time to get promotion, just as last season didn't have a bright side to relegation as some, including TS, suggested.
Comments
Awful game of football.
Has Schwartz shagged the gaffer's missus?
We could grab a play-off spot and even if we're the worst team in it, we could still win with a bit of luck.
Remember Portugal's 2016 group games in the Euros. How the hell did they win that?
Conversely we could be brilliant next season, get bad luck with injuries and red cards in the final matches, slip into third and then lose to a defected goal in the play- offs.
You have to play the game now and go for it.
Regardless of what happens the team will have a very different look next season imo whatever league we are in. The big surprise for me since adkins has come in is the absence of Shinnie, he has gone from automatic starter to fringe it must be frustrating for him. I think there will be a total rebuild and players like Albie and Vennings will be gone either loaned out or sold
I suppose the worst case scenario would be the current top 2 went up and we lost to one of Lincoln or Blackpool in the play off final.
Next seasons league 1 could be comparable to when we were in it with Norwich, Leeds and Southampton.
I prefer to call it being realistic.
I would dearly like to be wrong and for you to be correct.
But unfortunately I shall be proved right.
We simply ain't good enough this season.
Certainly not Sunderland, Peterborough we gifted them 2 goals and 3 points, Blackpool at home we were a shambles.
Were are not 1970 Brazil or even 2019 Charlton but we should not be having to go on title winning form to scrape into the 3rd tier play offs.
The loss of Aneke and Washington will catch up with us.
Get ready for next season in L1.
A disappointing and low key afternoon, in which our lack of cutting edge was exposed against a resolute Ipswich rearguard. The dearth of attacking options on the bench was a real hindrance and a draw was probably a fair result in what was relatively mediocre League 1 fare.
Ipswich dominated the first 20 minutes and, while we worked our way back into the game, I was happy enough to go in 0-0 at half time. We got on top as the game wore on and Ipswich visibly tired, probably feeling the effects of their high octane start and their 3-0 drubbing at Plough Lane on Tuesday. We were, however, never really convincing as an attacking force, with Ryan Inniss’ dominance at corners our biggest offensive threat.
On the plus side, it’s another point and clean sheet, we’re nine games unbeaten and the season is still very much alive. Indeed, if we win our game in hand, we can leapfrog Pompey and Oxford and edge into the top 6. We’d have certainly settled for that a few weeks ago. The result does, however, really leave us needing to win a minimum three - and probably four - of our last six games, which is a big ask.
Matthews had a shaky start to the game but got better and, generally speaking, the defence was pretty sound, with Inniss dominant at both ends of the pitch. Ben Purrington also played very well and created one of our best chances of the game by getting past his man and pulling back a lovely low cross to Stockley in the second half.
In midfield, JFC was predictably our best player, knitting things together and firing a good shot just over late on. Gilbey wasn’t able to replicate the goal threat he offered against Sunderland, which the current formation needs with just one striker and two wide men. Pratters was ok and I thought that Watson - mandatory booking apart - improved the structure and passing when he came on against tiring opponents.
Up front, Stockley worked hard but was well marshalled and had relatively little support. He could perhaps have done better with his two shots but we know his strength is in the air. Jaiyesimi had a very quiet first half but came alive in the second, whilst Millar had one of frustrating afternoons.
Plymouth have won 11 games at Home Park and only the top two have picked up more points at home. I’m therefore expecting quite a tough game on Tuesday and Adkins may make a couple of changes to freshen things up. Assuming everyone came through ok from Saturday, I think he’ll leave the defence unchanged, although I can see Shinnie perhaps coming in for Gilbey, who had been out for quite some time. Options up top are limited and I suspect he’ll retain Stockley and the two wingers, rather than introducing Ronnie as a second striker but who knows.
Fingers crossed that we can turn in another good away performance.
There's too much second guessing on this thread.
There's never a bad time to get promotion, just as last season didn't have a bright side to relegation as some, including TS, suggested.
I would happily take Taylor back to get us out of this league.