I remember Pratley in the 2-1 win at Brisbane Road earlier in the season, schooled out Midfield at times with being able to break up our tempo and win cheap free-kicks
He definitely didn't school our midfield. Drew 2 fouls in total, same amount as Karoy, and lost possession 17 times. 7 less times combined than Karoy (7), Coventry (8) and Jordan Brown (9) with a total of 24.
It's easy to notice a player you recognise, you'll pay attention to them more, but he's genuinely one of their worst players statistically and doesn't get in that starting XI.
If you were to tell me Jordan Brown was injured pre-game and we would be facing a midfield of what would potentially be Sean Clare and Darren Pratley, I'd be a happy man.
VAR in this one should be interesting. None of these players are used to it. I can see a pen or two being given, possibly a red given due to the physical nature of league 1. Same can be said of the league two final
Would have been very helpful at Wycombe away.
Would have been handy in the Orient v Stockport game too
As Beckles didn't play in our 1-2 win at Brisbane, they've convinced themselves that the invincible would have prevented both goals. Who do they think he is...Santos from Bolton at his peak against us!
Despite their form and consecutive number of wins of late, it's worth noting that they've drawn their last two games!
A difficult game to call. We certainly have the better defence, both teams have a striker in outstanding form and Orient probably have the most creative midfield player in Donley. Galbraith has also been impressive for them this season, although he's been starting at right back for them in recent games. If he does so again, hopefully TC can keep him pinned back.
I hope we can avoid any problems with VAR - especially at set plays - and that our big players really turn up on the day.
Weather for Sunday appears to be improving. Seemed to be blanket rain and cloud when I looked the other day but there appears to be some sun poking through most of the day now
Don’t worry, the travelling Bermuda Addicks are bringing the sun.
Although very nervous about this game as it does seem written in the stars a bit for Orient the way they finished the season but we have also had the stars align to a good extent.
I think it will be a great game to watch ! None of the attritional stuff dished up in the Wycombe games they like to play football and at times this year we have shown we can.
i can’t see them not scoring as they will certainly create chances. If TC gets his mojo back ( I think he has been a bit overawed recently ) and terrifies them like we know he can and Small can finally get one of those shots to hit the back of the net ( he is due one ) then with golden Goden adding another I think we can win this 3-1 COYRS
Have to say the way they crashed back into the play offs my thoughts at the time were, "they're on a roll, I have a horrible feeling they're going to do it". Lets hope that TC can start showing the form from a few games ago rather than the no show for the wycombe games & that the midfield can take control & press the life out of Orient. Fingers, eyes & everything else crossed.
I know that Godden, Berry and Hylton have all been involved in play offs and Curtis Fleming was in the Cup Final with Borough but Orient have Pratley who was with us in 2019 and Swansea in about 2011. Have either of us got anyone else with Wembley experience?
Only just started reading this thread so I expect somebody has already posted but I don't think Pratley was involved in the games against Stockport. Injured / suspended ?
48 games without VAR and then the final one with VAR. That makes sense.
Hoorah, something we agree on. I know it’s the same for both teams but both teams have as you say played 48 games with useless refs and both teams know what they can and can’t get away with and suddenly just because Wembley has VAR it has to be used, along with automated offsides. I just think it unfair on both sides.
48 games without VAR and then the final one with VAR. That makes sense.
Hoorah, something we agree on. I know it’s the same for both teams but both teams have as you say played 48 games with useless refs and both teams know what they can and can’t get away with and suddenly just because Wembley has VAR it has to be used, along with automated offsides. I just think it unfair on both sides.
Over the 48 games I should think teams getting lucky or unlucky with crap officiating evens itself out, but this is a one off game, a winner takes all shoot out, so if VAR reduces the risk of a wrong decision deciding it, I don't mind it being used. Ask me again if a goal from sniffer dog gets chalked off though. You might get a different answer with some choice Anglo Saxon thrown in 😉
Comments
It's easy to notice a player you recognise, you'll pay attention to them more, but he's genuinely one of their worst players statistically and doesn't get in that starting XI.
If you were to tell me Jordan Brown was injured pre-game and we would be facing a midfield of what would potentially be Sean Clare and Darren Pratley, I'd be a happy man.
Despite their form and consecutive number of wins of late, it's worth noting that they've drawn their last two games!
I hope we can avoid any problems with VAR - especially at set plays - and that our big players really turn up on the day.
With Orient as Goliath? I'm joking but the way they are talked about you could think its that way around
time to shut this crap up, roll on Sunday...
Thought the stuff about Galbraith was interesting, seems like the result could depend on how well we deal with him
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DJ1-mDJoMyQ/?igsh=MWM5Z2pkejYwcXMzag==