Despite being utterly elated at the result at Adams Park on Saturday, I still find myself ruing the fact that we lost away to Peterborough and that was the game where we effectively gave away our shot at second. That is not to take away anything from that fantastic performance, but that was the point at which we needed to win every game to have a realistic shot at it.
The glass half-full view I have is that we need to win on Saturday vs. Wrexham to even have a chance at second, and they just need to avoid defeat. If you said they could have the point now, they would tear your arm off for it, particularly given the context of us just smashing that Wycombe team at their home ground. They can park the bus from minute one, play absolute housery football and try to sneak a goal at the end, even if they are behind.
When we are at our best in this season, teams in this league cannot cope with it. Be it the specialised tactics vs Birmingham at home or the 4-0 stuffings of Huddersfield and Wycombe home and away in recent weeks, our first XI can mix it with anyone. Other teams are rightfully scared of us and our form. We were just 2-3 weeks late on turning this on to be a sustained push for 2nd. This is not to downplay what we have achieved already - it's just a crazy what if situation that I hope we don't regret once the playoff picture is resolved.
Realistically, I think Wrexham will want to keep it tight, will probably play Dobbo and not try to win the game or let the game be open in any way. If they let us play, I feel confident we can beat them, but I just don't think they will risk letting us do that. A point is more than good enough for them. Unfortunately, it doesn't take any Pep level genius to figure that out.
Even ignoring 2nd, our incentive should be to go for the win regardless, as 3rd is completely up for grabs if you consider Wycombe are effectively capitulating. Orient could beat them, and Stockport the same. As we have said so many times, we can only focus on what we do. Trying to win our last two games remains our primary objective, and then we are looking for Lincoln to play spoiler on the last day vs. Wrexham. It's unlikely, but this league this season, who knows.
I didn't think we'd win on Saturday, but we are still in it for second. Just need to keep pushing and keep trying, as the mentality helps us going into the more likely outcome of the playoffs. I selfishly want those playoff games for the days out, but we're a scary prospect for anyone atm.
We dropped 2 points at home to Lincoln which was 3 games after Peterborough. If we'd won that it'd still be in our own hands.
Realistically, after the euphoria of winning our first 3 games, the next period when I think we only picked up 15 points from 16 games is where our season came off the rails. The fact that we are now guaranteed a playoff spot and in with (IMHO) a remote shot at automatic promotion is testament to just how good we've been since then.
Even worse, Wrexham want to play the game in the multi-verse with them able to select the best results from whichever reality they want to give them promotion.
If Wycombe fail to win on Saturday, then Wrexham can get promoted with a win on Saturday evening against us.
A draw would against us would take us out of the equation and leave Wrexham with their destiny in their own hands (if Wycombe draw with Orient). However, if Wycombe draw on Saturday, and Wrexham draw with us, Wrexham will need to win on the final day to be sure, as a Wycombe win on the final day would take them ahead of Wrexham (if they drew with Lincoln) on goal difference.
I'm glad we've got the straightforward task of knowing that we have to win our last two games to have a chance.
I'm sure Parky will send Wrexham out with the mindset to go for the win, regardless of what Wycombe do, but they are likely to have the luxury/curse of knowing that a draw is neither a triumph nor a disaster. What approach do they take if its level with 20 minutes to go and we're on top? Bring on an extra defender and try and play it a draw? Bring on an extra forward to try and get the win?
And, of course, if Wycombe beat Orient then both ourselves and Wrexham go into the game with no option but to go for the win.
Not got a particular point to make. Just fascinated by all the connotations, the psychology behind it and so on. And I do think it's a slight advantage for us on Saturday that we have to be 100% committed to the win whereas, consciously or subconsciously, there's likely to be a point on Saturday where Wrexham have a fear of losing that might conflict with their desire to win.
If Wycombe fail to win on Saturday, then Wrexham can get promoted with a win on Saturday evening against us.
A draw would against us would take us out of the equation and leave Wrexham with their destiny in their own hands (if Wycombe draw with Orient). However, if Wycombe draw on Saturday, and Wrexham draw with us, Wrexham will need to win on the final day to be sure, as a Wycombe win on the final day would take them ahead of Wrexham (if they drew with Lincoln) on goal difference.
I'm glad we've got the straightforward task of knowing that we have to win our last two games to have a chance.
I'm sure Parky will send Wrexham out with the mindset to go for the win, regardless of what Wycombe do, but they are likely to have the luxury/curse of knowing that a draw is neither a triumph nor a disaster. What approach do they take if its level with 20 minutes to go and we're on top? Bring on an extra defender and try and play it a draw? Bring on an extra forward to try and get the win?
And, of course, if Wycombe beat Orient then both ourselves and Wrexham go into the game with no option but to go for the win.
Not got a particular point to make. Just fascinated by all the connotations, the psychology behind it and so on. And I do think it's a slight advantage for us on Saturday that we have to be 100% committed to the win whereas, consciously or subconsciously, there's likely to be a point on Saturday where Wrexham have a fear of losing that might conflict with their desire to win.
If Wycombe fail to win on Saturday, then Wrexham can get promoted with a win on Saturday evening against us.
A draw would against us would take us out of the equation and leave Wrexham with their destiny in their own hands (if Wycombe draw with Orient). However, if Wycombe draw on Saturday, and Wrexham draw with us, Wrexham will need to win on the final day to be sure, as a Wycombe win on the final day would take them ahead of Wrexham (if they drew with Lincoln) on goal difference.
I'm glad we've got the straightforward task of knowing that we have to win our last two games to have a chance.
I'm sure Parky will send Wrexham out with the mindset to go for the win, regardless of what Wycombe do, but they are likely to have the luxury/curse of knowing that a draw is neither a triumph nor a disaster. What approach do they take if its level with 20 minutes to go and we're on top? Bring on an extra defender and try and play it a draw? Bring on an extra forward to try and get the win?
And, of course, if Wycombe beat Orient then both ourselves and Wrexham go into the game with no option but to go for the win.
Not got a particular point to make. Just fascinated by all the connotations, the psychology behind it and so on. And I do think it's a slight advantage for us on Saturday that we have to be 100% committed to the win whereas, consciously or subconsciously, there's likely to be a point on Saturday where Wrexham have a fear of losing that might conflict with their desire to win.
If Wycombe have drawn or lost the early game then they will surely go all out for the win because they will have the luxury of knowing a defeat technically leaves them no worse off and it will still be in their hands on the last day.
Better to go all out for the win that would get you promoted in front of your own fans than shut up shop and get a point (or worse they end up losing) and it goes to the last day. I refuse to believe that any team with promotion in their own hands in front of their own fans is going to play for a draw.
I suppose if Wycombe lose the early game, a draw would put us out of the equation and put Wrexham 3 points ahead of Wycombe, meaning they would only need a point at Lincoln to clinch promotion. They'll certainly go for it and throw everything at us early on but the longer the game is level, the more tense they are likely to become. There's certainly going to be no shortage of drama Saturday evening, especially if, as I expect, it's going to be a tight and nervous affair.
Had a gander at Wrexham's forum this morning and they are very confident of a result Saturday and that Phil Parkinson is a Pep-like genius, we all know that isnt the case!
Only one fan mentioned we could nick 2nd.
Reason for starting this is because, quite honestly, I am already up for Saturday and reading some of the comments on the forum, I want to smash them!
Wont be going unfortunately as ill be at a fancy dress party dressed a Jedi so hopefully the force will be with us!
We nervous? Excited? Nervously excited?
Nervously excited. Going to be singing loud and proud (will try and get a chorus of FA Cup Winners you'll never sing that going especially if Villa do their job on that day).
Wrexham is just one of those teams that'll give us a good game. They have it all to loose, we have it all to gain!! (after the 4-0 battering of Wycombe we are going into it with positive vibes and are up for the fight)
Lets be honest even if we loose we'll still sing (and if Villa beat Palace we are celebrating anyway). Pride of London, Kings of the South!! 🔴⚪
Been a long time since I had that sick feeling before a game , god knows what Saturday is gonna be like , even worse I’m going to pwoper wall v Swansea as a mate is sponsoring the match , if that’s not enough to make me throw up I don’t know what will .
Option 2: we smash them and they still get 2nd (so we dont have to play them in the playoffs - not because they're that good but I cant deal with the Hollywood attention bull)
Option 3: We don't win and they get 2nd
Option 4: we don't win and somehow Wycombe get 2nd
Option 2: we smash them and they still get 2nd (so we dont have to play them in the playoffs - not because they're that good but I cant deal with the Hollywood attention bull)
Option 3: We don't win and they get 2nd
Option 4: we don't win and somehow Wycombe get 2nd
In that order of preference
Option 4 ahead of Option 3 all day long.
If Disney end up in the play-offs they'd get turned over by the any of the other three sides (and definitely by us in the final because we're that hot at the moment).
I’ve been on their forum once or twice this season and I would say they are a pretty sound bunch and no different to any other club’s supporters who suddenly found themselves massively on the up. How’s humble would some of our fans be in the same position? Before they won at Blackpool they were very worried about us. For the avoidance of doubt I still hope we absolutely smash them and ruin their day.
Living as I do about 10 miles from Wrexham I’m sick to death of the circus !! FairPlay to the longstanding supporters they deserve the journey but unfortunately most of their fans are recent adopters and are completely self entitled plus the local news is constantly spouting off about their massive achievements lol I really really really want us to absolutely smash them so badly
Auto completely out of our hands and that's what concerns me. I really can't see it happening and I've been having a nasty feeling recently of us being cooked for the playoffs because of it. Hope I'm wrong
Auto completely out of our hands and that's what concerns me. I really can't see it happening and I've been having a nasty feeling recently of us being cooked for the playoffs because of it. Hope I'm wrong
We are too strong for any of the other teams in it.
Comments
GK Stallone
RB Cruise
CB De Niro
CB Pacino
LB L.Jackson
M DiCaprio
M Hanks
M Dobson
M Pitt
CF Depp
CF Goofy
Subs: D Duck, Clooney, Nicholson, Gere, Kidman, M Mouse, Carey
We will need to nullify Goofy's aerial ability and Pitt's good looks if we are to stand any chance.
We'll be buggered if we get a penalty then - he's got a 100% record in saving them.
Wrexham v Charlton Athletic (17:30)
RYAN REYNOLDS
Paul Rudd and Hugh Jackman
Fourth Official: Rob McElhenney
https://www.efl.com/news/2025/april/16/referee-appointments--18---26-april/
Effin' cheats.
A draw would against us would take us out of the equation and leave Wrexham with their destiny in their own hands (if Wycombe draw with Orient). However, if Wycombe draw on Saturday, and Wrexham draw with us, Wrexham will need to win on the final day to be sure, as a Wycombe win on the final day would take them ahead of Wrexham (if they drew with Lincoln) on goal difference.
I'm glad we've got the straightforward task of knowing that we have to win our last two games to have a chance.
I'm sure Parky will send Wrexham out with the mindset to go for the win, regardless of what Wycombe do, but they are likely to have the luxury/curse of knowing that a draw is neither a triumph nor a disaster. What approach do they take if its level with 20 minutes to go and we're on top? Bring on an extra defender and try and play it a draw? Bring on an extra forward to try and get the win?
And, of course, if Wycombe beat Orient then both ourselves and Wrexham go into the game with no option but to go for the win.
Not got a particular point to make. Just fascinated by all the connotations, the psychology behind it and so on. And I do think it's a slight advantage for us on Saturday that we have to be 100% committed to the win whereas, consciously or subconsciously, there's likely to be a point on Saturday where Wrexham have a fear of losing that might conflict with their desire to win.
They'll bring on an extra referee and linesman.
Better to go all out for the win that would get you promoted in front of your own fans than shut up shop and get a point (or worse they end up losing) and it goes to the last day. I refuse to believe that any team with promotion in their own hands in front of their own fans is going to play for a draw.
Wrexham is just one of those teams that'll give us a good game. They have it all to loose, we have it all to gain!! (after the 4-0 battering of Wycombe we are going into it with positive vibes and are up for the fight)
Lets be honest even if we loose we'll still sing (and if Villa beat Palace we are celebrating anyway).
Pride of London, Kings of the South!! 🔴⚪
Option 2: we smash them and they still get 2nd (so we dont have to play them in the playoffs - not because they're that good but I cant deal with the Hollywood attention bull)
Option 3: We don't win and they get 2nd
Option 4: we don't win and somehow Wycombe get 2nd
In that order of preference
If Disney end up in the play-offs they'd get turned over by the any of the other three sides (and definitely by us in the final because we're that hot at the moment).
I'm not suggesting E.Lee gets in our team over Campbell.
O'Connell is a better back up to Jones and Macca than McIntyre.
I really can't see it happening and I've been having a nasty feeling recently of us being cooked for the playoffs because of it.
Hope I'm wrong