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Post by durdy on Jan 18, 2020 17:12:58 GMT
Us and York for 2nd now I reckon. Unless Marriott leaves I can’t see anyone stopping KL. a Extremely disrespectful to Brackley 😐
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Post by Lobster on Jan 18, 2020 17:31:57 GMT
We tend to get beat on small, bumpy pitches against physical sides like Leamington. The lads tried something a bit different and we got a draw.
Not too unhappy with that result really. If we can stay solid away and win at home, we've got a chance.
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Post by Hannibal on Jan 18, 2020 18:17:49 GMT
Two form teams next up ~~ Darlington (h) and Gateshead (a).
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Post by btb on Jan 18, 2020 18:22:10 GMT
Decent point that. Sounded a dire game though. Three league clean sheets on the bounce. Has to be seen as a positive as do the seven points.
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Post by Neil Hunt Nonsense Potter on Jan 18, 2020 18:49:27 GMT
Decent point, another clean sheet. Draws away wins at home will be enough for second or third. Can't see Kings Lynn slipping up.
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Post by Rio Doherty on Jan 18, 2020 19:01:03 GMT
That’s definitely 90 minutes of my life I won’t be getting back as it was a boring, bleak spectacle to watch today. Just like last week in Hertfordshire the ball spent most of its time in the air, and it got to the stage where both teams were contesting to be head tennis champions. A draw is a fair result because it was an even game, but I am disappointed with the outcome and our tactics because we should have offered a lot more. Our strong defensive approach took me by surprise when I first read our team news, and it certainly was a reason why we weren’t really playing for the win because we didn’t have any quality in the final third again. Anthony Dudley was so isolated without another strike partner, and we should know by now that he performs better with multiple bodies around him. Leamington were a tough side to play against and did their bit to earn a point. They were a very tall, physical outfit who gave us a couple of scares, but I still feel that we should have done a lot more this afternoon.
The first period was very cagey and compact, because the tight pitch resulted in a lot of duels with the ball rarely being passed on the ground. Our performance was very average because defensively we did what we needed to do, but we were far too lightweight at the other end with little service. Leamington started off the more brighter, but towards the 20th minute mark we did have a decent spell as we had four consecutive corners. The closest we went to breaking the deadlock was when Danny Livesey went inches close, as a strong header was tipped over by Jake Weaver. Our final corner was cleared out by Leamington following a low George Glendon delivery, and Brad Jackson’s attempt was one to forget as it sailed miles wide. At the other end Russ Griffiths was brought into action to tip a Kaiman Anderson corner over, whilst the Leamington forward went just as close before half time, as he fired into the side netting. Everything was still to play for as an uninspiring first 45 unsurprisingly delivered no goals.
To be fair the second half was a bit more lively as there was more goalmouth action at both ends. We had a couple of decent chances that could have bundled us over the line, but in my view we should have made our changes a lot earlier as that would have gave us a better chance. The first 15 minutes of the half remained uneventful, but the match began to creep into life as Danny Livesey headed just wide of the mark. Our improvements in the final third started to show as Joel Taylor went close on two occasions. First of all he lashed against the side netting, but his best chance came minutes later as he scuffed his shot from seven yards against Jake Weaver. Anthony Dudley missed a second sitter in as many games, as he fired against Weaver who pulled off a good save. Meanwhile, the hosts started to come to life at the other end as they were quite dangerous on both flanks. We survived a scare on the 73rd minute mark as it looked like Jack Edwards scored for Leamington, but thankfully it was disallowed for offside. On-loan Coventry City striker David Bremang’s effort was going wide following nice play by Connor Taylor, but Edwards’ tap-in at the back post was unable to stand as he was offside. Bremang was involved once again with time ticking as he lashed a fierce attempt towards goal, but Russ Griffiths did well to deny him with his legs at the near post. Livesey then headed another golden chance wide, but he did well to stave off Leamington at the other end as he intervened well to prevent a Junior English hit from creeping in. In the final minute of added time Kaiman Anderson went ever so close to pinching it, but he smashed over to give us relief. Either side could have won it, but a stalemate is a more fairer reflection on an encounter that was as stale as an out-of-date loaf of bread.
I will opt for Danny Livesey as my man of the match for today because he shored our defence up to earn a deserved fourth clean sheet in five. The less said about his finishing the better as about three headers went wide, although his defensive headers were a lot more consistent as he coped with Leamington’s physicality well. Russ Griffiths made a couple of decent saves to keep us in it and performed better than last week, although he needs to speed the timing of his goal kicks up as he took far too long to take them in the second half. Joel Taylor and Brad Jackson are usually our two standout players, although in my opinion they performed rather dismally today which doesn’t occur too often. A lot of Jackson’s final balls were too inconsistent, whilst Taylor wasn’t his usual self as he was found out by Leamington, who tracked him down well.
We have missed an opportunity to pile more pressure on York City who lost again today, and a win today would have got us even closer to closing the gap on them. Brackley Town’s win in Yorkshire now means that we drop down a place, and with them having a game in hand on us we really do need to get back into the top three. There wasn’t a great deal in today’s game which is why we must start putting these type of matches to bed, as we can’t afford to be dropping more points to mid table sides. Our next match is against Darlington at home on Saturday where we search for our first win in three. Darlo are on a roll as they have now snuck into the play-offs, which is why we will have to approach it a lot differently to the way we set ourselves up today. It feels like an age since we were last at home so hopefully we will get our confidence back by turning on the style - just like we did against Southport.
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Post by spencerwhelanleftpeg on Jan 18, 2020 19:41:50 GMT
Us and York for 2nd now I reckon. Unless Marriott leaves I can’t see anyone stopping KL. a Extremely disrespectful to Brackley 😐 Never mind extremely disrespectful to Brackley we have drawn and beaten them on their own patch, The worth is York we’re better and if in some way or form we must overcome them to gain promotion then I’m rather concerned
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Post by agl on Jan 18, 2020 19:54:50 GMT
That wás a tough watch. One shot on target in the entire game. Anyone who thinks we have a chance of catching Kings Lynn or York is in dreamland. The only difference between Royston last week and today was that Royston are a better team than Leamington. Two very average sides. Struggling to find any positives other than we didn't lose. The lack of creativity is becoming a big issue. Pumped a lot of long balls into the box, looking for Grand or Livesey, but didn't get the breaks. Fortunately they were equally toothless up front. I can only assume Asante wasn't deemed fully fit, despite looking sharp in training. Two points dropped as far as I'm concerned.
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Post by norwegianblue on Jan 18, 2020 20:10:31 GMT
That wás a tough watch. One shot on target in the entire game. Anyone who thinks we have a chance of catching Kings Lynn or York is in dreamland. The only difference between Royston last week and today was that Royston are a better team than Leamington. Two very average sides. Struggling to find any positives other than we didn't lose. The lack of creativity is becoming a big issue. Pumped a lot of long balls into the box, looking for Grand or Livesey, but didn't get the breaks. Fortunately they were equally toothless up front. I can only assume Asante wasn't deemed fully fit, despite looking sharp in training. Two points dropped as far as I'm concerned. Exactly mate. Chester are inconsistent, not clinical enough to kill sides off and do not intimidate the opposition. They may be respected but definitely not feared.
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Post by 1967blue Chester Lads on Jan 18, 2020 20:29:36 GMT
Just got back and all I can say is what a pile of crap. AGAIN. We'll never get promoted whilst bill and Ben are in charge. They haven't got a clue.
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Post by trev on Jan 18, 2020 21:12:32 GMT
The pluses from today were we kept a clean sheet and didnt lose, which was increasingly likely the longer the second half went on and leamington began to pull the defence around and we increasingly relied on long punts up field. It was obvious to anyone in attendance we disapointingly do not have the personnel capable of making a credible challenge to KL or york and making the play offs would be an achievement. Today we had Practically zero creatvity and little quality in the final third even when assante came on, as the crossing and final ball was atrocious. Whilst the performance was often poor, we were set up to draw today. so saying it is two points dropped is perhaps inaccurate.
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Post by yossergolf on Jan 18, 2020 21:43:11 GMT
The way the side was set up today was negative, Dudley up front on his own will never work if we want to win the game. I would rather lose by having a real good go than limp, hopefully, in to the play offs. Joel Taylor and Brad Jackson both appeared to struggle with what their roles were and both hammered verbally by the Manager during the game. The squad appear to have lost their early season promise and these types of performances are becoming more of the norm.
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Post by South Wirral Blue on Jan 18, 2020 21:50:28 GMT
That wás a tough watch. One shot on target in the entire game. Anyone who thinks we have a chance of catching Kings Lynn or York is in dreamland. It's all about finishing 3rd - and has been for quite some time.
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Post by yossergolf on Jan 18, 2020 22:07:36 GMT
At this rate we won’t finish 3rd
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Post by Moltisanti on Jan 18, 2020 22:28:05 GMT
At this rate we won’t finish 3rd 2 wins and a draw from our last 3 league games, 2 away? That rate? Have a day off you clown
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Post by tarvinblue on Jan 18, 2020 22:38:07 GMT
It's the same story as last season; creativity disappears, results taper off, away performances not consistent and often the difference is the quality of the opposition's attack. Last year the squad and injuries were blamed, but surely neither can be held up as an excuse this season? Biggest concern is that the managers openly admit they haven't a clue as to why things aren't good enough. That was also the story of the second half of last season. Yet we dished out 2.5 year contracts.....
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Post by Imperial on Jan 19, 2020 0:02:23 GMT
It's the same story as last season; creativity disappears, results taper off, away performances not consistent and often the difference is the quality of the opposition's attack. Last year the squad and injuries were blamed, but surely neither can be held up as an excuse this season? Biggest concern is that the managers openly admit they haven't a clue as to why things aren't good enough. That was also the story of the second half of last season. Yet we dished out 2.5 year contracts..... When or where did they admit that they haven’t a clue as to why things aren’t good enough?
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Post by Anders on Jan 19, 2020 0:50:42 GMT
If you want a definition of a 0-0 draw, it's Leamington v Chester on 18th Jan 2020.
Nothing happened at all.
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Post by Neil Hunt Nonsense Potter on Jan 19, 2020 8:39:11 GMT
It's the same story as last season; creativity disappears, results taper off, away performances not consistent and often the difference is the quality of the opposition's attack. Last year the squad and injuries were blamed, but surely neither can be held up as an excuse this season? Biggest concern is that the managers openly admit they haven't a clue as to why things aren't good enough. That was also the story of the second half of last season. Yet we dished out 2.5 year contracts..... Did you go yesterday?
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Post by durdy on Jan 19, 2020 8:50:30 GMT
a Extremely disrespectful to Brackley 😐 Never mind extremely disrespectful to Brackley we have drawn and beaten them on their own patch, The worth is York we’re better and if in some way or form we must overcome them to gain promotion then I’m rather concerned Ourselves and York are inconsistent Brackley are not
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Post by tarvinblue on Jan 19, 2020 9:00:54 GMT
It's the same story as last season; creativity disappears, results taper off, away performances not consistent and often the difference is the quality of the opposition's attack. Last year the squad and injuries were blamed, but surely neither can be held up as an excuse this season? Biggest concern is that the managers openly admit they haven't a clue as to why things aren't good enough. That was also the story of the second half of last season. Yet we dished out 2.5 year contracts..... When or where did they admit that they haven’t a clue as to why things aren’t good enough? They have been continually asked about the performances both in the after match conferences and on Twitter. It's the same responses as last season. Genuinely no idea why the players aren't doing what has been asked and references to how it was never like this for them at Salford. Do you think we are any better this year than last? The highs have been higher but if you look at the narrative it is very similar and we have a much better squad this year. We are slowly sliding down the table and have some big games coming up. If we don't take a decent haul from them then we will be in the same position as last year, scrabbling round for 7th place.
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Post by Jack on Jan 19, 2020 9:24:51 GMT
Jesus, we’ve drawn a game away from home. It’s really not that disastrous.
2 games in hand on York, it’s a battle for 2nd place.
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Post by Hannibal on Jan 19, 2020 9:31:00 GMT
I was very impressed with that crowd at King's Lynn. My first thought was that the game was at York, but remembered that York won that game 3-0. Would love to see us get crowds in the 4,000s possibly in the play-offs, but I can see us being the away team.
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Post by devadiva on Jan 19, 2020 10:02:20 GMT
I know We can’t expect to win every game but we’ve got a tough run of matches over the next 6-8 weeks and I wonder if being satisfied with a point is correct. I’d be satisfied with a point away at York/other teams in the top 8 or so, but against a team like Leamington, surely we need to be doing better?
A few weeks back I was confident we’d catch up York eventually, now We look to be v likely to lose out to Brackley for 3rd when you look at their games in hand - which means more away play off games to negotiate for promotion. That’s if you ignore the likes of Alty who are rocketing up the league like Stockport did last season.
It sounds like we really need to take those chances in a way we aren’t at the moment. Upcoming fixtures are not easy so going into them when we are being inconsistent isn’t ideal. The dynamic duo were reported to be looking to the market for a solution to this. Hope they find one - whether as the solution or as a kick up the bum to the existing squad - because I’m beginning to get worried our campaign is going to peter out and leave us in a similar position come the end of the season as we did last year. Hope I’m wrong.
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Post by jb on Jan 19, 2020 11:35:08 GMT
Sounds like this game needed a Proven NLN quick footed winger who could switch flanks and takes on players with ease. Wonder where we could find someone like that??
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ddod
Junior Member
Posts: 76
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Post by ddod on Jan 19, 2020 11:45:48 GMT
it isn't Mahon if that is what you're thinking.
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Post by Harry Lime on Jan 19, 2020 12:45:28 GMT
it isn't Mahon if that is what you're thinking. It isn't Elton either.
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Post by btb on Jan 19, 2020 12:50:52 GMT
Sir Iain Howard? 😂
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Post by RonD on Jan 19, 2020 14:11:29 GMT
I was very impressed with that crowd at King's Lynn. My first thought was that the game was at York, but remembered that York won that game 3-0. Would love to see us get crowds in the 4,000s possibly in the play-offs, but I can see us being the away team. The extra 2,000 home fans at King's Lynn won't be seen again! 😳🤔
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Post by Hannibal on Jan 19, 2020 14:14:59 GMT
I was very impressed with that crowd at King's Lynn. My first thought was that the game was at York, but remembered that York won that game 3-0. Would love to see us get crowds in the 4,000s possibly in the play-offs, but I can see us being the away team. The extra 2,000 home fans at King's Lynn won't be seen again! 😳🤔 I don't doubt that, but we got nowhere near that figure v York with several hundred Tranmere fans in.
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