[choirboy]

Originally Posted by andyd

Cracking game tonight just a shame more did,not turn up to watch Notts County are,nt as bad as there league position suggests, we could and should have had a couple more but the substitution,s changed the game we seemed to lose our shape not supporting Billy Kee like Boco had done all evening but we hung on for the points thought Mark Hughes had an outstanding second debut and I think we also missed him when he was subbed but well done lads Plymouth now in our sights come on Stanley.

I agree with your summary Andyyd.


We played them off the park in the first half and 4 - 0 or 5 - 0 would not have flattered us at half time! Hughes and Boco looked like they had played in the team all season. I had my doubts about Rommy but he proved me totally wrong. He has obviously been coached intensely into the 'Come and meet the ball' method that Coley and Jimmy have developed this season. Hughes too looked assured and McLeod and Stead didn't get a look in at all in the first half!
They were a different team in the second half. Right from the whistle they played a faster tempo and got the ball forward more quickly albeit frequently using Route One but also using their wingers too. It was a relief when we scored the third against the run of the play.
Halliday got a bloodied nose after which he was less effective and when they scored their first goal we had lost our shape somewhat.
When Rommy and Hughes were subbed we lost our shape even more and they started to dominate with their long ball and direct tactics.
We should still have scored late on because we had more chances to do so. Especially with Crooksy getting into good scoring positions but the lad just does not seem to be able to shoot. His passing game is excellent but his shooting is poor in contrast. He was a bit unlucky with a great ball in from the left from Sean Mac but he slightly over ran the ball and finished trying to drag the ball forward.
Nonetheless it was a good result and more importantly THREE valuable POINTS.
Plymouth only drew and Portsmouth lost tonight which was a help!
A full 90 minutes on saturday like the first 45 minutes tonight will be what John and Jimmy will be demanding in training this week.
ON STANLEY ON