Rage Online

&quotty cobb&quot wrote: Given the squad I'd go 4-4-2, Bulman and Chalmers/Hargreaves in the middle with LSD/Cook/Clist out wide with Beano and Green/Midson up top.

&quotty cobb&quot wrote:we needed someone to come in who could create something

&quotty cobb&quot wrote:I'd go 4-4-2, Bulman and Chalmers/Hargreaves in the middle

&quotGodalmingYellow&quot wrote:We were very very lucky to escape with the win.

Our back line was very poor again, with Rhys Day the main culprit this time and Jake Wright not far behind.

Some in the crowd were berating Chalmers, but I thought he was by no means our worst player and actually tried to take on the Gateshead players, a trait that a few of his team mates might like to consider.

Why Cook? Why not Midson? Beyond me that one, unless he is being saved for Tuesday.

Once again we had too many players not prepared to take responsibility. When we tried to play the passing game, we ran out of patience after 4 or 5 passes and gave the ball away. The passing game takes much more patience than that. Sure we don't wanrt 20 passes along the back line, but I got the feeling the players were over trying a little, trying to force the issue too quickly, when a bit more passing would have drawn Gateshead out a little more and possibly created more space.

Quite how the ref could over-rule the linesman for the offside goal I just don't understand. Perhaps the replay will highlight something, because otherwise it would have to go down as a refereeing shocker.

The win was a relief, but a bit like Dan, I came away feeling this could be a turning point, and if we can avoid defeat on Tuesday and win on Friday, all the pressure will be on Stevenage, and it just might be their turn to crack.

Very good crowd considering recent fom. Let's get to Stevenage and Hayes in numbers and see what this team is capable of. There is no worthy alternative.

I heard today that Foster was kicked out for trying to get off with Matt Green's missus. I've no idea if that was the truth or not, but if so, then I would have to go with Wilder's decision.

&quotGodalmingYellow&quot wrote:

&quotdeanwindass&quot wrote:

&quotGodalmingYellow&quot wrote:Our back line was very poor again, with Rhys Day the main culprit this time and Jake Wright not far behind.

I'm going to have to bite again I'm afraid. Either you're being facetious or we're watching different matches. I agree about Day who was woeful but Jake Wright was probably MOTM. He won almost everything in the air, made some important challenges and was well positioned to clear up following Day's numerous errors. One of the few players to have come out of the game with any credit in my opinion.

Bite away, it's all opinions, and without any, this forum would be a bit dull.

Sorry, but on 3 occassions, Wright drifting too far to the right a nd too far forwards with no cover available, left a gaping whole between himself and Tonkin which Gateshead exploited, and but for better shooting would likely have scored. At least 3 times Wright was caught in possession in our half, which again against better opposition would have resulted in goals against. His mistakes are so often covered by Tonkin. Yes heading is important and Wright is beginning to gain confidence in the air, but that alone is far from MoM stuff.

Constable was MoM for me, closely followed by Deering. Clist had a decent game as well, running many miles chasing down their midfield.

&quotty cobb&quot wrote:...Wright and Day...

&quotty cobb&quot wrote:Is Wilder still the man - absolutely and hopefully he will have learnt that fucking about with a top of the table team is not the way to win the league.

&quotdeanwindass&quot wrote:I agree with most of what's been said above (with the obvious exception of GY's ridiculous criticism of Wright). I don't think we can play Bulman and Hargreaves as a pairing. It didn't work away at Rushden, is horribly negative and feeds into the hoof-ball that's causing much of our frustration.

For what its worth, I'd play this team for Stevenage, with Deering and Green pushing on to assist Beano when attacking and becoming a five when defending. It's fluid and can turn into a 442 with Green up top and Deering and Clist wide if needs be. I think this is our most solid and inventive line-up available as Potter doesn't retain the ball (and probably isn't fit) enough to start in such a big game.


Clarke

Chapman Beast Wright Tonkin

Chalmers Bulman Clist

Deering Green(M)

Beano

Subs: Billy, Day, Hargreaves, Potter, Midson

Sadly, I think he'll play Day instead of Beast, Hargreaves instead of Chalmers and Potter instead of Matty Green. I guess we'll see Grant instead of Midson on the bench too.

&quotboris&quot wrote:The problem is that with Murray injured and Chapman forced to fill in at right back to cover Batt's suspension we don't have any creative midfielders left.

&quotty cobb&quot wrote:

&quotboris&quot wrote:The problem is that with Murray injured and Chapman forced to fill in at right back to cover Batt's suspension we don't have any creative midfielders left.

Exactly so lets go back to our last promotion winning team - two boring defensive midfielders (Gray and Smith) in the middle and two creative players out wide. Two more defensive minded midfielders will also enable the full backs to push on - Chappers and Tonkin do with good effect although please can they work on their crossing.

At the moment we have no width and so the only option is through the middle. When they cut that option out we go long.

I think Cook puts the effort in - he may not charge about like a headless chicken all match but he covers the ground. He also has the best first touch of anyone on the team and rarely gives it away.

Alfie to come on as sub for me.

&quotty cobb&quot wrote:Alfie to come on as sub for me.

&quotty cobb&quot wrote:

&quotboris&quot wrote:The problem is that with Murray injured and Chapman forced to fill in at right back to cover Batt's suspension we don't have any creative midfielders left.

Exactly so lets go back to our last promotion winning team - two boring defensive midfielders (Gray and Smith) in the middle and two creative players out wide. Two more defensive minded midfielders will also enable the full backs to push on - Chappers and Tonkin do with good effect although please can they work on their crossing.

At the moment we have no width and so the only option is through the middle. When they cut that option out we go long.

I think Cook puts the effort in - he may not charge about like a headless chicken all match but he covers the ground. He also has the best first touch of anyone on the team and rarely gives it away.

Alfie to come on as sub for me.

&quotGodalmingYellow&quot wrote:You do realise that Wright is the centre back don't you?

&quotGodalmingYellow&quot wrote:Your obviously ridiculous midfield line up has no creativity whatsoever. And your obviously ridiculous use of Green wide means effctively you are asking Beano to win the inevitable aerial bombardment he will get from Wright, and then hold on to it. That is how to avoid losing, rather than how to win a game.

&quotJohn Byrne's Underpants&quot wrote:

&quotty cobb&quot wrote:

&quotboris&quot wrote:The problem is that with Murray injured and Chapman forced to fill in at right back to cover Batt's suspension we don't have any creative midfielders left.

Exactly so lets go back to our last promotion winning team - two boring defensive midfielders (Gray and Smith) in the middle and two creative players out wide. Two more defensive minded midfielders will also enable the full backs to push on - Chappers and Tonkin do with good effect although please can they work on their crossing.

At the moment we have no width and so the only option is through the middle. When they cut that option out we go long.

I think Cook puts the effort in - he may not charge about like a headless chicken all match but he covers the ground. He also has the best first touch of anyone on the team and rarely gives it away.

Alfie to come on as sub for me.

Agreed. If we aren't going to or aren't able to play creative midfielders then the other option is to go wide. Problem is we have no really decent wingers right now (and only potentially one anyway). Deering isn't a winger and Potter is still coming back. Sticking Midson/Green out wide really doesn't work either. They're not wingers either

In regards to the Creighton/Day issue. I don't think it makes much difference which one plays. Neither is in the greatest form right now. Last time Creighton played he was woeful. Wright is class and has to play.