Plenty of Positives

[Ulysses]

I thought Clarke had a decent game, other than that Gutts poor passing in the first 20mins was the only downside in one of better performances this season.

 

[ARSE!!]

clarke played like a donkey out of position(well thats my view on him)

 

[Shrimper2thecore]

It is such a shame that both hull and leeds won, so even with a good point we slip further away from the pack, which overshaddows our ggod performance

 

[Rusty Lee]

We need to start win and fast, yesterdays game was there for the taking but the lack of creativity in the midefield was obvious for all to see. Yes im happy with the clean sheet, but Preston game down for the 3 points, at halftime they were concerned as we opened them up a few times so they seattled for a more defensive formation in the second half which we couldnt breakdown.

We need to pick up points and yesterday was a excellent oppotunity missed

 

[Rayleigh boy]

the table looks a bit a scary but a bit harsh on the real ability of the players. You can see the side needs the ball-winning midfielder but Clarke has not got quick enough feet or a decent pass. Hes doing a good job and hopefully watching how Prior plays. Confidence seems high at the back after dealing with some well known players on Tuesday =

Good second half pressure - need to convert corners better and Francis and Hammell looking more settled. You can see what Tilson saw in them.

Shame Matt Harrold missed the open goal first half, shame Freddy hit the post/bar - shame we didn't get a bit of luck

Bit of a funny one Ron Martin on the web site going on about Guttridge staying -

Stick together, Get over a few injuries, get a bit of luck, get a few results, mid-table. Nothing to be frightened of in this division.

 

[* ORM *]

Quote[/b] (Andy_S @ Nov. 11 2006,19:14)]Sticking my neck out for a chopping, IMHO, the defence looks FAR better without Barrett.

I've been saying this for about a season and a half and have been thoroughly lambasted on here. But it seems that people have finally seen the light on AB (though a fantastic player to have in the squad). You cannot beat experience in this division and it does help if you are a centre-back that can head the ball rather than have a vague jump in the direction of the ball leading with your arms.

 

[stickyboy]

Think it was a good point considering Prestons position and after the effort put in against Man.U - Think the Plymouth game is a must win though and by the time it comes around will be 3 months since our last home league win. Our last away league win was at Col.U last year which seems an eternity ago.

 

[Jonesy tap-in]

Quote[/b] (* ORM * @ Nov. 12 2006,17:21)]

Quote[/b] (Andy_S @ Nov. 11 2006,19:14)]Sticking my neck out for a chopping, IMHO, the defence looks FAR better without Barrett.

I've been saying this for about a season and a half and have been thoroughly lambasted on here. But it seems that people have finally seen the light on AB (though a fantastic player to have in the squad).  You cannot beat experience in this division and it does help if you are a centre-back that can head the ball rather than have a vague jump in the direction of the ball leading with your arms.

That's it. Spinner & Sodje win a lot more easy headers than Barrett, which makes a big difference - relieves a lot of pressure and gives the team a bit more confidence all round.

If you're playing in a team with a big aerially dominant defender, even if he's only mopping up bread and butter balls, it seems to breed disproportionately more confidence relative to amount of actual threat quashed, if that makes sense. Psychologically, I'm sure there's some kind of bombardment war scenario thing going on... maybe...

hmmm

But yeah, if only AB had a few more inches...

 

[Jam_Man]

Sorry, I thought Clarke was hopeless first half. His passing and control were terrible, just like a centre back in midfield. I had to take a mate along to the game who hasnt seen him yet and his comment was "who is that donkey in the middle".

However I was pleasantly surprised that he was far better second half and he actually had a couple of decent bursts forward later on.

Whilst the defence did look far better 2nd half of the game the first 30 minutes they were all over the shop and it looked like we were up for another 3-0 drubbing, but thankfully they got on top of them and in the 2nd half Preston didnt look half the team.

Have to say, I thought Sodje made a few mistakes today, some dodgy passes and clearances. He is definitely first choice now, and his presence when we have corners is superb.

Sodje and Prior do look like our best option and I agree that Barrett shouldnt regain his place for now, however I cant see it lasting as Spinner always has trouble staying fit these days.

Overall I thought that it was a decent performance and the fact we havent conceded a goal in 3 hours against two decent teams is reassuring.

With Maher back in the side hopefully we can get 3 points against Plymouth.