Post-Match Thread and Ratings Southend United 0 Newport County 0

[amsemp]

Bit harsh...poor side...good enough to p*ss all over your boys not so very long ago.
What you should be mindful of is that Newport have just come up for the conference and are finding their feet as a newcomer to the FL.
Also let me supply a few facts ref this "poor" side:
1. We have not paid a single penny for any player except Jolley who came to us last year for the princely sum of £30,000.
2. Top scorer from last yr (Aaron O'Connor injured entire season and still out).
3. Top scorer this season (Chris Zebrowski injured and out for past 4 mths and still out).
4. Best forward ( Connah Washington sold to Peterborough days ago)...destroyed your boys at our place.
5. Captain broke his leg in our victory at Brighton in League cup ...first time on bench this evening.
6. Only money signing (Jolley) been out for much of the season.
7. Max Porter out injured for whole of last season and only returned to bench last game and tonight.
8. Centre back tonight,Andy Sandell out all season until three games ago. Key player last Season.
9.Your usual injuries to most of the squad to contend with on top of the serious long term injuries to the key players mentioned above...too many to list here.
10. Last 4 home games postponed because of wet weather. Halted any momentum built before Xmas. Those of you who travelled to Rodney Parade would testify that Newport was quite different to the side you now call poor...they put on a great attacking display ...ask around.

On a positive note for us...some of our key players are returning to the bench...but both of our main strikers are still out. Pretty soon they too will be back(few weeks)...and be warned...out of the 20 games to play ...we have 13 at home and just 7 on the road. Pretty sure , if our strikers return,as anticipated we will be in the mix with Sarfend.

Oh...and incidentally, I reckon Sarfend are a more than useful side,with a good mgr...and will definitely be in play offs or possibly in the automatic places come the end of the season.

Good luck.

Blimey, bit touchy. And there was me thinking Roxy was entitled to an opinion on her own forum. Silly me!

 

[Jcd]

Bit harsh...poor side...good enough to p*ss all over your boys not so very long ago.
What you should be mindful of is that Newport have just come up for the conference and are finding their feet as a newcomer to the FL.
Also let me supply a few facts ref this "poor" side:
1. We have not paid a single penny for any player except Jolley who came to us last year for the princely sum of £30,000.
2. Top scorer from last yr (Aaron O'Connor injured entire season and still out).
3. Top scorer this season (Chris Zebrowski injured and out for past 4 mths and still out).
4. Best forward ( Connah Washington sold to Peterborough days ago)...destroyed your boys at our place.
5. Captain broke his leg in our victory at Brighton in League cup ...first time on bench this evening.
6. Only money signing (Jolley) been out for much of the season.
7. Max Porter out injured for whole of last season and only returned to bench last game and tonight.
8. Centre back tonight,Andy Sandell out all season until three games ago. Key player last Season.
9.Your usual injuries to most of the squad to contend with on top of the serious long term injuries to the key players mentioned above...too many to list here.
10. Last 4 home games postponed because of wet weather. Halted any momentum built before Xmas. Those of you who travelled to Rodney Parade would testify that Newport was quite different to the side you now call poor...they put on a great attacking display ...ask around.

On a positive note for us...some of our key players are returning to the bench...but both of our main strikers are still out. Pretty soon they too will be back(few weeks)...and be warned...out of the 20 games to play ...we have 13 at home and just 7 on the road. Pretty sure , if our strikers return,as anticipated we will be in the mix with Sarfend.

Oh...and incidentally, I reckon Sarfend are a more than useful side,with a good mgr...and will definitely be in play offs or possibly in the automatic places come the end of the season.

Good luck.

I remember Aaron O'Connor from his time at Grays ath, absolute donkey.

 

[bazzashrimper]

Bit harsh...poor side...good enough to p*ss all over your boys not so very long ago.
What you should be mindful of is that Newport have just come up for the conference and are finding their feet as a newcomer to the FL.
Also let me supply a few facts ref this "poor" side:
1. We have not paid a single penny for any player except Jolley who came to us last year for the princely sum of £30,000.
2. Top scorer from last yr (Aaron O'Connor injured entire season and still out).
3. Top scorer this season (Chris Zebrowski injured and out for past 4 mths and still out).
4. Best forward ( Connah Washington sold to Peterborough days ago)...destroyed your boys at our place.
5. Captain broke his leg in our victory at Brighton in League cup ...first time on bench this evening.
6. Only money signing (Jolley) been out for much of the season.
7. Max Porter out injured for whole of last season and only returned to bench last game and tonight.
8. Centre back tonight,Andy Sandell out all season until three games ago. Key player last Season.
9.Your usual injuries to most of the squad to contend with on top of the serious long term injuries to the key players mentioned above...too many to list here.
10. Last 4 home games postponed because of wet weather. Halted any momentum built before Xmas. Those of you who travelled to Rodney Parade would testify that Newport was quite different to the side you now call poor...they put on a great attacking display ...ask around.

On a positive note for us...some of our key players are returning to the bench...but both of our main strikers are still out. Pretty soon they too will be back(few weeks)...and be warned...out of the 20 games to play ...we have 13 at home and just 7 on the road. Pretty sure , if our strikers return,as anticipated we will be in the mix with Sarfend.

Oh...and incidentally, I reckon Sarfend are a more than useful side,with a good mgr...and will definitely be in play offs or possibly in the automatic places come the end of the season.

Good luck.

Newport were poor tonight - unless people went to Newport earlier in the season, tonight's all we really have to go on. We have played 3 games in 6 days in bog like conditions - I was stunned that you chose to time waste from the off. At half time I gave you the benefit of the doubt citing that you had the wind against you in the first half, but when you carried on in the second it was awful. If you had pressed and played up tempo you would probably have won.

Anyway, congratulations to your team for the point which takes you a point further away from relegation (and I'm not patronising, but you need to beat the sides above you to claw back 7 or 8 points)

But you did defend very well

 

[Jam_Man]

Bit harsh...poor side...good enough to p*ss all over your boys not so very long ago.
What you should be mindful of is that Newport have just come up for the conference and are finding their feet as a newcomer to the FL.
Also let me supply a few facts ref this "poor" side:
1. We have not paid a single penny for any player except Jolley who came to us last year for the princely sum of £30,000.
2. Top scorer from last yr (Aaron O'Connor injured entire season and still out).
3. Top scorer this season (Chris Zebrowski injured and out for past 4 mths and still out).
4. Best forward ( Connah Washington sold to Peterborough days ago)...destroyed your boys at our place.
5. Captain broke his leg in our victory at Brighton in League cup ...first time on bench this evening.
6. Only money signing (Jolley) been out for much of the season.
7. Max Porter out injured for whole of last season and only returned to bench last game and tonight.
8. Centre back tonight,Andy Sandell out all season until three games ago. Key player last Season.
9.Your usual injuries to most of the squad to contend with on top of the serious long term injuries to the key players mentioned above...too many to list here.
10. Last 4 home games postponed because of wet weather. Halted any momentum built before Xmas. Those of you who travelled to Rodney Parade would testify that Newport was quite different to the side you now call poor...they put on a great attacking display ...ask around.

On a positive note for us...some of our key players are returning to the bench...but both of our main strikers are still out. Pretty soon they too will be back(few weeks)...and be warned...out of the 20 games to play ...we have 13 at home and just 7 on the road. Pretty sure , if our strikers return,as anticipated we will be in the mix with Sarfend.

Oh...and incidentally, I reckon Sarfend are a more than useful side,with a good mgr...and will definitely be in play offs or possibly in the automatic places come the end of the season.

Good luck.

Yeah, have you kept up with our financial story the past 3 years ? We have been under embargo for about 6 months !

 

[* ORM *]

I remember Hooper from his time at Southend. Absolute donkey!

 

[Jam_Man]

Anyone know why Corr was subbed? Thought he'd played very well first half and had been vital in defence (God, we missed Prosser!). Would have liked to see Fred and Barney on for 10 mins together. Straker not the right sub when he came on, completely unbalanced the side.

Heart was in my mouth every time White went down, seemed to hold his shoulder each time he got up and feared we wouldn't see him come back out after half time.

Bentley - 7, coped well in difficult conditions, think he had the penalty covered anyway
White - 7, we've missed his influence down the wings
Thompson - 6, did ok, coped alright with Rene Howe but seems reluctant to try and make any last ditch challenges, which is always necessary when you're playing alongside Phillips at the moment!
Phillips - 5, oh dear, where has our former POTY gone? Shadow of himself, almost a liability at times
Coker - 7, great game, linked really well with Atkinson in 1st half
Hurst - 6, had his moments but corners were poor
Timlin - 7, spread the ball around well, am not liking the fact he so often seems to be subbed though
Leonard - 7.5, definite contender for MOTM, bit quieter than he has been but still saw him powering forward well. Thought that was a good penalty shout towards the end
Atkinson - 8, my MOTM, didn't stop all match, very under-rated player
Barnard - 7, looked sharp and strong, against other opponents I think him and Corr would have done some damage
Corr - 7, did well in difficult conditions. Key figure in defence at times

Subs:
Straker for Corr - 5, just don't get it. 1 exceptional game to every 4 poor or mediocre ones. Not good enough
Eastwood for Barnard - 6.5, gave them some grief, made life difficult
Clifford for Timlin - 6.5, unlucky not to score, got in there and gave the midfield back some bite

Officials:
I liked the way the ref pulled the advantage back, and I thought the linos were good enough but I was just so frustrated by the time wasting and some of the bully boy tactics employed by Newport players. Early cards might have knocked it on the head.

CAnt comment as wasnt there but radio said Corr and Barnard were both way of the pace and Eastwood looked better than them when he came on?

 

[county]

Thank you County, I remember Washington well, and was relieved he wasn't with you any more. I would be interested on your views on the time wasting and the fact that the ref let so much of it go with absolutely no punishment. 1 minute of added time in the first half was ridiculous. You have to remember that our boys have had no rest and have played while you haven't, on heavy pitches and in atrocious conditions which have clearly taken their toll. Our captain to my mind shouldn't have been out there tonight but we had little choice. Your manager will always be remembered fondly here at Southend, I was, frankly, surprised at the tactics he employed though tonight.

Washington leaving is a big blow...reckon he will be prem league within two yrs.
Time wasting/refs etc...same at our place...don't think any of us are happy with them. I am,however, relieved if this ref gave us some respite...we can do with all the help available given current circumstances described above. Having said that..do you not think that Phillips could have marched tonight for the pen incident..we might have nicked a win then.
I take your point ref heavy pitches and games played...but equally it's a real bummer for County to be constantly playing away and having home games postponed.
As For Justin...glad you have such fond memories. Must say ..whatever his tactics..we trust him...been a cracking mgr so far..got us promoted , spending £30K on transfer fees...and kept us around play offs on a shoestring with the worst injury crisis I have ever known ....not bad I say.
Will be interesting for the rest of the season though..two top strikers back fit and raring to go very soon...plenty of home games and ..as you know well, we are a very,very different proposition at Rodney Road!

 

[Jcd]

I remember Hooper from his time at Southend. Absolute donkey!

Haha well played indeed.

 

[Shrimper95]

We were ****. They were ****. The end.

 

[Dazzaref]

CAnt comment as wasnt there but radio said Corr and Barnard were both way of the pace and Eastwood looked better than them when he came on?

I was there and agree with the commentators. Barney was hardly involved and Corr worked hard for little result. Freddy did ok but the conditions were against any constructive passage of play today.

 

[Ricey]

CAnt comment as wasnt there but radio said Corr and Barnard were both way of the pace and Eastwood looked better than them when he came on?

I was there Jam and disagree totally with what OBL has to say, Eastwood was excellent when he came on and I hope he gets more game time he looked sharp and raring to fight. Barnard looked good but not great maybe in a game or two he needs to sharpen up. Corr looks tired.

 

[Angell Delight]

I must say I'd like to see Eastwood and Barnard start together at some point, could be a very clever pairing. Corr will surely need a rest soon, he's done a fantastic job up there on his own pretty much all season.

 

[Somerset Ex-TTB]

Having plenty of home games means nothing, you will have a huge fixture backlog like we did last season, and will drop points where you don't think you will.

 

[Ricey]

Washington leaving is a big blow...reckon he will be prem league within two yrs.
Time wasting/refs etc...same at our place...don't think any of us are happy with them. I am,however, relieved if this ref gave us some respite...we can do with all the help available given current circumstances described above. Having said that..do you not think that Phillips could have marched tonight for the pen incident..we might have nicked a win then.
I take your point ref heavy pitches and games played...but equally it's a real bummer for County to be constantly playing away and having home games postponed.
As For Justin...glad you have such fond memories. Must say ..whatever his tactics..we trust him...been a cracking mgr so far..got us promoted , spending £30K on transfer fees...and kept us around play offs on a shoestring with the worst injury crisis I have ever known ....not bad I say.
Will be interesting for the rest of the season though..two top strikers back fit and raring to go very soon...plenty of home games and ..as you know well, we are a very,very different proposition at Rodney Road!

You keep going on about a shoestring budget like your the only one! Try and work out how much we have spent over the past 4 seasons. If it eclipses £30k I'd be very shocked. Not saying Edinburgh hasn't done a good job but open your eyes this is league two not many teams have a big budget especially us!

 

[county]

Oh but we will have plenty of chances to beat the sides above us..starting Friday with Fleetwood..remember 13 home games in last 20 games...check to our home record..it's not bad. I take your point regards 3 games in 6 days ..and I am sure it played a part in Sarfend's performance..nevertheless,a useful point for us.
Lets talk again...say late March our positions might be a lot closer. Biggest thing for us is gettin Zeb and Azza back fit and firing..then we will see.
You are probably right about pressing and winning...team is low on confidence for a number of reasons...lack of games/momentum lost through constant postponements...Justin wants to stop the rot..hence the caution.
Anyhow good luck for rest of season..hope we meet in play offs..after all ...we haven't a bad record against your lot !

 

[Jam_Man]

Oh but we will have plenty of chances to beat the sides above us..starting Friday with Fleetwood..remember 13 home games in last 20 games...check to our home record..it's not bad. I take your point regards 3 games in 6 days ..and I am sure it played a part in Sarfend's performance..nevertheless,a useful point for us.
Lets talk again...say late March our positions might be a lot closer. Biggest thing for us is gettin Zeb and Azza back fit and firing..then we will see.
You are probably right about pressing and winning...team is low on confidence for a number of reasons...lack of games/momentum lost through constant postponements...Justin wants to stop the rot..hence the caution.
Anyhow good luck for rest of season..hope we meet in play offs..after all ...we haven't a bad record against your lot !

By all means take points off them , that helps us!

 

[county]

Agree Ricey...don't know much about your budget...but really did think you might have a bit more than County...your lot being an established FL team .
In fact last time I was at Roots Hall brings back bad memories...we led 2-0 With about 15 mins left and we were singing that old favourite..." o what fun it is too see the County win away"...you know how it goes "jingle bells" and all that...anyway score at 90 mins Sarfend 4 County 2 !

Just to top it off me and my mate( 14/15 yrs old) left behind by the coach after game...spent the night at the local nic...parents not best pleased , had to send up cash to have us brought home next day...yeah Friday night games as well.

Ahhh...happy days ...must be 35 yrs ago now.

 

[bazzashrimper]

Oh but we will have plenty of chances to beat the sides above us..starting Friday with Fleetwood..remember 13 home games in last 20 games...check to our home record..it's not bad. I take your point regards 3 games in 6 days ..and I am sure it played a part in Sarfend's performance..nevertheless,a useful point for us.
Lets talk again...say late March our positions might be a lot closer. Biggest thing for us is gettin Zeb and Azza back fit and firing..then we will see.
You are probably right about pressing and winning...team is low on confidence for a number of reasons...lack of games/momentum lost through constant postponements...Justin wants to stop the rot..hence the caution.
Anyhow good luck for rest of season..hope we meet in play offs..after all ...we haven't a bad record against your lot !

Good luck against Fleetwood. From what I hear they are better than us in the attacking third. I hope you steal some points, but I feel taking 3 points against us when we are knackered is an easier route to catch the playoffs...

 

[silentshrimper]

I'd love to know why you think that....for me it was totally the wrong decision and what cost us in upsetting the balance of the team. Atkinson had been doing fine down the left wing in the 1st half.

I stated in the Coker rating. Atkinson was slow to join Coker on the wing and never looked to go past his man down the wing, he cut inside to where he seems to be more naturally comfortable which is fine with me....but I felt we needed someone on who was more likely to go down the line.
I actually felt Atkinson was better in the second half, full of running in the position he normally plays in.

Maybe the problem here is who Straker came on for....Corr would have kept the team balanced in my opinion but maybe he wanted to rest him a bit.

 

[Jedi Shrimper]

Clearly the conditions played a part tonight, not only not conducive to good football but also energy sapping and the 3rd games we've played in such conditions in 7 days so it's not suprising we lacked energy. Not helped by Newport blatantly coming for a point, playing very deep and not even trying to hit us on the break, one of the most negative performances I've seen by an oppo. Thought we looked vulnerable from set pieces without Prosser's aerial prowess. Poor game but we were comfortably the better side.

Bentley 7 - Did everything required of him well, although that wasn't much!
White 6 - Solid enough in his first game back
Coker 6 - Ok in defence, added to attack well but his crossing was often below par
Thompson 6.5 - Looked more comfortable in the centre
Phillips 5 - Tired? Carrying a knock? Either way the weak link in defence
Leonard 6 - Played well but thought he looked knackered
Timlin 7 - Commited and so close to giving us the lead from distance. Again
Hurst 4 - Utterly anonymous, which is worrying as he's our most creative player and PotY so far
Atkinson 7.5 MOTM - Energetic, he was the one driving us forward, and hit post in first half
Corr 5 - Poor bloke looks knackered and jaded, needs a rest
Barnard 6 - Ring rusty and not 100% match fit but he was up for it and caused Newport some problems in the first half

Subs
Straker 6 - Not as good as he was v Hull, nothing was coming off for him but at least he was showing some intent, running at people and trying things. The abuse he got was ridiculous, people need to get off his back.
Eastwood 7 - Looked up for it, sharp and made a difference
Clifford 6 - Slotted into tired midfield well enough