Nobbled By The Notts 22nd Sept

[guest47]

I do wonder how many of you where actually at the game today. It was an average performance 'interrupted' by the odd brief passage of decent football. I cannot remember County remotely aspiring to any great heights during the game. The game never quite dulled my senses a la Chelts and Morecambe. Regarding selection I think Bowditch was an error; he never looked comfortable with all the cloggers around him. One decent run by Bridges proved that. Cornell was good all game. Buchs ok and Dolphin at RB was an improvement on Facey. Barnett was good and Taylor although guilty of some misplaced passes did ok ...only just tho. I never 'fort the penalty shout from Notts support against him was one; waved away by the Ref and not too many of their players complained if any at all. Surprised we had nearly 5k there as most of the experts on here said County support would out number us!! . The point is about the result we did not lose, we did not give away stupid goals, we missed at least 2 or 3 decent opportunities; above all we did not concede...wow! The crowd was mostly supportive with the North Stand willing the players on. There was some clapping at half tiime but no booing.  At the final whistle apart from a few boos from Glasto,Man04 and Clarkey - mostly clapping at the end. Also most of the team walked to the North End clapping and be clapped I might add. Not too many times this past year have I seen that! I also thought the team collectively played tried to put in a decent(not good) shift and on the whole they did.
Dave Savage comments were about right; we desperately need a win(wow), team lacking confidence and this reflects in their play. His point was that with a couple of wins particularly at home would be of enormous benefit to confidence. He also thought that we just have to grind out a few results and then the football will improve.
I thought at times vV was class, some of his passing was A1 standard but he really should have buried that chance he had at the end. Even Crooks (in ninterview) expressed his disappointment with that miss. Foley played well but JJOT was a bit muted and we didnt quite dominate the midfield as much as we should have done. Hoskins had a consistent game  - if you get my drift. Referee managed to give some odd decisions but at least he confidently waived away the Penalty appeal. To summarise, we kept a clean sheet , Cornell played ok, vV missed a good chance,the atmosphere was perfectly acceptable all things considered, the attendance appeared to hold up and DA more or less managed to get his players playing for their 'shirt'. However our finishing and decision making in the final third was.... err limited but as Savage commented that will only come with the confidence gained from a few ground out results.

Pretty good summary there. O'Toole was muted but it was his first whole game for a long while. I hope DA gives him a run as his style of play works best when he's got plenty of confidence.
That last minute miss by van Veen was a killer for all concerned. If he had buried that it would be hugs and kisses all round and he was clearly distraught at the miss.
I thought DA's post match interview was pretty good too - they are all working hard to get things right, It seemed a tight group today so let's hope he's right.

[guest2995]

I understand some of the slight optimism , but we played a team that was at the bottom of the league and ship goals for fun .
We hardly made their keeper make a save .
I am not sure how we are going to improve .
DA didn’t change it until the very end which suggests to me he either thought that was acceptable or he has no confidence with the bench.
We needed to change it after 55 minutes . The front two were no threat and the midfield were not threatening .
If he continues to pick Bowditch and play Hoskins as a target man we are in for a long hard season .
And I’m afraid JJOT is not worthy of his place .
Mc Williams is our best player and he needs to come back sharpish

[BackOfTheNet]

I thought yesterday was a meeting of two poor teams that could still have been quite entertaining if it wasn't for the ref blowing his whistle every 30 seconds or so.

[Poggy]

Well as soon as I saw Dean Bowditch's name on the teamsheet I was pretty confident we wouldn't score so quite relieved to get a point.

I wonder how many goals we have scored when he's been on the pitch during his time here

[Monkey]

If KvV sticks his chance away at the end then I'd fancy us to start picking up A few more results but confidence is niw going to take another hit. Gutted for him because he was class before that. He is making chances just by closing defenders down. He did this in the first half too which ended with Crooks effort being saved.
As I've said before, Bowditch is a good player and he has the best footballing brain in the squad. A bit like Eoin Jess, he looks rubbish because nobody else around him is on the same page.
Barnett looked like the most solid CB at the club and should keep his place for sure. Foley has been a revelation this season and considering he probably started the season as 4th choice CM, he now looks undroppable. I think he should keep Crooks out wide... he's probably the best winger we have and we have good cover in CM.

Will be interesting to see if Taylor has anything to say after his interaction with the North stand...

[ItsaSetPieceDivision]

Dave Savage comments were about right; we desperately need a win(wow), team lacking confidence and this reflects in their play. His point was that with a couple of wins particularly at home would be of enormous benefit to confidence. He also thought that we just have to grind out a few results and then the football will improve.

He should go on Mastermind.
Specialist subject: The bleedin' obvious !

[guest2995]

If KvV sticks his chance away at the end then I'd fancy us to start picking up A few more results but confidence is niw going to take another hit. Gutted for him because he was class before that. He is making chances just by closing defenders down. He did this in the first half too which ended with Crooks effort being saved.
As I've said before, Bowditch is a good player and he has the best footballing brain in the squad. A bit like Eoin Jess, he looks rubbish because nobody else around him is on the same page.
Barnett looked like the most solid CB at the club and should keep his place for sure. Foley has been a revelation this season and considering he probably started the season as 4th choice CM, he now looks undroppable. I think he should keep Crooks out wide... he's probably the best winger we have and we have good cover in CM.

Will be interesting to see if Taylor has anything to say after his interaction with the North stand...

People keep saying Bowditch has a good brain .
Maybe he should go to university then because he doesn’t employ it on the football pitch .
He is a waste of space

[ClarenceInDefence]

I'm honestly not getting at you personally but I've got to challenge some of that. I agree that the effort probably couldn't be questioned on this occasion but the quality was non-existent. In his post match interview Austin claimed that the performance was built on a grittier defensive base but Notts were so toothless that we shouldn't have been troubled as much as we were. I'd be really interested to know who they spent big on in the summer as the only name that jumped out to me was Jon stead and he's been there for ages and hasn't even been a regular this season. I'm pretty sure that at least 2 of their starting 11 were signed as free agents by kewell a couple of weeks ago after he took over - one had been released by Crawley in the summer and he hadn't found a new club. I'd also disagree with your view on van veen - too often he just ambles around, and I can't work out why he always has to drop off into the hole which leaves Hoskins or previously Morias as the centre forward which totally isolates them. On the subject of Hoskins it is getting to the point where I don't even get excited anymore when he gets into a good position as he can't cross and can't shoot.

I agree that the quality was lacking when it came to the 'killler' ball in the final third, but still believe for the most part that the team played reasonably well, if not at the level they were in the first few matches of the season. The back four all had solid games, Barnett being the pick of the bunch. Foley was excellent while Crooks, Van Veen and Bowditch all had pretty decent if not excellent games. JJOT showed signs of his old self, but needs more games.

Maybe 'spent big' was a poor choice of words, but Notts have certainly invested in trying to improve a side that finished top 7 last season by bringing in several fresh faces. As you say Kewell signed the Crawley player, but managers often like to bring in players they have worked with before and he got the Notts job after the window was shut hence bringing in a free agent, so not sure how much this actually says about the quality their squad may or may not have. Overall I thought they defended well and were obviously up for scrapping for a clean sheet after conceding so many goals under the previous manager. They've let in 24 in the league this season, but 14 of those came in 4 games against Lincoln, Exeter, Newport and Forest Green, who are all in the top 7 with the 3 former teams currently sitting in the top 3. Perhaps they're record is partly due to poor defending but also the quality of opposition they've played early on?

Van Veen is quality, his touch, vision, movement and passing is top draw and was throughout the match yesterday. On occasion he does seem to 'amble' about but I think this is as much to do with him choosing his moments wisely and not being one to chase lost causes. Much of the time his work-rate is excellent though and he wins a lot of balls and makes important blocks down to his anticipation. This is how he created the chance for himself at the end, and how he scored his second in the Cambridge match. Seemed up for the battle yesterday and looked genuinely upset at the end for missing his chance. I think we're lucky to have him in the side.

Can't disagree about Hoskins, who I think with his pace and willingness to run at defenders would be better used as a second half 'impact' sub. Waters or Williams needs a run in the side now before Morias comes back from injury.

[ClarenceInDefence]

I do wonder how many of you where actually at the game today. It was an average performance 'interrupted' by the odd brief passage of decent football. I cannot remember County remotely aspiring to any great heights during the game. The game never quite dulled my senses a la Chelts and Morecambe. Regarding selection I think Bowditch was an error; he never looked comfortable with all the cloggers around him. One decent run by Bridges proved that. Cornell was good all game. Buchs ok and Dolphin at RB was an improvement on Facey. Barnett was good and Taylor although guilty of some misplaced passes did ok ...only just tho. I never 'fort the penalty shout from Notts support against him was one; waved away by the Ref and not too many of their players complained if any at all. Surprised we had nearly 5k there as most of the experts on here said County support would out number us!! . The point is about the result we did not lose, we did not give away stupid goals, we missed at least 2 or 3 decent opportunities; above all we did not concede...wow! The crowd was mostly supportive with the North Stand willing the players on. There was some clapping at half tiime but no booing.  At the final whistle apart from a few boos from Glasto,Man04 and Clarkey - mostly clapping at the end. Also most of the team walked to the North End clapping and be clapped I might add. Not too many times this past year have I seen that! I also thought the team collectively played tried to put in a decent(not good) shift and on the whole they did.
Dave Savage comments were about right; we desperately need a win(wow), team lacking confidence and this reflects in their play. His point was that with a couple of wins particularly at home would be of enormous benefit to confidence. He also thought that we just have to grind out a few results and then the football will improve.
I thought at times vV was class, some of his passing was A1 standard but he really should have buried that chance he had at the end. Even Crooks (in ninterview) expressed his disappointment with that miss. Foley played well but JJOT was a bit muted and we didnt quite dominate the midfield as much as we should have done. Hoskins had a consistent game  - if you get my drift. Referee managed to give some odd decisions but at least he confidently waived away the Penalty appeal. To summarise, we kept a clean sheet , Cornell played ok, vV missed a good chance,the atmosphere was perfectly acceptable all things considered, the attendance appeared to hold up and DA more or less managed to get his players playing for their 'shirt'. However our finishing and decision making in the final third was.... err limited but as Savage commented that will only come with the confidence gained from a few ground out results.

A fair assessment. Not sure what you mean re. Bowditch being uncomfortable with the cloggers around him though, are you on about their players or some of ours?  Personally I thought he did OK. Made a great cross in the first which their defender just got his head on which probably prevented JJOT having an easy header for the first goal. Lacks the acceleration which would make him truly dangerous, but think he's an intelligent footballer to have in the squad.

Being in the North perhaps I didn't have the best view of the Taylor 'penalty' challenge, so will take your word for it.

[ClarenceInDefence]

Pretty good summary there. O'Toole was muted but it was his first whole game for a long while. I hope DA gives him a run as his style of play works best when he's got plenty of confidence.
That last minute miss by van Veen was a killer for all concerned. If he had buried that it would be hugs and kisses all round and he was clearly distraught at the miss.
I thought DA's post match interview was pretty good too - they are all working hard to get things right, It seemed a tight group today so let's hope he's right.

Agree about O'Toole. Think he showed signs of his old self yesterday but needs a run of games now to get fully match sharp.

Also agree that it seemed a tight group, this and the willingness they showed to battle was good to see.

[Clarity]

We seem to play a possession based type of football without too much penetration. It all looks good on the eye but doesn’t seem to produce too much end product. An example of this was Bournemouth yesterday, they had 67% possession and lost 4-0

[Irchy cob]

Fair enough, going by a lot of posts on this thread I’m obviously guilty of setting my standards too high - if we’re happy to see the performance yesterday as satisfactory then we’re going to be hovering around the bottom few teams at the end of the season. People don’t seem to be taking the standard of the opposition into account, Notts County were awful - even worse than Cheltenham and Cambridge (who we also failed to beat) and they had the best chance of the match when they hit the bar.

[guest2995]

Some very rose tinted views on here .
Notts County have shipped goals this season and we hardly threatened their goalkeeper.
The decision making in the final third has been terrible since we started .
Our midfield don’t press quickly enough, with the exception of Foley and teams have far too much space.
We also don’t move the ball quickly enough .
If you are happy with the performances of the likes of Hoskins , JJOT, Bowditch and VV yesterday , you are accepting mediocrity
 .,

[canvey cobbler]

With quite a tough run of fixtures coming up, I would try and make us difficult to beat, and try this line up.

                                                                Cornell
OddafIn             Taylor                                                    Barnett                           Turnbull

              Foley                                           jj                                       McWilliams


   Walters                                             kvv                                                crooks


       

[ClarenceInDefence]

Fair enough, going by a lot of posts on this thread I’m obviously guilty of setting my standards too high - if we’re happy to see the performance yesterday as satisfactory then we’re going to be hovering around the bottom few teams at the end of the season. People don’t seem to be taking the standard of the opposition into account, Notts County were awful - even worse than Cheltenham and Cambridge (who we also failed to beat) and they had the best chance of the match when they hit the bar.

It's not about seeing the performance as satisfactory but seeing where in some respects there were signs of improvement which is encouraging, neither are the same thing. The feeling seems unanimous that quality was lacking in the final third. I don't think Notts were any worse defensively than either Notts or Cambridge, but they lacked the one or two quality forwards that both Cambridge and Cheltenham possessed, so they lacked cutting edge.

You're flat out wrong saying they had the best 'chance' with the one that hit the bar. It was a half-opening followed by an excellent shot and an equally excellent save. We had 4-5 better chances than that in the 90 at least.

 

[ClarenceInDefence]

Some very rose tinted views on here .
Notts County have shipped goals this season and we hardly threatened their goalkeeper.
The decision making in the final third has been terrible since we started .
Our midfield don’t press quickly enough, with the exception of Foley and teams have far too much space.
We also don’t move the ball quickly enough .
If you are happy with the performances of the likes of Hoskins , JJOT, Bowditch and VV yesterday , you are accepting mediocrity
 .,

I think it's about being realistic with the position we're in at this particular moment. Confidence is low, we've been shipping goals and the players have appeared to be playing with 'no bottle' at times this year. Yesterday they showed some battling qualities, kept a clean sheet and there seemed to be a bit of spirit in the team. A not exceptional overall performance by any means but some steps in the right direction.

As to Hoskins, not many seemed happy with his performance yesterday, most seem to be calling for his dropping from the XI. I wouldn't say JJOT did played 'well' but he needs minutes to get back to match fitness. He showed signs of getting there yesterday but I expect much better from him when he gets some games under his belt and gets fully 'match sharp'.

Bowditch did OK. He's a squad player, as said a clever but lacking pace player who is perhaps, ultimately 'mediocre' at this level. I don't think he'll be starting too many games this year in any case. VV was mostly excellent yesterday, can't agree that his performance was 'mediocre' for this level at all.

As to the midfield not pressing enough, we played three one of which was Foley who was excellent. As said JJOT is building up match fitness and will improve on this front. Agree that Crooks often does not press enough though.

[Irchy cob]

It's not about seeing the performance as satisfactory but seeing where in some respects there were signs of improvement which is encouraging, neither are the same thing. The feeling seems unanimous that quality was lacking in the final third. I don't think Notts were any worse defensively than either Notts or Cambridge, but they lacked the one or two quality forwards that both Cambridge and Cheltenham possessed, so they lacked cutting edge.

You're flat out wrong saying they had the best 'chance' with the one that hit the bar. It was a half-opening followed by an excellent shot and an equally excellent save. We had 4-5 better chances than that in the 90 at least.

Behave yourself - we had 4-5 good chances, come off it! The game had no quality whatsoever from either team and what opportunities we had were half chances at best.

 

[Wolvo]

It's not about seeing the performance as satisfactory but seeing where in some respects there were signs of improvement which is encouraging, neither are the same thing. The feeling seems unanimous that quality was lacking in the final third. I don't think Notts were any worse defensively than either Notts or Cambridge, but they lacked the one or two quality forwards that both Cambridge and Cheltenham possessed, so they lacked cutting edge.

You're flat out wrong saying they had the best 'chance' with the one that hit the bar. It was a half-opening followed by an excellent shot and an equally excellent save. We had 4-5 better chances than that in the 90 at least.

 

Cambridge and Cheltenham didn't have 2 quality forwards. We just have terrible defenders.

[ClarenceInDefence]

Behave yourself - we had 4-5 good chances, come off it! The game had no quality whatsoever from either team and what opportunities we had were half chances at best.

People are claiming we created 'nothing'. I'd rather deal in facts than sweeping statements:

Crooks shot tipped just past the post in the first half; one header well saved low and to the right by their keeper in the second; VV chance at the end; Hoskins in the box in the second, his cross cleared from the goal mouth by their defender, all he had to do was get a simple ball right to either of the two players near the goal and it would have been 1-0. That's 4 good chances more than what they created.

There were other half-decent openings where we were close to goal but they defended well by packing the box with bodies. There were several openings to shoot on the edge of the box similar to their half-opening for their best effort but either our shots were straight at the keeper or off target, or their defenders made good blocks/tackles as we shot or sized up to shoot; Numerous crosses into the box which led to headed opportunities but the finishes weren't quite there with a couple going straight to the keeper. Keeper punched the ball off the head of JJOT in the 6 yard box in the 2nd; Barnett flashed a powerful header not far wide from a corner also in the 2nd etc; Perhaps not what you'd call 'great' chances, but still half-decent openings regardless.

Their best effort was a terrific shot from a half-opening well outside the box. Can't remember them 'creating' much else, one header landed on the roof of the net perhaps the only other time they went 'close'.

[clarkeysntfc]

We're well on course for relegation if that's the best we can serve up against a frankly dreadful side that's shipped 3 goals per game so far this season.