Viking Supporters Co-operative

Viking Chat => Viking Chat => Topic started by: selby on February 02, 2025, 10:36:12 am

Title: Let's talk about the Chesterfield game
Post by: selby on February 02, 2025, 10:36:12 am
  A visit just down the road to play a team that destroyed us earlier in the season here at the Eco Stadium and really toyed with our defence that day, too fast, too direct, and at times took the mickey.
  So a hard game in front of us, if they are not confident of doing it again individually there is something missing in their make up which I doubt.
  The good news is we are a lot better now if we repeat the form shown yesterday, have a lot of options on the player side of things, and in the last few games have played a more expansive game that suits our playing staff, the loans brought in are a step up in class, and we are playing a full squad game freshening things up with substitutes in the second half that as yet has not altered the pace and drift of the game, credit to the management and playing staff, that is not always easy during tight games.
  The main difference is the pace we now keep up in the games, MK Dons recognised this by making substitutes themselves in numbers and kept going head to head with us.
  Being a local historical derby the atmosphere will also be high on an unusual night for football games to be played and a game to look forward to, Chesterfield coming into the game off a late Cheltenham winner in what looked like being a somewhat dour 0-0 draw in which they dominated possession but in spite of having seventeen shots only three were on target and seem to be finding it hard to score goals with their top scorer Griggs missing but have our old adversary Paddy Madden, and Dobra and the lively Olakigbe so can be a big threat, but might be on a bit of a downer after losing to such a late goal.
  Our midfield in yesterdays game were a big step up in pace and class to what we have seen in the first half of the season, and up front we have dangerous players, and needed to be as from the first minutes they tried to  isolate McGrath and Maxwell and run at them a good save in the first few minutes saving us from going one down when they mugged McGrath and was just how Chesterfield exposed our left side in the first game.
  So a good contest in prospect that might need a strong referee, and important to both sides, us to cement our run of wins and keep pressure on the top sides around us, and Chesterfield to hang in there on the tail of the promotion places, and if past games are anything to go by could be a bit feisty.
    Are you going? a short trip for the faithful, a good game in prospect, and if we have no injuries I expect the line up very similar to yesterday and am hoping for something like the same performance which was very good and enjoyable to watch.
   What do you think? lots to discuss, lots to look forward to, please have your say.
   
Title: Re: Let's talk about the Chesterfield game
Post by: Filo on February 02, 2025, 10:39:11 am
I think I heard on Radio Sheffield during the closing stages of their game yesterday that they have got a fair few injuries
Title: Re: Let's talk about the Chesterfield game
Post by: mushRTID on February 02, 2025, 10:40:51 am
Reading their forum they aren’t playing well or carrying much of a goal threat.
Hopefully they won’t have a referee giving them everything this time as well.

2-0 win here.
Title: Re: Let's talk about the Chesterfield game
Post by: drfchound on February 02, 2025, 10:47:35 am
The match isn’t going to be on Sky+ as far as I can tell so anyone not going (and without a fire stick) might have to listen to Radio Sheffield commentary.
Title: Re: Let's talk about the Chesterfield game
Post by: Silkscarf on February 02, 2025, 10:48:28 am
Steady on everyone, we’re getting too positive about everything.
Title: Re: Let's talk about the Chesterfield game
Post by: Chris Black come back on February 02, 2025, 10:48:46 am
Very average home record. Literally average. 12th best in League Two. Not in great form. Won once in last eight across all competitions. They have only failed to score in one home league game this season though so you would imagine they will score.
Title: Re: Let's talk about the Chesterfield game
Post by: Avsuptem on February 02, 2025, 10:51:27 am
We are strong enough now to beat Chesterfield, I would say most of our starting 11 are league 1 standard players + we have a very strong bench. It is this half of the season where squad depth should pay off as many on here have suggested. The January signings are performing, we have strenghenned as we needed to, it should be happy days ahead barring disaster.
Title: Re: Let's talk about the Chesterfield game
Post by: selby on February 02, 2025, 11:07:42 am
 Avsuptem, that spooks me as a long term supporter, who realise all the time I have supported the club we have never been seen to be too far from disaster.
Title: Re: Let's talk about the Chesterfield game
Post by: roversdude on February 02, 2025, 11:32:35 am
I’ll be there, looking forward to it but a little apprehensive.
Added bonus a new ground for me
Title: Re: Let's talk about the Chesterfield game
Post by: Barmby Rover on February 02, 2025, 11:35:45 am
We are strong enough now to beat Chesterfield, I would say most of our starting 11 are league 1 standard players + we have a very strong bench. It is this half of the season where squad depth should pay off as many on here have suggested. The January signings are performing, we have strenghenned as we needed to, it should be happy days ahead barring disaster.

That is until they start to kick everybody in hoops and get away with it. I am expecting a dirty game from Chesterfield and a really scrappy win 0 -1
Title: Re: Let's talk about the Chesterfield game
Post by: Avsuptem on February 02, 2025, 11:36:54 am
Avsuptem, that spooks me as a long term supporter, who realise all the time I have supported the club we have never been seen to be too far from disaster.

I get you Selby. I have shared the pain.
Title: Re: Let's talk about the Chesterfield game
Post by: NickDRFC on February 02, 2025, 04:01:34 pm
Not must win by any means but would really lay down a marker if we did. Would put us within 4 points of Walsall and a 7 point cushion for the automatic promotion spots. Would really put the pressure on our rivals who for the most part have a favourable pair of games before we play again at Grimsby.

Couple of our former players are there but may not see any action - Liam Mandeville has been a regular but was benched for their last game whilst Branden Horton has been on the bench a bit (plus a couple of starts) recently, but wasn’t in the squad at all in the last game.
Title: Re: Let's talk about the Chesterfield game
Post by: Monkcaster_Rover on February 02, 2025, 04:20:52 pm
2-1 win. Paddy Madden to inevitably score for them.
Title: Re: Let's talk about the Chesterfield game
Post by: Branton Rover on February 02, 2025, 05:49:43 pm
Hoping for a 0-1 away win with a penalty like we did 01/01/1990 Les Robinson penalty after the infamous Steve Adams ‘dive’.
Title: Re: Let's talk about the Chesterfield game
Post by: selby on February 03, 2025, 09:46:30 am
  We need to keep the run going if possible just to keep pressure on the teams around us, good as we have done lately it has only allowed us to make up the deficit we created with the run of poorish results before Christmas that sent us down the table and allowed teams to draw away from us somewhat they being in better form than ourselves at the time.
  Everyone concerned deserve praise for arresting what could have become a real big problem, the owner has pushed the boat out financially, the management have altered our style of play a little and been more expansive going forward, and the players themselves, some big players for us like Molyneux and Bailey have upped their game and are more like the players we know they can be, and in fairness the Black Bank have lifted the noise level and the match day experience is more enjoyable, so all round a better atmosphere we now don't want to throw away after working so hard to get where we are now.
  With a game against one of the form Premiership sides the game after we will do well to compete with, but hope for a little miracle and the publicity that would attract to the club, we could do with the win Thursday to keep and get new support on board just in case we get spanked in that game.
Title: Re: Let's talk about the Chesterfield game
Post by: Lesonthewest on February 03, 2025, 09:04:35 pm
Hoping for a 0-1 away win with a penalty like we did 01/01/1990 Les Robinson penalty after the infamous Steve Adams ‘dive’.
[/quote

I've mentioned it before, Stevie Adams looked directly at me & my mate & gave us a telling smile as he got up from that challenge. ]
Title: Re: Let's talk about the Chesterfield game
Post by: roversdude on February 03, 2025, 10:34:30 pm
Think the Chesterfield fans are planning a minutes applause for the young lad who got killed at school
Title: Re: Let's talk about the Chesterfield game
Post by: Spireite58 on February 04, 2025, 02:31:57 pm
Spireite here again and looking forward to the game on Thursday - a strange time, but understand this is to accomodate your cup game next Monday, so good luck for that.  It was a good day out for us at your place in September when everything just clicked and I think on the whole your fans took it quite well, despite a few decisions that I know you rightly questioned.  Since then, its been mostly a frustrating season for us, plagued by injuries - 14 out at the moment including some of our key players, Grigg, Dunkley, Gordon, plus we have lost Markanday & Berry. We signed 6 players in the January window of which 3 are already out injured - we are jinxed for sure, but I'm not here to make excuses.  Personally, I'm pleased to see Donny doing well (mothers family are from Rosso), I said in September that I hoped both our clubs would be in the mix come the 'business end' of the season, but we struggling to hang on. Having said that if we can put a run together, we might just scrape through. I remember where you were this time last year and that fantastic run you had - I hoping for the same #fingerscrossed. I cant really wish you good luck for the match; we need the points more than you but I'm sure you will be there at the end and I hope we can join you, but realistically we may have to accept our season has not gone quite as smoothly as we had hoped.  Safe journey over and hope you enjoy your trip to our place.
Title: Re: Let's talk about the Chesterfield game
Post by: i_ateallthepies on February 04, 2025, 03:56:01 pm
Spireite here again and looking forward to the game on Thursday - a strange time, but understand this is to accomodate your cup game next Monday, so good luck for that.  It was a good day out for us at your place in September when everything just clicked and I think on the whole your fans took it quite well, despite a few decisions that I know you rightly questioned.  Since then, its been mostly a frustrating season for us, plagued by injuries - 14 out at the moment including some of our key players, Grigg, Dunkley, Gordon, plus we have lost Markanday & Berry. We signed 6 players in the January window of which 3 are already out injured - we are jinxed for sure, but I'm not here to make excuses.  Personally, I'm pleased to see Donny doing well (mothers family are from Rosso), I said in September that I hoped both our clubs would be in the mix come the 'business end' of the season, but we struggling to hang on. Having said that if we can put a run together, we might just scrape through. I remember where you were this time last year and that fantastic run you had - I hoping for the same #fingerscrossed. I cant really wish you good luck for the match; we need the points more than you but I'm sure you will be there at the end and I hope we can join you, but realistically we may have to accept our season has not gone quite as smoothly as we had hoped.  Safe journey over and hope you enjoy your trip to our place.

I know you have one of our old players in Liam Mandeville, Spireite58 but hadn't realised you'd signed up our previous physio team as well.
Title: Re: Let's talk about the Chesterfield game
Post by: Spireite58 on February 04, 2025, 04:13:50 pm
I like your sense of humour...yep, they're doing a fantastic job aren't they  :blink:
Title: Re: Let's talk about the Chesterfield game
Post by: ncRover on February 04, 2025, 04:28:54 pm
Spireite here again and looking forward to the game on Thursday - a strange time, but understand this is to accomodate your cup game next Monday, so good luck for that.  It was a good day out for us at your place in September when everything just clicked and I think on the whole your fans took it quite well, despite a few decisions that I know you rightly questioned.  Since then, its been mostly a frustrating season for us, plagued by injuries - 14 out at the moment including some of our key players, Grigg, Dunkley, Gordon, plus we have lost Markanday & Berry. We signed 6 players in the January window of which 3 are already out injured - we are jinxed for sure, but I'm not here to make excuses.  Personally, I'm pleased to see Donny doing well (mothers family are from Rosso), I said in September that I hoped both our clubs would be in the mix come the 'business end' of the season, but we struggling to hang on. Having said that if we can put a run together, we might just scrape through. I remember where you were this time last year and that fantastic run you had - I hoping for the same #fingerscrossed. I cant really wish you good luck for the match; we need the points more than you but I'm sure you will be there at the end and I hope we can join you, but realistically we may have to accept our season has not gone quite as smoothly as we had hoped.  Safe journey over and hope you enjoy your trip to our place.

Markandy caused us all sorts of problems in the home fixture. I see he’s at Leyton Orient with Wellens and is doing well in L1.

Listening to your game on Saturday, it sounded like your strengths were in the wide areas with your new signings Duffy and Olakigbe. And it’s allowing runs in behind our left back which is a weakness in our otherwise strong defence.

I’m glad to hear Dunkley won’t be playing either - he’s a proper defender. He gave Ironside nothing that day.
Title: Re: Let's talk about the Chesterfield game
Post by: Ian Nimmo on February 04, 2025, 05:39:55 pm
Horton has gone out on loan, so he won’t be involved.
Title: Re: Let's talk about the Chesterfield game
Post by: roversdude on February 04, 2025, 06:30:29 pm
Just to confirm there will be a minutes applause on 15th minute on Thursday
Title: Re: Let's talk about the Chesterfield game
Post by: les@donr on February 05, 2025, 01:15:53 am
Hope it doesn’t coincide with a goal by either team.
Title: Re: Let's talk about the Chesterfield game
Post by: les@donr on February 05, 2025, 01:19:06 am
I think the game should be paused for the minute’s clap.
Title: Re: Let's talk about the Chesterfield game
Post by: graingrover on February 05, 2025, 05:06:55 am
Marks of respect should  be done before the game not during it surely .The gimmick of choosing a minute is not dignified and if it happens to coincide with an incident that evokes a cheer then it would be disrespectful .
Title: Re: Let's talk about the Chesterfield game
Post by: Padge_DRFC on February 05, 2025, 06:52:55 am
I think the game should be paused for the minute’s clap.

It was at the Rotherham game this week
Title: Re: Let's talk about the Chesterfield game
Post by: drfchound on February 05, 2025, 08:18:03 am
I think the game should be paused for the minute’s clap.

It was at the Rotherham game this week

I wonder if everyone would stop playing if one team was getting into a promising attacking situation.
Title: Re: Let's talk about the Chesterfield game
Post by: Filo on February 05, 2025, 08:26:50 am
As sad and tragic as these events are, it can’t be just me that thinks we have to clap or have a silence everytime, it’s just overkill these days, it seems like nearly every game
Title: Re: Let's talk about the Chesterfield game
Post by: selby on February 05, 2025, 11:38:34 am
  It looks like Brandon Horton has gone to Gateshead so will niot be involved Thursday.
Title: Re: Let's talk about the Chesterfield game
Post by: DrewSouthStand on February 05, 2025, 02:32:41 pm
Anyone having a drink in Chesterfield beforehand or know where is good to visit ?
Title: Re: Let's talk about the Chesterfield game
Post by: rich1471 on February 05, 2025, 04:48:02 pm
Anyone having a drink in Chesterfield beforehand or know where is good to visit ?
the glass house is not far from the stadium or the brewers fayre is just across the road
Title: Re: Let's talk about the Chesterfield game
Post by: Donnyboy on February 05, 2025, 04:50:59 pm
Anyone got tickets in home end? I'm with couple of mates next to away section (trying to keep quiet)
Title: Re: Let's talk about the Chesterfield game
Post by: redarmi66 on February 05, 2025, 11:05:11 pm
Wheres the best place to park?
Title: Re: Let's talk about the Chesterfield game
Post by: selby on February 05, 2025, 11:07:28 pm
  This game is a serious pointer to just where we are at, a team that took us to pieces earlier in the season and showed other sides the type of game to play against us we found difficult to overcome for quite a while.
  The last few games with the incoming loan players have shown we are no longer that easy touch, combined with our younger players being better equipped  themselves I expect it to be a much tighter contest, if we play as well as we did at the weekend v MK Dons we have every chance of getting a result.
Title: Re: Let's talk about the Chesterfield game
Post by: DonnyBazR0ver on February 06, 2025, 12:42:46 am
Agree with that Selby but I think any result is a bonus one really, as we've done the business in the current run. Once again, I think the lads can play another smart away performance breaking quickly, not worrying too much about possession stats etc. My only concern is the players having half an eye on Mondays game and falling short of the 100% commitment and concentration it will need.
Title: Re: Let's talk about the Chesterfield game
Post by: rich1471 on February 06, 2025, 05:49:14 am
Wheres the best place to park?
went on your parking space £2.50 at the premier inn 6 minute walk away
Title: Re: Let's talk about the Chesterfield game
Post by: roversdude on February 06, 2025, 07:29:25 am
Can park at Tesco Extra as well on Your Parking Space
Title: Re: Let's talk about the Chesterfield game
Post by: Pancho Regan on February 06, 2025, 10:40:01 am
I've booked Sainsbury's on Your Parking Space for £3.25.
15 mins walk to the ground.
Title: Re: Let's talk about the Chesterfield game
Post by: Super Colin Cramb on February 06, 2025, 11:13:16 am
I've booked Sainsbury's on Your Parking Space for £3.25.
15 mins walk to the ground.

Yeah me too.
Title: Re: Let's talk about the Chesterfield game
Post by: rich1471 on February 06, 2025, 11:25:58 am
Can park at Tesco Extra as well on Your Parking Space
sold out
Title: Re: Let's talk about the Chesterfield game
Post by: selby on February 06, 2025, 12:05:33 pm
  Round the back of the fish shop just up the road good fish and chips restaurant and a pub opposite.
Title: Re: Let's talk about the Chesterfield game
Post by: rich1471 on February 06, 2025, 01:01:19 pm
  Round the back of the fish shop just up the road good fish and chips restaurant and a pub opposite.
What's it called please
Title: Re: Let's talk about the Chesterfield game
Post by: drfchound on February 06, 2025, 01:15:02 pm
  Round the back of the fish shop just up the road good fish and chips restaurant and a pub opposite.
What's it called please

Asda also close by and only a couple of quid.
Title: Re: Let's talk about the Chesterfield game
Post by: selby on February 06, 2025, 01:34:43 pm
  Chesters, although mate says don't go in the pub it is full of idiots plenty of bars on the short walk to the ground
Title: Re: Let's talk about the Chesterfield game
Post by: donnievic on February 06, 2025, 02:07:28 pm
Hoping for a 0-1 away win with a penalty like we did 01/01/1990 Les Robinson penalty after the infamous Steve Adams ‘dive’.
hope it’s a lot warmer tonight though
Title: Re: Let's talk about the Chesterfield game
Post by: Jimmydee on February 06, 2025, 02:33:36 pm
hope it’s a lot warmer tonight though.

I can remember going to Saltersgate and they called it off an hour before the kickoff because of a frozen pitch, we were all surprised because the weather was fair.
Title: Re: Let's talk about the Chesterfield game
Post by: selby on February 06, 2025, 08:50:19 pm
  Two bad goals to give away, Sterry and McGrath left for dead  for first and a poor headed clearance for the second in the area
Title: Re: Let's talk about the Chesterfield game
Post by: drfchound on February 06, 2025, 08:51:19 pm
  Two bad goals to give away, Sterry and McGrath left for dead  for first and a poor headed clearance for the second in the area

TSL slipped and was on the ground before the lad shot.
Title: Re: Let's talk about the Chesterfield game
Post by: selby on February 06, 2025, 09:36:55 pm
 He ran 30 yards and left the other two  trailing though Hound and was clean through on goal running away from them with the ball at his feet.
  Both were slow reacting and looked slow compared with the man carrying the ball chasing him when he got goal side, which he shouldn't do as you well know.
Title: Re: Let's talk about the Chesterfield game
Post by: graingrover on February 06, 2025, 10:01:02 pm
What a freaky , unlucky night .We love you Rovers
Title: Re: Let's talk about the Chesterfield game
Post by: scawsby steve on February 06, 2025, 11:21:11 pm
After their 2 games against us, their fans must be wondering how on Earth we can be 10 points ahead of them in the table.

I agree with them.
Title: Re: Let's talk about the Chesterfield game
Post by: big fat yorkshire pudding on February 06, 2025, 11:24:02 pm
After their 2 games against us, their fans must be wondering how on Earth we can be 10 points ahead of them in the table.

I agree with them.

Some times games can be weird. Certainly both against them have been.

Just like forest losing 5-0 then winning by 7...
Title: Re: Let's talk about the Chesterfield game
Post by: ForsolongaRover on February 06, 2025, 11:36:35 pm
If all you did was look at the stats (as opposed to the goals) you’d conclude Rovers would have been likely to have won comfortably. Yet if you read the BBC report the word “thrashed” is used and there is not a single word of credit there for Rovers.

It was, it seems, a case of failing to take opportunities as against facilitating the opposition in every chance they had. That has not normally happened this year, certainly not recently.

Perhaps if you are going to have bad fortune it is better that it comes in a single match rather than spread evenly. We have, after all, squeezed wins recently from matches when they have have not been entirely deserved.

Title: Re: Let's talk about the Chesterfield game
Post by: drfchound on February 06, 2025, 11:44:34 pm
I thought that we played really well, especially in the first half, and didn’t deserve to ge behind. After their third and fourth goals it was inevitable that we would lose shape and be wide open at the back.
We will play at lot worse and win some games.
Title: Re: Let's talk about the Chesterfield game
Post by: Pancho Regan on February 07, 2025, 12:02:41 am
I thought that we played really well, especially in the first half, and didn’t deserve to ge behind. After their third and fourth goals it was inevitable that we would lose shape and be wide open at the back.
We will play at lot worse and win some games.

Agreed hound, a very accurate summary.

We were the better team in the first half and did not deserve to be 2-1 down. I honestly believed Moly’s goal just before half time would set us up for a win.

It wasn’t to be, but we didn’t deserve to lose by that margin.

A bad day at the office but we move on.

We have a ‘free hit’ on Monday night. Let’s enjoy ourselves and maybe cause an upset.

Up the Rovers.
Title: Re: Let's talk about the Chesterfield game
Post by: DonnyBazR0ver on February 07, 2025, 12:04:51 am
I've only seen the highlights bit seems like a comedy of errors, plus a couple of good finishes from them when presented with gifts.

Just one of those that go from bad to worse but nothing to get too worried or worked up about. The players know they've made a mess of it and will have much better days to come.
Title: Re: Let's talk about the Chesterfield game
Post by: Pliskin on February 07, 2025, 12:06:54 am
I'd agree that we were no worse than them in general play, but at both ends of the pitch where it matters, we were comfortably second best.

Whatever the opposite of clinical is - that's us. We squander so many good positions with the ball due to lack of quality and decision making.

That's been the case all season, so I'm not expecting it to change. How many games have we won by a margin of more than 1 goal? Not many.

The real shocker was the defence. We've been quite solid recently, but tonight we were all over the place. Caught out far too many times.
Title: Re: Let's talk about the Chesterfield game
Post by: Pliskin on February 07, 2025, 12:17:41 am
Also it'd be nice if we could play Chesterfield one time without it being refereed by someone who probably goes to bed wearing Chesterfield pyjamas.
Title: Re: Let's talk about the Chesterfield game
Post by: richtherover on February 07, 2025, 05:20:22 am
Was certainly a painful watch. Reminded me of Halifax away mid 70's when they had 6 shots at goal and won 6-0.
P. S. Would love that Dobra in our side.
RTID.
Title: Re: Let's talk about the Chesterfield game
Post by: dickos1 on February 07, 2025, 06:14:36 am
I'd agree that we were no worse than them in general play, but at both ends of the pitch where it matters, we were comfortably second best.

Whatever the opposite of clinical is - that's us. We squander so many good positions with the ball due to lack of quality and decision making.

That's been the case all season, so I'm not expecting it to change. How many games have we won by a margin of more than 1 goal? Not many.

The real shocker was the defence. We've been quite solid recently, but tonight we were all over the place. Caught out far too many times.

33% of our victories have been by more than one goal
Title: Re: Let's talk about the Chesterfield game
Post by: EasyforDennis on February 07, 2025, 07:27:53 am
If you look at the stats from last night's game we was ahead in every case......and yet we lost 5-2.
We had enough chances to have won 2 or 3 games.
We just go to pieces when we get a sight of the oppositions goal. This wasn't just last night, we have been like this for some time.
Title: Re: Let's talk about the Chesterfield game
Post by: Cramby10 on February 07, 2025, 08:04:50 am
Well what to make of that last night? Difficult one. At half time I couldn’t believe we were losing. But after scoring when we did I honestly thought there was only one winner. Us!!
But second half I thought we were desperately poor. Sadly we didn’t heed the warning of the ease of which they scored their first 2 goals. We just needed to tighten up a little and the goals would’ve come. We picked them apart with ease without the end product first half.
Sadly our defence, that includes gk and deep midfield, were playing in slippers. With a cigar on! They were very poor. And those in front of them were running back to their own goal in treacle. We have to realise that as good as our fullbacks are going foward, they really aren’t very good defenders. And need protection.
I honestly don’t think it’s anything to worry about though. Yet. One to put to bed and go again. Hopefully it will be a kick up the arse to sharpen their focus.
Title: Re: Let's talk about the Chesterfield game
Post by: DRFC_AjA on February 07, 2025, 08:15:17 am
Astonishing that some are saying we played well. Every single time Ches came forward they looked dangerous and like they'd score. Every single time we went forward we were lost of ideas and had to stop and sideways pass. Stats or no stats that was a shocker across the park. What these chances are in the 2nd that people are talking about  :facepalm: molly cutting in and having a shot blocked? A couple of poor crosses that we got nowhere near
Title: Re: Let's talk about the Chesterfield game
Post by: drfchound on February 07, 2025, 08:17:31 am
Olowu hit the post, Sharp put a very good chance over the bar………
Title: Re: Let's talk about the Chesterfield game
Post by: Michael Shaw on February 07, 2025, 08:25:45 am
I think some of you have missed the obvious. Grant told the guys to play awful so that Crystal Palace will send their weakest team. Grant has said he is worried what Palace will do to us. They might be in for a shock (but don't warn them!).
Title: Re: Let's talk about the Chesterfield game
Post by: NickDRFC on February 07, 2025, 08:44:48 am
I'd agree that we were no worse than them in general play, but at both ends of the pitch where it matters, we were comfortably second best.

Whatever the opposite of clinical is - that's us. We squander so many good positions with the ball due to lack of quality and decision making.

That's been the case all season, so I'm not expecting it to change. How many games have we won by a margin of more than 1 goal? Not many.

The real shocker was the defence. We've been quite solid recently, but tonight we were all over the place. Caught out far too many times.

33% of our victories have been by more than one goal

I think you’ve proven Pliskin’s point there. That’s a very small proportion for a team at the top end of the league. For context Walsall are 56% (10 from 18) and Notts County 64% (9 from 14). Even Forest and Burnley, whose games are built on tight defences and nicking goals, have won by more than one goal in 43 & 44% of their wins.
Title: Re: Let's talk about the Chesterfield game
Post by: Pliskin on February 07, 2025, 09:08:25 am
Yes, and when we finished 3rd under Darren Ferguson in 2016/17 more than half of our victories were by a margin of more than 1 goal.
Title: Re: Let's talk about the Chesterfield game
Post by: Chris Black come back on February 07, 2025, 09:15:29 am
You win some, you lose some. We are still at the top end of the league and looking good for promotion.

There is a bit of a nagging doubt that about how we’ve set ourselves up. By that I mean this huge turnover of players within the team. Players being bought in brand new and then barely getting a kick, or contracts renewed and then basically discarded.

Is that a sign of McCann not knowing even now his best set up and best players, or just sub-optimal recruitment? We seem to have a lot of players but not really a consistent tune out of them.

They are largely good players for this level so we are winning games by merit of just talent but the turnover and the chopping does leave a lingering doubt.
Title: Re: Let's talk about the Chesterfield game
Post by: Avsuptem on February 07, 2025, 09:28:53 am
Sterry looked culpable for at least 2 of their goals one of which was compounded by TSL impersonating a salmon. Nonetheless 2 nil up in the 1st half would have been a fairer reflection than 2 nil.down, shit happens. I agree that we seemed to suffer tactically in the 2nd half. Grant reacted in keeping with his core principals and threw the kitchen sink at them in all out attack. That did not work and the oppo exploited the gaps. On another day it would pay off and I would prefer Grant's go for it approach over the turgid style of previous managers any day.
Title: Re: Let's talk about the Chesterfield game
Post by: ForsolongaRover on February 07, 2025, 10:00:19 am
If you look at the stats from last night's game we was ahead in every case......and yet we lost 5-2.
We had enough chances to have won 2 or 3 games.
We just go to pieces when we get a sight of the oppositions goal. This wasn't just last night, we have been like this for some time.


Thank you for agreeing with me - I made precisely the same point earlier in the thread!
Title: Re: Let's talk about the Chesterfield game
Post by: Pancho Regan on February 07, 2025, 10:06:02 am
You win some, you lose some. We are still at the top end of the league and looking good for promotion.

There is a bit of a nagging doubt that about how we’ve set ourselves up. By that I mean this huge turnover of players within the team. Players being bought in brand new and then barely getting a kick, or contracts renewed and then basically discarded.

Is that a sign of McCann not knowing even now his best set up and best players, or just sub-optimal recruitment? We seem to have a lot of players but not really a consistent tune out of them.

They are largely good players for this level so we are winning games by merit of just talent but the turnover and the chopping does leave a lingering doubt.

Some good points there CBCB.

I also have had a niggling worry at the back of my mind about whether Grant truly knows his best starting X1. I know he favours setting the team up with consideration to the type of opposition, but that old cliche about a settled side yielding better results keeps coming into my mind.

It's more of a question than a criticism, because I have total faith in him.
Title: Re: Let's talk about the Chesterfield game
Post by: EasyforDennis on February 07, 2025, 11:24:07 am
If you look at the stats from last night's game we was ahead in every case......and yet we lost 5-2.
We had enough chances to have won 2 or 3 games.
We just go to pieces when we get a sight of the oppositions goal. This wasn't just last night, we have been like this for some time.


Thank you for agreeing with me - I made precisely the same point earlier in the thread!

You're welcome.
Title: Re: Let's talk about the Chesterfield game
Post by: selby on February 07, 2025, 12:26:39 pm
  Ask yourself how many of our own players would be good players in Division1 and more than hold their own, with Olowu likely not to be here, it should frighten you.
  If the Crystal Palace forwards who play in the premiership and are playing  Monday, they could be losing sleep with excitement.
Title: Re: Let's talk about the Chesterfield game
Post by: Fal on February 07, 2025, 12:34:11 pm
I'd agree that we were no worse than them in general play, but at both ends of the pitch where it matters, we were comfortably second best.

Whatever the opposite of clinical is - that's us. We squander so many good positions with the ball due to lack of quality and decision making.

That's been the case all season, so I'm not expecting it to change. How many games have we won by a margin of more than 1 goal? Not many.

The real shocker was the defence. We've been quite solid recently, but tonight we were all over the place. Caught out far too many times.

33% of our victories have been by more than one goal

I think you’ve proven Pliskin’s point there. That’s a very small proportion for a team at the top end of the league. For context Walsall are 56% (10 from 18) and Notts County 64% (9 from 14). Even Forest and Burnley, whose games are built on tight defences and nicking goals, have won by more than one goal in 43 & 44% of their wins.

Forest lost 5-0 to Bournemouth after looking unbeatable, then went and beat Brighton 7-0. Freak results happen and sometimes they have a off day which is all that happened
Title: Re: Let's talk about the Chesterfield game
Post by: Silkscarf on February 07, 2025, 12:45:14 pm
The team is pretty settled now, so GM does know at least 9 of his first 11. Assuming we play 4-2-3-1 it’s only Bailey’s partner in the middle and the left side forward that changes much. It seems Ironside is now the starter and Billy does 30 minutes.

Whether that 11 is good enough with whoever fills those 2 places is another question.
Title: Re: Let's talk about the Chesterfield game
Post by: Pancho Regan on February 07, 2025, 01:46:43 pm
The team is pretty settled now, so GM does know at least 9 of his first 11. Assuming we play 4-2-3-1 it’s only Bailey’s partner in the middle and the left side forward that changes much. It seems Ironside is now the starter and Billy does 30 minutes.

Whether that 11 is good enough with whoever fills those 2 places is another question.

Yeah, fair comment Silkscarf.
The performance against MK Dons was one of the best of the season and GM only made one change from that starting line-up, so it's probably incorrect of me to suggest he's not sure of his best starting X1.

In any case I don't think we should draw any profound conclusions from last night because it was a weird result in my opinion.

Some people will look to blame certain players but I think we just failed to get out of the traps quickly enough in the second half. We were the better team in the first half and we ended that period on top. If only we could have picked that momentum up immediately in the second half and really press the opposition, it could have been a very different outcome.

GM knows how to respond and once again I think he deserves credit for his post-match interview, which I've just watched.
I think he gave a good honest account of the game and I don't know how he manages to do that in the raw aftermath of a 2-5 defeat!
Title: Re: Let's talk about the Chesterfield game
Post by: ForsolongaRover on February 07, 2025, 01:58:37 pm
Having watched the extended highlights, whatever the stats showed (and I’ve already made the point that ours were superior), they tell us nothing about quality.

Chesterfield fans will have come away filled with joy because despite what dickos thinks, it is skilful football that attracts most of us to watch the game. Spirerites will not be feeling unhappy about their position in the table today, they’ll be hoping for more performances like last night. Not only did their frontmen look good, but on the night there was a difference in class. It illustrated what seems clear in L2 this year that the football tends to be dour. When a club brings in one or two loanees, even some who are surplus from average clubs in the league above, the improvement in quality is marked. To illustrate this, mid table Lincoln gave us Adelukan last season and Street this and Chesterfield have just got Duffy from them.

It means that if we are to reach and then consolidate in L1 we are going to have to improve on the average quality of our players and in the meantime, hope we don’t come up against the sort that exposed our weakness last night.
Title: Re: Let's talk about the Chesterfield game
Post by: Alan Southstand on February 07, 2025, 04:40:54 pm
Olowu hit the post, Sharp put a very good chance over the bar………
What about Street in the first half? Molyneux thought he’d scored before he actually did (why has nobody questioned whether it was over the line?)
Title: Re: Let's talk about the Chesterfield game
Post by: drfchound on February 07, 2025, 06:10:38 pm
Olowu hit the post, Sharp put a very good chance over the bar………
What about Street in the first half? Molyneux thought he’d scored before he actually did (why has nobody questioned whether it was over the line?)

Alan, my answer was to a question about chances missed in the second half mate.
However, the one that Street put over the bar after that great run by Sterry was a bad miss.
And someone did mention the Moly double chance that ended with the keeper clawing the ball away, possibly he even put a link up but I didn’t get round to opening it.
Mols looked convinced that it had gone over the line didn’t he.
Title: Re: Let's talk about the Chesterfield game
Post by: Chris Black come back on February 07, 2025, 08:17:35 pm
Olowu hit the post, Sharp put a very good chance over the bar………
What about Street in the first half? Molyneux thought he’d scored before he actually did (why has nobody questioned whether it was over the line?)

McCann did, in his post match interview.
Title: Re: Let's talk about the Chesterfield game
Post by: Prez on February 07, 2025, 08:34:54 pm
The game for me was lost in the first 10 mins of the second half. I fully expected us to get right at them after Molz goal, however it was the total opposite and it was Chessie who did the attacking and were rewarded with the 3rd. From that moment we were just chasing it. I felt as well last night that we were a little bit gung ho overall and left ourselves suspectable to the counter attack. 21 shots is a positive that said only 4 on target 3 of them from Molz.

By the was im surprised Billy is immune from criticism, hes missed some right sitters in recent games.
Title: Re: Let's talk about the Chesterfield game
Post by: ForsolongaRover on February 07, 2025, 09:01:39 pm
The game for me was lost in the first 10 mins of the second half. I fully expected us to get right at them after Molz goal, however it was the total opposite and it was Chessie who did the attacking and were rewarded with the 3rd. From that moment we were just chasing it. I felt as well last night that we were a little bit gung ho overall and left ourselves suspectable to the counter attack. 21 shots is a positive that said only 4 on target 3 of them from Molz.

By the was im surprised Billy is immune from criticism, hes missed some right sitters in recent games.

Even for Billy it’s hardly a “sitter”, but by his own standards it’s one he would be more likely to convert than anyone else in the squad!

When it comes to whether the Moly chance crosses the line, did anyone have a proper view and what purpose does angry discussion serve? If his body language suggested disbelief it might have been at the GK’s acrobatics rather than whether it crossed the line. If you’re right in front of the goal it’s not the best angle is it?