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Viking Chat => Viking Chat => Topic started by: CheeseToastie on April 06, 2025, 08:39:57 am

Title: Final league position
Post by: CheeseToastie on April 06, 2025, 08:39:57 am
After yesterdays game and showing the grit and determination to get it over the line do we think that could be the kick we need to grind out results in these last 6 games or not?  Win our last 6 games the league is all but ours hoping our goal difference is better than Bradford but with Bradford Wimbledon and Colchester still to come it's going to be an incredible end to the season! I personally think we'll slip up against one of those big 3 I'm just hoping it's not Bradford realistically think we'll take the 3rd spot but I'm dreaming of at least 14 points from the last 6 games to push up closer to the mark, win the Salford game and really throw pressure on the teams above.
Title: Re: Final league position
Post by: DonnyOsmond on April 06, 2025, 08:47:31 am
After yesterdays game and showing the grit and determination to get it over the line do we think that could be the kick we need to grind out results in these last 6 games or not?  Win our last 6 games the league is all but ours hoping our goal difference is better than Bradford but with Bradford Wimbledon and Colchester still to come it's going to be an incredible end to the season! I personally think we'll slip up against one of those big 3 I'm just hoping it's not Bradford realistically think we'll take the 3rd spot but I'm dreaming of at least 14 points from the last 6 games to push up closer to the mark, win the Salford game and really throw pressure on the teams above.

If we win all our games then Bradford can't finish on the same points as us so goal difference wouldn't matter.
Title: Re: Final league position
Post by: idler on April 06, 2025, 09:10:13 am
After yesterdays game and showing the grit and determination to get it over the line do we think that could be the kick we need to grind out results in these last 6 games or not?  Win our last 6 games the league is all but ours hoping our goal difference is better than Bradford but with Bradford Wimbledon and Colchester still to come it's going to be an incredible end to the season! I personally think we'll slip up against one of those big 3 I'm just hoping it's not Bradford realistically think we'll take the 3rd spot but I'm dreaming of at least 14 points from the last 6 games to push up closer to the mark, win the Salford game and really throw pressure on the teams above.
You have missed Notts County from your list. They play Bradford City away the week before we play them. I think that is on the Friday night 18th April.
Title: Re: Final league position
Post by: ncRover on April 06, 2025, 09:15:15 am
Walsall remarkably still favourites on skybet
Title: Re: Final league position
Post by: NickDRFC on April 06, 2025, 09:17:45 am
After yesterdays game and showing the grit and determination to get it over the line do we think that could be the kick we need to grind out results in these last 6 games or not?  Win our last 6 games the league is all but ours hoping our goal difference is better than Bradford but with Bradford Wimbledon and Colchester still to come it's going to be an incredible end to the season! I personally think we'll slip up against one of those big 3 I'm just hoping it's not Bradford realistically think we'll take the 3rd spot but I'm dreaming of at least 14 points from the last 6 games to push up closer to the mark, win the Salford game and really throw pressure on the teams above.

If we win all our games then Bradford can't finish on the same points as us so goal difference wouldn't matter.

Maybe means Port Vale? It’s an unlikely scenario but we could win all 6 games and still not win the league. Our GD is 1 better than PV, so would have to be at least +2 on them if we win our game in hand, but if they were to win their remaining 5 games and recover that difference (likely overturn by 3 goals given respective goals scored) then they would win the league.
Title: Re: Final league position
Post by: idler on April 06, 2025, 09:21:21 am
I can’t see any of the top five going undefeated from now to the end of the season never mind winning all of their remaining games.
Injuries, pressure, suspensions and fatigue will play a big part I think.
Title: Re: Final league position
Post by: drfchound on April 06, 2025, 09:51:07 am
Walsall are the only team in the top seven who don’t have to play another top seven team in the run in, which could be why they are still favourites to win the title.
Given that the other six all have to play at least one other top seven side, none of them can win all of their remaining matches.
From our perspective, we have still got to play three of the top seven so IF we could win those games, besides helping us it also would damage our opponents chances of going or staying above us.
Lots of “six pointers” coming up for all teams in the promotion hunt.
Also, lots of IFs in this thread.
Title: Re: Final league position
Post by: GazLaz on April 06, 2025, 10:01:03 am
The dynamic for Walsall and Bradford has now changed. The pressure of being top has gone for Walsall and the dynamic of chasing for top spot for Bradford is no more. They are the ones being chased. Could affect their outcomes of matches.
Title: Re: Final league position
Post by: Padge_DRFC on April 06, 2025, 12:06:13 pm
Think we'll finish 4th as we have the hardest fixtures
Title: Re: Final league position
Post by: BillyStubbsTears on April 06, 2025, 12:13:07 pm
Walsall remarkably still favourites on skybet

That's because they have by some way the easiest run in of the top 5.

We on the other hand have by some way the hardest.

I'm desperately hoping this becomes a month to live in the memory for decades. But it's still the fact that we haven't beaten a side in the top 10 for approaching 6 months, and we've got another 4 of them to play.
Title: Re: Final league position
Post by: Bessie Red on April 06, 2025, 12:32:56 pm
It's a difficult run in for us however it gives us the chance to seriously damage those immediately around us & leaves our destiny very much in our own hands. Beat Wimbledon, Bradford & Colchester plus a couple of extra points will get us up automatically in my opinion.
Title: Re: Final league position
Post by: Padge_DRFC on April 06, 2025, 12:40:40 pm
Just look at the last game of the season for each. I'd say we'd need to have it done by then. Can't go to Notts needing a win.
Title: Re: Final league position
Post by: GazLaz on April 06, 2025, 01:12:24 pm
Just look at the last game of the season for each. I'd say we'd need to have it done by then. Can't go to Notts needing a win.

May be a situation where County can’t get into the top 3 and we can. They could rest half the team for the playoffs.
Title: Re: Final league position
Post by: i_ateallthepies on April 06, 2025, 02:55:48 pm
Walsall are the only team in the top seven who don’t have to play another top seven team in the run in, which could be why they are still favourites to win the title.
Given that the other six all have to play at least one other top seven side, none of them can win all of their remaining matches.
From our perspective, we have still got to play three of the top seven so IF we could win those games, besides helping us it also would damage our opponents chances of going or staying above us.
Lots of “six pointers” coming up for all teams in the promotion hunt.
Also, lots of IFs in this thread.

Why can't any one of the six win all of their remaining games Hound?
Title: Re: Final league position
Post by: Arsenal Of The North on April 06, 2025, 03:03:20 pm
Walsall are the only team in the top seven who don’t have to play another top seven team in the run in, which could be why they are still favourites to win the title.
Given that the other six all have to play at least one other top seven side, none of them can win all of their remaining matches.
From our perspective, we have still got to play three of the top seven so IF we could win those games, besides helping us it also would damage our opponents chances of going or staying above us.
Lots of “six pointers” coming up for all teams in the promotion hunt.
Also, lots of IFs in this thread.

Why can't any one of the six win all of their remaining games Hound?

County v Bradford and port vale v Wimbledon
Title: Re: Final league position
Post by: i_ateallthepies on April 06, 2025, 03:06:43 pm
Walsall are the only team in the top seven who don’t have to play another top seven team in the run in, which could be why they are still favourites to win the title.
Given that the other six all have to play at least one other top seven side, none of them can win all of their remaining matches.
From our perspective, we have still got to play three of the top seven so IF we could win those games, besides helping us it also would damage our opponents chances of going or staying above us.
Lots of “six pointers” coming up for all teams in the promotion hunt.
Also, lots of IFs in this thread.

Why can't any one of the six win all of their remaining games Hound?

County v Bradford and port vale v Wimbledon

You're missing the point, any one of the top six could go on to win all of their games.  Hound said none of them could.
Title: Re: Final league position
Post by: dickos1 on April 06, 2025, 07:06:24 pm
Walsall remarkably still favourites on skybet

That's because they have by some way the easiest run in of the top 5.

We on the other hand have by some way the hardest.

I'm desperately hoping this becomes a month to live in the memory for decades. But it's still the fact that we haven't beaten a side in the top 10 for approaching 6 months, and we've got another 4 of them to play.
I would rather have our fixtures than Bradford’s
Title: Re: Final league position
Post by: drfchound on April 06, 2025, 07:58:58 pm
Walsall are the only team in the top seven who don’t have to play another top seven team in the run in, which could be why they are still favourites to win the title.
Given that the other six all have to play at least one other top seven side, none of them can win all of their remaining matches.
From our perspective, we have still got to play three of the top seven so IF we could win those games, besides helping us it also would damage our opponents chances of going or staying above us.
Lots of “six pointers” coming up for all teams in the promotion hunt.
Also, lots of IFs in this thread.

Why can't any one of the six win all of their remaining games Hound?

Ha, good spot pies.  It should have said only one of them, not none of them.
I must proof read my posts better sometimes.
I hope it is us who gets the run of wins.
Title: Re: Final league position
Post by: Avsuptem on April 06, 2025, 08:43:10 pm
We only have to not lose against our rivals and beat at leat 1 of them and we are in the autos. That's assuming we don't mess up in any of the other 3 games of course.
Title: Re: Final league position
Post by: BillyStubbsTears on April 06, 2025, 10:16:15 pm
Walsall remarkably still favourites on skybet

That's because they have by some way the easiest run in of the top 5.

We on the other hand have by some way the hardest.

I'm desperately hoping this becomes a month to live in the memory for decades. But it's still the fact that we haven't beaten a side in the top 10 for approaching 6 months, and we've got another 4 of them to play.
I would rather have our fixtures than Bradford’s


Fair point if you take into consideration the H/A form of each opponent.

But then you really ought to factor in more than just form. For example, at least 3, arguably 5 of our remaining opponents are likely to have something major to be still competing for when we play them. (Bradford, Wimbledon and Colchester, plus Tranmere and Notts County depending on how results go. Arguably Salford too, although they are a long shot for the play offs, but will still be mathematically in the hunt)

Conversely only 2 of Bradford's remaining opponents will almost definitely still be in the hunt (us and Notts C - arguably Chesterfield if things go very much in their favour over the next couple of weeks).
Title: Re: Final league position
Post by: Padge_DRFC on April 06, 2025, 10:16:22 pm
Not having Oluwu and Maxwell is also huge.
Title: Re: Final league position
Post by: dknward2 on April 06, 2025, 10:32:52 pm
Walsall remarkably still favourites on skybet

That's because they have by some way the easiest run in of the top 5.

We on the other hand have by some way the hardest.

I'm desperately hoping this becomes a month to live in the memory for decades. But it's still the fact that we haven't beaten a side in the top 10 for approaching 6 months, and we've got another 4 of them to play.
I would rather have our fixtures than Bradford’s


Fair point if you take into consideration the H/A form of each opponent.

But then you really ought to factor in more than just form. For example, at least 3, arguably 5 of our remaining opponents are likely to have something major to be still competing for when we play them. (Bradford, Wimbledon and Colchester, plus Tranmere and Notts County depending on how results go. Arguably Salford too, although they are a long shot for the play offs, but will still be mathematically in the hunt)

Conversely only 2 of Bradford's remaining opponents will almost definitely still be in the hunt (us and Notts C - arguably Chesterfield if things go very much in their favour over the next couple of weeks).


Some of those teams maybe looking at it as a just don't lose situation.

Vs Walsall the commentary kept saying that they were happy if they just drew the 3 games, one before us, us and vale as they would take points off teams around them.

I guess most teams just don't want to lose and would be willing to draw against close teams and beat those with in theory nothing to play for
Title: Re: Final league position
Post by: Spud on April 06, 2025, 10:40:17 pm
I noticed Grant's take on this too, that the teams with something to play for will be feeling the pressure too, where as, he feared Cheltenham as they could play freely, it's an interesting way to look at it.
Title: Re: Final league position
Post by: drfchound on April 06, 2025, 10:41:27 pm
Also we should consider that we also have something to play for and other teams will have that in mind.
Title: Re: Final league position
Post by: BillyStubbsTears on April 06, 2025, 10:46:46 pm
I noticed Grant's take on this too, that the teams with something to play for will be feeling the pressure too, where as, he feared Cheltenham as they could play freely, it's an interesting way to look at it.

McCann was having it every way in his post match interview.

Carlisle was hard because they were scrapping against relegation.

Walsall was hard because they were top of the league.

Cheltenham was hard because they had nothing to play for.

He literally said exactly that in less than a minute.
Title: Re: Final league position
Post by: Spud on April 06, 2025, 11:07:55 pm
I noticed Grant's take on this too, that the teams with something to play for will be feeling the pressure too, where as, he feared Cheltenham as they could play freely, it's an interesting way to look at it.

McCann was having it every way in his post match interview.

Carlisle was hard because they were scrapping against relegation.

Walsall was hard because they were top of the league.

Cheltenham was hard because they had nothing to play for.

He literally said exactly that in less than a minute.

Yeah, fair point lol, he did.
I do think that all the teams at the top will be feeling it though, cracking end to the season.
Title: Re: Final league position
Post by: Usher wide. on April 06, 2025, 11:28:12 pm
I noticed Grant's take on this too, that the teams with something to play for will be feeling the pressure too, where as, he feared Cheltenham as they could play freely, it's an interesting way to look at it.

McCann was having it every way in his post match interview.

Carlisle was hard because they were scrapping against relegation.

Walsall was hard because they were top of the league.

Cheltenham was hard because they had nothing to play for.

He literally said exactly that in less than a minute.

What tack would you take in post match interviews to take the pressure off your players at this stage of the season?
Title: Re: Final league position
Post by: philsky on April 07, 2025, 06:32:09 am

For what it's worth; glass half full >

We're blessed with a good squad (inc depth) that includes a hand full of excellent players at this level, and bar Olowu and Maxwell we've no injury issues. The squad is settled - McCann has the squad as it is for the rest of the season - no "he might be back from injury" players.

I also think we've players with genuine resilience - i include Sterry, Wood, Bailey, Anderson, McGrath, Ironside, Sharp, Kelly and Molyneux. We carve out results just now.

We also have game changers in Molyneux and Gibson.

We're 4th in the 10 game form table and unbeaten in 5.

Next up is Wimbledon who form is poor and Salford who's form is worse. Win these (which I think we will) and I reckon we'll be firmly in the top 3.

I remain pretty optimistic.



Title: Re: Final league position
Post by: Alan Southstand on April 07, 2025, 06:40:17 am
I would take the very thing that GM has also said during most of his interviews - one game at a time.
Title: Re: Final league position
Post by: dickos1 on April 07, 2025, 07:54:35 am
Walsall remarkably still favourites on skybet

That's because they have by some way the easiest run in of the top 5.

We on the other hand have by some way the hardest.

I'm desperately hoping this becomes a month to live in the memory for decades. But it's still the fact that we haven't beaten a side in the top 10 for approaching 6 months, and we've got another 4 of them to play.
I would rather have our fixtures than Bradford’s


Fair point if you take into consideration the H/A form of each opponent.

But then you really ought to factor in more than just form. For example, at least 3, arguably 5 of our remaining opponents are likely to have something major to be still competing for when we play them. (Bradford, Wimbledon and Colchester, plus Tranmere and Notts County depending on how results go. Arguably Salford too, although they are a long shot for the play offs, but will still be mathematically in the hunt)

Conversely only 2 of Bradford's remaining opponents will almost definitely still be in the hunt (us and Notts C - arguably Chesterfield if things go very much in their favour over the next couple of weeks).


Swindon have been in title winning form over the last 15 games, so them away is probably the toughest game you could wish for at the moment.
Title: Re: Final league position
Post by: DonnyOsmond on April 07, 2025, 08:00:34 am
Walsall remarkably still favourites on skybet

That's because they have by some way the easiest run in of the top 5.

We on the other hand have by some way the hardest.

I'm desperately hoping this becomes a month to live in the memory for decades. But it's still the fact that we haven't beaten a side in the top 10 for approaching 6 months, and we've got another 4 of them to play.
I would rather have our fixtures than Bradford’s


Fair point if you take into consideration the H/A form of each opponent.

But then you really ought to factor in more than just form. For example, at least 3, arguably 5 of our remaining opponents are likely to have something major to be still competing for when we play them. (Bradford, Wimbledon and Colchester, plus Tranmere and Notts County depending on how results go. Arguably Salford too, although they are a long shot for the play offs, but will still be mathematically in the hunt)

Conversely only 2 of Bradford's remaining opponents will almost definitely still be in the hunt (us and Notts C - arguably Chesterfield if things go very much in their favour over the next couple of weeks).


Swindon have been in title winning form over the last 15 games, so them away is probably the toughest game you could wish for at the moment.

Are you sure you want to mention form? :laugh:
Title: Re: Final league position
Post by: Filo on April 07, 2025, 08:12:07 am
Win this Saturday and let others worry about us, we shouldn’t play with fear
Title: Re: Final league position
Post by: selby on April 07, 2025, 08:55:57 am
  It will be what it will be, exciting isn't it, but we will have ups and downs for a few weeks nothing in football goes in a straight line, be prepared to be top of the world, or as arsy as hell.
Title: Re: Final league position
Post by: big fat yorkshire pudding on April 07, 2025, 09:07:18 am
So many ways to look at it all.  My take on the league position is we've not managed to get to P1 yet and I'm not sure we will.  But we've largely been in the top 3 for long spells.  I've faith we will do that.

What is worthy of note is that we are likely to beat last year's points total quite clearly, so that's progress for sure.  I'd rather be playing teams up the top at this stage as we can impact them and they'll be looking to do the same to us, rather than a team who are just out to win one game.  This is where the experienced players need to step up and I think we have seen a bit of that from Molyneux, Sharp, Anderson (who's form has been underrated IMO) of late.  Mccann also has a title under his belt in the past so that should help him a bit (hopefully Darren Moore bottles it again).

All games are tough, we can only do our bit as fans and get right behind them in every game.
Title: Re: Final league position
Post by: drfchound on April 07, 2025, 09:24:37 am
Win this Saturday and let others worry about us, we shouldn’t play with fear

Exactly Filo. Any player worth his salt wants to play in the big games and we have six very big games coming up.
Title: Re: Final league position
Post by: DonnyBazR0ver on April 07, 2025, 09:57:33 am
We hope last seasons experience of falling at the penultimate hurdle will help towards galvanising the management and the squad. Keeping our discipline when rhe pressure mounts is a big factor and what was good about the win at Cheltenham was not panicking and our big players delivered.

Going all gung ho in the remaining matches puts us at risk of being picked off so, patience is a great virtue waiting for those right moments to strike.

The next couple of weeks will be nerve shredding that's for sure. I just hope as a fanbase we support every player who goes onto the pitch with the same vigour as no matter what opinions we might have, they are all potential match winners. 
Title: Re: Final league position
Post by: Wiltshire Exile on April 07, 2025, 10:11:06 am
What is the least number of points that a club has gained and achieved automatic promotion from L’ge 2 to L’ge 1?…just asking!
Title: Re: Final league position
Post by: ncRover on April 07, 2025, 10:16:01 am
Walsall remarkably still favourites on skybet

That's because they have by some way the easiest run in of the top 5.

We on the other hand have by some way the hardest.

I'm desperately hoping this becomes a month to live in the memory for decades. But it's still the fact that we haven't beaten a side in the top 10 for approaching 6 months, and we've got another 4 of them to play.
I would rather have our fixtures than Bradford’s


Fair point if you take into consideration the H/A form of each opponent.

But then you really ought to factor in more than just form. For example, at least 3, arguably 5 of our remaining opponents are likely to have something major to be still competing for when we play them. (Bradford, Wimbledon and Colchester, plus Tranmere and Notts County depending on how results go. Arguably Salford too, although they are a long shot for the play offs, but will still be mathematically in the hunt)

Conversely only 2 of Bradford's remaining opponents will almost definitely still be in the hunt (us and Notts C - arguably Chesterfield if things go very much in their favour over the next couple of weeks).


Swindon have been in title winning form over the last 15 games, so them away is probably the toughest game you could wish for at the moment.

I thought dickos logic determined that you can’t just pick a “random number” of games to make a point?
Title: Re: Final league position
Post by: pib on April 07, 2025, 10:22:46 am
Walsall remarkably still favourites on skybet

That's because they have by some way the easiest run in of the top 5.

We on the other hand have by some way the hardest.

I'm desperately hoping this becomes a month to live in the memory for decades. But it's still the fact that we haven't beaten a side in the top 10 for approaching 6 months, and we've got another 4 of them to play.
I would rather have our fixtures than Bradford’s


Fair point if you take into consideration the H/A form of each opponent.

But then you really ought to factor in more than just form. For example, at least 3, arguably 5 of our remaining opponents are likely to have something major to be still competing for when we play them. (Bradford, Wimbledon and Colchester, plus Tranmere and Notts County depending on how results go. Arguably Salford too, although they are a long shot for the play offs, but will still be mathematically in the hunt)

Conversely only 2 of Bradford's remaining opponents will almost definitely still be in the hunt (us and Notts C - arguably Chesterfield if things go very much in their favour over the next couple of weeks).

How do you figure we have "by far" the hardest run-in?

Average current league position of teams left to face in the run-in, not taking into account anything more than current league position:
Wimbledon 8.2
Donny 8.7
Bradford 9.4
Notts Co 10.4
Vale 13.2
Walsall 16.6

We have one of the harder ones, but not by far the hardest.

Interestingly SoccerStats run-in analysis, taking into account home/away PPG ranks the run-ins as follows, from statistically most difficult to least:
Bradford
Notts
Wimbledon
Donny
Vale
Walsall

Click this link and on the 'statistics' drop-down select run-in analysis: https://www.soccerstats.com/table.asp?league=england4&tid=10


Swindon and Chesterfield away should both be tricky games for Bradford whether they've got anything to play for or not. Wimbledon have got us, Port Vale, Grimsby, Chesterfield (in good form) and Gillingham who appear to be improving.

Plenty of twists and turns to come still I think. We really need to find another gear in the remaining games.
Title: Re: Final league position
Post by: selby on April 07, 2025, 10:27:54 am
  We have the skills sets to get automatic promotion, it is now about organisation and preparation by the management team and application and desire on the players part.
  Fail on any and we will make it harder for ourselves. We need to be at or near the top of our game for as many games as possible to the end of the season.
Title: Re: Final league position
Post by: RoverinLincs on April 07, 2025, 10:30:37 am
After last years disaster in the play offs, there’s no way we want to go into that again
Title: Re: Final league position
Post by: ncRover on April 07, 2025, 10:35:23 am
Walsall remarkably still favourites on skybet

That's because they have by some way the easiest run in of the top 5.

We on the other hand have by some way the hardest.

I'm desperately hoping this becomes a month to live in the memory for decades. But it's still the fact that we haven't beaten a side in the top 10 for approaching 6 months, and we've got another 4 of them to play.
I would rather have our fixtures than Bradford’s


Fair point if you take into consideration the H/A form of each opponent.

But then you really ought to factor in more than just form. For example, at least 3, arguably 5 of our remaining opponents are likely to have something major to be still competing for when we play them. (Bradford, Wimbledon and Colchester, plus Tranmere and Notts County depending on how results go. Arguably Salford too, although they are a long shot for the play offs, but will still be mathematically in the hunt)

Conversely only 2 of Bradford's remaining opponents will almost definitely still be in the hunt (us and Notts C - arguably Chesterfield if things go very much in their favour over the next couple of weeks).

How do you figure we have "by far" the hardest run-in?

Average current league position of teams left to face in the run-in, not taking into account anything more than current league position:
Wimbledon 8.2
Donny 8.7
Bradford 9.4
Notts Co 10.4
Vale 13.2
Walsall 16.6

We have one of the harder ones, but not by far the hardest.

Interestingly SoccerStats run-in analysis, taking into account home/away PPG ranks the run-ins as follows, from statistically most difficult to least:
Bradford
Notts
Wimbledon
Donny
Vale
Walsall

Click this link and on the 'statistics' drop-down select run-in analysis: https://www.soccerstats.com/table.asp?league=england4&tid=10


Swindon and Chesterfield away should both be tricky games for Bradford whether they've got anything to play for or not. Wimbledon have got us, Port Vale, Grimsby, Chesterfield (in good form) and Gillingham who appear to be improving.

Plenty of twists and turns to come still I think. We really need to find another gear in the remaining games.

I would say that he having an extra game in a short space of time where Wimbledon don’t makes ours harder.
Title: Re: Final league position
Post by: pib on April 07, 2025, 10:40:55 am
Walsall remarkably still favourites on skybet

That's because they have by some way the easiest run in of the top 5.

We on the other hand have by some way the hardest.

I'm desperately hoping this becomes a month to live in the memory for decades. But it's still the fact that we haven't beaten a side in the top 10 for approaching 6 months, and we've got another 4 of them to play.
I would rather have our fixtures than Bradford’s


Fair point if you take into consideration the H/A form of each opponent.

But then you really ought to factor in more than just form. For example, at least 3, arguably 5 of our remaining opponents are likely to have something major to be still competing for when we play them. (Bradford, Wimbledon and Colchester, plus Tranmere and Notts County depending on how results go. Arguably Salford too, although they are a long shot for the play offs, but will still be mathematically in the hunt)

Conversely only 2 of Bradford's remaining opponents will almost definitely still be in the hunt (us and Notts C - arguably Chesterfield if things go very much in their favour over the next couple of weeks).

How do you figure we have "by far" the hardest run-in?

Average current league position of teams left to face in the run-in, not taking into account anything more than current league position:
Wimbledon 8.2
Donny 8.7
Bradford 9.4
Notts Co 10.4
Vale 13.2
Walsall 16.6

We have one of the harder ones, but not by far the hardest.

Interestingly SoccerStats run-in analysis, taking into account home/away PPG ranks the run-ins as follows, from statistically most difficult to least:
Bradford
Notts
Wimbledon
Donny
Vale
Walsall

Click this link and on the 'statistics' drop-down select run-in analysis: https://www.soccerstats.com/table.asp?league=england4&tid=10


Swindon and Chesterfield away should both be tricky games for Bradford whether they've got anything to play for or not. Wimbledon have got us, Port Vale, Grimsby, Chesterfield (in good form) and Gillingham who appear to be improving.

Plenty of twists and turns to come still I think. We really need to find another gear in the remaining games.

I would say that he having an extra game in a short space of time where Wimbledon don’t makes ours harder.

Maybe. You can look at it either way can't you. We've got a big squad, so you could see it as an extra game to get points on the board.
Title: Re: Final league position
Post by: big fat yorkshire pudding on April 07, 2025, 11:05:58 am
Ultimately, if we don't get the points we don't deserve to go up.  We simply find out how good we are now.  We're more than due some bloody penalties aswell!
Title: Re: Final league position
Post by: BillyStubbsTears on April 07, 2025, 12:43:21 pm
Pib

I'm factoring in our bi-polar form.

We have been the ultimate flat track bullies this season. Top line below is our record against sides that are currently in the top half, lower line is record against bottom half sides

P....W...D...L...GF...GA...Pts...PPG
17  3    6   8    19   27    15     0.88
23  17  4   2    42   19    55     2.39

We have 5 of our final 6 matches against sides currently in the top half. We have 4 of those against sides currently in the top
 won THREE points against opponents in the top 10 and against sides in the top on the day of the match, in the last 5.5 months we have won a total of 3 points since late October when we beat Bradford.

Factor that in, and unless there is an abrupt change in our performances against better sides, we have by a long way the hardest run-in.
Title: Re: Final league position
Post by: colincramb on April 07, 2025, 03:51:58 pm
That’s a pretty woeful record in games against sides in the top half. It would be interesting to know how our competitors have done? Normally I’d say it does t matter who your points come against when it’s all said and done, but obviously we are going to have to buck our season trend to make it
Title: Re: Final league position
Post by: DonnyBazR0ver on April 07, 2025, 04:03:21 pm
What has form got to fo with it? Crewe last season did us tactically when it mattered after very poor end of season form.
Title: Re: Final league position
Post by: pib on April 07, 2025, 04:06:14 pm
That’s a pretty woeful record in games against sides in the top half. It would be interesting to know how our competitors have done? Normally I’d say it does t matter who your points come against when it’s all said and done, but obviously we are going to have to buck our season trend to make it

I did the maths earlier and BST makes a valid point to be fair.

We have the worst record out of the top 6 vs top half teams. Notts County’s isn’t much better at just over 1ppg. The other sides up there have much better records against the top half.

We’ll have to buck the trend - let’s hope so.
Title: Re: Final league position
Post by: Fal on April 07, 2025, 04:12:49 pm
I think looking at records is a bit negative and pointless, the facts are we are 3 points off the top of the league with a game in hand which would indicate that even though other teams may have better records against the top teams than us, they also dont have as good a record against the rest like we do.

4 of those 8 defeats were to Bromley and Chesterfield, both the Bromley games 9 times out of 10 we wouldve won with how many chances we had. Chesterfield were both just poor performances and they took their chances.

The other 4, Port Vale and Grimsby beat us at our place but we beat them at their place. Walsall were smashing everyone and in such rich vein of form, and we never do well at Wimbledon away.

Port Vale last week alone beat Bradford, Walsall and Crewe yet still only are 3 points ahead having played a game more...
Title: Re: Final league position
Post by: dickos1 on April 07, 2025, 04:29:37 pm
Walsall remarkably still favourites on skybet

That's because they have by some way the easiest run in of the top 5.

We on the other hand have by some way the hardest.

I'm desperately hoping this becomes a month to live in the memory for decades. But it's still the fact that we haven't beaten a side in the top 10 for approaching 6 months, and we've got another 4 of them to play.
I would rather have our fixtures than Bradford’s


Fair point if you take into consideration the H/A form of each opponent.

But then you really ought to factor in more than just form. For example, at least 3, arguably 5 of our remaining opponents are likely to have something major to be still competing for when we play them. (Bradford, Wimbledon and Colchester, plus Tranmere and Notts County depending on how results go. Arguably Salford too, although they are a long shot for the play offs, but will still be mathematically in the hunt)

Conversely only 2 of Bradford's remaining opponents will almost definitely still be in the hunt (us and Notts C - arguably Chesterfield if things go very much in their favour over the next couple of weeks).


Swindon have been in title winning form over the last 15 games, so them away is probably the toughest game you could wish for at the moment.

I thought dickos logic determined that you can’t just pick a “random number” of games to make a point?

Pick however many games you like, Swindon away is as tough as it gets currently
Title: Re: Final league position
Post by: dickos1 on April 07, 2025, 04:31:46 pm
Walsall remarkably still favourites on skybet

That's because they have by some way the easiest run in of the top 5.

We on the other hand have by some way the hardest.

I'm desperately hoping this becomes a month to live in the memory for decades. But it's still the fact that we haven't beaten a side in the top 10 for approaching 6 months, and we've got another 4 of them to play.
I would rather have our fixtures than Bradford’s


Fair point if you take into consideration the H/A form of each opponent.

But then you really ought to factor in more than just form. For example, at least 3, arguably 5 of our remaining opponents are likely to have something major to be still competing for when we play them. (Bradford, Wimbledon and Colchester, plus Tranmere and Notts County depending on how results go. Arguably Salford too, although they are a long shot for the play offs, but will still be mathematically in the hunt)

Conversely only 2 of Bradford's remaining opponents will almost definitely still be in the hunt (us and Notts C - arguably Chesterfield if things go very much in their favour over the next couple of weeks).


Swindon have been in title winning form over the last 15 games, so them away is probably the toughest game you could wish for at the moment.

Are you sure you want to mention form? :laugh:

In the context of the discussion of which games are tougher I don’t think there’s a better measuring tool is there?
Title: Re: Final league position
Post by: GazLaz on April 07, 2025, 06:32:30 pm
Walsall remarkably still favourites on skybet

That's because they have by some way the easiest run in of the top 5.

We on the other hand have by some way the hardest.

I'm desperately hoping this becomes a month to live in the memory for decades. But it's still the fact that we haven't beaten a side in the top 10 for approaching 6 months, and we've got another 4 of them to play.
I would rather have our fixtures than Bradford’s


Fair point if you take into consideration the H/A form of each opponent.

But then you really ought to factor in more than just form. For example, at least 3, arguably 5 of our remaining opponents are likely to have something major to be still competing for when we play them. (Bradford, Wimbledon and Colchester, plus Tranmere and Notts County depending on how results go. Arguably Salford too, although they are a long shot for the play offs, but will still be mathematically in the hunt)

Conversely only 2 of Bradford's remaining opponents will almost definitely still be in the hunt (us and Notts C - arguably Chesterfield if things go very much in their favour over the next couple of weeks).


Swindon have been in title winning form over the last 15 games, so them away is probably the toughest game you could wish for at the moment.

I thought dickos logic determined that you can’t just pick a “random number” of games to make a point?

Pick however many games you like, Swindon away is as tough as it gets currently

Just not true that is it.
Title: Re: Final league position
Post by: ncRover on April 07, 2025, 08:44:25 pm
Walsall remarkably still favourites on skybet

That's because they have by some way the easiest run in of the top 5.

We on the other hand have by some way the hardest.

I'm desperately hoping this becomes a month to live in the memory for decades. But it's still the fact that we haven't beaten a side in the top 10 for approaching 6 months, and we've got another 4 of them to play.
I would rather have our fixtures than Bradford’s


Fair point if you take into consideration the H/A form of each opponent.

But then you really ought to factor in more than just form. For example, at least 3, arguably 5 of our remaining opponents are likely to have something major to be still competing for when we play them. (Bradford, Wimbledon and Colchester, plus Tranmere and Notts County depending on how results go. Arguably Salford too, although they are a long shot for the play offs, but will still be mathematically in the hunt)

Conversely only 2 of Bradford's remaining opponents will almost definitely still be in the hunt (us and Notts C - arguably Chesterfield if things go very much in their favour over the next couple of weeks).


Swindon have been in title winning form over the last 15 games, so them away is probably the toughest game you could wish for at the moment.

Are you sure you want to mention form? :laugh:

In the context of the discussion of which games are tougher I don’t think there’s a better measuring tool is there?

You just post on here for a wind up don’t you?

https://www.drfc-vsc.co.uk/index.php?topic=293165.msg1364890#msg1364890
Title: Re: Final league position
Post by: drfchound on April 07, 2025, 09:17:41 pm
I think looking at records is a bit negative and pointless, the facts are we are 3 points off the top of the league with a game in hand which would indicate that even though other teams may have better records against the top teams than us, they also dont have as good a record against the rest like we do.

4 of those 8 defeats were to Bromley and Chesterfield, both the Bromley games 9 times out of 10 we wouldve won with how many chances we had. Chesterfield were both just poor performances and they took their chances.

The other 4, Port Vale and Grimsby beat us at our place but we beat them at their place. Walsall were smashing everyone and in such rich vein of form, and we never do well at Wimbledon away.

Port Vale last week alone beat Bradford, Walsall and Crewe yet still only are 3 points ahead having played a game more...

Although the figures that bst posted are not especially good, he has moved the goal posts with regards to his earlier posts on the same subject.
He previously banged on about our results against teams in the top or bottom half of the division AT THE TIME WE PLAYED THEM.
I don’t know whether his current argument is better or worse than using his earlier metric but I suspect that now using the current league positions of our opponents suits his argument better.
He is a clever man and often uses figures to back up a case.
Title: Re: Final league position
Post by: dickos1 on April 07, 2025, 10:54:18 pm
Walsall remarkably still favourites on skybet

That's because they have by some way the easiest run in of the top 5.

We on the other hand have by some way the hardest.

I'm desperately hoping this becomes a month to live in the memory for decades. But it's still the fact that we haven't beaten a side in the top 10 for approaching 6 months, and we've got another 4 of them to play.
I would rather have our fixtures than Bradford’s


Fair point if you take into consideration the H/A form of each opponent.

But then you really ought to factor in more than just form. For example, at least 3, arguably 5 of our remaining opponents are likely to have something major to be still competing for when we play them. (Bradford, Wimbledon and Colchester, plus Tranmere and Notts County depending on how results go. Arguably Salford too, although they are a long shot for the play offs, but will still be mathematically in the hunt)

Conversely only 2 of Bradford's remaining opponents will almost definitely still be in the hunt (us and Notts C - arguably Chesterfield if things go very much in their favour over the next couple of weeks).


Swindon have been in title winning form over the last 15 games, so them away is probably the toughest game you could wish for at the moment.

Are you sure you want to mention form? :laugh:

In the context of the discussion of which games are tougher I don’t think there’s a better measuring tool is there?

You just post on here for a wind up don’t you?

https://www.drfc-vsc.co.uk/index.php?topic=293165.msg1364890#msg1364890

If you can’t see the difference between discussing form in reference to the difficulty of upcoming matches and discussing form in reference to our league position then you need to have a think!
Title: Re: Final league position
Post by: dickos1 on April 07, 2025, 10:55:14 pm
Walsall remarkably still favourites on skybet

That's because they have by some way the easiest run in of the top 5.

We on the other hand have by some way the hardest.

I'm desperately hoping this becomes a month to live in the memory for decades. But it's still the fact that we haven't beaten a side in the top 10 for approaching 6 months, and we've got another 4 of them to play.
I would rather have our fixtures than Bradford’s


Fair point if you take into consideration the H/A form of each opponent.

But then you really ought to factor in more than just form. For example, at least 3, arguably 5 of our remaining opponents are likely to have something major to be still competing for when we play them. (Bradford, Wimbledon and Colchester, plus Tranmere and Notts County depending on how results go. Arguably Salford too, although they are a long shot for the play offs, but will still be mathematically in the hunt)

Conversely only 2 of Bradford's remaining opponents will almost definitely still be in the hunt (us and Notts C - arguably Chesterfield if things go very much in their favour over the next couple of weeks).


Swindon have been in title winning form over the last 15 games, so them away is probably the toughest game you could wish for at the moment.

I thought dickos logic determined that you can’t just pick a “random number” of games to make a point?

Pick however many games you like, Swindon away is as tough as it gets currently

Just not true that is it.

I think so yeah!
Title: Re: Final league position
Post by: BillyStubbsTears on April 08, 2025, 02:14:55 am
Walsall remarkably still favourites on skybet

That's because they have by some way the easiest run in of the top 5.

We on the other hand have by some way the hardest.

I'm desperately hoping this becomes a month to live in the memory for decades. But it's still the fact that we haven't beaten a side in the top 10 for approaching 6 months, and we've got another 4 of them to play.
I would rather have our fixtures than Bradford’s


Fair point if you take into consideration the H/A form of each opponent.

But then you really ought to factor in more than just form. For example, at least 3, arguably 5 of our remaining opponents are likely to have something major to be still competing for when we play them. (Bradford, Wimbledon and Colchester, plus Tranmere and Notts County depending on how results go. Arguably Salford too, although they are a long shot for the play offs, but will still be mathematically in the hunt)

Conversely only 2 of Bradford's remaining opponents will almost definitely still be in the hunt (us and Notts C - arguably Chesterfield if things go very much in their favour over the next couple of weeks).


Swindon have been in title winning form over the last 15 games, so them away is probably the toughest game you could wish for at the moment.

I thought dickos logic determined that you can’t just pick a “random number” of games to make a point?

Pick however many games you like, Swindon away is as tough as it gets currently

Just not true that is it.

https://www.soccerstats.com/formtable.asp?league=england4

Last 4 Home match form table has Swindon in 14th place.

Last 8 match table has them in 7th.
Title: Re: Final league position
Post by: BillyStubbsTears on April 08, 2025, 02:20:20 am
Walsall remarkably still favourites on skybet

That's because they have by some way the easiest run in of the top 5.

We on the other hand have by some way the hardest.

I'm desperately hoping this becomes a month to live in the memory for decades. But it's still the fact that we haven't beaten a side in the top 10 for approaching 6 months, and we've got another 4 of them to play.
I would rather have our fixtures than Bradford’s


Fair point if you take into consideration the H/A form of each opponent.

But then you really ought to factor in more than just form. For example, at least 3, arguably 5 of our remaining opponents are likely to have something major to be still competing for when we play them. (Bradford, Wimbledon and Colchester, plus Tranmere and Notts County depending on how results go. Arguably Salford too, although they are a long shot for the play offs, but will still be mathematically in the hunt)

Conversely only 2 of Bradford's remaining opponents will almost definitely still be in the hunt (us and Notts C - arguably Chesterfield if things go very much in their favour over the next couple of weeks).


Swindon have been in title winning form over the last 15 games, so them away is probably the toughest game you could wish for at the moment.

Are you sure you want to mention form? :laugh:

In the context of the discussion of which games are tougher I don’t think there’s a better measuring tool is there?

You just post on here for a wind up don’t you?

https://www.drfc-vsc.co.uk/index.php?topic=293165.msg1364890#msg1364890

If you can’t see the difference between discussing form in reference to the difficulty of upcoming matches and discussing form in reference to our league position then you need to have a think!

May I suggest you kind of miss the point that people previously have spoken about how form will affect our FUTURE league table position if it doesn't change?
Title: Re: Final league position
Post by: drfchound on April 08, 2025, 09:44:51 pm
Walsall remarkably still favourites on skybet

That's because they have by some way the easiest run in of the top 5.

We on the other hand have by some way the hardest.

I'm desperately hoping this becomes a month to live in the memory for decades. But it's still the fact that we haven't beaten a side in the top 10 for approaching 6 months, and we've got another 4 of them to play.
I would rather have our fixtures than Bradford’s


Fair point if you take into consideration the H/A form of each opponent.

But then you really ought to factor in more than just form. For example, at least 3, arguably 5 of our remaining opponents are likely to have something major to be still competing for when we play them. (Bradford, Wimbledon and Colchester, plus Tranmere and Notts County depending on how results go. Arguably Salford too, although they are a long shot for the play offs, but will still be mathematically in the hunt)

Conversely only 2 of Bradford's remaining opponents will almost definitely still be in the hunt (us and Notts C - arguably Chesterfield if things go very much in their favour over the next couple of weeks).


Swindon have been in title winning form over the last 15 games, so them away is probably the toughest game you could wish for at the moment.

I thought dickos logic determined that you can’t just pick a “random number” of games to make a point?

Pick however many games you like, Swindon away is as tough as it gets currently

Just not true that is it.

https://www.soccerstats.com/formtable.asp?league=england4

Last 4 Home match form table has Swindon in 14th place.

Last 8 match table has them in 7th.

Swindon have taken 37 points from their last 21 matches going back to late December.
That is a pretty good return.
Title: Re: Final league position
Post by: drfchound on April 10, 2025, 03:21:08 am
Before the season started I backed us at 14/1 to win the title.
I just had a look in skybet and they are offering me a cash out at just under three times my stake money.
Title: Re: Final league position
Post by: dickos1 on April 10, 2025, 08:02:55 am
Walsall remarkably still favourites on skybet

That's because they have by some way the easiest run in of the top 5.

We on the other hand have by some way the hardest.

I'm desperately hoping this becomes a month to live in the memory for decades. But it's still the fact that we haven't beaten a side in the top 10 for approaching 6 months, and we've got another 4 of them to play.
I would rather have our fixtures than Bradford’s


Fair point if you take into consideration the H/A form of each opponent.

But then you really ought to factor in more than just form. For example, at least 3, arguably 5 of our remaining opponents are likely to have something major to be still competing for when we play them. (Bradford, Wimbledon and Colchester, plus Tranmere and Notts County depending on how results go. Arguably Salford too, although they are a long shot for the play offs, but will still be mathematically in the hunt)

Conversely only 2 of Bradford's remaining opponents will almost definitely still be in the hunt (us and Notts C - arguably Chesterfield if things go very much in their favour over the next couple of weeks).


Swindon have been in title winning form over the last 15 games, so them away is probably the toughest game you could wish for at the moment.

Are you sure you want to mention form? :laugh:

In the context of the discussion of which games are tougher I don’t think there’s a better measuring tool is there?

You just post on here for a wind up don’t you?

https://www.drfc-vsc.co.uk/index.php?topic=293165.msg1364890#msg1364890

If you can’t see the difference between discussing form in reference to the difficulty of upcoming matches and discussing form in reference to our league position then you need to have a think!

May I suggest you kind of miss the point that people previously have spoken about how form will affect our FUTURE league table position if it doesn't change?

We’re near the top of all the form tables currently available so if you insist on looking at them then at least acknowledge what they’re telling u
Title: Re: Final league position
Post by: Michael Shaw on April 10, 2025, 09:53:59 am
What a pointless argument going on here. We need to just win as many as possible of our remaining games and there is every chance we will be promoted. It is in our grasp and a month from now it will all be history.
Title: Re: Final league position
Post by: Avsuptem on April 10, 2025, 02:51:05 pm
What a pointless argument going on here. We need to just win as many as possible of our remaining games and there is every chance we will be promoted. It is in our grasp and a month from now it will all be history.

Pointless argument ?

On the contrary, it's all about points.
Title: Re: Final league position
Post by: pib on April 10, 2025, 03:34:23 pm
Walsall remarkably still favourites on skybet

That's because they have by some way the easiest run in of the top 5.

We on the other hand have by some way the hardest.

I'm desperately hoping this becomes a month to live in the memory for decades. But it's still the fact that we haven't beaten a side in the top 10 for approaching 6 months, and we've got another 4 of them to play.
I would rather have our fixtures than Bradford’s


Fair point if you take into consideration the H/A form of each opponent.

But then you really ought to factor in more than just form. For example, at least 3, arguably 5 of our remaining opponents are likely to have something major to be still competing for when we play them. (Bradford, Wimbledon and Colchester, plus Tranmere and Notts County depending on how results go. Arguably Salford too, although they are a long shot for the play offs, but will still be mathematically in the hunt)

Conversely only 2 of Bradford's remaining opponents will almost definitely still be in the hunt (us and Notts C - arguably Chesterfield if things go very much in their favour over the next couple of weeks).


Swindon have been in title winning form over the last 15 games, so them away is probably the toughest game you could wish for at the moment.

Are you sure you want to mention form? :laugh:

In the context of the discussion of which games are tougher I don’t think there’s a better measuring tool is there?

You just post on here for a wind up don’t you?

https://www.drfc-vsc.co.uk/index.php?topic=293165.msg1364890#msg1364890

If you can’t see the difference between discussing form in reference to the difficulty of upcoming matches and discussing form in reference to our league position then you need to have a think!

May I suggest you kind of miss the point that people previously have spoken about how form will affect our FUTURE league table position if it doesn't change?

We’re near the top of all the form tables currently available so if you insist on looking at them then at least acknowledge what they’re telling u

If we repeat our last 8 game form over the next 6, it would give us just over 11 points (81 total), which would probably be enough for 3rd place.

If we repeat our last 10 game form, largely the same.

If we repeat our last 12 game form, largely the same again.

If we repeat the season-long trend of winning about 50% of our games, drawing 25% and losing 25%, we will get 10-11 points. Even 10 could well be enough.

The question isn't really a massive uplift in form, it's just whether we can maintain vs the mixture of teams we have got to play when there aren't as many weaker ones in there. When it comes to the crunch we will hopefully step up against better opposition.
Title: Re: Final league position
Post by: colincramb on April 10, 2025, 06:25:49 pm
It’s not just the step up in opposition, the pressure will also play a part for all contenders. Whoever manages that will likely grab the top 3
Title: Re: Final league position
Post by: dickos1 on April 26, 2025, 11:41:45 pm
Some interesting posts and predictions on here
Title: Re: Final league position
Post by: Pancho Regan on April 26, 2025, 11:48:08 pm
Some interesting posts and predictions on here

Huge credit to you Dickos for keeping the faith as always.
Title: Re: Final league position
Post by: les@donr on April 27, 2025, 03:59:41 am
I had predicted 3rd. But now it has to be 1st.
Title: Re: Final league position
Post by: adamtherover on April 27, 2025, 06:25:42 am
I'm still smiling at the assumption, there with 5 or 6 games to go, the clever money had decided rovers had the toughest set of remaining fixtures.  Not on here, but on footy banter sites.  They should have had more faith..
Title: Re: Final league position
Post by: Chris Black come back on April 27, 2025, 06:32:01 am
Made no difference as it turned out whether we lost or not yesterday. The win against Colchester and the other results that Monday essentially sent us up to League One.
Title: Re: Final league position
Post by: pib on April 27, 2025, 09:12:07 am
Made no difference as it turned out whether we lost or not yesterday. The win against Colchester and the other results that Monday essentially sent us up to League One.

Great to have it confirmed at the ground though.