Viking Supporters Co-operative

Viking Chat => Viking Chat => Topic started by: DollyRover on November 22, 2025, 05:01:49 pm

Title: Well done...
Post by: DollyRover on November 22, 2025, 05:01:49 pm
To those who travelled down today.
From the commentry it sounded like we were the home teak (maybe from where the commentry team were sat) but on a wet day like today you did yourselves and the team proud
Title: Re: Well done...
Post by: Spilsby Red on November 22, 2025, 05:22:56 pm
Completely agree. Loud and proud.  It wasn’t a perfect performance but, we were the better team. Hanlan, take a bow, did well today. Not finished article but this will help him. Starts above BS for me. Yes we should have scored but let’s keep positive
Title: Re: Well done...
Post by: graingrover on November 22, 2025, 05:36:57 pm
I thought we were top class in commitment , tactics and work rate .Well done all round lads and management !
Title: Re: Well done...
Post by: In the box on November 22, 2025, 05:39:35 pm
Completely agree. Loud and proud.  It wasn’t a perfect performance but, we were the better team. Hanlan, take a bow, did well today. Not finished article but this will help him. Starts above BS for me. Yes we should have scored but let’s keep positive
Our very recent performances have been winnable and the only difference today was a centre forward who finally got his chance to put himself about . BUT ., the question I have is why has Hanlan only now been allowed to play his part when the damage is done placing more pressure on him to score . It’s bad enough  that we have to loan a striker most seasons along with a goal keeper , two of the most important positions on the pitch, but to our own signing being sidelined without explanation for nearly 3 months of the season is perplexing!!
Title: Re: Well done...
Post by: colincramb on November 22, 2025, 05:49:33 pm
We’ve been in every game we’ve lost in recent weeks, just haven’t taken our chances. It will turn. Good point away and 3 definitely needed against a resurgent posh next week other wise we are in the bottom 4
Title: Re: Well done...
Post by: RoversInSpain on November 22, 2025, 05:53:22 pm
Completely agree. Loud and proud.  It wasn’t a perfect performance but, we were the better team. Hanlan, take a bow, did well today. Not finished article but this will help him. Starts above BS for me. Yes we should have scored but let’s keep positive
Our very recent performances have been winnable and the only difference today was a centre forward who finally got his chance to put himself about . BUT ., the question I have is why has Hanlan only now been allowed to play his part when the damage is done placing more pressure on him to score . It’s bad enough  that we have to loan a striker most seasons along with a goal keeper , two of the most important positions on the pitch, but to our own signing being sidelined without explanation for nearly 3 months of the season is perplexing!!
Hanlan looks fitter, faster and much more up for it than he did a month or so ago. Perhaps he’s been getting over a fitness issue, learning how GM wants him to play and so on. What’s most important he looks on it now, and that’s why he’s been chosen today and I’m pretty sure he’ll start v Posh.
Title: Re: Well done...
Post by: Bills view on November 22, 2025, 05:59:51 pm
We were the better team. A great effort.

We just need to be clinical with the final ball and chances.

Was it just me wishing we didn’t make the substitutions?
Title: Re: Well done...
Post by: i_ateallthepies on November 22, 2025, 06:21:06 pm
Stevenage definitely came into the game after Clifton went off.  We rode it out and eventually got some momentum back at the very end.
Title: Re: Well done...
Post by: Ian Nimmo on November 22, 2025, 07:47:50 pm
I believe Clifton should have stayed on, he didn’t seem to be tiring and was actively involved in the game.
Correct to take Gibson off, because he was losing the ball too easy and had gone quiet with his involvement.
Yet again the team worked very hard agin today and realistically it should have been a good win, so only inquest from today is again, why have we not managed to score with a performance like that!
Title: Re: Well done...
Post by: GazLaz on November 22, 2025, 07:56:04 pm
We were worse again after the subs. Going from a 3 man midfield to a 2 man midfield let them into the game a bit, although they don’t really look a threat.


I would say for this bid strong squad we have, the treat from the bench tends to be nonexistent.
Title: Re: Well done...
Post by: donnievic on November 22, 2025, 08:23:10 pm
We were worse again after the subs. Going from a 3 man midfield to a 2 man midfield let them into the game a bit, although they don’t really look a threat.


I would say for this bid strong squad we have, the treat from the bench tends to be nonexistent.
we didn’t really go to a 2 man midfield as sharp come on and played deeper role rather than a striker
Title: Re: Well done...
Post by: Bessie Red on November 22, 2025, 08:33:46 pm
I believe Clifton should have stayed on, he didn’t seem to be tiring and was actively involved in the game.
Correct to take Gibson off, because he was losing the ball too easy and had gone quiet with his involvement.
Yet again the team worked very hard agin today and realistically it should have been a good win, so only inquest from today is again, why have we not managed to score with a performance like that!
Clifton had a bit of a limp when he came back on at the end to applaud the fans so may have come off injured.
Title: Re: Well done...
Post by: Pancho Regan on November 22, 2025, 08:39:17 pm
I didn’t see the game today but having read many reports from those who did, I take a lot of encouragement from our performance.

And even on this poor run, we’ve rarely been outplayed and could have garnered more points with a bit of luck and better finishing.

We’re creating chances, we’re competing, we’re staying in games.

SO’D used to bang on about performances being important, and that results would follow.

Our early run at the start of this season showed that we have the quality to compete in this division.
My message is to keep the faith, get behind Grant and the lads, and we will start moving back up this table.

Title: Re: Well done...
Post by: scawsby steve on November 22, 2025, 08:51:59 pm
If Stevenage win their games in hand, they'll be clear League 1 leaders.

That was an impressive away point today.
Title: Re: Well done...
Post by: Pancho Regan on November 22, 2025, 08:54:17 pm
If Stevenage win their games in hand, they'll be clear League 1 leaders.

That was an impressive away point today.

Exactly Steve.
Title: Re: Well done...
Post by: big fat yorkshire pudding on November 22, 2025, 09:00:30 pm
It's a good point but can't help thinking it should have been 3 really.  Again a good performance so performance wise we are heading the right direction even if we can't seemingly get a league win.

Horrid weather too, not a fun drive or trip really but the players did put a strong shift in despite all that.

I'd agree Clifton was good probably our best today.  Pleased that McGrath had a really good game too, hopefully he can kick on now.
Title: Re: Well done...
Post by: GazLaz on November 22, 2025, 09:05:39 pm
We were worse again after the subs. Going from a 3 man midfield to a 2 man midfield let them into the game a bit, although they don’t really look a threat.


I would say for this bid strong squad we have, the treat from the bench tends to be nonexistent.
we didn’t really go to a 2 man midfield as sharp come on and played deeper role rather than a striker

Sharp came on as a No10. He did drop a bit deeper but contributed absolutely zero from a midfield perspective.
Title: Re: Well done...
Post by: Bentley Bullet on November 22, 2025, 09:07:29 pm
If the highlights are a true reflection of the game, the ref would have stopped it if it were a boxing match!
Title: Re: Well done...
Post by: Pancho Regan on November 22, 2025, 09:16:49 pm
We were worse again after the subs. Going from a 3 man midfield to a 2 man midfield let them into the game a bit, although they don’t really look a threat.


I would say for this bid strong squad we have, the treat from the bench tends to be nonexistent.
we didn’t really go to a 2 man midfield as sharp come on and played deeper role rather than a striker

Sharp came on as a No10. He did drop a bit deeper but contributed absolutely zero from a midfield perspective.

“Sharp…contributed absolutely zero”
“….for this bid (sic) strong squad we have, the treat (sic) from the bench tends to be nonexistent (sic).

“But apart from that, and a fire in my flat, it’s been a really nice day” (Spike Milligan).
Title: Re: Well done...
Post by: Lesonthewest on November 22, 2025, 09:43:20 pm
If Stevenage win their games in hand, they'll be clear League 1 leaders.

That was an impressive away point today.

Exactly Steve.

There were times when we made them look very much second best. Played with real determination & as a collective. It's coming.
Title: Re: Well done...
Post by: Pancho Regan on November 22, 2025, 09:55:36 pm
If Stevenage win their games in hand, they'll be clear League 1 leaders.

That was an impressive away point today.

Exactly Steve.

There were times when we made them look very much second best. Played with real determination & as a collective. It's coming.

That is encouraging Les
Title: Re: Well done...
Post by: Usher wide. on November 22, 2025, 10:02:34 pm
We were worse again after the subs. Going from a 3 man midfield to a 2 man midfield let them into the game a bit, although they don’t really look a threat.


I would say for this bid strong squad we have, the treat from the bench tends to be nonexistent.
we didn’t really go to a 2 man midfield as sharp come on and played deeper role rather than a striker

Perhaps that’s because he’s not a midfielder…..doh.

Sharp came on as a No10. He did drop a bit deeper but contributed absolutely zero from a midfield perspective.
Title: Re: Well done...
Post by: drfchound on November 22, 2025, 10:19:43 pm
I’ve not seen the game today. How did Stezza play, anywhere near his best yet.
I like Clifton and think he is very important to the way Grant sets the team up so it is interesting that people say we were worse after he came off.
Title: Re: Well done...
Post by: 5minstogo on November 22, 2025, 10:47:53 pm
Thought Crew might have come on for Clifton. His ability to break lines may have made the difference
Title: Re: Well done...
Post by: GazLaz on November 23, 2025, 07:22:19 am
We were worse again after the subs. Going from a 3 man midfield to a 2 man midfield let them into the game a bit, although they don’t really look a threat.


I would say for this bid strong squad we have, the treat from the bench tends to be nonexistent.
we didn’t really go to a 2 man midfield as sharp come on and played deeper role rather than a striker


Sharp came on as a No10. He did drop a bit deeper but contributed absolutely zero from a midfield perspective.

Perhaps that’s because he’s not a midfielder…..doh.

Precisely. Do you not think deploying him in the way he was deployed when he came on was a mistake?
Title: Re: Well done...
Post by: Chris Black come back on November 23, 2025, 07:54:03 am
Yesterday was first time this season that Stevenage have failed to score at home in the league. They may be on a bit of a poor run but they have an immense home record this season and we went there and were the better side. That’s a very good point. Doubt we will get a better draw this season.
Title: Re: Well done...
Post by: GazLaz on November 23, 2025, 08:52:50 am
It wouldn’t surprise me if Stevenage finish on a similar points tally to ourselves in the mid table area. They’re not a top 6 team. Must say, I like Harvey White in midfield for them. Very good player.

Title: Re: Well done...
Post by: ncRover on November 23, 2025, 08:55:13 am
Thought Crew might have come on for Clifton. His ability to break lines may have made the difference

That isn’t Crew’s position though.

Then if you take Bailey off there’s a loss of goal threat.

And then if you take Broadbent off, there’s a loss of size, durability and defensive nous that could leave us wide open.

I don’t think he’s the best use of a loan spot at the moment. Josh Stokes at Bristol City, an attacking midfielder is a terrific player. He might get loaned out to this level again because he’s been out with injury.
Title: Re: Well done...
Post by: GazLaz on November 23, 2025, 08:59:42 am
Thought Crew might have come on for Clifton. His ability to break lines may have made the difference

That isn’t Crew’s position though.

Then if you take Bailey off there’s a loss of goal threat.

And then if you take Broadbent off, there’s a loss of size, durability and defensive nous that could leave us wide open.

I don’t think he’s the best use of a loan spot at the moment. Josh Stokes at Bristol City, an attacking midfielder is a terrific player. He might get loaned out to this level again because he’s been out with injury.

Agree with a lot of that. I’m fairly sure we could find a player that has the energy of Clifton but with additional quality. That would make a huge difference this team.
Title: Re: Well done...
Post by: graingrover on November 23, 2025, 09:43:29 am
I agree Gaz and think he will strengthen with two additions, an attacking midfielder and another striker .
Sterry was back to his best and McGrath back to the form we saw last season .
Title: Re: Well done...
Post by: ncRover on November 23, 2025, 09:56:27 am
I agree Gaz and think he will strengthen with two additions, an attacking midfielder and another striker .
Sterry was back to his best and McGrath back to the form we saw last season .

Yes. Surely Ajayi will return also to open up the possibility of getting another wide player in. Probably for the left side.

Gibson is a good player but I don’t think he’s clinical enough in front of goal, especially at this level.

Middleton on the left makes no sense in this 4-3-3 either. Even less of a goal threat. Try him on the right.
Title: Re: Well done...
Post by: GazLaz on November 23, 2025, 10:00:02 am
I agree Gaz and think he will strengthen with two additions, an attacking midfielder and another striker .
Sterry was back to his best and McGrath back to the form we saw last season .


The drop off from Sterry and Maxwell to Senior and Nixon is huge. It’s as much a style of play thing as just ability. Because our midfield three are workers as opposed to cultured, creative players, we need people who can handle a football at fullbacks.
Title: Re: Well done...
Post by: Chris Black come back on November 23, 2025, 10:03:30 am
Thought Crew might have come on for Clifton. His ability to break lines may have made the difference

That isn’t Crew’s position though.

Then if you take Bailey off there’s a loss of goal threat.

And then if you take Broadbent off, there’s a loss of size, durability and defensive nous that could leave us wide open.

I don’t think he’s the best use of a loan spot at the moment. Josh Stokes at Bristol City, an attacking midfielder is a terrific player. He might get loaned out to this level again because he’s been out with injury.

Agree with a lot of that. I’m fairly sure we could find a player that has the energy of Clifton but with additional quality. That would make a huge difference this team.

Isn’t that what Gotts was brought in for?
Title: Re: Well done...
Post by: roversdude on November 23, 2025, 10:20:29 am
Thought Crew might have come on for Clifton. His ability to break lines may have made the difference

That isn’t Crew’s position though.

Then if you take Bailey off there’s a loss of goal threat.

And then if you take Broadbent off, there’s a loss of size, durability and defensive nous that could leave us wide open.

I don’t think he’s the best use of a loan spot at the moment. Josh Stokes at Bristol City, an attacking midfielder is a terrific player. He might get loaned out to this level again because he’s been out with injury.

Agree with a lot of that. I’m fairly sure we could find a player that has the energy of Clifton but with additional quality. That would make a huge difference this team.

Isn’t that what Gotts was brought in for?
Agree with that but not sure he’s been fit all season tbh.
We definitely look better with Clifton in the team. Thought the back 4 yesterday were good defensively although Maxwell wasn’t his usual self going forward
Hope everyone has dried out who went to the snack bar at half time lol
Title: Re: Well done...
Post by: ncRover on November 23, 2025, 10:22:55 am
Thought Crew might have come on for Clifton. His ability to break lines may have made the difference

That isn’t Crew’s position though.

Then if you take Bailey off there’s a loss of goal threat.

And then if you take Broadbent off, there’s a loss of size, durability and defensive nous that could leave us wide open.

I don’t think he’s the best use of a loan spot at the moment. Josh Stokes at Bristol City, an attacking midfielder is a terrific player. He might get loaned out to this level again because he’s been out with injury.

Agree with a lot of that. I’m fairly sure we could find a player that has the energy of Clifton but with additional quality. That would make a huge difference this team.

Isn’t that what Gotts was brought in for?

Gotts isn’t specifically an attacking midfielder though. He can cover the deeper roles.
Title: Re: Well done...
Post by: i_ateallthepies on November 23, 2025, 10:27:08 am
Gibson was poor yesterday, he spoiled two very promising attacks early on in the game with his first touch rebounding straight to the opposition.  So poor, so frustrating.
Title: Re: Well done...
Post by: Bessie Red on November 23, 2025, 11:02:15 am
Agree that Gibson was poor yesterday & was the obvious choice to be subbed off however on form he is a dangerous player so we need to keep putting him in the team.
Title: Re: Well done...
Post by: GazLaz on November 23, 2025, 11:28:38 am
Gibson was poor yesterday, he spoiled two very promising attacks early on in the game with his first touch rebounding straight to the opposition.  So poor, so frustrating.

He did put one on a plate for Sterry but it certainly wasn’t his best game. Could have easily created the match winning moment and been a hero though. The XI that played yesterday should certainly start going forward, maybe with the exception of a tweak at centre half. 
Title: Re: Well done...
Post by: Filo on November 23, 2025, 11:33:53 am
Thought Crew might have come on for Clifton. His ability to break lines may have made the difference

That isn’t Crew’s position though.

Then if you take Bailey off there’s a loss of goal threat.

And then if you take Broadbent off, there’s a loss of size, durability and defensive nous that could leave us wide open.

I don’t think he’s the best use of a loan spot at the moment. Josh Stokes at Bristol City, an attacking midfielder is a terrific player. He might get loaned out to this level again because he’s been out with injury.

Agree with a lot of that. I’m fairly sure we could find a player that has the energy of Clifton but with additional quality. That would make a huge difference this team.

Isn’t that what Gotts was brought in for?

Gotts for me is a slightly better version of Sbarra, both too lightweight for L1
Title: Re: Well done...
Post by: Ian Nimmo on November 23, 2025, 03:42:39 pm
The problem with Gibson is that we don’t play Bradford every week
Title: Re: Well done...
Post by: scawsby steve on November 23, 2025, 06:44:58 pm
It wouldn’t surprise me if Stevenage finish on a similar points tally to ourselves in the mid table area. They’re not a top 6 team. Must say, I like Harvey White in midfield for them. Very good player.

It's possible, but their unbeaten home record this season suggests different.

Let's not denigrate Stevenage too much; it takes the gloss off an excellent team performance from us.
Title: Re: Well done...
Post by: Thorney on November 23, 2025, 06:52:31 pm
I have seen a couple of comments claiming we missed the chance of 3 points because stevenage was one of the poorest sides they have seen or that stevenage didnt turn up.

Hows about the reason for this is because our managment did there pre-match homework and tge players on the pitch performed, causing stevenage to be poor.

Im starting to feel we are getting our act together, the results currently dont show it but they will come.
We seem to finally be getting a settled 11. (Id stick with gibson over middleton for now) CB alongside COR up for grabs but jay put his hand up for me yesterday. Id rather it be him or grehan. 
Title: Re: Well done...
Post by: GazLaz on November 23, 2025, 07:26:52 pm
It wouldn’t surprise me if Stevenage finish on a similar points tally to ourselves in the mid table area. They’re not a top 6 team. Must say, I like Harvey White in midfield for them. Very good player.

It's possible, but their unbeaten home record this season suggests different.

Let's not denigrate Stevenage too much; it takes the gloss off an excellent team performance from us.

It is entirely possible for the team to have played well and Stevenage not to be a promotion candidate. 
Title: Re: Well done...
Post by: scawsby steve on November 23, 2025, 08:13:15 pm
It wouldn’t surprise me if Stevenage finish on a similar points tally to ourselves in the mid table area. They’re not a top 6 team. Must say, I like Harvey White in midfield for them. Very good player.

It's possible, but their unbeaten home record this season suggests different.

Let's not denigrate Stevenage too much; it takes the gloss off an excellent team performance from us.

It is entirely possible for the team to have played well and Stevenage not to be a promotion candidate.

I totally agree. However, at this moment in time, Stevenage are a promotion candidate, with games in hand that could put them at the top of the table.
Title: Re: Well done...
Post by: Sammy Chung was King on November 24, 2025, 01:32:41 am
This result is the start of a good run. If we were at our best we would beat Stevenage, we are just missing Rob Street or someone similar.
Title: Re: Well done...
Post by: Ian Nimmo on November 24, 2025, 05:37:31 am
I have seen a couple of comments claiming we missed the chance of 3 points because stevenage was one of the poorest sides they have seen or that stevenage didnt turn up.

Hows about the reason for this is because our managment did there pre-match homework and tge players on the pitch performed, causing stevenage to be poor.

Im starting to feel we are getting our act together, the results currently dont show it but they will come.
We seem to finally be getting a settled 11. (Id stick with gibson over middleton for now) CB alongside COR up for grabs but jay put his hand up for me yesterday. Id rather it be him or grehan.

I agree, when the team don’t perform then it’s fair that we show our disappointment etc. however the team performance on Saturday was excellent and only marred by not scoring and winning the game.
It seems totally inappropriate to suggest that performance was helped by any comments relating to be a result of Stevenage being a poor side.
Title: Re: Well done...
Post by: Padge_DRFC on November 24, 2025, 07:41:34 am
It wouldn’t surprise me if Stevenage finish on a similar points tally to ourselves in the mid table area. They’re not a top 6 team. Must say, I like Harvey White in midfield for them. Very good player.

It's possible, but their unbeaten home record this season suggests different.

Let's not denigrate Stevenage too much; it takes the gloss off an excellent team performance from us.

It is entirely possible for the team to have played well and Stevenage not to be a promotion candidate. 

Mansfield another side doing a lot better than I thought. I think we'll finish above them too
Title: Re: Well done...
Post by: 5minstogo on November 24, 2025, 08:14:30 am
Thought Crew might have come on for Clifton. His ability to break lines may have made the difference

That isn’t Crew’s position though.

Then if you take Bailey off there’s a loss of goal threat.

And then if you take Broadbent off, there’s a loss of size, durability and defensive nous that could leave us wide open.

I don’t think he’s the best use of a loan spot at the moment. Josh Stokes at Bristol City, an attacking midfielder is a terrific player. He might get loaned out to this level again because he’s been out with injury.

Crew is brilliant at closing down, pinching the ball and playing a great pass. Away at Tranmere last season he showed all those attributes. Bringing Billy on in that position gave us nothing. Subs last season were bang on, this season they've nearly always made us worse. First thing Middleton did on Saturday was give the ball away and then a few minutes later got booked.
Title: Re: Well done...
Post by: GazLaz on November 24, 2025, 08:36:09 am
The team are still putting a shift in and thats a pretty good starting point for an upturn in form.