Viking Supporters Co-operative
Viking Chat => Viking Chat => Topic started by: selby on November 23, 2025, 12:51:12 pm
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With green shoots of potentially better things to come being shown in our last few league and cup games although not getting that elusive win in league games we have next up what could well turn out to be one of our hardest tests of our resolve to get back to winning ways.
Fast improving Peterborough now shut of the domineering Ferguson will be a stern test if they come anywhere near repeating their display televised v Stockport when Moore, Lisbie, and Kioso looked players at the top of their game in a dominant team display.
The two teams have had very different starts to the season, us at the top of our game early season and doing well while Peterborough struggled for any form and looked to be in real trouble. Now things have reversed with us second from bottom of the form table and Peterborough in the heady heights in seventh place having won three of their last four league games with the not surprising new manager bounce.
Yesterday we looked a lot more comfortable at the back than of late, but taking into consideration the fact Stevenage were missing both their main strikers, and watching the pace and physicality of the Peterborough front line which will be up against our defence that at times is quite pedestrian it's one area I worry about. they looked very good in both penalty areas against Stockport, two areas where we are not the greatest.
We need to play well and are at our best capable of matching most teams in this division, and a bit of a change of luck would not go amiss. Any changes except for tactical reasons would be harsh on yesterdays side IMHO, and if we play with the same commitment we will turn things around.
What do you think? an important game against a side improving but one we can open a little points gap on which puts pressure on them.
It has always been a game hotly contested and our management team will really want a win, how do you see it?
So lots to talk about and discuss, please have your say.
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In the first 3 league games under new manager Peterborough have scored 9 and not conceded a goal. They have beaten Stockport, Cardiff and Wimbledon but all three games were at home.
They will play Stevenage at home again on Tuesday before they play us on Saturday.
This will be a hard game, the team will have to be at their best both defensively and in the attacking third. The starting eleven yesterday could be the team we start with. It appears that McGrath was back to his best yesterday which he needed.
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Games against Peterborough are generally quite open and entertaining so I’m really looking forward to this one.
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In the first 3 league games under new manager Peterborough have scored 9 and not conceded a goal. They have beaten Stockport, Cardiff and Wimbledon but all three games were at home.
They will play Stevenage at home again on Tuesday before they play us on Saturday.
This will be a hard game, the team will have to be at their best both defensively and in the attacking third. The starting eleven yesterday could be the team we start with. It appears that McGrath was back to his best yesterday which he needed.
I would make one change from yesterdays starting 11. Bring in Billy Sharp for Gibson and play Billy up front with Hanlon.
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In the first 3 league games under new manager Peterborough have scored 9 and not conceded a goal. They have beaten Stockport, Cardiff and Wimbledon but all three games were at home.
They will play Stevenage at home again on Tuesday before they play us on Saturday.
This will be a hard game, the team will have to be at their best both defensively and in the attacking third. The starting eleven yesterday could be the team we start with. It appears that McGrath was back to his best yesterday which he needed.
I would make one change from yesterdays starting 11. Bring in Billy Sharp for Gibson and play Billy up front with Hanlon.
Not a cats chance in hell we will be going 2 up top.
Think we will see the same starting 11, and i hope so for continuity.
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The biggest change from yesterdays game at Stevenage and this one against Peterborough will be the pace of Peterborough's attack, something we struggle with.
Although improved since the new management team, like us they have been poor in games defending their own penalty area, we need to play on the front foot, and as much as possible in their half of the field.
If not they are capable of cutting us to pieces and running past us in our defensive areas, its a game where we will need to keep our shape and concentration.
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Saturday 29th November 2025
12.30pm Blackpool v Reading
3pm Bradford City v Exeter City
3pm Burton Albion v Leyton Orient
3pm Cardiff City v Mansfield Town
3pm Doncaster Rovers v Peterborough United
3pm Huddersfield Town v AFC Wimbledon
3pm Lincoln City v Port Vale
3pm Luton Town v Bolton Wanderers
3pm Plymouth Argyle v Northampton Town
3pm Rotherham United v Wycombe Wanderers
12.30pm Stockport County v Barnsley
3pm Wigan Athletic v Stevenage
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Saturday 2nd May 2026
3pm AFC Wimbledon v Huddersfield Town
3pm Barnsley v Stockport County
3pm Bolton Wanderers v Luton Town
3pm Exeter City v Bradford City
3pm Leyton Orient v Burton Albion
3pm Mansfield Town v Cardiff City
3pm Northampton Town v Plymouth Argyle
3pm Peterborough United v Doncaster Rovers
3pm Port Vale v Lincoln City
3pm Reading v Blackpool
3pm Stevenage v Wigan Athletic
3pm Wycombe Wanderers v Rotherham United
This reverse fixture "Job Lot" happens at least once every season
I presume it's the same with the Nov 29th matches being reversed as the last matches in Division 4
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Update
as i expected you get the first match reversed over Easter Monday April 6th -- this trick has been going on for years - even used to happen in the OLD TOP DIVISION
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Monday 6th April 2026
3pm AFC Wimbledon v Luton Town
3pm Barnsley v Plymouth Argyle
3pm Bolton Wanderers v Stockport County
3pm Exeter City v Doncaster Rovers
3pm Leyton Orient v Huddersfield Town
3pm Mansfield Town v Burton Albion
3pm Northampton Town v Wigan Athletic
3pm Peterborough United v Cardiff City
3pm Port Vale v Rotherham United
3pm Reading v Lincoln City
3pm Stevenage v Blackpool
3pm Wycombe Wanderers v Bradford City
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Saturday 2nd August 2025
FT Blackpool(1) 2 3 (2)Stevenage 10,090
Honeyman (6'), Ennis (80') Reid (17', 45+10'), Kemp (50')
FT Bradford City(2) 2 1 (0)Wycombe Wanderers 19,604
Sarcevic (6'), Pointon (14') Udoh (68')
FT Burton Albion(1) 2 1 (0)Mansfield Town 5,170
Clive Webster (22', 50') Cargill (77')
FT Cardiff City(0) 2 1 (1)Peterborough United 19,615
Colwill (48'), Kpakio (60') Ihionvien (33' pen)
FT Doncaster Rovers(0) 1 0 (0)Exeter City 8,688
Molyneux (88' pen)
FT Huddersfield Town(1) 3 0 (0)Leyton Orient 17,062
Low (7'), May (55' pen), Roosken (90+5')
FT Lincoln City(1) 2 0 (0)Reading 9,054
Burns (20' og), Hackett-Fairchild (67')
FT Plymouth Argyle(0) 1 3 (2)Barnsley 16,483
Watts (50') Sarpong-Wiredu (14' og), Phillips (30'), Keillor-Dunn (86')
FT Rotherham United(2) 2 1 (0)Port Vale 9,883
Nombe (14', 29') Hall (60')
FT Wigan Athletic(2) 3 1 (0)Northampton Town 9,471
Murray (29', 46'), Weir (43') Forbes (70')00000000000000000000000
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In the first 3 league games under new manager Peterborough have scored 9 and not conceded a goal. They have beaten Stockport, Cardiff and Wimbledon but all three games were at home.
They will play Stevenage at home again on Tuesday before they play us on Saturday.
This will be a hard game, the team will have to be at their best both defensively and in the attacking third. The starting eleven yesterday could be the team we start with. It appears that McGrath was back to his best yesterday which he needed.
I would make one change from yesterdays starting 11. Bring in Billy Sharp for Gibson and play Billy up front with Hanlon.
Not a cats chance in hell we will be going 2 up top.
Think we will see the same starting 11, and i hope so for continuity.
Continuity!!!. When was the last time we won a game?? I definitely don't want this continuity.
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SACK THE MANAGER!
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Saturday 29th November 2025
12.30pm Blackpool v Reading
3pm Bradford City v Exeter City
3pm Burton Albion v Leyton Orient
3pm Cardiff City v Mansfield Town
3pm Doncaster Rovers v Peterborough United
3pm Huddersfield Town v AFC Wimbledon
3pm Lincoln City v Port Vale
3pm Luton Town v Bolton Wanderers
3pm Plymouth Argyle v Northampton Town
3pm Rotherham United v Wycombe Wanderers
12.30pm Stockport County v Barnsley
3pm Wigan Athletic v Stevenage
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Saturday 2nd May 2026
3pm AFC Wimbledon v Huddersfield Town
3pm Barnsley v Stockport County
3pm Bolton Wanderers v Luton Town
3pm Exeter City v Bradford City
3pm Leyton Orient v Burton Albion
3pm Mansfield Town v Cardiff City
3pm Northampton Town v Plymouth Argyle
3pm Peterborough United v Doncaster Rovers
3pm Port Vale v Lincoln City
3pm Reading v Blackpool
3pm Stevenage v Wigan Athletic
3pm Wycombe Wanderers v Rotherham United
This reverse fixture "Job Lot" happens at least once every season
I presume it's the same with the Nov 29th matches being reversed as the last matches in Division 4
Never knew this happened! Thank you for bringing it to light CLH. I’ll keep tabs on that for future seasons.
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In what I’ve seen in recent matches , there been an element of bad luck , this game may just be turning point as players seem to be playing with more commitment and purpose .Sterrys return has helped and now that Hanlan has shown that there’s a willingness to run and hassle along with his height and over physical presence around the box could well see an uplift in results and take the pressure off McCann before the January window .
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Can anyone remember when we have actually been above them when we have played them in the league.
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Can anyone remember when we have actually been above them when we have played them in the league.
Couldn’t possibly say it was the last time it happened but we were pushing for a play off position in the Championship (2010?) about the time we went to their place and won 2-1 with JET in the side and Gareth Roberts scored with a screamer. They were bottom 3 at the time with a horrible long ball side whose main attacking idea was a series of huge throw ins into the box from someone called Exodus Geoghagon.
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1700 coming from Peterborough and a few more.
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Rather than a must win which would be very nice and welcome it is a don't lose game.
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Rather than a must win which would be very nice and welcome it is a don't lose game.
I have to disagree selby, one point at home is no good. We have to start & win our home games. Playing well away & coming away with a point against a side in the top six is acceptable when you’re in & around that group, when you’re a side at the ‘wrong end’ of the table you have to ensure, somehow, that good performances result in winning games, claiming the 3 points & climbing the table.
It is a must win game imo.
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Agree we must start winning our home games, however I don't think there's any need to panic....yet!
The entire division is only seperated by 16 points, back to back wins and we'd probably be back in the top 10.
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Usher Wide, I agree we need a win I agree we need to show better form at home in fact everything you say.
But we more than that need not to lose and hand Peterborough the points to draw level with us, if we draw the gap is still in place.
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McCann made reference to our position in the league and having been in a similar positions in the past and made it up by getting a run together , what he failed to mention that on those occasions we had a loan strikers who were capable of scoring goals and create for others .., I know it’s his job to talk up players to build confidence yet our history of repeats is starting to look like Christmas on the TV ..
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Let's see what happens in January. It's made a difference in the last 2 seasons.
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Usher Wide, I agree we need a win I agree we need to show better form at home in fact everything you say.
But we more than that need not to lose and hand Peterborough the points to draw level with us, if we draw the gap is still in place.
Just to be pedantic, if Peterboro’ win they go above us, albeit on goal difference.
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A win today, hopefully the rain has stopped by 3.00pm.
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A win today, hopefully the rain has stopped by 3.00pm.
Nah, we want it lashing it down like at Stevenage, them southern jessies don't like it.
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One thing to take on board with the weather and the fast surface that gives the players who can run and control the ball the advantage.
It isn't a day to pass the ball across the back line and make mistakes unless a certain ball is on, if not get rid and play in their half where we can exploit mistakes and give the front men early balls.
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Williams did the double over McCann when he was Notts County manager didn’t he?
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Gone with same XI and squad as last week. Think that is probably our strongest possible XI currently. Argument over Grehan, Pearson or McGrath to partner O'Riordan.
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Gone with same XI and squad as last week. Think that is probably our strongest possible XI currently. Argument over Grehan, Pearson or McGrath to partner O'Riordan.
Exactly what I said when I saw the line up
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Williams did the double over McCann when he was Notts County manager didn’t he?
Not be doing it this season!
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Two good goals from Gibson hide the fact that we rode our luck and made heavy going of a tough match.
Allowed them back into the game early second half and it galvanised them, they had chances to draw level and didn't take them, Sharp missed what would have been a match calming third and they pushed on but we held firm.
Overall a good battling win, we've played matches recently where we thought we should have got something more from the game, just like Posh today but we did win the 3 points with the battling display.
The fightback can start from here.
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Taking performances into account, 4 points from the past 3 games is the least we've deserved
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Their manager walked into a trap in first half. We gave them all the possession they wanted and then took them apart on the break. He wised up to it in second half but too late then. We pressed very well all game but especially in first half. Two very good chances for us as 2-1 from Hanlan and Sharp but I thought after first 10 minutes of second half we coped with them. McCann won that game in first half. Their manager must be kicking himself.
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Really Cbcb? shows how differently we all see the game . I thought we really struggled with them in the second half, we were so fortunate to get the 3 points!
I’m dead chuffed we won by the way, but our lack of fitness and pace was very apparent in this game. Midfield was totally anonymous in that second they just walked and passed round them.
Massive missed chance again by Billy, is that 3 one on ones now he’s missed. Todays was the worst miss I’ve seen from him, and I hate to give him stick, he’s been such a top pro. Not sure Hanlan should have come off.
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6 points off relegation, 6 off the play offs. Season starts here, rovcon levels creeping up.
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Best team lost, for me. Simple as that. We put our chances away first half, thank goodness.
Huff and puff the rest of the game.
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First time they have conceded twice under their new manager. He has overseen 6 games and had 3 clean sheets. Scoring two goals against them is a decent outcome, putting aside the win.
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Their manager walked into a trap in first half. We gave them all the possession they wanted and then took them apart on the break. He wised up to it in second half but too late then. We pressed very well all game but especially in first half. Two very good chances for us as 2-1 from Hanlan and Sharp but I thought after first 10 minutes of second half we coped with them. McCann won that game in first half. Their manager must be kicking himself.
Absolutely.
First half was a tactical masterclass. Just to add to that we gave certain players all the possession they wanted and very quickly closed down others when they received the ball.
Pressing football with intelligence. Excellent. The Peterborough players had no answer and looked increasingly frazzled, pressured and error prone. We made an in form/confident side look really very poor.
Rovers scored 2 very good goals on the counter and with a bit more calmness could have scored more.
Second half Peterborough wised up, changed tactics and personnel, were much more adventurous in their play and let's be honest were much the better team. The second half performance was a little worrying in terms of player v player quality given where they are in the league.
Rovers were possibly lucky to win in the end though their keeper made an outstanding stop from Hanlan and Sharp really should have scored.
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You could also see the players has listened to McCann saying they were too nice. Quite a few good and necessary fouls as players were heading towards goal. Also managing game at the end.
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We are also pretty much half way towards the points total to stay up. That's decent going given McCann sides have finished strongly last few years.
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6 points off relegation, 6 off the play offs. Season starts here, rovcon levels creeping up.
Crazy tight league right now! That may change when games in hand of other clubs are played - esp Barnsley with 3 in hand.
I think we're good enough to finish in the mddle third of this leage but it will take some fortune, some cogs falling into place. A tough run coming up to test our mettle.
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As a game itself it was very good. Peterborough will be fine this season. Good 3 points that
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Thought Hanlon acquitted himself well again, was strong and busy early on and should have had a penalty when he was brought down, as the match wore on and they took control his chances dried up but that effort in the second half looked goal bound from where i sit and needed a very good save.
His confidence looked good and he stuck at it, i'd of liked to have seen him stay on and play alongside Sharp, it would have given them something extra to think about when they pushed up late on looking for the equaliser, may have taken some of the pressure off. Good hard fought 3 points.
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Best team lost, for me. Simple as that. We put our chances away first half, thank goodness.
Huff and puff the rest of the game.
After these last few weeks you must be fed up of seeing the best team lose, Alan.
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Matches against Peterborough are usually very open and entertaining and today was no different.
Overall we grafted our way through to the end.
Two well crafted goals and some gritty defending.
Broadbent outstanding throughout.
We lost our way a bit after Clifton went off and I’m hoping he will soon be able to play for the whole match.
Why don’t refs ever give us a pen.
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Really Cbcb? shows how differently we all see the game . I thought we really struggled with them in the second half, we were so fortunate to get the 3 points!
I’m dead chuffed we won by the way, but our lack of fitness and pace was very apparent in this game. Midfield was totally anonymous in that second they just walked and passed round them.
Massive missed chance again by Billy, is that 3 one on ones now he’s missed. Todays was the worst miss I’ve seen from him, and I hate to give him stick, he’s been such a top pro. Not sure Hanlan should have come off.
I only listened and it is a surprise that after the notable energy we put in at Stevenage for 90 minutes (which was the impression I got from the extended highlights), how could the effort be so reduced? I’m not doubting your observation, but did I misread the intensity of our efforts at Stevenage? Did they wear themselves out in the first half today perhaps? Were they complacent in the second? It’s apparent that once we are in front there is a tendency to sit back and the second goal today seemed to be against the run of play. We should know that for us, getting one goal in front has not been enough.
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We got exactly what was needed 3 points that extended our small lead over the bottom four the result overshadowing the performance which showed the good and the bad in us.
Were we fortunate? I don't really think so, again looked to have a certain penalty not even considered and noses rubbed in it almost immediately when the referee gave a free kick against us for a far less a shove in the back outside the penalty area to relieve pressure on their penalty area.
We also missed the best chance of the game when Billy broke free, so they also got away with some dodgy defending and you would be hard pushed to get a top class defence if you combined both on show to select one from.
The game was one to watch as the conditions and lack of real class combined to make it interesting to watch the high number of mistakes both teams were making especially when the game got stretched.
So three points in the bag, everything to play for in a very tight league, and hopefully two good results in cup games to keep interest high after Christmas, the season could well and hopefully still have a lot to offer.
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Did anyone else just think yesterday. This is an entertaining football match?. Peterborough certainly went for it. We were up for it, although hanging on last 20.
Hope more teams turn up like Peterborough. Neither side time wasting, neither side with theatrics. Just getting on with it.
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Did anyone else just think yesterday. This is an entertaining football match?. Peterborough certainly went for it. We were up for it, although hanging on last 20.
Hope more teams turn up like Peterborough. Neither side time wasting, neither side with theatrics. Just getting on with it.
Agree with this. Even forgot about the dreadful weather!
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Really Cbcb? shows how differently we all see the game . I thought we really struggled with them in the second half, we were so fortunate to get the 3 points!
I’m dead chuffed we won by the way, but our lack of fitness and pace was very apparent in this game. Midfield was totally anonymous in that second they just walked and passed round them.
Massive missed chance again by Billy, is that 3 one on ones now he’s missed. Todays was the worst miss I’ve seen from him, and I hate to give him stick, he’s been such a top pro. Not sure Hanlan should have come off.
Have to say I 100pc agree .
I said several times on way home that was a "lucky" 3 points especially with the chances they got
Sure Billy missed a sitter and we all say "goals change games" but I thought their bloke missing that free header 6 yards out was a gift wrapped equaliser wasted thank goodness by them
Bet they are slagging whoever missed it on their Forum(s)
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Really Cbcb? shows how differently we all see the game . I thought we really struggled with them in the second half, we were so fortunate to get the 3 points!
I’m dead chuffed we won by the way, but our lack of fitness and pace was very apparent in this game. Midfield was totally anonymous in that second they just walked and passed round them.
Massive missed chance again by Billy, is that 3 one on ones now he’s missed. Todays was the worst miss I’ve seen from him, and I hate to give him stick, he’s been such a top pro. Not sure Hanlan should have come off.
Have to say I 100pc agree .
I said several times on way home that was a "lucky" 3 points especially with the chances they got
Sure Billy missed a sitter and we all say "goals change games" but I thought their bloke missing that free header 6 yards out was a gift wrapped equaliser wasted thank goodness by them
Bet they are slagging whoever missed it on their Forum(s)
I think that’s just this league though.
We didn’t improve enough in the summer so every team is at least equal or better than us.
So we’ve got to scrap and hang on for the wins.
Yesterday was a game where we could have convincingly beat them, the way they were playing first half was asking for it.
But we don’t have that in us.
So we’ve had to dig in and hold on which in some ways is great to see from us.
As the transfer windows pass and we establish, I’m sure we will build a squad that will put teams to the sword.
But for now I can’t see too many “convincing” wins without the odd scare.
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Forgot where peterborough sut in the league.
This was a very gritty win against a side who have found a good bit of form since their new manager has come in.
They have recently wiped the floor with stockport, wimbledon and beaten cardiff in the FA cup without conceding a single gial whilst scoring 9 in those 3 games.
Those 3 teams sit 1st, 5th and 9th in this league.
So i dont care how we did it, but a win is what we needed and its what we got.
Passed owen bailey last night and had a quick chat, said it was a tough game to play in with those conditions also. But the mood that it has given the players to walk back in with 3 points is massive. We will kick on from here.
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Peterborough have a quick fit side who play good football. But they are open to breakaway goals which we did. We won without being allowed to play the game on the front foot. We made to work hard in atrocious conditions and our fitness was not as good as Peterborough.
Disappointing thing again is the substitutes did not show more energy to improve us. We did what we had to do and won the game.
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Ive not been to the last 2 home games due to work.
For me we deservedly went in 2.0 up at HT. Both goals came from our press and intensity. Our 3 CMs were playing seamlessly together when one pressed forward other two dropped back. That was clear to see throughout the half.
They made two subs and a tactical switch that changed the game. We never really got to grips with it in second half. The CM 3 weren't anywhere near it after the change. Their No11 who came on was a constant threat and for some reason we decided to give him acres and still have Sterry bombing forward. So many times when we needed some calm Sterry charged forward, more than once closing their keeper down! This meant Orierdan was pulled across to their 11 and left a gaping hole in the middle. Eventually GM put Grehan on which helped and then with about 15mins finally pulled Sterry over and told him to stay back....from which point Sterry had 11 in his pocket.
I was really pleased with Hanlan, what an up turn that lad has had since his spell out the team. I dont think he should have gone off unless its a fitness thing.
TLT played well. Couple of shakey moments where the ball was dropped but it was pissing it down, I think we forget at times under the canopy.
All in all an enjoyable game of football, bit nervy at the end. I think over the course of the match we deserved to win against a team in better form than us.
A real 6 pointer and a win we desperately needed. As close to play offs as we are relegation zone now so although we are 18th we are mid table for me.
Let's hope this is a bit of a catalyst
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There was a lot to like about the way they played the game, particularly in that second half. When in possession they made the pitch look smaller with players on the run anticipating and making space.
When we turned over possession the pitch looked very big with red and white shirts difficult to find.
There were too many times when having won the ball back, we didn't secure possession well enough with a simple pass or poor control. It's what happens when teams are in the ascendancy and it becomes more difficult to get a grip of the game. By hook or by crook though, we got over the line and we haven't been able to day that for a while.
Small steps forward each game and when we get the upper hand we need to be less passive for longer periods. It's more the mental side than the technical side that's still work in progress for me.