Let's talk about the Fleetwood Town game

[selby]

  A game that gives us our last real chance of saving something from the season apart from avoiding relegation which has to be our main aim this season, but a game that if we win can take us nearer a the end of the season with a bit of hope of a good end to the season and something other than survival to show for it.
  To many a nothing and an annoyance of a game but one that can start a revival,  or because of the stature of the opposition can cast an even darker shadow on the future of the season that remains.
  A fighting second half against a side that had blown us away with ease in the first half gave us a glimpse of what we can be as a team, the new signings a breath of fresh air, and quite a few players showing the form personally we have hoped to see from them Gotts especially playing well.
  Fleetwood themselves went down fighting at Port Vale and showed they will be no push overs and most of their fixtures end up low scoring games and have won 9 drawn 7 lost 8 league games and sit 13th in the division and lost their last league fixture at home 1-0 to Grimsby Town.
  Historically we have never had it easy against them. but lately have evened things up slightly, and for once should start favourites for this game despite our defensive frailties, but need to start on the front foot and try and cut out the defensive mistakes.
   With a quick turn around new players who might or might not be able to play in this fixture and others who will want to put their name in the hat for selection, and no doubt a manager who wants to find a winning formula, selection will be interesting, probably Pearson the one who he will want to keep rested for the next league game, although his set piece threat would be sorely missed, and will we see a new keeper if registered in time.
  The rest of the squad leave a lot of permutations but we need a win for confidence and moral, while others have had an hectic holiday period and not a lot of recovery time and are important players for us.
   So as ever what would you do, a fine line between a winning side and preparation and recuperation for the next league game v AfC Wimbledon which is an enormous game for us as regards getting a result and quickly follows and the manager will  prioritise I would think so what do you think? what team would you pick? do you see the game as important? I think it is and would go as strong as possible after looking at all the facts, would you?
  Lot's to discuss, lots to look forward to. Does it now going to the knock out stages attract you more than group games? please have your say.
 
 

[Chris Black come back]

Poor away record in the league but an ok one in FLT albeit against poor sides. They've just been turned over at Port Vale in the FAC. Nothing to suggest they are going to be insurmountable challenge for us.

[selby]

 I agree CBcb but it will not be easy, and we need to strike the first blow just to gain confidence, and a little luck for a change wouldn't go amiss.

[idler]

I think he will start one or two regulars on the bench and hope that they might not be needed. A chance to integrate some of the latest additions with some of our squad wanting to impress just as much.

[grayx]

I hope we rest all of our key players and give some game time to those  that havent been starting of late. Our priority is to stay in league 1, i couldnt care less about this trophy tbh.
These are games where we could do with playing the likes of Faulkner, Flint etc if they were available.

[selby]

 Lots of  questions about this game, Will Flint has played very well in this competition especially v Bradford City handling Cook and against Grimsby showing composure and technique that some of our regular defenders just have not got  in their locker apparently or haven't shown it, and would certainly improve our ball retention coming out of defence with better passing ability.
  Then we have Pearson, our best defender yesterday, made a rash challenge that cost us a goal but was a threat in their area and generally a calming influence in our area, but has not been used in midweek cup games probably the thinking being three games on the bounce a risk  in eight days, Me I would partner him with Flint who would learn from an old stager. we have got to look at our back four we cannot expect to do anything shipping the goals we are doing.  McGrath and Grehan could get the shout but I have less trust in their ability  especially in one off games not to make a major mistake
   Also Robinson and the loan players, a good option for them to get integrated if available and Middleton plus will the new goalkeeper get a run out.
  Also such as Broadbent and others who have missed out lately if fit could do with game time while such as Gotts is kept fresh for the weekend.
  So a lot for Grant to mull over, but probably has it sorted in his mind already and not on my lines, but we can discuss and see how near we are to the  team that takes to the field Tuesday night needing a moral boosting win,  have we enough in the squad to make switches to win this game? are you that bothered? can a win aid our fight in the league? I see this game and the next three league games as ones we need to do well in, do you? if not we are in for a major struggle.
  Lot's to discuss, lot's to mull over, the new players and the fact such as Flint can play, and probably should going on previous games in the competition certainly make it interesting.
  One thing that can be said is, after our fight back yesterday we the supporters, team, and management are in it together supporting and giving it a go, all we can ask really, if we fight and are not good enough so be it, but we must  keep giving it a go together.

[DonnyOsmond]

Gateshead play on Tuesday so I doubt Flint will be available.

[selby]

  If he is starting regular up there now  with the new manager that's ok. Under Armstrong i would have brought him back.
 Hopefully they will find his best position as defensive central defender just in front of the back line, and not an out and out central defender.
 

[selby]

  The Gateshead game is already cancelled so Flint is available whether the club would know or not is another story. Southend who Gateshead would have played their match was off Saturday and that game takes preference to be played Tuesday.

[steve@dcfd]

Hi Selby if Flint is available who would you play alongside him. The defence needs to improve and we should be aiming to win this game.

[selby]

 Pearson but I would play Bailey in the back four and Flint central defensive mid field, and give the full backs licence to get forward when it was on and we had possession.

[The Red Baron]

Gateshead play on Tuesday so I doubt Flint will be available.

Gateshead vs. Southend is off. Southend's FA Trophy match was postponed on Saturday and is being played tomorrow. So Will Flint should be able to play tomorrow.

[steve@dcfd]

Well Looks like Grehan is starting as he's done the player interview. He will have to step up

[Usher wide.]

Well Looks like Grehan is starting as he's done the player interview. He will have to step up

Haven’t heard/seen that interview but let’s be honest, this competition is not one we are ‘chasing’ this season.

Having said that, it’s an opportunity to get ‘legs’ into players on the periphery of the squad & the chance for those who are on that periphery to ‘shine’ & give the manager ‘food for thought’.

We’re at home & whichever XI are chosen to play, plus those on the bench, will want to give of their best.

If chosen & they feel this game ‘below their best efforts’ & it shows, then they can’t argue if they’re not selected for future games.

[scawsby steve]

Are Haks and Frankie cup tied for this competition?

[Fal]

Are Haks and Frankie cup tied for this competition?

No can both play

[steve@dcfd]

Are Haks and Frankie cup tied for this competition?

They are on the bench

[steve@dcfd]

Clark
Nixon
Grehan
Maxwell
Broadbent
Robinson
Clifton
Hanlan
Sharp
Middleton

Subs
TLT
Williams
McCann
Bailey
Molyneux
Adelakun
Okoronkwo

[Alan Southstand]

Clark
Nixon
Grehan
Maxwell
Broadbent
Robinson
Clifton
Hanlan
Sharp
Middleton

Subs
TLT
Williams
McCann
Bailey
Molyneux
Adelakun
Okoronkwo

Williams?

Got it - Kasper.

[Branton Red]

Clark
Nixon
Grehan
Maxwell
Broadbent
Robinson
Clifton
Hanlan
Sharp
Middleton

Subs
TLT
Williams
McCann
Bailey
Molyneux
Adelakun
Okoronkwo

Williams?

Got it - Kasper.

I'm more concerned that we're only starting 10 men

[rich1471]

Fleetwood have made a few changes as well

[In the box]

The pitch is starting to show bald patches .

[Colemans Left Hook]

I notice Matty Virtue  a.k.a. Virtue Thick  is playing against us once again in the Virtue Trophy

Matthew Joseph Virtue-Thick[3] (born 2 May 1997) is an English professional footballer who plays as a midfielder for EFL League Two side Fleetwood Town. He has previously played for Liverpool and Notts County.

I know he has scored against us at least once

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Matty_Virtue

[adamtherover]

Anything going on?

[eastender]

Anything going on?

1 nil Rovers

[adamtherover]

Bs14!!!!!

[besty]

Yeah Billy just scored but apart from that krap

[Colemans Left Hook]

Hanlon found a nice back-heal on the touch line   not as good as that bit of skill Sterry found on Saturday though - which amazed me 1-0 billy sharp

turned away to type and suddenly the Fleetwood defence had gone awol !!!
couldn't miss
.

Hanlon has got gloves on. He's the only one apart from the keepers

at least he isn't wearing tights  !!

"Keith Weller is remembered by many as ‘the footballer who wore tights’ . But beneath the undergarments there was a top-class footballer who many felt was worth many more than the four England caps he won."

https://readtheleague.com/the-big-feature/keith-weller-a-class-act


Hanlon was one on one with the goalie but hit the outstretched keeper's shoulder or whatever

[Scooter]

Ref keeping his cards in his pocket. If this was a league game Clifton and Broadbent would be booked

[Scooter]

Also impressed with the new keeper. He has the ball back in play really quickly- every time so far. Unlike TLT who slows the play down