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Post by gashead1981 on Aug 20, 2019 23:34:07 GMT
How frustrating is Bennett! He should have been opening them at when he came 9n but he is just so slow and walks with the ball at a pedestrian pace. He's technically decent but if the rumours are true then surely the worst value for money player at the club. We got exactly what all my Pompey family and friends told me. A very technical player who always wants more touches than he needs, slows it down and misses the opportunities to create because he’s too busy playing about with it. In his defence tonight. When he came on it wasn’t to carve them about. He was behind the front 2 linking in the wingbacks, who were not exactly busting a gut at 75 mins. It was containment football. |
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Post by socrates on Aug 20, 2019 23:39:19 GMT
We got exactly what all my Pompey family and friends told me. A very technical player who always wants more touches than he needs, slows it down and misses the opportunities to create because he’s too busy playing about with it. In his defence tonight. When he came on it wasn’t to carve them about. He was behind the front 2 linking in the wingbacks, who were not exactly busting a gut at 75 mins. It was containment football. Yeah fair point but I’m not really talking about tonight , I’m talking about him as a player for us overall in his time here. |
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Post by gashead1981 on Aug 20, 2019 23:51:01 GMT
I thought we were better against 11 in the first half.
Jakkola - Did what he had to do well. Good decisions all night with distribution. (8)
Hare - Growing in confidence, good in defence as well as attack. Great ball for JCH to score. (8)
Craig - Solid but also makes me nervous. Did the basics ok mostly but gives the ball away far too cheaply and when not under pressure. (6)
Kilgour - Superb. A class apart tonight. Should be starting every week. (9) my MOM.
Leahy - a bit hit and miss with his deliveries but a solid performance, got forward well and was no nonsense in the tackle (7)
Upson - best game in a long time. Got stuck in, kept it simple, was unlucky with a 20 yard strike that went just over (8)
Ogogo - Good in the tackle but frustrating that he has no outlet to take advantage of. (6)
Ollie - Put some good tackles in, good passing and work rate. Still think he is best played in front of the back 4 rather as a CAM but a good performance where he played tonight. (7)
Smith - Good movement around the ball but got pulled about by their defenders a fair bit. Took advantage of having a whistle happy ref. Needs to be a bit stronger in the battle IMO. Good pen though. (7)
JCH - what we have come to expect. Fantastic goal, good running on and off the ball. Knows how to draw fouls in dangerous positions. Can’t wait until he is 100% match fit. (8)
It was refreshing to see some width on the pitch but we desperately need a ball carrying creative midfielder to make it tick much smoother. Lines would have been the ideal man for tonight especially when they went down to 10, then 9. Just that eye to see the run and make the perfectly weighted ball through. We have to stick with this formation for the foreseeable and see if we can work on getting Tomlinson into this team just to give us another attacking option with some young energy.
Best part of the evening was Kilgour’s performance. Was so composed and everything he did tonight whether it was defending or finding the right ball was correct.
Onto Saturday.
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Post by Qatar Gas on Aug 21, 2019 4:45:19 GMT
I think with the players we have the 3-5-2 (or 5-3-2) formation is probably best suited to our players. Pretty much all our full backs are better when they can get forward (because defensively they look a little suspect) Leahy and Hare last night and the same for THD and Little when they are both back.
A little too defensive in midfield, but Sercombe will come into one of those positions which at least means he wont be shunted out wide.
Defensively we are fine.
We know we cannot create anything in midfield, hence this formation which means the full backs are getting some crosses in (like the first goal).
I think JCH & Smith need to be given a run of games together, they are starting to forge a decent partnership.
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Post by baggins on Aug 21, 2019 5:38:22 GMT
Some very harsh comments on here. Tranmere never looked like beating us at any point so what more can you ask for? We at least tried to get the ball wide and hit JCH tonight, against Wycombe the other day there was no discernible strategy whatsoever. Exactly how I had it reported to me from the family who attended. That Upson was instrumental in all of our decent play in the middle (and just about everywhere) Tranmere couldn’t hold a candle to us for the majority of the match & it was a fully deserved victory overall. So very surprising to read comments such as ‘we were poor’ and ‘It’s lucky they had two sent off’. Some just can't help themselves. We played really well last night, nothing got past the back 4, keeper not troubled with anything, won 2 nil, 3 points, thank you very much. |
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Post by peterparker on Aug 21, 2019 5:46:34 GMT
Exactly how I had it reported to me from the family who attended. That Upson was instrumental in all of our decent play in the middle (and just about everywhere) Tranmere couldn’t hold a candle to us for the majority of the match & it was a fully deserved victory overall. So very surprising to read comments such as ‘we were poor’ and ‘It’s lucky they had two sent off’. Some just can't help themselves. We played really well last night, nothing got past the back 4, keeper not troubled with anything, won 2 nil, 3 points, thank you very much. Agree. For all the stick he has been getting, Leahy was in the opposition box more than our own last night. Though he wws perfectly acceptabl in the wing back role last night and always offered an outlet. Thought in general were pretty good last night. We are/were direct, but not straight down the middle direct. Long diagonals as well as trying to unleash Smith turning the centre halves. Midfield 3 generally hounded Smith a worthy MOTM. Beaten up all night, kept going and looked a handful.. If anything our substitutions whilst understandable or needed probably disrupted more than anything |
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Post by blueridge on Aug 21, 2019 5:53:49 GMT
Individually no player had a poor game, but as a team performance it was not particularly inspiring. The real positives for me apart from the result were the performance of two young players Hare and Kilgour in particular. Smith looked particularly lively up front but missed a very simple header which had it gone in, I feel we could of gone on from there and and won convincingly against a very poor Tranmere side who will do well to stay up come season end. I thought we played better against eleven but even Pompey couldn't muster a win against nine men at home.
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Post by rambo on Aug 21, 2019 6:26:04 GMT
Also worth pointing out that the first 3 teams we played occupy top 4 positions at this early stage and have not lost a game between them.
Our season will not be defined by Blackpool or Coventry away but by the likes of Tranmere at home and on last night's performance they'll be waving goodbye to this league. Southend also look to be in a spot of bother, with the obvious Bolton and Bury also.
Might not be pretty but I think we'll be ok.
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Post by noblegas on Aug 21, 2019 6:37:41 GMT
I've noticed that JCH always makes a real effort to bolster the confidence of younger players. He has clearly taken Tyler Smith under his wing and is always talking to him on the pitch and always mentions him in interviews. On the highlights I noticed him after the first goal with his arm around Hare talking to him too- presumably thanking him for the cross. He is becoming such an important player for the club, and not just for the goals.
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Post by canberragas69 on Aug 21, 2019 6:54:48 GMT
Well it was a win and that, in the end is the most important thing. However, we still are a poorly coached team; a view amply illustrated by how we played against 9 men. The first problem was that we played deep against 9 men,rather than pressing. Then, when we had the ball, we played it slowly. There is no problem with playing side to side, indeed its inevitable, given the undermanned opposition will get most of their players back behind the ball. But, you have to play the ball quickly, moving them about to create space. This is where wingbacks are OK, but wingers, at least one!, would be better. Our wingbacks yesterday lack pace and can't beat a man.
There were some positives though. Upson played well, as did Kilgour. JCH is well above this standard - great header - and know how to hold the ball and draw a foul. Smith also did well, except for one bad miss (easier to score than Nichols one-on-one), and looks as though he could develop a good partnership with JCH. On that, my favorite moment, viewed from the Thatchers end, was when Smith missed a half chance and JCH ran 15 yards to tell him to get his head-up. Promising.
The thatchers end was less populated than on the good night, but the Payne song made up for it. Hope that Taylor doesn't get too much stick on Saturday as he did many good things for us.
Onwards and upwards.
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Post by simonj on Aug 21, 2019 6:57:05 GMT
We play negative football, struggle to string 2 or 3 passes together and find it hard to hit the net, with 3 or 4 shots on target and 0 goals scored in those opening 3 games. Even tonight we struggled to create and break down 9 men. Mind you we got something like 17 shots off, sure quality can be questioned, but should definitely have scored with Smith first half header and Leah and Nicholls second half and would have made things very comfortable . Also Pompey ended up losing their lead against 9 men in a home game last night.
I saw a team that was actually so desperate not to concede against 10 then 9 men, that they stopped the forward momentum, and I have to say with that formation Upson was excellent, as I thought he doesn't deserve to be ahead of Agoggo or Clarke with a back 4. First half Tranmere were not given a sniff and we looked ok.
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Post by kampucheagas on Aug 21, 2019 6:57:09 GMT
YAY! We are all waking up this morning feeling a little better! Me and my boy just watched the highlights and zoomed in and there he is stood on his red bucket down the front behind the goal! Made our day.
Some reflections.
Sparse crowd understandably nervous before kick off. But I thought the majority were trying their hardest to be supportive. Best song of the night was about Payne hopefully not breaking our bench. Cracking stuff.
Great headed opener. Wing backs played well. Kilgour looked superb. He’s big but looks so composed.
Midfield still not right but he can only play what he’s got.
They were awful. They were strangely better with 9 men and all around me fans were convinced we were going to let one in to their 9 until we got the pen. I like the look of Tyler. Confidence to grab the ball and stick it away. Then the relief. And more lovely songs about Payne wearing a lovely hat.
We aren’t THAT far from being a half decent side. Without Rodders, Sercs, THD and Little to choose from we did ok.
Now to Poxford and their snake. Kilgour will eat him for fun. Trust me this boy oozes class and Taylor doesn’t. No fears gas heads, let’s focus on our strengths and stop worrying about the opposition!
Just a note on Nichols. I’m sorry to the bloke stood in front of me, who when clean through I grabbed his shoulders and said ‘this is it. ... here it is..... we’ve waited and waited...’ and we wait some more. Just no confidence, and I just hope we can ease both our pain with someone from LG 2 taking him on loan. I don’t sit in the camp of he’s useless and I’m sure he tries but it’s never going to work for him here and the sooner we move on the better.
UTG
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Post by Gassy on Aug 21, 2019 7:00:53 GMT
Really pleased with individual performances last night. We weren't world beaters but individual players showed fight, passion & a bit of skill - which is all I really ever want at Rovers.
Yes Kilgour & JCH were excellent, but I expect that of them tbh.
For me (and I've openly slated them both the last couple of days) the big shout out goes to Upson & Leahy. Leahy wasn't fantastic but was very solid. Upson however had his best performance with us. It was honestly like watching a different player. More of that please lads
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Post by Strange Gas on Aug 21, 2019 7:08:30 GMT
I thought we were better against 11 in the first half. Jakkola - Did what he had to do well. Good decisions all night with distribution. (8) Hare - Growing in confidence, good in defence as well as attack. Great ball for JCH to score. (8) Craig - Solid but also makes me nervous. Did the basics ok mostly but gives the ball away far too cheaply and when not under pressure. (6) Kilgour - Superb. A class apart tonight. Should be starting every week. (9) my MOM. Leahy - a bit hit and miss with his deliveries but a solid performance, got forward well and was no nonsense in the tackle (7) Upson - best game in a long time. Got stuck in, kept it simple, was unlucky with a 20 yard strike that went just over (8) Ogogo - Good in the tackle but frustrating that he has no outlet to take advantage of. (6) Ollie - Put some good tackles in, good passing and work rate. Still think he is best played in front of the back 4 rather as a CAM but a good performance where he played tonight. (7) Smith - Good movement around the ball but got pulled about by their defenders a fair bit. Took advantage of having a whistle happy ref. Needs to be a bit stronger in the battle IMO. Good pen though. (7) JCH - what we have come to expect. Fantastic goal, good running on and off the ball. Knows how to draw fouls in dangerous positions. Can’t wait until he is 100% match fit. (8) It was refreshing to see some width on the pitch but we desperately need a ball carrying creative midfielder to make it tick much smoother. Lines would have been the ideal man for tonight especially when they went down to 10, then 9. Just that eye to see the run and make the perfectly weighted ball through. We have to stick with this formation for the foreseeable and see if we can work on getting Tomlinson into this team just to give us another attacking option with some young energy. Best part of the evening was Kilgour’s performance. Was so composed and everything he did tonight whether it was defending or finding the right ball was correct. Onto Saturday. Great post, agree with all with slight exception of Ollie. Was better than Saturday but still feels a bit off the pace and inconsistent with his distribution and runs, but can’t fault his effort. I also felt Hare was MOM - early days and lacked service at times when was in space and crying out for the ball but some great runs and crosses |
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Post by Henbury Gas on Aug 21, 2019 7:10:17 GMT
Enjoyed the game, enjoyed watching the young'uns playing well
Did not enjoy the reaction of GC to the crowd moaning at Clarke misplaced pass
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Post by Gas1977 on Aug 21, 2019 7:28:35 GMT
Enjoyed the game, enjoyed watching the young'uns playing well Did not enjoy the reaction of GC to the crowd moaning at Clarke misplaced pass yep that’s what made me a little uncomfortable, I noticed he didn’t clap the fans when he came out either (well certainly not the east stand) he did after though. He was very toxic when shouting at the fans and could have easily not ended well. |
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Post by Gas Go Marching In on Aug 21, 2019 7:30:43 GMT
Really pleased with individual performances last night. We weren't world beaters but individual players showed fight, passion & a bit of skill - which is all I really ever want at Rovers. Yes Kilgour & JCH were excellent, but I expect that of them tbh. For me (and I've openly slated them both the last couple of days) the big shout out goes to Upson & Leahy. Leahy wasn't fantastic but was very solid. Upson however had his best performance with us. It was honestly like watching a different player. More of that please lads Yep agree about Upson. Leahy - also had his best game for us so far, formation suits him a lot better than a 4-4-2. |
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Post by Gas Go Marching In on Aug 21, 2019 7:32:49 GMT
Well it was a win and that, in the end is the most important thing. However, we still are a poorly coached team; a view amply illustrated by how we played against 9 men. The first problem was that we played deep against 9 men,rather than pressing. Then, when we had the ball, we played it slowly. There is no problem with playing side to side, indeed its inevitable, given the undermanned opposition will get most of their players back behind the ball. But, you have to play the ball quickly, moving them about to create space. This is where wingbacks are OK, but wingers, at least one!, would be better. Our wingbacks yesterday lack pace and can't beat a man. There were some positives though. Upson played well, as did Kilgour. JCH is well above this standard - great header - and know how to hold the ball and draw a foul. Smith also did well, except for one bad miss (easier to score than Nichols one-on-one), and looks as though he could develop a good partnership with JCH. On that, my favorite moment, viewed from the Thatchers end, was when Smith missed a half chance and JCH ran 15 yards to tell him to get his head-up. Promising. The thatchers end was less populated than on the good night, but the Payne song made up for it. Hope that Taylor doesn't get too much stick on Saturday as he did many good things for us. Onwards and upwards. Good post. |
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Post by Rovers 12th Man on Aug 21, 2019 7:33:18 GMT
Enjoyed the game, enjoyed watching the young'uns playing well Did not enjoy the reaction of GC to the crowd moaning at Clarke misplaced pass I missed that bit (the GC/fan incident, not the pass!), what was done/said? |
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Post by simonj on Aug 21, 2019 7:35:05 GMT
Enjoyed the game, enjoyed watching the young'uns playing well Did not enjoy the reaction of GC to the crowd moaning at Clarke misplaced pass Then gain, he wants all of his players supported fully. That pass was crap, but only a mistake, inside the opposition half, giving them a free kick - #nobother |
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