Just back

Glennon looked spent in the last 20 minutes last night. He's not the biggest lad in the world and was competing against bigger, more physical players so perhaps not too surprising. As a youngster who hasn't played a lot of competitive football he might struggle with his fitness until he's a bit more battle-hardened. He didn't give up, however, and did a decent job considering he had pretty much no cover from Vernam much of the time.

Vernam's goal was one which wouldn't have been scored before Holloway came because it was the increased numbers getting forward in support which opened up the space for him. A good job he finished it well as he turned down a few chances to play the ball through to supporting players! Considering that we didn't get much good quality possession to our forwards last night, we did pretty well to score the 3 goals.

I thought that Clarke was actually pretty anonymous last night. Another one who isn't a big bloke and he was never going to be able to do anything with the ball up in the air too often but they also didn't allow much space for us in behind them at the back. Took his penalty well, however.

Is there any news yet on Hessenthaler, incidentally? Haven't heard the post-match interview or anything else.

Didn't play well last night but have had plenty of games where we've been the better team and lost lately so it needed to start evening out at some point! Vernam's confidence is sky high at the moment, brilliant goal.

Quoted from sam gy

Who cares about Vernam’s defensive play…he’s a forward! So brilliant to see him finally flourishing for us…feels like so long since we’ve had a player who can run with the ball like that (and score goals too!) He’s so dangerous running in towards the top corner of the box diagonally. Just hope we can now finally keep him fit.

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I bet Ollie cares! He was not happy first half when Stevenage were getting 2 v 1 down that side and should have scored twice in that little period. Vernam did track back but he is inconsistent at it. I do agree he can be a brilliant forward running with the ball, it is something we have lacked for ages.

I know there's a good few people saying we didn't play that well, but I enjoyed it.
I'm enjoying us trying to play proper football. Yeah it's not coming off 100% of the time and yes we lost it in our own half a couple of times again last night, but if this is how we're going to try and play we need to be a little patient with it. Because we're not going to go from playing Jolley's percentage football to being comfortable in possession straight away.

Really refreshing and good to see us splitting centre-backs and playing short from goal kicks. Not just playing short but then continuing to pass it. Not just "pretending" like we want to play out by setting it up but then not going through with it, or just going back to the GK for him to launch it. That's what's happened in the past when Hurst and Jolley supposedly wanted us to play out from the back, but either couldn't coach the team to do it or couldn't inspire the players to have the confidence to do it properly. I think for about the first 10-15 minutes all Macca did was play short goal kicks or catch the ball and throw it out quickly to a defender.

In the second half it became a bit less frequent though and Macca was kicking long. I could see Holloway not happy that he wasn't giving the ball to Ohman or Pollock, so this is still clearly a work in progress and IH will still demand more bravery and trust from his players to continue doing it.

Missed the challenge on Hessenthaler as I was still walking to my seat, but I was impressed by Benson. One of the first things he did was ping a 60-yard crossfield ball into the path of Vernam. Showed a really good touch, has good awareness, can take the ball in tight areas and looked to have a decent passing range.

Our first goal was well worked across the pitch and a decent delivery to Hanson, but there were 3 players in the box for the cross. A continuing theme under Holloway of more forward runs from players off the ball and more bodies in the box when the ball is in a crossing position.

Thought Hanson played well and worked hard. Such a presence up there and looks so much more of a player when we're using him properly and giving him varied service rather than just punting high balls up to him all the time. He deals with the ball really well on the ground too.

Clarke did alright but with his lack of pace I still think he's going to be better suited playing more central, in the role Whitehouse is currently playing.
Vernam had his best/most effective game for Town I think. Fantastic goal obviously. Being picky though I want more from him. When he's capable of doing that sort of thing, we should want it more. Great credit to Holloway and Limbrick for bringing Charles back and getting him buzzing with confidence.

Glennon and Hendrie did well but Glennon tired again second half. Very physically demanding role they're now being asked to play though and no doubt Glennon is adjusting to the pace and physicality of the game still.

I was happy with Ohman and Pollock. Didn't think they were really troubled. Stevenage had a few chances or half-chances but I don't think it was particularly by playing through us or getting the better of the CB's. Probably just one mistake from Pollock in the first half where he went for a header he had no chance of winning and they flicked it past him and had a chance. But both looked good and composed on the ball, picking passes into midfield or keeping it between themselves and Macca until something was on.

I don't think Green got into the game or up to the pace of it at all when he came on. Don't really think he fits into a particular role that well in this system to be honest.
Tilley came on and whilst we'd stopped playing as much football as we were earlier in the game, he got on the ball a few times. He looks like he can manoevre the ball well, has a decent touch and technical ability. I'm interested to see more of him going forward.

Annoying to concede at the end and not get a clean sheet, but can't complain at 3 points when we haven't won many in the last few months.

Just picking up on the Vernam bit. I've always been a supporter of his but clearly AL was a fan whilst Jolley wasn't.

Leads me into a conversation that a friend of mine has had with Charlie's ex PE teacher - wanted to leave because Jolley didn't like him and that several players were frustrated by Jolley's defensive mentality which included players being told to mark their man even when we had possession. This seems defensive even beyond Hurst levels.

Why do people still keep harping on about Jolley and his failings?? That ship has sailed. Should be looking forward - not back.

Quoted from MuddyWaters

Just picking up on the Vernam bit. I've always been a supporter of his but clearly AL was a fan whilst Jolley wasn't.

Leads me into a conversation that a friend of mine has had with Charlie's ex PE teacher - wanted to leave because Jolley didn't like him and that several players were frustrated by Jolley's defensive mentality which included players being told to mark their man even when we had possession. This seems defensive even beyond Hurst levels.

Ollie said we have to stop marking their players when we have a throw  in their half. Confirms Jolley"s  defensive mind set.
By the way I enjoyed the game. Thought the pitch didn't help at times ball held up at times. They were trying to disrupt the game. On another day Saturday afternoon sun shining pitch green we would score more and look better.

Quoted from MuddyWaters

Just picking up on the Vernam bit. I've always been a supporter of his but clearly AL was a fan whilst Jolley wasn't.

Leads me into a conversation that a friend of mine has had with Charlie's ex PE teacher - wanted to leave because Jolley didn't like him and that several players were frustrated by Jolley's defensive mentality which included players being told to mark their man even when we had possession. This seems defensive even beyond Hurst levels.

Yeah that echoes what Ollie said and seems quite incredibly defensive beyond belief. No wonder we showed so little movement when we had the ball, been complaining about that for ages. And that lack of movement leads to lack of options and ends up with a hoof.

Benson would benefit with an experienced pro alongside him.  Christine Keller would fit the bill. 😀

We have scored 5 goals in 4 days.  An improvement down to Ollie’s more positive and attacking approach.

Quoted from marinerjase

Why do people still keep harping on about Jolley and his failings?? That ship has sailed. Should be looking forward - not back.

Not harping on - just pointing out that Ollie has a different mindset that's more about GTFC than his predecessor and that certain players are benefitting from playing with a more positive intent.