Just back

Wow! First time I've seen them and mightily impressed  esp. First half. They , I think, pressed us much harder in 2nd half and we didnt have time or space to get the flowing football that wed seen in the first half going. They had a lot of pressure and corners and we were hanging on with some committed defending before the breakaway third. First n third goals were really well taken, low hard shots into far corner.efetes goal looked better live than on the replay, weirdly. Macca I'm afraid definitely at fault, just seemed to palm the free kick in. Motm toss up between mcatee and Clifton. Brilliant support -462 and a performance on the field to match that committment. Proper hurst like team but with added quality of skill, pace and a fair amount of quality.
They're not the finished product, bit too often they were a touch disorganised, but with all the new players and injuries that's to be expected.efete and sousa look like theyve got a good understanding and I like the solidity and energy of the crookes/clifton legs unit
Look put for the 3rd goal, a thing of beauty, great first touch and pass from mcatee, equally good lay off from taylor into the path of ,inevitably, clifton who finished with aplomb and celebrated wildly in with the town fans. The goal was clinical in every regard

We are looking like a team, first and foremost, which you'd expect of a Hurst side, but one with a sprinkling of talent in the right areas to unlock defences. If McAtee doesn't end up playing at a higher level, I'll be astonished.

Considering this side is still in the early stages of being put together, it all bodes well.

Macca, apart from the goal, was fine.didnt actually make that many saves , it was instead, the defenders getting blocks in.
Efete.big unit with pace.looks a bit of a work in progress, but much better than I thought he would be.goid strong athlete.finished his goal v well
Waterfall , mostly solid, just once or twice when he got caught out.won lots of headers and did well against that nasty bstard wright
Towler v v impressive.cool, calm and collected.looks a real find, good on the ball and not in the least bit phased
Crookes.solid,can see the likeness with gregor Robertson
Clifton was everywhere, and he seems to have learnt to keep the passing simple,  much improved in that respect.as usual some great tackling, but has also improved going forward as witnessed by his goal
Hunt lovely player to watch, see my comments on towler  hes the same. Can see why fox cant get in the team
Coke the fact that hes no longer one of the stand out player shows how much weve progressed.loads of tackles and dirty work.him n hunt look like they can work well together
Sousa.box of tricks, scared the living daylights out of them. If he had a better final ball and/or decision making then he would be much higher up the pyramid.seriously quick
Taylor battled manfully and did a lot of good work helping defend at set pieces. Looks a real hurst type player. Is a bit livvo/gary jones type
Mcatee - save the best till last one of the best individual performances I've seen in years.he is a diamond.skill, touch, committment, aggression, bit of pace hes got the lot. If he keeps playing like this someone with big money will be sniffing around come January
Ps good substitutions from hurst, all came on and did what they needed to do.tight, sorry for the long posts, time to go out and hit that wine bar hard!

I thought they started off brightly and put us under pressure,  daft goal to concede then after that thought were the better side and could have had another but for a fantastic block on their line.
Second half I thought the game was not up to much, neither side looking much like scoring until they had a 10 minute spell when they looked like they might score and it looked like a fantastic save from Macca to keep it at 2-1.
Then we started to get back into the game and finish them off.
I thought Sousa played really well and felt that when he was taken off our outlet had gone.
Still a great 3 points.

I'm optimistic and positive that we'll be back in the EFL come the end of April, champions of course. Wrexham will be a test, but having spent the money they have a 1 - 0 win against Woking is not the victory you would expect; and only 9 points from 5 games! Stockport lost against Yeovil and Chesterfield only draw with Dover. Money only buys players, not a team.

A team is what we have, as shown today and against Barnet. What we have is not perfection, but as someone posted 6 different goalscorers and 7 goals in 2 games is not bad going. As fans we need to drop the negatives, Macca made a brilliant save and Pitman commented how good he thought Waterfall was. Do we need a No9? Perhaps an empty shirt is a blessing in disguise.

We're not going down and don't need a fall guy, we need positive support to maintain our upward movement.  And what about Hurst, a manager invigorated, when he now gives press interviews. I've never seen him so relaxed, it's as if he can be himself and not worry about his comments.

Hurst is putting together a team, and although nobody openly says it, it's a team for promotion, not mid table. Remember the comments of the new players, 'I've come to join a project; which is a return to the EFL. Yes we will lose games, but with so few games gone the one factor most managers want is team spirit, something our team now has in abundance, along with the confidence that the results have brought.

UTM

You’ve got to say, first and foremost, that this team wouldn’t have been relegated. It has a shape, the players know what’s expected of them and they’re benefitting from an engaged and enthusiastic fan base.

Can we go up? Maybe too early to say, but we might be worth a small wager.

Quoted from DB

I'm optimistic and positive that we'll be back in the EFL come the end of April, champions of course. Wrexham will be a test, but having spent the money they have a 1 - 0 win against Woking is not the victory you would expect; and only 9 points from 5 games! Stockport lost against Yeovil and Chesterfield only draw with Dover. Money only buys players, not a team.

A team is what we have, as shown today and against Barnet. What we have is not perfection, but as someone posted 6 different goalscorers and 7 goals in 2 games is not bad going. As fans we need to drop the negatives, Macca made a brilliant save and Pitman commented how good he thought Waterfall was. Do we need a No9? Perhaps an empty shirt is a blessing in disguise.

We're not going down and don't need a fall guy, we need positive support to maintain our upward movement.  And what about Hurst, a manager invigorated, when he now gives press interviews. I've never seen him so relaxed, it's as if he can be himself and not worry about his comments.

Hurst is putting together a team, and although nobody openly says it, it's a team for promotion, not mid table. Remember the comments of the new players, 'I've come to join a project; which is a return to the EFL. Yes we will lose games, but with so few games gone the one factor most managers want is team spirit, something our team now has in abundance, along with the confidence that the results have brought.

UTM

I hate hearing those words from players because it usually means they are chasing a big pay cheque.

Hurst and Doig were quite clear in the summer when talking about their signings that a lot of them have suffered disappointment so have that hunger to get back up the pyramid.

I've been most impressed with McAtee so far who just seems to pop up everywhere. I don't necessarily think clubs will come sniffing in January but he could come onto their radar as they look to see if he can do it consistently.

There seems to be a distinct lack of activity on the fishy after a very fine away win. There would be threads and posts galore if we had got off to a bad start.

We must be doing well, much to the annoyance of the Hurst detractors.

Quoted from jamesgtfc

I hate hearing those words from players because it usually means they are chasing a big pay cheque.

Hurst and Doig were quite clear in the summer when talking about their signings that a lot of them have suffered disappointment so have that hunger to get back up the pyramid.

I've been most impressed with McAtee so far who just seems to pop up everywhere. I don't necessarily think clubs will come sniffing in January but he could come onto their radar as they look to see if he can do it consistently.

I get really p1ssed off when I hear players and manager referring to things as a project 🤬

Quoted from ginnywings

There seems to be a distinct lack of activity on the fishy after a very fine away win. There would be threads and posts galore if we had got off to a bad start.

We must be doing well, much to the annoyance of the Hurst detractors.

I hope you're not suggesting that success is upsetting the forumites.

[quote=1655]

I hate hearing those words from players because it usually means they are chasing a big pay cheque.

Hurst and Doig were quite clear in the summer when talking about their signings that a lot of them have suffered disappointment so have that hunger to get back up the pyramid.

I've been most impressed with McAtee so far who just seems to pop up everywhere. I don't necessarily think clubs will come sniffing in January but he could come onto their radar as they look to see if he can do it consistently.[/quotein the future.]

Most, if not all, have a 1 year contract so I don't see a big pay cheque.

Quoted from HertsGTFC

I get really p1ssed off when I hear players and manager referring to things as a project 🤬

So do I, but it seems to be the 'In Word'. I would much prefer words like promotion or back to the EFL etc.

Not back yet just at torquay train station but agree with the original post.. Really good away day. Second half was a terrible affair but we limited them to minimal chances and we scored at the end, brilliant. I'm feeeling Mcatee is fast becoming the new Amond. Fans love him and he reacts well to the crowd.
Talking of crowd. Wow. Impressive. Well done everyone who travelled far today. UTM

Mcatee belongs in league 1 unreal player & also a shout out to waterfall what as hurst done to turn his game around looks a beast this yr

Quoted from fishcake63

Mcatee belongs in league 1 unreal player & also a shout out to waterfall what as hurst done to turn his game around looks a beast this yr

Yep I came here to say props to Waterfall. Torquay's main tactic was to ping/lump/smash it into our box and he got his head onto the lot mainly. Towler slotted in nicely too, very calm and looks like a proper Hursty sort of pick up. Questions still remain over the two full backs for me, however give Crookes his due he got his head onto some very nervy balls into the box too and I don't want to slag off Efete after such a great goal. He's quality going forward and I think we should have had a pen in the second half after he slalomed his way through again but it got given the other way.

Best thing about today was that at full time you could see it meant something to the players again. Coke, McAtee (who several times tried to get us to make more noise at corners and set pieces) and Clifton were buzzing.

It's an isolated incident admittedly, but the players and fans hugging after Clifton's goal combined with the transparency of the new owners feels like a wall has come down in some way. It was my first match of the season so I'm not downplaying the first three matches this season, anyone that has already seen us will have felt this too surely but I felt more connected to the club than I have in a long time when that third went in today.

Wasn’t there but listened on the old wireless, huge respect to the fans that made it! Not only a long trip but to hear you sing your hearts out for 99 minutes really made me proud!

Can’t comment on the performance personally but from what I heard I’m excited. This sounds like a group of lads that work their bolllocks off and at the same time have the quality to go with it. A typical Paul Hurst side but with a smattering of flair and guile. As others have said, we’re not the finished article by a long stretch but the foundations are there. The test comes when we hit a defeat, and then back to back defeats, that’s when we see the real character. There’s already signs it’s there though with 2 wins from positions of being behind.

It’s a good time to be a Mariner at the minute, despite the league we find ourselves in, so let’s enjoy it eh? See you all on Tuesday!

Waterfall, like many here last season, was playing for an idiot who lost all respect from the players. He's knuckled down and got himself fit and firing and he should be more than comfortable at this level, having been promoted from this league with Lincoln, before playing in League 1 with the Shrews.

Having said that, I'm not sure he would have been a first choice pick had we been able to choose from the four CB's we now have on the books. If we'd had the new lad sooner and Longe-King hadn't picked up an injury, he may well have been on the subs bench.

There is good competition building in the squad and that keeps players on their toes.

Quoted from HertsGTFC

I get really p1ssed off when I hear players and manager referring to things as a project 🤬

Of all the cringey Lincoln stuff that has gone on in the last half a decade or so the worst for me was Danny Cowley referring to him and his brother's time there while they were there as a "journey". 🤮🤮🤮🤮🤮

Just back to Bristol, load of unhappy Wednesday fans on train home. Great day out that!!

One thing I will say is that we didn't give Clifton a proper "HE'S ONE OF OUR OWN" rendition either after the third goal or at the end I don't think and he absolutely deserved that today.

Was so chuffed that I took the missus out for a slap-up, no expense spared, foreign meal. At Croydon IKEA. I said you can have anything you like tonight darling. £16.85.

I think she was impressed. Well at least she agreed to come back to my place.

A big difference must be the team not being scared when falling behind.

Last year, heads dropped and accusations went around while play continued.

This season, team spirit, roll up sleeves and go again.

Our brillllant away supporters will bring some points home this year - what a terrific background noise today, drowning out J-P P, who had to speak up to be heard.

Nice to see young Essel make a very short debut , even just to get the feel of the atmosphere.

Quoted from Bristol Mariner

Just back to Bristol, load of unhappy Wednesday fans on train home. Great day out that!!

Ive just arrived back in Taunton. No Wednesday fans on my train, they obviously alll got on the early trains in a grump! UTM

Just back from watching BT Highlights, good goals, think if we dont pick up more injuries we should do well this season. Just good to see us scoring goals. Having watched the Daggers this afternoon, if thats the top team to beat we should win the league by Christmas  

Efete's goal

https://twitter.com/btsportfootball/status/1436763354123624448?t=BMdwXxvcwfyvMGABYLvWOQ&s=19

Well back in GY after the round trip.....again overriding thoughts of what a solid determined team effort, no passengers, 100% committed . Already showing they are going to be difficult to beat with that level of work rate.

Fans amazing, great to part of the support backing them throughout.

Left the house at 06:30 , should be knackered now but am completely buzzing.

Thank you for a great performance, magic moment from Efete and rounded off with a well deserved goal for Harry.

New lad looked very comfortable and classy.

M.o.m Waterfall.....immense at the back.

UTM

Quoted from ginnywings

There seems to be a distinct lack of activity on the fishy after a very fine away win. There would be threads and posts galore if we had got off to a bad start.

We must be doing well, much to the annoyance of the Hurst detractors.

There are a ton of posters who have nothing to say unless we lose, it's almost like people expect a win and don't say anything until we lose. Of course the fans are flamed by the large supply of concern trolls that appear when things aren't going well to spread negativity. We've got on to a really great start this season and look like a team that wants to win, it feels really good to watch after seeing a team with no confidence and no desire fall apart last season. The difference is huge, heads don't drop when we concede, everyone looks like they want the ball and gets stuck in. It's a long way from watching games where our players get rid of the ball as soon as possible and we pass it around the box because nobody wants the responsibility of shooting. Now it feels like we can attack and shoot from anywhere we want.

Another game where we came from behind to win the game, second half a bit dull as Torquay slowed the game down a lot but glad we could cap it off with another goal.

Woken up this morning buzzing from yesterday (admittedly with a head ache) all worth it! UTM

Quoted from Kris2

There are a ton of posters who have nothing to say unless we lose, it's almost like people expect a win and don't say anything until we lose. Of course the fans are flamed by the large supply of concern trolls that appear when things aren't going well to spread negativity. We've got on to a really great start this season and look like a team that wants to win, it feels really good to watch after seeing a team with no confidence and no desire fall apart last season. The difference is huge, heads don't drop when we concede, everyone looks like they want the ball and gets stuck in. It's a long way from watching games where our players get rid of the ball as soon as possible and we pass it around the box because nobody wants the responsibility of shooting. Now it feels like we can attack and shoot from anywhere we want.

Another game where we came from behind to win the game, second half a bit dull as Torquay slowed the game down a lot but glad we could cap it off with another goal.

What an absolute load of rubbish. I hate Hurst but still want us to win.

Quoted from realist

What an absolute load of rubbish. I hate Hurst but still want us to win.

Why would you hate Hurst? Maybe don’t like him as a manager but that’s weird behaviour.

Quoted from realist

What an absolute load of rubbish. I hate Hurst but still want us to win.

You need to see a Doctor. Very bizarre thing to say

I see the happy clappers are out  moaning that  there is no one having a moan . There not out as there as there is nothing  to moan about . I think nearly every one had a moan and more than that last season , and with good cause . I for one will have my say no matter what anyone else thinks when things are not right , But for now things are good and everyone is happy  and long may it stay that way. . Altho i dont expect us to win on tuesday i wont be going off the deep end un less we get hammered

Loved Torquay, loved the atmosphere that we created, loved our hard working performance, loved the quality of our football. All in all a great weekend.  Hurst has built a good squad and signed some very good players.  Get yourselves to BP on Tuesday for the next chapter 👏😁

Considering the number of injuries and without a star number 9, this season’s start is fantastic.
Just enjoy it and hope it lasts for a long time yet.
Big win on Tuesday would do nicely.
Well done to Paul and the players

Paul Hurst doing Paul Hurst things really.

Looked solid defensively bar the goal which admittedly Macca didn’t cover himself in glory with ( the the free kick in the lead up was very soft though!).  Towler came into the defence and looked a cut above, not physically intimidated by Wright and very composed on the ball. Also, a special mention to Waterfall who was absolutely immense in the air throughout - he’s an easy player to blame when things go wrong but possibly doesn’t get the credit when they go right.

Going forward we looked very lively against a very, very poor defence. I’m surprised Gary Johnson has put his name next to them as defensively they were dross. Clifton worked very hard in a somewhat unusual position for him and deserved his goal.

Be interesting to see if a new striker comes in, 7 goals in 2 games is nothing to be sniffed at. Think Taylor looks classy and McAtee has obvious qualities and a goal threat but still think we probably need one more too.

Watch the 3rd goal again. Fantastic example of how to play on the break and hit hard. Move the ball quickly and get running at backpedaling defenders. McAtee’s touch is sublime, he plays a beautifully weighted pass to Taylor who carries it before rolling in a surging Clifton somehow finding that level of energy in the final minutes…..great finish, game over. Massive credit to Hurst for playing Clifton in that position. It looked like it worked a treat…..and Clifton? Wow. How fit, so willing, so committed. I think we really could see him develop this season, especially if he starts to bring a few goals to his game.

Lots of praise for us on the Torquay forum - Fit, Strong, organised and can pass.. words I never thought I’d use to describe us after the past few years!

UTM

Quoted from chaos33

Watch the 3rd goal again. Fantastic example of how to play on the break and hit hard. Move the ball quickly and get running at backpedaling defenders. McAtee’s touch is sublime, he plays a beautifully weighted pass to Taylor who carries it before rolling in a surging Clifton somehow finding that level of energy in the final minutes…..great finish, game over. Massive credit to Hurst for playing Clifton in that position. It looked like it worked a treat…..and Clifton? Wow. How fit, so willing, so committed. I think we really could see him develop this season, especially if he starts to bring a few goals to his game.

All Clifton needs/needed is some stability in selection and not being expected to play in 6 different roles across a season, if he can develop into the player he could be then he could play a major role in any success we have.

Quoted from bradzmilne

Paul Hurst doing Paul Hurst things really.

Looked solid defensively bar the goal which admittedly Macca didn’t cover himself in glory with ( the the free kick in the lead up was very soft though!).  Towler came into the defence and looked a cut above, not physically intimidated by Wright and very composed on the ball. Also, a special mention to Waterfall who was absolutely immense in the air throughout - he’s an easy player to blame when things go wrong but possibly doesn’t get the credit when they go right.

Going forward we looked very lively against a very, very poor defence. I’m surprised Gary Johnson has put his name next to them as defensively they were dross. Clifton worked very hard in a somewhat unusual position for him and deserved his goal.

Be interesting to see if a new striker comes in, 7 goals in 2 games is nothing to be sniffed at. Think Taylor looks classy and McAtee has obvious qualities and a goal threat but still think we probably need one more too.

What position was clifton playing? What formation were we in?

Going back to the point about the board being quieter after a win, we’ll there’s less to discuss. I bet there aren’t fewer posters. Just fewer arguments. Wonder if Rob has the stats. Is the a correlation between the number of posters and the result. I bet there isn’t. There aren’t legions of moaners keeping quiet until we get a bad result.

Let’s pick that arch-moaner, Swin. We won. He posted positive things. Nothing to say in response to that, just a couple of tongue in cheek comments. Everyone’s happy.

If we lose, someone will say what needs to change. Someone will disagree. Someone else chips in and it escalates.

Quoted from HertsGTFC

All Clifton needs/needed is some stability in selection and not being expected to play in 6 different roles across a season, if he can develop into the player he could be then he could play a major role in any success we have.

Listening to Hurst it is perhaps this versatility that saw him selected above Fox. Being able to move him into a different position and avoiding substitutions must be invaluable.

Quoted from denni266

I see the happy clappers are out  moaning that  there is no one having a moan . There not out as there as there is nothing  to moan about . I think nearly every one had a moan and more than that last season , and with good cause . I for one will have my say no matter what anyone else thinks when things are not right , But for now things are good and everyone is happy  and long may it stay that way. . Altho i dont expect us to win on tuesday i wont be going off the deep end un less we get hammered

Totally agree. We are all ecstatic about the way we have started, and in some cases surprised we have put such a good team together. The football we have seen so far has been the best for a long time and everything in the garden is rosy and long may it continue.

You get the odd poster that is unrelentingly optimistic, and the odd one who is unrelentingly pessimistic but the vast majority of us go with the flow of the ups and downs as the season pans out. What else can we do? We are not mind readers and have no idea how things will turn out beforehand.

I am sure the poster who first mentioned this was saying about a month ago something like he was underwhelmed with our recruitment with the lack of strikers and there are no excuses for Hurst this season - something which a lot of us agreed with at the time as I remembered up ticking the post!

Now we have seen the team in competitive action we have a different opinion - Hurst has done brilliantly and we should have a great chance of having a good season and perhaps even challenging for the title, but God forbid we might feel differently again in a few weeks.

Quoted from realist

What an absolute load of rubbish. I hate Hurst but still want us to win.

On what is this 'hatred' of Hurst based on? His persona, his managerial style or just on his previous time as our manager? This Paul Hurst is a different person to one who previously managed us. He is more experienced, especially at a higher level. He has learnt considerably from his spells at Shrewsbury and Ipswich. He seems more relaxed and certainly more focused on his style of play and the players he needs to accomplish that. But most important of all he doesn't have The Leech looking over his shoulder and controlling almost everything and decision that he makes. The new regime let him get on with his job because they know he knows best in that department.

Quoted from KingstonMariner

Going back to the point about the board being quieter after a win, we’ll there’s less to discuss. I bet there aren’t fewer posters. Just fewer arguments. Wonder if Rob has the stats. Is the a correlation between the number of posters and the result. I bet there isn’t. There aren’t legions of moaners keeping quiet until we get a bad result.

Let’s pick that arch-moaner, Swin. We won. He posted positive things. Nothing to say in response to that, just a couple of tongue in cheek comments. Everyone’s happy.

If we lose, someone will say what needs to change. Someone will disagree. Someone else chips in and it escalates.

My misses moans when we win  

Quoted from rancido

On what is this 'hatred' of Hurst based on? His persona, his managerial style or just on his previous time as our manager? This Paul Hurst is a different person to one who previously managed us. He is more experienced, especially at a higher level. He has learnt considerably from his spells at Shrewsbury and Ipswich. He seems more relaxed and certainly more focused on his style of play and the players he needs to accomplish that. But most important of all he doesn't have The Leech looking over his shoulder and controlling almost everything and decision that he makes. The new regime let him get on with his job because they know he knows best in that department.

Completely agree, as JS says the football side is completely up to PH and the exec don’t get involved unless he needs support.

I really don’t know what some people expect to be honest, since Hurst left there’s been a succession of wallies in charge and at last we’ve got a manager who knows what he’s doing.

Quoted from cmackenzie4

My misses moans when we win  

You’ve still got it eh Chris 😉

If we're questioning the small number of posters on this particular thread, it's probably because fewer people actually made the mega-trip to Torquay, so fewer can actually claim to be 'just back' and able to comment on what went on?  (And well done to those who did - you came over loud and clear on the radio commentary).

I can only comment on the result and what I heard over the radio - sounded brilliant.  No complaints from me.

Quoted from lew chaterleys lover

Totally agree. We are all ecstatic about the way we have started, and in some cases surprised we have put such a good team together. The football we have seen so far has been the best for a long time and everything in the garden is rosy and long may it continue.

You get the odd poster that is unrelentingly optimistic, and the odd one who is unrelentingly pessimistic but the vast majority of us go with the flow of the ups and downs as the season pans out. What else can we do? We are not mind readers and have no idea how things will turn out beforehand.

I am sure the poster who first mentioned this was saying about a month ago something like he was underwhelmed with our recruitment with the lack of strikers and there are no excuses for Hurst this season - something which a lot of us agreed with at the time as I remembered up ticking the post!

Now we have seen the team in competitive action we have a different opinion - Hurst has done brilliantly and we should have a great chance of having a good season and perhaps even challenging for the title, but God forbid we might feel differently again in a few weeks.

Yep! Which prompted the post about how the team have exceeded expectations and started much better than expected.

Quoted from toontown

What position was clifton playing? What formation were we in?

Wide left of the midfield.

I’m a hurst sceptic but am very happy to have been proved wrong so far. Utm.

Quoted from psgmariner

I’m a hurst sceptic but am very happy to have been proved wrong so far. Utm.

Must admit I wasnt over enthusiastic about his return, or how we went about things last year when he came back....
But fck me, I had forgotten how he builds a team spirit and demands/earns the belief of the players in what he wants.
Regardless of results so far we havnt wanted for commitment or effort from every player in every game so far.

The harder you work the luckier you get eh ?

Quoted from moosey_club

Must admit I wasnt over enthusiastic about his return, or how we went about things last year when he came back....
But fck me, I had forgotten how he builds a team spirit and demands/earns the belief of the players in what he wants.
Regardless of results so far we havnt wanted for commitment or effort from every player in every game so far.
The harder you work the luckier you get eh ?

He does appear to be able to spot players who tie in with his philosophy of how the game should be played. He also seems to install belief, which is a good great asset.

Great day yesterday set off From Grimsby at 7 then while sat in traffic just outside of Torquay couldn't help but think I hope it's going to be worth it! Then when we went 1 down and they had another chance. I feared the worst. But with this team compared to many others we've had lately there's a really team spirit. We played brilliantly after that. You could see what it meant to the players when clifton got his goal. A great day out watching town. It makes a change turning up to watch town expecting to get a result has apposed to being in league 2 and constantly struggling.

Think this team / squad will reach play offs at least & i was sceptical to begin with but to see the team not lay down after going behind is a sight to behold , last season one goal was enough to see us off , if we win tuesday against franchise i will be over the moon

Quoted from Ashby mariner

Great day yesterday set off From Grimsby at 7 then while sat in traffic just outside of Torquay couldn't help but think I hope it's going to be worth it! Then when we went 1 down and they had another chance. I feared the worst. But with this team compared to many others we've had lately there's a really team spirit. We played brilliantly after that. You could see what it meant to the players when clifton got his goal. A great day out watching town. It makes a change turning up to watch town expecting to get a result has apposed to being in league 2 and constantly struggling.

You should keep an eye out on google maps, we could see that traffic was very bad on that dual carriageway so took a detour via the coast road and got there without being delayed.

I was standing outside the ground drinking a coffee when a chap came up and put a £1 coin in my cup ---???  I knew it was to be our lucky day .

Quoted from Bristol Mariner

Just back to Bristol, load of unhappy Wednesday fans on train home. Great day out that!!

They made a lot of noise on their improvised karaoke though...

Quoted from MuddyWaters

You’ve got to say, first and foremost, that this team wouldn’t have been relegated.

I was thinking the same thing. I’ll go further and say that this squad would easily hold its own in L2 and would be top half of the table. These guys are fit, determined, have a great team spirit, get stuck in, don’t let their heads drop when going behind and can all play a bit too.


I think there is every chance we will make the playoffs.

If we are still looking for a number 9, which we should be, despite scoring well. I think we are a much brighter prospect to play for, than 4/5 weeks ago.
This early form and buzz will make players want to be apart of IMO

It's amazing how far a bit of confidence can carry you.

Getting up there and being in the promotion mix, right from the off, means you go into each game playing a team that's below you in the table. I'm sure that plays a part, psychologically.

Seems the players are desperate to play in front of a proper crowd. More than 6,000 for a Tuesday night game was rare enough in the FL, let alone non-league!

Quoted from RonMariner

I was thinking the same thing. I’ll go further and say that this squad would easily hold its own in L2 and would be top half of the table. These guys are fit, determined, have a great team spirit, get stuck in, don’t let their heads drop when going behind and can all play a bit too.


I think there is every chance we will make the playoffs.

Obviously it’s impossible to prove either way but we’ve beaten 3 non league teams (one of which are part timers). That’s a long way from beating half decent league 2 clubs. The squad last season was one of the worst I’ve seen, we’ve definitely improved but perhaps an exaggeration to say we would hold our own in league 2.

Quoted from psgmariner

Obviously it’s impossible to prove either way but we’ve beaten 3 non league teams (one of which are part timers). That’s a long way from beating half decent league 2 clubs. The squad last season was one of the worst I’ve seen, we’ve definitely improved but perhaps an exaggeration to say we would hold our own in league 2.

It certainly don't this it is hyperbole or an exaggeration. We have improved in probably 8 or 9 positions. Only Meyanese and Matete could nail a place in this side.

Fair point. Would add Pollock, Windsor and Edwards to that list as well but my point was really that we’ve improved from a very low base!

Quoted from smokey111

It certainly don't this it is hyperbole or an exaggeration. We have improved in probably 8 or 9 positions. Only Meyanese and Matete could nail a place in this side.

Hewitt as central defender was playing even better than meyanese so I'd have him in there too. I'd also pick hendrie as right back over efette. All just opinions though.

In the dn35 podcast they mentioned the NL not being much 9f a drop from league 2 but the 2 ex professionals they were interviewing disagreed.