Just back  (merged)

We held a decent side to a draw. A cracking finish from Eisa but after that, Mansfield became more and more dominant. They hit the woodwork a couple of times, pulld a save or two from Eastwood and had that one on one trickle just wide. About five minutes later, a similar move saw them round Eastwood and score. With better finishing, Mansfield would have thrashed us today, but we will come up against plenty of teams worse than them.

On the evidence of the first few games, it’s looking like a mid table season. We’re defensively too good (and have enough goals from midfield) to be in a relegation battle  but in the final third we just  lack creativity and runners. We won’t score enough goals this season to threaten the top seven.

Agree, we haven’t progressed in attacking areas from last season which is a bit disappointing. Danny Rose definitely a downgrade on George Lloyd.

40% possession at home is pretty poor regardless of whom we are playing.

Make no mistake, that was a very very good point because Mansfield were a cut above us from the 15th minute onward.

We started really well, took the game to them and scored a thunderbolt from Eisa, who is proving to be the one to score goals for us at the moment.

Apart from bringing a great save out of their keeper just before half time, to take an improbable 2-0 lead, we didn't threaten their keeper any more.

Mansfield hit the woodwork twice, missed a glorious chance when their player was clean through and muffed it up, but in the end, it was a mistake that cost us the 3 points. Hesitation allowing their player to pick up a ball he shouldn't have and finding himself free and clear with an empty net.

If you had told me on Monday that we would take 4 points from these two home games, I would happily have taken it, but I hope than one day, we can play with the fluidity and thrust that Mansfield showed today.

I'm a lot happier than their fans will be tonight, because they were much better than us.

Mansfield are everything we were supposed to be this season . Strong , fit , powerful , fast etc etc . If we can’t come close with the money last season then we never will . A lucky point today thanks to a worldly ,

Quoted from realist

40% possession at home is pretty poor regardless of whom we are playing.

Unless you are playing a better side, about 6 seasons in the making.

Typical Paul Hurst team - plenty of running about but zero creativity, we just don't create anything.

And anyone who thinks Eastwood is an upgrade on Crocombe needs their head testing.

Somehow managed to spend the cup run money, but on what?  We create absolutely nothing, just aimless hoofs up to Rose.

Limp through to January, bring more bang-average players in, and continue to bore fans with his style of play, utterly dull but so predictable.  

Hurst hasn't addressed the main problem we've had for years now has he? In fact, we look even more impotent going forwards this season than ever before. Just about deserved a point for a battling display against a vastly superior Mansfield.

Genuine question Ginny, how many more years does Hurst get to turn us into a side like Mansfield?

Quoted from Quagmire

Genuine question Ginny, how many more years does Hurst get to turn us into a side like Mansfield?

I'm a massive Hurst fan but with success or failure he will never provide that 'brand' of total football .

And even though i understand somes wish for it , in reality all of the last 3 teams we have played , with much more costly assembled squads would have probably given us a beating if we went toe to toe with them  ; unfortunately as a collective they just have better players .Harsh but true .

I think how we do in terms of a promotion push will depend on whether we can beat strugglers convincingly and but a few back to back wins together ; October through to Febuary is much more easy looking , on paper at least . Not draw 0-0 to the likes of Crawley ,Colchester etc

Quoted from It Bites

Mansfield are everything we were supposed to be this season . Strong , fit , powerful , fast etc etc . If we can’t come close with the money last season then we never will . A lucky point today thanks to a worldly ,

Mansfield are pretty much where we might be in two years. They have an established team and style of play. We are very much at the start of being a work in progress.

As a consequence, today’s is a great point. We need a few more additions and whoever says Rose is a downgrade on Lloyd is simply wrong.

Several 7 out of 10s today but Conteh again MoM.

Quoted from Quagmire

Genuine question Ginny, how many more years does Hurst get to turn us into a side like Mansfield?

As long as it takes if we keep progressing.

Let's see where we are after half a season and a Jan window for tweaks.

Yes a lucky point, but we weren't allowed to get the ball. Mansfield's passing and prossession was excellent, let down by poor finishing. Gnahoua needed to be replaced by Green at half time to try and get the ball. Rose did well in the Taylor role, just need someone to play off him.
Happy with the point against a good team.

Like last week we led at half time but I never felt we were going to win the game. Mansfield will be very disappointed not to have won given there possession around our box and chances missed. Struggling to convince myself we are anything other then a mid table side st best.

Score in the 6th minute then sit back inviting pressure, made our own problems today

Quoted from MuddyWaters

Mansfield are pretty much where we might be in two years. They have an established team and style of play. We are very much at the start of being a work in progress.

As a consequence, today’s is a great point. We need a few more additions and whoever says Rose is a downgrade on Lloyd is simply wrong.

Several 7 out of 10s today but Conteh again MoM.

But we’ll never have the money again.

Don't think a big centre forward would have made any difference,  we couldn't get hold of the ball in midfield, and without the ball our forward would have been chasing shadows.

The one piece of luck they got was when as last man their defender hauled over the town player. Foul and red card

Quoted from It Bites

But we’ll never have the money again.

And you know this how?

Mansfield are no bigger as a club than we are, but have spent many seasons, sticking with their manager and getting better year on year.

If we don't win every game, every week, the same doom mongers are on here saying we are sh1t or mid table dross, or relegation fodder. You have no idea how the season will pan out, and I have no idea why I keep trying to make people see the reality of where we are in the scheme of things at the moment.

We have lost ONE game FFS.

Quoted from ginnywings

We have lost ONE game FFS.

It's end of days for some.

Quoted from ginnywings

And you know this how?

Mansfield are no bigger as a club than we are, but have spent many seasons, sticking with their manager and getting better year on year.

If we don't win every game, every week, the same doom mongers are on here saying we are sh1t or mid table dross, or relegation fodder. You have no idea how the season will pan out, and I have no idea why I keep trying to make people see the reality of where we are in the scheme of things at the moment.

We have lost ONE game FFS.

Wasting your time Ginny. Whatever money we’ve spent is supposed to buy instant success. I find it odd that some people can’t compute that we’ve played three of the most fancied teams in the division already together with another who have made several astute signings.

Exactly. It’s always the same 5 or 6 miserable, unrealistic babbling nitwits peddling the same old unhinged, entitled dross. Stop bothering and find something worthwhile in life.

Quoted from chaos33

Exactly. It’s always the same 5 or 6 miserable, unrealistic babbling nitwits peddling the same old unhinged, entitled dross. Stop bothering and find something worthwhile in life.

Bloody hell calm down . It’s just my opinion, it shouldn’t cause offence should it ? I’m probably wrong but I’m entitled to be mardy after watching a team play exactly how I want us to play . 2 years 3 years ? Hopefully we’ll get there

4pts from two difficult opponents in a few days. Unbeaten at home. Relatively speaking we’ve had a solid start looking at the table as a whole. Nice to have a player who’ll have a peek at where the goal is and lash one at it for the first time in a while.

You can see that Mansfield will be up there at the end of the season even with players missing but we did make it easy for them at times. Particularly just before when Pyke was introduced - they played the same ball over the top from right back and beat our slow back line fairly comfortably. Being able to sub Rhys Oates - who has a fairly decent goal record since leaving us - shows their depth. Aden Flint is what an AI generator would draw as a 2020s footballer.

It’s a good point that’ll seem better in April and it’s worth remembering that easier games will come (in a couple of months time!).

Quoted from It Bites

Bloody hell calm down . It’s just my opinion, it shouldn’t cause offence should it ? I’m probably wrong but I’m entitled to be mardy after watching a team play exactly how I want us to play . 2 years 3 years ? Hopefully we’ll get there

Do you think I like it?

I'd love to see us play like that, and hopefully we will one day, but it takes time.

I can remember us beating Mansfield 7-1 in non league, but now we are both established League 2 clubs. Just they are a bit more established then we are.

Good point Mansfield looked a decent team.. they should have been down to 10 men too..

Quoted from ginnywings

Do you think I like it?

I'd love to see us play like that, and hopefully we will one day, but it takes time.

I can remember us beating Mansfield 7-1 in non league, but now we are both established League 2 clubs. Just they are a bit more established then we are.

👍🏻

They are consistently well financed by the Radfords .

I'm not sure what some people want - I get Hursts style is not always easy on the eye but it gets results against more well stocked teams .

I mean if we played Notts & Mansfield at their own games and got pumped 5 or 6 but scored a couple would the moaners be happy because we put on a good show ?

Quoted from It Bites

Bloody hell calm down . It’s just my opinion, it shouldn’t cause offence should it ? I’m probably wrong but I’m entitled to be mardy after watching a team play exactly how I want us to play . 2 years 3 years ? Hopefully we’ll get there

It hasn’t caused offence

Quoted from LH

4pts from two difficult opponents in a few days. Unbeaten at home. Relatively speaking we’ve had a solid start looking at the table as a whole. Nice to have a player who’ll have a peek at where the goal is and lash one at it for the first time in a while.

You can see that Mansfield will be up there at the end of the season even with players missing but we did make it easy for them at times. Particularly just before when Pyke was introduced - they played the same ball over the top from right back and beat our slow back line fairly comfortably. Being able to sub Rhys Oates - who has a fairly decent goal record since leaving us - shows their depth. Aden Flint is what an AI generator would draw as a 2020s footballer.

It’s a good point that’ll seem better in April and it’s worth remembering that easier games will come (in a couple of months time!).

There we are….a bit of balance; rational, pragmatic, realistic…..

Even with last seasons money, the Mansfield budget is still probably a good chunk larger than ours. Flint is probably on close to 5 figures a week. It's a great point against a team I expect to go up automatically.  

Same old same old, go one up, do we try and make it 2 or 3 in against an injury wrought side, no we sit back and invite pressure the Paul Hurst style for some reason this forum loves.

3 shots on target at home
40% possession
Taking your top goalscorer off and bringing on Green

Yep you can see why we've got a bit of reputation as a Yoyo relegation side when the fans are happy with that after another poor performance at home glossed over by what was an incredible strike by Eisa.

Quoted from sonofmadeleymariner

Same old same old, go one up, do we try and make it 2 or 3 in against an injury wrought side, no we sit back and invite pressure the Paul Hurst style for some reason this forum loves.

3 shots on target at home
40% possession
Taking your top goalscorer off and bringing on Green

Yep you can see why we've got a bit of reputation as a Yoyo relegation side when the fans are happy with that after another poor performance at home glossed over by what was an incredible strike by Eisa.

Again zero perspective.

This was a Mansfield team that could have beaten us by six a couple of weeks ago.

Quoted from sonofmadeleymariner

Same old same old, go one up, do we try and make it 2 or 3 in against an injury wrought side, no we sit back and invite pressure the Paul Hurst style for some reason this forum loves.

3 shots on target at home
40% possession
Taking your top goalscorer off and bringing on Green

Yep you can see why we've got a bit of reputation as a Yoyo relegation side when the fans are happy with that after another poor performance at home glossed over by what was an incredible strike by Eisa.

Or maybe Mansfield stopped us going 2 or 3 up because they were better than us once they got to grips with the game.

Some people seem to forget there is another team on the pitch, who also want to get forward and score goals.

Here’s a bit of perspective….
We’ve played 4 games. All four opponents are in the top 10. We’ve only lost 1 and even then, it was away, and by 1 goal. Salford, who won 4-3 away today, were made to look second best by us on Tuesday in a game we controlled. We are unbeaten at home. It is our second season back in the EFL. L2 gets harder every year and we are evolving. We know where we need to improve. There are many rivals with lots of money. There is a long, long way to go.

Just bear that in mind, all you miserable f•cking wise *rses going ‘mid table fodder at best’, and ‘we’ve wasted a million pounds’ and ‘the owners should get their head out the sand’ and other similar crocks of sh1t.

UTM

This is not a good point, nor is it acceptable to think this is a good result at home, we were playing Mansfield Town not Man City.
Outplayed for 75 Mins at Blundell Park is simply not good enough.

A strange game as we, in general, looked pretty comfortable for most of the first half, despite their pressure. I'm not sure if it was the heat or the gameplan, but it was odd that we basically just stood off them and only tried to put a challenge in at the last. I was pleased to hear in Hurst's post-match interview that we weren't sitting so deep after the goal (which was am absolute belter) due to instructions from the dugout, but it really was odd the way that we didn't really attempt to keep possession most of the time. Rose did well to challenge and won a lot of headers, but we rarely had anybody there to pick uptthe flicks so it was just gifting possession back to them again and again.

The second half was a bit bizarre in the way that they basically shook us up by starting to play it over the top for their forwards to run on to - but we didn't adapt! Hurst alluded to this in his interview as well. We ought to be used to teams playing it over the top, but it really seemed to catch us out A shocking goal to concede, especially as it came soon after we'd got away with one. Eastwood otherwise did fine in the game so a real shame his hesitation cost us a goal. The introduction of Pyke improved things for us as there was at least somebody around Rose to help out and give them something to think about.

One positive is that I thought we looked marginally the fresher during the last ten minutes or so when they started to give the ball away loosely for the first time. Unless we can add a bit more craft to the graft, we'll need to be fitter that our opponents most of the time.

I thought Conteh was a bit out of sorts today, truth be told, so I was surprised to see him awarded MotM. I'd have given it to Holohan who did well in midfield winning possession and linking play, had a good effort in the first half and would have had another chance in the second half of he hadn't been shoved over by their defender when through on goal!

Have the laws of the game changed, incidentally? They were handing us off like a rugby player throughout the game. Shoulder to shoulder is obviously OK, but you surely aren't allowed to put your hand in the middle of your opponents chest to push him away as he tries to get past you? Their big players did this time and again.

Quoted from ginnywings

As long as it takes if we keep progressing.

Let's see where we are after half a season and a Jan window for tweaks.

Does anyone see real progress or even signs of progress, we are bang average at best.

Just a bit of perspective,  Wrexham have let in 10 goals in two home games. Listening to some on here you would think we have as well

Quoted from It Bites

But we’ll never have the money again.

We will never have THAT money again, but there is no reason to suggest that we won't have some other football fortune roll in. For starters, last seasons cup money is stretched over the 2-3 year contracts we have been giving out. If Conteh continues to shine, he could fetch more than last seasons cup income.

We may have exited the League Cup early this season, but we could also do alright in the FA Cup again this season.

Quoted from Azimuth

Does anyone see real progress or even signs of progress, we are bang average at best.

Yes, me.

Thanks for asking.

Mate, don’t give cherries to pigs.

Quoted from ginnywings

Or maybe Mansfield stopped us going 2 or 3 up because they were better than us once they got to grips with the game.

Some people seem to forget there is another team on the pitch, who also want to get forward and score goals.

Yep and Hurst lets them, he doesn't attack teams and the few times he does are the times when we are the better side. Just like in the Salford game midweek, we attacked them for 90 minutes and didn't let them back in once bar one or two moments, compared to today, we attacked Mansfield at the start and didn't let them have the ball when they did get the ball we harassed them and their passing was poor and all over the place (same for the County game when we pressed and harrassed them) we scored and then slowly drifted deeper and deeper for the next 20 minutes, let them back in and then let them control the game for the next 70. Hurst is toothless. If there was ever a game to go at Mansfield it was today, we're the home side, at practically full strength and they were weakened and showing it at the start, but thats fine, we'll have another season with what? 6 home wins all season.

Quoted from ginnywings

And you know this how?

Mansfield are no bigger as a club than we are, but have spent many seasons, sticking with their manager and getting better year on year.

If we don't win every game, every week, the same doom mongers are on here saying we are sh1t or mid table dross, or relegation fodder. You have no idea how the season will pan out, and I have no idea why I keep trying to make people see the reality of where we are in the scheme of things at the moment.

We have lost ONE game FFS.

Post of the week for me.

Thought Mansfield was excellent on both showing I’ve seen them and should be what we should be aspiring to be. Not seen a L2 club knock it round like that probably since David Artells Crewe team. They are simply a better footballing team than us and sometimes it’s a bitter pill to swallow and admit but they’ve had this seasons in the making.

We will play better in the future and end up losing games that’s just how it is, another day Mansfield could have had 3 or 4. Let’s take the point against a good team who will be up there and move on to Walsall.

Why can't some accept that Mansfield were plain and simply better than us...
A team that has been together for 3 years now, have a style of play embedded into them that the execute perfectly.
We are a new team, players still getting to grips with each other, but it will take time, and I'll say this now, Rodgers is class, far better than league 2, actually better than Flint who is supposed to be the best centre back in the league.
We need Maher back, for as much as I like Waterfall, I do think his race is run as a lg2 footballer, great with his head, courageous but his bloody woeful with his feet and turns slower than an oil tanker!.
I'm not convinced we'll be anymore than mid table this season, and we won't face many teams, if any, as schooled as Mansfield.

Mansfield look like a good side and play some expansive stuff with runners all over the place. We weren’t awful, we defended well but I thought they were the better side today and after scoring we struggled to control the game for any length of time.

Happy with a point tonight.

Quoted from Northbank Mariner

Why can't some accept that Mansfield were plain and simply better than us...
A team that has been together for 3 years now, have a style of play embedded into them that the execute perfectly.
We are a new team, players still getting to grips with each other, but it will take time, and I'll say this now, Rodgers is class, far better than league 2, actually better than Flint who is supposed to be the best centre back in the league.
We need Maher back, for as much as I like Waterfall, I do think his race is run as a lg2 footballer, great with his head, courageous but his bloody woeful with his feet and turns slower than an oil tanker!.
I'm not convinced we'll be anymore than mid table this season, and we won't face many teams, if any, as schooled as Mansfield.

Absolutely correct about Luke Waterfall. I love the guy to bits but he makes us play far deeper because of his lack of pace. Niall Maher can’t come back soon enough.

Not a lot really to add to the sensible posts above - they will be up there come end of the season, the stats show they’ve dominated possession every game this season. PH clearly had a plan not to get cut apart like they did to us last week. I continue to be impressed by our defensive signings and Conteh. Rose looks ok and would look better if we could get players closer to him in a bit of space. We have Wilson and Khan to come in. But we aren’t getting round the back of teams which is what I had hoped Eisa and Vernam would bring to us.

I think over the length of the season that point will look very decent. Mansfield will be up there.

Quoted from Northbank Mariner

Why can't some accept that Mansfield were plain and simply better than us...

Because they were only better than us, once we let them be better than us, those first 20 minutes when we attacked and harrassed them they barely got a kick of the ball and when they did they were panicked and rushed. Mansfield was only better than us when we stopped doing that, it was the same at County and we all saw what happened against Salford when we did it for 90 minutes

Quoted from sonofmadeleymariner

Yep and Hurst lets them, he doesn't attack teams and the few times he does are the times when we are the better side. Just like in the Salford game midweek, we attacked them for 90 minutes and didn't let them back in once bar one or two moments, compared to today, we attacked Mansfield at the start and didn't let them have the ball when they did get the ball we harassed them and their passing was poor and all over the place (same for the County game when we pressed and harrassed them) we scored and then slowly drifted deeper and deeper for the next 20 minutes, let them back in and then let them control the game for the next 70. Hurst is toothless. If there was ever a game to go at Mansfield it was today, we're the home side, at practically full strength and they were weakened and showing it at the start, but thats fine, we'll have another season with what? 6 home wins all season.

Well he doesn't does he? Can't stop them would be more correct.

Unless and until people realise that there are other teams on the pitch, who also want to attack and score goals and win games, then you are going to spend a lot of your time disappointed and ranting on forums.

It's easy this footy management lark. All you have to do is stop the opposition from being better than you are. It's so simple.

Quoted from MuddyWaters

Absolutely correct about Luke Waterfall. I love the guy to bits but he makes us play far deeper because of his lack of pace. Niall Maher can’t come back soon enough.

Yeah, we were saying the same. Thought PH might have brought on Efete when Luke got injured, either at centre back, or at right back with Mullarkey going across.

Quoted from sonofmadeleymariner

Because they were only better than us, once we let them be better than us, those first 20 minutes when we attacked and harrassed them they barely got a kick of the ball and when they did they were panicked and rushed. Mansfield was only better than us when we stopped doing that, it was the same at County and we all saw what happened against Salford when we did it for 90 minutes

*Newsflash*……you don’t get to just control every game just because you’re called Grimsby Town, you muppet.

Quoted from ginnywings

Well he doesn't does he? Can't stop them would be more correct.

Unless and until people realise that there are other teams on the pitch, who also want to attack and score goals and win games, then you are going to spend a lot of your time disappointed and ranting on forums.

It's easy this footy management lark. All you have to do is stop the opposition from being better than you are. It's so simple.

He does, once again today instead of killing off a team at home while we were clearly on top with our high press and attacking style (which he has in him, we all saw in last time he relegated us to the conference) which we were for those first 20 minutes, he had us drop deep once agains to "DeFeNd tHe 1 NiL" and let them back in. Instead of going at teams for the kill he bends over drops his pants and lets teams have their way, it was the same in his first stint and it's the same in the second. Don't get me wrong he finds absolute gems of players Conteh and Rodger already look like player and young player of the season, but he has the tactical sense of a WW1 general, one plan over and over again.

Quoted from sonofmadeleymariner

He does, once again today instead of killing off a team at home while we were clearly on top with our high press and attacking style (which he has in him, we all saw in last time he relegated us to the conference) which we were for those first 20 minutes, he had us drop deep once agains to "DeFeNd tHe 1 NiL" and let them back in. Instead of going at teams for the kill he bends over drops his pants and lets teams have their way, it was the same in his first stint and it's the same in the second. Don't get me wrong he finds absolute gems of players Conteh and Rodger already look like player and young player of the season, but he has the tactical sense of a WW1 general, one plan over and over again.

You are putting the fact we got relegated on Hurst and not the sharp object stick sniffing sharp object Holloway? Jesus wept

Quoted from ginnywings

It's easy this footy management lark. All you have to do is stop the opposition from being better than you are. It's so simple.

And hope their manager missed that lesson at manager school. Otherwise you end up with something of an impasse.

If you'd listened to the post-match interview, you'd have heard Hurst say it most definitely wasn't the plan to sit back and defend after taking the lead. That's clearly what the players ended up doing but it wasn't under instruction.

Looked at to me that our team didn't think we were as good as them so sat back and defended by instinct. Unfortunately, it also meant we stopped trying to play football enough when we did have possession.

Quoted from sonofmadeleymariner

He does, once again today instead of killing off a team at home while we were clearly on top with our high press and attacking style (which he has in him, we all saw in last time he relegated us to the conference) which we were for those first 20 minutes, he had us drop deep once agains to "DeFeNd tHe 1 NiL" and let them back in. Instead of going at teams for the kill he bends over drops his pants and lets teams have their way, it was the same in his first stint and it's the same in the second. Don't get me wrong he finds absolute gems of players Conteh and Rodger already look like player and young player of the season, but he has the tactical sense of a WW1 general, one plan over and over again.

But you can't just kill off a team because you think we should. Football doesn't work like that.

They were head and shoulders better than us from the 15th minute and it had nothing to do with anything Hurst could control.

Did he give the players a signal to drop off and be defensive from the 15th minute?

The answer is no by the way.

Quoted from sonofmadeleymariner

He does, once again today instead of killing off a team at home while we were clearly on top with our high press and attacking style (which he has in him, we all saw in last time he relegated us to the conference) which we were for those first 20 minutes, he had us drop deep once agains to "DeFeNd tHe 1 NiL" and let them back in. Instead of going at teams for the kill he bends over drops his pants and lets teams have their way, it was the same in his first stint and it's the same in the second. Don't get me wrong he finds absolute gems of players Conteh and Rodger already look like player and young player of the season, but he has the tactical sense of a WW1 general, one plan over and over again.

Don't take this the wrong way but every time we don't win you come across like a petulant simpleton.

Jesus. How long g have you been watching sport fella - a week? Get real.

Quoted from sonofmadeleymariner

He does, once again today instead of killing off a team at home while we were clearly on top with our high press and attacking style (which he has in him, we all saw in last time he relegated us to the conference) which we were for those first 20 minutes, he had us drop deep once agains to "DeFeNd tHe 1 NiL" and let them back in. Instead of going at teams for the kill he bends over drops his pants and lets teams have their way, it was the same in his first stint and it's the same in the second. Don't get me wrong he finds absolute gems of players Conteh and Rodger already look like player and young player of the season, but he has the tactical sense of a WW1 general, one plan over and over again.

We were much the better side for 20 minutes. We flat out pressed them in the heat.
Hopefully as the season goes on we will be able to sustain it.
We've played some good teams and look a good side ourselves.

Quoted from LocalLadGTFC

You are putting the fact we got relegated on Hurst and not the sharp object stick sniffing sharp object Holloway? Jesus wept

Well I mean i think we were about 6 or 7 spots above relegation before he arrived and then bottom after he did and changed the entire squad, I mean the evidence is right there...

Quoted from chaos33

*Newsflash*……you don’t get to just control every game just because you’re called Grimsby Town, you muppet.

No, but evidence suggests when we play a certain way we certainly do you fool.

Wimblkedon - sat deep
Mansfield - sat deep
County - started press retreated after scoring twice
Salford - pressed for 90 mins
Mansfield - started press retreated after scoring

I know its hard for you to see with your head so far up Hurst bottom but the evidence is clear

Quoted from sonofmadeleymariner

Well I mean i think we were about 6 or 7 spots above relegation before he arrived and then bottom after he did and changed the entire squad, I mean the evidence is right there...

Go and have a few beers and chill out.

If we were a racehorse you’d be looking at our form and be saying that it’s worked out well. Done pretty well against sides who’ve themselves had very good starts.

It doesn’t get much easier yet either, but to come through relatively unscathed so far represents a pretty good start. I’m slightly concerned at how little we’re creating still though.

Quoted from sonofmadeleymariner

Well I mean i think we were about 6 or 7 spots above relegation before he arrived and then bottom after he did and changed the entire squad, I mean the evidence is right there...

It's quite obvious you don't like Hurst, that's your perogative, but he got us our highest league position since 2006 and made us the first team to beat 5 teams in a higher league whilst getting to the FA Cup quarter final, first time we've done that since 1939...so regardless of your hatred for him, he brings us relative success, and I'll take that over a dour 1-1 against one of time best lg2 teams you're likely to see this season..

Quoted from Maringer

If you'd listened to the post-match interview, you'd have heard Hurst say it most definitely wasn't the plan to sit back and defend after taking the lead. That's clearly what the players ended up doing but it wasn't under instruction.

Looked at to me that our team didn't think we were as good as them so sat back and defended by instinct. Unfortunately, it also meant we stopped trying to play football enough when we did have possession.

He says this every time we do, but strangely we always do it. He lies to cover his own bottom when it goes against him. After we beat Salford he said he thought we were better at county and when asked if players looked more comfortable in their positions today playing higher up the park he said they didn't

I can not believe the gloom merchants on here .

Look we have played 3 home games won 1 drawn 2 let in 1 goal .

Just played one of the best sides in our division and some are still not happy.

I said after our 1st game don't judge the team until we have played 10 or more games.

Yes we all like to win most games but it does not happen just ask Wrexham fans.

They are finding things a bit different now they are back in the league.

With all their better paid players they are no better than us.

Quoted from pontoonlew

If we were a racehorse you’d be looking at our form and be saying that it’s worked out well. Done pretty well against sides who’ve themselves had very good starts.

It doesn’t get much easier yet either, but to come through relatively unscathed so far represents a pretty good start. I’m slightly concerned at how little we’re creating still though.

Pretty good summation, and one I'd agree with.

Scored 5 goals in a week though, which suggests that we are taking our chances at a higher rate than last season, because as you say, we aren't yet creating loads.

Promising start for me.

Quoted from Rodley Mariner

Don't take this the wrong way but every time we don't win you come across like a petulant simpleton.

And I hope you don't take this the wrong way, but unfortunately, happy clappers like yourselves can't see what's plainly evident with your heads so far up Hurst bottom

Quoted from sonofmadeleymariner

And I hope you don't take this the wrong way, but unfortunately, happy clappers like yourselves can't see what's plainly evident with your heads so far up Hurst bottom

Other views are available.

Quoted from mimma

Just a bit of perspective,  Wrexham have let in 10 goals in two home games. Listening to some on here you would think we have as well

And scored 8 must be bloody boring being a Wrexham fan

I bet there fans are all on their forum saying if only we had Paul Hurst as manager.

I don't think that many are 'happy clappers ' .

More of a realisation of where we find ourselves .

Do I love Paul Hursts footballing style ?

Not particularly

Do I see it giving us a solid season ?

Absolutely ,with a decent  outside chance of the play-offs .

I think there is more to come from the current group , in terms of good football , but to think a Hurst team is ever going to play like Barcelona or even Mansfield is wishful thinking IMO .

If we get through these first 10 with a few wins , draws and defeats it's a reasonable start - if the following 10 games we don't put a few of these perceived strugglers to the sword it's the time to ask questions , as we have got better players than them and should win a good few games .

Quoted from sonofmadeleymariner

He does, once again today instead of killing off a team at home while we were clearly on top with our high press and attacking style (which he has in him, we all saw in last time he relegated us to the conference) which we were for those first 20 minutes, he had us drop deep once agains to "DeFeNd tHe 1 NiL" and let them back in. Instead of going at teams for the kill he bends over drops his pants and lets teams have their way, it was the same in his first stint and it's the same in the second. Don't get me wrong he finds absolute gems of players Conteh and Rodger already look like player and young player of the season, but he has the tactical sense of a WW1 general, one plan over and over again.

Christ almighty you do talk utter drivel. When i think you cant talk any more bollox you go and surprise me. There comes a time when you have to acknowledge that we played a much better team. Nothing to do with tactics -  Buckley often use to do it (ask your dad) and it didnt turn out too badly with him. Clough has had four seasons in this division to get them playing like that and I can assure you that wasnt always the case. They have made steady progress getting to this point with many changes of personell. I expect us to do the same. And by the way we took a point off them.

Quoted from sonofmadeleymariner

And I hope you don't take this the wrong way, but unfortunately, happy clappers like yourselves can't see what's plainly evident with your heads so far up Hurst bottom

Say bottom one more time, I dare you.

Possibly a win win all round today. Pick up a point, don't get beat, and at the same time Mansfield lay down a marker of what we need to be to have a chance of promotion. Two weeks of the window left, Hurst has got a bit of budget left and we've got a chairman that would like to get out of this division as quickly as possible..

Can anyne explain to me the logic of playingRose up front to knock it on when there is no-one there to knock it onto.It  was not skill that prevent us gettin all 3 points but tactics. if Rose is going to be used in the way he was today, he needs someone alongside him.

Quoted from sonofmadeleymariner

And I hope you don't take this the wrong way, but unfortunately, happy clappers like yourselves can't see what's plainly evident with your heads so far up Hurst bottom

Get a grip you boring girl private

Quoted from sonofmadeleymariner

He does, once again today instead of killing off a team at home while we were clearly on top with our high press and attacking style (which he has in him, we all saw in last time he relegated us to the conference) which we were for those first 20 minutes, he had us drop deep once agains to "DeFeNd tHe 1 NiL" and let them back in. Instead of going at teams for the kill he bends over drops his pants and lets teams have their way, it was the same in his first stint and it's the same in the second. Don't get me wrong he finds absolute gems of players Conteh and Rodger already look like player and young player of the season, but he has the tactical sense of a WW1 general, one plan over and over again.

Ah, now I remember why I take no notice of your posts!

Quoted from sonofmadeleymariner

And I hope you don't take this the wrong way, but unfortunately, happy clappers like yourselves can't see what's plainly evident with your heads so far up Hurst bottom

I’m a long, long way off being a happy clapper but, please try and be realistic! There are several new players who have improved us with a fully fit Pyke and Wilson to come. Hopefully we get a couple of others too - a new left back, maybe a centre back and a goalscorer would be great.

As far as the manager is concerned, I’m not up his bottom, I didn’t wildly celebrate when he came back. But he’s earned the right to build a new team and the football is already better this season. Give it a chance.

Quoted from ginnywings

Well he doesn't does he? Can't stop them would be more correct.

Unless and until people realise that there are other teams on the pitch, who also want to attack and score goals and win games, then you are going to spend a lot of your time disappointed and ranting on forums.

It's easy this footy management lark. All you have to do is stop the opposition from being better than you are. It's so simple.

For balance Ginny....we managed to be better or at least match/contain them comfortably for 45 mins.....we didn't dominate or assert ourselves once we had scored and I think that's the massive frustration with most.
I genuinely said at half time..."what do you reckon, they equalise at 60 mins then we make a change "?..
They effected the game positively when they needed to...we didn't anticipate or react until we had conceded...then it looked more like a "stop them" approach rather than a go win it approach.
Yes they were slick, moved it well but we didn't react quick enough to what they did and only really had two serious efforts on goal in 90 mins.

Look back at this post in may but we definatly took a point off team that will be promoted , get real 4 points in these last two games to big spenders is a good reward , i get we 2nd best today but we conceded one goal , mansfield will thrash teams this season mark my words

Quoted from moosey_club

For balance Ginny....we managed to be better or at least match/contain them comfortably for 45 mins.....we didn't dominate or assert ourselves once we had scored and I think that's the massive frustration with most.
I genuinely said at half time..."what do you reckon, they equalise at 60 mins then we make a change "?..
They effected the game positively when they needed to...we didn't anticipate or react until we had conceded...then it looked more like a "stop them" approach rather than a go win it approach.
Yes they were slick, moved it well but we didn't react quick enough to what they did and only really had two serious efforts on goal in 90 mins.

I think back to my playing days, when we came up against a superior team, and try as you might to impose your will, you could end up chasing shadows, with the game passing you by and feeling like the opposition had more men than you on the pitch.

Physically and mentally draining, and when you finally did get the ball, there was no options and possession soon turned over.

I honestly didn't feel we matched/contained them for 45 mins myself. I thought they were better from the 15th minute and getting better as the game wore on.

Quoted from ginnywings

I think back to my playing days, when we came up against a superior team, and try as you might to impose your will, you could end up chasing shadows, with the game passing you by and feeling like the opposition had more men than you on the pitch.

Physically and mentally draining, and when you finally did get the ball, there was no options and possession soon turned over.

I honestly didn't feel we matched/contained them for 45 mins myself. I thought they were better from the 15th minute and getting better as the game wore on.

Tomato ...Tomaeto
if we had been battered or chasing the game before we scored I may agree...but we weren't...we were enforcing our style on the game....once we scored we stepped back...allowed them to grow into it.

I am not going to repeat what has been said about todays match, but after midweeks win, I was equally sceptical due to the lack of passing, cohesion and pace in the side.

What I want to highlight again is the issue in the centre of midfield. Time after time again today, their centre mids came to the defence to receive the ball to feet under pressure and backed their technique to receive it and distribute it quickly.

Not only do we lack this ability with Clifton in there (he just legs it up front forcing long balls) but we also lack the movements we saw today from the opposition to ensure those receiving it have options.

Holohan has good ability but is also
not collecting and linking up play either.

Hunt started the season with the remit to provide this, but kept coming for the ball, collecting it and gave it away 2/3 times in dangerous places - hence his recent ommissions.

Until we can pass and keep the ball and progress thro the phases whilst retaining possession, we will continue to be a team that survives on scraps of possession and relies on worldy goals, mistakes or the occasional 3 or 4 pass break.

It’s clear from the PH interview that he sees this team as WIP and he is confident he can get more out of them.  Although we kept a lot of players from last season, most of the first team is new signings and on 2-3 year contracts.  It’s clear PH thinks he can get these players to be successful but it’s not going to happen in 4 games.

I'd like to see Mullarkey in centre back in place of Waterfall with Efete coming into right back. Mullarkey is clearly a class act but it's noticeable that we struggle to create down the right side as he's not a pure right back and tends to default to cutting back inside. Plus, as others have said, Waterfall is below the quality we need now, and Mullarkey and Rodgers could be a very strong pairing.

Quoted from MuddyWaters

Mansfield are pretty much where we might be in two years. They have an established team and style of play. We are very much at the start of being a work in progress.

As a consequence, today’s is a great point. We need a few more additions and whoever says Rose is a downgrade on Lloyd is simply wrong.

Several 7 out of 10s today but Conteh again MoM.

Can anyone be arsed to buy a season ticket just in case we become half decent in a couple of years ?

Quoted from grimps

Can anyone be arsed to buy a season ticket just in case we become half decent in a couple of years ?

Christ on a bike. If everyone waited for us to be successful, the club would be dead by now. I can’t profess to being a permanent ST holder, but I reckon I’ve done at least 20 in the 55 years I’ve been going - most of them since 2000 - hardly the glory years.

A lot of posts but not much critique tonight as the different factions vent their spleen.

Hard to disagree with anyone as I think all in attendance acknowledge that Mansfield were the better team but surprisingly for all their possession and passing ability they caused us most problems by a big boot over the top proving it is a funny old game and that there are many ways of playing it.

Did we deserve a point? Don’t really care we got one and I feel in building up Mansfield some have overlooked in the first half that in addition to the goal, Holohan had a superb shot well saved, Clifton only had to deflect a hard hit shot on target to score and another one of our players also could have turned in a knock down header just before half time, so we did have opportunities. Second half pretty much nothing and a couple of concerns for me are that we still lack any real pace in getting forward with neither of the wide players particularly quick. Rose is, IMO, being asked to do too much and consequently he tires and drifts out the game second half. I also wish he would stay on his feet a little more often and just hold the ball. Yes he takes a lot of knocks but sometimes we lose decent possession as he prefers to go down rather than hold the ball and lay it off.

I have seen all the league games to date and I am still puzzled as to what role Clifton is supposed to be undertaking but thought today he looked well out side of his comfort zone and spent his afternoon chasing shadows. Not sure what Khouri needs to do to get some minutes but feel his introduction on the left side of midfield second half would have allowed us to compete better in the centre of the field.

Like others disappointed with our second half and whilst Conteh struggled a little second half, thought he was fighting the battle of his own at times, I feel he Rodgers and Eastwood are all excellent signings and give us a real spine.

Quoted from Lincoln Mariner 56

A lot of posts but not much critique tonight as the different factions vent their spleen.

Hard to disagree with anyone as I think all in attendance acknowledge that Mansfield were the better team but surprisingly for all their possession and passing ability they caused us most problems by a big boot over the top proving it is a funny old game and that there are many ways of playing it.

Did we deserve a point? Don’t really care we got one and I feel in building up Mansfield some have overlooked in the first half that in addition to the goal, Holohan had a superb shot well saved, Clifton only had to deflect a hard hit shot on target to score and another one of our players also could have turned in a knock down header just before half time, so we did have opportunities. Second half pretty much nothing and a couple of concerns for me are that we still lack any real pace in getting forward with neither of the wide players particularly quick. Rose is, IMO, being asked to do too much and consequently he tires and drifts out the game second half. I also wish he would stay on his feet a little more often and just hold the ball. Yes he takes a lot of knocks but sometimes we lose decent possession as he prefers to go down rather than hold the ball and lay it off.

I have seen all the league games to date and I am still puzzled as to what role Clifton is supposed to be undertaking but thought today he looked well out side of his comfort zone and spent his afternoon chasing shadows. Not sure what Khouri needs to do to get some minutes but feel his introduction on the left side of midfield second half would have allowed us to compete better in the centre of the field.

Like others disappointed with our second half and whilst Conteh struggled a little second half, thought he was fighting the battle of his own at times, I feel he Rodgers and Eastwood are all excellent signings and give us a real spine.

Their 25, Reed was moving the ball about beautifully, just as we would probably want Hunt to do but, again, our movement isn’t good enough. Too many stand and wait for the ball to come rather than make people’s minds up. I’m still convinced that it’s a coaching issue, off the ball movement is pretty fundamental.

The draw with Mansfield sees us still a point behind them in the table.

Come the end of the season I'll be absolutely delighted if we're a point behind them! They were the best league side I've seen here for yonks!

In excrement conditions they stroked it round like they were playing on a billiards table. But do you know what, there was times when we passed it around them too! Difference is that they had an another effective option by going long when needed.

Mansfield are established. It's clear they know how to work together, we don't (yet).  Across the whole pitch there's new pairings and understandings that are developing. It'll happen but it takes time.

I thought we lacked creativity today and I still think Hurst needs to let them off the leash a little. But against a side as good as Mansfield, I can forgive him showing caution.  Football is a game of fine margins yet if Eastwood doesn't make the error for the goal we arguably come away with 3 points.

For all the talk of enjoying Conteh before he gets snapped up, I think we might find Rodgers has interested suitors before long. He was superb today.

Football is really pretty easy isn’t it? All you have to do is impose your own best on the opposition all the time and at no point will they try to combat it or play around it. Doesn’t matter how good they are or what their manager plans to do. Then you win. Simple stuff for simple minds.

Quoted from grimsby pete

I can not believe the gloom merchants on here .

Look we have played 3 home games won 1 drawn 2 let in 1 goal .

Just played one of the best sides in our division and some are still not happy.

I said after our 1st game don't judge the team until we have played 10 or more games.

Yes we all like to win most games but it does not happen just ask Wrexham fans.

They are finding things a bit different now they are back in the league.

With all their better paid players they are no better than us.

Would hold your thoughts a little longer on Wrexham as I remember everyone saying similar after Stockport's start compared to ours this time last season. It isn't how you start a season it is how you finish one.