Just Back ...on the train  (merged)

Quoted from MaccasBoots

Have to say that, to my mind, if that performance occurs towards the end of the Hurst era, the comments on here would be far less positive.

We didn't make changes early enough when it was blindingly obvious that they were eventually going to score. We gave the ball away too easily, particularly when we had good opportunities to break. The goal was the result of a one in a million cross from Holohan - we were very lucky to come away with a point against what was a pretty mediocre Newport side.

I am very happy with Artell's appointment and incredibly hopeful for the direction we're headed in, but that was definitely our worst performance since he's taken over and don't think he should be spared the criticism that Hurst would have gotten in the same circumstances.

We drew against a well-drilled capable side, who outheaded us and sprayed the ball diagonally quite well. We didn't score when we had them under the cosh, but that is something that has been a season long problem. We also allow the opposition free headers and shots in the penalty area, again a season-long problem. However, since Doncaster we have not lost a league match, and DA has played a better tune from PH's disorganised "instrument" to an extent where we are nearer the playoffs than the drop. We were in freefall at Doncaster.
There will be a time when DA (if not already) has concluded that one or two players are just not quite technically or organisationally up to it, and he can make changes in January.
I'm really looking forward to the second half of the season. UTM

Not sure if it’s mentioned in the match thread, but the Newport pitch looked amazing. Am sort of presuming it’s not a 3G pitch (am guessing it’s not allowed, yet!)

Quoted from TheRealJohnLewis

Clifton MotM, closely followed by Glennon, especially in the 2nd half when he was constantly turning and driving towards their goal, virtually everything good that happened went through him.

Clifton man of the match😁

5 of us travelled back in the car from the game and everyone one of us calling for manager to please drop him as he is playing awful at the moment.

His technical limitations not compensated anymore by running, tackling and being a pest, as we are now trying to play football.

Harry a great lad, but should be nowhere near the starting midfield based on performances in last 10 games.

Quoted from Lord Gadiform

You can assess the mindset of the players and the likely outcome of the game based on a score flash? Think that’s an emotional response and fantasy rather than any kind of considered or rational argument.

I didn’t say I could assess the mindset of the players based on a score flash . That would be silly.

The point I was trying to make is that my expectations have changed given recent events. It’s not an emotional response at all. Simply confidence based on the way our current form has improved. As it happens I was right not to give up hope that we could get something out of the game.

Quoted from Lincspoacher

Clifton man of the match😁

5 of us travelled back in the car from the game and everyone one of us calling for manager to please drop him as he is playing awful at the moment.

His technical limitations not compensated anymore by running, tackling and being a pest, as we are now trying to play football.

Harry a great lad, but should be nowhere near the starting midfield based on performances in last 10 games.

Totally agree, Harry isn’t a good fit for what DA seems to want. He can’t see a pass let alone complete one. Watched a stream today with Humberside commentary and Alex Rodman described one Harry attempted pass as “woeful “. He was being very polite.

Quoted from WOZOFGRIMSBY

Not sure if it’s mentioned in the match thread, but the Newport pitch looked amazing. Am sort of presuming it’s not a 3G pitch (am guessing it’s not allowed, yet!)

Matt Dean mentioned during commentary that he spoke to the groundsman before the match and was informed it was 95% grass / 5% artificial turf mix.

That's 1 defeat in 9 after 3 wins in 21 .
suspect it's significant that the 2 worst performances have been against Sutton n Newport, the 2 teams that play physical, up and at em footie. Hurst never figured out how to counter these teams and it seems Artell will have to do some thinking if he's not to fall into the same trap

Quoted from WOZOFGRIMSBY

Not sure if it’s mentioned in the match thread, but the Newport pitch looked amazing. Am sort of presuming it’s not a 3G pitch (am guessing it’s not allowed, yet!)

They won best pitch of the season for all divisions last season according to a very friendly steward yesterday

Quoted from Lincspoacher

Clifton man of the match😁

5 of us travelled back in the car from the game and everyone one of us calling for manager to please drop him as he is playing awful at the moment.

His technical limitations not compensated anymore by running, tackling and being a pest, as we are now trying to play football.

Harry a great lad, but should be nowhere near the starting midfield based on performances in last 10 games.

For the most part I agree re Clifton and I’ve long thought he’s far more limited than a lot seem to think he is. However, I really don’t agree that yesterday was an example of that. I thought he carried the ball forward really well yesterday and created us some much needed space on multiple occasions. He should’ve done better with the chance from Glennons excellent pass but I didn’t see him as particularly wasteful at any other point.

Quoted from forza ivano

That's 1 defeat in 9 after 3 wins in 21 .
suspect it's significant that the 2 worst performances have been against Sutton n Newport, the 2 teams that play physical, up and at em footie. Hurst never figured out how to counter these teams and it seems Artell will have to do some thinking if he's not to fall into the same trap

The physical up and at 'em teams have physical up and at 'em players. Most of ours aren't of this type, with the odd exception - Waterfall, Green, probably Efete and Holohan/Clifton to a lesser degree.

You always need to outplay these teams as you aren't going to be able to beat them at their own game if you're lacking the necessary 'muscle'.