After Ross Hannah's brace and Pittman's goal and assist, it seems MR Hurst has a bit of a dilemma up top on Thursday. The question is, if you was in Paul's shoes, who would you give the nod to?

For me it would be-

Pittman- good goal and assist yesterday. Shows signs of real quality (at times)

Palmer- not played well in his last couple, but is a goalscorer and I still have faith in him.

Close call but due to Palmer's seeming loss of form Pitman and Shop with Palmer first change. Hannah's goals don't change my view that he's not good enough for a promotion winning team.

It was good to see the reaction of the subs inc Palmer to Hannah's second goal. Smells like team spirit.

Shop and pitman
Palmer and Hannah on bench to change style or tactics

I think knowing PH, Lenny is nailed on to start. Who partners him is a difficult decision. For me, whenever we have had a big game Palmer has been awful. Pittman is the best striker at the club in my opinion, Ross Hannah is maybe a little too lightweight away from home and is still down the pecking order but perhaps more in PH's thoughts now.

None of our strikers are as good as Akinde which is why we aren't champions in my opinion. I would go for Pittman and LJL.

Really not sure. Eastleigh are a tall, physical team so that will obviously have some bearing. I think Hurst will go LJL and either Palmer or Pitman. This will either give him two physical presences up front or one.

All of our strikers are so hot and cold, so selecting the firing two from four is really difficult. What I'd like to see, whatever Hurst selects, is a willingness to introduce a different striker from the bench nice and early if the ones on the pitch are not doing the business. I hope the players rise to the challenge, because now is the time for them to deliver. I pray that Hurst's favouritism of Lennie is proven well founded, as I think he's sure to start. It does worry me.

Edit: 2 instant red crosses for that balanced view. Cheers.

LJL and JPP.......... Only because I don't expect PH to do anything brave!!  I reckon the only other decision is Chappell or Arnold as I expect Brownie to partner Dis.  

Quoted from HertsGTFC

LJL and JPP.......... Only because I don't expect PH to do anything brave!!  I reckon the only other decision is Chappell or Arnold as I expect Brownie to partner Dis.  

Slightly going off topic but Jordan Chappel is a player, can he play wide left as Jack Macreth is on form and should start on the right? If not, then I suppose Chris is right in choosing the hot and cold Nathan Arnold on the left wing. I'd probably go with Scott Brown's experience over Clay in the middle of the park. I'm surprised Disley played the 90 yesterday as he'll be playing 3 games in 8 days at 33 years old - though it doesn't seem a problem for him.

I think he'll go Arnold as he's rested him obviously hoping to get him fresh and sharp. I'd prefer Clay to partner Disley.

Another question - will Jolley regain a place on the bench?

Might Clay play instead of Brown due to his greater height and probable heading ability against a big physical team?

Quoted from LongEatonMariner

Might Clay play instead of Brown due to his greater height and probable heading ability against a big physical team?

Yip. You could also argue that he has more composure and is less likely to get booked for fouling than Brown, and Eastleigh are a team known for their gamesmanship, winding players up, trying to win fouls etc. on that basis I see Clay as a safer and more consistent bet.

Quoted from 75

I think knowing PH, Lenny is nailed on to start. Who partners him is a difficult decision. For me, whenever we have had a big game Palmer has been awful. Pittman is the best striker at the club in my opinion, Ross Hannah is maybe a little too lightweight away from home and is still down the pecking order but perhaps more in PH's thoughts now.

None of our strikers are as good as Akinde which is why we aren't champions in my opinion. I would go for Pittman and LJL.

absolutely this! for me pittman has to start, a shame really that he has had injuries throughout the season

I think Clay will probably get the nod ahead of Brown in the middle in part due to his height. Though Brown did OK yesterday, it was hardly a blistering performance and I doubt he's done enough in the last couple of games to secure the place.

I reckon we'll see an LJL/Palmer striking partnership on Thursday. Hopefully they can both rekindle their decent form from earlier in the season!

Pittman seemed a bit puzzled when he was subbed yesterday. Fabulous skill for his assist for Hannah's second goal and also great strength and composure for his goal. However PH was right to give Lennie half an hour to keep him fresh. Lennie of course had time to miss a good chance but was very close with an excellent header. Lenny and Pittman for me on Thurs, but  none of us know the form in training of Palmer. Hannah looked sharp yesterday but he was up against a poor defence. He took his goals well because he was given the ball in space, not always possible against a better defence.

Pittman seemed a bit puzzled when he was subbed yesterday. Fabulous skill for his assist for Hannah's second goal and also great strength and composure for his goal. However PH was right to give Lennie half an hour to keep him fresh. Lennie of course had time to miss a good chance but was very close with an excellent header. Lenny and Pittman for me on Thurs, but  none of us know the form in training of Palmer. Hannah looked sharp yesterday but he was up against a poor defence. He took his goals well because he was given the ball in space, not always possible against a better defence.

Pittman seemed a bit puzzled when he was subbed yesterday. Fabulous skill for his assist for Hannah's second goal and also great strength and composure for his goal. However PH was right to give Lennie half an hour to keep him fresh. Lennie of course had time to miss a good chance but was very close with an excellent header. Lenny and Pittman for me on Thurs, but  none of us know the form in training of Palmer. Hannah looked sharp yesterday but he was up against a poor defence. He took his goals well because he was given the ball in space, not always possible against a better defence.

Quoted from LongEatonMariner

Might Clay play instead of Brown due to his greater height and probable heading ability against a big physical team?

Good call.

I've had a look at the starting line up from the 1-0 away win at Eastleigh. I think we should keep the line up the same for the away match. Palmer and LJL upfront and clay and Disley in the middle. Although I wouldn't start with Jolley on the wing. For the home match depending on the score maybe we can introduce JPP/Hannah for a more attacking approach.

As a few people have said, our strikers are all quite hot & cold. Given that the front 2 yesterday did so well it must be tempting to keep them in. But he will almost certainly go with Lenny plus Palmer if he's fully fit, otherwise Pittman.

[quote=2972]Pittman seemed a bit puzzled when he was subbed yesterday.

He had looked across to the bench and said something prior to being replaced. As soon as he had sat down a bag of ice was handed to him which he held on his leg.

Quoted from LongEatonMariner

Close call but due to Palmer's seeming loss of form Pitman and Shop with Palmer first change. Hannah's goals don't change my view that he's not good enough for a promotion winning team.

It was good to see the reaction of the subs inc Palmer to Hannah's second goal. Smells like team spirit.

I'm not surprised Ollie P is now on the bench for you lot and not a starter. If you do manage to extricate yourselves from the Conf then you'll find him struggling to make any impact in the FL if he signs in the summer.

All a matter of opinion. Ollie has been brilliant for us and scored a fair few goals. Plays well partnering Lennie. Last couple of games he played hasn't been so good but there is a player in there and he knows where the goal is.

Quoted from Spiritater

I'm not surprised Ollie P is now on the bench for you lot and not a starter. If you do manage to extricate yourselves from the Conf then you'll find him struggling to make any impact in the FL if he signs in the summer.

I just wondered if you know if there's any truth in the rumour I heard at the match that Palmer is going to Wimbledon.

Quoted from gaz57

I just wondered if you know if there's any truth in the rumour I heard at the match that Palmer is going to Wimbledon.

Centre court?  ;)

Quoted from gaz57

I just wondered if you know if there's any truth in the rumour I heard at the match that Palmer is going to Wimbledon.

No, not heard this. Is Akinfenwa leaving the Wombles then?

Quoted from GyMariner

I've had a look at the starting line up from the 1-0 away win at Eastleigh. I think we should keep the line up the same for the away match. Palmer and LJL upfront and clay and Disley in the middle. Although I wouldn't start with Jolley on the wing. For the home match depending on the score maybe we can introduce JPP/Hannah for a more attacking approach.

Went down to that match and was impressed with Palmer performance,  in fact they all played well so no change if possible for me

As said before Disley will have to be rested for one of the games, which one though?

Will he? If he is available I'd be fairly certain he'll play both.

Quoted from Rodley Mariner

Will he? If he is available I'd be fairly certain he'll play both.

I thought he paced himself yesterday without playing poorly, I hope he can find the stamina for both games but he might need to come off the bench on Sunday

Quoted from Rodley Mariner

Will he? If he is available I'd be fairly certain he'll play both.

Agree with this. I'd be amazed if he doesn't play both.

Pittman alongside Lenny is what I fully expect to see.  Hannah looked very lively and took his goals well but can't see Hurst changing his preferred pairing.  Palmer seems to have fallen well out of favour.

In my eyes, Hurst has bigger decisons to make at right back, centre mid and left wing.

I don't particularly want to move Toto from centre half but have been so impressed with Gowling it now looks our best option.
Clay has been superior to Brown in virtually every way this season, no doubt for me who partners Clay.
I like Arnold but thought Chappell was Man of the Match yesterday and could have played his way into the eleven.  


Hard decisons for Hurst.

Quoted from Spiritater

I'm not surprised Ollie P is now on the bench for you lot and not a starter. If you do manage to extricate yourselves from the Conf then you'll find him struggling to make any impact in the FL if he signs in the summer.

Ollie Palmer has been almost the perfect loan striker for us, livened up the front line, grabbed some goals, gave the supporters something to cheer about and a little hope at a time we were starting to get frustrated.
Job done so far from him, a couple of more goals and freedom of Cleethorpes for O.P  

Quoted from chaos33

I think he'll go Arnold as he's rested him obviously hoping to get him fresh and sharp. I'd prefer Clay to partner Disley.

Another question - will Jolley regain a place on the bench?

Who? Didn't we sign someone with that name with a great fanfare? ;)

Agree totally with your other post. Even if Hannah had scored 6 yesterday, he won't be first choice. The front two on Thursday will be LJL and AN Other, probably Palmer if Pittman's got a knock with Hannah on the bench.

What is important is that we turn possession into goals at Eastleigh. As Steve Bruce said on MOTD last night - a team is only as good as the players up front.

Expect the Shop to play up-front on his own at Eastleigh.

Clay, Disley, Brown and Mackreth with either Arnold or Chappell (the latter if PH believes he'll do his defensive duties) in midfield.

Seem to think Gowling has played left-back ( ?? ), so maybe him there and Magnay at RB. Otherwise Toto at RB.

I don't think we'll play one up front. When did we last not play 4-4-2? Only question is whether it'll be Pittman or Palmer with LJL, Brown or Clay with Disley and who'll play at the back with Pearson, Toto and Magnay.

Quoted from Rodley Mariner

I don't think we'll play one up front. When did we last not play 4-4-2? Only question is whether it'll be Pittman or Palmer with LJL, Brown or Clay with Disley and who'll play at the back with Pearson, Toto and Magnay.

Spot on for me

Palmer, Brown, and err the next one is the biggest problem.

I'd go with:

                   McKeown
Toto   Gowling      Pearson     Magnay
Makreth   Clay     Disley      Chappell
              Pittman   Shop

I'd have Arnold, Palmer, Hannah, Parslow and Brown on the bench with an eye for bringing on Hannah relatively early (after his good performance yesterday) if the strikers aren't playing well.

The strikers will do exactly the same as theyve done all season....

I feel that some are getting carried away with Chappel's performances. He's looked decent in spells and has gone on some good runs here and there but there has been pretty much no end product from him in the past couple of games that I've seen.

Arnold has been our most productive midfielder in terms of combined assists and goals this season. Dropping him in favour of Chappel would be completely nuts.

I'm assuming Arnold will play.

I agree, and I'd probably go 91's team but with Arnold. I'd have Jolley on the bench if fit:

He can play wide or up front, and has play off goalscoring experience.

I agree that we have bigger issues at the back. I think gowling should partner pearson with toto at right back. But does anyone think hurst will actually do this?

Reading the previous posts, I can't help but be impressed with the squad PH has put together. Let's hope they can do the business over the next few weeks. UTM

Quoted from GyMariner

I agree that we have bigger issues at the back. I think gowling should partner pearson with toto at right back. But does anyone think hurst will actually do this?

I think he may well do. He gave Toto 10 or 15 minutes there yesterday (although I'm not sure what he'll have learnt from this) so he's clearly considering it.

One thing I do know is that there's more chance of Dave Moore starting than Bignot!

What's "probable heading ability"? (I realise it's all statistics these days)

Quoted from SpudUDontLike

What's "probable heading ability"? (I realise it's all statistics these days)

If you're making a joke it is generally good form to put some sort of emoticon at the end, like a smiley or winking face.

If you are trying to be superior, just leave it as it is and I'll store your profile in the box entitled "twit". :-)

It's fine to file it there but thanks for the advice, and I'll try to remember to label my jokes in future.

LJL will be first choice up front and i'd go with Pittman if he is fit. Best all round striker at the club IMO.

Defence worries me most. Toto at RB, Magnay at LB and Gowling coming in is 3 positional changes out of 4. Not good for what was a settled defence before the injury to Robertson.

                     McKeown

Parslow   Toto    Pearson   Magnay

MacKreth   Disley   Brown   Arnold

                Lenny     Pittman

Parslow is a solid, steady and dependable, defender. He is not exciting, but he realises that his job first and foremots is to defend and he is good at IMO.

Quoted from JMT

Macca
Toto Gowling Pearson Magnay
Mackreth Clay Disley Arnold
LJL JPP

A team full of Carl Magnay's what?

Quoted from KingstonMariner

A team full of Carl Magnay's what?

;D

Quoted from moosey_club

Ollie Palmer has been almost the perfect loan striker for us, livened up the front line, grabbed some goals, gave the supporters something to cheer about and a little hope at a time we were starting to get frustrated.
Job done so far from him, a couple of more goals and freedom of Cleethorpes for O.P  

Bump !!!

but being greedy can you give us a couple more please?

There were some on here who didn't even want Palmer to start. Sunday just showed that if you play the ball to him in the penalty area then he can do the business may not be every-time but he looks the best goal scorer at the club for me.

Eight goals in 15 appearances in the Conference isn't a record to be sniffed at, that's for sure.

Both strikers have certainly earned their starting place in the Final with those goals at the weekend.

Quoted from Maringer

Eight goals in 15 appearances in the Conference isn't a record to be sniffed at, that's for sure.

Both strikers have certainly earned their starting place in the Final with those goals at the weekend.

With that ratio all season next to LJL, we wouldn't need to be at Wembley.  :'(