Just Back  (merged)

We deserved the win, impressed with Taylor first half who gave us a real focal point. Always going to be tough against a team that had already played and Weymouth were decent enough.

Plusses? The defence, Taylor first half and a quality McAtee finish. Less so? Sousa was a little greedy and Hunt didn’t do a lot.

Mom Efete.

Well, what a perfect start to the season with the 3 points. Think there was only ever one team in it barring a 10 minute spell for Weymouth, we look like such a better footballing team playing some brilliant stuff at times. Below is how I rated the players during the game.

McKeown - Steady eddie. Didn't really have alot to do but did what was needed well.

Crookes - Solid but just wanted to whack the ball down the line all the time wanting a runner instead of playing a nice little ball

Pearson - Solid as a rock never lost anything and everything in the air to be won was.

Longe-King - Echo with Pearson. Seeing him in person he looks like a man mountain and played like it aswell. Strong, composed on the ball and has a touch of class about him.

Efete - Loves to get forward and has a great engine on him. Think he faded towards 2nd half which is to be understandable.

Clifton - What you see is what you get with Harry.. Hard word grit and determination, never stopped running for the full 90. Think he will be so important this year.

Fox - Quality on the ball which I think we've been missing in the past few years, can tell why he's played in league one consistently. Has a grafting element to his game aswell.

Hunt - Small in stature but always wanting the ball and so clever in his positions on the pitch.

Sousa - Going to be one of those players that gets you out your seat every game. Everything he does doesn't always pay off but when it does it will be magic, let's keep getting behind him. Should of scored first half, but atleast he's getting into the positions

McAtee - My MOTM, not just for his goal but constant pressing, quality on the ball and bringing others into play.. Was a joy to watch today I'm really looking forward to watching this lad play.

Taylor - Brilliant considering he hasn't played any pre season, great linkup player and can see why all his career has been I'm the football league.. Unit who wins headers and very clever with the ball. Think we will see good things from Taylor.

LJL - Absolute nuisance and a handful for defenders. Can't ask for much more from him than what he gave today.

All in all, a good opening win and the 3 points. Would have liked it to be more convincing however we are off the mark in the best possible way. Great to see some similar faces back at BP!

UTM

Sousa looks out of his depth and will struggle against good teams. Set plays were awful. For the most part we were comfortable without being clinical. All in all we will need to play better but some positives to take. On we go.

Quoted from VinnyGTFC

Sousa looks out of his depth and will struggle against good teams. Set plays were awful. For the most part we were comfortable without being clinical. All in all we will need to play better but some positives to take. On we go.

Someone been contacted by the fun police?

great to be back.
a new era, a good crowd, a win and a clean sheet. will do for me
utm

Quoted from VinnyGTFC

Sousa looks out of his depth and will struggle against good teams. Set plays were awful. For the most part we were comfortable without being clinical. All in all we will need to play better but some positives to take. On we go.

Wtf

Can't ask for more than that after so little training in the first game of the season. Played some nice stuff, particularly first half and Taylor, McAtee and Fox all look good signings

Still not sure how many goals are in this side but the one we did get was taken very well.  

Quoted from VinnyGTFC

Sousa looks out of his depth and will struggle against good teams. Set plays were awful. For the most part we were comfortable without being clinical. All in all we will need to play better but some positives to take. On we go.

Jesus....there's always one isn't there!

Thought some of the signings looked pretty good. Was impressed with Taylor, McAtee and Fox. Thought Clifton did really well in the second half.

My main concern is the shape. Starting with the 4-3-1-2 meant we had no width at all. No disrespect to Weymouth but they're one of the few part-time teams left in this division and you won't get a much easier home game. Yet our shape allowed them to remain compact, meaning we found it difficult to play through them and realistically we didn't create very much despite being dominant. Against a better team with that shape I think we'd create very little at all. We could do with a striker who's able to get in behind them to stretch defences a bit as we were a bit one paced but other than that I think there's enough in terms of personnel to do okay so long as we're not hampered by a stupid system.

Quoted from chipsandgravy

Jesus....there's always one isn't there!

Then tell me why I'm wrong instead of being arrogant

Given that only Macca and HC out of the starting 11 were here last season, plus the interruption in training I think we’ve got to be pleased with that.
I was also very pleased to be handed a free scarf by JS in person on the way in - a nice surprise and a great touch.

When are the national League highlights on please

Quoted from VinnyGTFC

Then tell me why I'm wrong instead of being arrogant

CBA

Quoted from VinnyGTFC

Then tell me why I'm wrong instead of being arrogant

That’s a tough riddle. I don’t know. Why are you wrong instead of arrogant?

Quoted from VinnyGTFC

Sousa looks out of his depth and will struggle against good teams. Set plays were awful. For the most part we were comfortable without being clinical. All in all we will need to play better but some positives to take. On we go.

You have 16 red crosses and counting. Sure you can figure it out!

Anyone know where and when we can see the highlights of the match.  BTW, noticed that one of Stockports new fancied strikers done his hamstring earlier in the match, I think it was Quigley.

Just seen the goal after the Southend game finished

I believe the highlights are on BT Sport tomorrow evening 8 o clock ish

Quoted from Hagrid

Just seen the goal after the Southend game finished

I believe the highlights are on BT Sport tomorrow evening 8 o clock ish

Thank you.

Thought we looked good in the first 20 mins or so, playing through the lines with Fox & Hunt finding McAtee, Sousa and Taylor well to feet. Some of the interplay was nice to watch though, probably understandably, that final ball wasn’t always there and a couple or times the players were treading on each other’s toes in and around the box. A bit more understanding & time and it’ll click. Though Wright looked really sharp when he came on.

Would hope that Fox & Hunt iron out their own roles as they looked like they wanted to do the same job at points today. Long-King looked a really good defender but Pearson always gave the ball back to LK to distribute, I’m not sure he’s 100% comfortable as a ball-playing centre half.

Much better than I was expecting.

Great to be back at BP.

Started with what at times looked like a diamond midfield with Hunt at the base and McAtee at the tip, and at other times looked like a 4312. In reality it was both in different phases of the game.

Having not seen any of the pre-season games other than some of the footage online, I was pleasantly surprised by some of the football we played. Hunt, McAtee and Fox are real footballers. Taylor up top looked really classy and so effective. Sousa is a bit rough around the edges but that's a positive thing in my opinion having a player of that type.

I thought we mixed it up fairly well 1st half in terms of building play up from the back, and going more direct. When we built play up, it was good to see McAtee taking up some excellent positions, often starting high up in between the front 2 and dropping into the #10 position at the right time to receive a pass. Sousa did this a lot too, coming short to pick the ball up and start travelling forward with it. Seen a comment earlier in the thread saying Hunt didn't do a lot. I like the look of him and think he's technically very good, puts his foot in, but more impressively looked to play forward quality passes into the feet of the front 2 and McAtee. A lot of players shy away from that because it generally means you're playing passes into the most congested and defensively sound area of the pitch and thus have more of a chance of it being intercepted or unsuccessful.

When we went more direct into Taylor he made it stick and found a Town player almost every time. Was gutted he had to come off but not surprised after his (lack of) pre-season.

Got into lots of good positions in the first half and failed to put good quality crosses across/into the box or find that ruthless edge. Hopefully with a bit more training (after the enforced break) and sharpness that will come. The Sousa chance as well should've seen us 1-0  up by half time.

Second half wasn't quite as fluid and we had a few hairy moments when they had a 5-minute spell where they had a few set pieces and loose balls in our box.
We just weren't getting around the outsides of them as much as in the first half. The full backs couldn't get as far forward as they had in the first half. Hurst put Max Wright on and went 4-2-3-1, with Sousa, McAtee and Wright supporting LJL and we had that threat in wide areas high up the pitch again. Within minutes of this I think we scored with a well worked goal and finish. I didn't think LJL was as effective as Taylor was but he did really well to pick out McAtee's run and to set it into his path so he didn't need to break stride and could get away an early shot.

After that we could've got another goal with a bit more ruthlessness. Wright and Sousa started to get in good positions in the final third more often but didn't make the most of it.

I was concerned about the late substitution to put Waterfall on. It's not an issue with Waterfall, he's fine for this league. But as we've seen before, countless times, defending such a tight lead and putting on an extra defender in place of a midfielder/forward just invites pressure and gives the opposition time in deep areas (half way line ish) to get their heads up and launch it in our box. Don't understand why we do that with a single goal lead when the opposition will be bang up for slinging it in the mixer. Hope it won't be a regular thing.

All in all, came away happy. Some good quality footballers on show in black and white. Not mentioned Crookes but think he'll be a solid player, decent enough on the ball and a very imposing figure for a full back. We look well covered at LB with him and a more attack-minded Revan. It's also pleasing that Hurst is lot more tactically flexible these days and will change system during a game. We probably only saw this in his previous spell when it was too late or we were already behind.

UTM.

Quoted from chipsandgravy

You have 16 red crosses and counting. Sure you can figure it out!

Of course yes 16 red crosses make me wrong on this kangaroo court of a forum.

Sousa has pace, however his decision making is poor so is his first touch  against better teams they will read him within the first ten minutes and nullify his threat relatively easily. He had lots of the ball against a poor poor team and didn't do enough with it. Max Wtight was point in case. Looked much more of a threat when he came on the other side.
Your turn

Quoted from VinnyGTFC

Sousa looks out of his depth and will struggle against good teams. Set plays were awful. For the most part we were comfortable without being clinical. All in all we will need to play better but some positives to take. On we go.

Is this a joke?

The bloke literally ran himself into the ground, offering clever runs always wanted the ball.

Was one of the best players on the pitch.

Well pretty much the entire main stand applauded Sousa when he was substituted, and I don’t think there’s a tougher audience in football, so he must have done something right.

Quoted from VinnyGTFC

Of course yes 16 red crosses make me wrong on this kangaroo court of a forum.

Sousa has pace, however his decision making is poor so is his first touch  against better teams they will read him within the first ten minutes and nullify his threat relatively easily. He had lots of the ball against a poor poor team and didn't do enough with it. Max Wtight was point in case. Looked much more of a threat when he came on the other side.
Your turn

Very Harsh. Against Rotherham he was our standout player, i thought he worked very hard against 2 battling big Centre halves and we didnt utilise what he offers enough. Had a big chance first half which the keeper saved, but second half when we pushed him further wide and ball to feet, he was probing and put some good balls into the box
I really like him

Enjoyed that, thought it was telling that we created quite a lot and I felt entertained even though we were playing against a team that parked the bus.

We created some clear chances and should’ve scored more. Some interesting set piece routines as well. Tougher test on Tuesday, but it might suit us being attacked.

Quoted from VinnyGTFC

Of course yes 16 red crosses make me wrong on this kangaroo court of a forum.

Sousa has pace, however his decision making is poor so is his first touch  against better teams they will read him within the first ten minutes and nullify his threat relatively easily. He had lots of the ball against a poor poor team and didn't do enough with it. Max Wtight was point in case. Looked much more of a threat when he came on the other side.


You're absolutely spot on . Both me and my son agreed Sousa was not great .far to one dimensional and his decision making was awful .  Ira jackson offered more imo
Your turn

Someone summed it up perfectly after the game for me - Sousa will be equally frustrating as he is exciting, sort of player we've missed over the past few years that can beat a man with ease, if he was the finished article he wouldn't be playing for us.

Also thought it was amazing to see most the players on the pitch after the game give there shirts to young fans.

At times it felt like 2016 again. A squad we can identify with once more.

I did think those booing Akheem Rose were out of order though. Given the 3 for 2 offer we for on Jackson, Gibson and Sisay, he can feel hard done by to get released.

Quoted from LocalLadGTFC

Also thought it was amazing to see most the players on the pitch after the game give there shirts to young fans.

Fenty would’ve had a coronary at that. Nice touch though.

Quoted from Theimperialcoroner

Fenty would’ve had a coronary at that. Nice touch though.

At £50 a pop, that would be £300 less in his pension.

Quoted from Theimperialcoroner

Fenty would’ve had a coronary at that. Nice touch though.

Was Fenty there?


Maybe dressed as a woman?!

lol it's weymouth we win 1/0 let's come on here after tuesday because weymouth are whipping boys if we get a point at best at stockport i'll start getting excited 🪑

Quoted from fishcake63

lol it's weymouth we win 1/0 let's come on here after tuesday because weymouth are whipping boys if we get a point at best at stockport i'll start getting excited 🪑

Oh just fvck off you soft tw@t

Seem to recall Dagenham and Redbridge were whipping boys last season and we were as threatening as a marzipan dildo.

Sousa will end up being a JLAA type I'm sure, seems quite quick and strong, beats his man but then the finished article can be lacking at times. He does cause problems up the pitch though which is something we have needed. Efete stood out a lot today, moves the ball from the back really fast and looked quality, McAtee looks to be a player who is always looking to make things happen and press, all other new signings seemed solid but I'm sure they will be tested more in future games.

Didn't think Weymouth offered much, apart from a short spell of pressure they were always on the backfoot and with some better finishing we could have stuffed them completely. Not sure why people were booing Akheem Rose exactly but to each their own. I feel pretty indifferent towards him, didn't set the world on fire while with us as a young player looking for a chance to prove himself but don't recall him doing anything bad either.

Quoted from VinnyGTFC

Sousa looks out of his depth and will struggle against good teams. Set plays were awful. For the most part we were comfortable without being clinical. All in all we will need to play better but some positives to take. On we go.

Bit harsh if you ask me, he grafted all game until he was subbed. We've had far more able players than Sousa in the past but with half of the application, I know which i prefer.

Quoted from VinnyGTFC

Of course yes 16 red crosses make me wrong on this kangaroo court of a forum.

Sousa has pace, however his decision making is poor so is his first touch  against better teams they will read him within the first ten minutes and nullify his threat relatively easily. He had lots of the ball against a poor poor team and didn't do enough with it. Max Wtight was point in case. Looked much more of a threat when he came on the other side.
Your turn

Your welcome to your opinion Vinny. Its the first game of the season on the back of a 10 day isolation period yet after just one game your using the words "out of his depth" and "poor decision making". First game for gods sake and your already writing him off. So yes that makes you a tool in my eyes. I think there is more to come from him and whilst not everything will come off I am quite excited about the times when it does. How's that?

clifton was much better in the middle than out on the left?

Quoted from fishcake63

lol it's weymouth we win 1/0 let's come on here after tuesday because weymouth are whipping boys if we get a point at best at stockport i'll start getting excited 🪑

Come on we just started the season with a win, just enjoy it.

Quoted from Swansea_Mariner

Come on we just started the season with a win, just enjoy it.

Given the Covid disruption and the rash of injuries, that was a pretty good day at the office.

No doubt it needs to improve but, in my mind, there’s no doubt it will. UTM.

Quoted from fishcake63

lol it's weymouth we win 1/0 let's come on here after tuesday because weymouth are whipping boys if we get a point at best at stockport i'll start getting excited 🪑

You can only beat what’s in front of you. I’ll take 44 1-0 wins this season.

I thought considering the disruption to the prep, the first competitive game, players still to gel, strikers being eased back in etc. etc.. I thought the lads did very well and deserved the win.

As you’d expect from a PH side the work rate, effort, application and attitude was excellent. Thought the players where blowing a bit around the hour mark but their fitness will get better. What I also liked was improved movement, mid fielders getting forward, numbers in the box and everyone wanting the ball.

We won’t take this league by storm or dominate anyone but we do have a group that look like they will put a shift in and work hard for each other. Stand out for me was McAtee but only just ahead of half a dozen+ who did very well.

Off the pitch it was so good to be back at BP though the place in reality isn’t that different the feeling and atmosphere was a million miles away from the poison rank negatively that the previous leadership cultivated by their own apathy. I think the positive feel rubs off on the players.

The “cherry on top” was the players giving their shirts away at the end, that’s what kids and their parents will remember for ages.

So the view after 1 league game? Will we go back up? I think it’s possible but unlikely but what I saw today on and off the pitch made me feel like “we’re on our way” maybe not to the football league but potentially having a team and club that we can feel good about.

UTM!

3 points....disrupted pre season ....clean sheet

Yes please x

Quoted from fishcake63

lol it's weymouth we win 1/0 let's come on here after tuesday because weymouth are whipping boys if we get a point at best at stockport i'll start getting excited 🪑

You and Vinnygtfc, can just intercourse right off and get a life, boring pair of male masturbators 😡

Quoted from VinnyGTFC

Then tell me why I'm wrong instead of being arrogant

Don’t worry about the criticism, you are entitled to your opinion even if it does show a poor understanding of the game of football .

Best thing for me was the attitude of our players.  There was no expectation that we were automatically going to win, just because we were playing Weymouth.  Our players put the effort in constantly, I didn't see much drifting or complacency, and I think we dominated much of the game.  I kind of wish that we could avoid looking at tables and results throughout the season, and just assume that every team we play might be a contender for top of the league - just to keep the players on their toes and make sure that we maintain the kind of mentality that was shown today.

Not sure about Weymouth - apart from a very short spell of attacking, the only thing I really noticed about them was that they seemed to spend a lot of time falling over.

Quoted from marinette

Best thing for me was the attitude of our players.  There was no expectation that we were automatically going to win, just because we were playing Weymouth.  Our players put the effort in constantly, I didn't see much drifting or complacency, and I think we dominated much of the game.  I kind of wish that we could avoid looking at tables and results throughout the season, and just assume that every team we play might be a contender for top of the league - just to keep the players on their toes and make sure that we maintain the kind of mentality that was shown today.

Not sure about Weymouth - apart from a very short spell of attacking, the only thing I really noticed about them was that they seemed to spend a lot of time falling over.

It was quite clear they came for the draw. What was that player coming over to take a free kick every time and not even taking it all about?

It's always satisfying to see a team time-wasting from the first minute lose.

Quoted from Billywhiz

Don’t worry about the criticism, you are entitled to your opinion even if it does show a poor understanding of the game of football .

is that what is called 'love bombing'

Have to admit, I felt slightly emotional being back at BP for the first time since February 2020. It felt both utterly familiar and incredibly strange at the same time - a day which felt like it might never come at times over the course of the past 18 months.

The minute’s applause before the game almost had me choking up - absolutely for those we’ve lost in the time since we beat Scunny away last March but also for the moments lost by all of us in not being able to do what we love on a Saturday afternoon for so long.

In terms of the game, a reminder of what’s to come this season  - Weymouth were prepared to defend deep in numbers, more with determination than quality, in the hope they can sneak something when they have an inevitable spell of control. They indeed had that spell, and came close to scoring on a couple of occasions up as, but I don’t think it’s any coincidence our goal came during the one spell in which they decided to have a go.

The standard in this division is noticeably lower. Less pace, less power, players technically not as sharp as in League Two, but we do possess quality in the likes of McAtee and Fox, whilst Sousa looks an interesting wild card if we can get him playing consistently at full tilt - he needs to work on his end product but showed promise.

It’s always difficult to make judgement after one game, especially against a side not expected to be up there like Weymouth. I feel there’s more to come from this side though, and given the disruption to our preparation for this game I think we have to take a hard fought and deserved win as a positive.

All in all, brilliant to see and hear the ground in such good spirits and to see so many familiar faces that I haven’t seen for so long. There will be setbacks this season. There will be games like today which we don’t win, or maybe even lose. But in my opinion we have a solid team who appear to want to play in the right way. We’re not Wrexham, but we appear to have a solid platform upon which to rebuild ourselves.

UTM!

I wasn't there today but...

...you can clearly see what the new owners are trying to do here. It's only been a few months, a slightly disrupted pre-season through injuries and covid, and one league game, but there's a massive emphasis on togetherness — not just in the squad (which you can clearly see in the pre-season training videos) but among the fans and everyone around the town.

I think they're also trying to focus on doing the little things that are remembered, like giving out free scarves and players donating shirts at the end.

Anyone who was at the Morecambe game that marked our return to the FL will remember what that day felt like. I guess today was similar but in slightly different ways. There was always going to be a feelgood factor to today based purely on our returns to BP, but they've capitalised on that by making the fan zone a reality, improving the food offering, communicating with the fans clearly and honestly, drumming up excitement with decent online content and social media activity, etc.

JS and AP have always said they are focused on the future, not dwelling on the past, and looking for continued improvement, no matter how small those gains are. A little each day over time will make a massive difference in the long haul.

But even in their short time in charge already, what with new sprinklers and pitch irrigation, better training facilities, fan zone, catering... honesty, respect, sincerity... we can all feel the benefits of that.

And if the fans can, then the players most certainly can. We're all moving forward together. Let's keep these good vibes going.

Atmosphere pre-game was palpable on the wireless. Humberside missed a trick by not providing more coverage. Hull and Scunny have been in action for a couple of weeks so they could have easily justified more time at BP.

Especially as the crowd at Scunny wasn’t much more than half Town’s attendance and Championship level Hull (city 3 x size of GY, and 3 divisions higher) was only twice Town’s.

I was proud today. Proud of the turnout. Proud of the clap for the Covid victims*. Proud of the patience and respect shown to the opposition. Proud of the effort of the squad. And the manager’s good Grace in the interview.

* I had a manly fleck of dust in the eye and trouble swallowing at that point.

Sousa -  not fully convinced by him today against an extremely poor side, could be first game nerves though, he left the ball behind when trying to go past people a couple of times and didn't really work any opportunity when we'll positioned a few times. He did work hard and keep going though git into some good positions and he certainly showed glimpses of skill. He could be one who grows into the season. He might work out, he might not, most likely he will be someone who divides the fanbase.

Weymouth were very poor and I can see why they are amongst the relgation favourites. Which puts our huffing puffing to a narrow win at home in perspective.

I thought we looked very strong in midfield,Fox in particular looks a class above this league whilst still working hard. I liked hunt, offers for the ball a lot and picks a pass and wasn't as slightly built as I expected. Harry also had a good game.

Mcatee played well,scored when played in that running on from deep position, looks like he could be dangerous there. Taylor was OK,I preferred the shop when he came on personally as I thought he got more involved a d looked more dangerous.

Pearson was v impressive, so calm and dealt with everything at the back. Longe-king looked very shaky to me, and with Effete to me looking out of his depth (poor passing and anticipation, bad decision making) I think we will be weak defensively down that right hand side. I am hoping sears comes in personally. Effete looks like a right unit, big and strong for a full back, and a good engine, so good physically but looked way off it with the ball for me. Hopefully he will grow into the division. Crookes was very quiet and far too keen on just booting it down the line to no one when in possession and with time to pass.

Mecca didn't have too much to do but he is noticeably more comfortable with the ball at his feet than  he used to be, so long as he isn't expected to play out like were Barcelona. He's definitely improved that aspect of his game when it's part of sensible play,not when overdone to the point of absurdity under needless pressure like with Holloway.

Overall I think we will have to move up some gears if we are to fare well against more challenging opposition but we got the win which is the main thing. Tuesday will be more challenging but 3 points and a comfortable performance will hopefully give us some confidence.

I tried to post my thoughts earlier, but the phone ate it. Ack.

To sum up, a hard-working performance with everyone putting in a shift. Defence a little bit panicky when put under a bit of pressure. Taylor looked good with some good link-up stuff. Full-backs looked competent without setting the world on fire - both a good size so we're not likely to be overwhelmed aerially this season. Good skill on show from McAtee and Hunt at times. I liked the look of Sousa who has no left foot but was non-stop in his running and looks like he will be a thorn in the side of most teams, even if he doesn't rip them open. A bit like a Parkinson (if you can remember back that far) but with a bit more heft. Defence slightly pedestrian, though I'd expect Efete to do more in attack once the team is more settled and fitness is up to scratch.

Looked to me like a team which ought to be able to secure a place in the play-offs, if we can improve a bit and put away some of the chances.

Really enjoyed today, regardless of the game - which for the most part was pretty good.

McAtee, Taylor and Fox were a real class above and I’m really excited about them. I feel we’re obviously short of a centre forward because for all our dominance we still lacked something and Weymouth were absolutely dire.

What a day though.

Why are people shocked that sometimes it was huff and puff against one of the lower teams in the division? We’ve been here before, against teams that are trying not to lose rather than to win…we’ll see plenty of games like today, if we win who gives a excrement?

Sousa can be exciting and I think people will make him in to a cult type player. Mcatee is decent and took his goal well.

Back four looked decent although, much like before, Pearson lacks pace which could be an issue but time will tell.

Weymouth offered very little although if the bloke behind me is gonna be as negative and worried like he was yesterday he’s gonna need Samaritans before the end of September. Although listening to him moan about never scoring as Mcatee dumped one bottom corner was a highlight…

Quoted from Poojah

Have to admit, I felt slightly emotional being back at BP for the first time since February 2020. It felt both utterly familiar and incredibly strange at the same time - a day which felt like it might never come at times over the course of the past 18 months.

The minute’s applause before the game almost had me choking up - absolutely for those we’ve lost in the time since we beat Scunny away last March but also for the moments lost by all of us in not being able to do what we love on a Saturday afternoon for so long.

In terms of the game, a reminder of what’s to come this season  - Weymouth were prepared to defend deep in numbers, more with determination than quality, in the hope they can sneak something when they have an inevitable spell of control. They indeed had that spell, and came close to scoring on a couple of occasions up as, but I don’t think it’s any coincidence our goal came during the one spell in which they decided to have a go.

The standard in this division is noticeably lower. Less pace, less power, players technically not as sharp as in League Two, but we do possess quality in the likes of McAtee and Fox, whilst Sousa looks an interesting wild card if we can get him playing consistently at full tilt - he needs to work on his end product but showed promise.

It’s always difficult to make judgement after one game, especially against a side not expected to be up there like Weymouth. I feel there’s more to come from this side though, and given the disruption to our preparation for this game I think we have to take a hard fought and deserved win as a positive.

All in all, brilliant to see and hear the ground in such good spirits and to see so many familiar faces that I haven’t seen for so long. There will be setbacks this season. There will be games like today which we don’t win, or maybe even lose. But in my opinion we have a solid team who appear to want to play in the right way. We’re not Wrexham, but we appear to have a solid platform upon which to rebuild ourselves.

UTM!

Totally agree,  it nearly got me too.

Lost my little sister, she was only 28.
Lost my brother in law in April and my nan last month

The emotions in that minute was overwhelming but i know all three were there with all of us along with the others people have lost during this horrendous pandemic.

Beautiful touch by town to add that yesterday and we did them all proud.

UTM X

It's really good to read all the positiveness about the match, from the experience, food, and Towns performance. It was the first match of the season, the weather was good, the first match in over 500 days at home, the first match for the new owners and most importantly we won.

I find it hard to understand why some people are so negative both on here and reports at the game itself. What on earth is there to moan about when according to 99.9% of fans it was a good day. Quite honestly if you don't like the above paragraph then you're not a fan, are you!

Shoutout to Max Wright as well, I thought him coming on swung the game in our favour

Quoted from DB

It's really good to read all the positiveness about the match, from the experience, food, and Towns performance. It was the first match of the season, the weather was good, the first match in over 500 days at home, the first match for the new owners and most importantly we won.

I find it hard to understand why some people are so negative both on here and reports at the game itself. What on earth is there to moan about when according to 99.9% of fans it was a good day. Quite honestly if you don't like the above paragraph then you're not a fan, are you!

Should’ve heard the bloke behind me. I’m all for moaning, especially when they’re shite but fuckinh hell, there was a spell we dominated and just kept chuntering and moaning…

Not fully read this thread, but a special mention for Clifton.
Often read on here, he wouldn't play if wasnt local, but first half he was fantastic.
Strong, aggressive, read the game well and won some free kicks, really positive from him IMO

Great to see Pearson and The shop, both incredible pros!

We was solid as expected, didnt set the world alight, but didn't expect to so early in the season.

Mcatee is the perfect no 10.
Aggressive, angry, and his vision and runs are very very good!
He struts around like he's ready to kick off, and it's something we haven't had for years, and I love that!!

Sousa comments on page 1 and 2 are strange.... he's a real pain for defenders, will win us free kicks, and be a big part for me.

Quoted from Jarmo.Is.God

Not fully read this thread, but a special mention for Clifton.
Often read on here, he wouldn't play if wasnt local, but first half he was fantastic.
Strong, aggressive, read the game well and won some free kicks, really positive from him IMO

Great to see Pearson and The shop, both incredible pros!

We was solid as expected, didnt set the world alight, but didn't expect to so early in the season.

Mcatee is the perfect no 10.
Aggressive, angry, and his vision and runs are very very good!
He struts around like he's ready to kick off, and it's something we haven't had for years, and I love that!!

Sousa comments on page 1 and 2 are strange.... he's a real pain for defenders, will win us free kicks, and be a big part for me.

I thought Mcatee looked great and I agree, seems to have a screw loose. Loves a tackle, never stops and just wants it…all the time. Love that…

I agree with Sousa too, people seemingly a bit harsh on him, granted he should’ve scored but may be it was just a good save?

For a side that’s suffered some disruption, allegedly isn’t ready and lost its captain before the game, I thought we looked decent…

The best players in history tend to have a screw loose , I like that in him

Genuinely scratching my head at some of the comments about Sousa, I thought he worked hard, dragged the defenders all over and looks dangerous with the ball at his feet. Yes sometimes the end product wasn’t there but hopefully he will settle into it, I can’t wait to see him at full tilt.

McAtee - brilliant. If there’s many better players in the league this season, I’ll be surprised.

UTFM

Did the players 'take the knee' yesterday?

Yes and got a great reception.

Quoted from GhostDan

Genuinely scratching my head at some of the comments about Sousa, I thought he worked hard, dragged the defenders all over and looks dangerous with the ball at his feet. Yes sometimes the end product wasn’t there but hopefully he will settle into it, I can’t wait to see him at full tilt.

UTFM

Well said. In one of the pre season games was the player who caught my eye the most.

Quoted from Ipswin

Did the players 'take the knee' yesterday?

Yep. And it was rightly applauded. Some boo’s from the right hand side of the upper but they dont have a brain between them

Quoted from aldi_01

Should’ve heard the bloke behind me. I’m all for moaning, especially when they’re shite but fuckinh hell, there was a spell we dominated and just kept chuntering and moaning…

At the end of the game the bloke next to me turned round and said ..... wait for it..... "too much passing" you sometimes wonder if some people actually get a bigger kick out of looking at the negatives.

Think Soussa will be a handful as things settle down and other players find space around him. We also saw some of what a good player Clifton is when others around him are happy to also do some work.    

There was a guy a couple of rows behind me energetically booing when they took the knee. He must be one of those anti-anti-racists who are in the news quite often.

I don't really agree with the knee thing but applauded with most others to show this sort of sharp object that I didn't agree with him.

Quoted from Maringer

There was a guy a couple of rows behind me energetically booing when they took the knee. He must be one of those anti-anti-racists who are in the news quite often.

I don't really agree with the knee thing but applauded with most others to show this sort of sharp object that I didn't agree with him.

I was surprised to see/hear one of the blokes who sits near us who's I quite like boo the knee. Amazing how much people displayong what they believe in brings out odd behaviours in others.  

Was nice to see a black supremacy salute by Efete, does wonders for race relations🤯

Quoted from Humbercod

Was nice to see a black supremacy salute by Efete, does wonders for race relations🤯

Oh get over yourself

Quoted from Maringer

There was a guy a couple of rows behind me energetically booing when they took the knee. He must be one of those anti-anti-racists who are in the news quite often.

I don't really agree with the knee thing but applauded with most others to show this sort of sharp object that I didn't agree with him.

I thought you weren't going because of covid concerns?

You don't agree with taking the knee but applauded anyway?!

This is why I take with a pinch of salt a lot of comments on here. All that hullabaloo about covid/masks but just as predicted when it comes down to matchday none of it mattered - you either are willing to take a small risk or you aren't. You lot jump on the nearest bandwagon and can't get off.

There’s a million other threads on here for you to have this boring debate, again. Spare us having to read it all again ffs.

Quoted from MuddyWaters

We deserved the win, impressed with Taylor first half who gave us a real focal point. Always going to be tough against a team that had already played and Weymouth were decent enough.

Plusses? The defence, Taylor first half and a quality McAtee finish. Less so? Sousa was a little greedy and Hunt didn’t do a lot.

Mom Efete.

I thought we played OK in the first half with plenty of possession and passing but failed to really look like scoring, Sousa had the best chance but the keeper saved it.

Second half we started brightly LJL missing from a couple of feet, (the words cows bottom and banjo sprang to mind) he then had another good shot but after that I thought we started to struggle a bit. It took a class goal to win the game as before that they were looking dangerous. I would say that in the main I thought they were a very poor side and we will have to do better against some of the more competent teams in this league.

Quoted from ska face

There’s a million other threads on here for you to have this boring debate, again. Spare us having to read it all again ffs.

Why do you think Swin asked the question ?
He wasn’t really bothered. Just wanted to fuk up this thread.
It’s far too positive for his liking.  

Quoted from Civvy at last

Why do you think Swin asked the question ?
He wasn’t really bothered. Just wanted to fuk up this thread.
It’s far too positive for his liking.  

I asked because I was surprised no one had mentioned it especially as so many think it so important.
Folk were creaming their jeans about the free scarves, the totally different atmosphere, how wonderful it all was, the fanzone, the flipping sprinklers, the scotch eggs (FFS!),, the beer, how amazing it was to beat mighty Weymouth 1-0, how the new owners can walk on water, how McAtee is England bound, how wonderful that the players gave their shirts away and how everyone applauded before kick off and the queue for a urine was unchanged

I didn't want anyone to comment (Ska started it by adding to his basic yes/no answer about it being well received) I find the whole thing a total pain in the bottom, I merely wanted to ask if we were still doing it in the depths of the non-league. They'll be taking the knee at Ploggers next!

Incidentally I think Ska was talking about the Covid / vaccination / mask discussion starting up again not the fact that I asked about kneeling

There has been some shite posted on here over the years but to say Efete looks "out of his depth" is about the most ridculous comment
He was borderline MOM and many around me yesterday agreed

Sousa was playing at lower level last season - on that basis I though he was excellent and will get better

Swim back with a vengeance 😂😂ffs

Quoted from Ipswin

Incidentally I think Ska was talking about the Covid / vaccination / mask discussion starting up again not the fact that I asked about kneeling

No, it was the kneeling.

Alle reden vom kneeling. Wir nicht

Quoted from Ipswin

I asked because I was surprised no one had mentioned it especially as so many think it so important.
Folk were creaming their jeans about the free scarves, the totally different atmosphere, how wonderful it all was, the fanzone, the flipping sprinklers, the scotch eggs (FFS!),, the beer, how amazing it was to beat mighty Weymouth 1-0, how the new owners can walk on water, how McAtee is England bound, how wonderful that the players gave their shirts away and how everyone applauded before kick off and the queue for a urine was unchanged

I didn't want anyone to comment (Ska started it by adding to his basic yes/no answer about it being well received) I find the whole thing a total pain in the bottom, I merely wanted to ask if we were still doing it in the depths of the non-league. They'll be taking the knee at Ploggers next!

Incidentally I think Ska was talking about the Covid / vaccination / mask discussion starting up again not the fact that I asked about kneeling

You may not have to have asked the initial question if you'd have got off your @rse like many exiles did and made the trip.

Quoted from ska face

No, it was the kneeling.

Alle reden vom kneeling. Wir nicht

I stand corrected, as do most people you post replies to

Sousa might be better suited to playing away where teams are a bit more open and we can break quickly on them.

Quoted from HertsGTFC

You may not have to have asked the initial question if you'd have got off your @rse like many exiles did and made the trip.

Firstly I'm not that interested and secondly I have already made my position clear whilst Hurst is in charge. I certainly wouldn't drive to Grimsby and back to see a classic against Weymouth, pick up a free scarf and try a scotch egg, I might do Kings Lynn and Southend to see Pete for a pint if he is going and my lad drives.

Quoted from Ipswin

Firstly I'm not that interested and secondly I have already made my position clear whilst Hurst is in charge. I certainly wouldn't drive to Grimsby and back to see a classic against Weymouth, pick up a free scarf and try a scotch egg, I might do Kings Lynn and Southend to see Pete for a pint if he is going and my lad drives.

I'm sure Hurst is losing sleep about your abstinence. I do find it odd how a published author can be such a spiteful so and so but maybe that's the inspiration for your art.  

Quoted from HertsGTFC

I'm sure Hurst is losing sleep about your abstinence. I do find it odd how a published author can be such a spiteful so and so but maybe that's the inspiration for your art.  

It's not a case of being spiteful at all. I stated on Hurst's re-appointment that in my opinion (I take it that is still allowed) it was a mistake and a missed opportunity (one major step forward and two steps back) given the takeover of the club, a moment seen by most people as a fantastic new dawn.

I don't rate the man and I hoped the new regime might have invested money in a manager (rather than sprinklers and scotch eggs perhaps?) rather than reverting to Hurst (on the cheap no doubt as he was unemployed)

I made my position clear and as I undertook to do then, and I haven't done a u-turn by posting here again, I intend to refrain from any comment about Hurst, the team and results etc

Nothing would please me more than to be proved wrong and to see Town back in the Football League next season or the season after that for that matter

Quoted from Ipswin

It's not a case of being spiteful at all. I stated on Hurst's re-appointment that in my opinion (I take it that is still allowed) it was a mistake and a missed opportunity (one major step forward and two steps back) given the takeover of the club, a moment seen by most people as a fantastic new dawn.

I don't rate the man and I hoped the new regime might have invested money in a manager (rather than sprinklers and scotch eggs perhaps?) rather than reverting to Hurst (on the cheap no doubt as he was unemployed)

I made my position clear and as I undertook to do then, and I haven't done a u-turn by posting here again, I intend to refrain from any comment about Hurst, the team and results etc

Nothing would please me more than to be proved wrong and to see Town back in the Football League next season or the season after that for that matter

I don't think the club have invested in scotch eggs. Just got caterers in who provide better food and drink.

But, when given time, Paul Hurst builds teams that work their nuts off and I think we need to identify with a team again, like we did in 1998 and 2016.

Quoted from Ipswin

I asked because I was surprised no one had mentioned it especially as so many think it so important.
Folk were creaming their jeans about the free scarves, the totally different atmosphere, how wonderful it all was, the fanzone, the flipping sprinklers, the scotch eggs (FFS!),, the beer, how amazing it was to beat mighty Weymouth 1-0, how the new owners can walk on water, how McAtee is England bound, how wonderful that the players gave their shirts away and how everyone applauded before kick off and the queue for a urine was unchanged

I didn't want anyone to comment (Ska started it by adding to his basic yes/no answer about it being well received) I find the whole thing a total pain in the bottom, I merely wanted to ask if we were still doing it in the depths of the non-league. They'll be taking the knee at Ploggers next!

Incidentally I think Ska was talking about the Covid / vaccination / mask discussion starting up again not the fact that I asked about kneeling

There's something very strangely biblical going on here....how to p**s off 5,000

Personally I can't see Hurst being 'the cheap option' he's a pretty established manager these days.

Quoted from Ipswin

It's not a case of being spiteful at all. I stated on Hurst's re-appointment that in my opinion (I take it that is still allowed) it was a mistake and a missed opportunity (one major step forward and two steps back) given the takeover of the club, a moment seen by most people as a fantastic new dawn.

I don't rate the man and I hoped the new regime might have invested money in a manager (rather than sprinklers and scotch eggs perhaps?) rather than reverting to Hurst (on the cheap no doubt as he was unemployed)

I made my position clear and as I undertook to do then, and I haven't done a u-turn by posting here again, I intend to refrain from any comment about Hurst, the team and results etc

Nothing would please me more than to be proved wrong and to see Town back in the Football League next season or the season after that for that matter

I’m not sure I’ve ever disagreed with any comment more, on any subject, ever.

You “support” the club, not the manager, not the owners and not even the players to a certain extent. If nothing would please you more than seeing us go up, get off The Fishy on a Saturday afternoon and down to BP.

UTM

Quoted from Ipswin

It's not a case of being spiteful at all. I stated on Hurst's re-appointment that in my opinion (I take it that is still allowed) it was a mistake and a missed opportunity (one major step forward and two steps back) given the takeover of the club, a moment seen by most people as a fantastic new dawn.

I don't rate the man and I hoped the new regime might have invested money in a manager (rather than sprinklers and scotch eggs perhaps?) rather than reverting to Hurst (on the cheap no doubt as he was unemployed)

I made my position clear and as I undertook to do then, and I haven't done a u-turn by posting here again, I intend to refrain from any comment about Hurst, the team and results etc

Nothing would please me more than to be proved wrong and to see Town back in the Football League next season or the season after that for that matter

I prefer Noche to you…

Quoted from Ipswin

I asked because I was surprised no one had mentioned it especially as so many think it so important.
Folk were creaming their jeans about the free scarves, the totally different atmosphere, how wonderful it all was, the fanzone, the flipping sprinklers, the scotch eggs (FFS!),, the beer, how amazing it was to beat mighty Weymouth 1-0, how the new owners can walk on water, how McAtee is England bound, how wonderful that the players gave their shirts away and how everyone applauded before kick off and the queue for a urine was unchanged

I didn't want anyone to comment (Ska started it by adding to his basic yes/no answer about it being well received) I find the whole thing a total pain in the bottom, I merely wanted to ask if we were still doing it in the depths of the non-league. They'll be taking the knee at Ploggers next!

Incidentally I think Ska was talking about the Covid / vaccination / mask discussion starting up again not the fact that I asked about kneeling

There's something strangely biblical here...................how to p**s off 5,000 fishes!!!!!

Quoted from Ipswin

Nothing would please me more than to be proved wrong and to see Town back in the Football League next season or the season after that for that matter

Oh give over, Swin. You've been reeling out this schtick since the Topica email list days of 1996, regardless of who is the manager. I'd say it was wearing thin, but holes started appearing in it twenty years ago. Haven't you got anything better to do with your time?