Just back

Wow. That was flipping incredible

First half i thought first 30 we played well but went to sleep and were punished, started 2nd really well but rank bad defending made it 3-1. Then the gamechanger. I must admit i didnt see a hand, but great compusure by Mcatee who was absolutely
Brilliant all game, we attacked and attacked and a great ball from Sousa who never stopped all game, super diving header from Taylor. game almost fizzled out but then that free kick. Magical. Majestic. The roar from every stand. Ive not heard an atmosphere like it at BP for some time.
Kudos every player for not giving up, my MOM Waterfall who despite conceeding 3, i thought was excellent, mcatee a close 2nd

Well! Well! Well!

3 points in the bag.

What an effort in the second half

5th in the league with a game in hand

Brilliant fight back and what a winner. The results in the Nat League, however, are all over the place. Consistency is going to be the key. Good start by the Mariners.

Great game great fight  back... does anyone know when and where the high lights are shown.. Hope we can show this much fighting spirit in the games to come

Played 3 and 7 points, no defeats & spent little. Wrexham and Stockport below us and spent millions between them. What they can't buy is 5,000 fans like Grimsby fantastic fans to cheer on a team.

The results show that this league is wide open and we can win it.

Quoted from Pocklington Mariner

Great game great fight  back... does anyone know when and where the high lights are shown.. Hope we can show this much fighting spirit in the games to come

Log onto Abdul, match thread, for the winning Gooaaal.

Awful goals to concede. Would have taken a point at 3-3 given the fact we were 2 goals down.

On the balance of play though, we kept attacking them for 90 minutes and deserved to win. Great way to win it at the end against a very unsporting Barnet.

Sousa looked much better on the right wing and we did look to be trying too hard to score at times.

McAtee covers every single blade of grass.

I've not seen a Town team attack like that for along time . Even at 1-3 down it still felt possible to get something . Superb spirit Hurst has installed already . Mcatee mom bit Sousa was superb today

It sounds like the team is really coming together quite quickly, I feel like last time in none league we had a high turnover of players and it took a long time to figure the squad out but we seem to already have a foundation to build on this time

Really good value day at BP. If you’ve not been back yet you simply must. The polar opposite of what you’d expect a Paul Hurst team to do and I think there’ll be a lot of work for the players this week at the ground. The goals against were poor but even at 3-1 I felt we had enough to get something from the game and for the second week running the crowd played it’s part in getting the win. I reckon if we can all stay on the same page as the team we could maybe surprise a few this season.

Great three points however unlikely it seemed after a couple of individual errors. Got to give credit to PH for sending the same team out for the second half as we looked decent enough going forward. Terrific goals to win it, great support from the fans and several excellent individual performances. McAtee looks outstanding at this level, Sousa much more effective when he stays wide, great finish by Taylor but I’ll go with Hunt as MoM not just for the goal but he drove us on most of the game.

I thought Hunt was superb. Really dictates play and got it wide early with some real quality. The winner was an absolute screamer but it was a lovely cross and header for the equaliser as well.

What a game - from joy to despair to elation, a sending off, two penalties, seven goals and a happy ending.  Most entertaining game I've seen for a long time.

I think McAtee was my MOM although difficult to say.  Some worries in defence, and although we had plenty of shots on goal, there were occasions when I felt some of our players were a bit scared to have a go.  Hopefully the final scoreline (and goals) will boost confidence and give the new players a taste of what Blundell Park can be like on a good day.  Town support was superb.  BP was buzzing.

What a great day out. met Mr Stockwood who took the time to go around the fanzone and chat to the supporters which is a breath of fresh air. Game was a mental one we shouldve probably have been 2 up before they pulled it back and then went ahead. 3rd goal for them was a suspicion of offside but then Barnet had a full on meltdown allowing us back in and eventually we came out on top. The attacking play today at times was sublime with the passing and moving. McAtee looks like a player leagues above this level (aside from gifting them the turnover in play for the second goal). Sousa looked threatening down the right and Bapaga kicked it up a gear in the second half. Hunt was brilliant as well overall a good performance with the only let down being a few sloppy goals.

I don't think the officials made 1 mistake between them, especially the one with the black and white flag.

Quoted from DB

Log onto Abdul, match thread, for the winning Gooaaal.

Cheers for that
Just seen the highlights are on Bt sport 1 7.30 after the Yeovil game

Quoted from Pocklington Mariner

Cheers for that
Just seen the highlights are on Bt sport 1 7.30 after the Yeovil game

Then they should be available on BT Sports Youtube channel later on this evening, or tomorrow, for those who dont get BT Sport on their TV

Quoted from DB

Log onto Abdul, match thread, for the winning Gooaaal.

Cheers for that
Just seen the highlights are on Bt sport 1 7.30 after the Yeovil game

McAtee has the same amount of goals as our top scorers in the league last season. That's how bad we were last year.  One more and he will equal Pollock in all comps.

Stupid goals to give away but plenty of positives.

Some really nice play down the right with good movement and good link up play, particularly in the first 30. McAtee is an excellent player and is going to be so important.
Hunt is fantastic, dictates the tempo, makes the right decisions and so composed on the ball.
I like the look of both full backs, pretty solid defensively.
Sousa was very tricky and gave their defence a lot to think about.
Taylor is a good hold up striker and took his goal very well.
Waterfall was very good and as one of his biggest critics last season, I am eating a bit of humble pie.

Only players who weren't so good were Coke who was well off the pace, particularly towards the end of the first half. And Bapaga who just didn't really get anything right and offered no support to Crookes defensively.

Still, 7 points from 9 and creating lots of good opportunities. Things to work on defensively but I'm sure Hurst will sort that out. UTM!

I'm trying to keep my GTFC stats up to date this season (see signature below) but already struggling with the assists.  I've only counted Sousa today (for Ryan Taylor's goal).  Did anyone see any more?

Quoted from Mayaman

McAtee has the same amount of goals as our top scorers in the league last season. That's how bad we were last year.  One more and he will equal Pollock in all comps.

Please, leave last season where it belongs in the past.

Quoted from marinette

I'm trying to keep my GTFC stats up to date this season (see signature below) but already struggling with the assists.  I've only counted Sousa today (for Ryan Taylor's goal).  Did anyone see any more?

The other 3 were all dead balls so no assists? Where's Duncan Alexander when you need him?

Quoted from Abdul19

The other 3 were all dead balls so no assists? Where's Duncan Alexander when you need him?

Surely the penalty or free kick winner counts as the assist?

Quoted from toontown

Surely the penalty or free kick winner counts as the assist?

Yes, that's what I was thinking, but not sure.

Quoted from toontown

Surely the penalty or free kick winner counts as the assist?

I believe it's whichever player hands the ball to the penalty or free-kick taker gets the assist..

Just seen the goals on BT. Brilliant header from Taylor.

Enjoyable game. Great goal at the end to win it. Overall good team performance . Special mention to Sousa and Bapaga who I thought looked especially good .

Quoted from Mayaman

McAtee has the same amount of goals as our top scorers in the league last season. That's how bad we were last year.  One more and he will equal Pollock in all comps.

And Lenny, he got 4 league goals. The shop deserves his props.....

More entertainment in 45 minutes than there was in a season. In fact, that doesn’t do today justice.

Absolutely mental game. Utterly brilliant spectacle.

flipping loved it.

Just wow ..what a game, what an atmosphere and what a club....and who said football would be boring under Hurst??...

First game back.  If Carlsberg did entertaining and winning matches, then this was it.

Last 2 Town goals equalised and won the game.  Have we ever scored 2 better goals in one half?

Great day out.  Echo comments already made.

I forecast the result (in a way) by talking in the car today about Forest winning their first European Cup.  They were 2 goals at home in their semi-final against Cologne.  This was 1979.  They drew 3-3.  

Cologne were very strong favourites to reach the final, they were German double winners. Forest were outstanding and won 1-0.  (Won 4-3 on aggregate, from 2-0 down at home, hence the link).  I went to the 2nd leg as serving in Germany in the RAF.  A very special game for any Forest fan or Brit).

Apart from 2 , possibly 3, absolute bits of rank bad defending on our part...and maybe a fortunate 2nd penalty I thought it was a pretty impressive performance and deserved win.
No shirkers or passengers in the side , only Bapaga looking a bit unsure but the rest worked and worked and worked to grab that game back.
That is what Hurst selects in players and instills in them and it paid dividends.
Some really nice passages of play as well, overdoing several times instead of getting the shot off but fantastic to see players happy to take and work the ball in right areas.

Last season we would have lost that, last season we wouldnt have got that second penalty or the rub from the officials...but then maybe the new board arent as tight as the old one and are happy to buy the officials  this season 🤣

UTM

I,d just like to say that the referee was the best ive seen for a long time at Blundell Park, i,d have him back for every home game any day.

First actual game I've been to in a couple of years due to all the 'demicy stuff going on. Felt like payback after the ifollow streams paid for last season and the best result I witnessed was the 0-0 with Colchester.

Second brilliant Saturday afternoon in a row.

To start with, I have to say what a difference I feel it makes to the whole matchday experience having proper food at the ground. It's already part of going to the game for me now, seeing which food outlets are there and where, and getting some top quality scran.

Onto the game. Played 4-2-3-1 which means we've started each of the 3 games so far with a different formation.

Started well. Didn't get a clear view of the early penalty incident to be honest but was good to get an early goal. Barnet eventually regrouped and I thought they looked like a decent side for most of the first half. Looked quite lively when in our half and at one point I wandered whether our one-paced left half of the back 4 (Crookes/Pearson) would need changing as they seemed to be getting around or through us on that side with their fairly quick players.

Despite Barnet giving a decent account of themselves 1st half, we actually looked very threatening ourselves. Was promising to see us counter attack very quickly a couple of times through McAtee, Sousa and Efete joining in too. Didn't get a chance to do that last week with Weymouth not committing enough players forward for us to be able to counter attack. We could and should have scored 3 in the first half. McAtee spurned a great chance sidefooting wide, Sousa had one saved and Taylor had one ruled out.

Link up down the right was good, with Sousa, McAtee, Efete and Hunt all central to a lot of decent football. On the left, Bapaga was ok but he did look like someone making their first competitive start. Played within himself and was quite safe, turning inside to pass infield each time and didn't really have a run at the full back. Whipped a great cross in just before half time though, and I think there could be more to come from him as he builds confidence.

Have to agree with mariner91 re:Coke I'm afraid. Thought he was off the pace a little bit at times. Last season he was very good in a 3 man central midfield and today it was a much different set-up in midfield with just the two in there. Hurst was also spot on in his post match interview about McAtee not quite dropping in as much as he should've done out of possession. Coke wasn't awful by any means, but he did struggle at times with the pace of it and Barnets mobility.

2nd half we undoubtedly upped the tempo. I'm sure they would've been asked to do that at HT, but playing at a higher tempo is someting that can definitely be influenced or helped by a good crowd. And once we were awarded the penalty in the 2nd half the noise went up, and stayed up. A really lively crowd gets the players buzzing and playing quicker. And what a pivotal moment that penalty decision was. I've very rarely seen a team lose their heads and capitulate from a single incident as that. Kewell lost his head and got sent off, and that almost set the tone for his players to just bottle it too. Yes they were down to 10 men, but that's no excuse for a team to lose their heads and give away a 3-1 lead to lose 4-3. I've seen Kewell's post match comments and he's acting like no team has ever avoided defeat after a red card and it was game over as soon as the lad was sent off.

Then it was just a matter of could we get the goals to win it before we ran out of time. Brilliant goal from Taylor after good work from Sousa (who looked more assured today I thought) was pleasing and helps psychologically knowing all our goals haven't been set-pieces/pens. And the Hunt free kick was excellent.

MOM

Normally its easy or lazy journalism to give MOM to a goalscorer, or the guy who scores the winner. And you often see it with the sponsors MOM at BP. But even before his match-winning free kick, I was thinking Hunt had been excellent and would be my MOM. I think this lad is a touch of class. Was impressed with him last Saturday and even more so today. He plays quickly, moves the ball on quick, makes good decisions (when to lay it off first time, when to recycle, when to take a few touches), is brave with his pass selection, tries to play forward, links well with people in tight spaces, gets the ball out wide with urgency, and always wants to get on the ball. Have we only got him on loan till January? If so I can see Wednesday pulling him back in January, either for themselves, or to send him to a League Two club if we're not having a meaningful season challenging around the top end.

Fantastic afternoon. UTM.

Quoted from Tommy

On the left, Bapaga was ok but he did look like someone making their first competitive start. Played within himself and was quite safe, turning inside to pass infield each time and didn't really have a run at the full back. Whipped a great cross in just before half time though, and I think there could be more to come from him as he builds confidence

Fantastic afternoon. UTM.

Great report Tommy. Bapaga in patches  looked dangerous  which is why I really liked  him. Give him time as you say and I think will be effective in the conference.

Quoted from Rick12

Great report Tommy. Bapaga in patches  looked dangerous  which is why I really liked  him. Give him time as you say and I think will be effective in the conference.

Bapaga didn’t do his defensive duties terribly well but he’s very inexperienced. Must be a tough call between him and Max. Also must be a difficult call to leave Clifton out on current form.

Quoted from MuddyWaters

Bapaga didn’t do his defensive duties terribly well but he’s very inexperienced. Must be a tough call between him and Max. Also must be a difficult call to leave Clifton out on current form.

To be fair to Clifton having not seen a great deal of him but from reading what others say is a worker and I admire that. Having said that I was glad Bapaga got the start over him.Competition in the squad is a healthy thing and keeps standards up.

Today was a testimony to why Hurst signs players with the right attitude and application.

I’m glad we got the result as we did so many good things in this game, I lost count of how many times we got in behind them. If any striker is considering signing for us the recording of today would surely spark his interest.

The thing I liked the most was at 1 - 3 nobody was panicking on and off the field, which is a very different feeling at BP.

MOM - a few to choose from but McAtee for me. Mentions need to go Hunt, Efete, Waterfall and Souussa.

Overall good day, a day which will mean a decent turnout for the Wrexham game I hope.

I turned off the radio at 1-3 and headed out for dinner with friends thinking "we always do this - couple of decent results and then blow up at home".

I literally screamed when I saw the score.  Digging in and getting a result this early in the season - it feels different from before....  there will be disappointments to come no doubt but there is intelligence at the top of this club at the moment from Stockwood down... and that ripples through the football club and into the support... as KingstonMariner said in another thread (I paraphrase) "treat people with respect and they will respond"

This is a good club to play for at this level - I am really looking forward to this season and wherever it takes us all....

Quoted from Yossarian

I turned off the radio at 1-3 and headed out for dinner with friends thinking "we always do this - couple of decent results and then blow up at home".

I literally screamed when I saw the score.  Digging in and getting a result this early in the season - it feels different from before....  there will be disappointments to come no doubt but there is intelligence at the top of this club at the moment from Stockwood down... and that ripples through the football club and into the support... as KingstonMariner said in another thread (I paraphrase) "treat people with respect and they will respond"

This is a good club to play for at this level - I am really looking forward to this season and wherever it takes us all....

You know what? There was no time today when I thought we were getting nothing. Belief is a great thing.

When everyone pulls in the same direction and the people at the top empower those below them, there is no limit to what you can achieve.

We should have put the game to bed in the first half but we didn't and I'm glad we didn't because the manner of that victory today will do wonders for team spirit and belief.

It won't always be like that but how many times have we seen heads go down when we are losing 3-1? They didn't and win, lose or draw, we have to applaud that.

Bloody hell! That should get the turnstiles clicking even more!

When we went 1-0 up early on I thought we were going to tonk them. 1-1, oh well, we're still on top, we'll win. 1-2, sodomist, but we can still do this. 1-3 Oh no here we go again. But they kept going and going. Sounded like the goals against were aberrations from an otherwise good performance. Never thought we would get 4 though.

Great header by Taylor. And what a strike from Hunt. I'm trying to stop myself from getting carried away.

Unlike John Tondeur who continues to reveal his inner Eeyore. When we got the second penalty he honestly said words to the effect that "McAtee has got a problem now". WTF! WTF John!!

2 outstanding goals for us.  

However, I was equally impressed with a goal for Brazil today.  In the blind players football their player skilfully beat 2 players and shot perfectly into the corner of the goal.  (As shown on the late BBC news tonight).

Did anyone see it?

Quoted from TownSNAFU5

2 outstanding goals for us.  

However, I was equally impressed with a goal for Brazil today.  In the blind players football their player skilfully beat 2 players and shot perfectly into the corner of the goal.  (As shown on the late BBC news tonight).

Did anyone see it?

bet no one on the pitch saw that coming

Quoted from KingstonMariner

Bloody hell! That should get the turnstiles clicking even more!

When we went 1-0 up early on I thought we were going to tonk them. 1-1, oh well, we're still on top, we'll win. 1-2, sodomist, but we can still do this. 1-3 Oh no here we go again. But they kept going and going. Sounded like the goals against were aberrations from an otherwise good performance. Never thought we would get 4 though.

Great header by Taylor. And what a strike from Hunt. I'm trying to stop myself from getting carried away.

Unlike John Tondeur who continues to reveal his inner Eeyore. When we got the second penalty he honestly said words to the effect that "McAtee has got a problem now". WTF! WTF John!!

To be fair, he did have a problem because the keeper knew what way he went last time. I admit to being nervous as I was expecting him to go for the opposite corner and the keeper guess right.

Spoke to most of the players at the end.
Coke said, he's never seen a dressing room atmosphere like it in his whole career, and I absolutely believe he was being genuine.
Credit Hurst and Doig for that, and the rest of the boys were well up for it as well, the futures bright, the future's black and white UTM

Quoted from jamesgtfc

To be fair, he did have a problem because the keeper knew what way he went last time. I admit to being nervous as I was expecting him to go for the opposite corner and the keeper guess right.

That's just negative thinking. He could have equally seen it as a problem for the goalkeeper or an opportunity for McAtee. Will he go the same way, or switch it? If he goes the same way and I don't go that way I'll look a d!ck, but if I do dive that way and he switches sides it's obvious!

If last week felt like an occasion, and even slightly surreal, being back at BP again today just felt totally and utterly normal, almost like the nightmare of the last 18 months had been a dream. Without a shadow of a doubt, that was the best afternoon I’ve had in all that time and probably a lot longer.

I’m going to overlook our defensive fragilities today because frankly they contributed to what was an absolutely brilliant spectacle. Not the best game you’ll ever see in terms of quality, but as far as entertainment and drama go you couldn’t ask for much more for your ticket money.

After the early penalty and goal we should have put them to bed, but lo and behold we go in 2-1 down against the general run of play in the first half. Welcome to the Conference.

Then, when that godawful third goal went in, I couldn’t help but think, “Seriously, why do I fúcking bother!?”.

If I needed a reminder, it arrived within the space of a minute. A penalty, what looked like a harsh red card and a goal to pull one back was just what we needed to make things interesting. Yet another cool as fúck finish from McAtee, who if not for shocking officials would have 4 in 3 so far.

Then, and this might be an unpopular opinion, the goal of the game from Taylor. After not particularly impressing me against Weymouth I thought he did really well today, and to turn the ball into the bottom corner with that diving header when his body shape and weight were pointing towards the corner flag was incredible - really difficult to do.

In saying that, I mean to take nothing away from Alex Hunt’s brilliant stoppage time free kick. I’ve watched it back on the telly several times and the technique is superb. Focus on his feet rather than the ball as it hits the back of the net - he has a big future ahead of him and the fact that he wasn’t afraid to drop down to the rough and tumble of the National League despite his slight physique is a massive credit to the kid.

The standout player for me though was McAtee. Putting his two pens aside he was aggressive, hard working and just has this air of quality about everything he does. Towards the end he was dropping deep just to get on the ball - he seems to have the confidence that he can change and dictate the game, with the ability to back it up. If he doesn’t score 20 this season I promise I will do something terrible with a sausage in front of the pontoon.

Managed to make it to the fan zone for the first time at half time. Beer was great and really impressed with the set-up but there was hardly anyone there. It’s tucked away in the corner and I think it needs some more prominent advertising. It would be a crying shame if it didn’t make a go of it long-term, but it needs more footfall than I saw at half time if it’s going to work.

All-in-all though, that was a thoroughly enjoyable match and one I expect will stay in the memory for a long, long time.

Don’t you just fúcking love football?

Well you can't say that wasn't exciting. Some very good football, some dodgy defending, 2 sending offs and a couple of outstanding goals.

Fanzone was packed before the game, I gave up on queuing for a drink there and went to the bar in the ground. Obviously for half time it's a bit out of the way. Does need some more prominent advertising in my opinion though for the uninitiated as its not obvious being tucked away

Think Hurst will go for 442 a fair bit this season with Sousa most effective deployed as an out and out winger. Does leave us a bit stretched at times which makes me wonder if he may be interested in a left sided midfielder that tucks in like Nolan did. Flipping brilliant today.

in mcatee i honestly believe we have the best player in the conferance his control vision composure & workrate belong at a much level than this , love watching him play reminds me of nolan in some ways

Dodgy highlights

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=4511376405567111&id=100000843877356

Chris Hargrives enjoyed it

Well what a great day that was for my first game in what? 20 months?

Went to the ground the earliest I have ever been and walked into the fanzone at 1pm. Chris Parker from the Trust bought me and my brother a pint (thanks Chris) and we watched the place fill up as kick off approached. Had another beer and an excellent Scotch egg, then proceeded into the ground, where my ticket was scanned- very 21st century. I sit down the bottom of the Upper and the new glass barrier is most welcome and another great touch.

As for the game, I couldn't have wished for more drama to welcome me back. Even at 1-3 down, I still felt we were the better side and was fairly confident we could get something from the day. Would have settled for a point, but the winner just put the icing on a very nice cake. Just as he was about to run up, I said, "go on lad, show us your quality", hoping he would put in a great cross and we would have someone on the end of it. Was astonished when he belted it into the net. Reminded me of the Conor Townsend free kick from the other side. Brilliant! It was also hilarious to watch their keeper suddenly have no time at all to take his goal kicks all of a sudden, after taking an age over previous ones. I love it when that happens.

First time I've seen most of the players and have to say that Hurst has a talent for finding good ones. McAtee is the stand out and was superb, though he did spurn 2 glorious chances. He will only get better I feel. Sousa was a right handful but his delivery needs working on. A lot of his crosses were weak and under hit, but again, that will improve with full time training. Bapaga beat himself more than he did the opposition and he needs to work on the defensive side of his game too. Taylor looks to be a clever, experienced forward who is a good focal point and he took his goal superbly. I agree with Poojah in that his was the best goal of the day. To score from that angle was no mean feat and I was surprised when it hit the back of the net, fully expecting it to go wide. Hunt was superb considering his relative inexperience.

The defence had a bad day at the office and got away with it, but it's something that needs work for the tougher challenges ahead.

After the game, I went back and had another celebratory pint in the fanzone, before walking home a very happy Town fan.

Quoted from ginnywings

Well what a great day that was for my first game in what? 20 months?

Went to the ground the earliest I have ever been and walked into the fanzone at 1pm. Chris Parker from the Trust bought me and my brother a pint (thanks Chris) and we watched the place fill up as kick off approached. Had another beer and an excellent Scotch egg, then proceeded into the ground, where my ticket was scanned- very 21st century. I sit down the bottom of the Upper and the new glass barrier is most welcome and another great touch.

As for the game, I couldn't have wished for more drama to welcome me back. Even at 1-3 down, I still felt we were the better side and was fairly confident we could get something from the day. Would have settled for a point, but the winner just put the icing on a very nice cake. Just as he was about to run up, I said, "go on lad, show us your quality", hoping he would put in a great cross and we would have someone on the end of it. Was astonished when he belted it into the net. Reminded me of the Conor Townsend free kick from the other side. Brilliant! It was also hilarious to watch their keeper suddenly have no time at all to take his goal kicks all of a sudden, after taking an age over previous ones. I love it when that happens.

First time I've seen most of the players and have to say that Hurst has a talent for finding good ones. McAtee is the stand out and was superb, though he did spurn 2 glorious chances. He will only get better I feel. Sousa was a right handful but his delivery needs working on. A lot of his crosses were weak and under hit, but again, that will improve with full time training. Bapaga beat himself more than he did the opposition and he needs to work on the defensive side of his game too. Taylor looks to be a clever, experienced forward who is a good focal point and he took his goal superbly. I agree with Poojah in that his was the best goal of the day. To score from that angle was no mean feat and I was surprised when it hit the back of the net, fully expecting it to go wide. Hunt was superb considering his relative inexperience.

The defence had a bad day at the office and got away with it, but it's something that needs work for the tougher challenges ahead.

After the game, I went back and had another celebratory pint in the fanzone, before walking home a very happy Town fan.

Agree with all that,but just to say as well what a fantastic atmosphere it was, the crowd really got behind the players and helped drive them on for the win. Fans were a very impressive 12th man yesterday

Quoted from toontown

Agree with all that,but just to say as well what a fantastic atmosphere it was, the crowd really got behind the players and helped drive them on for the win. Fans were a very impressive 12th man yesterday

Yes, of course. The fans were in good spirits, even at 1-3 down, they didn't get at the players, because we could see that the players were giving their all without much luck until that point. There is definitely a different mood around the place and the fans are more accepting than they were the last time we were non league I suspect.

Couple of other points I forgot to mention was Jason and Debbie mingling with the fans pre match in the fanzone, which was a nice touch.

Also, I think that one of the turning points of the game was when their no 26 went off with cramp. He was having a good game and Taylor wasn't getting much joy against him. Think he was the one marshalling their defence and with him going and the other being sent off, they just imploded.

Quoted from dicko995

https://twitter.com/i/status/1434253250602098695

That's a brilliant angle. Great strike.

Football's back.

The two games at Blundell Park the last two weekends have shown:

With thoughts and considerations to the paying customers - that they will attend if they are thought of and respected - rather than just taken as granted, or deemed as an irrelevance.

That support will contribute towards a far healthier and positive environment, which will undoubtedly aid the team.

It’s been noticeable how many have commented that they are attending, and enjoying it, having not been for a while.

Of course I’ve no doubt it won’t always be the same..the first time points are dropped there’ll be an element of ‘negativity’..there was yesterday by a small number at half time. But even then the vast majority were encouraged by the way we were playing.
I’d have gone home quite happy even if we hadn’t have got the points yesterday, the atmosphere pre-game, during the game, and afterwards was brilliant, the football was excellent at times, from both sides, and it was a cracking game made better with the atmosphere.

It’s just good to see Blundell Park being frequented by people of all ages, being thought of, and actually wanting to be there.

As for the team..it’s very much a work in progress imho, we’ve got a very good one in McAtee..both in terms of ability, nerve, leadership and attitude. Hunt has again a fantastic attitude, slight in physique but doesn’t hide, wants the ball and pivotal in getting the team playing. And there’s others who will undoubtedly improve as the season goes with experience and understanding. Of course there is a need to get a couple in as and when, but there no rush..

On the whole I don’t think anyone can argue it has been a tremendous start to the season.

Even at 1 - 3 down yesterday it still felt like we'd come back and at least get a point, the supporters not getting on their backs certainly helped with this though.

The players application and mental strength at 2 goals behind in front of a big crowd speaks volumes for this squad and the environment that Hurst is trying to create. I do agree the sending off certainly worked to our advantage as you could see Barnet then went into cheat mode rather than trying to keep the ball but you can only deal with what you're presented with and the players did that really effectively.

Yesterday felt like a day when the improved match day experience, recent positivity and having owners that engage and listen really helped put the support in a place where they'd get behind the lads when they needed backing rather than barracking.

This game will be remembered by me as an afternoon where I saw a snapshot of what success could look like if everyone stays on the same page and shows some patience.

Some bigger tests ahead for sure but at least we for the first time in a long time can see what the manager and club are trying to do, long may it continue as ultimately it will pay dividends.
  

Speaking to Coke after the game, he said the attitude in the dressing room is one of the best he's seen in his career, credit to Hurst for getting in the right characters, again 👏

Yesterday my better half predicted  a 4 - 3 scoreline  Towns favour... I chuckled... .now youre talking daft said I.

When we went 3 - 1 down my heart sank , but she said.. I told you 4 - 3, just wait....

Why oh why didnt I throw a tenner at the Bookies   ????

Wonder what odds I wudda got  ?

I’m hesitant about saying this as I’m afraid it might be premature.

It’s not difficult to see how we could have lost that game. We did didn’t, partly because of the work rate and talent of the squad, partly because of the support from the crowd and partly because of luck. I say luck in that it’s lucky at this level getting refs who make the right decision 😉.

That fight back could be a season defining performance. Seems odd to be saying of game 2, but that’s the way it feels.

Quoted from KingstonMariner

I’m hesitant about saying this as I’m afraid it might be premature.

It’s not difficult to see how we could have lost that game. We did didn’t, partly because of the work rate and talent of the squad, partly because of the support from the crowd and partly because of luck. I say luck in that it’s lucky at this level getting refs who make the right decision 😉.

That fight back could be a season defining performance. Seems odd to be saying of game 2, but that’s the way it feels.

Our neighbours down the A46 were "lucky" for 3 seasons on the trot - all those penalties and late goals, scabby feckers...of course at the same time they had unrivalled fitness, work ethic and great belief because of that. Maybe it was manufactured luck...

Quoted from KingstonMariner

I’m hesitant about saying this as I’m afraid it might be premature.

It’s not difficult to see how we could have lost that game. We did didn’t, partly because of the work rate and talent of the squad, partly because of the support from the crowd and partly because of luck. I say luck in that it’s lucky at this level getting refs who make the right decision 😉.

That fight back could be a season defining performance. Seems odd to be saying of game 2, but that’s the way it feels.

You make your own luck.

There's no doubt that many GTFC teams in the last 15-20 years would have rolled over at 3-1. These lads didn't.

If Carlesberge did entertaining comebacks.....

Quoted from KingstonMariner

I’m hesitant about saying this as I’m afraid it might be premature.

It’s not difficult to see how we could have lost that game. We did didn’t, partly because of the work rate and talent of the squad, partly because of the support from the crowd and partly because of luck. I say luck in that it’s lucky at this level getting refs who make the right decision 😉.

That fight back could be a season defining performance. Seems odd to be saying of game 2, but that’s the way it feels.

I agree wholeheartedly with this.

I said earlier in the week it is all about momentum at this stage, and it was important for us to get something from this game to keep our good start going. To come back like that, in such thrilling fashion will do wonders for the camps morale and confidence, and it bodes well for a decent season especially if we can capitalise by getting extra bodies in and a decent out and out striker. We have had seasons in the past, admittedly many moons ago where the portents were good from early on, and this is how it feels this time. I am not saying we will win the league, but a playoff place is well within our grasp.

I hadn't seen any of the new players till the Weymouth game, but credit to Hurst for finding real quality and getting them to blend so early on. Some of our football yesterday was sublime, and how Mcatee is playing at this level I will never know.

The crowd have been fantastic which is obviously a direct consequence of the new owners' approach and despite me being ultra cheesed off going back to non league I think my season ticket will be money very well spent.

Quoted from MuddyWaters

You make your own luck.

There's no doubt that many GTFC teams in the last 15-20 years would have rolled over at 3-1. These lads didn't.

I’ve always said this …
The reason teams at the top get so many penalties and last minute winners is because they spend more time in the oppositions box and are still pressing late on in games .
excrement teams get bad luck for the opposite reasons

Some months ago there was a thread about the missing fans at BP. I seem to recall that I said something like the fans were worth a goal to the team and many disagreed. I am pleased to say all those that disagreed were right and I was wrong.

I was wrong because the fans at BP are not worth 1 goal to the team because as Saturday proved they are worth 3 goals. From 3 - 1 down to a 4 - 3 win.

What's more there is a question often frequented on here which goes as 'Will that/him/them/that get you 3 points. We now have an answer to that 5,030 fans will.

Great game yesterday. Regardless of the great result it was just amazing entertainment.

Even after the final whistle it was gripping, the Barnet coach stopping the players shaking hands with the officials  

Quoted from headingly_mariner

Great game yesterday. Regardless of the great result it was just amazing entertainment.

Even after the final whistle it was gripping, the Barnet coach stopping the players shaking hands with the officials  

Towards the end of the game I couldn't work out if that old guy was telling off the lads on the bench or just pointing at them as he talked.

Everything about them was really odd.

Think I've just calmed down from the weekend as I was in absolute euphoria after that result. Grit and determination right through to the end thought I'd do a rating for the players for the match.

McKeown - (5) Think that he's suspect for crosses which we all know but the positioning for their 3rd worries me. I love James and he's an unbelievable shot stopper but I think Crocombe will give him a run for his money this year.

Efete - (7) Solid as you like. Can't remember him being beaten in a foot race and barely put a foot wrong all game. Looks quite unsure when going forward but can only imagine it's him trying to work into the system.

Pearson - (5) Think Shaun was at fault for their first by not being able to sort his feet out allowing their lad to waltz past him and pass to Tadsemir for an easy finish. Can't remember exactly but I think he also lost the initial header that got flicked on for their 3rd.

Waterfall - (7) Looked the more assured of the two and I'm glad that it's a new season as he looked berift of confidence last year. I think he's solid enough for the conference and will be great for us this season if he just needs to head and kick it.

Crookes - (7) A very steady Eddie. Much reminds me of Gregor Robertson. I get the sense he will be the player that always give you a 6 or 7 every week without ever being spectacular, he will very rarely put a foot wrong. I think Bapaga left him awfully exposed at times and was left sometimes two against one on his side.

Coke - (6) Didn't seem his usual self and lacked abit of panache, which is unlike him. Don't expect to see many performances like that from him but seemed a passenger in the game, wasn't awful by any means but I expect alot more from him against Torquay.

Hunt - (9) Echo the thoughts of what others say about how brilliant he is with the ball, great set piece taker and thought that he dictated the tempo which we played at. What an absolute wonderstrike for his goal aswell, very pleased that he's off the mark and I hope Paul will be on the blower soon enough to try make his loan till the end of the season, I think he's got a great future ahead of him.

Bapaga - (6) Looks very raw and looked like it was his first proper taste of football down here. I think with time he will settle down. Just looked like a deer in headlights sometimes, hopefully with a few more minutes in the tank he will settle and produce some key moments for us in a long season.

McAtee - (9) Not bad for a Scunny reject eh? Relentless workrate yet again and thought he was outstanding with the link-up play. Missed a sitter first half but each time he stood before the penalty I believed he would score. A player thats absolutely oozing with confidence and long may it continue as I believe he will be so important for us this year. I like he has a slight arrogance to his game and is abit of a $hithouse.

Sousa - (9) (MOTM) - Thought he was absolutely fantastic from the first minute, direct and always a threat. Darlo have really given us a good one here, he's taken to the National League like a duck to water. His performance deserved a goal to go with it and I think the defender is still trying to untie the knots that Sousa left his legs in. A real player that gets the crowd off their seats when he's running with the ball.

Taylor - ( Been a very very long time since we've had a target-man with the intelligence to link up play like he does. Love the way he plays and I feel that he's still not 100% as he hasn't had a full pre-season yet. Took his goal expertly and can tell why none of his previous clubs have ever had a bad word to say about him. Think that he will hit 15 atleast if we can keep him fit this year.

Can't argue with anything above.  Was a great afternoon entertainment wise and the spirit in the team was a genuine delight to watch.  I was actually gutted the game ended!

The officials at this level get a lot of criticism, often correctly.  But I thought the ref on Saturday was absolutely top drawer.  He cottoned onto Barnet's play-acting and the type of behaviour we've come to expect from a Harry Kewell side and wasn't having any of  it.  

I thought Barnet deserved their lead and, much like Weymouth, surprised me how well they knocked it about.  But for Kewell to suggest the referee helped us is just sour grapes.  The ref just got everything wrong and didn't fall hook, line and sinker for all the play-acting.

Thought the ref was top class and too good for this league, he reffed it as he saw it and was not fooled by Barnet's cheating and time wasting tatics

Quoted from Garth

Thought the ref was top class and too good for this league, he reffed it as he saw it and was not fooled by Barnet's cheating and time wasting tatics

A one off maybe 🙄

Not seen if flagged up before.  The NL Paper has dedicated ALL the front page to showing our winning goal celebrations!  Great to see.

Kewell is quoted as saying that some of the decisions made by the ref were totally ridiculous:  the ref helped them today.  He (the ref) was probably upset.  (What a load of cobblers from a sore loser).

Quoted from TownSNAFU5

Not seen if flagged up before.  The NL Paper has dedicated ALL the front page to showing our winning goal celebrations!  Great to see.

Kewell is quoted as saying that some of the decisions made by the ref were totally ridiculous:  the ref helped them today.  He (the ref) was probably upset.  (What a load of cobblers from a sore loser).

I thought the ref was generally decent but did anyone else think the red card was a tad harsh? It hits the player’s hand but it didn’t look deliberate to me, he’s very close to Sousa when he strikes the ball.

It completely shifted the momentum back in our favour.

I said on here after the Weymouth game, if there’s many better players in this league that McAtee - I’ll be very surprised and every game since he’s just solidified that.  He absolutely oozes class but it’s the work rate, aggression and desire that has impressed me the most.  Can’t remember how long his contract is but hope it’s a few years at least!

UTM.

I think the rules are now that if it's handball that clearly denies a goal, deliberate or not, then it's a red card.  

I guess you could argue that for the second penalty there's an argument if the ball was going to go in or not, probably levelled up against the Widdowson handball which looks more nailed on and that the ball was heading goalwards, albeit with further out and a host of bodies to go past.  Further argument is that Widdowson didn't get booked for that, he was then booked after the second penalty for dissent.

Quoted from GhostDan

I said on here after the Weymouth game, if there’s many better players in this league that McAtee - I’ll be very surprised and every game since he’s just solidified that.  He absolutely oozes class but it’s the work rate, aggression and desire that has impressed me the most.  Can’t remember how long his contract is but hope it’s a few years at least!

UTM.

Would you say he’s similar to Martin Patterson ?

Quoted from GhostDan

I said on here after the Weymouth game, if there’s many better players in this league that McAtee - I’ll be very surprised and every game since he’s just solidified that.  He absolutely oozes class but it’s the work rate, aggression and desire that has impressed me the most.  Can’t remember how long his contract is but hope it’s a few years at least!

UTM.

2 year deal.

He's only 21 years old...

Quoted from dapperz fun pub

Would you say he’s similar to Martin Patterson ?

Different players in my opinion, Patterson was a proper number 9 whereas McAtee is definitely more of a 10, withdrawn and likes to link play.  

Wouldn’t mind those 2 up front mind!

Quoted from Poojah

I thought the ref was generally decent but did anyone else think the red card was a tad harsh? It hits the player’s hand but it didn’t look deliberate to me, he’s very close to Sousa when he strikes the ball.

It completely shifted the momentum back in our favour.

Red card was a little harsh I think as it was pretty much point blank but it was the second time Barnet handled the ball in the box and they seemed to do star jumps when defending at corners. You just can't jump with your arms out horizontally and get away with it.

Widdowson was lucky not to get a red for his handball in the 4th minute and had it been a little closer to goal, he probably would have done so perhaps the later red card was considering that early penalty too?

The red was harsh IMO, but the rules are harsh. It’s a penalty and as it’s a handball that denies a goal it’s a red.