Just Back on the Train.

For me this was definitely two points dropped. Barnet were mediocre bit unfortunately we were even worse in the first half and created next to nothing.

We looked far more threatening with Fox and Abrahams on the pitch. Surely we must start with two upfront next Saturday at home to Maidenhead. I would definitely start with Fox instead of Jones too.

Most of the second half was played in the Barnet half and I lost count of the number of hopeful balls lobbed into the their densely crowded penalty area. In the end we managed to poke a couple over the like but this was more a result of persistence than quality.

It's a real missed opportunity. Three points were there for the taking and would have put us in the driving seat for 5th place. Now I think we will have to win all three remaining games to stand a chance of that. To do so we need to play for 90 minutes, not just 45.  

Jones is not the sort of player skill or character wise we need in the playoffs that's a fact

Quoted from RonMariner

For me this was definitely two points dropped. Barnet were mediocre bit unfortunately we were even worse in the first half and created next to nothing.

We looked far more threatening with Fox and Abrahams on the pitch. Surely we must start with two upfront next Saturday at home to Maidenhead. I would definitely start with Fox instead of Jones too.

Most of the second half was played in the Barnet half and I lost count of the number of hopeful balls lobbed into the their densely crowded penalty area. In the end we managed to poke a couple over the like but this was more a result of persistence than quality.

It's a real missed opportunity. Three points were there for the taking and would have put us in the driving seat for 5th place. Now I think we will have to win all three remaining games to stand a chance of that. To do so we need to play for 90 minutes, not just 45.  

And certainly more than 15 minutes.

Everyone getting everything spot on in here, don't think I've disagreed with a single thing that's been said. It's previously been noted that there's perhaps not a place in the squad for Taylor and Abrahams and while I think it's already been apparent to see what Taylor offers that Abrahams doesn't, we perhaps didn't see until yesterday the vice versa of that. Abrahams has got a level of aggression and combativeness that Taylor doesn't. He came on and bullied their defence. Won balls he had no right to and just unsettled them to the point whereby they only left one man on Waterfall at set pieces when previously they had two men wrestling him at every corner and free kick around their box. We still need that elusive #9 signing but if this is what Abrahams is about then I'm coming round to the idea of having him next season because we need someone who can act as a battering ram against the giant centre backs in this division and I think trying to get Taylor to do this is a waste of his better attributes.

Quoted from Son of Cod

Everyone getting everything spot on in here, don't think I've disagreed with a single thing that's been said. It's previously been noted that there's perhaps not a place in the squad for Taylor and Abrahams and while I think it's already been apparent to see what Taylor offers that Abrahams doesn't, we perhaps didn't see until yesterday the vice versa of that. Abrahams has got a level of aggression and combativeness that Taylor doesn't. He came on and bullied their defence. Won balls he had no right to and just unsettled them to the point whereby they only left one man on Waterfall at set pieces when previously they had two men wrestling him at every corner and free kick around their box. We still need that elusive #9 signing but if this is what Abrahams is about then I'm coming round to the idea of having him next season because we need someone who can act as a battering ram against the giant centre backs in this division and I think trying to get Taylor to do this is a waste of his better attributes.

I've wondered for a while if, lacking McAtee, the best front pairing for a 4-4-1-1 could be Abrahams ahead of Taylor.

Playing a bit deeper Taylor won't have a Bond villain CB to battle, and has the option to flick on - as well as spreading the play to the wings as he does now.

Having said that, I'm not sure playing the system we play well with McAtee - but poorly without - makes much sense when he's out injured. Is 4-4-2 a big risk?

I thought Abrahams was excellent yesterday. Showed aggression, good control, neat touches and nearly got himself a goal. I loved how he was trying to get the timewasting Barnet players onto their feet and was cajoling one of their subs to up his sedate pace getting off the pitch. If McAtee isn't back, would not be against the same top 6 that finished the game, starting against Maidenhead. He has a year left on his contract at Carlisle and although he hasn't exactly lit up anywhere he's been yet, at only 23, he has the potential to be a real player at this level. If we're in the National League next year I hope he's still with us

Quoted from 137

I've wondered for a while if, lacking McAtee, the best front pairing for a 4-4-1-1 could be Abrahams ahead of Taylor.

Playing a bit deeper Taylor won't have a Bond villain CB to battle, and has the option to flick on - as well as spreading the play to the wings as he does now.

Having said that, I'm not sure playing the system we play well with McAtee - but poorly without - makes much sense when he's out injured. Is 4-4-2 a big risk?

As far as formations go, 4-4-2 is one of the most basic formations and every player should be comfortable playing it.

Quoted from immariner

I thought Abrahams was excellent yesterday. Showed aggression, good control, neat touches and nearly got himself a goal. I loved how he was trying to get the timewasting Barnet players onto their feet and was cajoling one of their subs to up his sedate pace getting off the pitch. If McAtee isn't back, would not be against the same top 6 that finished the game, starting against Maidenhead. He has a year left on his contract at Carlisle and although he hasn't exactly lit up anywhere he's been yet, at only 23, he has the potential to be a real player at this level. If we're in the National League next year I hope he's still with us

I'd take him in a heartbeat, he's a real competitor.  

Hurst has clearly questioned himself on this one....he said in his post match he wanted to be on the front foot from the off and why wouldn't you against Barnet, yet he started with a back to goal single striker.....
He has admitted he got it wrong....but I don't think that means he will change, I think his admission of getting it wrong would apply to yesterday only.
You have to be adaptable, use the full squad, Barnet are woeful defensively but he didn't break from his habit despite not having the magic ingredient of Mcatee.
Looking at our fixtures and the still outstanding 6 pointers left in the top 7 then play offs should be guaranteed........just need to utilise the squad effectively.

I personally think Abrahams is a must signing what ever league we are in . He's has that combative attitude that defenders hate . Would Hurst go 442 to accommodate him ?