The Voice - Match preview Newport County vs Bradford City Saturday 23rd September 3:00pm

In place of Afoka on the bench for me

 

Afoka looks dross but he has been played as a striker and we lack those options - he will be gone when Oliver returns.

 

I suppose he’s got an easy out if Cook does nowt.
“Finding his feet after a couple of games out” if he struggles and “knew he’d come good” if he scores.

The Smallwood dropping really is a no brainer.
Looked slow,ponderous and negative in every game he’s played.

 

Not saying I'd do it but when has Hughes ever started with 4-4-2?

 

If it is just an impact injury for Cook then as he was on the grass before the game last week and he wasn't out for too long his fitness should be enough to get him through 60-70 minutes, the worry would be if he thinks he can manage the pain but gets a knock early on then we have an issue.

I think Afoka deserves another chance after looking like he could have something against Grimsby then being hung out to dry last week on his first senior start in a position he doesn't play.

 

Queue the anger when he's subbed off after 20 minutes as he's not fit.

 

He's dropped Smallwood before but quickly brings him back into the fold. A true statement would be to leave him out completely, I guess. However, with Cook, either his injury wasn't so bad or we've rushed him back. I can't see Hughes doing the latter unless he knows he must get a result today

 

Do you think it’s result at all costs or will a better performance do?

 

A win at all costs for me today

 

I think a result would do. Either a win or at least a draw and a good performance. Personally, I think we need to win today before it turns toxic at the next home game

 

Both Chapman and Pattison were out on the grass at Rawdon Meadows this morning doing their fitness drills.
Can't be too far away from some competitive football.

 

Result at all costs

 

Don't need to be conceding after three minutes anyway so it's a good job that didn't happen.

 

Cook limping already

 

This is about as strong as we can be, yet people are still complaining. Halliday, Ridehalgh, Stubbs and Platt is about as experienced as you can get at this level.

Then Cook, Walker, McDonald, Gillead…. bags of experience.

Tulloch for youthful experience, Smith and Oduor for pace.

We’ve dropped the back 3 which a lot wanted. I don’t see a lot wrong with the line up today in all honesty.

 

Cook already hobbling your a clown Hughes.

 

Last season he tried a 4-4-2 diamond

Clayton at the base and Smallwood slightly left in midfield doing not alot
Worra load of laffs that was, way too narrow and so it didn't last long

 

Hughes is n’t for me but a much improved performance may give him another week even if we narrowly lose. No improvement and he probably won’t last another week.

 

Cook looks to be moving better.

 

Certainly is.