Match Thread Stockport County vs Bradford City Tues 24 January @ 7.45pm

I have to say, on first glance, I was disappointed in Derbyshire and don't see what he's supposed to bring to the team.

He seemed to have a decent touch, but his passing was shocking, and he never got anywhere near goal.

That signing is a puzzler.

I'm sure he only played because Walker was such a plonker, though.

 

Also:

Fiacre Kelleher scored last night for Colchester United, looks like they were a bit unlucky not to beat Salford.

 

So it seems !

 

That's a good analysis and it was clear from early in the first half that neither Bola or Halliday were going to be bombing on. They were fully occupied in our half.

What was frustrating for me was watching the defence pass the ball around at the back a few times, get pressed and then have to smash the ball upfield. We are then relying on luck for anything to happen. We can criticise Oliver and Costelloe, but that was a very tough ask against their central defensive pairing.

However, I can see the sense in this for the time when the passing does create space and the chance to push forward. There was an occasion midway through the first-half when that happened, perhaps ten passes, three of their players bypassed when the ball came to Richie Smallwood. That was the opportunity to drive on, but he turned inside and the moment was lost. For me, that's not good enough. This, surely, must have been the basis of training in preparation.

Yes, overall, it was a good point against a very decent team for this level. The players certainly showed commitment and worked very hard, but it wasn't great to watch.

 

We've lost 1 out of the last 5 and that's included two firm promotion candidates (Salford and Stockport) plus a play-off contender (Wimbledon). In addition these last two away matches have been against the divisions form teams (along with Stevenage and Carlisle) of the last third of the season, i.e. Wimbledon had only lost 1 of their previous 13.

I don't get why you can see an improvement. Rochdale was a massive let down and poor from the players to allow a refs decision to affect them so badly, but the other four have been excellent results.

In addition, there seems to a bit more steel. Last night was great from that point of view. At last we have opposing players moaning to the ref about our aggressive tactics. More significantly, for the first time this season, we didn't let our heads drop after the big blow when Walker got himself sent off.

Grounds for optimism. Nothing more. But as we're firmly in the promotion race and seem to have come out of that indifferent spell - we can look forward with cautious optimism.

 

Bradford City fans at Stockport County this week
See all this weeks midweek away days pictures and videos
https://footballawaydays.net/?p=1872

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I thought we looked far better going forward when he came on (well we couldn't be worse ). I liked his positivity and although his passing was off - he looked like someone like Walker who's going to give defences something to think about.

I'd be fine see Walker replacing Costello and him replacing Eisa for the Carlisle match

 

I thought he did well Jon. Admittedly the view from low down, behind the goal isn't the best but when he came on and especially when joined by Cook, we actually started retaining the ball in the top 3rd of the pitch.

Their back 4 also looked under pressure for the first time and we started to actually look like we might create something.

 

If Smallwood,Gilliead and Clayton are going to be our midfield dynamo then I have to ask , where are the goals going to come from? All three of them are not known for being goal scoring midfielders. Sadly we are a lot weaker this transfer window. Losing Wright was unfortunate as he went to a club flying in league 1. No excuse for bringing in a mediocre left back and letting one of our own leave on loan. The kid from Burnley was built up because Kompany played him in four matches so he must be good, but he’s more a Samuels than a Wright. Not convinced bringing in veterans make us stronger.

 

I agree.

He looked full of running with clever moment. It felt to be the first time in the match that Byrne was under a bit of pressure.

I can see him being a shrewd signing based on that short cameo, if we can get the ball upfield on the deck.

 

At the end of the day as I posted it was a good point but a hard watch, with regards Bola and Costello they can only get better, I thought the lad Clayton did well and Derbyshire made some good runs when brought on unfortunately not seen by other players, we won't agree on Foulds Vs Bola daga, Hughes knew Mattys strong points and they certainly weren't bombing forward, but as you have posted before having Wright on you flank made a big difference.

 

You say its a poor division (which I agree) but we sit 7th with the best squad in the division and we are in a fake position as other teams below us such as Stockport and Walsall have games in hand over us. Plus teams are in miles better form than we currently are.

 

Smallwood can score goals and has a decent shots per game ratio of just under one.

It's up to the front players to score, i.e all those creative ones. Wright did this. Banks did this. I'm certain the returning Walker will as well.

Can we give Bola at least two matches before we rank him as "mediocre"?

 

When have you ever criticised MH? You come across as one of the biggest happy clappers we have lol!

Joking aside. In any case, based on the games you have highlighted in your post, we only have 11 points from 10 games. This isn't just mid-table form, it is relegation fodder and not at all acceptable. I don't know what the answer is, but the mood in the crowd last night was not good, and rightfully so. We are extremely boring to watch recently, and it is very frustrating. I want to see the traditional 2 up front, but people tell me I am a dinosaur because no teams or managers play that way any more. I don't know

Oh and so much for Sparks not accepting mediocrity eh(!)

 

Not my comment, Gaz, just passing on what MH said.

 

Yes this is the issue. There were several times when the ball was played out to particularly Smallwood. He had time and space to turn, but he didn't even look, just played the easy ball straight back to the defender. Eventually we are pressured into hoofing it

 

We've just played two of the teams in "miles better form" and not lost. Inevitably, when clubs have cup runs, i.e. Walsall, they'll race up the table if they win their games in hand. But, as you know that rarely happens.

Hughes recognised after the Carlisle defeat, that he had to remodel the team and we're seeing the results of that - a more attritional team, which will no doubt in home matches now, enable our creative attackers to create.

We've been rubbish and yet we're seventh with still a chance of the automatics. Clearly, other teams most also be rubbish.

 

Not the point I was making but well done anyway

 

I have been critical of Hughes for most of the season look back and check. But getting a point at Stockport who are top of the form table with what is it 10 wins out of 12 deserves praise rather than criticism

 

I made a similar comment Stockport just chipped a simple ball into the danger area and attacked the ball it really isn't difficult especially for a pro footballer, or should I say it shouldn't be hard for a pro footballer.