Match Thread Away V Newport Tue 9th March. 7pm kick off.

I'd go:

Hornby
AOC POC Canavan Wood
Sutton Watt
Clarke Rowe Stevens
Cook

Sutton, Watt and Wood all in need of a rest too but can't change too much for one game.

 

I notice they've got 42 year old Kevin Ellison in their squad. A real wind up merchant.
They also have Matt Dolan who I think was once on loan at City.

 

I thought they were a decent side at VP earlier in the season but we look a lot better now

 

Not many players score the winner on their debut for City and remain actively disliked by almost everyone!

 

We’ve looked very tired lately imo, think a few changes are needed even though I don’t like to change a team going well but it could end up being counterproductive not to. That free week can’t come soon enough.

 

Have a listen to Wood's post match interview. He says he is fine, doesn't need a rest and wants to play every game.

 

We signed Dolan on a loan, then made it permanent.

He scored when they smashed us 3 0 at VP.

 

We have but I reckon Vernham and Crankshaw will be dying to play on a really good pitch where they can stretch their legs and know the ball won't bobble around. I can see at least one starting. We'll need some pace because we'll be playing on the counter a bit i reckon.

 

Big pitch you want Verham on from the get go due to pace. Rest can’t argue against, so Billy on the bench for me

 

Spot on, and that’s why Clark should remain on the bench.

 

Tiredness is a problem but it’s the same for all at the moment and something we are going to have to live with. There aren’t to many options in midfield

 

The tiredness is clear to see but not many other teams got pretty much 3 week off just after Christmas like we had.

 

Which is why squad management and rotation is important.

 

What no Crankshaw, arguably one of our better players yesterday.
I don't get the love in with Clarke, offers very little offensively or defensively IMO.

 

Yes Dolan used to play at City. Was a bit unlucky not to play more under Parky. Dolan was actually a really nice bloke. He took time to sign autographs many years ago down at the training ground and chat with me and the kids after training.

 

Our form, and our defensive performances have been outstanding of late. But if we're honest, our performances with the ball have turned poor. It needs to improve. Newport are in poor form, so I'm looking for us to impose ourselves on this game.

 

I think Rowe should come in for Cooke, otherwise keep it the same.

 

It's a balancing act at the moment because we don't have a lot of options with the injuries to Pritchard and Evans. How do we start well and try to get ahead but if that doesn't happen what do we need on the bench to change things up?

I've never been Clarke's biggest fan but to say he adds nothing defensively is unfair I think. His tracking back and supporting the right/left back is one of the reasons we've been so solid defensively and to be honest Crankshaw is still poor at that. Look, he's young and he'll learn, he's not been used to playing full games but he needs to keep his concentration and follow the runners when we're defending otherwise he strives to catch up and gives away free kicks. He will give less free kicks away when his positional sense and concentration improves.

 

Up our ball retention, find a man, be patient and shoot on sight. We do need to find our composure and play our links through midfield more assertively. Our ability to control the pace of the game will be critical in getting 3 points I think.

 

It will be more of a physical test against Newport something that we have improved on with the signing of Canavan and Cook and a decent pitch will hopefully help our ball players