Match Thread Most liked posts in thread: Mansfield v City | League 2 | 17 October

Stuart Says,
"Mansfield will be another tough challenge because they play three big centre backs and a holding midfielder, which we obviously have to consider.
"But, we are constantly looking at different systems and it is important we are adaptable to suit different opponents.

oh Dear!

 

Good point made on the radio just now - we've not had the same back line for two consecutive games this season. Definitely an area of concern.

 

Yes at this level its the formation for me.

 

Amazing when players are played in positions that suit a formation that we look half decent. Not exactly rocket science football mamagement.

 

We need to get Wood on a longer contract,he was back to something like that first half, as @Rogered Tart says simple formation with the players playing in familiar roles.

 

This kid from leeds has impressed in the 20 minutes I've watched him.

 

Ffs Stuart leave stuff alone we look a far better side playing a simple formation.

 

We must be good after all we were lectured all summer about how well Mansfield had done in the transfer market. So we must be good

 

4-4-2 from now on please Stu!

 

Really happy with that.

I still don't think we're nearly as bad as some are saying.

I don't know why some aren't seeing the weaknesses in other side's. We're stronger than most.

 

Plenty of 7 and 8s across the park today. Probably should have had more goals, i thought 3-1 flattered them.

AOC rock at the back dont think he missed an header from their long balls.

That midfield triumvate combined really well , always a threat. Id be really disappointed if sutton or clarke came back in on tuesday.

Novak and Donaldson rolled back the years today, playing the targetman role. Won the ball and played someone else in.

All in all a good day.

Team and management get some praise for coming back like that after a slating (albeit justified) on monday.

 

A win. We were the better team but Mansfield looked poor. But as the saying goes you can only play what is in front of you.

 

Well that was refreshing. Amazing what happens when you play people in their proper positions. We had a lucky start but for me everyone had a good game. I thought AOC and BRE were excellent in the middle, Wood took his goal well, very impressed with Hosannah, Pritchard worked his socks off and was a real bonus on the left and Donaldson had a really effective game and a great goal. And the most crucial factor for me, the one that made us far more dangerous, was the fact that Billy Clarke wasn't playing for the first time this season. Cooke looked a different player as a consequence. Hope Stuart can build on this and stop tinkering but I'm not holding my breath. Mansfield, however, were pretty hopeless but wins bring confidence and we need to keep the same line-up and kick on on Tuesday.

 

Amazing what a simple 442 can do and players playing in the positions they’ve played all their careers! We looked like a totally different team. Hosannah made a huge impact at RB too. Shout outs to Pritchard, BRE and Clayton who’ve been written off in some parts, all playing very well. Keep it simple now Stuart!

 

Good bounce back from Monday evening. Need to back it up on Tuesday. Can’t complain about a 3-1 away win.

 

TBF to Stuart, which manager in the last 20 years hasn't tinkered and brought untold brimstone and fire from this forum?

 

What today tells us if you give players a basic formation 4-4-2 to play. Then most players know it and can organise around it. Keep it simple do not over complicate the game at this level. Mansfield showed why the have started poorly but did have more shots on goal. But we got the opening we needed when their keeper chucked it in. Then we started to play a bit that delivered Wood's deft finish for 2-0. Then it was about sticking to the task in the second half but Mansfield were pressing early on. Donaldson getting the header in for the third gave us game. But also him falling over to get their lad sent off. The Don had a good game today.

I was impressed with Bryce Hosanah he was good on the ball; good with his forward running and passing. He actually made DM look better in front of him. Same with the left Wood arguably MOM with Pritchard in front worked. It meant we won the flank battles up and down. On either side the strikers then had a hope of getting the ball into them.

Novak was involved and did well with The Don as a pair. He had an early chance but it went begging. In the centre of midfield Cooke had his best game of the season and Watt was assured in possession and able to control the play. O'Donnell slipped more than once when clearing but the redeemed himself with a couple of vital stops. BRE and AOC generally dealt with things in the centre of defence. But your always thinking theres a rick in both.

Overall got to be pleased we immediately responded to the Harrogate defeat. Defintely Stuart switching to a 442 worked. I see no reason to change this v Walsall who will be a test being unbeaten so far. The players who have the shirts deserve to keep them injuries apart. Can this be something to build on - absolutely yes.