Walsall @Home 15 Dec

We were rubbish. Fordy117 by proxy.

 

Josh Morris likely to be absent next week

https://bantamtalk.com/index.php?threads/walsall-home-15-dec.1779/page-7


Great opportunity for us to overtake Scunny and pay them back for their lucky wins against us during 2017 - which ended up setting us back more than we realised

Unfortunately Scunny seem to be going the same way we were in January, under Stuart - but they don't have the buffer of been in the Top 6 like we were. I can see their ruthless chairman jettisoning Mac is we beat them

 

Derby in the Premier League?

 

What stood out for me today was:
much better fitness-we looked a yard faster to the ball
good high pressing
great tackling
great game management-loved Akpans antics second half kicking the ball away twice when it was our free kick
confident one touch passing
players wanting the ball
running off the ball
shooting on sight
team spirit-every player except the goalie piled onto each goalscorer-loved it!!
players to be subbed told to get to the far side of the pitch

Suddenly we look like a half decent team.

We made Walsall look bad and they were out on their feet late on whilst we were still pressing and probing.

The GREAT ESCAPE has begun!

 

Never been so pleased to be 3rd from bottom in my life.

 

Brilliant game, proud of every player today they were immense in horrible conditions. We just battered right them across the park and 4 0 didn't flatter us, could've been more.

First half was reasonably even but that second half was great. They seemed to give up at 2 0 but think that's testament to how we didn't let up with the pressure. They all played well but the attacking midfield trio of OB, Payne and Ball are really gelling at the moment.

Special mention as well to Caddis, lovely taken goal and showed how well he reads the game, some great tackles and interceptions.

We've got our city back, get in!

Ps my bum and thighs are STILL cold!

 

And don't forget we had extra time and penalties midweek.

Shows;

1. How well Hopkin has done with fitness since he joined.
2. How unbelievably, atrociously awful our preseason was. What actually did they do preseason (recognising "nothing" can be a legitimate answer)

 

That's the last one I can remember. What a game that was.

 

Ah yes, I forgot about that one. You're right.

Can I get away with arguing that the Premier League is something other than the League proper? No? Then I shall go and stand in a corner for a while.

RCB

 

That was damn cold today.

Let’s not forget the Walsall number 9 had three fantastic headed chances, that had he taken them, it could have been a different game. Two great saves from our keeper and one that hit the bar. I do however agree, that we certainly look like we can get out of this position providing we can keep Payne and O’Brien.

 

Yes good points.

We can now officially call our pre season :Aaron McLean

 

Really annoyed I missed this game. Couldn't get out of the village because of black ice and no gritters. Could hardly get out my front door it was so treacherous. But good to see that the squad is back in the hands of those who really do know football and that we are starting to make the progress needed to get us out of the relegation zone. Can't believe there were over 15,000 there, though.

 

Who would have thought Edin would leave and we all of a sudden start to play as a real club again? But obviously that's just a coincidence isn't it. Great performance and result with a clean sheet, far from confident with the defence still but credit where it's due. Onwards and upwards.

 

Feck me, if only we’d had our Christmas party back in August we’d be the runaway leaders by now

 

True on the Walsall chances but we could've had more too. Also looked like a clear handball to me in the first half but someone who was closer may have a different view.

 

Agree David Hopkin actually quoted our fitness levels after 70 minutes still hassling for the ball when Walsall had it, just wait till Anton McElhone has had them for a few weeks.

 

There wasn't anywhere near 15K today. I would say nearer 9-10K? Maybe even lower than that. Lots of empty seats in all stands.

 

Looks like our best signing so far is Anton.

 

Yes, I put it down to the weather, train strike plus week before Christmas.

 

Premier league isn't proper footy m8. Just ask @Interested Bystander - literally falls asleep every Saturday.