Post by Simmotino ATFC on Mar 24, 2004 12:18:55 GMT 1
Well, what a night that was! Yet again, a great game of football, and a superb advert for the Conference.
Interesting reading some of the posts on here this morning regarding Jimmy Quinn and his tactical decision making though.
I must admit, stood on the away terrace last night, we observed how his only answer to the scoreline appeared to be "Bring on another forward". We thought that it was due to restricted availability of fit players but, reading messages posted around the forums, it would appear that a) he hasn't any other options, and b) he likes forwards!
I think the blame shouldn't lay squarely on Quinn's shoulders though after watching last night's game.
Maybe a slightly bias view, but I think that our players wanted it more last night and, as such, battled for every ball and made every one of your players work that bit harder.
Luke Rodgers seemed to decide that he didn't fancy playing up against our big centre backs, so looked to go down and win the free kick rather than take them on. Unfortunately, the ineptitude of the referee meant that he was unlikely to win the half time raffle, let alone a free kick.
Don't get me wrong, some of our boys went down quicker than Gillian Taylforth in a Range Rover (allegedly), but Rodgers seemed to be a bit too keen to make it look like he'd been shot.
I think our work rate was superb last night, and our two pacey forwards had your back line turning circles. The only exception to that was your left back (Lawrence?) who had a solid game.
I still maintain you are the best footballing side we have played this season, but think you were simply outplayed last night by a team that were hungrier.
I agree that Chris Giles should have been sent off for his retaliation, but would question how you finished with eleven men on the pitch. Your number 5(?) should have gone on a straight red for pushing the ball into Downers face, and Rodgers deserved at least one yellow for his persistent diving. (Yes, we did too, but Rodgers was fairly certain to go over most times).
All in all, a great game of football, spoilt by an inept referee.
I wouldn't send up the distress flares just yet though. You have some skillful players in your ranks and, if Quinn can achieve a little more balance through the middle of the park, you should be able to hold your own against most teams.
Hopefully, we'll both be in the Play-Off shake up at the end of the season.
Interesting reading some of the posts on here this morning regarding Jimmy Quinn and his tactical decision making though.
I must admit, stood on the away terrace last night, we observed how his only answer to the scoreline appeared to be "Bring on another forward". We thought that it was due to restricted availability of fit players but, reading messages posted around the forums, it would appear that a) he hasn't any other options, and b) he likes forwards!
I think the blame shouldn't lay squarely on Quinn's shoulders though after watching last night's game.
Maybe a slightly bias view, but I think that our players wanted it more last night and, as such, battled for every ball and made every one of your players work that bit harder.
Luke Rodgers seemed to decide that he didn't fancy playing up against our big centre backs, so looked to go down and win the free kick rather than take them on. Unfortunately, the ineptitude of the referee meant that he was unlikely to win the half time raffle, let alone a free kick.
Don't get me wrong, some of our boys went down quicker than Gillian Taylforth in a Range Rover (allegedly), but Rodgers seemed to be a bit too keen to make it look like he'd been shot.
I think our work rate was superb last night, and our two pacey forwards had your back line turning circles. The only exception to that was your left back (Lawrence?) who had a solid game.
I still maintain you are the best footballing side we have played this season, but think you were simply outplayed last night by a team that were hungrier.
I agree that Chris Giles should have been sent off for his retaliation, but would question how you finished with eleven men on the pitch. Your number 5(?) should have gone on a straight red for pushing the ball into Downers face, and Rodgers deserved at least one yellow for his persistent diving. (Yes, we did too, but Rodgers was fairly certain to go over most times).
All in all, a great game of football, spoilt by an inept referee.
I wouldn't send up the distress flares just yet though. You have some skillful players in your ranks and, if Quinn can achieve a little more balance through the middle of the park, you should be able to hold your own against most teams.
Hopefully, we'll both be in the Play-Off shake up at the end of the season.