Burton (H)

[ianofcleveleys]

One of those typical Burton games, facing up to a 6-4-0 formation when we had the ball. We did things too slowly first half but still should have had at least two. 

Much better from the off second half, just a day in final third of dithering, picking wrong option, blazing efforts high and wide and, to be fair to them, having the on-target efforts bravely blocked or saved (their keeper very good). The number of fabulous balls across the 'corridor of uncertainty' that we didn't get a touch on was incredible. 

JDC got a bit of stick before Xmas for a couple of off days but was brilliant today. I'm in the pro-Vic camp, worked really hard again, but should have scored the one where he tried to round the keeper, didn't do it anywhere near quickly enough. 

Forrester showed what he's about, a really good defender with two good feet, balance and confidence on the ball. 

Jon Dadi showed his value when he came on, as Evatt clearly appreciated on the touchline

We should have had half a dozen and still aren't ruthless enough near goal but the points are in the bag and the return over the four holiday games has been tremendous, however they've been gained. 

[Alf Hartigan]

Felt like it was always a matter of time until we scored today. On a different level to Burton. Their GK is a good un. JDC MOTM for me, Tranmere fans must be gutted they lost him.

[TM Trotter]

3 minutes ago, Stig said:

Great result, but i's games like this, at home against a team set up for a nil-nil, I just wish we would be slightly more flexible and have a plan B of going to a 4 at the back to get an additional, more skillful player up the pitch to help get the breakthrough. Minor quibble though while we're winning!

See, I don't think a "4 at the back" against a shithouse side coming for 0-0 would allow us the tactical flexibility we currently have. When you've got centre backs overlapping the already high full backs, we're essentially attacking with 9 players, stretching their defence out of shape.

When doing this, you can see why we're waiting for the "perfect" opportunity to shoot, as a speculative 30-yarder that lands in the keeper's gloves would then leave us vulnerable to a quick counter. 

Granted its frustrating for the fans at times, but there's clearly a system that the players buy in to - and the successful progression of the club in the past few years speaks for itself.

(This isn't me having a go at you btw, just thought your post was a valid opportunity to raise a chat I was having with my mate at HT today).

[Arrested development]

Pretty straightforward. Deserved to win but just didn't take our chances to extend the lead.  Fully back on track now and nice to have a go at the FA cup next week.

Edited January 1 by Arrested development

[Mounts Kipper]

20 minutes ago, Johnnyrotten said:

Best I've seen Vic play by some distance, looked quite sharp and his 1st touch was decent most of the time.

Then JDB came on and looked like a Rolls Royce, every touch was a class above anyone else on the pitch not to mention his movement and speed of thought/reading of the game.

JDB superb when he came on, suppose he benefited from Vic putting in the hard miles, but as you say Bod was a joy to watch. 

[Johnnyrotten]

1 hour ago, 1969 said:

Not the best game but a win is a win

Burton came to frustrate and did to a point but Christ they took time wasting to a new level in the 1st half

Top save by Baxter just before we took the lead.

Cogley mom. We never really looked in any danger of losing the lead bar for that one save they offered nothing

That was a massive game-turning moment.  If we'd gone a goal down, a very different last half hour or so.  God knows how they failed to score there but well done Baxter.

I thought Tomo was MOM, Cogley a bit too inconsistent for me but did well overall after a fairly anonymous first half.  Yes the time wasting is annoying, but why don't they just add more time on?  3 minutes first half over covered how long they took over their throw ins, totally disregarding all the other many stoppages.  I was very grateful for only 4 minutes in the 2nd half (to the second, bafflingly considering how much time was lost during the 4 minutes), but again it was way too lenient, I expected 6 or 7 minimum.

[victor meldrew]

27 minutes ago, Casino said:

We average pushing 2 goals a game

Maybe that cos we dont keep booting at the keeper from 30 yards and we create good chances

We should be averaging minimum 3 goals per game with the chances we create, over passing nearly every game.

[MickyD]

51 minutes ago, Whitesince63 said:

I do realise my opinion is fact. 😁

So is mine. You’re a tit, FACT!

[Stig]

9 minutes ago, TM Trotter said:

See, I don't think a "4 at the back" against a shithouse side coming for 0-0 would allow us the tactical flexibility we currently have. When you've got centre backs overlapping the already high full backs, we're essentially attacking with 9 players, stretching their defence out of shape.

When doing this, you can see why we're waiting for the "perfect" opportunity to shoot, as a speculative 30-yarder that lands in the keeper's gloves would then leave us vulnerable to a quick counter. 

Granted its frustrating for the fans at times, but there's clearly a system that the players buy in to - and the successful progression of the club in the past few years speaks for itself.

(This isn't me having a go at you btw, just thought your post was a valid opportunity to raise a chat I was having with my mate at HT today).

Ha, I'm probably more in your mate's camp then!

The tactical flexibility is a good point, but the problem I have with it is it generally means either a CB has burst into midfield or a wing back is now where you'd ideally want a winger to be. So you're ending up with less capable attacking players in the attacking positions. I'd always prefer a real midfielder or winger to be in those positions so they can make a better pass/cross/shot.

And I think this movement of players into not natural positions could actually contribute to some of the lack of shooting, as they know they aren't in position if they opposition get the ball. An out an out winger probably isn't thinking that and has a shot instead and then anything can happen - could be a goal or counter attack I admit, but I'd back a slightly more rigid back 4 of our players to stop most teams at this level.

[desperado]

20 minutes ago, TM Trotter said:

See, I don't think a "4 at the back" against a shithouse side coming for 0-0 would allow us the tactical flexibility we currently have. When you've got centre backs overlapping the already high full backs, we're essentially attacking with 9 players, stretching their defence out of shape.

When doing this, you can see why we're waiting for the "perfect" opportunity to shoot, as a speculative 30-yarder that lands in the keeper's gloves would then leave us vulnerable to a quick counter. 

Granted its frustrating for the fans at times, but there's clearly a system that the players buy in to - and the successful progression of the club in the past few years speaks for itself.

(This isn't me having a go at you btw, just thought your post was a valid opportunity to raise a chat I was having with my mate at HT today).

Good post.

It does baffle me when I hear these opinions of Evatt being stubborn, inflexible and no plan B.

It doesn’t have to be by a pre-defined formation change. At the start of the season Evatt talked openly about the fluidity of the system during a game and for me you can see this in games like today.

Added to this Evatt, over these last 4 games, has changed personnel and adopted a variety of approaches to win 4 very different games.

I really think it’s one of these misnomers that needs putting to bed 

[Johnnyrotten]

49 minutes ago, Dr. Feelgood said:

Unless we can score early we will meet more & more clubs who turn up, even at their place, to park the bus. This includes, like today, teams who will time waste more or less from the first minute.

The solution is simple enough. Score early.

I would have said the same a few months ago, but the Northampton and Orient games (2 or 3 up after about 15 minutes) make me think I prefer it like today or Blackpool, where we are hunting the win into the 2nd half, and when we get the 1st goal we still have impetus and confidence to go for more.  Definitely a feeling of job done when we score early (Carlisle, Wycombe, Reading all went pear shaped in the 2nd half).  I like 2nd halves when we impose our superiority and go for it - Lincoln, Fleetwood away too, rather than go into our shell and try to see out the game without adding to our lead.

[Leyther_Matt]

Just watched the highlights and I might have been a little harsh on Morley as he forced two decent saves in the first half. Still thought he was very sloppy though and well below par on that front.

Bod should have scored that chance, all ends up. Great work from Cogley to set it up.

Jerome’s miss didn’t make the reel. Probably for the best. 

[Tonge moor green jacket]

2 hours ago, Whitesince63 said:

How the hell did we not score six today and we couldn’t even score one ourselves. Three points but let’s be honest we just are clueless up top sometimes. Bod did more in ten minutes than Victor in 80.

Tripe.

Vic held it pretty well. Some good little bits of interplay between the strikers, but didn't quite pay off.

Vic also ran his bollocks off, continually making runs into the channels, especially second half. Gave us an out ball so we could play it sooner. Really worked their back line and it's no coincidence that we created more chances second half.

Yes he should have scored, but so should Dion the other week. It happens. 

I thought the work rate from front to back was immense, despite some clear signs of tiredness. The latter perhaps being behind some poor final balls, or maybe not getting shots off quick enough. 

100% record over the festive period is remarkable- I can't ever remember that happening before- and the players and staff deserve nothing but thanks and praise for dedication, and togetherness. As do families for the interruption to the life we all enjoy this time of year.

We need to remember that they came for a point, and didn't change at a goal down until the last 10 minutes or so. Difficult to break down and they got good last ditch blocks in.

We had to earn it, it wasn't the greatest famr, but we did just that with a thoroughly professional performance (perhaps with the exception of being clinical in front of goal)

Their keeper is quality too; good presence and that save first half from the defleted free kick was outstanding. Not only kept it out but with a strong hand, but got it over the bar.

Apart from a few set pieces, Baxter could have gone for a burger.

Well chuffed with the points.

 

[Johnnyrotten]

55 minutes ago, tomski said:

Thomason is our best player atm. It’s not even close

I think we're starting to take Santos for granted if we rate Tomo above him.  Outstanding for the most part today and physically brushed them aside whenever they got near.

But yes Tomo had a great 2nd half, not sure he did a lot 1st half to be honest, definitely one of his quieter halves, not even a trademark so-called tackle!

[Leyther_Matt]

Just now, Tonge moor green jacket said:

Vic also ran his bollocks off, continually making runs into the channels, especially second half. Gave us an out ball so we could play it sooner. Really worked their back line and it's no coincidence that we created more chances second half.

Yes he should have scored, but so should Dion the other week. It happens. 

I thought at the time he didn’t do much wrong with that chance, and I’d stick with that after watching the replay, too.

Big touch to give himself space to get around the keeper and in all fairness it was just a really good recovery save. Maybe if he’d taken a tighter touch and hit it early then it might have gone in, but by the same token it would have been a simpler save to make. 

[Lt. Aldo Raine]

1 minute ago, Leyther_Matt said:

I thought at the time he didn’t do much wrong with that chance, and I’d stick with that after watching the replay, too.

Big touch to give himself space to get around the keeper and in all fairness it was just a really good recovery save. Maybe if he’d taken a tighter touch and hit it early then it might have gone in, but by the same token it would have been a simpler save to make. 

My view on it too

[Johnnyrotten]

9 minutes ago, Tonge moor green jacket said:

Tripe.

Vic held it pretty well. Some good little bits of interplay between the strikers, but didn't quite pay off.

Vic also ran his bollocks off, continually making runs into the channels, especially second half. Gave us an out ball so we could play it sooner. Really worked their back line and it's no coincidence that we created more chances second half.

Yes he should have scored, but so should Dion the other week. It happens. 

I thought the work rate from front to back was immense, despite some clear signs of tiredness. The latter perhaps being behind some poor final balls, or maybe not getting shots off quick enough. 

100% record over the festive period is remarkable- I can't ever remember that happening before- and the players and staff deserve nothing but thanks and praise for dedication, and togetherness. As do families for the interruption to the life we all enjoy this time of year.

We need to remember that they came for a point, and didn't change at a goal down until the last 10 minutes or so. Difficult to break down and they got good last ditch blocks in.

We had to earn it, it wasn't the greatest famr, but we did just that with a thoroughly professional performance (perhaps with the exception of being clinical in front of goal)

Their keeper is quality too; good presence and that save first half from the defleted free kick was outstanding. Not only kept it out but with a strong hand, but got it over the bar.

Apart from a few set pieces, Baxter could have gone for a burger.

Well chuffed with the points.

 

Good summary and points.

Its noticeable that a lot of us have remarked on their keeper Crocombe.  It seems amazing he's been non league right up until Grimsby went up 18 months ago.  He's the one that was fined for having a pee behind the goal in an FA Cup game for Salford before they got into the EFL. 

[globaldiver]

Thoroughly decent, hard-working performance, pity it isn’t reflected in the score line, but posterity won’t bother. Good 3 points.

[Lostock Whites]

1 hour ago, onefinfrandsen said:

Think with Morley, Thomason is playing so well in Morley’s preferred position , that the holding role he now finds himself playing in doesn’t look like it’s is favoured position.

I just don't even know what Morleys role/position is? Thomason is our fighter and engine, so is Dempsey, Sheehan is our controller/playmaker and is vital for us breaking teams down and Maghoma is our creative wildcard who can beat 2/3 players in tight areas.

Morley? Like I said, he just sits there with no presence about him at all, I struggle to find what his contribution is. Pings one 40 yard pass and then everyone thinks he's the 2nd coming of Paul Scholes.

As for Williams, for me he's a lost cause, not trying to be too negative coming off such great positivity at the club, but he's genuinely shocking, I'd be amazing is Evatt is happy with how he's turned out. We only play him because there's no real legitimate competition in his position.

Edited January 1 by Lostock Whites

[radcliffe white]

1 minute ago, Lostock Whites said:

I just don't even know what Morleys role/position is? Thomason is our fighter and engine, so is Dempsey, Sheehan is our controller/playmaker and is vital for us breaking teams down and Maghoma is our creative wildcard who can beat 2/3 players in tight areas.

Morley? Like I said, he just sits there with no presence about him at all, I struggle to find what his contribution is.

As for Williams, for me he's a lost cause, not trying to be too negative coming off such great positivity at the club, but he's genuinely shocking, I'd be amazing is Evatt is happy with how he's turned out. We only play him because there's no real legitimate competition in his position.

Very surprised he was given a 3 year deal

[desperado]

19 minutes ago, Johnnyrotten said:

But yes Tomo had a great 2nd half,

We were commenting, he was just getting better and better as the game went on and was covering every blade of grass looking like he was gaining energy the harder he worked! 

As well as his massive improvement on the ball his work rate and stamina is off the scale and thats after a spell where he has started all 4 Christmas games! 

Another happy clapper for their keeper, one of the best opposition keepers I’ve seen for a long time.

[Lt. Aldo Raine]

I have Morley down as competing with Sheehan for the deeper playmaker role

[Cheese]

Just now, Lostock Whites said:

As for Williams, for me he's a lost cause, not trying to be too negative coming off such great positivity at the club, but he's genuinely shocking, I'd be amazing is Evatt is happy with how he's turned out. We only play him because there's no real legitimate competition in his position.

Randell is absolutely fine for me.  Honestly don't understand how anyone can have such a negative opinion of him. What has he ever done that was "shocking"???

[desperado]

5 minutes ago, Lostock Whites said:

I just don't even know what Morleys role/position is? Thomason is our fighter and engine, so is Dempsey, Sheehan is our controller/playmaker and is vital for us breaking teams down and Maghoma is our creative wildcard who can beat 2/3 players in tight areas.

Morley? Like I said, he just sits there with no presence about him at all, I struggle to find what his contribution is. Pings one 40 yard pass and then everyone thinks he's the 2nd coming of Paul Scholes.

As for Williams, for me he's a lost cause, not trying to be too negative coming off such great positivity at the club, but he's genuinely shocking, I'd be amazing is Evatt is happy with how he's turned out. We only play him because there's no real legitimate competition in his position.

Funny how we all see the game differently.

I called Williams out the other week, think it was Lincoln, he was poor, as he sometimes can be.

But I thought today he was decent. Linked together lovely on a few occasions with Maghoma, dealt ok in the main with their right forward, made some good runs down the left and put a few good crosses in.

Few misplaced passes from Morley, and I don’t think he gets in ahead of Sheehan in our best 11, but again not as horrific as you are making out. No presence, no contribution is way OTT

[Eddie]

3 minutes ago, Cheese said:

Randell is absolutely fine for me.  Honestly don't understand how anyone can have such a negative opinion of him. What has he ever done that was "shocking"???

To be fair Cheese, you don’t think there is anything wrong with any of our players or anything that happens in any of our games.

Asking the question in a slightly different way - if we are to keep progressing and improving, where would you look to upgrade in the January window, what would you say?

For me it would be Williams as well. I don’t think he’s great and other than a couple of games at the start of this season, I think he’s been average at best and often means that we’re over-reliant on the right side (as we were with Bradley last season).

I’m pretty happy with the rest of the starting 11, but considering the importance of our wing backs I think we could definitely upgrade on Randy.