Beat these fuckers and I think we're definitely in the play offs - 3-1

On another note, just upgraded my grandson's ticket to an adult ticket - £28.00, should have let my mate risk it wit the junior ticket

3 minutes ago, gonzo said:

Conway frustrates the hell out of me but for that first goal the ball should never have made it across in the first place. Tutu for the 3rd time a row had been left wide open thanks to Apter wandering about like a kid lost in a shopping centre.

Aye. Was immediately noticeable how that right hand side improved with Duberry on. Not just offensively but defensively as well ACD will track back and get stuck in and finally freed up Tutu to drive forward knowing he'd have cover.

Duberry coming on in general was a massive boost, just what's needed for this play off push.

Cissoko was ace till he changed his boots

They played well in stages

we played well in stages 

ebbs and flows, good game i thought and right result , yes frustrating at times as ever but happy overall with the four from weekend. 
 

maybe the sun has made me less grumpy. 
 

nowt to fear.

Just now, gonzo said:

Cissoko was ace till he changed his boots

That ball boy wondered what the fook he had too 😂

1 hour ago, Ani said:

Thought Stockport started ok, but we were improving at round the time we scored , just a stupid give away so late in first half. Never got going second half till the subs, once we did looked miles better. 
 

See a lot of critics of Conway on here for being out of position, but we want him to press on, other players then giving the ball away makes him look worse. 
 

Thought Sheehan was poor today, summed up by the over hit pass in the last minute. 3 or 4 times gave possession away that left us exposed. However Apter was simply awful, at one point they have a throwing, he was stood with his hands done the front of his shorts, looked a kid playing on a Sunday because his dad is trying to relive his youth. Cissoko was doing ok then had that so called shot in first half then disappeared that Madeline McCann on Tapas night. 
 

The difference when ACD came on was someone actually wanting the ball and working non stop to find space. 
 

I can see lots of reasons to revert to 3 or 5 at the back. But not sure how we balance the non back 5 players . 2 upfront Kenny and Dalby. Then the midfield 3 has to include ACD, which does not feel natural. 

Wasn’t that how we set up at Wigan away? Seem to remember it being 3 at the back but with ACD as the 3rd midfielder / free to roam.

Johnston made his decision for him today because he didn’t have 3 centre backs to pick. He’s watching the same as us and he clearly knows how weak we are at full back and also that we’re into our second string wingers - there wasn’t much else he could have done today.

My Cardiff mate thinks we'll beat them but they've already done enough.

1-1 draw written all over it.

24 minutes ago, gonzo said:

Conway frustrates the hell out of me but for that first goal the ball should never have made it across in the first place. Tutu for the 3rd time a row had been left wide open thanks to Apter wandering about like a kid lost in a shopping centre.

Like a number of sides before them, Stockport's preferred route to goal was testing balls over / beyond those two, with their midfielders getting around their wingbacks to create crossing opportunities.

Conway just about got away with his positioning a couple of times, that goal was a long ball towards Tutu that he struggled with then, with zero help on offer from Apter, they 1-2'd it round him to create the cross. 

Felt for Forino, the only aerial duel Wootton got any joy against him with in the 90 mins cost a goal because Conway was in dreamland on the back post. 

Conway and Tutu are being sold down the river by SS, neither are full backs, neither positionally sound enough for the position and, even worse, being encouraged to be in so advanced areas that they are easy meat for good passers like Norwood today.

We'll probably get into the play offs, might well win them and it'll all be immaterial, but if we dont the inquest will start with trying to play half a season with those two in a back 4, often with piss weak wingers in front of them.

Edited April 6Apr 6 by ianofcleveleys

2 minutes ago, ianofcleveleys said:

Like a number of sides before them, Stockport's preferred route to goal was testing balls over / beyond those two, with their midfielders getting around their wingbacks to create crossing opportunities.

Conway just about got away with his positioning a couple of times, that goal was a long ball towards Tutu that he struggled with then, with zero help on offer from Apter, they 1-2'd it round him to create the cross. 

Felt for Forino, the only aerial duel Wootton got any joy against him with in the 90 mins cost a goal because Conway was in dreamland on the back post. 

Conway and Tutu are being sold down the river by SS, neither are full backs, neither positionally sound enough for the position and, even worse, being encouraged to be in so advanced areas that they are easy meat for good passers like Norwood today.

We'll probably get into the play offs, might well win them and it'll all be immaterial, but if we dont the inquest will start with trying to play half a season with those two in a back 4, often with piss weak wingers in front of them.

Good post

14 minutes ago, gonzo said:

Cissoko was ace till he changed his boots

Funny how we see things differently. I thought he was doing ok but the moaners round me were calling him not fit to burn from minute one. It's always the same with him and Gale. Right from the off.

2 hours ago, worthy10 said:

We must have had about 10 corners and I can't remember us winning the first header.

A point that I have made previously is that the step over king doesn't kick the ball very well. Seems to hit it on his ankle rather that instep or laces.

Its really bizarre isn't it.  Yesterday someone said how can a professional footballer not have the ability to head the ball (McAtee)?  More worrying is how a professional who plays on the wing can't kick a ball that's on the ground in a straight line more than about 10 yards.  Although I find Dalby's limited ability to kick a ball towards goal equally puzzling considering he's a striker.  Both players do have amazing close control though.

6 minutes ago, FrancisFogarty said:

Funny how we see things differently. I thought he was doing ok but the moaners round me were calling him not fit to burn from minute one. It's always the same with him and Gale. Right from the off.

He was absolutely fine for that first 30. Felt sorry for him a few times when he wanted the early ball in space but never came. Didn't help himself in 2nd half when he tried 34 step overs beat his man 3 times and still managed to lose the ball

Gale tracked back and got stuck in when he came on tbf.

 

The draw was a fair result, I think.
They targeted Tutu, because Apter (like Gale when he starts) offers absolutely no help to the full back.

Tutu looked a better bet when Duberry came on.

As for Apter, he can join Gale on my list of players I'd rather not see in a Bolton shirt again.
I can't work out which of them is the laziest or most disinterested.

2 hours ago, woolli said:

So he should do, hes been here since Jan. His corners and free kicks where fuckin woeful! Was you watching the same game?

Rodriguez did overhit one awful free kick, his corner wasn't the best but a right footer from the right wing is never going to get it as perfect as a left footer, or as good as Dempsey's first half corners from the left which were outstanding.

But RR undoubtedly played well, we all see things differently but it would be truly bizarre for anyone to claim that 20 minutes or so from him wasn't at a good level and was exactly what we needed.  We easily lose that game without him coming on.

Interesting the level of variation in opinion on how people have seen that result / performance. I’m somewhere in the middle of the range I think.

First half was pretty even but I thought we edged it and deserved to be leading - brilliant finish by Kenny.

I didn’t think there was much of a threat from them (Forino dealt with Wooton really well all game) but they did have the freedom of the left hand side when they attacked because Apter was fucking woeful and Tutu didn’t know whether to stick or twist (also not painting him in the best light) - annoyingly with 30 seconds to go it happened one too many times. I was watching the linesman and he very nearly stuck his flag up - I think he was checking with the ref as to whether the player that went up for the header touched it (Wooton I think) and so assume the ref ultimately decided it was a goal as the liner was ready to flag.

Second half we started terribly. Never came out (as usual) and that goal was fucking laughable. Absolute Sunday league stuff. Conway is no left back, it started from him being out of position AGAIN but to be fair the rest of them were just as shit. Once we rode the next 10 minutes out, got our heads back on and made the changes then there was only one team that fancied it - we were all over them (especially once we scored).

Our 2nd was clearly lucky in the finish, but the move was class. Rodrigues as a level above and is going to be a massive part of how well we do for the rest of the season. Even little things like the pass into Dalby being to his left foot which meant the defender couldn’t get to it - little bits of class that make a difference. I like Dempsey but when RR came on there’s just a different level of creativity and quality. It’s brilliant when we’re chasing a game because you then have both him and Sheehan in centre mid that can make something happen rather than just Sheehan (making it harder for the opposition).

Sheehan had a weird game - played well but his long passing which is usually a strong point was off all game. So many times there was acres to hit in behind and he missed it all.

ACD being back is massive. He was trying way too hard and actually didn’t play too well, but just the lift he gives, the energy and the willingness to get on the ball at every possible moment is brilliant - let’s hope he stays fit for the rest of the season.

As for Stockport. Definitely tidy, definitely one of the stronger teams in the league and Norwood is a very classy player. But, I thought we were the better team and they were clinging on for the last 20 minutes. I still don’t want to get them in the play offs but if we did then I’d still back us to beat them.

4 points through Easter is a really good total all considered. Play off spot solidified, positives to take but as always with Bolton, plenty to wind us up too.

6 minutes ago, Johnnyrotten said:

Rodriguez did overhit one awful free kick, his corner wasn't the best but a right footer from the right wing is never going to get it as perfect as a left footer, or as good as Dempsey's first half corners from the left which were outstanding.

But RR undoubtedly played well, we all see things differently but it would be truly bizarre for anyone to claim that 20 minutes or so from him wasn't at a good level and was exactly what we needed.  We easily lose that game without him coming on.

Rodriguez, once he gets to full fitness, is exactly what we need in a midfield 3 imo. He stays in midfield, wants the ball and links up midfield and attack really well. The play didn't all have to go down the wings once he was on.

We probably won't see his best till next season though

4 minutes ago, Eddie said:

Interesting the level of variation in opinion on how people have seen that result / performance. I’m somewhere in the middle of the range I think.

First half was pretty even but I thought we edged it and deserved to be leading - brilliant finish by Kenny.

I didn’t think there was much of a threat from them (Forino dealt with Wooton really well all game) but they did have the freedom of the left hand side when they attacked because Apter was fucking woeful and Tutu didn’t know whether to stick or twist (also not painting him in the best light) - annoyingly with 30 seconds to go it happened one too many times. I was watching the linesman and he very nearly stuck his flag up - I think he was checking with the ref as to whether the player that went up for the header touched it (Wooton I think) and so assume the ref ultimately decided it was a goal as the liner was ready to flag.

Second half we started terribly. Never came out (as usual) and that goal was fucking laughable. Absolute Sunday league stuff. Conway is no left back, it started from him being out of position AGAIN but to be fair the rest of them were just as shit. Once we rode the next 10 minutes out, got our heads back on and made the changes then there was only one team that fancied it - we were all over them (especially once we scored).

Our 2nd was clearly lucky in the finish, but the move was class. Rodrigues as a level above and is going to be a massive part of how well we do for the rest of the season. Even little things like the pass into Dalby being to his left foot which meant the defender couldn’t get to it - little bits of class that make a difference. I like Dempsey but when RR came on there’s just a different level of creativity and quality. It’s brilliant when we’re chasing a game because you then have both him and Sheehan in centre mid that can make something happen rather than just Sheehan (making it harder for the opposition).

Sheehan had a weird game - played well but his long passing which is usually a strong point was off all game. So many times there was acres to hit in behind and he missed it all.

ACD being back is massive. He was trying way too hard and actually didn’t play too well, but just the lift he gives, the energy and the willingness to get on the ball at every possible moment is brilliant - let’s hope he stays fit for the rest of the season.

As for Stockport. Definitely tidy, definitely one of the stronger teams in the league and Norwood is a very classy player. But, I thought we were the better team and they were clinging on for the last 20 minutes. I still don’t want to get them in the play offs but if we did then I’d still back us to beat them.

4 points through Easter is a really good total all considered. Play off spot solidified, positives to take but as always with Bolton, plenty to wind us up too.

Spot on Eddie that’s how I saw it.

Jonny Kenny telling Stockport to pipe down after his goal and the own goal were highlights. The OG wasaproper one. None of this deflecting off an arse or ankle. Put your foot through it man.

The return of duberry can and will prove vital on the remaining games and the play offs.   We looked so much better as soon as he came on and Desmond was loving it.

Maybe a last half hour again for duberry at Cardiff then get him starting the game after.

Just watched their first goal and the lad looks off side , definitely if Wooton gets a touch and maybe when ball is first crossed. 
 

Having said that I thought ref had a good game, the penalty shout involving Tutu first half I thought Tutu got a touch but a lot of refs would have given it.

Funny today Cissoko looked good for 10-15 minutes then he changed his boots and regressed immediately. 

59 minutes ago, Johnnyrotten said:

If we do have an A game, we obviously haven't shown it this season other than maybe Wigan.  We know by now we aren't thrashing anyone, we're hoping for 1 goal wins if it all goes to plan.

Not sure how you could sense their fans were edgy, if they were on edge god knows how we came across to them 😀

In terms of being quite noisey when level to being quite quiet when ahead, being in a position they hoped to be but didn't expect to be, maybe? 

Didnt strike me as a set of fans that believed they'd go on and win when 2-1 up. 

 

10 minutes ago, Eddie said:

Interesting the level of variation in opinion on how people have seen that result / performance. I’m somewhere in the middle of the range I think.

First half was pretty even but I thought we edged it and deserved to be leading - brilliant finish by Kenny.

I didn’t think there was much of a threat from them (Forino dealt with Wooton really well all game) but they did have the freedom of the left hand side when they attacked because Apter was fucking woeful and Tutu didn’t know whether to stick or twist (also not painting him in the best light) - annoyingly with 30 seconds to go it happened one too many times. I was watching the linesman and he very nearly stuck his flag up - I think he was checking with the ref as to whether the player that went up for the header touched it (Wooton I think) and so assume the ref ultimately decided it was a goal as the liner was ready to flag.

Second half we started terribly. Never came out (as usual) and that goal was fucking laughable. Absolute Sunday league stuff. Conway is no left back, it started from him being out of position AGAIN but to be fair the rest of them were just as shit. Once we rode the next 10 minutes out, got our heads back on and made the changes then there was only one team that fancied it - we were all over them (especially once we scored).

Our 2nd was clearly lucky in the finish, but the move was class. Rodrigues as a level above and is going to be a massive part of how well we do for the rest of the season. Even little things like the pass into Dalby being to his left foot which meant the defender couldn’t get to it - little bits of class that make a difference. I like Dempsey but when RR came on there’s just a different level of creativity and quality. It’s brilliant when we’re chasing a game because you then have both him and Sheehan in centre mid that can make something happen rather than just Sheehan (making it harder for the opposition).

Sheehan had a weird game - played well but his long passing which is usually a strong point was off all game. So many times there was acres to hit in behind and he missed it all.

ACD being back is massive. He was trying way too hard and actually didn’t play too well, but just the lift he gives, the energy and the willingness to get on the ball at every possible moment is brilliant - let’s hope he stays fit for the rest of the season.

As for Stockport. Definitely tidy, definitely one of the stronger teams in the league and Norwood is a very classy player. But, I thought we were the better team and they were clinging on for the last 20 minutes. I still don’t want to get them in the play offs but if we did then I’d still back us to beat them.

4 points through Easter is a really good total all considered. Play off spot solidified, positives to take but as always with Bolton, plenty to wind us up too.

I'm going to sleep on this tremendous post.

Onwards and upwards. Good night Eddie x

19 minutes ago, Eddie said:

Interesting the level of variation in opinion on how people have seen that result / performance. I’m somewhere in the middle of the range I think.

First half was pretty even but I thought we edged it and deserved to be leading - brilliant finish by Kenny.

I didn’t think there was much of a threat from them (Forino dealt with Wooton really well all game) but they did have the freedom of the left hand side when they attacked because Apter was fucking woeful and Tutu didn’t know whether to stick or twist (also not painting him in the best light) - annoyingly with 30 seconds to go it happened one too many times. I was watching the linesman and he very nearly stuck his flag up - I think he was checking with the ref as to whether the player that went up for the header touched it (Wooton I think) and so assume the ref ultimately decided it was a goal as the liner was ready to flag.

Second half we started terribly. Never came out (as usual) and that goal was fucking laughable. Absolute Sunday league stuff. Conway is no left back, it started from him being out of position AGAIN but to be fair the rest of them were just as shit. Once we rode the next 10 minutes out, got our heads back on and made the changes then there was only one team that fancied it - we were all over them (especially once we scored).

Our 2nd was clearly lucky in the finish, but the move was class. Rodrigues as a level above and is going to be a massive part of how well we do for the rest of the season. Even little things like the pass into Dalby being to his left foot which meant the defender couldn’t get to it - little bits of class that make a difference. I like Dempsey but when RR came on there’s just a different level of creativity and quality. It’s brilliant when we’re chasing a game because you then have both him and Sheehan in centre mid that can make something happen rather than just Sheehan (making it harder for the opposition).

Sheehan had a weird game - played well but his long passing which is usually a strong point was off all game. So many times there was acres to hit in behind and he missed it all.

ACD being back is massive. He was trying way too hard and actually didn’t play too well, but just the lift he gives, the energy and the willingness to get on the ball at every possible moment is brilliant - let’s hope he stays fit for the rest of the season.

As for Stockport. Definitely tidy, definitely one of the stronger teams in the league and Norwood is a very classy player. But, I thought we were the better team and they were clinging on for the last 20 minutes. I still don’t want to get them in the play offs but if we did then I’d still back us to beat them.

4 points through Easter is a really good total all considered. Play off spot solidified, positives to take but as always with Bolton, plenty to wind us up too.

Took me right to the end of my catch up to find a post I mostly agree with.

Great post Eddie. 👍👏

Think the only bit I’m 50/50 on is your bit about Conway. For me there’s a good left back in there (not that today was a good advertisement for him)

Best performance against Stockport in 33 years! It’s a low bar but that’s miles better than what we’ve seen against them in our previous 4/5 games! 

Edited April 6Apr 6 by desperado

1 hour ago, gonzo said:

Conway frustrates the hell out of me but for that first goal the ball should never have made it across in the first place. Tutu for the 3rd time a row had been left wide open thanks to Apter wandering about like a kid lost in a shopping centre.

It was down to Apter definitely. Left Tutu with two players to pick up all the time. Waste of space is Apter

4 hours ago, Leyther_Matt said:

but with Cardiff dropping points again it really should have been us looking to really put in a chase for second spot for the final few games. 

Nah 

We just don't win enough and draw too many

At 2-1 down we were in a position where if Stockport win their game in hand we would be 5th!

It's a job on now to finish 3rd or 4th for that home advantage in the play offs, not that it counts for much if we're playing Stockport again

Watching Sheehan today I thought how fortunate we are to have him and that if he were on the opposing side, we'd be giving him a lot more respect than he gets.  He makes space for himself so well, rarely gets flustered and, with one or two exceptions today, can pick out a great pass.  He couldn't tackle a good dinner mind.