The players need to battle and scrap for everything. And get used to it because they will need to do this all season from here on in.
Correct - That was the most dissapointing thing on Saturday. We didnt battle. Can pass all we want but if we dont battle when we have not got the ball - We are in trouble!!
Personally I have a bad feeling about tonight, not necessarily the result but the atmosphere and reaction as soon as the first pass goes astray or the first sideways pass is made. I think we will be ok and Hill will get it right but the expectation to put things right after Saturday is going to be so high I think one or two of the players may wilt. We need strength of character tonight on the pitch and patience off it. A vast improvement on Saturday is required, will get it; we can only hope.
Correct we can only hope. We need a big positive reaction from the crowd but fear you are right. The players need to show belief their own abilities and even if teh result is not right, put in a performance that gives them and us hope. A goal would be nice but I'd be happy with nil nil at this stage!
I too am worried about the atmosphere tonight. It wasn't nice on Saturday, very hostile. I don't like that kind of atmosphere and no matter what is said on here, I can't see how booing helps. Surely players will respond better to encouragement as opposed to hostility and booing. As soon as the first pass goes astray it will start. I much prefer away games these days at least the fans get wholly behind them.
I agree but can only say that even if the Ponty had been chanting David Preece's name up until the goal he still would have stood and gawped at teh ball and then let it through his legs - sometimes some players just are not up to it.
If they want to get the fans back onside they need to. That was the most disheartening thing about Saturday, the complete lack of any effort until added time.
Looking at the goal again, there was someone on the line (Mcnulty or Edwards?) between Preece and the post Connelly's header went between that player and the post, not much Preece could have done! The problem was the head tennis which led to the goal, someone should have cleared it!!
In fairness to Preece when he went for the cross McNulty I believe headed it away from him and the goal when it came was made difficult by the defender on the line who could have done better.I haven't seen any praise for Preece for the 3 fantastic second half saves which kept us in the game.
From seeing it on the tv l blame the defender on the line, squeezed in between his body and the post. Having not seen them yet l wouldn't have a clue who the player was but l'll blame Nicky Eaden.
Make no bones about it, McNulty was poor on two occasions, but Preece shoudl have come and took the lot.
Well said BMW he did make some good saves in the second half but you`re not suppose mention those cos he`s a target just like McEveley who played is part by not getting goal side of Connolly but he escaped criticism because the keeper is a more pressing target.
preece shgould have have made the ball his before mcnulty's first header.... there was no need for mcnulty to head that ball, preece was stood behind him and should have made it his
