Barnsley dont have enough quality/strength in depth to a) deal with sustained injuries to first-team starters b) realistically compete at a higher level. Apart from, arguably, poor substitutions from Collins as soon as Bolton started passing and running the channels the team struggled to cope, didn't have the nous and composure to manage things and looked panicky. Lack of overall quality, technical ability and general poor-decision making contributed to throwing the extra points away last night. I'm not saying Barnsley were pants just that there's not enough quality there. IF the Reds were to go up regardless ( because they might in spite of what I've just argued) they will need some really astute recruitment in the close season.
Whichever league we’re in, I’m hoping we don’t spend the first few weeks chasing non league players who are never gonna play for the club.
The evidence suggests there isn't a cigarette paper between us and Bolton. However, who has the momentum may be a different question.
Stats suggest as much re your first point but watching the match has made me reflect. The momentum comment I agree with
We shouldn't get carried away either positively or negatively based on about 35 minutes of one match. We cocked it up but we're still in a great position.
Bolton definitely have the better squad of players but there isn’t much in it regarding both teams first eleven.
I had a look on a Bolton forum at HT and they were debating that we had a loanee and a free transfer up front and looked good and their front two didn't.. having cost £2.5 million.
Based on matches against two of our main competitors this season they haven’t got the better of us over games home and away so far - remains to be seen with Pompey!
I'll repeat what I posted last night (though can't find it ), I'd take our current squad and form against any of our promotion rivals.
