Yesterday was the first time I've seen us this season and it was good to get a win from an away game especially after the recent poor form. I don't think we played that well but there is an abundance of team spirit and steel in this group of players which I feel will be a big advantage in us remaining in this league. When you consider that we had 3 first team regulars out (White, Roberts & Scowen) and last years player of season (Hammill) dropped then the magnitude of the win is even greater. I can't say I was too impressed with Brentford and I think the main difference between the teams is that we have goal scorers in our team. I've read a lot of mumbo jumbo on here about formations but the team set up and game plan is simple and I think that helps this group of players and it gives the team a good shape. Occasionally they played between our lines but I felt we coped comfortably with them for the most part. The only time I felt we were second best was when McEachran came on and they look looked threatening for about 10 minutes but we managed to get a second and that gave us the confidence to see the game out. My only gripe about our performance was Houricane kept coming deep to pick the ball up of the back 4. This is a pet peeve of mine as all it means is that we have 5 players behind the ball and therefore only 5 in attacking position against their 10 defending. Unless the full backs push up into midfield then it can be difficult to progress the ball forward and we end up playing far too deep. The stand out for me was the back four keeping a clean sheet. I don’t think Jackson and MacDonald had played together before and they did a good job on the whole. To think that one was playing in League Two and the other in the Conference last year then you have to take your hats off to the club for identifying the talent. I also thought the full backs did well - Bree look solid for the most part and Yiadom did well playing out of position at left back. Overall a nice day out and I echo the other sentiments about Brentford. It was refreshing to go to an away ground that was friendly and welcoming. A big call out to the steward on the entrance/exit gate who promoted this with such gusto. Finally, I think we’ll do okay this season. I know it is only based on the evidence of one game but I see fight and resolve in this team which will put us in good stead for the rest of the season. We will have injuries and suspensions but so will other teams but as you can see from the team that played today players have come in and raised their game. This will provide competition for places and hopefully the performances will improve accordingly. I see lots of options in the squad and I think we can adapt and play other formations if required. At the moment, with nearly a third of the season gone, we’re in midtable, closer to the playoffs than the relegation zone, so I don’t think there is a need. Onwards and upwards #coyr
Yes, you are right about the stewards, especially the guy who seemed to be in charge of the away gate. He was good at forewarning people about the lack of a bar in the away end prior to them entering the ground, and suggested that we "go and get a beer down your neck in The Griffin". At full time a number of them wished us a safe journey home, and the same chief steward greeted us with a call of "here come the winners, have a safe journey home" as we exited the ground. The atmosphere was excellent all day, and not just because we won. The vibe around the whole area was positive and, should we share a division next season, I'd make an effort to go again to a proper football stadium with genuine fans.
Totally agree the most pleasant and welcoming steward I have come across at the many away grounds I have visited. He was equally as pleasant on leaving the ground also!! Top man.
That Steward was great. I asked him if he loved northerners and he gave me a big hug! Also police waved coaches off! Re hourihane, that's what he does now. Hes playing in a deeper role, does more tackling than he ever did, and is playing his best football in that role. Sent from my SM-G850F using Tapatalk
