Sad Stags & Handbags match day thread.

One positive was that the defence were winning headers (mainly Roberts), which didn’t happen at all last season.

We must play with a back 4.

 

Wasn't what I was thinking, but could be interesting to watch

 

I agree but not ideal when we have four wing backs in the squad. Been saying for ages we can’t play 3 5 2, we get ripped to bits time and again down the flanks and opposing managers know it.

 

Not my first choice but 4-5-1 would be better. And with Cosgrove being our current main striker, it would actually suit the way we play.

 

I must be overly optimistic because, after the first 25 minutes, which were admittedly awful, I thought we played pretty well and there were positives to take from that for me. But by god, we desperately need strikers in.

 

I think the point I’m trying to make is not about me but about him.

 

we did although the last 20 were as disappointing as the first in lots of ways….

we let the game slide away from us.

we are miles off a promotion side at the moment unfortunately. We lack so much quality. Let’s hope the team looks a bit different in a month.

it’s pretty poor not replacing Cole when let’s face it, we’ve had a good 8 or 9 months to do so.

however it’s early days and the manager seems like a good guy .

 

Thoughts:

It was an awful start if we are being kind. Allowed them onto us from the get-go, so much space out wide. Shape looked all wrong and it was only a matter of time until they went in front. They had a lovely goal ruled out (fairly) and went close before that. It was quite worrying if I’m honest. Seeing a promoted club playing exclusively in our third for the first 20 minutes was it?

Our tactic seemed to be punting it towards the front two and hoping. A few times it dropped in midfield and Phillips looked lively. Couple of long throws from Roberts. But generally, we weren’t offering much. And then a bloke nearly as old as me rifles one into the top corner, before they quickly double their deserved lead. Don’t get me wrong, it was worked well by Mansfield. But it was preventable. Even at the point where the header comes in. It’s straight at Killip.

Clarke shifted to a back four and we immediately looked better. Less space out wide and Russell’s presence in midfield saw us take over and kill their momentum. That allowed Connell to go and play and across that last 15 minutes of the first half and the first 15 minutes after the restart, we looked a division better than them. Apart from where it truly matters. In their box. Scruffy old goal from Luca, but aside from that it was an exercise in missing the target by a foot. Or, when through on goal, passing it to the keeper.

Sadly, other than Lofthouse, the second half subs didn’t positively affect the game. Conor added nothing, Barry (unusually) didn’t take his man on and Marshy (not through lack of effort) wasn’t really an upgrade on Max. It sort of drifted away. No idea why we went back to a three at the end. It had clearly not worked first half. So yeah. Just meandered to a close with the Stags looking more likely to get the next goal.

Really dispiriting opening day performance.

The players for me:

Killip: Couldn’t do much for goal one, but the second is straight at him. 5.

O’Keeffe: Didn’t have any joy at all going forward or back. Reminds me of Kevin Donovan. 5.

de Gevigney: Caught out of position too often. But, when he plays confidently, forward thinking, I see a player. Strange one. 5.

Roberts: Won the majority of his headers, positionally sound. Some of his passing let him down. 6.

Earl: Has bad moments and good moments. I’d take him finding a middle ground. 5.

Gent: I liked the look of him on the ball and moving forward. Sadly, he was exposed defensively. 5.

Craig: I liked his bravery. He wants to play, he gets stuck in. Not a lot came off but he was never lacking in effort. 6.

Connell: Our best starter on the night. Practically played every midfield position, tried to get us going. Sadly, his right leg is for standing on. No idea why he was replaced. 7.

Phillips: Thought he was the best player on the pitch for little stages of the opening 45. Didn’t use him enough. Faded badly though. 6.

Cosgrove: I genuinely think there’s so much more he can do, but doesn’t show it. Has all the tools. Was a cross from Connell he should be burying. Average. 5.

Watters: Thought he was spot on in general but, like Sam, froze inside the box. But just more often. Bereft of confidence. 6.

Russell: Best player for us on the night (that crazy shot aside). Won possession, got us moving, clever in possession. 7.

Hourihane: Never affected the game. Quite disappointing really. 5.

Lofthouse: Out on the left again but immediately offered a threat out there. How’s about playing him where he belongs? 6.

Cotter: One of his poorer performances. Didn’t get at the opposition and defensively, he just reverted to what any of us could do, just kicked it forward. 5.

Marsh: Worked hard initially, had one little chance the keeper turned behind. Struggled afterwards. 5.

 

We looked much better with Russell on.

Gent is the worst debut I have seen for us probably since MDGV, which was *looks for his debut* last season.

 

Very fair report.
I would give Marsh a 6 as he setup Cosgrove before he ‘blazed over’

 

Don't want him on tonight's showing

 

Oh - and that lad of theirs who we’ve been linked with - he didn’t seem to be playing as a striker? More advanced midfielder - so if we’re genuinely looking at him are we going to play him in a different position to where he plays now or is he a replacement for if Phillips goes? As I’m sure midfield is the least desperate position to sort?

 

I'd bring back Luke Thomas. Donkey D I ck from Mansfield offers nothing different to what we already have. Too static tonight. We'd have won if Jalo was fit.

 

Carl Regan
That tw4t from Arsenal

 

Yep showed absolutely nothing to warrant the supposed £750k they want for him. Be better spending that kind of cash on a striker tbh.

 

Mitch Ward. Never forget hearing him called all sorts of Sheffield related things with swear words thrown it at Bradford by his own fans.

 

No way Marsh a 6 you giant whopper

 

Except he was from Everton.

 

Don't think he means Carl Regan. Vito Mannone? We've had lots of twâts. I'll throw Paul Warhurst in as well.

 

Doesn't he mean the one who was sent off at Sheff Wensdy ?.