We’ve finally found our replacement for Shipperley then.

Master class in centre forward play from Richards in the first half capped by a superbly taken solo goal. I can’t begin to say how wrong I was about him. I thought him ordinary, just a trier. He’s miles more than that.

Another battling performance by the reds. It’s so good to see that kind of attitude after years of watching players go through the motions. This team works hard. Not sure the substitution of Wright for Shuker worked. We could have done with that versatile midfield player we were offered, but that’s only a slight criticism of a manager that gets the majority of things right.

The ref had an absolute stinker. It looked like Wright would have to be buggered and burnt to win a foul, but then amazingly the ref awarded us a penalty. Couldn’t tell if it was or not from the Ponty, but the sending off seemed very harsh. Not that I’m complaining mind.

Bristol had a lot of the play, but their chances were severely restricted by some excellent defensive play. Those who chose the official man of the match put that down to Reid, but for my money the colossus at the back was Kay, who is team captain in all but name.

Onwards and upwards.

 

Once he'd given the penalty..

He had no choice but to sent him off. I expected him to give a freekick against Wright.

I've confessed to my mis-judgment of Richards. Awesome today, but big credit to the whole back four. Considering the pressure, no saves from Colgan.

 

Got to say...

I agree with every single word you said in their.

 

I think he's fooled us all.

He didn't look to have many goals in him and I personally thought he was a League 2 player. His track record before he signed for us didn't suggest that he had a goal scorer lurking inside.

He doesn't seem to give up so easily now.

Some thing in his life has changed for the better, or perhaps he has responded in the right way to the stick he was getting much like Chopra did.

We must hope he can keep this rich vein of form going. He was good to watch today and technically very good.

 

Would echo those comments. Must admit I too thought him more of a workhorse than goalscorer. Didn't go today so obviously can't comment, but 4 goals in 2 games is pretty good by any standard and his performance last week was outstanding. Well done and hope it continues. Also good to hear Kay getting favourable reviews. Have we turned the corner again?

Can I have custard with my humble pie please?

 

expertly put jay agree with everything you say,i had to scratch my head watchin richards what a briiliant performance at centre forward.

 

I think we're pretty much the same now as we have been all year

Well, once Ritchie decided that Conlon just wasn't up to it. We're a decent side with a very good work ethic. Occasionally the players click and we look fantastic, but more often than not we get results from hard work.

I also think Holden and Ritchie are good coahes, who have improved many of the individuals in the side. Austin is having his best season by a mile. Carbon is three times the player he was last season. As is Burns. And Colgan. Shuker now gives us an end product. Kay has cut out the basic errors, no longer looks like he wants to get sent off and is becoming the player he always threatened to be.

I would say we're still too inconsistent for automatic promotion, but so are all the other sides. We've a chance. For a manager to give us that chance in his first season is absolutely excellent.

 

Ritchie comments in interview on DeeDah

about the work ethic were along the lines of Dev complaining when he first arrived at the hard work and slog that was expected of them... Ritchie told him its what makes a player and therefore a team

 

At the risk of looking like an anorak

Shipperley 70 starts, 27 goals, goals per game 0.39

Richards 15 starts, 10 goals, goals per game 0.66

Therefore, Richards is 69% better than Shipperley, or summat.

I'm standing in for Paul.d and I'm here all week.

 

If he does turn out to be anywhere near as good as Shipperley

We've got a reight laiker on the books.

 

Didnt realise he had U18/20/21 caps

 

RE: Didnt realise he had U18/20/21 caps

your hypocrisy knows no bounds!!!!!!!!!!

 

Can't argue with Richards.</p>

He has been awesome and has taken all the chances roffered to him.</p>

Well done and I 'll tell you,  by the summer,  we shall be lucky to hang on to him.</p>

Plymouth  were ready with a £300.000 bid</p>

They thought that we couldn't resist with that type of money on offer but we did.</p>

Brilliant.</p>

Ritchie wil not allow him to go on a peastring (!)</p>

Well done Andy and awesome play from Richards today  in a 'Fallonesque' way.</p>

YYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYoooReds!</p>

 

I beg your pardon???

Hypocracy?

Explain please I'm obviously having a senior moment but cant see any hypocracy in that statement

 

RE: At the risk of looking like an anorak

Ah, but remember Shipperley was doing it at a higher level against better defenders.</p>
I'm not knocking Richards but you you can't compared them until we go up and Richards does the bizzzzzzzzzzzzzz at a higher level.

 

I'll hold my hand up

Richards has proved me wrong, had him down as a plodder and he's certainly showing what had graft and perseverance can bring. his first touch is a million times better, he's starting to convert his chances and his physical presence up front is exactly what we've been missing since Shipps left. good on him.

also, special mention for Anthony Kay. straight into the side after several weeks out and puts in a faultless display at the back. added to which, he's the most vocal player on the park, organising at set pieces and big contributing factor in us finally concentrating for 90 minutes and keeping a clean sheet. Ritchie has a difficult decision to make for the next game, cos as good as Carbon has been, Kay for me, is worth his place in the side.

 

RE: I'll hold my hand up

Kay and Carbon. He won't, but over the last few months they have been the better central defenders. Not that there's owt wrong with Reid, I just feel kay and Carbon have been more impressive. Nice situation to be in like, having 3 quality central defenders. Just hope we have at least 2 of them fit for the remaining games.

 

RE: I'll hold my hand up

You love Anthony Kay.