Few observations from last night

[Phil_bfc deux]

Really good work ethic from all players and the coach had a game plan that very nearly worked

343 looked a better fit for these players

Don't understand why fans always need a scapegoat both CJ and Carey did a job for the team playing high in a front three stopping the Forest fullbacks pushing into midfield

Norburn, Morgan and Gabriel all brilliant on the night, Gabriel and Morgan have to start every game if fit

The three subs all did great and gave us more movement and aggression once we had to chase the game

Play like this every week and we won't be far off Promotion and its on Critchley now to get the players to play like this every week in a more balanced system

Second half was probably the best we have played for a long long time

Also thought the North Stand were loud and proud

Well done all

UTMP ...................

 

[Macseasider]

Well summed up that Phil. Echo what you said about the North. It looked awesome last night. Rocking.

 

[Seasideforever]

Agree with all of that,I was sat there thinking what would it of been like with a sell out? Credit to the north lads they literally sucked that ball in the net with their singing

 

[TheLuker]

Agree with all of that,I was sat there thinking what would it of been like with a sell out? Credit to the north lads they literally sucked that ball in the net with their singing

Can the players have the credit for all of the other goals that they've scored at home this season when the atmosphere has been flat as a pancake?

 

[StAnnesonseaBFC]

Lyons and Gabriel proper wing backs who can defend and cross better than these imposters in cj and dale

 

[A_Tense_Grin]

Not sure you would want 3-4-3 and as ultimately Joseph and Lavery would be on the bench. You don't really want that in League One and not utilising our potential strengths. I understand against Forest but not in League One for me.

Having said that, I want us play 4-3-3 and that would leave us with Rhodes playing on his own but I think Joseph could do well as left forward getting close to Rhodes.

 

[seasidelytham]

Really good work ethic from all players and the coach had a game plan that very nearly worked

343 looked a better fit for these players

Don't understand why fans always need a scapegoat both CJ and Carey did a job for the team playing high in a front three stopping the Forest fullbacks pushing into midfield

Norburn, Morgan and Gabriel all brilliant on the night, Gabriel and Morgan have to start every game if fit

The three subs all did great and gave us more movement and aggression once we had to chase the game

Play like this every week and we won't be far off Promotion and its on Critchley now to get the players to play like this every week in a more balanced system

Second half was probably the best we have played for a long long time

Also thought the North Stand were loud and proud

Well done all

UTMP ...................

Agreed but where does Connolly sit with that thinking?

 

[Phil_bfc deux]

Agreed but where does Connolly sit with that thinking?

Connolly is a utility player and should be used as such

He did ok last night in the back 3

 

[Phil_bfc deux]

Not sure you would want 3-4-3 and as ultimately Joseph and Lavery would be on the bench. You don't really want that in League One and not utilising our potential strengths. I understand against Forest but not in League One for me.

Not at all both could play in the front 3

 

[voyeur]

Really good work ethic from all players and the coach had a game plan that very nearly worked

343 looked a better fit for these players

Don't understand why fans always need a scapegoat both CJ and Carey did a job for the team playing high in a front three stopping the Forest fullbacks pushing into midfield

Norburn, Morgan and Gabriel all brilliant on the night, Gabriel and Morgan have to start every game if fit

The three subs all did great and gave us more movement and aggression once we had to chase the game

Play like this every week and we won't be far off Promotion and its on Critchley now to get the players to play like this every week in a more balanced system

Second half was probably the best we have played for a long long time

Also thought the North Stand were loud and proud

Well done all

UTMP ...................

I agree. I felt CJ and Carey didn't do much with the ball but they both put a shift in, can't deny that. I'd like to see us start without CJ though, we have Gabriel, Lyons, Coulson etc for the wide berths in the 343, and up front you have to start 3 from Rhodes, Dembele, Joseph and Lavery. Probably the first three, Lavery off the bench.

 

[thefutureistangerine]

Not sure you would want 3-4-3 and as ultimately Joseph and Lavery would be on the bench. You don't really want that in League One and not utilising our potential strengths. I understand against Forest but not in League One for me.

Disagree. Joseph, especially, can play anywhere in a front three. Lavery has done it a division higher.

And can't fault any of that @Phil_bfc deux... not everyone is going to have standout games all of the time, but as long as everyone knows their job and isn't being shoehorned into a role we can beat anyone in this division.

 

[A_Tense_Grin]

Not at all both could play in the front 3

Well last night it looked like it was Carey and CJ behind Rhodes. Potentially Joseph could but they were more midfield roles.

It just looks over complicated bollocks and I am sure it will be emphasised once again away at Bristol Rovers. The biggest problem is defensively we are all over the place so first and foremost, that needs fixing one way or the other.

 

[Phil_bfc deux]

Well last night it looked like it was Carey and CJ behind Rhodes. Potentially Joseph could but they were more midfield roles.

It just looks over complicated bollocks and I am sure it will be emphasised once again away at Bristol Rovers. The biggest problem is defensively we are all over the place so first and foremost, that needs fixing one way or the other.

It really wasn't

CJ was on the right and Carey on the left of a front 3

 

[Wizzerboy]

Really good work ethic from all players and the coach had a game plan that very nearly worked

343 looked a better fit for these players

Don't understand why fans always need a scapegoat both CJ and Carey did a job for the team playing high in a front three stopping the Forest fullbacks pushing into midfield

Norburn, Morgan and Gabriel all brilliant on the night, Gabriel and Morgan have to start every game if fit

The three subs all did great and gave us more movement and aggression once we had to chase the game

Play like this every week and we won't be far off Promotion and its on Critchley now to get the players to play like this every week in a more balanced system

Second half was probably the best we have played for a long long time

Also thought the North Stand were loud and proud

Well done all

UTMP ...................

Disagree on a few points Phil, I personally thought that CJ , Sonny and CC were, for the most, ineffective for the majority of the night.
Also thought Norburn can play a lot better and again, imo, has been off it for most of the season.

Other than that, totally agree on the positives of your post. Gabriel and Morgan were superb, the subs did a great job and the 2nd half (bar the 1 minute blip at the start) was indeed, the best for a long long time.

We NEED to play like that til the end of the season to attain at least top six and yes, Critchley does need to stop tinkering and play a more balanced/settled side

utmp

 

[tangysider]

Really good work ethic from all players and the coach had a game plan that very nearly worked

343 looked a better fit for these players

Don't understand why fans always need a scapegoat both CJ and Carey did a job for the team playing high in a front three stopping the Forest fullbacks pushing into midfield

Norburn, Morgan and Gabriel all brilliant on the night, Gabriel and Morgan have to start every game if fit

The three subs all did great and gave us more movement and aggression once we had to chase the game

Play like this every week and we won't be far off Promotion and its on Critchley now to get the players to play like this every week in a more balanced system

Second half was probably the best we have played for a long long time

Also thought the North Stand were loud and proud

Well done all

UTMP ...................

We lost but most fans left happy as the players really stepped up to the plate 2nd half.
This just goes to show that it is the tactics and slow build up that we have an issue with

 

[SeasideKurt]

CJ was horrific last night, sorry but for this team to progress. We need inconsistent players out of the team.

Connolly is showing he isn't up to the standard.

And I can't understand why Apter has been sent out on loan and Carey kept.

We are 3-4 players away from a side that compete in the play offs. And I said so at the end of the last window.

Amazing effort last night, we nearly did it. But we almost never back up a brilliant performance with a solid one away from home. We simply can't lose against Bristol Rovers. But we all know we will.

 

[A_Tense_Grin]

It really wasn't

CJ was on the right and Carey on the left of a front 3

That's fine but you wouldn't want Lavery out wide. Joseph you potentially would. Just my opinion but it's just a variation of the over complicated bollocks and doesn't really solve anything. I fear this will once again be proven at Bristol Rovers when we get back to the bread and butter of league football.

What is actually wrong with this?

---------Grimshaw
Gabriel--Casey-Ekpiteta--Husband
---Norburn---Morgan--
CJ--------Dembele-----Joseph
---------Rhodes

Will never understand why we just don't play a flat back four. Obviously there are no certainties the above team would yield better performances and results but we can't keep losing away from home. Bristol Rovers is massive for Critchley but we've been saying that for every game recently.

 

[Insider]

Connolly is a utility player and should be used as such

He did ok last night in the back 3

I don't like scapegoats either but as much as we should comment and emphasise the good there's nothing wrong with commenting on the not so good. A pitch side view of Connolly's performance last night was that his use of the ball was poor. He needs a rest. Pennington is a far better right-sided CB.

 

[voyeur]

CJ was horrific last night, sorry but for this team to progress. We need inconsistent players out of the team.

Connolly is showing he isn't up to the standard.

And I can't understand why Apter has been sent out on loan and Carey kept.

We are 3-4 players away from a side that compete in the play offs. And I said so at the end of the last window.

Amazing effort last night, we nearly did it. But we almost never back up a brilliant performance with a solid one away from home. We simply can't lose against Bristol Rovers. But we all know we will.

Apter is certainly better than some of the options we have retained in the squad. I agree we need inconsistent players out of the team, but I don't think we are 3 or 4 players short of a play off competitive side. Now that Joseph and Lavery are available anyway. We need to replace Dougall, Norburn and Morgan are looking overworked.

 

[Dark_Side_of_the_Lune]

Really good work ethic from all players and the coach had a game plan that very nearly worked

343 looked a better fit for these players

Don't understand why fans always need a scapegoat both CJ and Carey did a job for the team playing high in a front three stopping the Forest fullbacks pushing into midfield

Norburn, Morgan and Gabriel all brilliant on the night, Gabriel and Morgan have to start every game if fit

The three subs all did great and gave us more movement and aggression once we had to chase the game

Play like this every week and we won't be far off Promotion and its on Critchley now to get the players to play like this every week in a more balanced system

Second half was probably the best we have played for a long long time

Also thought the North Stand were loud and proud

Well done all

UTMP ...................

Thank you

 

[Loco]

CJ was horrific last night, sorry but for this team to progress. We need inconsistent players out of the team.

Disagree. He had a job to do, keeping their very fast No 3 out of the game, which he pretty much did, despite struggling to keep up with him at times. That laid the foundation for what came next with the subs.

 

[Junior_BentsPlatformShoes]

Agree with most of the OP barring Carey who I still think has anonymous games, as he did last night and CJ had one of his quieter ones. Rhodes also struggled but mainly due to the lack of supply.
The three subs had a much bigger impact.

 

[TangerineArmy]

CJ was horrific last night, sorry but for this team to progress. We need inconsistent players out of the team.

Connolly is showing he isn't up to the standard.

And I can't understand why Apter has been sent out on loan and Carey kept.

We are 3-4 players away from a side that compete in the play offs. And I said so at the end of the last window.

Amazing effort last night, we nearly did it. But we almost never back up a brilliant performance with a solid one away from home. We simply can't lose against Bristol Rovers. But we all know we will.

I agree.. for me one of my biggest moan about CJ is he seems to just bottle out of challenges... just annoys me

As for Bristol... with gap getting bigger I think its one we must win... which we can win if critch picks the right team/tactics... not go defensive and hope for one lucky shot on target.. let's see another pompey performance for all them away fans

 

[Wizaard]

Connolly is a utility player and should be used as such

He did ok last night in the back 3

I don't understand how a utility player is picked week in, week out ahead of recognised players in that position in Casey and Pennington. His distribution is shocking.

 

[Hooleys]

Play with Temp not the passive passing game we sometimes play with and this group of players will achieve more. IMO

 

[SeasideKurt]

Disagree. He had a job to do, keeping their very fast No 3 out of the game, which he pretty much did, despite struggling to keep up with him at times. That laid the foundation for what came next with the subs.

He got absolutely BATTERED by their left back. Lost every challenge. Got done for pace.

That is a load of rubbish I'm afraid, it was an extremely poor showing from CJ. Watch it back. Watch the tackles lost. Watch the ball lost.

He's not a very good player and we're suffering because of it.

 

[iamwinters]

I don't like scapegoats either but as much as we should comment and emphasise the good there's nothing wrong with commenting on the not so good. A pitch side view of Connolly's performance last night was that his use of the ball was poor. He needs a rest. Pennington is a far better right-sided CB.

We don't play Marv (despite being our best defender by a mile) because he isn't the best on the ball. Yet he persists with Connolly, who constantly gives the ball away or puts it out into touch.

Marv and Casey both have to play, not one or the other.

 

[we_need_a_bob_hatton]

With Connolly in the back three we consistantly concede goals especially away from home...We need to shut up shop and go to a back four away from home....9 out of our 12 away games we have conceded goals with the other 3 being 2 wins to zero goals conceded and a 0-0 draw....which is the sad story away home...Even at this stage of the season I dont think Critchley knows his best starting eleven and it wont surprise me to see a completely different team against Bristol on Saturday...Critchley needs to stop being so stubborn and realise its clean sheets away from home that will give us a chance to make the play -offs.

 

[iamwinters]

With Connolly in the back three we consistantly concede goals especially away from home...We need to shut up shop and go to a back four away from home....9 out of our 12 away games we have conceded goals with the other 3 being 2 wins to zero goals conceded and a 0-0 draw....which is the sad story away home...Even at this stage of the season I dont think Critchley knows his best starting eleven and it wont surprise me to see a completely different team against Bristol on Saturday...Critchley needs to stop being so stubborn and realise its clean sheets away from home that will give us a chance to make the play -offs.

In fairness there needs to be big changes on Saturday because of the efforts exerted by some of them - Gabriel etc

 

[65 & Counting]

Anyone who thought Carey and Hamilton had a positive affect on Pool's performance must have been watching a different game. Carey is slow and predictable and Hamilton jumps out of his skin when faced with physical contact.

 

[Loco]

He got absolutely BATTERED by their left back. Lost every challenge. Got done for pace.

That is a load of rubbish I'm afraid, it was an extremely poor showing from CJ. Watch it back. Watch the tackles lost. Watch the ball lost.

He's not a very good player and we're suffering because of it.

If CJ got done for pace then who on earth could have done better? He occupied his man in the main.

 

[1966_and_all_that]

Lyons and Gabriel proper wing backs who can defend and cross better than these imposters in cj and dale

Yes, Lyons and Gabriel are good wing backs. That's all you needed to say.

 

[Yarmouth Seasider]

Connolly is a great utility player, good to have in the squad, on the bench, as he can cover several positions, but he shouldn't be starting in front of Pennington, Casey or Marv. It's a difficult conundrum though if we play a back 3, there has to be a right (Pennington), middle (Marv/Casey) and a left (Hubby) so there's always someone going to miss out.

 

[tangysider]

Really good work ethic from all players and the coach had a game plan that very nearly worked

343 looked a better fit for these players

Don't understand why fans always need a scapegoat both CJ and Carey did a job for the team playing high in a front three stopping the Forest fullbacks pushing into midfield

Norburn, Morgan and Gabriel all brilliant on the night, Gabriel and Morgan have to start every game if fit

The three subs all did great and gave us more movement and aggression once we had to chase the game

Play like this every week and we won't be far off Promotion and its on Critchley now to get the players to play like this every week in a more balanced system

Second half was probably the best we have played for a long long time

Also thought the North Stand were loud and proud

Well done all

UTMP ...................

Bloody hell
Are you mellowing?

 

[td53]

Really good work ethic from all players and the coach had a game plan that very nearly worked

343 looked a better fit for these players

Don't understand why fans always need a scapegoat both CJ and Carey did a job for the team playing high in a front three stopping the Forest fullbacks pushing into midfield

Norburn, Morgan and Gabriel all brilliant on the night, Gabriel and Morgan have to start every game if fit

The three subs all did great and gave us more movement and aggression once we had to chase the game

Play like this every week and we won't be far off Promotion and its on Critchley now to get the players to play like this every week in a more balanced system

Second half was probably the best we have played for a long long time

Also thought the North Stand were loud and proud

Well done all

UTMP ...................

Love it. Morgan is becoming a real thing.

My favourite thing last night was a bloke behind me who was still castigating Carey 50 minutes after he'd gone off cos he didn't notice and just ascribed the blame for every sloppy pass to him even though he wasn't on the pitch.

So much of an expert he can't even recognise the players.

 

[Phil_bfc deux]

Love it. Morgan is becoming a real thing.

My favourite thing last night was a bloke behind me who was still castigating Carey 50 minutes after he'd gone off cos he didn't notice and just ascribed the blame for every sloppy pass to him even though he wasn't on the pitch.

So much of an expert he can't even recognise the players.

Bit like the bloke at Vale Park shouting get it forward after 3 mins

 

[911_Kirky]

Really good work ethic from all players and the coach had a game plan that very nearly worked

343 looked a better fit for these players

Don't understand why fans always need a scapegoat both CJ and Carey did a job for the team playing high in a front three stopping the Forest fullbacks pushing into midfield

Norburn, Morgan and Gabriel all brilliant on the night, Gabriel and Morgan have to start every game if fit

The three subs all did great and gave us more movement and aggression once we had to chase the game

Play like this every week and we won't be far off Promotion and its on Critchley now to get the players to play like this every week in a more balanced system

Second half was probably the best we have played for a long long time

Also thought the North Stand were loud and proud

Well done all

UTMP ...................

Can’t argue with any of that. I was pleasantly surprised how well we played. A couple of daft errors, but the subs from Critch were bang on.

 

[ItsGrimUpNorth]

Really good work ethic from all players and the coach had a game plan that very nearly worked

343 looked a better fit for these players

Don't understand why fans always need a scapegoat both CJ and Carey did a job for the team playing high in a front three stopping the Forest fullbacks pushing into midfield

Norburn, Morgan and Gabriel all brilliant on the night, Gabriel and Morgan have to start every game if fit

The three subs all did great and gave us more movement and aggression once we had to chase the game

Play like this every week and we won't be far off Promotion and its on Critchley now to get the players to play like this every week in a more balanced system

Second half was probably the best we have played for a long long time

Also thought the North Stand were loud and proud

Well done all

UTMP ...................

Just simply cannot get behind the CJ & Carey comments. CJ was far too lightweight, only got at his man once, didn’t seem interested. I actually forgot Carey was playing, only noticeable thing I can remember him doing was dropping deep in the first half and hitting a switch to Gabriel.

Both well under par performances and were rightly subbed off. Urgency and tempo much better when they were replaced.

 

[Phil_bfc deux]

Just simply cannot get behind the CJ & Carey comments. CJ was far too lightweight, only got at his man once, didn’t seem interested. I actually forgot Carey was playing, only noticeable thing I can remember him doing was dropping deep in the first half and hitting a switch to Gabriel.

Both well under par performances and were rightly subbed off. Urgency and tempo much better when they were replaced.

Yeah i get that mate, i just think they were given off the ball roles in the first half to try and stop the Forest full backs so kinda took one for the team

 

[ItsGrimUpNorth]

Yeah i get that mate, i just think they were given off the ball roles in the first half to try and stop the Forest full backs so kinda took one for the team

Yeah I suppose. But I feel like we had more than enough of the ball to be dangerous in the first half, with a bit of nouse.

Still a fantastic performance, however.

 

[Reason]

I haven't seen too many games recently. How often have we played 3-4-3? We did against Bristol Rovers at home. In that game Beesley was narrowish on the left and pushed up high. On the right Dembele worked up and down the pitch vertically more than CJ against Forest but overall not a dissimilar shape to the Forest game. And this shape in both cases did work quite well.

One thing to work on in my opinion is for the centre backs to try to push up a bit and bring the ball out more. Not easy for them. Have we tried Gabriel in any game on the right side of the back three? His athleticism could work well there and allow us to move up the pitch more.

The main thing though is to try to play with more aggression and intensity. This is what Joseph and Lavery brought as we went for it a bit more and they tired. Critchley could work on using his substitutions better more often going forward.

We really need to be winning games like the one on Saturday. So same shape for me and continue to try to get the wing backs forward. Must also use the bench well.