⚽Match Thread v Tranmere Rovers 26.08.23 [EFL L2]

[skandark]

Team news to follow......

[skandark]

24780

[countygump]

24780

Balders on the naughty step, sorry, bench then? Forecast was for quite a bit of the wet stuff today but has now been downgraded to light showers, so all good.

U Piessssss...

[irish_pie]

No Randall or Morais on the bench again... very defensive bench there but a good looking team on the pitch...now boys a nice easy 3 points would be good 👍

[the_anticlough]

24780

With this back 3, Brinds may shift back to the right. As we saw against Grimsby, there's a lot of pressured possession and need to move in space in the wide role.

[ncfcog]

With this back 3, Brinds may shift back to the right. As we saw against Grimsby, there's a lot of pressured possession and need to move in space in the wide role.

TBH it could be either or. Brinds might stay in the middle to build up his role there, if Rawlo struggles the Baldwin back i and Brinds out to the right. Great to have options!

[the_anticlough]

TBH it could be either or. Brinds might stay in the middle to build up his role there, if Rawlo struggles the Baldwin back i and Brinds out to the right. Great to have options!

Yeah it is, and if we're not sure how they'll line up neither do the opposition.

[ncfcog]

Yeah it is, and if we're not sure how they'll line up neither do the opposition.

I think with Crowley and Nemane on the right we could afford to risk Rawlo behind them.

[Davy500]

I think with Crowley and Nemane on the right we could afford to risk Rawlo behind them.

Come on Notts - we can do it O:)

[ncfcog]

Dennis starts for them as expected. Hemings on the bench which I was 50/50 on whether he’d get in the squad.

[upthemaggies]

Adam and Stall back on RN commentary duty.

No draws in the last five home meetings. Stall scored in the last one twenty years ago, I was there to see his last home Meadow Lane league goal.

[ncfcog]

Back 3 warming up with Brinds in the middle.

[spacemunky]

Coyp!

[WarsopPie]

24780

Great line up apart from Rawlinson he’s like a cart horse

[Mud Pie]

Glad Stall's back! Cmon Notts!!!!

[upthemaggies]

Tunnel cam on the scoreboard.

[upthemaggies]

Ref is super card happy according to Adam.

[Mud Pie]

sounds like the ref's a player

[upthemaggies]

Uggghh, Fword ahead at Old Trafford.

[irish_pie]

Have to say I am digging Stones kit...what a colour that is!

[irish_pie]

2 nil to Florist!!! Wtf

[irish_pie]

Nemane put in twice now but 2 bad crosses...he has them on toast at the moment though ..

[Carlton_Pie]

Nemane put in twice now but 2 bad crosses...he has them on toast at the moment though ..

I'd have kept Austin in tbh, his delivery to Langstaff is incredible

[irish_pie]

Tend to agree with you dude...but I do like when Nemane just flys by players like they are stood still :)

[Carlton_Pie]

Didzy!

1-0

[Mud Pie]

yah, can't see what Didzy brings! Hahahahahah! UPIES!!!!!

[irish_pie]

What a goal from McGoldrick!!!! Absolute belter!!!!

[spacemunky]

Goldie!

[upthemaggies]

Think we're now 3rd as it stands.

[Carlton_Pie]

yah, can't see what Didzy brings! Hahahahahah! UPIES!!!!!

Hopefully be buzzing now and we'll see the best of him.

[Mud Pie]

Crowley's on fire again. Aaron too.

[Davy500]

Come on Notts - we can do it O:)

Yeeesss

[irish_pie]

Think we're now 3rd as it stands.
It is indeed...Langstaff almost added a second as I speak... Tranny are very poor...has to be more in this for the boys

[Mud Pie]

oh Macca misses an open goal! Great play by Notts

[irish_pie]

Langstaff just misses an absolute sitter now....

[upthemaggies]

Stall: Notts have started this game in flying fashion.

[Carlton_Pie]

All over these, need a 2nd as Tranmere will score in this match.

[irish_pie]

Manure just pulled one back 1-2 😳

[irish_pie]

Wrexham take the lead with.... of all things a penalty 🙄

[upthemaggies]

Stags behind in the late kick off (due to a pre-match downpour)

[irish_pie]

Bostock and Crowley look so good today... Macca is defo up for it

[upthemaggies]

Next week's opponents Accrington ahead at Salford. Looks like they will be the first big test at ML this season.

[irish_pie]

Wimbledon winning which pushes us down to 5th as it stands

[WarsopPie]

Wimbledon winning which pushes us down to 5th as it stands

Ffs I couldn’t get today and my iptv has gone down

[irish_pie]

I found it on ifollow on the dodgy box 📦 :)

[upthemaggies]

Stall: Only thing that performance didn't have was a 2nd goal. Totally dominant.

[Dspig]

What's the dodgy box and how do I find it?

[irish_pie]

Half time and so far so good... at times it looks like a training session...Tranny are pretty bad but had 1 good glimpse in that half...biggest frustration is Nemane... has seen the ball so much but other than 2 times in the first few minutes he wont take his man on.. he has him on toast if if does... langstaff missed a terrible effort but apart from that it has been as comfortable as it could be... need a second to make sure second half.

[irish_pie]

What's the dodgy box and how do I find it?
Im over in Ireland mate, bought it from a friend

[Mud Pie]

Macca hustling really well. Hope we don't pay for his missed sitter though. McG far more involved this half.

so much to love! Bostock bossing it, Cam's on it today too. Crowley and Nemane have had moments of real magic.

You can see Tranny daren't press, but they've looked reasonably dangerous on the break. We'll need a second at least before I relax!

[ncfcog]

Tranmere only really threatening on the break but we do live dangerously in that respect. We are very slow to transition defensively and it leaves us exposed in the middle of the park. A better team than Tranmere would have punished us for that by now. Anyway, looks like we’re getting back to the Notts we were watching last season. Needed the second goal though and still think this could end up 2-2 if we’re not careful.

[irish_pie]

Manure now level against Florist 2-2

[spacemunky]

How oh how did we not score there?

[irish_pie]

Didzy hits the post and Crowley then misses an absolute sitter... we need a second...

[The_Pie_Man]

We all know what’s coming here...

[upthemaggies]

How many times have we hit the woodwork now?

[Stan Marshall]

It’s murder trying to follow this abroad with dodgy wifi. Just wish we could get a second just to relieve some of my anguish!

[upthemaggies]

Gooooooooooooallllllllllllllllllllll


Rawlinson

[spacemunky]

Unbelievable! Lol.

[frenchmagpie]

Carthorse delivers the goods

[Davy500]

Unbelievable! Lol.

Fantastic

[Mud Pie]

Notts are simply brilliant today.

So happy for Rawlo, he's been solid all day.

[BanjoPie]

Great line up apart from Rawlinson he’s like a cart horse

"As you said" what a waste of a shirt:D

[irish_pie]

2 nil courtesy on big Rawlo...absolutely dominant display...Ditzys miss was shocking but at least its 2 now

[The_Don_ORiordan]

We all know what’s coming here...

Yep another goal!!!!!

[upthemaggies]

Gillingham have conceded their first goal of the season, 0-1 against Colchester.

[Stan Marshall]

That eases the tension a bit. Come on Notts

[The_Pie_Man]

Yep another goal!!!!!

Exactly!! Yessssssss

[crazyfists]

Well done Notts, we're on the road now and looking great. Love this club, staff and team. Let's show them all Notts that we're on the charge. COYP

[upthemaggies]

YES! Man U 3 Fword 2, Fword down to 10 men

[irish_pie]

This has to be the best I have seen Notts play in a long while...Tranny still have a goal in them if we loose focus...but with the imperious Bostock today we should have this... what a player he is!

[upthemaggies]

Swindon make it 5-0 against Crawley.

[irish_pie]

YES! Man U 3 Fword 2, Fword down to 10 men

Day getting better as we speak 😀

[upthemaggies]

Stall: Continues to be all Notts.

[upthemaggies]

No doubt about where the shock of the day is: 1st placed Gillingham 0 24th placed Colchester 2.

[irish_pie]

After that opening day hammering we now have a positive GD :)

[upthemaggies]

10,174

Wow

[SwalePie]

Gillingham have conceded their first goal of the season, 0-1 against Colchester.

...and now their second!

[frenchmagpie]

Scott off and no subs left

Back on !!

[irish_pie]

Troy Deeney just scored for Forest Green..doesn't sound real does it ha ha oh dear Tranny just hit the bar......

[Carlton_Pie]

Scott off and no subs left

Back on !!

Hopefully nothing serious for Scott but may trigger a signing in midweek but I would like to see what Morias can do.

[irish_pie]

Colchester 3 up away to Gillingham now...wow... down to 10 men now..Scott looks shot... blow it up ref

[upthemaggies]

Tranmere score. Nervy end in store.

Stags level.

Tranmere and Donny now making up the bottom 2.
As we are, Donny the only team now without a win.

[Carlton_Pie]

2-1!

We really can't throw these points away...

[OP67]

Oh dear 2-1 not looking good as they'll throw everything at us for the 10 mins + stoppage time now we're down to 10 men.

[irish_pie]

Oh dear.... absolutely shocking goal to have conceded.... those shocking misses might come back to haunt us now

[BanjoPie]

Why did Palmer go off?

[upthemaggies]

8 mins added time

[Carlton_Pie]

8 minutes with 10 men

[Carlton_Pie]

Why did Palmer go off?

tactical sub

[irish_pie]

This is frantic stuff now ... we could of had a 3rd... we are sitting so deep now :(

[BanjoPie]

tactical sub

Very clever!

[upthemaggies]

Added time of added time.

[upthemaggies]

FT

I'm on a roll with two successive correct score predictions

[OP67]

Let that be a lesson to you Luke, don't use all your subs when one of them is struggling to keep fit!!!!

[OchPie]

Got in in time for their goal and a very nervy finish, but glad to see the result!

[upthemaggies]

Stall: Fantastic performance and a little bit of excitement at the end.

[upthemaggies]

Swindon score 6.


Sutton drop into the bottom 2. How did we lose 5-1 there and who would have predicted we'd be where we are now after that result?

[spacemunky]

Of course, can't enjoy a Notts win without suffering a little lol.

Next two matches against two of the teams above us.

[SwalePie]

Nottingham's junior club contrived to lose after leading 2-0 at Old Trafford. Not a bad day really.

[Mud Pie]

this pesky site keeps crashing.

Defo highlights the risk of using all your subs. Ultimately a little lucky, but that hsouldn't take anything away from some sublime football by Notts and, apart from the last quarter, near total control of the game.

Notts very good about dissent today. Thought LW would nail that.

[Mud Pie]

Of course, can't enjoy a Notts win without suffering a little lol.

Next two matches against two of the teams above us.

yes the next two are going to be really interesting. We need fear no one though, and we're looking so dangerous nearly every time we get in the final third.

[bule1]

Swindon score 6.


Sutton drop into the bottom 2. How did we lose 5-1 there and who would have predicted we'd be where we are now after that result?

Opening day is always liable to throw out a freak result or two, think we were just a victim of that.

[upthemaggies]

Luke sounding very pleased with the performance.

[Notts78]

Of course, can't enjoy a Notts win without suffering a little lol.

Next two matches against two of the teams above us.

I think the next half a dozen games will show where we might be pitching this season. Some decent opposition during September.

[countygump]

I think the next half a dozen games will show where we might be pitching this season. Some decent opposition during September.

Agreed. Well, a tight one in the end but t'wud have been a travesty had we not won, we could have won that game 5-1 on another day had lady luck been a tad more on our side. Must admit, they didn't seem a bad team at all to me, very tidy on the ball and cetainly not bottom 4 material.

[upthemaggies]

4th best start to a season this century (since 2000/01) and we're now 1 point ahead of the Munto season.

22nd best 5 game start overall, this being season 125.

Surprisingly - given how often we win these days - that was our first 2-1 home league win in almost two years, the last one being against Dag & Red on 27/Nov/2021.

[WarsopPie]

4th best start to a season this century (since 2000/01) and we're now 1 point ahead of the Munto season.

22nd best 5 game start overall, this being season 125.

Surprisingly - given how often we win these days - that was our first 2-1 home league win in almost two years, the last one being against Dag & Red on 27/Nov/2021.

Absolute domination that game. I’m over the moon the amount of aggro I take off Mansfield fans on and off of Facebook and we are just above them.
Way they talk they should be 12 points clear by now. COYP

[countygump]

Didzy goal:


https://twitter.com/i/status/1695439572203938049

[Mud Pie]

Didzy goal:


https://twitter.com/i/status/1695439572203938049

that's no gimme. well taken goal. DMcG in the house!

[countygump]

Rawlo goal:


https://twitter.com/i/status/1695458387117723838

[countygump]

It's just like washing duvet:


https://twitter.com/i/status/1695468871887606022

[drillerpie]

this pesky site keeps crashing.

Defo highlights the risk of using all your subs. Ultimately a little lucky, but that hsouldn't take anything away from some sublime football by Notts and, apart from the last quarter, near total control of the game.

Notts very good about dissent today. Thought LW would nail that.

You're right, dissent seemed a lot better.

With the subs I think he was trying to protect the players on a yellow. It makes sense, but that's two games in a row we've gone form dominant nefore the subs to under pressure after the subs. He nigjt need to tweak something there.

Great game though. Really enjoyed it.

Next few games against tough opposition will be interesting.

[LaxtonLad]

Terrible subbing by LW. ALL 5 at once? What if we get an injury? Oh yes, now we know, and he didn’t even acknowledge it in the post match interview.

[countygump]

https://youtu.be/3U5VvHWLduU

[Notts78]

Terrible subbing by LW. ALL 5 at once? What if we get an injury? Oh yes, now we know, and he didn’t even acknowledge it in the post match interview.

It’s one of those things. I think some need to get over it. He could have done 3 and 2 and we still would have ended with 10.
Maybe he shouldn’t have put Scott on at all, wouldn’t have got injured then.

[crazyfists]

Didzy goal:


https://twitter.com/i/status/1695439572203938049

Great goal Didzy.

[matt_magpie]

Thought we were magnificent today and hopefully allays some people’s fears a couple of weeks ago as it’s clear we can at the very least compete at this level.

Have to say today Bostock was absolutely a class above, we need to be sitting him down and tieing him down for at least an another year.

Hopefully we won’t be doing 5 subs again on 70 mins with a 2-0 lead, I’m hoping that’s lesson learnt and there’s no more to be said about it 😂

[drillerpie]

Thought we were magnificent today and hopefully allays some people’s fears a couple of weeks ago as it’s clear we can at the very least compete at this level.

Have to say today Bostock was absolutely a class above, we need to be sitting him down and tieing him down for at least an another year.

Hopefully we won’t be doing 5 subs again on 70 mins with a 2-0 lead, I’m hoping that’s lesson learnt and there’s no more to be said about it 😂

Yeah, Bostock was something else today.

[meoldlaner]

Well, my first league game of the season and what a show the boys put on.
Some of the football was the best I have seen for a very long time orchestrated by Bostock's magic wand of a left foot.
How much work did he put in today.
The scoreline flatters Tranny. If they had left on the reverse end of a 3-0 scoreline they would have been happy.
The crowd too were amazing, supportive, loud and great singing.
I feel like I have had my fix. You Pies!

[the_anticlough]

Thought we were magnificent today and hopefully allays some people’s fears a couple of weeks ago as it’s clear we can at the very least compete at this level.

Have to say today Bostock was absolutely a class above, we need to be sitting him down and tieing him down for at least an another year.

Hopefully we won’t be doing 5 subs again on 70 mins with a 2-0 lead, I’m hoping that’s lesson learnt and there’s no more to be said about it 😂

Good post, agree with all

I thought it was another easy, dominant game. The gap between us and the teams we've faced (when we're not down to 10) suggest that we'll do more than just compete. Thank god we're not looking at a point tonight - the smell of the other two burnt would've lingered for months.

JB clear MoM - someone chose the right word - imperious

[jackal2]

Well, for 70 minutes today we looked in complete control and played really well, but then the Head Coach very nearly shot us in the foot in the closing stages. Luke Williams remains brilliant and doesn't make many mistakes, but using all five substitutes when you're controlling the game was pure over-indulgence. Four changes would have been more than sufficient, keeping one back in case of injury, but using all five with 20 minutes to go plus injury time was just crass. Clearly, Cedwyn's injury and the realisation that we were a man short affected the team's concentration. It's also a fact that large numbers of substitutions disrupt the flow of a team anyway, as often seen in international friendlies, so it's not a good policy unless you're desperately chasing a game with nothing to lose.

Sorry Luke, but you very nearly made a costly mistake today. Fortunately though, we emerged unscathed with the win we deserved, and hopefully it's another little lesson learned on our journey of improvement, this time by the leader himself.

[Thordardaughter]

Well, for 70 minutes today we looked in complete control and played really well, but then the Head Coach very nearly shot us in the foot in the closing stages. Luke Williams remains brilliant and doesn't make many mistakes, but using all five substitutes when you're controlling the game was pure over-indulgence. Four changes would have been more than sufficient, keeping one back in case of injury, but using all five with 20 minutes to go plus injury time was just crass. Clearly, Cedwyn's injury and the realisation that we were a man short affected the team's concentration. It's also a fact that large numbers of substitutions disrupt the flow of a team anyway, as often seen in international friendlies, so it's not a good policy unless you're desperately chasing a game with nothing to lose.

Sorry Luke, but you very nearly made a costly mistake today. Fortunately though, we emerged unscathed with the win we deserved until the manager's aberration. Hopefully, it's another lesson learned on our journey of improvement, this time by the leader himself.

Agree totally and was hoping that the radio interviewer was at least going to bring it up. I’m sure Luke being Luke would’ve held his hands up and admit his mistake.

[countygump]

Four changes would have been more than sufficient, keeping one back in case of injury, but using all five with 20 minutes to go plus injury time was just crass. Clearly, Cedwyn's injury and the realisation that we were a man short affected the team's concentration. It's also a fact that large numbers of substitutions disrupt the flow of a team anyway.

It certainly seemed to.

Tranny fans forts:


https://www.thefootballnetwork.net/boards/read/s383.htm?730,17400282

[countygump]

Goals again:

https://twitter.com/i/status/1695481701454225487

[jackal2]

JB clear MoM - someone chose the right word - imperious

John Bostock was outstanding - the complete midfield performance. The only chink I can see in his game is occasional over-confidence - witness the penalty at Wembley and just occasionally posing a bit too long on the ball because he's enjoying himself so much - but to paraphrase Muhammad Ali, it must be hard to be humble when you're as good as he is! :D

[matt_magpie]

Well, for 70 minutes today we looked in complete control and played really well, but then the Head Coach very nearly shot us in the foot in the closing stages. Luke Williams remains brilliant and doesn't make many mistakes, but using all five substitutes when you're controlling the game was pure over-indulgence. Four changes would have been more than sufficient, keeping one back in case of injury, but using all five with 20 minutes to go plus injury time was just crass. Clearly, Cedwyn's injury and the realisation that we were a man short affected the team's concentration. It's also a fact that large numbers of substitutions disrupt the flow of a team anyway, as often seen in international friendlies, so it's not a good policy unless you're desperately chasing a game with nothing to lose.

Sorry Luke, but you very nearly made a costly mistake today. Fortunately though, we emerged unscathed with the win we deserved, and hopefully it's another little lesson learned on our journey of improvement, this time by the leader himself.

Tbf I was calling him black and blue which is the first time ever but on the flipside if we had blown a 2-0 and drew I think the players would be as accountable as we were all over them.
I thought we were really solid defensively and from set pieces too which rarely get recognised when we are.
The crowd at Notts has gone up a few levels too and no one moans when we go short anymore on corners, we probably learnt our lesson from that short free kick last week as I did let out a groin only to end up with egg on my face😂

[SwalePie]

Tbf I was calling him black and blue which is the first time ever but on the flipside if we had blown a 2-0 and drew I think the players would be as accountable as we were all over them.
I thought we were really solid defensively and from set pieces too which rarely get recognised when we are.
The crowd at Notts has gone up a few levels too and no one moans when we go short anymore on corners, we probably learnt our lesson from that short free kick last week as I did let out a groin only to end up with egg on my face

I hope you managed to get your groin back in afterwards :)

[countygump]

https://youtu.be/v5BZLBofxYs

[keldsyke]

Good to see Lee Hughes and Mike Edwards in Hospitality today… thought Crowley played some intelligent passes today especially linking up with Nemane, still need a reliable centre half with pace imo. I think substitution wise LW thought the game was done, need to learn from that.

[jackal2]

The crowd at Notts has gone up a few levels too and no one moans when we go short anymore on corners.

Very true.

Luke Williams might have dropped a minor b*llock with the subs today, but he's well and truly won the trust of the fans in his style of play. Like you, it struck me today just how patient our crowd is becoming, 'educated' if you like, compared with how they would have reacted to short corners and back-passes even as little as 18 months ago. I include myself in that.

Anticlough wrote an excellent post about the battle of football ideologies the other day. All I can say is, Luke Williams is winning that ideological battle with Notts supporters. In fact it's more like Stockholm Syndrome, they're all beginning to identify with their captor! When the football's as good as this who wants to be 'rescued'? ;)

[countygump]

https://youtu.be/R_i31-LKl5c

[TSANHO]

As good a Notts performance as I’ve seen in a long time, a long time. Until the substitutions anyway.

I thought Tranmere looked quite tidy to be honest but that 10-15 minute spell after half time was just magic and didn’t give them a sniff. Some tough tests coming up over the next few weeks though, it will be interesting to see how we stand in two or three weeks.

[BJPIE]

That was uplifting! I'm not sure how good or bad Tranmere are. Nor do I care. Watching Bostock, Palmer and Crowley today was sheer joy.

[matt_magpie]

Very true.

Luke Williams might have dropped a minor b*llock with the subs today, but he's well and truly won the trust of the fans in his style of play. Like you, it struck me today just how patient our crowd is becoming, 'educated' if you like, compared with how they would have reacted to short corners and back-passes even as little as 18 months ago. I include myself in that.

Anticlough wrote an excellent post about the battle of football ideologies the other day. All I can say is, Luke Williams is winning that ideological battle with Notts supporters. In fact it's more like Stockholm Syndrome, they're all beginning to identify with their captor! When the football's as good as this who wants to be 'rescued'? ;)

Educated, I thought the exact same thing at the game, we’re lucky to have LW, he needs to sign a 30 year contract 😂

[SwalePie]

Just seen that Jake Young scored four today for Swindon against Creepy, all in the second half. Some going that!

[BigFatPie]

The thing about the subs is that he did the same thing against Donny when they were ripe for a shoeing and that totally took the sting out of the game then as well.

For 75 minutes we were absolutely magnificent, just a bit of a pity the score line doesn’t reflect that.

[OldBanksy]

Bostock would frustrate me because he would slow down the game and dwell on the ball too much. Today he was man of the match. The best I've seen him play. Like Jodi Jones, he gets better from month to month.

[OldBanksy]

The subs are so close to starters. And they need to be involved throughout the season. LW got it right.

[OldBanksy]

The players are getting noticeably fitter.

[durhampie]

Terrible subbing by LW. ALL 5 at once? What if we get an injury? Oh yes, now we know, and he didn’t even acknowledge it in the post match interview.

I hope the players take him to task on Monday, now the boot is on the other foot. :)

[Elite_Pie]

A nervy last 15 minutes, but a dominant performance before that and a fully deserved 3 points. I don't know how Bostock didn't get MOM, he was a class above today.

[ncfcog]

Match report . . .

https://www.ncs-news.co.uk/read/report-l2-tranmere-h

[matt_magpie]

A nervy last 15 minutes, but a dominant performance before that and a fully deserved 3 points. I don't know how Bostock didn't get MOM, he was a class above today.

I’d say I agree with the sponsors MOM 30% of the time tops but fair play to them they’re supporting the club.
Also thought Cameron was great today, deserves praise as he can get some pelters.

[countygump]

Oh dear. Alty 2-1 Chessie, meltdown time. Wouldn't surprise me if Sarfend do manage to get a new owner, that they went on to give it a good go, and they're 12 pts behind. Just a feeling, like..........


We was favourites to win the league!
Griggs is another Quigley ( useless)
Defence is utter rubbish we need two new center back .
Grimes is too slow and doesn't like Horton and the other CB well .
Goal keeper is too young he should be a back up keeper .
Cooks style of football is getting boring .



http://www.thecfss.co.uk/forums/index.php?showtopic=72010&st=120

[countygump]

https://youtu.be/aXKoxxIodFI

[MAD_MAGPIE]

The quality of football on display today was sublime not only in possession but also out of possession as demonstrated by the one and only John Bostock. The man was absolute class and was MOM for me. Such technical excellence on the ball, but also knowing where and when to win the ball back at key moments. He need's an extra year or two contract extension. Likewise very close was Jodi Jones and David McGoldrick. Those three when they were passing it around and moving was artistry and the finest football we will see at this level. It was a joy to watch those three showcase their technical qualities.

But it doesn't stop there we had the likes Palmer, Nemane and Crowley as well. We really do have such technically talented footballers and it's no surprise that once again we had a five figure crowd. It must be the most consecutive five figure crowds we've had this century.

Like last week the 2-1 win flattered Tranmere. We could easily have been 2-0 up before half time and likewise we did enough in the second half to score twice before we got the second with McGoldrick hitting the post, Langstaff missing a sitter and some blocks by the keeper. There was also a good shout for handball from a Tranmere player as well from a cross. We did enough to win that game 4-0.

The game was basically over when the substitutions were made as we were in complete control and knowing the players that were coming on they had enough about them to go on and score another anyway. Nobody could have foreseen that Scott would pick up and injury so early after coming on and would not be able to continue. That's when Tranmere pushed and had a spell and scored. But even after that we defended well and still managed to get forward and create some good chances to get a third.

One disappointing moment for me was in the stands when one of our fans let a flare off in the kop. What is the point, they shouldn't be brought into the ground and they also stink. Let's not be those fans or go down that road of bringing flares in.

[countygump]

https://youtu.be/IbLka_I2Q3c

[Kyle95]

Absolute dominance, 2-1 doesn’t do us justice. Johnny Bostock my word he was majestic today, we are so lucky to have him. 2 massive tests coming up in Accrington and MK Dons, but it just feels like we have got a bit of momentum now. I’d still like to see 2-3 bodies in but promising signs nevertheless.

[jackal2]

Nobody could have foreseen that Scott would pick up and injury so early after coming on and would not be able to continue.

You can't foresee the specific player that might get injured, but injuries occur on football pitches regularly. You can foresee that possibility, and you can cover yourself by holding one substitute back, especially these days when you've got the (ridiculous) luxury of FIVE subs anyway. It was perfectly possible to take some (four) players off and get minutes in the legs of others without over-indulging and leaving us potentially exposed. We deserved the win for a great performance, but the decision with the substitutions left a chink of light for Tranmere that didn't need to be there. Luke Williams hasn't commented on it publicly, and there's no need to, but I'd be surprised in future if he doesn't keep one sub up his sleeve, unless we're chasing a game, which is obviously a different scenario where you sometimes have to gamble.

[Carlton_Pie]

https://youtu.be/IbLka_I2Q3c

Awful interview this one.

Basically blames bad luck for being near the bottom and losing to Notts today.

[Carlton_Pie]

Bostock would frustrate me because he would slow down the game and dwell on the ball too much. Today he was man of the match. The best I've seen him play. Like Jodi Jones, he gets better from month to month.

2 players that haven't played consistent amount of football across their careers.

Fingers cross they stay fit and continue to get better and better.

[optipez]

Awful interview this one.

Basically blames bad luck for being near the bottom and losing to Notts today.

He did say that this was the only match where they weren't the best team in all fairness.
Thought Bostock and Jones were pure class today. Should have had a stonewalling pen for handball and their right back should have been off as he cynically held Jones back in the first five minutes and the ref let him off but got a yellow second half.
Langstaff is definitely good enough for this level, he has missed a couple that last year were going in but he's in the right places and is losing his markers, just not as prolific yet.

[MAD_MAGPIE]

You can't foresee the specific player that might get injured, but injuries occur on football pitches regularly. You can foresee that possibility, and you can cover yourself by holding one substitute back, especially these days when you've got the (ridiculous) luxury of FIVE subs anyway. It was perfectly possible to take some (four) players off and get minutes in the legs of others without over-indulging and leaving us potentially exposed. We deserved the win for a great performance, but the decision with the substitutions left a chink of light for Tranmere that didn't need to be there. Luke Williams hasn't commented on it publicly, and there's no need to, but I'd be surprised in future if he doesn't keep one sub up his sleeve, unless we're chasing a game, which is obviously a different scenario where you sometimes have to gamble.

I get where you are coming from and it was a bit of a gamble. A bit like in the National League when not having a goalkeeper on the bench, although the risk in all likelihood in that scenario is far lower.

In hindsight making all five substitutions with 71 minutes on the clock meant at least 20 minutes of play and with time added on this season potentially nearly 30 minutes where if someone does get injured and has to go off you are down to ten men for almost 1/3rd of the game.

Perhaps if Palmer had not been on a yellow he could have stayed on? It did make for a nervy end to the game and it did disrupt our control and dominance especially when Tranmere scored late on. But we retained our composure and saw the game out. I'm sure LW will take it as a lesson learned as to what could happen and thankfully we were not punished for it as the players managed even with only 10 to still be competitive. I can also understand LW's rationale. It keeps all fit players involved and keeps them all interested, focused and match fit with a good morale in the team by giving all the substitutes minutes.

It wouldn't surprise me if it does not get mentioned about substitutions in the next pre-match press conference by Notts own interviewer (I don't know his name) but he asked questions a lot of fans wanted to know about Morais and Randall last week.

[SwalePie]

Highlights from Sky.... Skylights perhaps?

https://www.skysports.com/watch/video/12948399/notts-county-2-1-tranmere-rovers-league-two-highlights (https://www.skysports.com/watch/video/12948399/notts-county-2-1-tranmere-rovers-league-two-highlights)

[BCnotts18]

Highlights from Sky.... Skylights perhaps?

https://www.skysports.com/watch/video/12948399/notts-county-2-1-tranmere-rovers-league-two-highlights (https://www.skysports.com/watch/video/12948399/notts-county-2-1-tranmere-rovers-league-two-highlights)

Didn't realise Stone got a fingertip to their shot that hit the bar, great save that.

[countygump]

Didn't realise Stone got a fingertip to their shot that hit the bar, great save that.

"Hands of Stone", ay?

[ajojones]

Understandable talking point but compare and contrast with the days we had 1 or 2 subs, the same risk was always there& I suppose 5 subs gives you a choice. Would have thought 2 up and cruising encourages the risk vs getting game time for players vs introducing maximum disruption for opposition. Ultimately we still won and 3 pts is history.

[BigFatPie]

I’m not sure giving people minutes should be a thing when you’re only 2-0 up with 15 + 10 minutes to go, it’s a bit arrogant. A hope SLW doesn’t do that again.

[i961pie]

I can’t remember a more dominant and brilliant display by a player in a Notts shirt for a very long time
Arise John Bostock, Awesome.

[Davy500]

Terrible subbing by LW. ALL 5 at once? What if we get an injury? Oh yes, now we know, and he didn’t even acknowledge it in the post match interview.

As i said how can you judge LW with Ltd League experience, but with the backing Lw is learning quick

[Davy500]

Thats the difference at a higher level, even though we dominated for 75 mins, one mistake and they could have levelled in the end

[jacobncfc]

You can't foresee the specific player that might get injured, but injuries occur on football pitches regularly. You can foresee that possibility, and you can cover yourself by holding one substitute back, especially these days when you've got the (ridiculous) luxury of FIVE subs anyway. It was perfectly possible to take some (four) players off and get minutes in the legs of others without over-indulging and leaving us potentially exposed. We deserved the win for a great performance, but the decision with the substitutions left a chink of light for Tranmere that didn't need to be there. Luke Williams hasn't commented on it publicly, and there's no need to, but I'd be surprised in future if he doesn't keep one sub up his sleeve, unless we're chasing a game, which is obviously a different scenario where you sometimes have to gamble.

I mean we did get someone injured and had to go down to ten men and still saw through eight minutes of injury time relatively comfortably.

[Mud Pie]

LW will look at his substitution strategy in light of the Tranny game, there's no way a manager of his intelligence would not. I agree with the posters saying these wholesale changes have kinda disrupted our flow, so it's a payoff situation: what pays off better, the gametime and legrest/ or some amount of game management. But we're winning so it's minor in the scheme of things and will be interesting to see if his strategy varies from here and in the next few games.

[BCnotts18]

"Hands of Stone", ay?

I think Johnny Bostock has got balls of stone, playing out from the back the way he did yesterday.

[SwalePie]

https://youtu.be/YSlMgQTFodI?si=vagHWIccsCUWcRSa

[LaxtonLad]

I mean we did get someone injured and had to go down to ten men and still saw through eight minutes of injury time relatively comfortably.

"Comfortably"? We let in a goal, didn't we? And a better team would have trounced us, there were still about 20 mins to play.

[ajojones]

Crikey, win and we should have been thrashed as LW messed up. Not a happy clappy type and like the talking points but boy we have some miseries. I hope we have another 40 matches like yesterday.

[drillerpie]

"Comfortably"? We let in a goal, didn't we? And a better team would have trounced us, there were still about 20 mins to play.

I don't know about trounced, but we were certainly hanging on a bit when they attacked. We had some good counters too though.

I for one was relieved when the final whistle came and I wouldn't describe it as comfortable.

[Carlton_Pie]

I’m not sure giving people minutes should be a thing when you’re only 2-0 up with 15 + 10 minutes to go, it’s a bit arrogant. A hope SLW doesn’t do that again.

It's not arrogant if those minutes are to get these players ready for matches in the future. Sqaud management is everything these days.

[Notts78]

It's not arrogant if those minutes are to get these players ready for matches in the future. Sqaud management is everything these days.

That’s my view, especially as we are not in any reserve leagues. Some people think footballers can simply turn up and be at full tilt.
Managing player minutes has never been more challenging as it is now with all the added time and managers/head coaches are having to adapt.
My view on all 5 subs at once was to maximise the number of players playing with minimum disruption to our performance levels. In the main that worked until the unfortunate injury.

[MAD_MAGPIE]

It's not arrogant if those minutes are to get these players ready for matches in the future. Sqaud management is everything these days.

This is where I’m at. Football is evolving certainly at Notts and the days of having a “best 11” and the less able players on the bench as stocking fillers so to speak are gone.

It’s becoming a squad game now and about having a smaller squad but one where they are rotated around. It helps keep the energy levels high in the game, but also it keeps everyone in the squad engaged and match fit.

It also means you don’t sign players just to make up the numbers either. They have to be good enough and it also keeps competition levels high in the group.

Everyone that came on yesterday such as Baldwin, TAR, Scott, JOB and Austin were more than capable of continuing the last twenty to thirty minutes of the game and keeping the momentum going from the previous 70 minutes. I’m also confident that had Scott not got injured that we would have scored a third goal in that period and likely kept the clean sheet as well.

It was a lesson learned for LW as we did concede a goal but even with ten men you’ve still got to be able to trust the players and hold your own and be a threat and not crumble or collapse. So whilst we had to defend a bit more and it was nervy towards the end the ability was in there to see the game out.

[BigFatPie]

That’s my view, especially as we are not in any reserve leagues. Some people think footballers can simply turn up and be at full tilt.
Managing player minutes has never been more challenging as it is now with all the added time and managers/head coaches are having to adapt.
My view on all 5 subs at once was to maximise the number of players playing with minimum disruption to our performance levels. In the main that worked until the unfortunate injury.

The two key words there are ‘unfortunate injury’. We were battering them at 2-0 and then after the subs we weren’t , even before Cedwyn got injured. Everybody knows players need minutes, but there’s a time and a place to do it and 2-0 up after 75 minutes isn’t it imo. We very nearly blew a game we had no right to blow.

I’d have liked to have heard SLW’s opinions on it, unfortunately he wasn’t asked, hopefully he will this week.

[Carlton_Pie]

The two key words there are ‘unfortunate injury’. We were battering them at 2-0 and then after the subs we weren’t , even before Cedwyn got injured. Everybody knows players need minutes, but there’s a time and a place to do it and 2-0 up after 75 minutes isn’t it imo. We very nearly blew a game we had no right to blow.

I’d have liked to have heard SLW’s opinions on it, unfortunately he wasn’t asked, hopefully he will this week.

When is that time and place then?

2-0 up in a game you're completely dominating at home seems reasonable enough opportunity?

[BanjoPie]

The fact is that ‘we won’ - but what about Scott, has there been any news about his injury?- Really hope it is not serious for the lad.

[BigFatPie]

When is that time and place then?

2-0 up in a game you're completely dominating at home seems reasonable enough opportunity?

Making all 5 subs under those circumstances? With as many as 25 minutes left? No, I don’t think that is reasonable, players do get injured as we saw yesterday.

[caj85]

Making all 5 subs under those circumstances? With as many as 25 minutes left? No, I don’t think that is reasonable, players do get injured as we saw yesterday.

Would you ever make a 5th sub?

[keldsyke]

Would you ever make a 5th sub?

Only if you’re chasing a game not protecting it.

[Hoppie]

Lots of focus on the 5th substitution. What was the bigger mistake… leaving the team with no subs and 25+ minutes to play or that all the subs were made in a 4 minute window?

[jackal2]

The fact is that ‘we won’ - but what about Scott, has there been any news about his injury?- Really hope it is not serious for the lad.

The injury clearly got worse after he went back on the pitch to try to continue to play. Initially he had a slight hobble, but by the time he eventually came off he was struggling to walk. Like you say, I hope it's not serious, but often those injuries that seem to happen without any real contact are the trickiest ones.

[tommopie8]

I mean they nearly equalised with the final kicks of the game which would've been devastating and if they had the reason would've been obvious.

We put ourselves into a situation we didn't need to. 4 substitutes is more than enough if you don't pick up any injuries.

I suppose it gave us 15 minutes playing with 10 men which was infinitely better than how we played against Sutton.

[jackal2]

Crikey, win and we should have been thrashed as LW messed up. Not a happy clappy type and like the talking points but boy we have some miseries. I hope we have another 40 matches like yesterday.

The performance for the most part was brilliant, and the reason we played like that is all credit to Luke Williams, but constructive criticism is still okay and I think the point being made about the over-indulgent substitutions is a fair one. The Head Coach himself is known for picking out points of criticism for his players even after his team has won handsomely, in order to constantly push for more improvement, indeed he joked about it in the dressing room after the win at Wembley. Yesterday was a case where Luke's team played brilliantly, but the Head Coach's interventions around the 70-minute mark made us more vulnerable to an unlikely comeback instead of making us more secure, so the questions being asked are valid. This does not mean anyone is denying Luke's excellence overall. What he's done with this football team is phenomenal.

[Notsohumblepie]

Only if you’re chasing a game not protecting it.

However well disciplined in team tactics, formations ,philosophy etc. your squad may be, switching five players is bound to have an effect on the team’s rhythm .

We have conceded in both of the last two games after this switch in tactics, and I don’t think it’s a coincidence .

Having said all of that the football is majestic, and I would put John Bostock under house arrest for the next three years , we can’t let him escape.

[drillerpie]

The performance for the most part was brilliant, and the reason we played like that is all credit to Luke Williams, but constructive criticism is still okay and I think the point being made about the over-indulgent substitutions is a fair one. The Head Coach himself is known for picking out points of criticism for his players even after his team has won handsomely, in order to constantly push for more improvement, indeed he joked about it in the dressing room after the win at Wembley. Yesterday was a case where Luke's team played brilliantly, but the Head Coach's interventions around the 70-minute mark made us more vulnerable to an unlikely comeback instead of making us more secure, so the questions being asked are valid. This does not mean anyone is denying Luke's excellence overall. What he's done with this football team is phenomenal.

Excellent riposte to the morality police.

[BJPIE]

I'm sure LW will reflect on whether it was the right thing to do to use all his subs so early.
However, the decision to use a his subs was made with the score at 1-0.
They were all stripped and ready before Rawlinson scored the 2nd.

[Hoppie]

I'm sure LW will reflect on whether it was the right thing to do to use all his subs so early.
However, the decision to use a his subs was made with the score at 1-0.
They were all stripped and ready before Rawlinson scored the 2nd.

Correct for the first 2. 3, 4 and 5 were made after the second goal.

[Woodsetts_Pie]

Using all 5 substitutes in a game that you are winning is excellent man management from LW. Last week at Doncaster for example all 16 players must have been buzzing at the end, not just 11 or 12 with the rest wondering if/when they would get a chance. Ok, it comes back to bite you in the bum sometimes, but all in all great man management.

[nw6pie]

Using all 5 substitutes in a game that you are winning is excellent man management from LW. Last week at Doncaster for example all 16 players must have been buzzing at the end, not just 11 or 12 with the rest wondering if/when they would get a chance. Ok, it comes back to bite you in the bum sometimes, but all in all great man management.

We’re still relatively new to the “five subs” rule and will have to find the best solution that marries keeping the squad happy and maintaining our dominance of games. The way we’re adapting so quickly to everything else makes me confident this will happen soon.

Out of interest, what would have happened if Stone had got injured in the 80th minute yesterday? Would we have had to go down to 10 men and put an outfield player in goal? Fielding the fifth sub just seems an unnecessary risk when you’re comfortably on top.

[SongBird]

We’re still relatively new to the “five subs” rule and will have to find the best solution that marries keeping the squad happy and maintaining our dominance of games. The way we’re adapting so quickly to everything else makes me confident this will happen soon.

Out of interest, what would have happened if Stone had got injured in the 80th minute yesterday? Would we have had to go down to 10 men and put an outfield player in goal? Fielding the fifth sub just seems an unnecessary risk when you’re comfortably on top.

Yes, and we would have ended the game with 9 men.

This is the debate for me. Man management versus game management.

Man management wise 10/10 for keeping players keen, involved etc.

Game management, no plan for the injury that may have happened and as we saw did, or a possible sending off that can happen.

Yes, keep everyone happy, good team spirit etc, and LW is brave and takes risks, I think he got this one wrong. (Yes I know we won)

[durhampie]

All that matter is that we won, and another 3 points in the bag. I'm sure LW will be prompted not to repeat those mass substitutions again..

[i961pie]

Using all 5 substitutes in a game that you are winning is excellent man management from LW. Last week at Doncaster for example all 16 players must have been buzzing at the end, not just 11 or 12 with the rest wondering if/when they would get a chance. Ok, it comes back to bite you in the bum sometimes, but all in all great man management.

It’s only great man management when it works, can you imagine the outcry had we drawn or worse lost that match.
2-0 is a dangerous score especially when making 5 changes with 20 minutes to go.

[The_Pie_Man]

All that matter is that we won, and another 3 points in the bag. I'm sure LW will be prompted not to repeat those mass substitutions again..

I never thought I’d say this but - Durhampie is right. I’d like to think LW is intelligent enough to understand his mistake and learn from it

[MAD_MAGPIE]

The performance for the most part was brilliant, and the reason we played like that is all credit to Luke Williams, but constructive criticism is still okay and I think the point being made about the over-indulgent substitutions is a fair one. The Head Coach himself is known for picking out points of criticism for his players even after his team has won handsomely, in order to constantly push for more improvement, indeed he joked about it in the dressing room after the win at Wembley. Yesterday was a case where Luke's team played brilliantly, but the Head Coach's interventions around the 70-minute mark made us more vulnerable to an unlikely comeback instead of making us more secure, so the questions being asked are valid. This does not mean anyone is denying Luke's excellence overall. What he's done with this football team is phenomenal.

I think your comments were fair and overindulgent with regards to the substitutions was a good word to use. Almost sounds like someone having a big piece of cake at a party. XD Luke Williams has been and continues to be an excellent and I'll go as far to say a special manager for this football club. I'll repeat what he said in an interview about owing so much to his players, well we owe so much to him and the undeniable heroes for getting us back into the football league. Likewise he also said it's not personal when he is tough on his players and he has to push his players. I can't think of any Notts fan that doesn't want this group of players and Luke Williams to do well. We all want the same thing. I think it's also safe to say that LW is intelligent and articulate enough to know that yesterday in hindsight he was probably sailing close to the wind in terms of making all five substitutions when they were made.

It was a like he had a little nudge from the footballing gods yesterday to say as good as you are, just be a bit mindful that if you are going to make five substitutions on 72 minutes you may technically still have 30 minutes left as up to ten minutes can be added on under the new rules. Whilst you can and are able to trust your players to do the job no matter who is out there, even if we do go down to ten men then it's a risk and you can make yourself vulnerable as we saw by conceding a goal.

We've certainly had plenty of 11v10 game time experience within the first month of the season. I think with how we play we've got to be able to play the same with 10 men as we do with 11 so who knows we may even train for such scenarios.

[the_anticlough]

Re-watching Rawlo's goal, you have to say we got a goal from a corner there - our way.

Jones played it 25yards backwards towards his own goal. A few seconds and 3 passes later we scored. Seems better than floating it into the keeper's hands to me.

Generally, I thought there were signs of a bit more variety and imagination from corners. Not long, not exactly short, but the kind of medium corners to around the edge of the box, or into the box, that Dalglish's Liverpool used all those years ago.

[Glad2BeAPie]

Captain Calamity (as my mate calls him) failed to get near his man for the cross that led the goal.

[jackal2]

Captain Calamity (as my mate calls him) failed to get near his man for the cross that led the goal.

There aren't many centre-halves, especially in League Two, who can suddenly run with the ball down the wing and beat players, but I've seen Kyle do it several times. Cameron is NOT a bad footballer, in fact he's quite a good one, and at his best he's a very positive influence on the team. The question is whether he can cut out the lapses of concentration sufficiently to operate primarily as a defender at this level and beyond.

I think you have to remember that what Luke Williams asks from his players - and his centre-halves especially - is far beyond what most players at this level would be expected to do, and defenders in particular get better as they gain experience. Cameron's got work to do on his game defensively, but he certainly doesn't deserve to be made a scapegoat, especially in a team that's winning games.

[Carlton_Pie]

There aren't many centre-halves, especially in League Two, who can suddenly run with the ball down the wing and beat players, but I've seen Kyle do it several times. Cameron is NOT a bad footballer, in fact he's quite a good one, and at his best he's a very positive influence on the team. The question is whether he can cut out the lapses of concentration sufficiently to operate primarily as a defender at this level and beyond.

I think you have to remember that what Luke Williams asks from his players - and his centre-halves especially - is far beyond what most players at this level would be expected to do, and defenders in particular get better as they gain experience. Cameron's got work to do on his game defensively, but he certainly doesn't deserve to be made a scapegoat, especially in a team that's winning games.

If Cameron didn't have these lapses, he would be playing in the Championship by now.

We have accept that Notts choose the CB not purely based on their ability to defend but how they can handle the ball and progress upfield. Cameron may have been at fault for the goal but his ability to pass the ball and move forwards helped us score the 2nd.

[jacobncfc]

Captain Calamity (as my mate calls him) failed to get near his man for the cross that led the goal.

I’d stage an intervention with anyone who’s decided it’s worth coming up with a derogatory nickname for a player who has captained us to a 107 point promotion season, to be honest.

[Magpies1959]

Glad2BeAPie you seem to looking very hard to pick fault with KC. He was very close to cutting the cross out in the end. Who do you suggest comes in, if that is what you would like.

[Mud Pie]

I get that we all want to talk about Notts right now. And that there's so much less to say when the club's being so well run, and the team so well coached, and digging out the results too.

The hunt to find who's responsible for every goal we concede is a bit ridiculous tho imo. And kind of counter productive to the whole morale.

Cam was defo part of the whole Notts performance yesterday, really constructive throughout most of the match. To focus on the few mistakes he made and blame an ultimately meaningless goal on him - when even that's a bit dubious - is missing the point on a galactic scale imo.

turn the triangle upside down my friends. the best way to bring the best out of Cam and Rawlo is to work out how and where they most need support.

[Glad2BeAPie]

Glad2BeAPie you seem to looking very hard to pick fault with KC. He was very close to cutting the cross out in the end. Who do you suggest comes in, if that is what you would like.
Not picking fault, he's been good for us and the good out weighs the lapses of concentration as in their goal from his mistake.

[magpie_mania]

I thought the game went a bit flat after the 2nd batch of substitutions.

LW has been brilliant for us, but I do think he got this wrong yesterday. I fully get that 5 substitutions means you can give more game time to more players, but it also means that you can cover more scenarios, ie you can use at least 3 and probably 4 and still cover injury possibilities.

It's a good talking point though.

Love watching John Bostock, the way that yesterday he controlled the game and was able to take the ball away from their players at will was sublime. Seems an all-around great player to have at the club.

DM could have had a hat-trick, Crowley settling in really well, JJ will be a real handful for most defenders. Macca didn't score but was getting in the right positions ...... Things are looking very positive.

I don't think there was any weak link in the team yesterday.

[Jampie]

Using up all your subs when you're 2 up is a gamble but probably a worthy one.

Luke isn't just thinking about the match or even "just" the season. He's got to develop the whole team.

Not to mention getting key players off the pitch when they aren't needed keeps them ready for action longer, keeps injuries down and so on.

Will Luke use his last sub without injuries in future? Maybe, maybe not. Either way I'm comfortable with him making the decision. He's shown a lot of good judgement in the past.

[OchPie]

Not only adjusting to having 5 subs but also "80 minutes on the clock" meaning "20 minutes to go".

[the_anticlough]

I never thought I’d say this but - Durhampie is right. I’d like to think LW is intelligent enough to understand his mistake and learn from it

Hope so, you can't have the players doing everything to win 3pts only for the coach to give 2 of them back. We weren't far off that, it was a nailbiting end to the game.

[LaxtonLad]

Using up all your subs when you're 2 up is a gamble but probably a worthy one.

Luke isn't just thinking about the match or even "just" the season. He's got to develop the whole team.

Not to mention getting key players off the pitch when they aren't needed keeps them ready for action longer, keeps injuries down and so on.

Will Luke use his last sub without injuries in future? Maybe, maybe not. Either way I'm comfortable with him making the decision. He's shown a lot of good judgement in the past.

No Jampie, it's an unnecessary risk and not worth the gamble. LW may have to develop the team but not half the team in one go. Just imagine if it had really backfired and we had lost the game, it would have been LW's fault and not done much good for the team's morale, especially for the subs he brought on.

How can you say certain "key" players weren't needed? And the injury happened, didn't it? Of course LW couldn't have known a player would be injured but he ought to have allowed for it.

At the time of the subbing we were definitely on top and we should have gone for the throat to reduce goal difference rather than giving game time to subs. I wonder what the players thought, it baffled more than a few of us in the Kop.

[Magpies1959]

Another point about the substitutions on Saturday, was that it also meant that had it been AS that got injured, instead of CS, it would have left us with only 10 men and an outfield player in goal, with up to 25 mins left to play.

[Carlton_Pie]

No Jampie, it's an unnecessary risk and not worth the gamble. LW may have to develop the team but not half the team in one go. Just imagine if it had really backfired and we had lost the game, it would have been LW's fault and not done much good for the team's morale, especially for the subs he brought on.

How can you say certain "key" players weren't needed? And the injury happened, didn't it? Of course LW couldn't have known a player would be injured but he ought to have allowed for it.

At the time of the subbing we were definitely on top and we should have gone for the throat to reduce goal difference rather than giving game time to subs. I wonder what the players thought, it baffled more than a few of us in the Kop.

But we didn't lose so LW was justified in his decision.

You can't have it both ways by blaming him if it went wrong but also blaming if it could of but didn't go wrong.

[magpie_mania]

But we didn't lose so LW was justified in his decision.

You can't have it both ways by blaming him if it went wrong but also blaming if it could of but didn't go wrong.

I don't think he was - we had to play quite a long time with 10 men.

But it doesn't matter now - I am sure he will take some time to think about it, I wouldn't do it again if I was him, but as they say, at the end of the day the buck stops with him.

[countygump]

I don't think he was - we had to play quite a long time with 10 men.

But it doesn't matter now - I am sure he will take some time to think about it, I wouldn't do it again if I was him, but as they say, at the end of the day the buck stops with him.

Seeing as we won, not something we should spend a shed load of time worrying about. Buttt, may be something LW might want to keep in mind for future games and I'm sure he will.

[jackal2]

Not only adjusting to having 5 subs but also "80 minutes on the clock" meaning "20 minutes to go".

The extra time I can cope with, on the grounds that it's giving people the amount of football they paid for, similar to the measures being taken to tackle slow over rates in cricket. I hope it might actually lead to reduced time wasting in due course because players and managers will come to realise they're no longer gaining from it, but we'll see.

Five substitutions is ridiculous. It shows that coaches are gaining too much influence over the future of the game compared with fans, and it's clearly driven by the bigger clubs with bigger squads who want to gain an even bigger advantage than they already enjoy. Fans seem to have accepted this rule change quite passively, but I hope that changes and a campaign starts to push the number of allowed subs back in the opposite direction. Three was more than ample. If managers start using their five subs regularly, then I think we'll see the flow of a lot of games being ruined, as happens in international friendly football. The football industry needs to be told it has gone to far with that one.

[Jampie]

No Jampie, it's an unnecessary risk and not worth the gamble. LW may have to develop the team but not half the team in one go. Just imagine if it had really backfired and we had lost the game, it would have been LW's fault and not done much good for the team's morale, especially for the subs he brought on.

How can you say certain "key" players weren't needed? And the injury happened, didn't it? Of course LW couldn't have known a player would be injured but he ought to have allowed for it.

At the time of the subbing we were definitely on top and we should have gone for the throat to reduce goal difference rather than giving game time to subs. I wonder what the players thought, it baffled more than a few of us in the Kop.

We won, so the risk was worth it in this case. May or may not be cutting it too fine for Luke's liking in the future, we'll see how he goes on.

[jackal2]

We won, so the risk was worth it in this case. May or may not be cutting it too fine for Luke's liking in the future, we'll see how he goes on.

If the shock of coming that perilously close to dropping two points serves to warn Luke Williams never to take that gamble again from a winning position, then I suppose the risk did have value, because it taught a valuable lesson at no ultimate cost (other than to the fans' blood pressure for 20 minutes). Knowing how self-critical and analytical Luke Williams is, I would be immensely surprised if he's not taken that learning on board. Football games are hard enough to win without giving opponents a lifeline.

[Magpies1959]

A very good point about the five subs, which I think will be used to 'game manage', as much as to be used tactically. Three useable subs from, from seven on the bench is plenty, even allowing for the 'getting minutes in players legs', theory.

[jacobncfc]

A very good point about the five subs, which I think will be used to 'game manage', as much as to be used tactically. Three useable subs from, from seven on the bench is plenty, even allowing for the 'getting minutes in players legs', theory.

I’m not a massive fan of five subs, but they can’t be used to ‘game manage’ any more than the old three really because you’re still restricted to three ‘windows’ in which to make them.

[DuckPie]

Glad2BeAPie you seem to looking very hard to pick fault with KC. He was very close to cutting the cross out in the end. Who do you suggest comes in, if that is what you would like.

I totally agree, I have supported Notts for many years but I have just started to post comments, I have noticed one or two picking fault with a few players but Kyle seems to be the focus off a few, he has been a good captain the last 2 seasons and lifted the cup at Wembley for us, we should get behind the players and the few calling for a new captain need to give there head a wobble.

[BJPIE]

I totally agree, I have supported Notts for many years but I have just started to post comments, I have noticed one or two picking fault with a few players but Kyle seems to be the focus off a few, he has been a good captain the last 2 seasons and lifted the cup at Wembley for us, we should get behind the players and the few calling for a new captain need to give there head a wobble.

I'm one of those who have been critical of Cameron. As I've said before, this is a forum for discussion and differing views. IMHO he has at times been bloody awful and just because he captained the team to promotion does not exclude him from criticism. I've never been slow to appreciate what he brings going forward, but primarily we pay him to defend. That said, I think he has been excellent since the nightmare of the opening day and his challenge at the edge of the box late in the game on Saturday was Stubbsesque.

[magpie_mania]

I'm one of those who have been critical of Cameron. As I've said before, this is a forum for discussion and differing views. IMHO he has at times been bloody awful and just because he captained the team to promotion does not exclude him from criticism. I've never been slow to appreciate what he brings going forward, but primarily we pay him to defend. That said, I think he has been excellent since the nightmare of the opening day and his challenge at the edge of the box late in the game on Saturday was Stubbsesque.

Brindley's was even better, right at the death which left him on the floor.

[matt_magpie]

I'm one of those who have been critical of Cameron. As I've said before, this is a forum for discussion and differing views. IMHO he has at times been bloody awful and just because he captained the team to promotion does not exclude him from criticism. I've never been slow to appreciate what he brings going forward, but primarily we pay him to defend. That said, I think he has been excellent since the nightmare of the opening day and his challenge at the edge of the box late in the game on Saturday was Stubbsesque.

Playing Devils advocate, do we pay him primarily to defend? Our strategy is to control the game which often means we have 70% plus of the ball and most of the back 3s work is getting the ball accurately up the pitch. In what world would we think Brindley is a centre back, he’s not even in the mould of the modern centre back with his height, the role of our defenders his vastly different probably to most the teams in this league.

[the_anticlough]

Playing Devils advocate, do we pay him primarily to defend? Our strategy is to control the game which often means we have 70% plus of the ball and most of the back 3s work is getting the ball accurately up the pitch. In what world would we think Brindley is a centre back, he’s not even in the mould of the modern centre back with his height, the role of our defenders his vastly different probably to most the teams in this league.

They're such important positions in LW's system.

The players at the back see the ball more than anyone, especially against teams that don't go for a full press. In our possession game, they MUST be comfortable and able to use to the ball.
If we swapped them for their mirror images, specialist stoppers who don't like to play all that much then you'd probably have to abandon the whole approach. And there's our identity gone down the swanny

And with a genuine 3 at the back, the zones that they are responsible for are huge. When one of our back 3 struggles to defend an action, fans have to remember we're not playing banks of four. It's going to look more precarious.
It's a price worth paying because the way we've bossed the last few games against established L2 teams suggests that we might have the momentum to race through this league in 1 season. Not saying we will, but most fans predictions of play-offs at worst are not looking too shabby at the moment.

[BJPIE]

Playing Devils advocate, do we pay him primarily to defend? Our strategy is to control the game which often means we have 70% plus of the ball and most of the back 3s work is getting the ball accurately up the pitch. In what world would we think Brindley is a centre back, he’s not even in the mould of the modern centre back with his height, the role of our defenders his vastly different probably to most the teams in this league.

I accept that is a valid argument given our style of play. In response I'd say when defending he hasn't previously shown much authority and if we are to be successful, then the back line have to be able to transition into competent defenders when required.
When I compare the improvement in Rawlinson to that of Cameron in the last season or so, I feel Rawlinson has massively improved his game. I'm not saying he is "better" than Cameron, just that he has improved more. I really hope Cameron can continue his recent form and cut out the unforced errors.
He certainly looked more comfortable and confident on Saturday

[countygump]

https://youtu.be/ihjH4b6klcc

[Proactive not Reactive]

I accept that is a valid argument given our style of play. In response I'd say when defending he hasn't previously shown much authority and if we are to be successful, then the back line have to be able to transition into competent defenders when required.
When I compare the improvement in Rawlinson to that of Cameron in the last season or so, I feel Rawlinson has massively improved his game. I'm not saying he is "better" than Cameron, just that he has improved more. I really hope Cameron can continue his recent form and cut out the unforced errors.
He certainly looked more comfortable and confident on Saturday
I think Cameron had his best game of the season on Saturday,went more central when we went to 10 men and even though he let the cross come in for the goal we still had enough players in the box to stop the shot.
I love Rawlinson as a clubman who puts 110% in every time he steps on the pitch who would be great in a flat back 4 but like Slocombe suffers with our system
We looked more vulnerable down our right side in the first half Saturday as we did v Chesterfield at Wembley,D & R at home last season and quite a few more times.
Cameron is certainly worth his pick and at present with Baldwin and Brindley who we currently have

[Proactive not Reactive]

Captain Calamity (as my mate calls him) failed to get near his man for the cross that led the goal.
I’ve just watched the highlights from Saturday and it’s actually Brindley’s man who gets the cross in the ball actually beats Cameron and his player but Brindley’s man runs diagonally beyond them both

[ncfcog]

Stats report from the Tranmere game plus I take a tactical look at Luke Williams' unorthodox use of the 'Double Pivot'!

https://www.ncs-news.co.uk/read/stats-report-tranmere-rovers-h-l2