Post-Wigan thoughts

[mygiddypant]

This board is in some kind of time-warp thing. Where are you Froggy - we need a conspiracy theory.

After today I'm more than glass half full. Some encouraging passages of play, particularly the phase leading up to the second goal.

[the_idiotb_stardson]

MY APOLOGIES, KION ETETE!

Gave you loads of stick after your performance v Port Vale. Today you made the difference, absolutely outstanding. Brilliant hold up play, dazzling footwork in tight spaces and brilliant awareness.

Please stay fit because you are exactly what we need.

[Stovicmiller]

Didn?t go but daughter said we played well and should have won. I would have taken a point before the game.

[CAMiller]

My sentiments exactly IBS. Involved in both goals and so much else. Wigan didn't know how to handle him.

Congrats to the ref in waving away one of the most blatant penalties I've ever seen, including ones that have been given.

[UlleyMiller]

Exactly what I said previously, we were always going to be far better when we're not away, against the top teams in the division.

Lots of positives, lots of effort, plenty of solid performances. Powell was MOTM for me, but couldnt fault Rafferty getting the nod. Concerns about our lack of centre backs and that's always going to leave us exposed, but hopefully fixable. The board contrarians will obviously find lots of faults and whinge, but anyone with a bit of sense will have seen a fair bit to be happy about. Happy to drop any of the moaners off at S6 so they can be part of something more suited to them.

Side note. Ref was a joke, the shirt pulling was insane and he did nothing. Also seemed to want to balance each bad decision with a further soft call to the other team, no business being in the middle for professional games.

[RU66]

Said on other thread Hall & Martha especially wouldn't have signed them. Kaleta not sure if he'd be better on the right. McGuckin not getting same chance as them. Better with McWilliams on for Kelly.

[Citizen Erased]

Said on other thread Hall & Martha especially wouldn't have signed them. Kaleta not sure if he'd be better on the right. McGuckin not getting same chance as them. Better with McWilliams on for Kelly.

Usually BS calls then.


Game was better today, arguably better than any previous effort this season. Lively and with intent but defensively far to frail still.

Should have been 3 points but a draw isn't bad.

[Eternal Optimist]

MH said it was a rebuild job.

Today the team went a long way towards demonstrating the foundations are beginning to fall into place. Early days, but there are a few glimmers of hope for the future.

[Tigerish]

The ref needs to go to Specsavers. The second penalty shout hit their guy on both hands. Where do we get these people from? He won't feel too good watching the video. And why can't the plank on the halfway line (fourth "official") squawk down in his earpiece and ask did you miss something?
There were too many minutes Mr Hamshaw where we looked like the visitors, timid, negative passing.
If players see space going forward run into it. Then a colleague (or more) should run off the ball to offer an option.
Not enough of either.
Work on it.

[Jocksgloves1]

Great advert for third division football. Disappointed to concede late on, but a fair result in the end. The second half side should start at Barnsley, never mind throwing cup games away.
Why are football officials so weak? Number 11 berated Ref in first half with no card. Foul on Dawson should have meant a second yellow. Linesman at family stand gave no decisions all day, just waited for Ref to tell him which way a throw was.

[Mr_bukaroo]

I do feel we will be two steps forward, one step back this season. I just hope that the majority recognise this and stick with them

[NorthWestCorner]

First half was absolutely abysmal. We looked like a set of players who had met that morning. This continues to worry me - what on earth are they doing in training everyday.

That said, credit to MH. He changed it and it worked. KE was outstanding. That’s the KE you can see on the You Tube videos. If he gets the chance and we use him correctly he could be a real asset. He’s not a big lump of a target man though so let’s not launch it skywards.

Also, McWilliams changed the game. He’s got legs and that’s what wasn’t there in the first half. The goal was a great finish but he was much more that that.

So, what we learnt today is that Hughill and Kelly are finished. Both offer little or nothing in the case of Hughill. But, benching them isn’t the answer. They need to be gone and MH is going to need another 3 or 4 players in over the coming weeks, many of which will be loans I suspect. If we don’t get them then I still fear a relegation battle because we are very low on numbers and some of those younger players will struggle as the season progresses.

So, a step forward but there are still worrying signs. Wigan are not a good side and we will be tested over the next few fixtures. Over to you MH.

[RU66]

Usually BS calls then.


Game was better today, arguably better than any previous effort this season. Lively and with intent but defensively far to frail still.

Should have been 3 points but a draw isn't bad.

Hall not a wide right player. Martha never goes on the outside same on the left defensively weak also. Kaleta ran of ideas on the left.

[GlennMiller]

Before his injury, Kaleta put in a MoM performance. McWilliams, who I've never rated, looked like he'd finally found his on switch - strong, pacy and a great goal. More please!

Sherif - what a find. Not great in the air but otherwise everything that Hugill isn't. And Etete was just a revelation!

Great game to watch against a good side who will probably finish in the top six. Lots of positives for Hammy to work on.

Onwards and upwards.

[Townerslovechild]

Hall not a wide right player. Martha never goes on the outside same on the left defensively weak also. Kaleta ran of ideas on the left.

No Kaleta,was injured, that's why he went off,he had a great game.
New lad had steady debut,then got his goal, well done, Etete, was unrecognisable from his debut,must start in front of Hugill now.
First half wasn't that bad, but second much better, everyone played their part, only negative was we didn't win.