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Just the last few seasons, these always appear to hit us either when we think we are playing well or stuff us on a down streak. I think possibly a point, again interesting where the goals will come from. Who knows how much time Long can manage. Comments anybody!
This one is for Shilow ...
If the players can stay focused, there are 3 points there for the taking - going for a 2-0 win
Put a smile on Shilow's face (and mine)
Please can we have a subs bench with players who can play for 90mins.
I would prefer to see a fit keen young Academy player given a place rather than someone who might last for 20-30 mins.
Team looks better balanced - and a very strong bench (just hope they are fit)
Usual game at Salford, thank God Lowery came on loan, much needed, but needs others to step up around him. Pitch as bad if not worse than Gresty Road! Let's see what 2nd half brings!
Glad to see Thibaut up front with someone to play-off. Except in the first half Bogle has been playing behind.
The team look slow and well off the pace. Too much space conceded in our own half giving Salford the chance to come on to the ball.
I can see that the pitch is terrible but a bit of possession would help. At least the early difficulties on their left wing have died down a bit. We do need some midfield presence as Powell and Holicek have been missing in the first 45 minutes. So maybe Thomas or Sanders, which may allow Lowery to get further forward.
We didn't lose to Salford - Yahoo!
Pity we didn't get all 3 points - but good to see some 'senior' players back for the last 20-30.
Clever substitution at the end to get Billo off after getting his yellow card
Interestingly a lot of people on various platforms/sources have suggested that a 4-3-3 (ish) formation in the last 20 minutes showed that it suits us better with a much improved performance. However, I'm not sure it's quite that simple. We did make 4 changes (obviously that is reflected in the change of formation), but it was also a reaction to going a goal down (why do the Alex seem to need that before stepping up the urgency?). Further, Salford wanted to win to keep up a surge to the play-off positions, which opened up the game. Also when there's only one goal in it and you're entering the final phase of the game, nerves play a part. The Alex also left themselves open.
We've now got some exceedingly important games coming up. The away pitches are most probably going to be in better nick than Salford's so should suit us better than the Peninsula pitch so I fully expect Lee Bell to play his favoured formation and try and contain the opposition so don't expect to see him discarding 5-3-2 anytime soon.
The home games are a different proposition. The Alex pitch is crap and so not a huge amount of good football to be played on it (but more than at Salford). Plus they seem to feel less secure in their home games. I think LB will chop and change for the home games but will stick to containment away from home.
Forgot also to say that when Mickey is back will LB be able to make the hard decisions about dropping CBs this inclining him to play 3 (5) at the back.