Least Enjoyable Game

[magpie2k4]

I have watched every national league home game and today was the worst I’ve seen.

The weather, the whistle happy ref, but more importantly the poor, poor performance has made this the least enjoyable national league home game I’ve watched.

Which is yours?

There was something about this game which somehow reminded me of the relegation season. The game felt slow, boring and devoid of any quality.

[jackal2]

It was poor to be fair, as was the 1-4 home defeat to Woking.

That said, the entertainment on offer in general at Meadow Lane this season has been good. At our best we play some good football. I can remember times under the likes of Steve Thompson when every home game was like today's. In fact, many were far worse!

[BCnotts18]

Id probably say losing 3-0 to Barrow in 2019.

Today's game was awful, compounded by the fact I left early and missed the only enjoyable part of it. But that Barrow result was an absolute disgrace.

[Elite_Pie]

It was poor to be fair, as was the 1-4 home defeat to Woking.

At our best we play some good football. I can remember times under the likes of Steve Thompson when every home game was like today's. In fact, many were far worse!

If you replace Steve Thompson with Ian McParland, I would agree.

[jackal2]

If you replace Steve Thompson with Ian McParland, I would agree.

Yes that was bad too, not to mention Gudjon Thordarsson, Paul Ince, Chris Kiwomya, Keith Curle (at home)...

God we've employed some rubbish over the years!

[queenslandpie]

When COVID was a thing and streams were happening I watched several games under Ardley that were utter dross. The worst was probably the 1-0 defeat at home to Boreham Wood.

[kill_the_drum]

I’ve seen much worse performances but it was far from enjoyable.
My Dad came to his first game this season and I summed up our recent problems, before the game as; looking great outside the areas, not capitalising when we’re on top, susceptible to gifting a goal, crumble under pressure.
The game was yet another one where all of the above happened.
I actually think that Ruben played well, but how he’s missed that header from 4 yards is beyond me. We should have been 2-0 up and coasting at half time.
From listening to IB after the game, I think we’ll see a change in formation on Tuesday. And we may see a change in pattern, if Rawlinson and Lacey are at the back.

[durhampie]

I’ve seen much worse performances but it was far from enjoyable.
My Dad came to his first game this season and I summed up our recent problems, before the game as; looking great outside the areas, not capitalising when we’re on top, susceptible to gifting a goal, crumble under pressure.
The game was yet another one where all of the above happened.
I actually think that Ruben played well, but how he’s missed that header from 4 yards is beyond me. We should have been 2-0 up and coasting at half time.
From listening to IB after the game, I think we’ll see a change in formation on Tuesday. And we may see a change in pattern, if Rawlinson and Lacey are at the back.

I doubt if IB will change the pattern of play. We will still be playing out from the back and putting our self under unnecessary pressure.. These next 2 games are must win matches. If we fail to take any points then I'm afraid Mr Burchnall may soon be looking for a new job...

[laddo]

Yes that was bad too, not to mention Gudjon Thordarsson, Paul Ince, Chris Kiwomya, Keith Curle (at home)...

God we've employed some rubbish over the years!

Yup. That's my list too the only real debate is the order. I prefer boring football to boring ugly (anti) football, all of it makes me shudder thinking back but also offers some comfort after Notts lose.

[jackal2]

I doubt if IB will change the pattern of play. We will still be playing out from the back and putting our self under unnecessary pressure.

IB doesn't have to abandon his principles entirely, but he's got to give the players licence to adopt a more direct, physical approach in games where the preferred style isn't working. It's no good just saying they need to try harder to play through the press. In some games at this level there's no substitute for engaging in the battle. In fact, that's true at every level really. IB's future will depend on whether he can prepare the players to do this.