⚽ Match Thread vs. Solihull Moors FC 29.08.22 [NL]

[Elite_Pie]

For those that were there, what kind of player is Bajrami in midfield? A Ravenhill or Bishop type…Mitch Rose? I saw him briefly against Chesterfield in defence…is he agile enough to play in midfield? He looked quite a unit?! What role did he play, a flat partnership with Palmer or did he sit deep? Is he ‘that’ player we’ve been crying out for since…well…forever?!

As I saw it he played the deeper role in the first half, but was more advanced (with Palmer dropping deeper) in the second. He was impressive in both roles. He can do an effective job in the spoiling role, but he is decent with his feet and can pick a pass. I don't want to go overboard because this is based only on this game, but given his versatility he looks a very good signing.

[countygump]

I have to say very dignified from NA, it wasn't that Solihull were poo today they just were not allowed to play by an excellent Notts display in my opinion.

Agreed. It was more what we did, than what Moors didn't do, that won us the game. We barely gave them a sniff at goal. As for a ''cast iron penalty'', I've seen similar given, but ''cast iron'', ptfffff. It looked far more like Dallas? choosing to go down a tad too easily, when the chance arose.

[Elite_Pie]

We’re we that good or were Solihull just pretty poor. It was said on the radio that they are a relatively small team, did this ply into our hands somewhat?

They are a small team up front but big at the back. They were poor today, but hopefully that was because we didn't allow them to play. We never gave them time on the ball, and their attacking threat was minimal.

[Elite_Pie]

Agreed. It was more what we did, than what Moors didn't do, that won us the game. We barely gave them a sniff at goal. As for a ''cast iron penalty'', I've seen similar given, but ''cast iron'', ptfffff. It looked far more like Dallas? choosing to go down a tad too easily, when the chance arose.

I need to see the replay on their penalty shout. In real time I thought it was a foul and was relieved when it wasn't given, but maybe he was looking for contact and went down a bit too easily. I wonder what VAR would have made of it!

[kill_the_drum]

Typical that I couldn’t make the game today, maybe I should stay away!

It sounded like a great all round performance on the radio, Stall and Slater always call it fair and they were really impressed with every aspect of our play, the wasted chances aside. I really wish I could’ve seen our high press in action, it was what I thought Burchball was going to be like, alas.

For those that were there, what kind of player is Bajrami in midfield? A Ravenhill or Bishop type…Mitch Rose? I saw him briefly against Chesterfield in defence…is he agile enough to play in midfield? He looked quite a unit?! What role did he play, a flat partnership with Palmer or did he sit deep? Is he ‘that’ player we’ve been crying out for since…well…forever?!

Also, where does Austin now fit into the lineup? Scott and Langstaff surely rock solid now…..Palmer and Bajrami in the middle….Ruben behind the front two, it’s difficult to see where he starts now.

We’re we that good or were Solihull just pretty poor. It was said on the radio that they are a relatively small team, did this ply into our hands somewhat?

Bajrami, based on today, is the muscle we’ve needed. I think his weakness could be his pace but it wasn’t an issue today.
I wouldn’t say he’s either Bish or Ravenhill. He was more often than not deeper than Palmer but did also advance with the ball.
When Austin came on you think that he has to start, but I’m not sure who you could drop. Ruben was simply brilliant in the space between midfield and attack. It’s a great problem to have.
I’m not going to do Notts the disservice of saying Solihull were poor. We never gave them a second anywhere on the pitch.
As stupid as it sounds I actually liked watching us commit fouls high up the pitch in the final few minutes. We just wasn’t going to let Solihull build up a meaningful attack. Chicksen was trying his best to get a yellow card for 5 mins before he actually did.
Mitchell came on with 10 mins to play to make the ball stick up top, and he did a very good job of it. Criminal that he didn’t play in Ruben for a simple finish, but we won the game so all is forgiven.
I was feeling very negative after the Chesterfield game. After this weekend, I feel completely different.
As they say, it’s the hope….

[matt_magpie]

As I saw it he played the deeper role in the first half, but was more advanced (with Palmer dropping deeper) in the second. He was impressive in both roles. He can do an effective job in the spoiling role, but he is decent with his feet and can pick a pass. I don't want to go overboard because this is based only on this game, but given his versatility he looks a very good signing.

He was like a Rolls Royce today, just glided through the game effortlessly really. I know Kiddy fans rated him highly and I think we saw a glimpse today what he’s capable of.

[Rez1862]

Today was honestly one of the best performances I've witnessed in the past few years - I don't know if it was the Notts players being so good, Solihull being piss poor or a combination of the two. My only concern against better opposition is the wing backs - Nemane is great going forward but not defensively and vice versa for Chicksen.

4-0 would not have flattered us today - I certainly think Williams has won over a few doubters today. We need to build on this and keep the momentum for the next few games against sides around us.

[countygump]

Nigel Clough was spotted in the main stand today. I do believe they have a player on loan at Moors......

[i961pie]

Of course i'm going to criticise Ardley. For me he's a huge reason we lost our EFL status. His negative tactics were a huge reason we didn't bounce straight back up, despite having a squad capable of doing so.

Still very popular with a lot of fans though, he got a great reception from them and responded accordingly.

[BigFatPie]

Also, where does Austin now fit into the lineup? Scott and Langstaff surely rock solid now…..Palmer and Bajrami in the middle….Ruben behind the front two, it’s difficult to see where he starts now.
?

I would always have Austin starting and I was disappointed he didn’t start today.

I know I’m ploughing a one man furrow here but after Saturday I would have dropped Palmer and even after today I don’t know why he’s an automatic selection. He crossed for the goal, but other than that, not much really. His shooting is truly abysmal.

Especially against the poorer teams we won’t need 2 defensive midfielders and from the evidence so far, Bajrami offers more than Palmer. Austin just brings so much attacking wise, he’s too good to be sitting on the bench. Obviously injuries and suspensions will mean everyone will get a decent go through the season.