O/T:- tonight’s games

[MAD_MAGPIE]

I don’t think any of those 3 easily beat us at their ground.
Despite playing very well against Stockport, we lost because of two very sloppy goals, so no complaints.
However, Mansfield and Wrexham have only won because of legitimate goals being disallowed. Not only was a point deserved from the performance, but a point was deserved because we put the ball in the back of the net as many times as they did.

I know it's a results business and people will say we got nothing from Stockport, Wrexham or Mansfield away which is true but I think it's important to also look at the performances in those games to gauge how far we are actually behind those sides.

For me we competed in all three games, we created more than enough chances to score ourselves and as you say had the ball over the line in two of those three away games and were not out played by either of those teams. It was at the point of being fine margins which we have to try and take the positives going forward in the remaining 14 games.

After tonight I think 7th place is up for grabs for whichever team goes on a run now in the business end of the season from 7th down to Walsall in 16th place. It's unbelievably tight with only three points separating 7th and 16th.

As the old saying goes it is in our hands as we have key games against those around us in our remaining games and four games in a row coming up against playoff hopefuls Bradford, Wimbledon, Crawley and Accrington. Then after Easter we have another batch of four games against playoff/promotion chasers MK Dons, Harrogate, Walsall and Stockport.

[jacobncfc]

I know it's a results business and people will say we got nothing from Stockport, Wrexham or Mansfield away which is true but I think it's important to also look at the performances in those games to gauge how far we are actually behind those sides.

For me we competed in all three games, we created more than enough chances to score ourselves and as you say had the ball over the line in two of those three away games and were not out played by either of those teams. It was at the point of being fine margins which we have to try and take the positives going forward in the remaining 14 games.

That’s because IMO we’re not behind them at all in terms of quality of player, but we are well behind them in the mentality and intensity needed to grind out wins in close games over the course of a season.

Look at how few draws we’ve had this season and our goal difference compared to the teams around us - with the odd exception, our games have tended to go one way, we either get on top, can play our football and win easily, or we lose a narrow game by a goal or two.

[MAD_MAGPIE]

That’s because IMO we’re not behind them at all in terms of quality of player, but we are well behind them in the mentality and intensity needed to grind out wins in close games over the course of a season.

Look at how few draws we’ve had this season and our goal difference compared to the teams around us - with the odd exception, our games have tended to go one way, we either get on top, can play our football and win easily, or we lose a narrow game by a goal or two.

Some good points. Perhaps by the end of the season we will be more battle hardened to league two which will enable us to be stronger for any playoff campaign or for next season.

You've hit the nail on the head about the draws. In terms of wins we've only won two less games than Mansfield but look at the draws. They have become a tough side to beat and have been able to pick up points in games and that's what sees them in 2nd and us in 10th. It's similar with the likes of Crewe and Barrow which is why they are above us.

If we can be a bit more streetwise, battle hardened or whatever we want to call it that's needed to be strong enough to snatch a draw from defeat, or a win from a draw then that is the key to being an automatic promotion contender. If Stuart Maynard can install this into the team then he will have cracked it the way I see it.

The other alternative is we do like in the National League and over time build a team far superior quality for league two level which may enable us to get those additional results needed.

[nw6pie]

I know it's a results business and people will say we got nothing from Stockport, Wrexham or Mansfield away which is true but I think it's important to also look at the performances in those games to gauge how far we are actually behind those sides.

For me we competed in all three games, we created more than enough chances to score ourselves and as you say had the ball over the line in two of those three away games and were not out played by either of those teams. It was at the point of being fine margins which we have to try and take the positives going forward in the remaining 14 games.

After tonight I think 7th place is up for grabs for whichever team goes on a run now in the business end of the season from 7th down to Walsall in 16th place. It's unbelievably tight with only three points separating 7th and 16th.

As the old saying goes it is in our hands as we have key games against those around us in our remaining games and four games in a row coming up against playoff hopefuls Bradford, Wimbledon, Crawley and Accrington. Then after Easter we have another batch of four games against playoff/promotion chasers MK Dons, Harrogate, Walsall and Stockport.

I keep reading that we scored against Mansfield, by which I assume people are referring to the Flint “own goal”? The view from the footage in the highlights is rubbish, but has anyone seen a better angle that proves it was over the line? Not that it actually matters now, just curious.

[i961pie]

I can't remember a league being as tight as this one. Notts are a point off the playoffs yet the team in 16th place are only 2 points behind us.

[slack_pie]

I keep reading that we scored against Mansfield, by which I assume people are referring to the Flint “own goal”? The view from the footage in the highlights is rubbish, but has anyone seen a better angle that proves it was over the line? Not that it actually matters now, just curious.

I haven't seen one, but I've seen multiple Stags fans say it was over the line on their forum, and they are the least likely group of fans to be gracious towards us on this kind of thing.

[Notts78]

Why can’t clubs in the EFL have goal line technology? It’s not VAR but assistance for refs. I have no idea whether we should have had a goal or whether Fake Dons should have had one last night (the angle seen shows the ball past the post but not the whole ball is visible). The tech is available and should be in place across the EFL and subsidised by the Prem.

[CamPie]

Why can’t clubs in the EFL have goal line technology? It’s not VAR but assistance for refs. I have no idea whether we should have had a goal or whether Fake Dons should have had one last night (the angle seen shows the ball past the post but not the whole ball is visible). The tech is available and should be in place across the EFL and subsidised by the Prem.

I saw that Clough was demanding goal line tech after they felt they’d been denied a goal in the loss against Walsall. He never said a word on it after our game at their place.

[matt_magpie]

Tbf it’s tough on linesmen, he’s obviously watching in line for offside when MK swing it in and then it’s near impossible to get in line with the ball with a post in the way.

[OP67]

I haven't seen one, but I've seen multiple Stags fans say it was over the line on their forum, and they are the least likely group of fans to be gracious towards us on this kind of thing.

You don't think they were just rubbing our noses in it then?? Come on this Mansfailed supporters, they're most obnoxious fans around