O/T:- Swansea

[MAD_MAGPIE]

Unfortunately I haven't been able to see any of the games against since Barrow, but it seems to me, reading these boards, that there are 2 narratives. Firstly, our defence is still rubbish, and by extension you must assume lucky to not concede more against the top teams, and now causing our attack to falter, and secondly, our defence is tighter and less likely to concede, and the attack has been unlucky with decisions and finishing.

From what I have heard on commentary and watching at Barrow (very early days), my feeling is that our defence has improved, but there is still work to do. We have been guilty of not taking chances in front of goal and I wonder if this could be partly down to the new systems and shapes bedding in and when we get that last 5% sorted we will start to score again.

My first impression of SM is that he is more flexible than LW, has ideas on how to balance things out, and thinks out of the box (Macari not warming up with the other defenders to keep Newport guessing for example). Overall I think that bodes well for the future. It will be interesting to see how it goes.

For me it's the latter in that I feel the defence has improved since SM has come in. We've only conceded one goal in every game apart from Gillingham that SM has been in charge. Gillingham was closer to how the defence were prior to SM's appointment and there were individual howlers in that game.

What proved there has been improvement defensively for me was the beginning of the second half against Wrexham. They had their spell as was expected which lasted a good 50% of the half from memory and we held out. I think a month or so before we would have conceded under such pressure then.

Overall under SM thus far I don't think the attacking play has been sacrificed as a result which could have been anticipated because we have been creating chances and did in the Mansfield and Wrexham games in particular. If anything we've lacked just that edge to put the ball in the back of the net.

I'm optimistic that in the coming weeks we will continue to concede less goals and that the goals scored will increase, particularly at home.

[Smigpie]

Fully agree with that, looking forward now not back and with a lot of excitement .

[slack_pie]

For me it's the latter in that I feel the defence has improved since SM has come in. We've only conceded one goal in every game apart from Gillingham that SM has been in charge. Gillingham was closer to how the defence were prior to SM's appointment and there were individual howlers in that game.

What proved there has been improvement defensively for me was the beginning of the second half against Wrexham. They had their spell as was expected which lasted a good 50% of the half from memory and we held out. I think a month or so before we would have conceded under such pressure then.

Overall under SM thus far I don't think the attacking play has been sacrificed as a result which could have been anticipated because we have been creating chances and did in the Mansfield and Wrexham games in particular. If anything we've lacked just that edge to put the ball in the back of the net.

I'm optimistic that in the coming weeks we will continue to concede less goals and that the goals scored will increase, particularly at home.

Yeah, I'm optimistic about Maynard as well. I don't read too much into the results since he's taken over as it's a tough run of games, including a couple of title contenders. I think the performances have been OK apart from Gillingham, and I feel like we've done better against Mansfield and Wrexham that I expected, or than we would have done under Williams.

Looking forward to seeing how we do against easier opposition. There's an outside chance we can make the playoffs, but I think the rest of the season is about Maynard establishing himself and preparing the squad for a proper push next season.

[maddogslater]

Well I'll be disappointed if we don't get to the playoffs, we're beginning to gell into an overall stronger team, imagine, Wrexham or Mansfield in the playoffs 🤔

[matt_magpie]

I think it’s been very refreshing and slightly surprising how fans have taken to SM with us not getting the results we wanted but I guess it’s clear he’s starting to get the balance right and the players seem to be onboard and fighting.
I have to say I would be disappointed too if we don’t make the play offs, there no reason we can’t if we can keep injuries manageable as we have the quality.

[marky]

I like Maynard so far but if we don't make the play offs it really will be a missed opportunity.

[Putney Pie]

Agreed. With the attacking quality we have and with just a modicum of basic solid defending we should be top 3 and automatic promotion

[maddogslater]

I had a dream.
We beat Barrow in the semi 1-1 at home win 2-0 away.
Wrexham in the final, 1-0 Scott pen, you heard it here first 😃

[marky]

Good result for LW today to keep them clear of the relegation zone. Wish you were still here Luke.

[Jampie]

Good result for LW today to keep them clear of the relegation zone. Wish you were still here Luke.

Looks like they pulled it off