⚽ Match Thread vs. Barrow FC 22.10.24 [EFL L2]

[Mud Pie]

respect to all Notts fans, but I do think the promotion season did weird stuff to expectations and created a base feeling of almost entitlement. Even though we're struggling to deal with injuries, we're 3rd and getting away points at difficult places. Yes, the performance trend is worrying, but don't panic Captain Manwaring!

[jackal2]

respect to all Notts fans, but I do think the promotion season did weird stuff to expectations and created a base feeling of almost entitlement. Even though we're struggling to deal with injuries, we're 3rd and getting away points at difficult places. Yes, the performance trend is worrying, but don't panic Captain Manwaring!

Well, quite!

The owners won't be blind to the quality of performance. They stated last season that their data suggested our early season results flattered the performances, and of course our results did drop off eventually, but at least let's wait until there's something tangible to complain about before complaining. For all we know, we might continue to successfully grind out "lucky" results over the next few weeks, and when the likes of Jones and Edwards return the performances could return with them.

I think most Notts fans would have been happy with third place in the league at this stage of the season. It doesn't mean anything conclusive with the winter months and the 'business end' of the season still to come, but for heaven's sake enjoy a decent league position for what it is, at least for now.

[matt_magpie]

Well, quite!

The owners won't be blind to the quality of performance. They stated last season that their data suggested our early season results flattered the performances, and of course our results did drop off eventually, but at least let's wait until there's something tangible to complain about before complaining. For all we know, we might continue to successfully grind out "lucky" results over the next few weeks, and when the likes of Jones and Edwards return the performances could return with them.

I think most Notts fans would have been happy with third place in the league at this stage of the season. It doesn't mean anything conclusive with the winter months and the 'business end' of the season still to come, but for heaven's sake enjoy a decent league position for what it is, at least for now.

Totally agree I’m absolutely baffled by some of the views on here. There’s no disputing the last 2 first halves were very poor. I imagine it’s the same posters complaining last year that we couldn’t defend and you don’t get promoted in L2 by playing so open and begged for more balance.
I don’t know if it’s NL syndrome from Burchnall onwards where we played very good football and often walked over teams and especially at home.
We’re third, it’s going to be a long tough season to get promoted but at least try and enjoy it when you’re sat in the auto promotion places and the good news is we have lots of players to come back too.

[Mud Pie]

The owners won't be blind to the quality of performance. They stated last season that their data suggested our early season results flattered the performances, and of course our results did drop off eventually...

It would be interesting to see how they're mapping the trends so far this season (and how they weigh the different performance metrics), and what conclusions they're coming to.

[MAD_MAGPIE]

respect to all Notts fans, but I do think the promotion season did weird stuff to expectations and created a base feeling of almost entitlement. Even though we're struggling to deal with injuries, we're 3rd and getting away points at difficult places. Yes, the performance trend is worrying, but don't panic Captain Manwaring!

This is a good point and people should take note. We spent four seasons in the National League and under LW at that level we completely dominated possession and teams. We scored lots of goals and had the battle with Wrexham. We were a huge fish in a smaller pond. We still are big fish at this level but it's a different standard.

We are third in the table and have an unbeaten away record. After 13 games that's a good position to be in. We are picking up points and that's the main thing. It's League two it's going to be a battle and a slog. I also don't think there is a lot of difference between the top 12 or even more teams this season. As I've said elsewhere a couple of five or six winning runs over the season will get any team right up there. Of course I want us to play slick passing and possession football and score a lot of goals but it's not going to always be possible. We needed to score loads last season to compensate for the amount we conceded. This season is different. We are much better defensively and this is why I believe we have done much better away from home compared to last season. Harrogate on Saturday should give us an idea as to how well this squad can manage with a number of injuries. These are the teams we should be beating especially at home. Do that and it makes the win against Wimbledon and draw at Barrow an excellent week. We do need to stop conceding early goals though and get in front and control the game certainly at home.

I also think some of the expectation comes from seeing, Wrexham, Mansfield and Stockport pushing on and in front of us in the league above. They are all riding the crest of the wave of promotion from League Two and have had very good starts to their seasons. But we also must not compare ourselves to them either. I'll be happy if we are in the top three by the new year regardless of performances because I believe we will be better in the second half of the season mainly because the new players would have had six months to settle in get to know the club and each other but also players like JJ returning from injury. We may sign a couple in January as well.

[Mud Pie]

I'll be happy if we are in the top three by the new year regardless of performances because I believe we will be better in the second half of the season mainly because the new players would have had six months to settle in get to know the club and each other but also players like JJ returning from injury. We may sign a couple in January as well.

me too. And no one else has referred to that, but half (?) of this squad had never met each other 3 months ago. As much as they HAVE to hit the ground running, the gelling process won't have finished yet while they deepen their understanding of each other's ability and style, and SM's/Notts' approach.

[Mud Pie]

me too. And no one else has referred to that, but half (?) of this squad had never met each other 3 months ago. As much as they HAVE to hit the ground running, the gelling process won't have finished yet while they deepen their understanding of each other's ability and style, and SM's/Notts' approach.

...and adjusting for injuries.

[Mud Pie]

...and adjusting for injuries.

and most of the other clubs around are sailing the same choppy waters. And we're all playing equally piratic teams! It's fun to make predictions from the stars before xmas, but so much of the eventual position depends on the mid - finish doesn't it?

[nw6pie]

and most of the other clubs around are sailing the same choppy waters. And we're all playing equally piratic teams! It's fun to make predictions from the stars before xmas, but so much of the eventual position depends on the mid - finish doesn't it?

Piratic? As in “You’re sh*t - aaaaaargh”?

You’re right about there being so many erratic teams though. Every week there are a few teams losing games you’d expect them to win. Consistency is going to be key for whoever finishes in the top 3 in such an even division.

[Mud Pie]

Piratic? As in “You’re sh*t - aaaaaargh”?

kinda As in a motley crew, not the fine upstanding seamen of our first xi