Match Thread vs. Grimsby 05.02.22 [NL]

[upthemaggies]

This is what happens when we lose, the reverse when we win. There's still time if we can end the blip next game.

At this stage last season, with the Dover result still yet to be expunged, we were also 12 points adrift with games in hand. The worst run of the season was yet to come (2 draws and 4 defeats in 6 to drop us down to 10th) immediately followed by the best run (5 wins and 1 draw in 6 to climb back up to 5th, the cursed play off position).

Looking at this season's remaining fixtures, I can see us repeating that pattern - a strong finish looks a given whilst we probably will struggle to pick up points in March-early April. Notts should make the play offs again and somehow have to do better this time around or hope the luck is on our side. There is still hope and you would expect the mood to be much better by this time next week.

Please let it be Doncaster and Bradford in the league at Meadow Lane next season, not Dorking and Brackley.

[Carlton_Pie]

Three games ago we seemed to be sitting pretty but now we appear to have a lot to do to secure a play off place.

Another good run starting with a morale boosting win on Tuesday will change that for the better. Hard for me to be wholly constructive as I don’t get to watch the games. Is there any merit in bringing in Brunt for Ruben and giving the latter chance to freshen up? Surprised that Vincent has been dropped to the bench as since he came into the side my concerns regarding the midfield had somewhat abated. From the commentaries I listen to I think he and Palmer work well together.

Not sure that Eli could do Kyle’s role but maybe worth giving it a go with the object again of allowing Wootton to have a bit of a rest. Can’t really believe I am being so positive about Sam as his hopeless cameo appearance in the home game v Wealdstone is the only time I have seen him play in the flesh. However great credit to the lad for knuckling down in the interim period. Only hope Mitchell can do the same because we do need all available options to freshen the team up and give the opposition something different to worry about over the coming important games.

Dropping Vincent has been a mistake by IB. Vincent offers mobility and pace to an otherwise static midfield

[laddo]

He was poor and very careless in possession at Wealdstone but he wasn't alone. Agree about the mobility and energy he gives. Hoping he gets another chance asap and looks after the ball a bit better.

[Carlton_Pie]

Its called favouritism. The same as happened with Kelly Evans.

Kelly-Evans should not be anywhere near this team when Richardson and Brindley are available

[SaltySeaDog]

I'm just looking at the players stats for the season so far, and see that Taylor has no goals and only one assist in 16 apps. Got me thinking about what anticlough was talking about the other day regarding wing back contributions.

So if the wing backs haven't added enough over the season thus far, and Cal doesn't really fit so well into a 3-5-2, do people think it would make sense to switch to something like a 4-4-2.

I'm not one to overreact to a couple of bad results, and the team was playing really well before. Just stimulating some discussion

[Notts78]

I'm just looking at the players stats for the season so far, and see that Taylor has no goals and only one assist in 16 apps. Got me thinking about what anticlough was talking about the other day regarding wing back contributions.

So if the wing backs haven't added enough over the season thus far, and Cal doesn't really fit so well into a 3-5-2, do people think it would make sense to switch to something like a 4-4-2.

I'm not one to overreact to a couple of bad results, and the team was playing really well before. Just stimulating some discussion

I’d go 4-4-2 all day long. We have arguably the best winger in the division and don’t play him there.
Rubens best spell at the club was when he played up front, that seems to have stopped and he plays deeper. Wootton isn’t mobile enough to worry defenders with movement or pace as essentially a loan striker.
These are our 3 most destructive players and yet none IMO are being played in a formation that gets the best out of them.
Palmer has shown enough to suggest he could play in a 2 man midfield.
Richardson behind Cal is mouth watering as Cal could cut in on his favoured left foot whilst Richardson can still provide an overlap.
The left hand side would need addressing. I’m not sure we have a wide player good enough - Taylor has little to no end product, so wouldn’t think pushing him further forward wouldn’t add to our potency.

[SaltySeaDog]

I’d go 4-4-2 all day long. We have arguably the best winger in the division and don’t play him there.
Rubens best spell at the club was when he played up front, that seems to have stopped and he plays deeper. Wootton isn’t mobile enough to worry defenders with movement or pace as essentially a loan striker.
These are our 3 most destructive players and yet none IMO are being played in a formation that gets the best out of them.
Palmer has shown enough to suggest he could play in a 2 man midfield.
Richardson behind Cal is mouth watering as Cal could cut in on his favoured left foot whilst Richardson can still provide an overlap.
The left hand side would need addressing. I’m not sure we have a wide player good enough - Taylor has little to no end product, so wouldn’t think pushing him further forward wouldn’t add to our potency.

I know Jim O'B has played left wing in his career. We could probably do with him in the side at the moment anyway

[irishpete]

I would try Sam & Mitchell up front for a few games if we aren't bringing anybody in up front. Have to try something different & we will have pace

[laddo]

I would try Sam & Mitchell up front for a few games if we aren't bringing anybody in up front. Have to try something different & we will have pace

For me, one yes, both no thank you. That goes beyond brave.

[irishpete]

For me, one yes, both no thank you. That goes beyond brave.

Jones & Farrell didn't click straight away