Another clean sheet.

[Jon Bon]

A big well done to Howard who has been the catalyst in our improved defencive performance since his recall. His command of his area and his vocal presence are really giving confidence to the players in front of him. Top marks to the big man.

 

[boo radley]

You will keep a clean sheet when you don't play with yourself.

 

[Latters]

A big well done to Howard who has been the catalyst in our improved defencive performance since his recall. His command of his area and his vocal presence are really giving confidence to the players in front of him. Top marks to the big man.

Absolutely. He has made a massive difference. The defence, as well as the fans, no longer seem to panic every time the ball comes near the box.

Howard, as it stands, is far better than Long. Long is good for his age, Howard is good for the level we play at, which is what matters. He has to keep his place.

 

[SwissBlade]

We concede a goal, Long gets the blame. Clean sheet Howard takes the plaudits.

In fairness the back 5 have played well recently. Long has had a good run, but Howard's now doing well.

Howard did concede one last week though

 

[Bulletnut]

A big well done to Howard who has been the catalyst in our improved defencive performance since his recall. His command of his area and his vocal presence are really giving confidence to the players in front of him. Top marks to the big man.

Agree with both you and Latters on this one. Having a confident keeper makes a big difference. Long may turn out to be very good but in our situation we need lots of character and Howard has the experience to give us that.

No one's saying he's the second coming but he does appear to be just what we needed right now.

 

[JohnDenver]

We concede a goal, Long gets the blame. Clean sheet Howard takes the plaudits.

In fairness the back 5 have played well recently. Long has had a good run, but Howard's now doing well.

Howard did concede one last week though

Fair point. I doubt Howard can pull off the shot stopping feats Long is capable of, but he palmed a shot out late on today in a manner that would have seen Long take some real stick.

That's not to criticise Howard at all - he deserves a chance and has taken it very well, but every goalie needs a bit of luck too.

 

[SwissBlade]

Fair point. I doubt Howard can pull off the shot stopping feats Long is capable of, but he palmed a shot out late on today in a manner that would have seen Long take some real stick.

That's not to criticise Howard at all - he deserves a chance and has taken it very well, but every goalie needs a bit of luck too.

Was talking about Long last Saturday night before the Forest game. He'll know that he has to step his game up and take his chance when it comes again. Personally I think it'll be a good thing for him and it's great to see that we have two decent keepers at the club

 

[Brisca Blade]

Agree with all of the above. Was glad to see Collins have a right go at Baxter and Coach late on into today's game when their sloppy play gifted Bristol City a good chance. Showed a real desire to keep a clean sheet

 

[WhiteHawk]

Howard never did anything wrong when he was our 'number one' before. The only reason Long got into the team was because Howard got injured and Long performed brilliantly in his absence.

 

[sitwell]

Replace McMahon long and hill with quality, like some of us wanted and it will on obviously improve.