JohnDenver
¡No Pasarán!
Watched PNE vs Rochdale today, either of whom could be playoff opposition, so thought I'd post a few observations.
The most noticeable thing was the freedom with which Rochdale play. Their manager is under no pressure and he spent the game smiling and joking in between the usual managerial dealings. That's reflected in the team's play, which is pacey, positive and energetic. All they lacked was a finisher (sorry lads).
PNE meanwhile were pretty much what we've come to expect. Solid, strong, dangerous from set pieces, and in possession of genuine finishers in Beckford and Garner. What's new about them is the addition of Johnson - a quick footed, dreadlocked lad from Villa. He and Gallagher make them more of a ball playing outfit than we're used seeing from Grayson.
As for the game, the pressure was on PNE to win this, and they were rather fortunate to nick it. But once they got ahead, Rochdale couldn't sustain the energy and fell away until a last five minute all-or-nothing assault.
So far as United are concerned, both sides would seriously trouble us unless we can shake off the inhibitions which pressure brings, and dredge up some more energy for our sixty game season. Thankfully the odds are we won't face PNE, as they have most bases covered in their squad. However, Rochdale would be a very difficult proposition if they can maintain the fearless approach. If it were possible to transplant their frame of mind into our squad, we'd be onto a winner. That's Clough's biggest challenge.
The most noticeable thing was the freedom with which Rochdale play. Their manager is under no pressure and he spent the game smiling and joking in between the usual managerial dealings. That's reflected in the team's play, which is pacey, positive and energetic. All they lacked was a finisher (sorry lads).
PNE meanwhile were pretty much what we've come to expect. Solid, strong, dangerous from set pieces, and in possession of genuine finishers in Beckford and Garner. What's new about them is the addition of Johnson - a quick footed, dreadlocked lad from Villa. He and Gallagher make them more of a ball playing outfit than we're used seeing from Grayson.
As for the game, the pressure was on PNE to win this, and they were rather fortunate to nick it. But once they got ahead, Rochdale couldn't sustain the energy and fell away until a last five minute all-or-nothing assault.
So far as United are concerned, both sides would seriously trouble us unless we can shake off the inhibitions which pressure brings, and dredge up some more energy for our sixty game season. Thankfully the odds are we won't face PNE, as they have most bases covered in their squad. However, Rochdale would be a very difficult proposition if they can maintain the fearless approach. If it were possible to transplant their frame of mind into our squad, we'd be onto a winner. That's Clough's biggest challenge.
).
Absolute f**king volumes loud and f**king clear.
Keep the faith LSF
