United 1 Walsall 0 - report

[Ollessendro]

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Yes, Long got there first, but he had to dive in. Agree that it wasn't a free kick.

Hill looked impressive getting the ball down and bringing it out of defence before he foolishly gave it to McDonald who was behind him and under more pressure. McDonald's pass back to Long was then too soft.

In relation to DB's earlier question, I never even thought about it being a pen. It was blatantly obvious that Long got their first. I never even cotemplated it being a penalty and was surprised at Smith's comments. I was furious withUnited for dallying and for K Mac for a hospital back pass, but it was never a pen. Long did well to get there. Desperate stuff from their coach.

 

[God]

I would like to seee Miller start with Kitson. Miller did more in 20 mins than Blackman did all game. He looked dangerous and really stretched their defence.


Would have to agree with this, Kitson looked good first half when he was holding the ball up, but there was little movement around him and constantly no one in the box for a cross. The frustrating thing for me was that for all the passing from side to side, the forwards weren't looking for a through ball and were static for most of the second half until Miller came on. Almost instantly he made a run throught the middle and was unlucky not to create something. I think that part of the problem is the movement up front which means that we don't have an outlet. That said - just play Flynn on the right for a change. Maybe he would have the confidence to take on the right back and be able to whip a ball into the box. I think he is a decent player (sadly lacking in pace for a winger tho).

I've said it a couple of times now, and after watching the Walsall match, try Blackman on the right and Miller alongside Kitson. Why? well anyone that went would see Millers impact as soon as he came on AND I dont know if anyone noticed, but when Blackman pulls out right and got the ball he's actually run at the left back ( ok we know hes cack!) and caused allsorts of problems. I'm sure he's worth a try on the right instead of Cofie , who just wants to showboat all the time.

 

[Pinchy]

Ollessendro,

Re post 54:

I think the difference between Danny and Semi-Pro is that Danny is prepared to go with our present unattractive football as a pragmatic means to an end, given our present financial constraints. There is little doubt that, in the medium and long term, he wants his team to play properly. In Semi's case it's a lifestyle choice.

We may need to grit our teeth and bear it this year. Hopefully get promotion and regroup with some quality recruitment for the Championship.

I've always said that Danny has a much more formidable job than many are prepared to acknowledge. I'm still 100% behind him. His heart and philosophy are both in the right place.

 

[Ollessendro]

Yep, I tried to state that comparisons between KB and DW weremore than a little harsh on the latter. Wilson can be forgiveen for what he is doing on the resources we have. Plus, when you look at the way Charlton got out of this division last year, there is a good argument for keeping things rock solid rather than using the heavy weights to smash teams. But like I say, let's see how we do in November and December.

Bergen (as ohe often does) started an interesting tactical debate the other day about what to do at home. I did not participate, but thin it is interesting none the less. I think our home form is a victim of our away success. We have grinded cracking results out away at Orient, Yeovil, Preston and Hartlepool by keeping it tight. That is wingers tucking in, defence being solid and us keeping the ball. It has not been pretty on the eyes, but it has been comfortable, that is we have controlled games. The funny thing is that in some of the games we have played better (for example Colchester ad Coventry) we have not won. So without trickery and pace (or at least untested players) then you can see why Wilson opts for a narrow and unspectacular, yet robust team.

Tonight will be interesting. I expect Portsmouth to attack us and come to win. They are not a bad outfit and have some flair and goals in them. Yet they are weak defensively and ship goals. I wonder how Wilson will approach this and whether an open game might suit us. Bournmouth are the only team to come to the Lane so far and not park the bus. They got spanked. It will be interesting to see how it goes tonight.

 

[super_pig]

I would like to seee Miller start with Kitson. Miller did more in 20 mins than Blackman did all game. He looked dangerous and really stretched their defence.


Would have to agree with this, Kitson looked good first half when he was holding the ball up, but there was little movement around him and constantly no one in the box for a cross. The frustrating thing for me was that for all the passing from side to side, the forwards weren't looking for a through ball and were static for most of the second half until Miller came on. Almost instantly he made a run throught the middle and was unlucky not to create something. I think that part of the problem is the movement up front which means that we don't have an outlet. That said - just play Flynn on the right for a change. Maybe he would have the confidence to take on the right back and be able to whip a ball into the box. I think he is a decent player (sadly lacking in pace for a winger tho).

i'd have to agree with this .. i've never been a big fan of right footer on the left .. left footer on the right, even with Pires in his pomp