Matchday thread 15/08/2015

[Gladders]

Well done Mariners! Had myself a little acca during ht, on goals scored not result, and was only waiting for another goal in your match. Could have scored that 4th goal a little earlier though

So we blame you for not bothering to attack in the second half then

 

[EnglishRed]

I can't remember us playing that well in ages. Should have been more than 3 really. We are still a work in progress and will be prone to the odd mishap (like Bromley) but things are pretty encouraging right now. Pace and passing ability. Just need to get a bit more of a cutting edge.

As for Aldershot, looked every but a mid table side. One positive for them is Rhys Brown, who looks like he could be a god player. Odd decision to take him off really.

 

[CrazyImp]

But you will not be going I presume, as stated previously.......?

As stated previously last season - I stuck to my word, after the Woking match I did not attend a match after that. Well spotted, and nice try.

 

[Sparrow]

Another good win for us today. 2-0 flattered Altrincham, the game should have been killed off by half-time. Dan Holman could and perhaps should have had a hat-trick. Highly impressed with his debut. Altrincham might have enough about them to stay up although their defence looked really poor today.

 

[CTFCfan99]

3-0 against Southport who were comfortably the worst side I've seen in a long time at Whaddon Road. First half was frustrating but it was only a matter of time until we broke the deadlock and from then on it was a stroll. Can't recall a single chance for Southport and their only shots on target were from outside the box and straight at the keeper.

 

[Vanni]

I'm getting the impression that Grimsby are approaching games trying to score early, and have a healthy lead by ht so they can see out the game in the 2nd. IIRC, but stand to be corrected, Grimsby used to score a lot of goals after ht during the past seasons, and sometimes left it a little too late and ended up with only a point, or worse, a defeat.

If this is really what Hurst has in mind, then it's an excellent idea, as very few sides at this level can come from say 2-0 down. Like today for instance, the game was over by ht, as Bromley were never going to score twice in the 2nd half at BP.

 

[Mr Scooty]

We were brilliant. Completely shit on Aldershot. Gary Mills footy at its finest.

What a man.

 

[B2TF]

On no no no, you misunderstand. This isn't a spint you see, it's a different race entirely It's a m-a-r-a-t-h-o-n.

Not a sprint, a marathon, not a sprint, a marathon, not a sprint, a marathon, not a sprint, a marathon, not a sprint, a marathon, not a sprint, a marathon, not a sprint, a marathon, not a sprint, a marathon, not a sprint, a marathon, not a sprint, a marathon, not a sprint, a marathon, not a sprint, a marathon, not a sprint, a marathon, not a sprint, a marathon, not a sprint, a marathon, not a sprint, a marathon, not a sprint, a marathon, not a sprint, a marathon, not a sprint, a marathon, not a sprint, a marathon, not a sprint, a marathon, not a sprint, a marathon, not a sprint, a marathon, not a sprint, a marathon, not a sprint, a marathon, not a sprint, a marathon, not a sprint, a marathon, not a sprint, a marathon, not a sprint, a marathon, not a sprint, a marathon, not a sprint, a marathon, not a sprint, a marathon, not a sprint, a marathon, not a sprint, a marathon, not a sprint, a marathon, not a sprint, a marathon, not a sprint, a marathon, not a sprint, a marathon, not a sprint, a marathon, not a sprint, a marathon, not a sprint, a marathon, not a sprint, a marathon, not a sprint, a marathon, not a sprint, a marathon, not a sprint, a marathon, not a sprint, a marathon, not a sprint, a marathon, not a sprint, a marathon, not a sprint, a marathon, not a sprint, a marathon, not a sprint, a marathon, not a sprint, a marathon, not a sprint, a marathon, not a sprint, a marathon, not a sprint, a marathon, not a sprint, a marathon, not a sprint, a marathon, not a sprint, a marathon, not a sprint, a marathon, not a sprint, a marathon, not a sprint, a marathon, not a sprint, a marathon, not a sprint, a marathon, not a sprint, a marathon, not a sprint, a marathon, not a sprint, a marathon, not a sprint, a marathon, not a sprint, a marathon, not a sprint, a marathon, not a sprint, a marathon, not a sprint, a marathon, not a sprint, a marathon, not a sprint, a marathon, not a sprint, a marathon, not a sprint, a marathon.

 

[Master D]

When Mills football clicks it really is a joy to watch, that was the most pleasing game of football I've seen in a few years. To say we dominated the game from start to finish would be an understatement. The Shots 15 looked a good player but they were so bad, looked a real relegation team. They just sat off us all game and let us pass them to death, I'd like to see how we cope when a team is pressing us at the back. I know Fyfield is regarded as very average, but some of his raking passes today were unreal for a Conference CB. Can't see Hudson getting back in the team and Lee Fowler is still yet to even feature this season because Mills has made centre midfielders out of both Jennings and Moke.

Very much an arms aloft performance.

 

[FishyMackem]

Happy with a second 4-1 in as many matches. Like others have said 7 points from our first three games isn't bad. If we can get away with only playing for 15-20 minutes to get the required result then that's fine with me. Nice to see Mackreth pass to Clay to allow him to bag a goal.

 

[Vanni]

3-0 against Southport who were comfortably the worst side I've seen in a long time at Whaddon Road. First half was frustrating but it was only a matter of time until we broke the deadlock and from then on it was a stroll. Can't recall a single chance for Southport and their only shots on target were from outside the box and straight at the keeper.

During our stay in the conf, Southport were always very poor when they weren't playing at home, except for one season when they had a really good away record. But that was a one off season. Generally they tend to park the bus when they're away, but they're quite hard to beat at Haig Avenue.

 

[Vanni]

Aspin to walk by the end of September? Note I said walk not poached by another club.

 

[CrazyImp]

Aspin to walk by the end of September? Note I said walk not poached by another club.

As alluded to in my mini season preview, he has assembled a poor side. A good possibility.

Imagine that, "Lord Aspin" walking away in disgrace. I thought he was everyone's pin-up two years ago?

 

[Master D]

We were brilliant. Completely shit on Aldershot. Gary Mills footy at its finest.

What a man.

The Millsiah can even get his team scoring scruffy goals, like today. Only way he leaves us is to be the new James Bond.

 

[yellow]

He's just been beaten by a bunch of kids, at home. Wouldn't surprise me.

 

[Vanni]

As alluded to in my mini season preview, he has assembled a poor side. A good possibility.

Imagine that, "Lord Aspin" walking away in disgrace. I thought he was everyone's pin-up two years ago?

I bow to your superior knowledge Crazy

 

[Master D]

Aspin to walk by the end of September? Note I said walk not poached by another club.

Fired more like. He'll pick up an Aviva Premiership club pretty easy though.

 

[Luke Imp]

Would have taken a draw before the game, so relatively happy with that.

Sounded as though both teams could have had a couple more. Shame the sending off came so late on.

 

[Dickie Davies eyes]

Tranmere lucky to get a point today, 2nd to everything all afternoon. Braintree dominated possession from start to finish. Mangan up top alone with Stockton tucked in behind him didn't work, Norwood came on for Stockton 2nd half, looks a bit of a twat in them pink boots.
Lady Luck has shone on us today, to get a point from such an underwhelming performance.

 

[Sparrow]

I'm getting the impression that Grimsby are approaching games trying to score early, and have a healthy lead by ht so they can see out the game in the 2nd. IIRC, but stand to be corrected, Grimsby used to score a lot of goals after ht during the past seasons, and sometimes left it a little too late and ended up with only a point, or worse, a defeat.

If this is really what Hurst has in mind, then it's an excellent idea, as very few sides at this level can come from say 2-0 down. Like today for instance, the game was over by ht, as Bromley were never going to score twice in the 2nd half at BP.

Well done to Hurst for implementing such a ground-breaking idea.

 

[Southern Shayman]

He's just been beaten by a bunch of kids, at home. Wouldn't surprise me.

So your kids beat our kids... congrats

Scoring 2 at home should be enough and sounds like Torquay offered nothing other than a long throw and our centre halves ran round like headless chickens.

No need to panic yet, still confident of mid table with a decent centre half brought in.

 

[Si Robin]

During our stay in the conf, Southport were always very poor when they weren't playing at home, except for one season when they had a really good away record. But that was a one off season. Generally they tend to park the bus when they're away, but they're quite hard to beat at Haig Avenue.

Which is exactly what they did today. They'd venture forward with the ball, but as soon as they lost it every man was back in their half.

A very professional performance from us today. We didn't go out all guns blazing like at Lincoln and on Tues against Aldershot. We controlled possession and tried to work a way through and 0-0 at half-time was about right as we didn't really make them work. The second half we upped the ante, and once we got the first goal it was plain sailing with two beautiful finishes from Amari Morgan-Smith.

Nice to get a win on the board and remain unbeaten with only one goal conceded so far.

 

[Pliny Harris]

The top 4 in the table now will definately end up as the top 4, in which order I don't know, no other team has a prayer, so a 20 team battle for the 5th place play-off spot!!

I'll take that.

 

[yellow]

So your kids beat our kids... congrats

Scoring 2 at home should be enough and sounds like Torquay offered nothing other than a long throw and our centre halves ran round like headless chickens.

No need to panic yet, still confident of mid table with a decent centre half brought in.

Offered nothing, but still scored three.

Cheers for the points

 

[Southern Shayman]

Offered nothing, but still scored three.

Cheers for the points

Indeed, no bitterness about it. More a frustration at our inability to do the basics.

Just trying to point out that it isn't as doom and gloom for us as some may make out.

You did what you needed to do and as you say, take the points.

 

[Shotsfan1993]

We were dreadful today. Totally outclassed from kickoff until the end. 3-0 in no way flattered Wrexham who could have had 5 or 6. I think it was about 70 minutes before we even had an attempt on goal.

Rhys Browne was ok but not as good as he was in the last 2 games. That said he didnt have a lot to work with.

Really hope Wrexham will be up there fighting for the title, otherwise we are doomed.

Our biggest problem so far is our defending from set pieces. 5 goals conceded this season so far and all from set pieces, we have defended ok in open play but terribly from corners or free kicks near the area

 

[Pliny Harris]

Torquay's second goal was the most alehouse free kick I've ever seen conceded.

35 yards out, spectated by the entire squad, gently goes past Glennon who only had to take a leisurely step to his left to stop it.

A turning point for me from "We'll do OK if we can sort out these individual errors" to "Relegation is a real possibility here".

 

[Vanni]

Well done to Hurst for implementing such a ground-breaking idea.

It's not a ground breaking idea, but during the last couple of seasons, I remember reading a lot of half time comments , on this board and others, by several Grimsby fans saying that their players needed to create more chances if they were going to get all 3 points. Sometimes it worked and sometimes it didn't, especially against the minnows and they only ended up with a point. AND as everyone knows, you can't afford to drop points esp when playing against less fancied sides, if your ambition is promotion.

Capisce Mr Sparrow?

 

[yellow]

Indeed, no bitterness about it. More a frustration at our inability to do the basics.

Just trying to point out that it isn't as doom and gloom for us as some may make out.

You did what you needed to do and as you say, take the points.

Fair enough. I wasn't sure how today was going to go as I expect you to finish around where we will be (10th-15th), so it's pleasing to get the points. Cox has a huge advantage over Hargreaves in that he can prepare a side to see a game out. We did it with relative ease against Macc, and although it sounded like we were under the cosh a bit today, we've held on. 6 from 9 is much better than I anticipated.

For the record I'll be shocked if you do end up struggling massively - it just seemed a strange comment to make that we didn't show anything yet scored three times. It's never going to be the prettiest football under Cox but as long as it is effective in this league, I don't care. The problem will be if/when the results start turning for the worse and fans start moaning - the poor style of play will be used against Cox (but lets hope that doesn't happen anytime soon!).

 

[Swedes]

3-0 against Southport who were comfortably the worst side I've seen in a long time at Whaddon Road. First half was frustrating but it was only a matter of time until we broke the deadlock and from then on it was a stroll. Can't recall a single chance for Southport and their only shots on target were from outside the box and straight at the keeper.

So much of this is true. We were bloody awful. Not terrible at the back but once the ball got past Gary Jones we couldn't either hold it up or even go past a full-backs to win a free kick / corner / throw-in / some sympathy. Cheltenham were nothing amazing and looked like a side who will be not far from the play-off, but my God we were shocking. This is a long journey home. Get Brodie back!