Pre-season Friendlies

[Millerbri]

Stags lost 4-2 to Rotherham, two headed goals from crosses did us second half after 2-2 at HT.

Mansfield played really well first half, keeping the ball moving it quickly and were the better team.
Ollie Rathbone made the difference when he came on and Kelly took his goals really well.
Mansfield carried on with their passing game but without the cutting edge of the first half.
Enjoyed it, a really entertaining friendly despite the crap weather.

 

[GTFCfish]

Lost 5-1 to Plymouth.

We played surprisingly well.

It’s ok Chris, beating Plymouth isn’t for everyone mate.

 

[Dirk Diggler]

Deserved in the end.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1682782054243549190

Hopefully that’s not your first team kit for this season. It’s awful

 

[jojo]

First Pre-season game we lost 2-0 to a Warrington side, 2nd won 3-1 Away to Southport, and 10-1 win against Burscough

 

[Chris FGR]

It’s ok Chris, beating Plymouth isn’t for everyone mate.

View attachment 18813

On that basis you’d beat us 10-2, which is clearly a ridiculous notion…...we never score two goals in a game.

 

[EnglishRed]

Currently 0-0 at HT against LA Galaxy II, we've scored two goals that were both ruled out for spurious reasons.

The circus continues. The black kits are looking good though.

 

[EnglishRed]

Finished 4 nil to Wrexham in the end. Greater physicality told in the end. Cannon, Lee, Mullin and Forde on the scoresheet.

USA USA

 

[F!RTHY]

Hopefully that’s not your first team kit for this season. It’s awful

Yup - there’s a back story to it which I can’t be fucked explaining.

 

[Optipez]

Beat Boston 1-0 yesterday. We were in control but didn't look like scoring many as we haven't all pre season.
Last year we were pressing really hard and looked good from the off, so far this pre-season we've looked very controlled but flat.

 

[Spanishstag]

Finished 4 nil to Wrexham in the end. Greater physicality told in the end. Cannon, Lee, Mullin and Forde on the scoresheet.

USA USA

Why dont wrexham go and play there after all its not in wales

 

[EnglishRed]

Why dont wrexham go and play there after all its not in wales

Why don't you learn to punctuate sentences?

 

[joethegill]

Beat Boston 1-0 yesterday. We were in control but didn't look like scoring many as we haven't all pre season.
Last year we were pressing really hard and looked good from the off, so far this pre-season we've looked very controlled but flat.

Your change to a 4 man defence has knackered you I think. Last year you progressed the ball through the thirds really well with the midfield 'box' of 2 holders and 2 number 10s, but you don't have that option now. There were times yesterday where you had absolutely no-one in a central area, and you were forced to play all the way back to the defensive unit again and again through lack of options. Everything comes down the wings and it's basically a matter of 'try Plan A, and if that doesn't work then try Plan A again'. You also don't have the option of the third central defender bringing the ball out of defence as there's no real cover behind either of the two. I know you would've absolutely leaked goals if you'd stuck with the system from last year, but I don't think this new one suits you.

 

[Optipez]

Your change to a 4 man defence has knackered you I think. Last year you progressed the ball through the thirds really well with the midfield 'box' of 2 holders and 2 number 10s, but you don't have that option now. There were times yesterday where you had absolutely no-one in a central area, and you were forced to play all the way back to the defensive unit again and again through lack of options. Everything comes down the wings and it's basically a matter of 'try Plan A, and if that doesn't work then try Plan A again'. You also don't have the option of the third central defender bringing the ball out of defence as there's no real cover behind either of the two. I know you would've absolutely leaked goals if you'd stuck with the system from last year, but I don't think this new one suits you.

I think we had to tighten up, we were leaking goals to Maidstone at the backend of last season. L2 does have better strikers and defenders, certainly from mid table upwards.
I wasn't there yesterday but have seen the previous three friendlies and our build up play has become laboured and predictable. I think we need a box to box driving midfielder who can cover the ground and I think we're going to have to play the strikers in earlier which will mean more attacks breaking down and drop our possession stats.

Years ago when we had Martin Allen in charge we played 4132 and it worked really well. Similar to today the fullbacks pushed miles up the pitch, the holding midfielder ( Gavin Mahon , who was brilliant ) released the ball early every time, no dwelling or hiding because he couldn't run and dropped into the middle of defence when defending. Very flexible formation and I've not seen many teams do it. I hope we try it with the second striker rather than just a lone striker and at times what is effectively a seven man midfield.

 

[Youpies]

Or it's just us trying something in a pre season friendly

I personally think we will go back to the back 3. Time will tell I suppose

 

[jacobncfc]

Or it's just us trying something in a pre season friendly

I personally think we will go back to the back 3. Time will tell I suppose

I’d be very surprised if we didn’t start back in the 3-6-1 type thing at Sutton. Williams clearly wants the option to play something else as well though.

It’s similar to last pre-season in that he doesn’t seem to want to play what you’d expect to be our strongest XI together at any point, all four games have been mix and match sided with a pre-planned eleven changes after about 70 mins. I actually thought we were generally bad last pre-season apart from the game against Forest.

 

[Son of Cod]

 

[The_Viking_Magpie]

In training sessions play the old system (Plan A) that worked so well we didn't need another plan.

In friendlies play the new system (Plan B) just so we have another plan now we've stepped up a division thanks to Plan A.

Apparently LW treats pre season friendlies like I treat them, although he does attend unlike me.

 

[AdamStag]

So we’re no longer playing barnsley tomorrow night but instead are playing hearts away.

That’s random even by mansfield’s standards.

 

[Millerbri]

So we’re no longer playing barnsley tomorrow night but instead are playing hearts away.

That’s random even by mansfield’s standards.

It's a pity the game is not on a Saturday, we played them in one of the first matches at NYS and they brought a huge following for a friendly game.

They were one of, if not the friendliest bunch that has been to the stadium, they were drinking all over town with no hint of trouble, a great set of fans.

 

[EnglishRed]

We're playing Man Uniteds second string tonight. I don't think it's possible to watch the game other than on MUTV (which I'm not about to pay for) which is good as staying up late for these US games is not doing me any favours at all-- I need my sleep. More interested in the Phillie Union game on Friday night.

Still unsure how good a preparation for the league these matches are, time will tell on that score I guess.

 

[JJ1990]

Got an U21s game away at Runcorn, probably the last chance for the fringe to stake a claim for a squad spot on August 5th. Then it's Barnsley away on Saturday for the final warm up game.

 

[AdamStag]

It's a pity the game is not on a Saturday, we played them in one of the first matches at NYS and they brought a huge following for a friendly game.

They were one of, if not the friendliest bunch that has been to the stadium, they were drinking all over town with no hint of trouble, a great set of fans.

We’re away, and it’s behind closed doors sadly.

 

[Don Caster]

It's a pity the game is not on a Saturday, we played them in one of the first matches at NYS and they brought a huge following for a friendly game.

They were one of, if not the friendliest bunch that has been to the stadium, they were drinking all over town with no hint of trouble, a great set of fans.

All over town? I've never seen a place more difficult to get a pre match beer than Rotherham, didn't even give us that shit goth pub near the station last time.

 

[Don Caster]

Sheff Wed at home tonight & Port Vale Saturday at home, not bothered about going to either, begrudge paying for a glorified training session but apparently Wednesdays have sold out so decent money for us. Notice that Wednesday are in Donny tonight & Sheff Utd are in Rotherham, I know they are only friendlies but I reckon large amounts of Blue & Red Sheffieldiers will be on the same trains/pubs later but our game with Wrexham has been put back a day because SYP cannot handle Millwall at Rotheram & Wrexham at donny??

 

[Millerbri]

All over town? I've never seen a place more difficult to get a pre match beer than Rotherham, didn't even give us that shit goth pub near the station last time.

I think that is probably an over-reaction from SYP to games against local teams and maybe the team we are playing's reputation.

Obviously we get a lot of followings coming with 1500 -2250 away fans and there's rarely any problems.

The only Spoons left in Rotherham, (Bluecoat) allows fans to mix freely with no trouble in fact when we arrive at 12 o'clock its usually packed with away fans, especially outside.

There's probably only 4 or 5 pubs that are home fans only and as long as you don't cause any bother it's not hard to get a drink.

You are red and white, talk with a Yorkshire accent, how does the bar staff know who you support unless you start crowing?

 

[Millerbri]

Sheff Wed at home tonight & Port Vale Saturday at home, not bothered about going to either, begrudge paying for a glorified training session but apparently Wednesdays have sold out so decent money for us. Notice that Wednesday are in Donny tonight & Sheff Utd are in Rotherham, I know they are only friendlies but I reckon large amounts of Blue & Red Sheffieldiers will be on the same trains/pubs later but our game with Wrexham has been put back a day because SYP cannot handle Millwall at Rotheram & Wrexham at donny??

Sheffield United have reportedly sold out their end and no doubt lots of them have mates who support Rotherham and can get them tickets.
So you're right presumably depending on KO times there'll be some overlap at the stations. Ours is 7pm KO.

 

[Millerbri]

We’re away, and it’s behind closed doors sadly.

Sorry, I assumed they were the visiting team.

Pity about the closed doors, we had a great time when we did Scottish tours 2 seasons running when Steve Evans was boss.

 

[Don Caster]

I think that is probably an over-reaction from SYP to games against local teams and maybe the team we are playing's reputation.

Obviously we get a lot of followings coming with 1500 -2250 away fans and there's rarely any problems.

The only Spoons left in Rotherham, (Bluecoat) allows fans to mix freely with no trouble in fact when we arrive at 12 o'clock its usually packed with away fans, especially outside.

There's probably only 4 or 5 pubs that are home fans only and as long as you don't cause any bother it's not hard to get a drink.

You are red and white, talk with a Yorkshire accent, how does the bar staff know who you support unless you start crowing?

Did that the time before last, eventually managed to sneak past the police outside the Bridge Inn & went to Bluecoat, Cutlers Arms & another but was asked for our postcode & address at all of them, luckily I was seeing someone from Brinsworth at the time so we got in (my mate was also that day my next door neighbour ) Didn't bother last time we played, just stayed in Donny & got the 2 o'clock rattler. We will probably stay in Donny season after this coming one when we play as the pubs are better.

 

[Son of Cod]

Sheffield United have reportedly sold out their end and no doubt lots of them have mates who support Rotherham and can get them tickets.
So you're right presumably depending on KO times there'll be some overlap at the stations. Ours is 7pm KO.

Was absolute carnage last time Sheff United came to us for a friendly, probably the worst violence we've had in the last decade or so. Hopefully the same idiots won't be there for your match (obviously the Grimsby ones definitely won't be).

 

[EnglishRed]

Was absolute carnage last time Sheff United came to us for a friendly, probably the worst violence we've had in the last decade or so. Hopefully the same idiots won't be there for your match (obviously the Grimsby ones definitely won't be).

Unless they've gone to Rotherham for their holidays.