Saturday 26th October

[womble76]

Impressed by Donny today. Even when we were on top, their breakaways caused us problems. Of the top teams, have only seen them and Wimbledon. Doubt there will be a more physical team in the division than Wimbledon but Donny have physicality at the back and pace and skill in midfield and up front

We keep getting this physical label and I really don't get it. Over 40 years of watching wimbledon and I've seen plenty of physical teams. This is not one of them. Aggressive maybe but not overly physical. Thisnis actually one of the most footballing sides we have had in years.

 

[Scum.]

This is what cost us, we were 1-0 up and coasting and then remembered just who we were playing and promptly shit the bed.

You did well just to lose 1-3, should be proud of the boys against a club of our size.

 

[kieran_vale]

We keep getting this physical label and I really don't get it. Over 40 years of watching wimbledon and I've seen plenty of physical teams. This is not one of them. Aggressive maybe but not overly physical. Thisnis actually one of the most footballing sides we have had in years.

Thought you mixed it up pretty well. Were certainly physically strong (nothing outside the rules to stress) but played good football when you had the ball. Could see at the end of the game players from both teams just dropped to the floor after giving it back and forth.

 

[Optipez]

We played well today, best in weeks. Harrogate had very little beyond hard work and being well drilled.
MissedLangstaff today, it's a lot of goals to replace and I'm pretty sure he'd have scored on a day like today.
We were quicker in possession going forwards, more fluid and controversially I'd say it's because Dan Crowley wasn't slowing things up. He's been playing for a move for the last few weeks, very selfish and I'm much happier with Palmer and Abbott in there.
Jevani Brown looked lively, Tsaroulla deserved MOM, Jatta a strong front man and Didzy just class in behind and instantly missed when subbed.

 

[Meadow]

https://twitter.com/x/status/1850269904680702396

 

[WilsdenBantam]

Best team we’ve played this season no doubt in my mind, fair play to Donny. Not a team to dominate possession and pass for the sake of it, they sat in and were to good defensively to break down and hit us with devastating counters and could have scored more. The first half was even up until the 35 minute, then it was like they figured us out and we were stuffed until the subs. Suppose their weakness is they could have easily crumbled near the end, it wasn’t just one team having a bit of a go they looked like they’d concede everytime we ventured forward despite us not hurting them for 80 minutes. If they can rectify that they’ll get autos.

We are playoffs at best, and despite statistically our goals conceded is decent I still think we’ve been lucky at times this season to not concede more. Our defence is poor imo.

 

[Soz]

We keep getting this physical label and I really don't get it. Over 40 years of watching wimbledon and I've seen plenty of physical teams. This is not one of them. Aggressive maybe but not overly physical. Thisnis actually one of the most footballing sides we have had in years.

Very physical at centre half and up front I thought. The CBs battered the shit out of stockley.

 

[RavenBish]

We were quicker in possession going forwards, more fluid and controversially I'd say it's because Dan Crowley wasn't slowing things up. He's been playing for a move for the last few weeks, very selfish and I'm much happier with Palmer and Abbott in there.

Very noticeable wasn’t it. Crowley’s great, wouldn’t want this to sound like criticism but it’s infuriating watching him and Palmer seeing who can drop the deepest. Palmer and Abbott look our best partnership in the middle, just wonder if Maynard’s able to get someone like Crowley (who wants to have the ball constantly) to stay higher up the pitch, where as last season showed he’s very effective.

Also nice to see that no Notts fans are even talking about the defence, which might be the biggest compliment to Bedeau, Platt & Macari (thought all 3 were brilliant again)

 

[leedsvaliant]

We keep getting this physical label and I really don't get it. Over 40 years of watching wimbledon and I've seen plenty of physical teams. This is not one of them. Aggressive maybe but not overly physical. Thisnis actually one of the most footballing sides we have had in years.

I thought you were pretty physically imposing. Some really big lads in there and we had trouble getting out towards the end as we kept getting bullied off the ball. Referee didn't particularly help...his treatment of Stockley was so random.

We're also a pretty physical side but felt we were struggling a bit at times.

Players like Johnson and your keeper will hold you back. Neither are good enough for league football and it lets down others in your team who are very good.

Look at the keeper for the 3rd goal. Stockley is virtually on the goal line when he heads it in....keeper should be having that all day long.

You did well to get back into the game to be honest because to go 2-0 down to top of the league so early is criminal.

 

[Optipez]

Very noticeable wasn’t it. Crowley’s great, wouldn’t want this to sound like criticism but it’s infuriating watching him and Palmer seeing who can drop the deepest. Palmer and Abbott look our best partnership in the middle, just wonder if Maynard’s able to get someone like Crowley (who wants to have the ball constantly) to stay higher up the pitch, where as last season showed he’s very effective.

Also nice to see that no Notts fans are even talking about the defence, which might be the biggest compliment to Bedeau, Platt & Macari (thought all 3 were brilliant again)

We looked a good "team" today, greater than the sum of our parts. Defence and keeper solid, midfield mobile, fluid and positive, strikers had goal threat and wingers put balls into the box. Nowhere near perfect but noticeably better than recent weeks.
Jevani Brown looked way better and seems to be playing his way into form.
We've quite a few players who've very little league experience, some have had career blips and a stack of injuries. So all in all being top three looks a decent achievement a third of the way through.

 

[The_Viking_Magpie]

I'd put Top 3 as comfortably above a decent achievement with all things considered.

My biggest concern before a ball was kicked was SM and how he would do after hopefully a reset and a proper pre season and he's surprised the shit out of me in a good way.

As we know Brown is the fans current boo boy and today he was effective. It was only a couple of weeks ago Tsaroulla was getting dug out and the last two games he's been MOTM.

The defence don't need mentioning , Matty Palmer does now that is more like the Non League Pirlo that we know and love.

With Hinchy seemingly struggling, Robertson poor in recent games, Grant not impacting games enough and Austin busy but Austin. That plus no Scott are the main concerns. Depth is an issue, starting XI isn't even without Edwards and Jones.

 

[GTFCfish]

It seems like every week I look at the results in this league and always see that you've been battered at home by someone yet I scroll to the bottom half of the league and you're nowhere to be seen. Weird league this one

Yeah luckily in between those home hammerings we keep winning away.
Our last 7 games have been
Away win
Away win
Home defeat
Away win
Home defeat
Away win
Home defeat.

Nuts.

 

[loz]

We keep getting this physical label and I really don't get it. Over 40 years of watching wimbledon and I've seen plenty of physical teams. This is not one of them. Aggressive maybe but not overly physical. Thisnis actually one of the most footballing sides we have had in years.

your first 6 words should tell you something. Your physicality and organisation will do well in this division.

 

[GTFCfish]

You did well just to lose 1-3, should be proud of the boys against a club of our size.

Rumours the club are bringing out a DVD of it in the near future.

 

[Dan Phillips]

I thought we did enough to deserve the win, but it certainly wasn't easy. An excellent game of football between two very good sides. Wimbledon by far the best side we've played so far. Physically imposing, played good football and looked very threatening every time they came forward. A little suspect in one or two areas and the goalkeeper was a little dodgy at times (although his kicking was excellent, IMO). They'll definitely be in the top 7 if they continue playing like that.

The referee tried his absolute best to ruin the game for both sides though, I must say. Some absolutely tragic decisions, especially second half, where I thought he'd been subbed on by Jackson. Unbelievable how many times Stockley had his shirt practically ripped off his back yet the free kick went against us. Then, moments later, our player hits the deck like a sack of shit, and he gives a free kick. Bordering on scandalous how bad he really was, as was the clueless linesman closest to us. Braindead.

There's no way we would've won that game in other seasons. Our willingness to put our bodies on the line when under pressure is absolutely wonderful to see. We've got a fantastic group of lads all pulling in the same direction and a clear idea of what it is we want to do. Every single squad member has contributed at some point. Breath of fresh air.

I wonder if some people are going to start putting some respect on Darren Moore's name now? He's proven all those doubters and all those hurling abuse at him, mightily wrong. Well in Big Dave. We're 11 unbeaten in all competitions and are winning games in a variety of fashions. We're far, far from one dimensional. Feet firmly on the ground though and take each game as it comes.

The only thing I'll say, and I aren't trying to wind anyone up, but if you finish above us this season, enjoy League One.

 

[Crewelad87]

Comfortable win in the end vs a poor Tranmere. How there opening goal was aloud to stand il never know. Looked like a massive push in the back to me.

After the FA cup game next week its a really interesting run of fixtures for us that will test to see where we are at this season, Walsall (A) Notts County (H) Vale (A) if we can get through that with around 5 or 6 points I'd be over the moon.

 

[ShrimpsMeltdown]

Gutted. We've lost 5-2 at home and we played really well for 70 minutes. Fair play to Chesterfield though, they had the quality to over power us in the end and were clinical. They'll be up there at the end of the season.

 

[spireite]

Gutted. We've lost 5-2 at home and we played really well for 70 minutes. Fair play to Chesterfield though, they had the quality to over power us in the end and were clinical. They'll be up there at the end of the season.

It wasn't a 5-2 game at all. Harsh on you that scoreline. I thought first half you ran allover us and pressed superbly. Just a bit of quality missing when it matters, and naturally tired later from the effort put in. I've seen a lot of Marcus Dackers in the national league and whilst he looks the part and tries hard, he's not a goalscorer. Did give Araujo a torrid time first half though and Cook wasn't afraid to make that change early. I've seen worse teams than you this season though, and I think if you can just tidy up a bit in both boxes you'll be fine. Our subs changed the game, and I think could carry us a fair way this season.

 

[valefan16]

I thought we did enough to deserve the win, but it certainly wasn't easy. An excellent game of football between two very good sides. Wimbledon by far the best side we've played so far. Physically imposing, played good football and looked very threatening every time they came forward. A little suspect in one or two areas and the goalkeeper was a little dodgy at times (although his kicking was excellent, IMO). They'll definitely be in the top 7 if they continue playing like that.

The referee tried his absolute best to ruin the game for both sides though, I must say. Some absolutely tragic decisions, especially second half, where I thought he'd been subbed on by Jackson. Unbelievable how many times Stockley had his shirt practically ripped off his back yet the free kick went against us. Then, moments later, our player hits the deck like a sack of shit, and he gives a free kick. Bordering on scandalous how bad he really was, as was the clueless linesman closest to us. Braindead.

There's no way we would've won that game in other seasons. Our willingness to put our bodies on the line when under pressure is absolutely wonderful to see. We've got a fantastic group of lads all pulling in the same direction and a clear idea of what it is we want to do. Every single squad member has contributed at some point. Breath of fresh air.

I wonder if some people are going to start putting some respect on Darren Moore's name now? He's proven all those doubters and all those hurling abuse at him, mightily wrong. Well in Big Dave. We're 11 unbeaten in all competitions and are winning games in a variety of fashions. We're far, far from one dimensional. Feet firmly on the ground though and take each game as it comes.

The only thing I'll say, and I aren't trying to wind anyone up, but if you finish above us this season, enjoy League One.

Can’t argue with any of that really, we got lucky at the end but deserved it I felt over the 90, we had plenty of chances of our own but a bit frustrated we got so deep and didn’t keep on the front foot at 2-0 and try and really kill the game off.

We are incredibly adaptable though and our wins are different in style which is pleasing.

All this with our stellar signing Byers out, arguably our best performer in John out since Notts, plus Hart and Clark to come into the mix when finally fit.

The video for John Rudge pre kick off was immense as well, literally the place was silent for it as I was played until the end and the great man came out.

Club have uploaded it too:

https://twitter.com/x/status/1850273696381874344

Was buzzing after recent wins but today I walked back to the car and was just absolutely knackered! Went through the ringer the last 5-10 minutes there!

Can’t remember ever a time we’ve hit 30 points by Octobers end! We are now only 11 points off our tally last season!

 

[jacobncfc]

Very noticeable wasn’t it. Crowley’s great, wouldn’t want this to sound like criticism but it’s infuriating watching him and Palmer seeing who can drop the deepest. Palmer and Abbott look our best partnership in the middle, just wonder if Maynard’s able to get someone like Crowley (who wants to have the ball constantly) to stay higher up the pitch, where as last season showed he’s very effective.

Also nice to see that no Notts fans are even talking about the defence, which might be the biggest compliment to Bedeau, Platt & Macari (thought all 3 were brilliant again)

Yeah, fully agreed. Crowley is clearly our best player, but it smacked you in the face today how much sharper we moved the ball forward without a guy getting on it and doing four pirouettes and three Cruyff turns before passing it on.

 

[OneDecentLester]

Our strength in depth evidenced today. James Berry absolutely different class when he came on

Nice to see us in the play offs, but time to kick on because we should have far more points than we do

 

[BarraMatt]

Was watching the ITV highlights there and just threw the remote through the screen when I saw what Holloway was wearing.

 

[Spireitelass97]

Gutted. We've lost 5-2 at home and we played really well for 70 minutes. Fair play to Chesterfield though, they had the quality to over power us in the end and were clinical. They'll be up there at the end of the season.

You played really wel. Must have been gutted with result.

 

[Wootball]

Comfortable win in the end vs a poor Tranmere. How there opening goal was aloud to stand il never know. Looked like a massive push in the back to me.

After the FA cup game next week its a really interesting run of fixtures for us that will test to see where we are at this season, Walsall (A) Notts County (H) Vale (A) if we can get through that with around 5 or 6 points I'd be over the moon.

There's no chance we're getting 5 points from those games. Walsall and Vale will walk over us I reckon, unfortunately Vale especially. We can't compete with their finances and squad depth, like the rest of the league. Walsall are always a pain in the arse. Notts could go either way.

 

[Dan Phillips]

There's no chance we're getting 5 points from those games. Walsall and Vale will walk over us I reckon, unfortunately Vale especially. We can't compete with their finances and squad depth, like the rest of the league. Walsall are always a pain in the arse. Notts could go either way.

If only football was that simple.

Anything can happen in our game. All form goes out of the window for me. It's a local game that can have a multitude of outcomes.

As for Walsall. We may as well give them the points now. We could be 20 points clear at the top and they'd still beat us. If we beat them, then I'll truly believe.

 

[Grimsby Road]

Yeah luckily in between those home hammerings we keep winning away.
Our last 7 games have been
Away win
Away win
Home defeat
Away win
Home defeat
Away win
Home defeat.

Nuts.

We have our easyiest run of home games coming up on paper - Colchester , Accrington , Crewe and Harrogate . Surely a chance to improve there ; we really need to make this count as the other games are Swindon & Morecambe away which should also provide a decent chance of points - between the bizarre form and home poundings we have gained a good amount of points . It would be annoying after all the tough games and doing well on the whole for the second half of the season to fade out into nothing which could happen , as I highly doubt we will be in any sort of relegation battle for once .

 

[Grimsby Road]

We have our easyiest run of home games coming up on paper - Colchester , Accrington , Crewe and Harrogate . Surely a chance to improve there ; we really need to make this count as the other games are Swindon & Morecambe away which should also provide a decent chance of points - between the bizarre form and home poundings we have gained a good amount of points . It would be annoying after all the tough games and doing well on the whole for the second half of the season to fade out into nothing which could happen , as I highly doubt we will be in any sort of relegation battle for once .

We have played 8 of the top 11 already , Town fans seem to forget how difficult our start has been .

 

[Don Caster]

Rumours the club are bringing out a DVD of it in the near future.

Number 1 in the Christmas charts with a frenzied fanbase like theirs

 

[The_Viking_Magpie]

Yeah, fully agreed. Crowley is clearly our best player, but it smacked you in the face today how much sharper we moved the ball forward without a guy getting on it and doing four pirouettes and three Cruyff turns before passing it on.

We did move the ball quicker and looked sharper today without Crowley. Saying that with that level of dominance, space and if Crowley in a more advanced position it could easily have been another Grimsby type performance and more likely to score more than the 1 we did.

Nots pleasing aspect for me was the Abbot and Palmer partnership, the former has been a really good loan signing.

 

[lordofthepies]

There's no chance we're getting 5 points from those games. Walsall and Vale will walk over us I reckon, unfortunately Vale especially. We can't compete with their finances and squad depth, like the rest of the league. Walsall are always a pain in the arse. Notts could go either way.

I have thought that Vale will win the league for a while and Walsall are clearly a good team too. However, neither are unbeatable and we are also a good team. We will certainly not be favourites for either but we can give them both a good game and it would hardly be a massive shock if we came away from those two games with some points. After all, we took 7 points from away games against the top 3 last season and it should have been 9.