Saturday 5th October

[Son of Cod]

If you told me at the start of the season we would be 4 points off top after 10 games I'd have snapped your hands.

Then if you told me you'd lose 5 of the first 10 i'd expect to well into the bottom half.

Had to check the table after reading your post. Madness. I guess that's the advantage of not drawing any games. For the past few seasons we've been the sort of side to draw two games instead of losing one and winning one. This is much more fun and rewarding but also means we're currently having to put up with crap like today.

 

[Gladders]

Had to check the table after reading your post. Madness. I guess that's the advantage of not drawing any games. For the past few seasons we've been the sort of side to draw two games instead of losing one and winning one. This is much more fun and rewarding but also means we're currently having to put up with crap like today.

Aye this time last season we had only lost 4, yet where well in the bottom half and 10 points of top.

 

[CFC91]

Not much to add that others haven’t but though Walsall looked a good side, particularly first half and then the last 5 of the game. 7 and 9 caused us problems, though 9 missed a sitter infront of where I was in the north stand first half.

Between those spells we looked okay in parts, wish we’d tested the keeper a bit more though as it was clear he was lacking confidence but the defence protected him well. We looked better when Colclough and Madden came on, though Berry struggled to get into the game. We are our own worst enemy at times, that first goal is a shocker, and the second straight from the KO is a joke, talk about switching off. We seem to do this every week and it’s costing us points, especially at home, 4 draws at home now needs to improve but I’d say this is the first one of those 4 id have taken pre match

 

[Birmingham Rover]

Can someone please tell the Donny fans they're 3-0 up and in a full away end in a local match?

Can someone please tell the Donny fans they're 3-0 up and in a full away end in a local match?

Dancing in the dark is a banger ain’t it!

Wipe those tears away silly cod head.

 

[THE LAST WALTZ]

Nolan and Williams just shifted it square all the time against us and the other game of there's I saw looked pretty easy to defend against . Not sure if that is regular but for Gills the best bet looks getting the lad on the left in behind rather than the tippy tappy stuff . Maybe Alex are play-off contenders or better?

Agree with what a couple of you are saying and it has been a bad week for us.
Ogie was awful yesterday and will be out of the side when Masterton is back.
Dieng came off the bench yesterday and now gives us another midfield option.
Dack will give us more creativity when he is fully fit and Rowe will give us some pace to get in behind when back.
It is a 46 game season and I wouldn’t judge us on one bad week.
Still cautiously optimistic.

 

[Scum.]

We should have beaten Tranmere but one last minute mistake and we draw 1-1. Injuries and suspensions catching up with us as our players are running themselves into the ground (more than they ever did under Williamson) and our bench looks fairly weak and not set up to replace them. Thankfully we will finally have some of the 9 key players we have unavailable back next game, plus our new striker signing Scott Hogan.

Still unbeaten under Lindsey after 3 games - 4 points on the road and a point at home, up to 13th, will take that. Port Vale next up at home (Arsenal U21s on Tuesday can duck off).

 

[Si Robin]

Until next Saturday that is

Well we never lose to Swindon at Whaddon Road, so it's a given we'll get something. It's going to be horrific to watch though.

 

[Stocky]

Very unpredictable results week in week out at this level. Very hard to call.

I'm still waiting for MK Dons to catch fire. I think they will under Lindsey.

 

[The_Viking_Magpie]

I think League Two is. Talented manager who knows the division combined with talented squad and wealthy owners certainly suggests they will

 

[Son of Cod]

Dancing in the dark is a banger ain’t it!

Wipe those tears away silly cod head.

No tears here at all pal. It is what it is, beaten by both much the better side on the day and one of the pre-season faves (rightly so given the money you've spent).

The Dancing in the Dark rendition was good but other than that pretty much flat as a pancake in the away end which just seemed odd considering you'd had such a good first half.

 

[Luke Imp]

Dare I ask Agombar stool and Indian Dan about Kennedy's tenure so far...

 

[Conker]

Think Swindon issues are from above to be fair.

 

[OneDecentLester]

No tears here at all pal. It is what it is, beaten by both much the better side on the day and one of the pre-season faves (rightly so given the money you've spent).

The Dancing in the Dark rendition was good but other than that pretty much flat as a pancake in the away end which just seemed odd considering you'd had such a good first half.

Donny fans will know that song well after listening to the Paddy Madden version of it the week before for the last 20 minutes non stop

 

[JJ1990]

I keep seeing people saying about their clubs injuries. Are players more susceptible to injuries these days? It would seem so.

Ours is ridiculous, and a big factor in our current struggles. We currently have 10 first team players out injured, nearly all long term.

Anyone else's as bad, or worse?

I do think it's a growing problem in football and I think it stems from the ridiculous amount of games players are subjected to in their formative years. Take our U18s. They've gone from 26 league games last season to 31 this season. It's too much.

We've got 6 out currently, 1 long term(new year), 1 medium term(December) and 4 more short term(1-3 weeks). Issue with the short term ones is, they're all crocks so are liable to drop in and out of the squad.

Feels like a lot of the league has a fair number of these 20-30 games a season players who miss big chunks through injury.

 

[Valeite]

I think a possible reason for all the injuries is that there are too many subs now so that players don`t have to pace themselves as much as if they run out of steam after an hour, they can just bring more fresh legs on

 

[GTFCfish]

Dancing in the dark is a banger ain’t it!

Wipe those tears away silly cod head.

You’re a strange one, none of us are crying we all accept that we were beaten by a better team who will probably be top 3.
It’s weirdos like you and also some of our own fans on Twitter that drive up this fake rivalry between us that just isn’t there.
I’ll be pleased for Donny if they go up just like I was last year when I thought they would go up after that insane winning run too.

 

[Spireitelass97]

Not much to add that others haven’t but though Walsall looked a good side, particularly first half and then the last 5 of the game. 7 and 9 caused us problems, though 9 missed a sitter infront of where I was in the north stand first half.

Between those spells we looked okay in parts, wish we’d tested the keeper a bit more though as it was clear he was lacking confidence but the defence protected him well. We looked better when Colclough and Madden came on, though Berry struggled to get into the game. We are our own worst enemy at times, that first goal is a shocker, and the second straight from the KO is a joke, talk about switching off. We seem to do this every week and it’s costing us points, especially at home, 4 draws at home now needs to improve but I’d say this is the first one of those 4 id have taken pre match

Agree re Berry, he looked very frustrated/annoyed with himself at end.

 

[OneDecentLester]

Berry still bagged an assist for the equaliser so that’ll do for me in terms of impact

 

[Agombar stool]

Dare I ask Agombar stool and Indian Dan about Kennedy's tenure so far...

Tragic really. I'm always willing to cut slack as he lost his mum just before the season started and I've only been to see us once (0-4 at home to Walsall) but performances and results are shocking. I like his demeanor and his positive outlook, but for me, it's misplaced. He's saying were playing well when we aren't and clearly is trying to protect his players. The football is boring as well. The fans have given him 10 league games which was yesterday but seemed to give him both barrels at full time. He's not going to last a lot longer unless there is a massive upturn.

With that said, I've zero confidence in our owners so changing the manager is like putting on a new t shirt when you've shit your pants.

 

[valefan16]

Having seen the highlights back I didn’t realise how good of a finish Tolaj was for the goal the ball is behind him and he has some John Travolta hips to guide that one!

 

[Dan Phillips]

Some utterly bizarre comments on here, pre and post match, by our fans and Notts fans.

We thoroughly deserved the win. A tactical masterclass by Darren Moore. Subs were perfectly timed and all had an impact on the game. All that without the best player in the division (Byers > Jones btw), our two top goalscorers not starting (one not even coming on at all) and a teenager starting at full back.

Notts were exactly what I thought they'd be. A proper possession team that do absolutely nothing with it if you're solid and organised and keep your shape well. The poorer sides in the division will get a slapping from them as they'll get pulled out of their system a lot and give their better players the freedom of the box. Jatta had 5 headers in the box - sent 3 into orbit, dragged one wide and forced Ripley into an excellent save (his only notable one of the game, may I add). Just constantly making 8000 sideways passes between their midfield and back line, then getting it out wide and trying to spam crosses continuously to find Jatta. They literally didn't have a Plan B. Their subs also made them weaker, IMO. Could be playing now and they still wouldn't have scored.

We should've won by at least 3. Curtis losing his footing after going round the keeper was unfortunate. Stockley should've scored, as should Croasdale and I think Richards and/or Sang could've done better when in a decent position. Kyle John and Jesse Debrah were outstanding. Stockley was the perfect sub. His hold up play and bringing other players into play is fantastic.

The goal was offside though. It was Curtis that was offside, not Tolaj. Watched it back on the YouTube highlights, and paused it, and he's clearly in front of their defender. Nobody appealed though, so it obviously wasn't that noticeable at the time.

We're coming together nicely now. We're winning games we never, ever usually get anything from. It's a refreshing change and long may it continue. Still very early days in the season, and lots of lessons to be learnt. It's just good to have that winning feeling again after 18 months of utter dross and a severe lack of quality and entertainment value. MK Dons away next Saturday. Me and my lad are off to tick another new ground off so won't be going but will watch on my phone. No idea what to expect but we've got to be full of confidence haven't we? Nothing to fear.

 

[The_Viking_Magpie]

Some utterly bizarre comments on here, pre and post match, by our fans and Notts fans.

We thoroughly deserved the win. A tactical masterclass by Darren Moore. Subs were perfectly timed and all had an impact on the game. All that without the best player in the division (Byers > Jones btw), our two top goalscorers not starting (one not even coming on at all) and a teenager starting at full back.

Notts were exactly what I thought they'd be. A proper possession team that do absolutely nothing with it if you're solid and organised and keep your shape well. The poorer sides in the division will get a slapping from them as they'll get pulled out of their system a lot and give their better players the freedom of the box. Jatta had 5 headers in the box - sent 3 into orbit, dragged one wide and forced Ripley into an excellent save (his only notable one of the game, may I add). Just constantly making 8000 sideways passes between their midfield and back line, then getting it out wide and trying to spam crosses continuously to find Jatta. They literally didn't have a Plan B. Their subs also made them weaker, IMO. Could be playing now and they still wouldn't have scored.

We should've won by at least 3. Curtis losing his footing after going round the keeper was unfortunate. Stockley should've scored, as should Croasdale and I think Richards and/or Sang could've done better when in a decent position. Kyle John and Jesse Debrah were outstanding. Stockley was the perfect sub. His hold up play and bringing other players into play is fantastic.

The goal was offside though. It was Curtis that was offside, not Tolaj. Watched it back on the YouTube highlights, and paused it, and he's clearly in front of their defender. Nobody appealed though, so it obviously wasn't that noticeable at the time.

We're coming together nicely now. We're winning games we never, ever usually get anything from. It's a refreshing change and long may it continue. Still very early days in the season, and lots of lessons to be learnt. It's just good to have that winning feeling again after 18 months of utter dross and a severe lack of quality and entertainment value. MK Dons away next Saturday. Me and my lad are off to tick another new ground off so won't be going but will watch on my phone. No idea what to expect but we've got to be full of confidence haven't we? Nothing to fear.

You can safely add that to the list.

Some good and accuracy in there but too much bias, too one sided. Much prefer the more balanced comments from sets of fans on here previously.

 

[Boz]

We should have beaten Tranmere but one last minute mistake and we draw 1-1. Injuries and suspensions catching up with us as our players are running themselves into the ground (more than they ever did under Williamson) and our bench looks fairly weak and not set up to replace them. Thankfully we will finally have some of the 9 key players we have unavailable back next game, plus our new striker signing Scott Hogan.

Still unbeaten under Lindsey after 3 games - 4 points on the road and a point at home, up to 13th, will take that. Port Vale next up at home (Arsenal U21s on Tuesday can duck off).

Was out yesterday and didn't follow the game, so pleasantly surprised when I switched on to see the result. Only seen the brief highlights, but the impressions from the fans forums differ. Milton Keynes seemed to think the Tranmere goal was coming, whereas despite the point, there was still a lot of negativity about the performance.

 

[Boz]

Tragic really. I'm always willing to cut slack as he lost his mum just before the season started and I've only been to see us once (0-4 at home to Walsall) but performances and results are shocking. I like his demeanor and his positive outlook, but for me, it's misplaced. He's saying were playing well when we aren't and clearly is trying to protect his players. The football is boring as well. The fans have given him 10 league games which was yesterday but seemed to give him both barrels at full time. He's not going to last a lot longer unless there is a massive upturn.

With that said, I've zero confidence in our owners so changing the manager is like putting on a new t shirt when you've shit your pants.

Can't comment about yesterday, but you looked pretty decent at Tranmere, a few players willing to run directly at our defence and cause panic. Main failing was poor finishing, about 3 or 4 decent chances didn;t even test our keeper.

 

[kieran_vale]

Tragic really. I'm always willing to cut slack as he lost his mum just before the season started and I've only been to see us once (0-4 at home to Walsall) but performances and results are shocking. I like his demeanor and his positive outlook, but for me, it's misplaced. He's saying were playing well when we aren't and clearly is trying to protect his players. The football is boring as well. The fans have given him 10 league games which was yesterday but seemed to give him both barrels at full time. He's not going to last a lot longer unless there is a massive upturn.

With that said, I've zero confidence in our owners so changing the manager is like putting on a new t shirt when you've shit your pants.

At the end of our game a week ago it looked like Swindon fans patience had snapped at the final whistle and I can see why. FWIW I think your team has more quality on paper than a few other clubs down that end possess so there’s a good chance to turn it round. Whether that can happen while Kennedy is there is a different matter.

This is a crazy league though. The thing I like most about L2 is there isn’t a huge gulf top to bottom so it’s quite plausible a couple months down the line it’s a whole different conversation on any of the current strugglers and they’re suddenly in the top 10 or better.

 

[jacobncfc]

Some utterly bizarre comments on here, pre and post match, by our fans and Notts fans.

We thoroughly deserved the win. A tactical masterclass by Darren Moore. Subs were perfectly timed and all had an impact on the game. All that without the best player in the division (Byers > Jones btw), our two top goalscorers not starting (one not even coming on at all) and a teenager starting at full back.

Notts were exactly what I thought they'd be. A proper possession team that do absolutely nothing with it if you're solid and organised and keep your shape well. The poorer sides in the division will get a slapping from them as they'll get pulled out of their system a lot and give their better players the freedom of the box. Jatta had 5 headers in the box - sent 3 into orbit, dragged one wide and forced Ripley into an excellent save (his only notable one of the game, may I add). Just constantly making 8000 sideways passes between their midfield and back line, then getting it out wide and trying to spam crosses continuously to find Jatta. They literally didn't have a Plan B. Their subs also made them weaker, IMO. Could be playing now and they still wouldn't have scored.

We should've won by at least 3. Curtis losing his footing after going round the keeper was unfortunate. Stockley should've scored, as should Croasdale and I think Richards and/or Sang could've done better when in a decent position. Kyle John and Jesse Debrah were outstanding. Stockley was the perfect sub. His hold up play and bringing other players into play is fantastic.

The goal was offside though. It was Curtis that was offside, not Tolaj. Watched it back on the YouTube highlights, and paused it, and he's clearly in front of their defender. Nobody appealed though, so it obviously wasn't that noticeable at the time.

We're coming together nicely now. We're winning games we never, ever usually get anything from. It's a refreshing change and long may it continue. Still very early days in the season, and lots of lessons to be learnt. It's just good to have that winning feeling again after 18 months of utter dross and a severe lack of quality and entertainment value. MK Dons away next Saturday. Me and my lad are off to tick another new ground off so won't be going but will watch on my phone. No idea what to expect but we've got to be full of confidence haven't we? Nothing to fear.

It’s somewhere in the middle. I thought you deserved the win and it was a very good away performance, but you also scored with your first shot about half an hour in and had given us two or three very good chances to go in front. If one of those goes in then it’s an uphill battle getting back into it with the team you put out and the game plan you had.

As with our defeat to Gillingham, though, it’s our own fault for missing chances and then conceding the first time the opposition ventures forward. It makes life a lot more difficult and we never looked like breaking you down after that.

 

[valefan16]

It’s somewhere in the middle. I thought you deserved the win and it was a very good away performance, but you also scored with your first shot about half an hour in and had given us two or three very good chances to go in front. If one of those goes in then it’s an uphill battle getting back into it with the team you put out and the game plan you had.

As with our defeat to Gillingham, though, it’s our own fault for missing chances and then conceding the first time the opposition ventures forward. It makes life a lot more difficult and we never looked like breaking you down after that.

Not so sure we'd have had to if an early goal went in, for all the talk of Notts 2-3 good chances even being that defensive we should of had a couple more. Each time we did go forward we seemed to look like we could score so don't think we'd have changed it until mid second half if still needed and would of thrown Chislett on instead of chucking a player who has been playing centre half/wing back up front like we did in Sangy.

I don't think much Dan says is wrong (just maybe a bit excitable in its delivery!) It was just a case on the day that we were far better in both boxes. The return will be interesting though as we will be expected to take the game to County so should be more open.

We've had some crap for 18 months so probably the best away day since beating Derby at PP a couple of years back, nice to actually enjoy seeing us play again these last few weeks.

 

[The_Viking_Magpie]

Not so sure we'd have had to if an early goal went in, for all the talk of Notts 2-3 good chances even being that defensive we should of had a couple more. Each time we did go forward we seemed to look like we could score so don't think we'd have changed it until mid second half if still needed and would of thrown Chislett on instead of chucking a player who has been playing centre half/wing back up front like we did in Sangy.

I don't think much Dan says is wrong (just maybe a bit excitable in its delivery!) It was just a case on the day that we were far better in both boxes. The return will be interesting though as we will be expected to take the game to County so should be more open.

We've had some crap for 18 months so probably the best away day since beating Derby at PP a couple of years back, nice to actually enjoy seeing us play again these last few weeks.

Very excitable, he's like Scrappy Doo but understandable after 18 months of dirge.

Yours is a good summary you were just better in both boxes. Both sides had chances in the game we just didn't take them and very rarely troubled your keeper.

 

[Conker]

Tragic really. I'm always willing to cut slack as he lost his mum just before the season started and I've only been to see us once (0-4 at home to Walsall) but performances and results are shocking. I like his demeanor and his positive outlook, but for me, it's misplaced. He's saying were playing well when we aren't and clearly is trying to protect his players. The football is boring as well. The fans have given him 10 league games which was yesterday but seemed to give him both barrels at full time. He's not going to last a lot longer unless there is a massive upturn.

With that said, I've zero confidence in our owners so changing the manager is like putting on a new t shirt when you've shit your pants.

Still bewildering you lot rang us up and offered Louie Reed for 25k - he completely bossed the game against Blackpool Saturday.

Actually think we may be in trouble keeping him if he keeps this up.

 

[valefan16]

I do think it's a growing problem in football and I think it stems from the ridiculous amount of games players are subjected to in their formative years. Take our U18s. They've gone from 26 league games last season to 31 this season. It's too much.

We've got 6 out currently, 1 long term(new year), 1 medium term(December) and 4 more short term(1-3 weeks). Issue with the short term ones is, they're all crocks so are liable to drop in and out of the squad.

Feels like a lot of the league has a fair number of these 20-30 games a season players who miss big chunks through injury.

More games maybe but you could argue in the past smaller squads, fewer to no subs and crapper pitches however football is now a sport for pure athletes, its far more intense, high performance than it used to be.

15-20 years back you hear stories how some players would be out the night before or in the week, whereas now players are so fitness driven and the game is played by athletes and bodies are pushed far further than maybe they used to be.