Absolutely agree we all need to stay patient with Jonjo, as I said it's tough for him because he's got to go through his low patches in the glare of the first team spotlight. People like Parker and Konch broke through at Jonjo's age but had the luxury of being able to be took out of that pressure and still get plenty of football at reserve level. We can't do that wth Jonjo so he's got to make all his mistakes in the first team.
It's all good experience though and as long as he's guided through it well, which I'm sure he will be, it'll make him a better player in the long run. You can have as much natural talent as you like, sometimes there's just no replacement for experience (as some of you old codgers on here I'm sure ould be only too keen to tell us ;-) ) and we're just going to have to give Jonjo the time and space to get that experience before we consistently see the best from him.
For the first half hour yesterday there was only one team in it (Swindon!)and they really could have put the game out of sight. Apart from Elliott you were looking at 4/10's across the whole team. Swindon had chasing us shadows but despite looking poor at the back, we hung on. However, from 30-45 mins Racon got into it and we started to feed Reid (whereas before we were too slow to give him the ball) and things started to open up. Wagstaff struggled and was rightly swapped for Semedo, who immediately looked committed and comfortable (the billiard table pitch suited his style). Not for the first time we looked so vulnerable to crosses into the box and it was no surprise at all when Swindon scored from one (Sodje hardly won a clean header and I thought on balance he lost the battle with Swindon's frontline). BUT...we didn't concede another and that was crucial because that would have been game over. Fair play to Burton who got us back in it and to Bailey for his willingness to keep making the runs (and supply a great finish when others may have panicked). Credit too to Solly (I haven't seen him before and he looks the real deal to me). So...a fortunate point...but you make your own luck and Swindon are a good team. Much better than when they came to The Valley at Xmas. We didn't give up and all the players deserve some credit for that.
From all the above comments I've read , Exiled seems to hit the spot for me.
We must start with Deon and Semedo if both are fit. Their names should be permanently on the team sheet from now on, whatever formation Parky chooses to play. I'd also like to see McKenzie start if we're playing 2 up front with Akpo on the bench , or Deon on his own with Bailey supporting behind, persevere with Racon and Solly and bring back Lloydie , hoping he'll recapture his early season form - Waggy 's there to come on as sub for him if need be. Have to say it, but at this stage of the season & the position we're in, Jonjo is a luxury for me regardless of his promise and obvious skill. Another one to come off the bench if required though....And definitely stick with Andy's boy.
Another heart in the mouth match for much of the time but boy, did it feel like a win when Nicky scored !
Parky has 7 days to formulate his team for Bristol based on what he's learned over the past couple of games with differing personnel. No-one can say he hasn't tried to solve our problems using the options available to him but he now needs to come up with the eleven that'll take us up starting with a confidence boosting win next Monday night.
Agree with most of the above, thought we played like strangers which we probably were, not having played that formation or line up before. We started finding Racon and making things happen, unlucky to loose him. Burton made the difference but can't beleive Shelvey stayed on as he offered nothing and left Akpo isolated. Despite his great touch he is so slow around the pitch, I can only see him in the holding role. Worst part of the day was leaving when the board went up and missed the goal.
Watching the highlights just now for our equaliser.......at the point when Sam Sodje headed powerfully down the line to set brother Akpo free, note that Nicky Bailey was positioned near the centre spot just inside the Swindon half.
Now it's the 93rd minute remember, but Bailey went on a lung bursting 50 yard run off the ball to arrive in the box unmarked to be in the right place at the right time to be on the end of Burton's pass from Akpo.
Terrific run, reading of the game, awareness....... and clinical finish.
This was once again an appalling performance, we did not trouble their keeper fro 40mins , then toward the end of first half he hasd to make a couple of regulations saves, from much the same in the second half, we go 1 nil down and only stat causing problems for them in the last 5mins of normal tme and get a well worked goal in 3rd min of time added on. The biggest weaknesses for me for most of the game where Bailey and Shelvey. It waslike having a big hole in the midfield, Shelvey looks scared of the physical game and only puts in half hearted tackles or lets the man run past him hoping the defence will cope. Bailey just gives the ball away to much or is to often caught dwellig on it to often and he does this just outside the 18yard area he has been working hard during games but does look to have lost the spark he had before Christmas. The best player was Burton when he came on. His hold up player was spot on and he had the awareness to put in the decisive pass that got the goal.
To repeat a theme, the frustration was seeing Akpo up front who obviously hasn't got what it takes to play that position. He grafted 100% but ineffective. Parkinson said he wasn't being backed up which I think is being a bit generous. The ball struck him most of the time rather than him directing anything. Gave possession away every time for Swindon to build up an attack. Burton came on and showed what is needed as a lone striker. If every attack breaks down it puts us on the back foot and that's how we played for most of the game. Burton allowed us to get on the front foot and that's all that changed. Akpo may have qualities he can show if he's asked to play a different role but Parkinson's job is to suss that out. Other thing I don't understand is why our midfield show so little desire to get second phase ball. Summary - no conviction in the team at the moment and no intensity until we go behind and players rarely showing their potential in games. Not much confidence in a strong finish to the season unless Parkinson can unlock the key to getting performances from more than a few players at a time in each game - but will remain optimistic that we have the ability.
[cite]Posted By: Dippenhall[/cite]Burton came on and showed what is needed as a lone striker.
But Burton didn't play as the lone striker.
When Burton eventually came on, Akpo played alongside and around Burton, and as a pair they offered a decent threat at times. Akpo has taken quite a bashing, (incredibly marked only 3 out of 10 by some people, despite playing a crucial role in our equaliser).
If anybody on this board has ever played the lone striker role, they'll know how difficult it is to play with your back to goal with always at least 2 great lump defenders sprawling all over you in every challenge. And if your midfield play too deep, it leaves you totally isolated from any support - any knockdowns you win are never picked up by your own team mates who are too far away, and it then becomes easy for opposing defenders to clear their lines.
Okay, Akpo doesn't have the great first touch or vision of Burton, but he puts his head in where angels fear to tread, he'll run through brick walls for the cause - and he's got a great attitude. That's why he's in the team.
But it was a big ask to expect Akpo, with high balls lumped vaguely in his direction, to be hugely effective surrounded and outnumbered by defenders, when quite often the nearest team mate was all too frequently 30 yards away.
The player never stopped grafting, never hid - and was still hard running in the 93rd minute to play a vital part in our equaliser.
[cite]Posted By: LenGlover[/cite]In my view Scotty is at his best running at tiring defenders so should come on for the last 20-30 minutes.
At the moment, Len - I've got to agree. If someone like Sam has run his defender in circles throughout the match - that fast tiring fullback definitely won't relish facing a fresh whippet winger........ and is a skinning or sending off waiting to happen.
[cite]Posted By: LenGlover[/cite]In my view Scotty is at his best running at tiring defenders so should come on for the last 20-30 minutes.
At the moment, Len - I've got to agree. If someone like Sam has run his defender in circles throughout the match - that fast tiring fullback definitely won't relish facing a fresh whippet winger........ and is a skinning or sending off waiting to happen.
Yep agree with that. Hopefully its given Sam the kick up the arse he needed.
[cite]Posted By: LenGlover[/cite]In my view Scotty is at his best running at tiring defenders so should come on for the last 20-30 minutes.
At the moment, Len - I've got to agree. If someone like Sam has run his defender in circles throughout the match - that fast tiring fullback definitely won't relish facing a fresh whippet winger........ and is a skinning or sending off waiting to happen.
Quite right Oggy, I think both the Tranmere and Walsall red cards (both second yellows) were tackles on Waggy. Hopefully Lloydy will be back in the starting XI next week.
Right about Wagstaff. People want him to start because he offers more pace, energy and goals than Sam, it looks
impressive especially when Sam can't offer that. Yet Sam has the better all round game and is much more likely to create a chance. Wagstaff has shown he's good with space against tired defenders or teams pushing up, but not so early in a game and without that space. He should get better in time, though I'd only start him occasionally at the moment.
[cite]Posted By: Oggy Red[/cite]I've got to make a point about Nicky Bailey.
Watching the highlights just now for our equaliser.......at the point when Sam Sodje headed powerfully down the line to set brother Akpo free,note that Nicky Bailey was positioned near the centre spot just inside the Swindon half.
Now it's the 93rd minute remember, but Bailey went on a lung bursting 50 yard run off the ball to arrive in the box unmarked to be in the right place at the right time to be on the end of Burton's pass from Akpo.
Terrific run, reading of the game, awareness....... and clinical finish.
Also note that we wouldn't have equalised without Burton.
[cite]Posted By: Oggy Red[/cite]I've got to make a point about Nicky Bailey.
Watching the highlights just now for our equaliser.......at the point when Sam Sodje headed powerfully down the line to set brother Akpo free,note that Nicky Bailey was positioned near the centre spot just inside the Swindon half.
Now it's the 93rd minute remember, but Bailey went on a lung bursting 50 yard run off the ball to arrive in the box unmarked to be in the right place at the right time to be on the end of Burton's pass from Akpo.
Terrific run, reading of the game, awareness....... and clinical finish.
Also note that we wouldn't have equalised without Burton.
Hi Red Rob ...... sure, but I'd already given Burton plenty of plaudits in pevious postings - I also made him my MoM.
But this post was about Nicky Bailey.
And specifically about the sheer effort and awareness he showed to be in the right place at the right time, especially so late in the match when fatigue kicks in.
[cite]Posted By: Oggy Red[/cite]I've got to make a point about Nicky Bailey.
Watching the highlights just now for our equaliser.......at the point when Sam Sodje headed powerfully down the line to set brother Akpo free,note that Nicky Bailey was positioned near the centre spot just inside the Swindon half.
Now it's the 93rd minute remember, but Bailey went on a lung bursting 50 yard run off the ball to arrive in the box unmarked to be in the right place at the right time to be on the end of Burton's pass from Akpo.
Terrific run, reading of the game, awareness....... and clinical finish.
Also note that we wouldn't have equalised without Burton.
Hi Red Rob ...... sure, but I'd already given Burton plenty of plaudits in pevious postings - I also made him my MoM.
But this post was about Nicky Bailey.
And specifically about the sheer effort and awareness he showed to be in the right place at the right time, especially so late in the match when fatigue kicks in.
Many players wouldn't have seen or made that run.
Hi Oggy,
Very true. Even when Bailey isn't playing well, 9 times out of 10 he'll pop up and save us. A proper Captain. I'd love to see him in the 'Shelvey role' behind Burton with Racon and Semedo behind him.
How on earth unless you are mystic meg can you say we would never have equalised without Burton??? You have absolutely no idea if we would have got 3 more if Burton hadn't come on. Bailey done superb just what bailey does time and time again and the reason he is the first name on the team sheet. What you dont get is we might or might not have scored that goal or many more if burton wasn't on. Also if he is scoring from where he is why would you want to see him in a different role? Do you not think the reason he scores these important goals is because he isn't in the "jonjo" role so allowing him the space and time to make his great runs. Stick him up top where he is being constantly marked and you lose that bit of Nicky Bailey. I think you fail to understand that goal wasn't about Burton or Bailey. It was about the team if other players were not being picked up Bailey may never have been able to make that run that scored the goal. Try to look at the whole picture before you start wanting to change the team around
Comments
It's all good experience though and as long as he's guided through it well, which I'm sure he will be, it'll make him a better player in the long run. You can have as much natural talent as you like, sometimes there's just no replacement for experience (as some of you old codgers on here I'm sure ould be only too keen to tell us ;-) ) and we're just going to have to give Jonjo the time and space to get that experience before we consistently see the best from him.
I only had to get up at 9:30, thats why
We must start with Deon and Semedo if both are fit. Their names should be permanently on the team sheet from now on, whatever formation Parky chooses to play. I'd also like to see McKenzie start if we're playing 2 up front with Akpo on the bench , or Deon on his own with Bailey supporting behind, persevere with Racon and Solly and bring back Lloydie , hoping he'll recapture his early season form - Waggy 's there to come on as sub for him if need be. Have to say it, but at this stage of the season & the position we're in, Jonjo is a luxury for me regardless of his promise and obvious skill. Another one to come off the bench if required though....And definitely stick with Andy's boy.
Another heart in the mouth match for much of the time but boy, did it feel like a win when Nicky scored !
Parky has 7 days to formulate his team for Bristol based on what he's learned over the past couple of games with differing personnel. No-one can say he hasn't tried to solve our problems using the options available to him but he now needs to come up with the eleven that'll take us up starting with a confidence boosting win next Monday night.
Keep the faith.
It's called ....."beating the traffic."
;o)
Watching the highlights just now for our equaliser.......at the point when Sam Sodje headed powerfully down the line to set brother Akpo free, note that Nicky Bailey was positioned near the centre spot just inside the Swindon half.
Now it's the 93rd minute remember, but Bailey went on a lung bursting 50 yard run off the ball to arrive in the box unmarked to be in the right place at the right time to be on the end of Burton's pass from Akpo.
Terrific run, reading of the game, awareness....... and clinical finish.
The best player was Burton when he came on. His hold up player was spot on and he had the awareness to put in the decisive pass that got the goal.
But Burton didn't play as the lone striker.
When Burton eventually came on, Akpo played alongside and around Burton, and as a pair they offered a decent threat at times. Akpo has taken quite a bashing, (incredibly marked only 3 out of 10 by some people, despite playing a crucial role in our equaliser).
If anybody on this board has ever played the lone striker role, they'll know how difficult it is to play with your back to goal with always at least 2 great lump defenders sprawling all over you in every challenge. And if your midfield play too deep, it leaves you totally isolated from any support - any knockdowns you win are never picked up by your own team mates who are too far away, and it then becomes easy for opposing defenders to clear their lines.
Okay, Akpo doesn't have the great first touch or vision of Burton, but he puts his head in where angels fear to tread, he'll run through brick walls for the cause - and he's got a great attitude. That's why he's in the team.
But it was a big ask to expect Akpo, with high balls lumped vaguely in his direction, to be hugely effective surrounded and outnumbered by defenders, when quite often the nearest team mate was all too frequently 30 yards away.
The player never stopped grafting, never hid - and was still hard running in the 93rd minute to play a vital part in our equaliser.
However there has been a clamour on here for Wagstaff to start ahead of Sam yet, from the ratings thread, it seems he was our worst player.
In my view Scotty is at his best running at tiring defenders so should come on for the last 20-30 minutes.
At the moment, Len - I've got to agree. If someone like Sam has run his defender in circles throughout the match - that fast tiring fullback definitely won't relish facing a fresh whippet winger........ and is a skinning or sending off waiting to happen.
Yep agree with that. Hopefully its given Sam the kick up the arse he needed.
Quite right Oggy, I think both the Tranmere and Walsall red cards (both second yellows) were tackles on Waggy. Hopefully Lloydy will be back in the starting XI next week.
impressive especially when Sam can't offer that. Yet Sam has the better all round game and is much more likely to create a chance. Wagstaff has shown he's good with space against tired defenders or teams pushing up, but not so early in a game and without that space. He should get better in time, though I'd only start him occasionally at the moment.
Also note that we wouldn't have equalised without Burton.
Hi Red Rob ...... sure, but I'd already given Burton plenty of plaudits in pevious postings - I also made him my MoM.
But this post was about Nicky Bailey.
And specifically about the sheer effort and awareness he showed to be in the right place at the right time, especially so late in the match when fatigue kicks in.
Many players wouldn't have seen or made that run.
Hi Oggy,
Very true. Even when Bailey isn't playing well, 9 times out of 10 he'll pop up and save us. A proper Captain. I'd love to see him in the 'Shelvey role' behind Burton with Racon and Semedo behind him.