surpised at the highish player ratings (plenty of 7s and 8s) given the comments on this thread
me too. I dunno about anyone else, but I give 7 if they perform as I think they should, not brilliant, not dreadful. everything else filters in around that. I try not to be too critical if they have over the whole 90 minutes done some good things, but also mark down or up to compensate for flashes of genius or moments of inability. I find it strange that people therefore have been given 8's! This is obviously just my way of judging, but I think our team have a long way to go before they get perfect 10's!
surpised at the highish player ratings (plenty of 7s and 8s) given the comments on this thread
me too. I dunno about anyone else, but I give 7 if they perform as I think they should, not brilliant, not dreadful. everything else filters in around that. I try not to be too critical if they have over the whole 90 minutes done some good things, but also mark down or up to compensate for flashes of genius or moments of inability. I find it strange that people therefore have been given 8's! This is obviously just my way of judging, but I think our team have a long way to go before they get perfect 10's!
6 is my par score. Danny Green last night for instance got a 6 as overall he came out as ok nothing good nothing bad. However he did two really good things (the shot that hit the woodwork and the crossfield pass to Haynes) and a lot of poor things, bottling challenges losing the ball etc which for me evened out to par.
Sending off: Yann kicks MacKenzie as a sign of affection on Valentine's night. MacKenzie sticks his head close to Yann's ear and whispers terms of endearment. Yann leans his head back towards MacKenzie's to return the compliments. MacKenzie again moves head to ear to embellish his desires. MacKenzie puts loving arm round Yann's neck. Unfortunately, both ref and lino misinterpret this move as 'violent conduct'. Apparently, you can shove in the body region and only get yellow, above the neckline it becomes a straight red. I was worried that they may have both been sent off to continue their canoodling with the message 'get a room'!
Surprised how many people are saying MKD dominated possession - certainly true of the second half, but apart from the need for one save from Hamer in the first half I though we had the better of the first half before the goals. At the away match they did dominate, but to little effect (Arsenal -extralite). Playing one man up front for the second half and that being Alan Smith (94 games for Newcastle 0 goals) says it all. Second half was frustrating, but Tuesday Saturday cycle for the next few weeks requires taking your foot off the gas sometime
really if the leagues are interested in attendance being higher, wouldn't it be best to avoid Feb 14th in future as a fixture date, except of course a Saturday?
its been suggested that the second half display was planned to conserve energy. I don't buy that, a plan to conserve energy would involve keeping the ball, passing and moving. We were disjointed and could hardly put a passing movement together. We played badly, but we got the three points and if we have to do that for every game for the rest of the season and win every game I could live with it, but lets not delude ourselves and think last night's performance was some part of a grand master plan..
its been suggested that the second half display was planned to conserve energy. I don't buy that, a plan to conserve energy would involve keeping the ball, passing and moving. We were disjointed and could hardly put a passing movement together. We played badly, but we got the three points and if we have to do that for every game for the rest of the season and win every game I could live with it, but lets not delude ourselves and think last night's performance was some part of a grand master plan..
This. We were complacent in the extreme. If that was under orders then something is very worrying. Second Half was dire.
its been suggested that the second half display was planned to conserve energy. I don't buy that, a plan to conserve energy would involve keeping the ball, passing and moving. We were disjointed and could hardly put a passing movement together. We played badly, but we got the three points and if we have to do that for every game for the rest of the season and win every game I could live with it, but lets not delude ourselves and think last night's performance was some part of a grand master plan..
This. We were complacent in the extreme. If that was under orders then something is very worrying. Second Half was dire.
Cant see they was under orders. Powell was not happy at full time and you could see this with his muted response to the tunnel wave.
God hates Franchise FC. Only explanation I can think of for us winning this. How many times can we luck our way to three points? If it had been a real football team we'd played I would have felt sorry for them.
The biggest worry for me was that Wiggins and Jackson looked ordinary when up against Chadwick and Tavernier, and Solly struggled against Bowditch. This season we will be fine, but it makes me wonder how easily this team will transition to a higher level. Our strikers seem to have been totally found out as well.
The biggest worry for me was that Wiggins and Jackson looked ordinary when up against Chadwick and Tavernier and Solly struggled against Bowditch.
To be fair to Jacko and Wiggins, they absolutely destroyed Tavernier when he was in the Carlisle lineup earlier this season (the 4-0 league win). Chadwick is a more than decent player at this level, so it's not surprising that he had a good game.
Solly may not have been at his best, but that's a rarity this season. Don't look into it too much.
Solly made a total of three errors last night, two misplaced passes, and not crossing when he should've, but short passing instead. Their wide players didn't get round him, but elected to release the ball and not take him on. That said, the three slight errors were out of character because generally he is flawlwss.
Solly made a total of three errors last night, two misplaced passes, and not crossing when he should've, but short passing instead. Their wide players didn't get round him, but elected to release the ball and not take him on. That said, the three slight errors were out of character because generally he is flawlwss.
They did get round him and whipped in a cross but may have only been once or twice.
bwp looked good don't understand the moaning he almost scored a couple of times, Haynes didn't get much of the ball but when he did he was cool and classy, trapped the ball well and was never looking nervous. Hamer surprised me, he caught the ball and we need a new song for Kerms (leave me alone Mackenzie, Mackenzie...).
I wrote a match report for the game last night if anybody wants to read it (beware it's quite long):
I did a report for the Bury match and a preview for the (later cancelled) Rochdale game as well if anybody wants to read them here: http://thematchreport.tumblr.com/
Charlton Athletic 2 - 1 MK Dons (14/02/12 - Match Report) A Johnnie Jackson double helped Charlton past MK Dons in a tight match not short in controversy.
The Addicks’ skipper fired home from the penalty spot twice in quick succession shortly before the break, prior to a late Dean Bowditch consolation for the visitors, who had been hampered by a first-half red card..
The Valley encounter was one of three potentially season defining games in the chase for Championship status. All members of League One’s top six faced fellow promotion rivals in an intriguing Valentine’s Day fixture list, as Stevenage travelled to Sheffield Wednesday, whilst Huddersfield hosted Sheffield’s other half. If results went their way, Chris Powell’s men could see their lead at the top stretch to an impressive 10 points, but wins for United, Wednesday and the Dons would open up a furious battle for the top two slots.
Love was certainly not in the air for the players, despite the romantic date and a marriage proposal at half-time over the intercom. The highlights of a scrappy first half largely focused around numerous fouls, and the decisive opening goal arose after the tireless Yann Kermorgant was fouled by Dons’ defender Gary MacKenzie in an off-the-ball incident. The tireless Frenchman had penalty claims twice previously denied by the officials, but MacKenzie’s head butt earned himself a red card, a four match ban and a first-half spot-kick for Charlton. He later apologised “to my team-mates and my manager and the fans” for what turned out to be the game-changing incident. Charlton’s captain and designated penalty-taker Johnnie Jackson stepped up to rifle the ball past opposition ‘Keeper David Martin into the bottom left-hand corner . Martin got a hand to the ball, but it was not enough to deny Jackson his eleventh goal of the season.
Just minutes later, and deep into first-half injury time, Karl Robinson’s side conceded another penalty. Danny Green picked the ball up from the half-way line, before surging forward and unleashing a powerful drive from 30 yards that crashed back off the face of the crossbar. The ball eventually came to Jackson, who was then fouled inside the box by Newcastle loanee Alan Smith. He stepped up and again placed the ball past Martin, this time into the opposite corner, before celebrating an impressive twelfth goal this season from midfield. Since arriving from Notts County in 2010, Jackson has scored every league penalty he has taken, including 5 this season.
The two penalties were by no means the only chances of the first half. Bradley Wright-Phillips, who hasn’t scored since grabbing the winner against Brentford on the 19th of November, nearly ended his goal-drought with a spectacular ricochet from outside the area. MacKenzie’s clearance was charged down by the Addicks’ striker, and the resulting rebound flew towards the goal. The ‘Keeper managed to scramble back and keep the ball out, but the uncomfortably close distance prompted calls from the Charlton faithful that it had crossed the line. Nothing was given, but it would have been a stunning way for Wright-Phillips to end his 3 month barren spell.
This drought is nothing compared to that of opposition attacker Alan Smith, however. The former-Manchester United man hasn’t scored in nearly five years, and he came close to ending that spell after the half-hour mark. After good work on the right by fellow Newcastle loanee James Tavernier, Smith stooped to head in what looked like a certain opening goal. A fantastic reaction save from Charlton stopper Ben Hamer kept him at bay, and Chris Powell’s number 1 went on to complete a solid display. The gaffer hailed that save as “a moment of brilliance”, and praised his solid all-round performance.
In the second half, it was MK Dons who dominated, despite their numerical disadvantage and two goal deficit. Clear cut chances were few and far between, as Charlton seemed content to play the ball at the back. For periods, Hamer saw the ball much more than any opposition player, but with the ball in their possession the visitors looked the most threatening side. Their little triangles of passed were pleasing on the eye, but for all the build-up play, their attack lacked bite. As a result, Robinson may have regretted his half-time decision to swap striker Charlie MacDonald for defender Mathias Kouo-Doume.
Jackson made way for Haynes shortly after the hour mark, with Green switching to the left and the substitute coming in on the right. Vice-captain Taylor took over the armband, and his calming presence was crucial in helping the Addicks see out the win. Haynes’ pace threatened the Dons’ defence, but the main chances for the hosts fell to Wright-Phillips. The out-of-form striker pulled several shots wide, with the home crowd chanting his name in a bid to raise his performance. He hassled the opposition defence valiantly, but came up short in front of goal.
With just three minutes of normal time remaining, Dean Bowditch grabbed a deserved goal back for MK Dons. Substitute Jay O’Shea slipped in the number 9, who finished with aplomb across Hamer. In the final stages, Robinson’s troops rallied, with the goalkeeper going up for set pieces. However, it was Charlton who had the best chance in the dying stages. Green drove forward on the left, before playing in Wiggins, whose fierce drive was beaten away. The Addicks held on for the win, with another typically sound defensive display. These heroic performances from Powell’s back line have been crucial to his side’s league success this year.
Listening to SCP on 5 live in the car on the way home he made reference to the crowd becoming edgy and this transmitting itself to the players which was a fair point. Instead of the crowd getting behind the team like Pompey fans and the Geordies when they concede a goal and like we used to in days gone by, all I could hear was groans from certain sections of the crowd in the last 5 minutes after MK scored ? The team's second half performance didn't help their cause but this coupled with a steady stream to exit the ground can't be helpful can It?
24 hours on, frustration at the performance is giving way to an appreciation of the significance of the result. Getting out of this division is not about playing pretty, it's about doing enough to beat the opposition. So long as we do that, I don't suppose we have too much to complain about given our recent history.
Moan, moan, moan. Another below par performance, where our strikers never looked liked scoring & we looked poor against 10 men. This appears to be a popular view.
My view. Another professional performance, where we once again beat one of our rivals, without too much trouble. 2-0 at HT, we decided to stick with the win, instead of chucking more men forward & possibly jepordising the win.
Yes, we got it a bit wrong & all the slowing it down, meant we didn't play as well.
But FFS. This is the best team (pro rata) we've had for donkey's years & they will probably set a number of records that may never be beaten.
Just because your stressed out & unhappy with your own lives, don't lump it on the team & manager who have been outstanding. It's that sort of thinking that started us on the downward spiral & contributing to Curbs going, when loads of fans were unhappy with our top half position in The Prem.
Just watched the BBC highlights on the website. Very frustrated they didnt bother to show Greens thunderbolt in the build up to the 2nd pen, been aching to see that again and now I may never do so
Have to big up the team again. Hamer kept us in it with his shot stopping saves. Solly and Wiggy stopped crosses coming in. Midfield scrapped like fiends. And the strikers were clever in their pulling defenders all over the place. MK Dons had plenty of the ball but only had one bit of quality for their goal and lacked that bit extra to get something out of the game. Can't wait to start giving it the Champions chant!
Just watched the BBC highlights on the website. Very frustrated they didnt bother to show Greens thunderbolt in the build up to the 2nd pen, been aching to see that again and now I may never do so
Comments
Yann kicks MacKenzie as a sign of affection on Valentine's night.
MacKenzie sticks his head close to Yann's ear and whispers terms of endearment.
Yann leans his head back towards MacKenzie's to return the compliments.
MacKenzie again moves head to ear to embellish his desires.
MacKenzie puts loving arm round Yann's neck.
Unfortunately, both ref and lino misinterpret this move as 'violent conduct'.
Apparently, you can shove in the body region and only get yellow, above the neckline it becomes a straight red.
I was worried that they may have both been sent off to continue their canoodling with the message 'get a room'!
hollands did well against him last nite tho
shocking attendance!
Solly may not have been at his best, but that's a rarity this season. Don't look into it too much.
That said, the three slight errors were out of character because generally he is flawlwss.
3 points, goodbye sheffield we got bigger dreams.
I did a report for the Bury match and a preview for the (later cancelled) Rochdale game as well if anybody wants to read them here: http://thematchreport.tumblr.com/
Charlton Athletic 2 - 1 MK Dons (14/02/12 - Match Report)
A Johnnie Jackson double helped Charlton past MK Dons in a tight match not short in controversy.
The Addicks’ skipper fired home from the penalty spot twice in quick succession shortly before the break, prior to a late Dean Bowditch consolation for the visitors, who had been hampered by a first-half red card..
The Valley encounter was one of three potentially season defining games in the chase for Championship status. All members of League One’s top six faced fellow promotion rivals in an intriguing Valentine’s Day fixture list, as Stevenage travelled to Sheffield Wednesday, whilst Huddersfield hosted Sheffield’s other half. If results went their way, Chris Powell’s men could see their lead at the top stretch to an impressive 10 points, but wins for United, Wednesday and the Dons would open up a furious battle for the top two slots.
Love was certainly not in the air for the players, despite the romantic date and a marriage proposal at half-time over the intercom. The highlights of a scrappy first half largely focused around numerous fouls, and the decisive opening goal arose after the tireless Yann Kermorgant was fouled by Dons’ defender Gary MacKenzie in an off-the-ball incident. The tireless Frenchman had penalty claims twice previously denied by the officials, but MacKenzie’s head butt earned himself a red card, a four match ban and a first-half spot-kick for Charlton. He later apologised “to my team-mates and my manager and the fans” for what turned out to be the game-changing incident. Charlton’s captain and designated penalty-taker Johnnie Jackson stepped up to rifle the ball past opposition ‘Keeper David Martin into the bottom left-hand corner . Martin got a hand to the ball, but it was not enough to deny Jackson his eleventh goal of the season.
Just minutes later, and deep into first-half injury time, Karl Robinson’s side conceded another penalty. Danny Green picked the ball up from the half-way line, before surging forward and unleashing a powerful drive from 30 yards that crashed back off the face of the crossbar. The ball eventually came to Jackson, who was then fouled inside the box by Newcastle loanee Alan Smith. He stepped up and again placed the ball past Martin, this time into the opposite corner, before celebrating an impressive twelfth goal this season from midfield. Since arriving from Notts County in 2010, Jackson has scored every league penalty he has taken, including 5 this season.
The two penalties were by no means the only chances of the first half. Bradley Wright-Phillips, who hasn’t scored since grabbing the winner against Brentford on the 19th of November, nearly ended his goal-drought with a spectacular ricochet from outside the area. MacKenzie’s clearance was charged down by the Addicks’ striker, and the resulting rebound flew towards the goal. The ‘Keeper managed to scramble back and keep the ball out, but the uncomfortably close distance prompted calls from the Charlton faithful that it had crossed the line. Nothing was given, but it would have been a stunning way for Wright-Phillips to end his 3 month barren spell.
This drought is nothing compared to that of opposition attacker Alan Smith, however. The former-Manchester United man hasn’t scored in nearly five years, and he came close to ending that spell after the half-hour mark. After good work on the right by fellow Newcastle loanee James Tavernier, Smith stooped to head in what looked like a certain opening goal. A fantastic reaction save from Charlton stopper Ben Hamer kept him at bay, and Chris Powell’s number 1 went on to complete a solid display. The gaffer hailed that save as “a moment of brilliance”, and praised his solid all-round performance.
In the second half, it was MK Dons who dominated, despite their numerical disadvantage and two goal deficit. Clear cut chances were few and far between, as Charlton seemed content to play the ball at the back. For periods, Hamer saw the ball much more than any opposition player, but with the ball in their possession the visitors looked the most threatening side. Their little triangles of passed were pleasing on the eye, but for all the build-up play, their attack lacked bite. As a result, Robinson may have regretted his half-time decision to swap striker Charlie MacDonald for defender Mathias Kouo-Doume.
Jackson made way for Haynes shortly after the hour mark, with Green switching to the left and the substitute coming in on the right. Vice-captain Taylor took over the armband, and his calming presence was crucial in helping the Addicks see out the win. Haynes’ pace threatened the Dons’ defence, but the main chances for the hosts fell to Wright-Phillips. The out-of-form striker pulled several shots wide, with the home crowd chanting his name in a bid to raise his performance. He hassled the opposition defence valiantly, but came up short in front of goal.
With just three minutes of normal time remaining, Dean Bowditch grabbed a deserved goal back for MK Dons. Substitute Jay O’Shea slipped in the number 9, who finished with aplomb across Hamer. In the final stages, Robinson’s troops rallied, with the goalkeeper going up for set pieces. However, it was Charlton who had the best chance in the dying stages. Green drove forward on the left, before playing in Wiggins, whose fierce drive was beaten away. The Addicks held on for the win, with another typically sound defensive display. These heroic performances from Powell’s back line have been crucial to his side’s league success this year.
WG.
The first penalty was to the keeper's right not left but that's nitpicking on my part!
COYR!
My view. Another professional performance, where we once again beat one of our rivals, without too much trouble. 2-0 at HT, we decided to stick with the win, instead of chucking more men forward & possibly jepordising the win.
Yes, we got it a bit wrong & all the slowing it down, meant we didn't play as well.
But FFS. This is the best team (pro rata) we've had for donkey's years & they will probably set a number of records that may never be beaten.
Just because your stressed out & unhappy with your own lives, don't lump it on the team & manager who have been outstanding. It's that sort of thinking that started us on the downward spiral & contributing to Curbs going, when loads of fans were unhappy with our top half position in The Prem.
http://www.skysports.com/video/inline/0,,16478_7524201,00.html
Also, I called 2-1 but didn't put a bet on it damn it