Recent Performances

[bantex]

Hi All, interested to know everybody's thoughts, but I have to say I think the performances over the last 6 or 7 games have been pretty poor. I'm constantly annoyed at the incessant long hopeful ball upt o the front men, with absolutely no support from the central midfield two. I like Scott, I think he's done some good things, but he seems almost blind to the perfomances? I'm amazed to read that he thinks some of the games are magnificent? I'm certain the team is told to play this way (hit the channels, hit Elder and let's see if we can pick something up in the opposition half) but I think this team has so much more to offer than that? I'm not daft, in league two you have to play the long ball more often than not but I honestly believe the reason we very rarely create more than one decent chance a match is because we don't actually try and create something. Scott will point to the table and I suppose you can't argue with that, but I think it could be much better. Without Mcdonalds hard-work, and let's face it, great goals to chance ratio, together with a solid defence (which isn't looking so solid wothout the classy Wilson) I think we would be mid-table at best. The central midfield two (whoever they are) never seem to want the ball and make something happen so maybe that's the reason but I think it's time Scott got real. I like him, I think he's done quite well, but he has to get real. If the defence starts to leak goals (which it is starting to do) we won't create enough chances to win games. Rant over, interested to know if anybody thinks the same?

 

[West Ealing Bee]

I don't think we should be blinded by what happened last night, after two very dodgy performances - well one and a half as second half v Rochdale was good IMHO - and a few below par we have played pretty well recently before last night.

You say we only create one chance a match but scored three at Port Vale, should have scored six at Luton and deserved more than one against Darlington.

You say our defence looks shaky but we have conceded one goal in the last three league games - two away from home.

I'm taking everything past half time as Rochdale as our recent form (for the few games before that we were playing a little below par and the defeats were coming) and apart from a shocker last night I think we have been more than competant for this level and better than most.

Christmas always sorts the men from the boys - if we are in contention on January 4 given our injury situation I think we can look forward with promise.

 

[hubble]

Barrow was Andy Scotts 50th game in charge anyone know what his record is W D L F A

 

[wanderer paul]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brentford_fc

not up to date, but up to 47 matches.

now updated! someone got on there quick!

 

[taybren]

Luton was a good performance. Vale was a good performance

 

[Fell Tel]

We won't see the best of this team until we get Smith back. Without him we do lack creativity in centre mid. With Williams and Newton injured we also lack an attacking right mid. AS has tried to fix this with the loan player who wasn't available for Barrow. The reality is that when we have injuries to first choice players we are likely to struggle until AS brings in a loan player, which can take time. Generally, I think AS has done well.

 

[rebus]

Christmas always sorts the men from the boys - if we are in contention on January 4 given our injury situation I think we can look forward with promise.

How anyone can class a 3-0 and 1-0 away wins in the past couple of weeks as "pretty poor" is pretty strange to say the least.

 

[DavidgRushden]

Let's not become too despondent.Yes, Friday's performance was dismal, but losing a goalkeeper for whatever reason, is one hell of a blow for any team, and the young lad thrown in at the deep end did his best. We all know that performances are not always up to what we want, but hey, we are in the promotion places, instead of worrying about the Blue Square Conference next season. Andy has done a magnificent job with the relatively new team of players he has signed this season, who will alwaystake time to settle down and get to know each others' strengths and weaknesses. If we are concerned still about the FA Cup, then no doubt Wycombe and Rochdale supporters are also in a like mind as us. The FA Cup is history now, so let's concentrate on the league and look forward to playing some decent teams at proper grounds next season. If we can also learn to convert more of the chances being created for those all important goals, then we will be in L1 next season.Come on you Bees!

 

[jlove]

I think you may have been watching different games to me. Yes, we do not have an attacking central midfield pair but the upside of this is their defensive value. Although Wilson looked really good, Phillips has got better with each game and I think he's going to be one of our big assets for this season. I'm eagerly awaiting the return of Smith, who combines 'bite' with more forward play.

Big Mac has put in some super-size performances and it's clear why Andy was so keen to get him. Elder is, well... a L2/Conference, centre-forward, sometimes you need one of those but it would be good if he learnt to anticipate play.

To me - and you did ask for opinions - the 'problem' is more our wide players. They should be finding space to receive a pass and be getting forward to support the front two a lot more. On the right, we've had Williams, who has turned out to be a step up from Shakes... but no great shakes, although he does get into the box; we've had Newton, who is solid, if unspectacular, and actually crosses well; a spot of Halls, class but no-one else is on his wavelength; more recently Bowditch, who will probably look good anywhere in attack. No-one has commanded the right midfield spot and AS seems to have recognised this with the latest crop of loan signings to cover injuries.

On the left, we appear to have been spoilt for choice but Poole seems to be carrying an injury now; Dickson is playing his way back to fitness and Wood has been a revelation but is not the finished article. Neither is what I expect a left midfielder to be but both make good attacking left backs.

If our wide mid-fielders do not make opportunities to receive a pass and Charlie is being marked by two players, there is no alternative but to aim for Elder. I don't believe it is Scott's tactic 100% but often the players have no choice... it's one of the reasons Bean and Halls were accused of dithering, they're players of a higher standard and are expecting those in front of them to be looking to make space for a pass. How many times do you see our forward players stand and wait for the trajectory of the ball before moving? Charlie is the only one who gambles and runs off his marker - that's the problem in my view.

 

[NorthamptonBee]

We have a side that should be good enough to compete in all the games we play in.

We have a left side where you can perm 2 from Dickson, Wood, Johnson and Poole and that is above average for what I have seen so far this season.
We are struggling on the right with only a young and not very liked CB at RB and Bowditch when available. The injuries to Hall, Newton and Williams have made a fragile spot nigh on impossible although you could argue that Bowditch and Karleigh have been the best on that flank so far this season.
CM is difficult, Bean is a very good player and KOC can throw in a decent game but I like penetration and not just a good tickle.
The CB situation is good, Phillips has been very good, Bennett has stuttered over the last few games but had a really impressive start. How AB wasn't sent off at Barrow is beyond me, a hard man who is a bit of a loose cannon at times. But BJ and Karleigh cover us well should the need arise.
Our goalkeeper is good but not as good as a lot of Bees think and nowhere near as good as he thinks. He has all the attributes to be a good keeper but his decision making has been awful in the past few games and unlike Bennett didn't get away with it at Barrow.
Charlie and Elder are fine, their goal columns show that. Elder throws in a bad one every now and then but was visibly shattered at Luton and looked not to be over it at Barrow IMO. Mac is a brilliant player and hats off to who told you that a few seasons ago.
We haven't been playing well for ages but we are 7th and have won plenty of games recently and accrington etc shouldn't hold any fears for us, every game is so winnable in this league and we have enough to see us through.
Just no more Craig Pead please.

 

[North London Bee]

We have a side that should be good enough to compete in all the games we play in.


game but I like penetration and not just a good tickle.

Far, far too much information

 

[Markybee]

We have a side that should be good enough to compete in all the games we play in.

We have a left side where you can perm 2 from Dickson, Wood, Johnson and Poole and that is above average for what I have seen so far this season.
We are struggling on the right with only a young and not very liked CB at RB and Bowditch when available. The injuries to Hall, Newton and Williams have made a fragile spot nigh on impossible although you could argue that Bowditch and Karleigh have been the best on that flank so far this season.
CM is difficult, Bean is a very good player and KOC can throw in a decent game but I like penetration and not just a good tickle.
The CB situation is good, Phillips has been very good, Bennett has stuttered over the last few games but had a really impressive start. How AB wasn't sent off at Barrow is beyond me, a hard man who is a bit of a loose cannon at times. But BJ and Karleigh cover us well should the need arise.
Our goalkeeper is good but not as good as a lot of Bees think and nowhere near as good as he thinks. He has all the attributes to be a good keeper but his decision making has been awful in the past few games and unlike Bennett didn't get away with it at Barrow.
Charlie and Elder are fine, their goal columns show that. Elder throws in a bad one every now and then but was visibly shattered at Luton and looked not to be over it at Barrow IMO. Mac is a brilliant player and hats off to who told you that a few seasons ago.
We haven't been playing well for ages but we are 7th and have won plenty of games recently and accrington etc shouldn't hold any fears for us, every game is so winnable in this league and we have enough to see us through.
Just no more Craig Pead please.

Luton? :shrug:

 

[NorthamptonBee]

Luton? :shrug:

Were we good there then? We were professional and saw off a relegated team with no forwards, good win but we will have a harder game and need to be better at Accrington, surely?

 

[NorthamptonBee]

Far, far too much information

Don't we all.

 

[Markybee]

Were we good there then? We were professional and saw off a relegated team with no forwards, good win but we will have a harder game and need to be better at Accrington, surely?

We should have scored at least 4. We were professional ather than good at PV. Yes, we'll need to bounce back at Accrington.

 

[SQUELCH]

Midfield is still a concern for me, think Bean and Kev are too simliar dont see either getting too many goals but at the moment they are doing the job. Our defence should handle most in our division, however teams with pace like Adrian Patulea at Lincoln will cause us a problem but height wise we have it sorted.

The keeper is bound to make a few silly mistakes he is young after all, he will get better with games but he is still learning. Elder annoys me like he does a few on here, maybe he just gives the impression that he doesnt want to dirty his shorts but you can see Charlie getting a little p!sses off here and there.

Set pieces - considering our height and heading capabilities the delivery of crosses on Friday was shocking. That needs to be sorted asap.

Still far far better than anything under Butcher, Christmas is always crucial if we can stay top six at the start of Jan i reckon we will have a good chance.

 

[bees66]

anyone have any stats for shots at goal since the season stated compared to other teams? thanks

 

[wanderer paul]

anyone have any stats for shots at goal since the season stated compared to other teams? thanks

http://www.football-league.co.uk/page/ClubShooting/0,,10794~200826,00.html



3rd bottom !!

 

[Doovster]

I think the recent form, apart from Barrow has been fine. We look far more solid in midfield with Bean and Oconnor. The defence has been fine, I think Phillips has filled Wilson's shoes comfortably, and we have only conceded 1 goal in the last 3 league games.

Yes Barrow was disappointing but I think everything conspired to conjure up that poor performance. 3 tough games in 6 days, a long trip up North, some injuries and a boggy pitch.

I'm not gonna get all pessimistic off the back of that. I think we're well placed in the league and still have more to offer when at complete full strength.

 

[wanderer paul]

I think the recent form, apart from Barrow has been fine. We look far more solid in midfield with Bean and Oconnor. The defence has been fine, I think Phillips has filled Wilson's shoes comfortably, and we have only conceded 1 goal in the last 3 league games.

Yes Barrow was disappointing but I think everything conspired to conjure up that poor performance. 3 tough games in 6 days, a long trip up North, some injuries and a boggy pitch.

I'm not gonna get all pessimistic off the back of that. I think we're well placed in the league and still have more to offer when at complete full strength.

excellent post. my sentiments exactly.

 

[taybren]

http://www.football-league.co.uk/page/ClubShooting/0,,10794~200826,00.html



3rd bottom !!

wycombe are bottom

 

[Markybee]

wycombe are bottom

says a lot then compard to league postions

 

[hypa123]

Barrow was Andy Scotts 50th game in charge anyone know what his record is W D L F A

With a win ratio of 42 percent, Andy Scott ranks equal with Malcolm Macdonald, two points behind Martin Allen, one point behind Bill Dodgin Jr, one point ahead of Phil Holder, Jimmy Sirrel and Frank Blunstone, and three points ahead of Ron Noades. For the record, Steve Coppell is way out ahead with a win ratio of 50 percent.

 

[bees66]

http://www.football-league.co.uk/page/ClubShooting/0,,10794~200826,00.html



3rd bottom !!

cheers a bit of a worry

 

[south coast bees]

cheers a bit of a worry

wycombe are top of the league unbeaten but are bottom of this table :shrug:

 

[bees66]

wycombe are top of the league unbeaten but are bottom of this table :shrug:

aren't you worried about the amount of chances we create in a game? yes clubs sitting pretty on top but lucky for both clubs the defences seem better

 

[nick logan]

I think the recent form, apart from Barrow has been fine. We look far more solid in midfield with Bean and Oconnor. The defence has been fine, I think Phillips has filled Wilson's shoes comfortably, and we have only conceded 1 goal in the last 3 league games.

Yes Barrow was disappointing but I think everything conspired to conjure up that poor performance. 3 tough games in 6 days, a long trip up North, some injuries and a boggy pitch.

I'm not gonna get all pessimistic off the back of that. I think we're well placed in the league and still have more to offer when at complete full strength.

I agree, maybe i am just easily pleased but i thought the perfmances at Vale ,home to Darlo ( we were miles better than the team who were top) and at Luton were good.

 

[NorthamptonBee]

I agree, maybe i am just easily pleased but i thought the perfmances at Vale ,home to Darlo ( we were miles better than the team who were top) and at Luton were good.

I'm maybe the other way and expect more, with 11 v 11 we were nowhere at Vale, Darlo have drawn and lost to Droylsden and also lost to Chester with a draw with us in there somewhere. They were also rubbish at GP and Luton were not very good IMO. 2 very good away wins and what looks like a decent point at home to the leaders but there are much harder tests to come. Accrington and Gillingham away are going to be severe tests IMO whereas Vale and Luton were always very winnable.

 

[nick logan]

I'm maybe the other way and expect more, with 11 v 11 we were nowhere at Vale, Darlo have drawn and lost to Droylsden and also lost to Chester with a draw with us in there somewhere. They were also rubbish at GP and Luton were not very good IMO. 2 very good away wins and what looks like a decent point at home to the leaders but there are much harder tests to come. Accrington and Gillingham away are going to be severe tests IMO whereas Vale and Luton were always very winnable.

Darlo were on a 5 game winning streak in the league. Why is Accrington a harder away game than Luton? they have lost 5 at home already. Granted conditions may be tricky again but there is no reason to fear a visit to ****ing Accrington imo.

 

[Gee Bee]

Granted conditions may be tricky again but there is no reason to fear a visit to ****ing Accrington imo.

Keeper position might be a bit of a worry not only for the fans but also the defence in front of who ever plays.
That would only be my concern on this trip as we still have adequate cover in the other areas where injury has taken out the first choices.

 

[NorthamptonBee]

Darlo were on a 5 game winning streak in the league. Why is Accrington a harder away game than Luton? they have lost 5 at home already. Granted conditions may be tricky again but there is no reason to fear a visit to ****ing Accrington imo.

I fear nobody and Darlo were on a good run but came to us after a crap draw with Droylsden and loads of injuries. They only had one forward and the little sh*t bloody scored, we can win at Accrington bit I do believe that they will be more of a test than Luton. Luton were shocking up front, they kept the ball at times in the first half and plonked some crosses in at times whereas Stanley will have the great Paul Mullin on the end of them up there.

 

[-superbees2k3-]

We won't see the best of this team until we get Smith back. Without him we do lack creativity in centre mid. With Williams and Newton injured we also lack an attacking right mid. AS has tried to fix this with the loan player who wasn't available for Barrow. The reality is that when we have injuries to first choice players we are likely to struggle until AS brings in a loan player, which can take time. Generally, I think AS has done well.

 

[DavidgRushden]

What evidence is there to suggest that AS will actually be able to get a goalkeeper, and from where, in time for the next match, and if so will the league agree to it? Also, if he cannot, are we left with a young, very inexperienced goalkeeper with a crocked one as a substitute? Hopefully, Hamer is only out for one match, not three that some are suggesting.

 

[North London Bee]

What evidence is there to suggest that AS will actually be able to get a goalkeeper, and from where, in time for the next match, and if so will the league agree to it? Also, if he cannot, are we left with a young, very inexperienced goalkeeper with a crocked one as a substitute? Hopefully, Hamer is only out for one match, not three that some are suggesting.

He will, don't worry!

 

[Willo]

I think it says a lot about how far we have come since last season, when a Team like Darlo, top of the league and flying come to GP and 'Park the bus' in front of there goal

 

[rebus]

What evidence is there to suggest that AS will actually be able to get a goalkeeper, and from where, in time for the next match, and if so will the league agree to it?

Plenty, lots of clubs, yes and yes.

 

[john-castle]

Lets be honest guys , this is a very crap division and we MUST get out of it! Next season could be really great if you look at some of the clubs fighting relagation from the Championship and if Leeds and Orient stay down, if we go up that is, can we do it???????????????????????????????????????????????????????

 

[Ambrose_1889]

Lets be honest guys , this is a very crap division and we MUST get out of it! Next season could be really great if you look at some of the clubs fighting relagation from the Championship and if Leeds and Orient stay down, if we go up that is, can we do it???????????????????????????????????????????????????????

I agree. However, is playing Orient really "great"? Millwall staying down on the other hand... :box:

 

[bees66]

Next season could be really great, Orient stay down, can we do it?

why would it be great to have Orient in our league if we go up? I hope they drop like Cheltenham

 

[Brentford 4 Life]

I hate Orient and would love them to go down (even though i think they will survive) but its a London derby that means we should get a good gate and a revenue boost for the club so it helps if they stay up rather than Crewe or even Cheltenham. Cheaper for the fans and the team to travel to their place as well.

 

[Ambrose_1889]

You can't hate Orient Nobody hates them. They're just a nice little London club punching above their weight. As with Barnet and Dagenham, they are one of the few London clubs that I hope do alright as long as it doesn't affect Brentford.

I hope they stay up as it's a derby match of sorts which means a slightly increased gate. If we do go up this season, the only London club in the Third I will be hating will be Millwall. I don't think much of Charlton either (and it looks like they are coming down) but you can't hate sweet little Orient, even if their fans do call us "the scum" lol

 

[Brentford 4 Life]

You can't hate Orient Nobody hates them. They're just a nice little London club punching above their weight. As with Barnet and Dagenham, they are one of the few London clubs that I hope do alright as long as it doesn't affect Brentford.

I hope they stay up as it's a derby match of sorts which means a slightly increased gate. If we do go up this season, the only London club in the Third I will be hating will be Millwall. I don't think much of Charlton either (and it looks like they are coming down) but you can't hate sweet little Orient, even if their fans do call us "the scum" lol

I know what you mean and compared to millwall, fulscum i love them but i was right near their fans when we played at their place (Tillen got a late equiliser i think) and some of their fans gave us loads of sh*t. It was a bit more than the usual banter. Some 35+ year old men threatening to do some of our 13, 14 year old fans thought it was a bit cowardly and i havent liked them since. I also resent the fact that they are in a higher league than us it makes me sick tbh. I really like Barnet though, they seem to play good football but just dont get results how we won TWICE at their place is amazing they deserved at least a point in both games.

 

[Brentford_till_die]

We could potentially be playing:
Leeds
Charlton
Notts Forest
Southampton
Millwall
Norwich


Someone said that you would have thought we were in the Championship at least.

 

[Brentford 4 Life]

Some really big teams, no wonder Hereford are struggling.

 

[Ambrose_1889]

I don't know what my thoughts are on the Franchise. Part of me hopes they are eternally unsuccesful for their crimes against football but another part of me hopes they go up so we don't have to be in the same league as them again. I don't know what it is but being in the same division as Franchise FC devalues the whole competition somewhat. Hopefully one day they'll go bankrupt, fingers crossed.

And out of that list, they all excite me except Norwich. But even then I'd rather be playing Norwich than Morecambe so bring it on. We MUST win promotion this season.

 

[DavidgRushden]

I don't know what my thoughts are on the Franchise. Part of me hopes they are eternally unsuccesful for their crimes against football but another part of me hopes they go up so we don't have to be in the same league as them again. I don't know what it is but being in the same division as Franchise FC devalues the whole competition somewhat. Hopefully one day they'll go bankrupt, fingers crossed.

And out of that list, they all excite me except Norwich. But even then I'd rather be playing Norwich than Morecambe so bring it on. We MUST win promotion this season.

We will win promotion this season

 

[eyeseebee]

We could potentially be playing:
Leeds
Charlton
Notts Forest
Southampton
Millwall
Norwich


Someone said that you would have thought we were in the Championship at least.

Guess you could add Watford to that list - I fancy that one-
Still need revenge for that 1 nil defeat there in our 92/93 relegation season - I'm sure I remember Marcus Gayle thumping the bar for us, and them getting a penalty that should never have been given.

 

[Claire]

I wouldnt mind playing Norwich as my mates boyfriend is a Norwich fan and it means that I could drag them both along to the match...

There could bee some decent sides in League 1 next season...here is hoping we get promotion...

 

[scruff puppy pup]

Exeter will be a test. A good, in-form team and a long coach journey. If we get a result there, I will be impressed.

 

[blunstone]

I wouldnt mind playing Norwich as my mates boyfriend is a Norwich fan and it means that I could drag them both along to the match...

There could bee some decent sides in League 1 next season...here is hoping we get promotion...

i love and admire optimism ---- but there is a long, long way to go yet.

one step at a time claire!