5string

I would say our league position is primarily due to our defensive strength, rather than our attacking prowess. Also, this is a common problem for leading teams to overcome: opposition 'park the bus' basically saying "think you're good? Get through this!" We have good attacking options, but not the quality yet which will tear defensive teams apart, like Chelsea, Man City & Arsenal have. However, a Mane + Elia strike combo with Tadic supporting with his passing quality would be a fearsome attack (if a little 'short'). Pelle on the bench to change things later if necessary. Then JR to reappear when fit. Looking good for the last few games of the season, I think.

Dearie dearie me!

... and there it is! Unbelievable.

On for Reed instead.

Ok, a few more 'shots' means we're getting into better positions. Just need one strike to hit the spot.

Forster came off his line?!

Free kick on the right, hardly touched him, yet a rugby tackle in the box right in front of the ref gets ignored. Really?!

Really? Didn't know that. Maybe because he left when he was so young?

Yep, but there were regular Guernsey v Jersey matches - big rivalry there! Someone's already said they didn't face each other, though, which seems to ring true.

Brought up in the New Forest, therefore Saints were the nearest 'main' club (sorry, Bournemouth!). 1st game was the Boxing Day game at the Dell during the '75/'76 Cup winning season - may have been Bristol Rovers? Didn't get to Wembley, but went to see the victorious team return on the open-topped bus outside the Civic Hall - I was one of the 250,000! Never supported anyone else 'properly',though I like to follow local teams where I live... the mighty Diamonds of Airdrie currently. That's a tough gig! As a result of my meanderings I also 'follow' Exeter, Yeovil, Crawley, Rangers, Falkirk and St Johnstone.

This was the system his school team played in Guernsey - I went to uni with a mate who was at the same school as him. When they won the ball they'd just pass it to MLT, who would proceed to run through the opposition and score many goals. So he'd be used to playing that way and it could be argued he was good enough, even in the 1st Div/PL to keep playing like that. At school I think he got somewhere between 75 and 100 goals in most seasons - was only Guernsey school football, though and Le Saux apparently played against him sometimes (I think - would need to check that one).

Great threat and some brilliant comments, too. The pressure at the top is just as intense, but it's 'positive' pressure and less desperate than at the bottom end. Therefore more enjoyable. Agree with the OP about winning/losing having a greater effect on league position and prospects of finishing higher.

In my opinion... He seems to fit well into an old-fashioned 'inside right' type position. This would suit a 5-3-2 formation as previously mentioned. Not sure how that would suit our other midfielders, though. He's neither a winger, a luxury skilful player, nor an 'engine room' style midfielder, but he definitely adds a certain 'je ne sais quoi' to the attacking options of the team with his passing and attacking support (as backed up by 'assist' stats). Whenever I've watched (on tv) he has been a creative force.

Oh look, arms up in self-defence!

And we still have MS, Big Vic, Toby Alright, Sadio, Jay R, Yoshida & Sam G to return. That should heat up competition for starting places. And, erm, Mayuka...

What a fantastic result at the end of a quite brilliant week! Who needs a big squad when you have a quality one? Total football, anyone?

Definitely a bit of 'top 3 team' luck.

Come on! 2 minutes + ... erm ... 'Toon Time'?

Was just thinking we need to move the game upfield a bit.

Ta-daaa!

Not at the moment, but every striker has their 'off' times. He's still contributing, as has been mentioned a few comments ago. The goals will return.

Agreed. Good to have Corky back, gives the rest of the side some confidence in his solidity, so they can play more fluently. (cue: mistake & equalizer!)

YAAAAAAASSSSSSS!!! Elia 2-1 Deflection off the defender - balances it up

Tadic & JWP off Long & Cork on

It was. Getting a goal kick almost makes up for the other end...