Phew 2-2. Post Match Reactions.

[Thorpe-le-Saint]

I would have taken a point before tonight.

[Under Weststand]

This was a 'must win game', maybe not so much from the points position with only a handful of matches played, but because if we can't win games like this at home, the season looks very bleak. There is no easy answer, if there was JP would be doing it, but we are missing a pair of specialist FBs and fans have been saying that since Day One.[/quote

 

Agree with that Professor but haven't most people been saying this for the last three seasons. The defence is the rock you build your team on, season on season we ignore this & continue to struggle. As you say though I've no Idea how we sort this mess out, There appears no quick fix & we just have to hang on tight for a very bumpy ride. Expect the worst & hope for the best is going to be my motto now!

[dubai_phil]

Well, without being happy clappy I think I detect something unusual here....

 

We held on for a lucky draw.

 

Again we held on for a lucky draw

 

Now how many times in the last couple of seasons has this happened. Unlucky draws, unlucky defeats....

 

 

No I ain't happy but.... maybe it's a start

Loanee time though chappies.

have txt'd my mate who blagged in to the Directors box to make the point, he sent back something about - slloo mush leer poo dlink - so don't think the message got through.....

again - damn

[ottery st mary]

Surely Hockaday and Henderson have been around long enough to put JP right. I feel sorry for him that the crowd and senior players have to encourage him to change tactics and formation. It is obviously not working and he may need Some advisory coach

mentor as an interim measure before we fall away. They can practice the Dutch Babel with the reserves.

[Lunatic Fridge]

I would have taken a point before tonight.

 

Says much for how far we have come since last season (and the previous). Under 15000 to follow Lowe Disunited. What a complete shambles and a very sad club we have now got.

12000 on Saturday to see Lowe Disunited?

[dubai_phil]

hmmm

 

Pekhart believes we should have won and the team is upset.......

 

eek

[PokingFun]

skacel has to come back pdq.

 

Dyer needs to fook off.

 

Flog john and get saga back.

 

how the **** do you know from austria???

[PokingFun]

We have to get some players to play at full back and defend properly. Most goals and problems are coming down the sides from what i have seen.

[Saint Martini]

true..but we have been awful for a few games now...this was not a one off

 

Not entirely true, we weren't awful at all against QPR until the last 20/30 mins after we were screwed by the lino and we had to push for the equaliser with 10 men.

[ottery st mary]

how the **** do you know from austria???

 

JP rings Alpine after each game and gives him a summary. To be fair when all the reports come in Alpine tends to have summed up the game spot on..

Does he really have that rapport with the Dutch team..spooky.

[um pahars]

We were very lucky to get a point tonight. Very lucky indeed.

 

With the exception of Lallana who looked quality every time he touched the ball, I have to say the rest of the team looked very poor. Outmuscled, outfought and outthought for long periods of the game. I am very worried about our defensive frailties and at times Ipswich were just walking straight through us.

 

We looked good in patches, but sadly these were few and far between and never really led to anything. For the majority of the game I saw nothing that looked like total football and there were long periods in the second half that were dire.

 

With not much to cheer me up on the pitch, I have to say off the pitch was worse. For long periods the atmosphere was dead and with about 13,500 Saints fans there it was fairly obvious why!!!!!!

 

Tonight was a very sad night for me.

 

As for the team:

 

Davis - 7 - Some very good saves that kept us in the game (and was ulucky with the first goal).

 

James - 4 - Looked uncomfortable (did he get outmuscled for their second goal)

 

Cork - 5 - Looked good, but still very raw

 

Perry - 5 - Didn't really do much that I can remember

 

Surman - 3 - And that's only because he scored. the poor fela is not a left back and was given a torrid time.

 

Dyer - 4 - Dire

 

Wotton - 6 - Tried to put himelf about it and tried to lead the team

 

Gillett - 4 - No surprise when he was substituted

 

Lallana - 8 - A class above. Very skilful and capable player. The only one who looks as though he can play total football.

 

McGoldrick - 5 - Won alot of headers, but just did nothing else

 

John - 6 - Held the ball up as much as possible, but everyone else was playing a different game.

 

Scheiderlin - 5 - Game passed him by

 

Pekhart - 6 - Looked hungry and sharp when he came on

 

Wright- Phillips - 5 - Never got in the game

 

Sorry if that's pessimistic, just how I saw it.

 

The lads certainly gave their all, of that I have no doubt, but too many of them are just not able to cut the mustard for me.

[badgerx16]

From the comments on here during the game, and looking at the match stats, we were bl00dy lucky to only be one goal down in the middle of the second half, such that we could come back. How many goals did our opponents have chalked off tonight ? ( If we had the same lino as at QPR we would have conceded 4. ) How many times did KD save our bacon ? The defence is a complete joke; whether because of their own inability, or the lack of cover from midfield really does not matter, you cannot afford to play HOME games against middle-of-the-table opposition and let them win 13-4 in terms of shots on target - it looks like Kelvin is nailed on as player of the season already.

 

If we don't get all 3 points on Saturday, and that is far from certain, then maybe it is already time for Rupert's master plan to be rethought.

Edited 17 September, 2008 by badgerx16

[JustMike]

We were very lucky to get a point tonight. Very lucky indeed.

 

With the exception of Lallana who looked quality every time he touched the ball, I have to say the rest of the team looked very poor. Outmuscled, outfought and outthought for long periods of the game. I am very worried about our defensive frailties and at times Ipswich were just walking straight through us.

 

We looked good in patches, but sadly these were few and far between and never really led to anything. For the majority of the game I saw nothing that looked like total football and there were long periods in the second half that were dire.

 

With not much to cheer me up on the pitch, I have to say off the pitch was worse. For long periods the atmosphere was dead and with about 13,500 Saints fans there it was fairly obvious why!!!!!!

 

Tonight was a very sad night for me.

 

As for the team:

 

Davis - 7 - Some very good saves that kept us in the game (and was ulucky with the first goal).

 

James - 4 - Looked uncomfortable (did he get outmuscled for their second goal)

 

Cork - 5 - Looked good, but still very raw

 

Perry - 5 - Didn't really do much that I can remember

 

Surman - 3 - And that's only because he scored. the poor fela is not a left back and was given a torrid time.

 

Dyer - 4 - Dire

 

Wotton - 6 - Tried to put himelf about it and tried to lead the team

 

Gillett - 4 - No surprise when he was substituted

 

Lallana - 8 - A class above. Very skilful and capable player. The only one who looks as though he can play total football.

 

McGoldrick - 5 - Won alot of headers, but just did nothing else

 

John - 6 - Held the ball up as much as possible, but everyone else was playing a different game.

 

Scheiderlin - 5 - Game passed him by

 

Pekhart - 6 - Looked hungry and sharp when he came on

 

Wright- Phillips - 5 - Never got in the game

 

Sorry if that's pessimistic, just how I saw it.

 

The lads certainly gave their all, of that I have no doubt, but too many of them are just not able to cut the mustard for me.

 

bit harsh only giving him a 3, he was better than Gillet. Do agree with you that he is not a LB though, would like to see him play in the centre but who do you then put at LB?

[teamsaint]

a defence this bads means a relegation fight. End of.

[Saint Charlie]

Ipswich local paper...

 

Man of the match

 

Pim Balkestein

 

Ipswich Town 4-2-3-1

 

1 Richard Wright Won't be happy with one of the goals conceded 6

 

22 Moritz Volz Sturdy defending great cross for Quinn's goal 7

 

6 Richard Naylor Injured when made slip that cost goal 6

 

15 Pim Balkestein Made a number of strong and important tackles 8

 

2 David Wright Stopped a lot and caused problems down his side 7

 

10 David Norris Put in some excellent work in central midfield 8

 

7 Owen Garvan took goal well and neat passing 7

 

8 Tommy Miller Disciplined work as midfield anchor 7

 

25 Alan Quinn Never gave up and deserved headed goal 7

 

19 Jon Walters Brave and committed but denied by Davis 7

 

14 Jon Stead Plenty of endeavour and came close 7

 

Subs

 

26 Veliche Shumulikoski (for Miller, 70) 6

 

9 Pablo Counago (for Norris, 73) 6

 

11 Kevin Lisbie (for Stead, 73) 6

 

21 Iván Campo

 

27 Shane Supple

 

Goals: Garvan, 20. Quinn, 50.

 

Bookings: (Volz (foul, 58) Garvan (73) Walters (foul, 87) Balkestein (90)

 

Attempts on 9

 

Attempts off 5

 

Woodwork 0

 

Corners 5

 

Free kicks conceded 9

 

Southampton 4-2-1-2-1

 

1 Kelvin Davis Outstanding series of saves 9

 

23 Lloyd James Lost man at vital times 5

 

30 Jack Cork Put in some important blocks 7

 

2 Chris Perry Steady under pressure 6

 

11 Andrew Surman Well-struck goal and set plays 7

 

10 Paul Wotton Over-ran at times 5

 

22 Simon Gillett Not able to cope with Norris/Garvan 5

 

18 Nathan Dyer Lively wide man was threat 6

 

20 Adam Lallana Flashes of quality but faded 7

 

14 Stern John Didn't show enough of his ability 5

 

17 David McGoldrick Strong and quick dangerman 7

 

Subs:

 

31 Tomas Pekhart (for John, 53) 8

 

19 Morgan Schneiderlin (for Gillett, 53) 7

 

8 Bradley Wright-Phillips (for Dyer, 64) 6

 

28 Bartosz Bialkowski

 

33 Joe Mills

 

Goals: Surman, 12. Peckhart, 70.

 

Bookings: None

 

Attempts on 7

 

Attempts off 6

 

Corners 6

 

Woodwork 0

 

Free kicks conceded 7

 

Referee: Phil Crossley (Kent) 7

 

Attendance: 14,916

 

Pitch: Excellent Weather: Cool and dry.

[um pahars]

bit harsh only giving him a 3, he was better than Gillet. Do agree with you that he is not a LB though, would like to see him play in the centre but who do you then put at LB?

 

I think he's a great player and he would be in my team every week. It's just I wouldn't play him at left back!!!!!!!!

 

There was a period in the second half where he was constantly beaten, gave the ball away and was like a rabbit in the headlights. I actually felt for him tonight as he is being played out of position and it's doing him no favours at all.

[dubsaint]

Come on lads we are six games into the season, new side etc, its going to take time, but i do think it is a good side and i will be happy to finish in playoffs, give it time.

[Thedelldays]

Come on lads we are six games into the season, new side etc, its going to take time, but i do think it is a good side and i will be happy to finish in playoffs, give it time.

lol

[John Cool]

1 point more than losing. Win v Barnsley and it won't be too bad a week. Lose, and it'll be fairly catastrophic...

 

Whilst a morale-boosting win against fellow strugglers Barnsley would be great, there are 40 games to go and we're playing a long strategy. "Don't Panic" should be our mantra - relax and have a shmoke

[badgerx16]

Come on lads we are six games into the season, new side etc, its going to take time, but i do think it is a good side and i will be happy to finish in playoffs, give it time.

At this rate it will be the League 1 play-offs at the end of next season

[Artavash]

Frankly I don't care what the doom mongers say. After a 4-1 mauling, and losing some games 1-0 (against decent opposition and we weren't run over then) I think a 2-2 draw against a good team is a good result for the young lads.

After 5 games the table and points count for squat. What matters more is the kids getting a chance to feel good about what they're doing and I reckon they'll be pleased with the point. The Barnsley game is a key game, but better it follows a 2-2 draw than another loss.

[badgerx16]

"Don't Panic" should be our mantra

Have you got Zaphod's sunglasses ?

[Thedelldays]

Frankly I don't care what the doom mongers say. After a 4-1 mauling, and losing some games 1-0 (against decent opposition and we weren't run over then) I think a 2-2 draw against a good team is a good result for the young lads.

After 5 games the table and points count for squat. What matters more is the kids getting a chance to feel good about what they're doing and I reckon they'll be pleased with the point. The Barnsley game is a key game, but better it follows a 2-2 draw than another loss.

of course they count..

 

do you think brum and wolves fans have the same attitude..

 

you cant beat having the points on the board and winning your home games....

 

we are struggling with both already

[saint_stevo]

It seems we have a very soft core. To progress in this league we need a big ugly bugger at CB (Darren Moore-esque) a decent ball winning/breakere-upper midfielder and a big monster of a forward such as Steve Howard or Darius Henderson. And you have to lump it.

 

We have/do non of those things.

[Artavash]

damn - I meant 6 games!

[Saint Martini]

Also, this was the first time JP has been very unhappy with our performance.

[badgerx16]

Also, this was the first time JP has been very unhappy with our performance.

He's learning then !

[Um Bongo]

after about 65 minutes, it's like a switch was flicked, and they all forgot how to play football.

 

It was laughable. James was ****e. He clearly needs a rest. Outmuscled for the Second Goal, and could see he didn't know what to say when Wotton was ripping it out of him.

 

Gillett was almost non-exsistant again, McGoldrick couldn't be arsed, Dyer was Dire....

 

But 2-2. I'll take that. Davis one again keeping us in the game.

 

Oh, and 14,000 fans there. Some super fans we have!

[um pahars]

after about 65 minutes, it's like a switch was flicked, and they all forgot how to play football.

 

We all wondered whether it was down to stamina and the youngsters not having fully developed yet????

 

Or was it a mental thing and they were just drained???

 

Or was it that Ipswich stepped up a gear????

 

Don't now what caused it, but it was really obvious to everyone around us.

[captainchris]

quietly relieved. I thought we would have got a few more things right tonight and come away with the win but the whole team need a long hard look at themselves when defending. Giving the ball away cheeply should be stampted on as that was the reason for Ipswich getting so many attacks. Cut that out and teams will have to make the most out of there fewer chances.

 

With 4 2 2 1 formation our 2 wide men are not defensivly minded and are leaving the defence exposed. Wouldnt be so bad if we had better full backs and 2 midfielders that are as good defensivly as they are in attack.

 

We have stregnths but not enough to play the system we are trying too.

 

a point is better than nothing though

 

This point is well made. Our defense is far too exposed. Jan has to get a grip on this. I like the fella and his passing football however if he doesn't concentrate on defense first we will ship at least two goals every game. We look like conceding every single time the opposition attack.......

[saint_stevo]

after about 65 minutes, it's like a switch was flicked, and they all forgot how to play football.

 

It was laughable. James was ****e. He clearly needs a rest. Outmuscled for the Second Goal, and could see he didn't know what to say when Wotton was ripping it out of him.

 

Gillett was almost non-exsistant again, McGoldrick couldn't be arsed, Dyer was Dire....

 

But 2-2. I'll take that. Davis one again keeping us in the game.

 

Oh, and 14,000 fans there. Some super fans we have!

 

im not prepared to part with my hard earned cash to watch drivel

[Um Bongo]

We all wondered whether it was down to stamina and the youngsters not having fully developed yet????

 

Or was it a mental thing and they were just drained???

 

Or was it that Ipswich stepped up a gear????

 

Don't now what caused it, but it was really obvious to everyone around us.

 

If anything, Ipswhich made it easier for us by taking Stead off.

 

Just a mental thing i guess. they were all knackered from the flashy ******** they were playing first half, instead of pacing the game.....

[ottery st mary]

Also, this was the first time JP has been very unhappy with our performance.

 

Sorry mate in that case he has been a little slow in showing his emotions. His first rant should have been weeks ago when he had unfit transfers foisted on him. He needs help now about this league not lower Dutch league. Severe but true.

 

 

Before you start on me just remember I have had to quell a riot down here as The Saints Supporters(Honiton section) are revolting.

They are up in arms and I had to send three of them to bed(teenage daughters

and the wife) They are not a happy lot and have voted not to attend any more games until the sorry mess is sorted as they can see how unhappy I have become and do not like it.

[madruss]

im not prepared to part with my hard earned cash to watch drivel

 

And to think, we used to sell out every week when Stuart Gray was in charge...now that was drivel!!

[corsacar saint]

We were very fortunate to hang on for a point, the defense is an utter shambles, especially the two full back positions. If we do not beat Barnsley, I do not see us getting

out of the bottom four all season. The two plusses were Peckhart and Cork, and we

only have them both to january. Pretty depressing, and yes Lallana should be added to the plusses.

[saint_stevo]

And to think, we used to sell out every week when Stuart Gray was in charge...now that was drivel!!

 

Wigley as well.

 

I refuse to go to Ipswich at home, i was at the fateful 'bricks at reception' match a couple of seasons ago and still ranks as the worst performance from a saints side i have ever seen

[madruss]

Wigley as well.

 

I refuse to go to Ipswich at home, i was at the fateful 'bricks at reception' match a couple of seasons ago and still ranks as the worst performance from a saints side i have ever seen

 

Ouch. Another very painful memory!

 

I hope tonight wasn't as bad as that, or we really are in trouble...

[saint_stevo]

Ouch. Another very painful memory!

 

I hope tonight wasn't as bad as that, or we really are in trouble...

 

I fail to shake it, along with Barnsley last year when 2-1 down v 10 men, board goes up for 6mins added on as im walking out, get to the bar area, see Idiakez equalise, run back in time to see Barnsley get the winner.

 

Ouch again

[EFM]

after about 65 minutes, it's like a switch was flicked, and they all forgot how to play football.

 

It was laughable. James was ****e. He clearly needs a rest. Outmuscled for the Second Goal, and could see he didn't know what to say when Wotton was ripping it out of him.

 

Gillett was almost non-exsistant again, McGoldrick couldn't be arsed, Dyer was Dire....

 

But 2-2. I'll take that. Davis one again keeping us in the game.

 

Oh, and 14,000 fans there. Some super fans we have!

 

More than the richest club in the world had on Sunday then? And they weren't bottom of the table beforehand and can realistically dream of much better things on the horizon.

[Mr Dad]

James - stood there and froze every time he was under attack. Didn't chase the ball whe he should have done.

 

Davis - With our defence as it as right now, we need a first rate goalkeeper. I think we have one in Kelvin.

 

Pekhart - Deserves a full game. Was impressive against QPR and scored a good goal today.

 

John - Not very effective. Most of the time just sttod there waiting for the ball to come to him. Needs to move into position more.

 

Richard Wright - Got a good reception from the Saints fans. He played much better when he was playing for us thank f@@@.

 

Lallana - Contributed a lot. Faded towards the end but he was great when he was on song earlier on.

 

Dyer - Was a danger at times but Ipswich didn't take him very seriously and left him a lot of space which he didn't take advantage of. Still playing by/with himself rather than as part of the team.

 

Surman - Hey, he scored by the way.

 

Fans - Northam end kept OWTS going for a long time and contributed to an atmosphere which must have perked the team up in the second half.

 

Midfield - some good 'total football' (what DOES that mean?). John wasn't there to finish off though as he has been in the past.

 

Overall - Some good positives. But we keep saying that every match though. We really need some positive scorelines!

[saint_stevo]

Dyer was playing with himself? no wonder he didnt get by his man often!

 

Groundsman in for a surprise 2m then

[Long Shot]

James - stood there and froze every time he was under attack. Didn't chase the ball whe he should have done.

 

Davis - With our defence as it as right now, we need a first rate goalkeeper. I think we have one in Kelvin.

 

Pekhart - Deserves a full game. Was impressive against QPR and scored a good goal today.

 

John - Not very effective. Most of the time just sttod there waiting for the ball to come to him. Needs to move into position more.

 

Richard Wright - Got a good reception from the Saints fans. He played much better when he was playing for us thank f@@@.

 

Lallana - Contributed a lot. Faded towards the end but he was great when he was on song earlier on.

 

Dyer - Was a danger at times but Ipswich didn't take him very seriously and left him a lot of space which he didn't take advantage of. Still playing by/with himself rather than as part of the team.

 

Surman - Hey, he scored by the way.

 

Fans - Northam end kept OWTS going for a long time and contributed to an atmosphere which must have perked the team up in the second half.

 

Midfield - some good 'total football' (what DOES that mean?). John wasn't there to finish off though as he has been in the past.

 

Overall - Some good positives. But we keep saying that every match though. We really need some positive scorelines!

 

 

Davis may catch the eye with his shot stopping but when it comes to crosses he is crap. Their 2nd was down to his indecision

[saint_stevo]

yawn at people blaming Davis.

 

Our defence is either slow and crap, or just crap. oh and tentative.

 

Killer and Perry- Past it.

 

We miss a Thomas type character at the back.

 

Rewind to the Birmingham cup game anyone disputing this, Thomas and Cork would be ideal right now

[offix]

I feel sorry for the 14k and the kids. It's so obvious that Jan is trying to play the right way and in the right spirit, and it's hard to have a pop at him because of that, but we need to toughen up, get a bit wiser and get a bit ruthless. It's time to get the older pros out there.

 

Where are you Rudi?

 

"To play the right way" - Does that at any time involve winning? If so, your statement is incorrect.

[Calvin]

im not prepared to part with my hard earned cash to watch drivel

 

But you've paid for a years membership on an internet forum.:confused:

[saintsforlife7]

We look shocking at the back, Surman and James really are not up to the fullback job, although we have been saying that since pre-season. Lallana and Davies our best players but BWP looked lively when he came on. Would have taken a point before the game so even though not the best performance am quite happy, need to win on Saturday and it won't look so bad then

[Fowllyd]

after about 65 minutes, it's like a switch was flicked, and they all forgot how to play football.

 

It was laughable. James was ****e. He clearly needs a rest. Outmuscled for the Second Goal, and could see he didn't know what to say when Wotton was ripping it out of him.

 

Gillett was almost non-exsistant again, McGoldrick couldn't be arsed, Dyer was Dire....

 

But 2-2. I'll take that. Davis one again keeping us in the game.

 

Oh, and 14,000 fans there. Some super fans we have!

 

Pretty much how I saw it. We looked fine up until they equalised in the first half - and we looked good because we were playing fluent, attacking football. Short passes, quick movement off the ball - the sorts of things I'll happily pay to watch. We had a dodgy patch after they equalised, then get better towards the end of the first half. Wouldn't agree about McGoldrick though - he didn't have a great game, but I didn't think he looked like he couldn't be arsed.

 

After they took the lead we looked pretty dreadful for a while, but I felt we improved with the twin substitution - Schneiderlin and Pekhart both introduced a level of dynamism that had been lacking. But a while after that, we reverted to hopeful hoofs upfield, rather than actually passing the ball. We simply can't do that, and it showed. Pekhart took his goal very well I thought; it was almost as flukish as their first one, but his finish was fine (in stark contrast to Dyer's inability to hit the target when clean through with the score at 1-1).

 

Overall, though, it was a good game of football to watch, both teams going for the win right up to the final whistle. There are areas we need to improve and I hope we can do so; there's too much seat-of-the-pants defending, not enough chances being taken, plus (in two of the three matches I've seen) we've had spells of hit-and-hope play rather than passing the ball.

[Ponty]

"To play the right way" - Does that at any time involve winning? If so, your statement is incorrect.

 

 

I did say "trying". Not sure why you decided to snip that from the quote as it changed the whole context.

[Long Shot]

Just back and I must burst a bubble. Davis is a good shot stopper but he is clueless when it comes to crosses.

 

We played good football in patches tonight but we are going to get mugged in virtually every game. Ipswich came at us in the last 10 mins and we looked vulnerable, naive and short of options.

 

IMO selling Davies (and I know he was prepared to stay) was the poorest decision made this summer.

[Um Bongo]

More than the richest club in the world had on Sunday then? And they weren't bottom of the table beforehand and can realistically dream of much better things on the horizon.

 

I couldn't give a **** how many qpr had, Southampton are my club. I'll pay to watch them even if we are skint and bottom of the table. Shame other fans dont think like this.