Saints V Stockport County - Post Match Reaction

[St Marco]

game of opinions

 

Indeed

 

Nobody could know how the game would pan out before kick off. If Barnard had taken his 2 chances and Antonio taken a couple of his it could of been like 4-0. But they didn't take them and the game was just petering out to a 0-0. They were never going to score.

 

At that point Pardew could of brought on Gillett and tried to create more from midfield. The rest of the subs were defenders if i remember right other then Waigo.

he made the right call in bringing him on at that point as it changed the game.

If i think about it from the point of view where say Waigo started and Barnard was on the bench and the game went the same way would Barnard have changed it by coming off the bench? personally i don't think so.

[Give it to Ron]

T

 

Play Papa from the start next game please and give Antonio a rest, he looked shot to bits today.

 

I am gobsmacked at that....he was the only player likely to create anything until

Papa came on. He had them in all sorts of problems with his pace and trickery(well he doesn't know what he is going to do).

He was the only player we had with pace and Barnard, Lambert and Holmes were never going to run past the last man.

[St Marco]

We don't have a game in hand over either Swindon or Huddersfield, they both have a game in hand over us. It's 18 and 15 points respectively if they should both win the game in hand that they have over us.

 

Acording to http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_2/table/default.stm

Millwall are 6th. They are the team who are in the last playoff spot and thus the team we are chasing. We have a game in hand on them. If the other teams win their games and replace them in 6th spot then they will become the team we are chasing. But right now they are the team in the spot we want to be in.

[Saints foreva]

Pretty crap game imo.

 

We were maybe the better side but the game should have been more easy from the off then we made it.

 

One thing that annoyed me today was the amount of anti Pompey songs that were chanted. Did we ever chant in support for Saints?

 

The 'Wembley' chants are also setting us up for a massive fall, I didn't know we'd already beat MK Dons over the two legs?

 

Today I thought none of our players really stood out. Fonte had a good game, not sure why Pardew is selecting Seaborne ahead of Jaidi. Barnard was below average, hopefully that isn't a sign of things to go and yet another poor game from Lambert.

 

Papa Waigo looked good when he came on and got a fully deserved goal.

 

We will need to up our game if we want to beat Exeter next week...

[Dibden Purlieu Saint]

good win, poor performance. Barnard looks off the pace

 

Only been here a week or so, so not worried at all yet. Always takes a while to integrate into a new team, and as said, we created nothing until he went off anyway.

[Window Cleaner]

Acording to http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_2/table/default.stm

Millwall are 6th. They are the team who are in the last playoff spot and thus the team we are chasing. We have a game in hand on them. If the other teams win their games and replace them in 6th spot then they will become the team we are chasing. But right now they are the team in the spot we want to be in.

 

Millwall aren't really relevant to our case unless Huddersfield start losing matches.Millwall are above Huddersfield because they have played 2 more matches but our true position vis a vis the playoffs should not be confused by this.

[Thedelldays]

Only been here a week or so, so not worried at all yet. Always takes a while to integrate into a new team, and as said, we created nothing until he went off anyway.

having a guess...stevo probably means the sitters he has missed...

[yorkie]

I think we forget who was missing today...however 3-points is enough.

 

Still 13 off the palyoffs with a game in hand and many games against the teams above us home and away. Take 3-points in those and 10-points will soon dwindle away.

 

Noticed Danns scored 2 today - I wonder if the announcement saying "No more signings" is a way of getting Danns or Stock this window? fter all Palace and Donnie may be playing hard ball knowing our financial strength. This is a clear signal nothing more to offer - may be mack in close season. If they need money now there's still Sunday and Monday morning until noon to do medicals and finalise terms!

 

Quite honestly with Hammond back, Holmes providing on the left, Waigo on the right and a combination of Rickie, Barnard and Connolly up front - we should do alright. Can assume we will hit the play offs but you know what they say about teams that win when they ply badly. We will be playing much better teams in the weeks to come and not teams intent on sitting 5/6 across the middle to stifle our open passing football.

 

Can't remember who is next...but first win under our belt. Only three more on the trot and they can give Markus & Nicola the freedom of the City as far as I am concerned. No pressure lads - play off chasing win, JPT second leg Wembley, and then the auld enemy and the glories of the 6th round. Pinch me someone I think I'm dreaming...

 

I would have taken this in July if someone had offered it...let's just be thankful and less critical.

[corsacar saint]

For an hour, we looked like the team at the bottom of the league. We won in the end but must do better in all our remaining games.[Why do we never start on the front foot

in our home games?].

It is not an excuse to mention the new signings, I believe Stockport had 5 new loan signings who had barely met each other, so they were in the same or worst position than

us.

[Professor]

There was quite a bit of negativity over Seaborne when he was signed but he showed today that he's a very capable and solid CB with playmaking ability and doesn't just hoof the ball. Now the negativity is moving on to Barnard because he's missed a couple of chances while he's still settling into the team. Even Lambert misses chances as do all strikers. It vwas apooor display first half, but there are so many new players and the fixture logjam means playing different formations each match, that settling down is bound to take time. Fans should forget about the play-offs - its just too far away - but the JPT would be great and so would a resulkt against Pompy. Either would make this a fantastic season.

[OldNick]

poor first half, little threat and we need Barnard to get his first goal to settle him down.

My MOM was Holmes

[pele]

We were shocking in 1st half.....do not like the new right back Jon, surely Wayne is a better option.Barnard and Ricky to similar! Great game Papa!

[Jillyanne]

why was the score not included in the thread title as usual???

[Window Cleaner]

why was the score not included in the thread title as usual???

 

for the same reason as the MOM poll I guess.

[derry]

game of opinions

 

It didn't need an opinion. We were garbage for an hour. The manager changed nothing at half time. Wotton was awful and Schneiderlin alongside him was almost as bad, consequently we had no link up.

 

We had one passing move in the first half and the first 15 minutes of the second half was as bad.

 

Waigo came on, the lights came on, Schneiderlin and Holmes suddenly had an outlet and from there we started to play. The last 30 mins wasn't half bad. Waigo is a good player, terrific movement and pace, a good touch and passed the ball, what a difference he made.

 

The disapointing thing is he didn't get much credit from Pardew. Antonio isn't in the same class, poor touch, little end product, flatters to deceive, doesn't seem to know where he should go, yet he starts regularly. Waigo is an infinitely better player and looks like a real footballer.

 

Pardew set it up negatively again. There was no need for Wotton and Waigo should start, so should Gillet instead of Wotton. We won't make the playoffs playing negative crap.

[Give it to Ron]

Pardew did say that we have some big games coming up and he has that extra quality and he will probably feature in those.

[markr27]

Awful for 60 mins. Felt sorry for Barnard going off as no-one was going to score in that first half.

 

The Mills corner that led to the first goal curled out of play before it found its way in the box.

Many in our block though the lino had seen it and cancelled the goal, therefore not celebrating but thankfully he was in front of the Kingsland and didn't see it

[RedWillie]

Crap first half - in fact completely dire.

 

2nd half better, more urgency. Holmes was MOTM for me although Papa's energy was a joy compared to the first half.

 

If we play like the first half next week we are in for a shock.

 

Defence was OK, not really tested but Fish was inconsistent, Wootton was , well what wootton is - OK

 

lambert looks tired

 

Antonio reminds me of a cheap firework.....sometimes he excites, sometimes the end result is a complete dissapointment but thought he was OK 2nd half.

 

A win's a win.

[Saintandy666]

When we played crap, they didn't really bother us, and when we played well, they couldn't touch us

[Window Cleaner]

Pardew did say that we have some big games coming up and he has that extra quality and he will probably feature in those.

 

Pardew keeps saying that Wotton needs a rest but he doesn't act on it.

What he says is fairly vague, doesn't mean it will happen.

Like this history with Danns for instance, AP says no more yet we still have a bid in for him (apparently)

[Chez]

bloody hell Stockport were terrible. I know they have been stripped of the best players due to financial problems, but they offered nothing. They hardly got out of their own half. Two shots on goal, both powerder puff. Never a chance of ever losing the game, ever. I hope that p0uts things into context in terms of the result, because we struggled big time. There was so little creativity in the first half, but not just that, there was a lack of pace to oru play and a lack of direction. Do we even know what we are trying todo? Once goal went in th egame changed on its head. People will point to Waigo changing the game, and he certainly did play well, but the whole team woke up and it looked as though we'd score three or four. Those last 20 minutes don't make up for the 70 flat minutes before them, but they offer a little hope that we can raise our game.

 

Davis 7 couple of catches, two basic saves. Very quiet.

Semi 6 very little to cope with, but still didn't get close enough when they did get our of their own half. Some overlapping.

Fonte 8 solid, some hoofing in first half

Seaborne 9 hardly put a foot wrong. some decent passing as well. Not much hoof. Very little to cope with

Mills 5 woeful first half. Poor decisions and terrible passing and hoofing. Got much better in the second half

Holmes 8 decent game overall, although like everyone else offered little in the first half. Some nice attacking play, beat his man a couple of times and delivered decent crosses. He didn't have to track back so not tested defensively.

Wotton 4 slow, dilly dallied on the ball, backwards passing. Did nothing except put his head in where it hurts once. I expect better of a centre midfielder.

Morgan 7 got better as the game went on. Could do with a partner that actually moves to pass to.

Antonio 7 Again loads of endevour, effort, drive and confidence to beat his man. Some very poor crossing in the first half, slightly better in the second. Creates stuff. Starting to secure his position in the starting team.

Lambert 4 did **** all. As great as he is at taking free kicks he has to do a lot lot more than that. Lucky to stay on the pitch IMO.

Barnard 6 plenty of effort and on another day would have scored with the first header, but no real threat.

Waigo 9 never gave the ball away and passed first time. Sped our play up and was a threat with the long ball over the top. He is a striker. Have said this for months and months. Lets play him there. Lets play him.

[Um Bongo]

People can slag Wotton off, but today he was up for it more then any other player. Sure, he isn't very good. But he wears the shirt with pride, and gets stuck in.

 

LOL at their goalkeeper. Thought he was quite amaturish at times, the first half where he fell over kick the ball was brilliant. Bit of a 'Meh' performance, but a week off.

 

Waigo to start V MK Dons + Pompey please.

[St Landrew]

why was the score not included in the thread title as usual???

 

So that people might make the effort to join in. Didn't work for you..?

[NickG]

First half had no buzz at all.

 

Wooton looked uncomfortable to get the ball.

 

Both full backs failed to offer openings - Mills particularly bad.

 

 

Second half improved, particularly with Papa - first touch won the corner we scored from and he looked dangerous throughout.

 

Positives

Papa

Antonio

Holmes - very energetic and beat his man,

CBs looked very comfortable

[NickG]

and Schneiderlin played pretty well, particularly late on

[Chez]

People can slag Wotton off, but today he was up for it more then any other player. Sure, he isn't very good. But he wears the shirt with pride, and gets stuck in.

 

no one ever doubts his desire, but this is professional football. There has to be more. He is so slow, he doesn't get close enough to make the tackles we need him to. Woeful display on Tuesday and no better today. He has heart but no ability whatsoever.

[sidthesquid]

First half was one of the worst 45mins of football I have ever witnessed. Second half was a lot better. In the players defence a) they have had a couple of big games before this one & they all looked leggy in the first half, b) the crowd never woke up till half time either c) Stockport may have been v. limited, but they closed down quickly, d) the ref was a plank, e) we were without Lallana, James & Hammond - all pretty much ever present this season & f) about 4 players were making their home league debuts & you could see they wanted to play safe rather than risk making a fool of themselves. Barnard will be okay, but he needs a goal to calm his nerves, the new defenders looked pretty okay, but I reckon I could have done okay out there today.

At the end of the day - not a classic, but job done

[Leicestersaint]

Well at least we won!

[Big_Bald_Si]

Well, according to the Beeb website, we had 14 shots on target!?!??!

 

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_2/8480751.stm

 

I don't remember that many.....

[70's Mike]

no one ever doubts his desire, but this is professional football. There has to be more. He is so slow, he doesn't get close enough to make the tackles we need him to. Woeful display on Tuesday and no better today. He has heart but no ability whatsoever.

 

you could be talking about franny benali

 

today was cr*p BUT we won , to many times in the last 5 years we would have lost todays game.

 

i know it is mad, we are in the third division, but i feel now like i did in the early 60's we are capable of beating anyone from any division.

imo SAINTS ARE BACK roll on the next game

[St Landrew]

Well, according to the Beeb website, we had 14 shots on target!?!??!

 

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_2/8480751.stm

 

I don't remember that many.....

 

 

It was a very different 2nd half after Papa came on. I had this page running during the game [very useful too, I've found] and before his appearence, I think I noticed only 4 shots on target.

[Toadhall Saint]

OHMG - first half- absolute crap.

 

2nd not that better

 

We didn't know what to do - embarrassed you bet.

[Barry the Badger]

My mum kicks a ball better than the Stockport keeper. Comedy.

[70's Mike]

My mum kicks a ball better than the Stockport keeper. Comedy.

 

all part of the entertainment

[CLOTH EARS]

I had a feeling it was going to be one of those games. The crowd was flat and it seemed to rub off on the players. I think the crowd and some of our players thought we only had to turn up to get the 3 points. Stockport came for a draw but i expected that, The midfield created naff all in the 1st half it was all sideways and backwards. Defensively we looked fine but if todays anything to go by then it may be a case of Barnard or Lambert in the team not both. I am sure Barnard will come good but he may need to play alongside someone like waigo. Waigo definately made the difference today, he ran at defenders and committed them and gave us some much needed impetus, this in turn seemed to rub off on the other players and they upped their game too, this also got the crowd going. Much room for improvement but we WILL get there.

[sidthesquid]

Too many people are having a go at Lambert & Barnard & bigging up Papa. Lambert in particular runs himself into the ground every game, wins dozens of headers and still scores goals. He might not have been great today, but he is ALWAYS a willing outlet. Barnard did okay without looking great but he will be a good player. Papa did brilliantly today, but he still missed two absolute sitters and he is still very hit and miss. Today was his day, next week he'll probably have a shocker - that's why he doesn't play every week. It all needs to be kept in perspective & we are bl00dy lucky to have so many options that we can swap it around when plan A fails

[alpine_saint]

Pleased we won, but was it REALLY the manner of performance to be expected from most expensive team playing bottom team ?

[70's Mike]

Pleased we won, but was it REALLY the manner of performance to be expected from most expensive team playing bottom team ?

 

of course not but the sign of a good side , or so it is said about Chelsea, Man U ETC, IS TO WIN even when playing badly

[NickG]

yes, comfortable, at times boring, 2-0.

[Joesaint]

Too many people are having a go at Lambert & Barnard & bigging up Papa. Lambert in particular runs himself into the ground every game, wins dozens of headers and still scores goals. He might not have been great today, but he is ALWAYS a willing outlet. Barnard did okay without looking great but he will be a good player. Papa did brilliantly today, but he still missed two absolute sitters and he is still very hit and miss. Today was his day, next week he'll probably have a shocker - that's why he doesn't play every week. It all needs to be kept in perspective & we are bl00dy lucky to have so many options that we can swap it around when plan A fails

 

I would just like to say that I think Papa is a very very good player and has improved alot but I don't think he has been given a fair chance, when he has the opportunity he does score goals esp when needed. He has something about his with regard to breaking the line and getting past people.

 

COYS

[Saint_clark]

Three of the worst decisions i've seen from a ref tonight;

Giving a goal kick rather than a corner when the Stockport player BLATENTLY headed it out. There wasn't even a Saints player within 2 yards of him.

No penalty for the push on Barnard? He sent him flying FFS.

That tackle on Lambert when the keeper slipped was horrific. NO attempt to get the ball at all, was a professional foul and I think the Stockport player was expecting to walk.

[Charlie Wayman]

For 45 minutes this seemed like a life sentence what with freezing weather and long-ball up-and-under kick and rush drivel. Only Antonio seemed to know which way to go and the singing of "We've got Antonio" was fully deserved. Now I am sorry Mills but you are crap with a big C and have no place in this team. Nor has that great lumbering clod-hopper Lambert - wake-up at the front, yes, you! OK, OK, the defence was pretty good generally and Wotton has become a man on a mission. Make him skip at least he knows all their names and can shout a lot as well as put it about.

 

Well, whatever illegal performance-enhancing substance Pardew put in their tea at half-time it worked, suddenly we were playing higher up the pitch and our mid-field got on top and the rest is as they say "history".

 

The difference was Papa Wacko and boy wasn't it great to see Papa and Antonio running together, surely must have put the sh*ts up their back four, Play Papa up front every week and he'll blossom just like Antonio, so why now do we need Pincheon and how will James and Hammond get back in? And as for Lee Barnard, what the Eff-ing dong-dings is he here for? Pardew may be able to find decent defenders but sure as sheep-turd he couldn't spot a striker in a Post Office Depot in December.

 

Oh Yes! we took three points and I'm content with that but gve me style over functionality any day of the week..

 

MotM? Schneiderlin for me or Wotton.

[Saint_clark]

You have no clue whatsoever.

"Nor has that great lumbering clod-hopper Lambert - wake-up at the front, yes, you! OK, OK, the defence was pretty good generally and Wotton has become a man on a mission. Make him skip at least he knows all their names and can shout a lot as well as put it about."

 

Don't be so f*cking ridiculous.

[SaintBobby]

Pretty modest, even turgid, performance. Papa Waigo changed the game. We seemed to really pick up the pace after he came on.

 

Lambert and Barnard haven't quite clicked yet. Was worried that Lambert was limping in the first half. We are running him into the ground.

 

Fonte looked brillaintly composed. Seabourne okay - but i probably prefer Jaidi for a bit of bite.

 

Mills was a total embarrassment today. Harding back in the starting XI please.

 

Any of Lallana, Connolly and Puncheon might have opened the game up for us earlier.

 

MOTM: Antonio.

 

Wotton did okay as a battling midfielder. Schneiderlin looked half hearted for much of the match, but did come alive towards the end.

[Charlie Wayman]

You have no clue whatsoever.

"Nor has that great lumbering clod-hopper Lambert - wake-up at the front, yes, you! OK, OK, the defence was pretty good generally and Wotton has become a man on a mission. Make him skip at least he knows all their names and can shout a lot as well as put it about."

 

Don't be so f*cking ridiculous.

 

But I was there and all theguys with me had the same opinion. We can't all be wrong?

[CHAPEL END CHARLIE]

My ratings for Saints v Stockport County (2-0)

 

K Davis 7 - Faultless but a pretty routine day at the office in all honesty .

J Ostemobor 6 - The kind of player who is unlikely to be bad enough to lose the game for you - or good enough to win it .

J Fonte 6.5 - Looked competent but hard to really tell against opposition as poor as this .

D Seaborne 6.5 - See above .

J Mills 6 - Plenty of mistakes but signs of the real ability that he undoubtedly processes as well - a young player learning his trade .

M Antonio 7.5 - A super display of effective wing play , his close control of the ball is exceptional .

M Schneiderlin 8 MOTM - Midfield dynamo . Mobile , creative & the hard tackling midfielder every team needs . Magnifique !

P Wotton 6 - Typical mix of honest hard work & near comical inability with a football .

L Holmes 7 - He got (much) better as the game progressed , properly match fit now & surely a useful asset for the rest of the season .

L Barnard 6 - A proper grafter but fluffed the few goal chances he had . Subbed for Papa .

R Lambert 6.5 - Credited with the vital (& v scrappy) 1st goal but not really terribly effective I thought .

 

Substitute :

Papa Waigo 7.5 - Changed the entire game when he came on . Don't ask me why he doesn't feature more often . :confused:

 

Conclusions :

A poor game of football against the worst (& smallest) team we're likely to see at St Marys this season , it only really came to life when Papa came on in all honesty . Bright spots were the excellent Schneiderlin , Antonio's wing play and signs that Holmes is regaining good form . Credit to the manager for getting the substitution exactly right .

A win is always a good result at any level but anyone who came looking for evidence that we are on the verge of mounting some unstoppable run to the playoffs is likely to have left somewhat 'unconvinced' .

Edited 30 January, 2010 by CHAPEL END CHARLIE

[Saint_clark]

But I was there and all theguys with me had the same opinion. We can't all be wrong?

 

Clearly you are.

Lambert did what he could with what he was given, and Wotton did nothing right all game long. Whenever he got the ball everything lost momentum.

[Under Weststand]

Well I'm relieved that we won that, I was dreading them winning would have got some fearful stick at work. Sounds like it was a poor game all-round, but one we probably would have lost the last few seasons. It does seem a bit Worrying that we don't seem to be playing well at the moment, just as long as we keep winning, at least the next 3 anyway.

[Glasgow_Saint]

Poor performance, but won the game.

 

I will take that.

 

NEXT!

[saint1977]

Let's just say the first 60 minutes of the game was the worse I have seen this season. We weren't just poor we were bloody diabolical

 

When Waigo came on everything changed. He was by far MOM. Pace, skill, visionary, cross runs totally confusing the opposition.

 

This was not an inspired substitution by Pardew, it was a major mistake he did not start

 

When he came on Schneiderlin started playing because he had an outlet. Holmes started playing because he was inspired by Waigo's movement and space.

 

As for Wotton, he was the poorest player on the pitch and actually caused our midfield to be non existant and provide no service, movement or skill.

 

Fonte and Seaborne were excellent. Looks like we have a great buy in Seaborne. Fonte is of course class.

 

Worried about our midfield but with Puncheon soon to play it can only improve.

 

As for Lallana, injured his hip in training yesterday and failed a medical today. Rested ntil Wednesday and they will look at him. Hopes to be fit for Exeter.

 

Exactly my view. Davis had far less to do than Tuesday (where his display was stunning) but I'd like to see the communication develop with the back 4. Seabourne and Fonte did th job and Seabourne was much better today. Mills was dreadful but Ostemobor showed improvement.

 

Waigo changed the game totally - Morgan was transformed as was Holmes. No excuse for playing Wotton, he wouldn't get a game at Salisbury and no excuse with Gillett on the books, even with Hammond injured. Wotton is firmly in my worst ever XI. Antonio in my view is coming along very well, best outfield player Tuesday and for first 60 minutes today. Still some raw moments but look at his starting point and where he is now.

 

Barnard looks a bit overawed at the moment, hope he gets a lucky goal to get him started and settle him down. Lambert was Lambert and led the line with little midfield support bar Antonio. Puncheon should add to the side and also when is Hammond expected back? Will make a big difference IMO.