Saints 2-0 Norwich - Post match reaction

[IN MY DAY]

He may have looked like Ruel Fox, but he had the skill and composure of George Lawrence meets Ali Dia. In fact, I'd put him on a par with BWP!!!!!!!

 

I cant argue with that U.P. perhaps it was the E-numbers in his boots!!

 

Something stood out like a sore thumb tonight is that BWP is not intelligent enough to play in that team. He was very very poor and did not anticipate anything all night, except the final whistle!

[Ian the Red]

Derby.

 

Birmingham.

 

2 LEAGUE wins in a row

[Junction 9]

I actually enjoyed tonight. I'd forgotten how it felt.

 

Well done lads.

[Weston Saint]

Lets not forget Marshall, there goalkeeper who made quite a few great saves. We had 12 shots on target and 10 off.

[SarniaSaint]

Good win and 3 clean sheets in a row let's just keep it going at Coventry.

[anothersaintinsouthsea]

Great result, with so many youngsters in the side confidence is crucial so two wins on the trot is just what the doctor ordered.

 

Didn't get to the game so: Will JP persist with Mills at left back and so free up Surman for midfield?

[Foxy]

Suddenly feeling a lot happier about life. Interesting to see how much more of this before the over reaction and we'll walk this league-ing starts.

[um pahars]

Didn't get to the game so: Will JP persist with Mills at left back and so free up Surman for midfield?

 

It would be a big mistake if he did. A double whammy of losing Surman from midfield and having him play poorly again at left back.

 

Looked a different player tonight and back to the form he showed when he first broke into the side.

 

He was such a different player tonight that JP would have to be blind to put him back there again.

[Junction 9]

It would be a big mistake if he did. A double whammy of losing Surman from midfield and having him play poorly again at left back.

 

Looked a different player tonight and back to the form he showed when he first broke into the side.

 

He was such a different player tonight that JP would have to be blind to put him back there again.

 

I take it you mean it would be a big mistake if he didn't.

[um pahars]

I take it you mean it would be a big mistake if he didn't.

 

Indeed:smt053

[benjii]

£24 well saved..... :smt053

[doggface]

where in midfield did surman play?

[Dan Johnson]

Game Ratings

Kelvin Davies – 9/10 – At least 2 world class saves, looked unbeatable today, full of confidence and really enjoying his football, a complete contrast to the Davies we saw when he first moved to the club.

Joseph Mills – 7/10 – Looked more comfortable than Lloyd James, over lapped well and offered an attacking option. Norwich had 2 very quick wingers & they used them often, Mills done the better job of keeping 1 of their wingers quieter than the other.

Oli Lancashire – 8/10 – Looked very assured at the back despite 1 dip in concentration which lead to a fine save from Davies. Very impressed with him at the back and looked the more “experienced” head at the back despite playing next to Perry

Chris Perry – 6.5/10 – Defended well but offered little in terms of distribution, held the line well.

Lloyd James – 6.5/10 – Was troubled by a very good Norwich winger, seems to lack pace at times which results on him committing himself to early, does offer an option going forward and hopefully will improve.

David McGoldrick – 8/10 – Deserved more than his 1 goal from the spot, really put it in today and if he was a little sharper would have grabbed a hatrick

Adam Lallana – 9/10 – Started off slow but was running the game by the end of 2nd half, offers so much. Can take the pace out the game, can open doors, is always an option, his off the ball movement is top class, watch him pass then move and want the ball again to open teams up.

Drew Surman – 8/10 – Despite him being an able left back, he looks so much better in midfield. Had a really good game today, covered soo much ground.

Jack Cork – 7.5/10 – Played a superb Ancher roll today, linked the midfield & defence really well and again covered so much ground to allow Lallana the “free” roll

Robertson – 8/10 – Started slow, but really came into the game and looks like a real capture. Reminded me of James Beattie at his best. Cracking finish for his goal and could have had another 2!!

Pekhart – 5/10 – looked off colour, first touch was poor, not sure if he was injuryed or whether he was taken off because he was offering little up front.

BWP – 7/10 – Played well, looked a threat, was a little isolated out on the wing at times but the effort was there.

All in all, very very happy with the performance

[Andy_Porter]

where in midfield did surman play?

 

Through the middle.

 

Roberston was down the left to start and then BWP went there after.

[Andy_Porter]

Davis - MOTM and so far he's easily been my player of the season. He made three saves in a row before we scored the penalty, if any of those had gone in we wouldn't have got the three points. Superb performace and hopefully it continues.

 

James - Looked a bit shacky at times but he grew in confidence with the team and was an important part of the side.

 

Perry - Done what he had to do well and marshalled the defence well. I think he won the tackle which sent BWP on his way when he hit the cross bar before half time.

 

Lancashire - Looked good as a defender but not totally composed in front of goals, he gave the ball away on the edge of the area in the second half and he will really need to cut that out of his game asap. Should stay at the back with Perry even if Svensson is fit for Saturday.

 

Mills - a future star, doesn't look out of place in the side although he sometimes gives winger a bit too much time on the ball.

 

Surman - Looked superb in midfield and should probably stay there whenever possible, he can help run the game from the middle although I'd worry he may get muscled out of games too easily.

 

Cork - Got forward well and also defended well, wasn't sure how well he'd do in midfield but he was quite good. A shame he's only on loan because he's got a bright future ahead of him.

 

Lallana - Didn't have his best of games by his high standard but he was still one of out best player. He's just so composed on the ball which isn't something i've come to expect at SMS.

 

McGoldrick - Well taken penalty and was unlucky not to score again at the end. I think he need to learn when to cross and when to try and beat a man. Too often he tries to hard to beat one or two defenders when and early ball might be an option. Overall he had probably he best game for us. He showed a lot more effort than in some previous games.

 

Roberton - What a finish, showed some great touches and imo looked a lot better after Pekhart got injured and he moved to the middle. Very unfotunate not to get a 2nd.

 

BWP - Unlucky with his shot before half time and he had an alright game. I'm not convinced he fits our system, especially not as a winger. Hopefully he will prove me wrong.

 

Pekhart - Didn't really do much before he came off, was he injured?

[Um Bongo]

I heard something amazing tonight - The Northam singing the name of Kelvin Davis!

 

Quite right too, he was fantastic

 

He thought we were mad when we were singing 'England, Number 1'

 

Seriously, he made some top class saves today. Made it even sweeter the best two were agains tthe gimp from Pompey.

[Andy_Porter]

If any of our strikers actually bothered to attack the far post towards the end of the game we would have scored 4 or 5, so many balls flashed accross the goal while players just sat waiting in the box. Maybe it's a lack of experience, I'm sure John would have got on the end of one.

 

3 points away from a play off spot \o/

[Um Bongo]

What was the sending off all about btw? Didn't see it, and am assuming it wasnt for the foul.....

[Wes Tender]

A very entertaining and satisfying experience, the match tonight. It was a very nervous and tentative start, but once the goal was scored by Robertson, the team's confidence increased. The goal was absolutely glorious; MLT would have been proud to have scored it. I haven't seen the wonder goal by John in the Rotherham game, but I suspect that this is also in the running for our goal of the season. The other highlight of the evening were the two incredible World class saves from KD. He was on fire in goal and if not for him, I think that we would have lost, as Norwich did have the chances. There was also a great save when Norwich were through one on one, but Kelvin wasn't going to beaten tonight by anybody. McGoldrick's penalty was also a good one, probably unstoppable even had Marshall guessed the direction. Once that was dispatched and we had the two goal cushion, the confidence in the team soared and we witnessed some lovely passing possession football. Their Skate having been dismissed for dissent, the spaces suddenly appeared in the Norwich defence and the lads exploited it with a swagger. Had the shooting been less erratic at that stage, we could have scored two or three more, such was their dominance.

 

If the lads go into the next game playing with the same confidence that they left off with tonight, playing attractive passing football, they can build on these couple of wins.

[Saint Billy]

Well done saints! Two on the trot, whats going on!

 

Keep it going boys.

[Whitey Grandad]

What was the sending off all about btw? Didn't see it, and am assuming it wasnt for the foul.....

It must have been something he said. It couldn't have been for the foul and there was no indication that the referee was going to take any action until he suddenly brought the card out.

[Um Bongo]

It must have been something he said. It couldn't have been for the foul and there was no indication that the referee was going to take any action until he suddenly brought the card out.

 

I think he just lost it with the 'YOU SKATE BAS**RD' chants.

 

My mate said he threw the ball down and swung for the ref. Hey ho.

[saint si]

Just got back.

 

Great result and it was shooting practice towards the end. But we should remember that at 2-0 and with 10 men, Norwich were always going to leave gaps, just like we did at QPR.

 

The other "but" is that it really should have been 1-1 just before our penalty. Really sloppy bit of play let in their left winger (can't remember his name, but he absolutely owned us down that side) and he should have scored. Take nothing away from Kelvin though, world class save, followed by another off the resulting corner.

 

I was waiting for one of our passes across the back to gift them a chance as it had looked on the cards all first half...

 

Think the sending off was for something he said or general aggressiveness to the ref. The foul certainly wasn't worthy of a straight red, and i'm not even sure it was him that committed it.

 

Definitely worth catching Robertson's goal, it was a screamer.

 

Back-to-back 2-0 wins. Bring on the Sky cameras!

 

And the official attendance is wrong. A mate of mine who hasn't been in a while bought a ticket just before kick off but in his haste he somehow ended up getting two and paying 48 quid... I can only assume he thought that prices had gone up significantly in the last year or so...

[Bailey]

Good win, good performance and generally a good night!

 

Special mention to Robertson who looks very useful. He has a real good work ethic and looks very strong when it comes to holding the ball up. Fantastic debut goal too!

 

Lancashire looked solid enough at the back. I thought he was very assured and composed on the ball and looks like he's right up there in Poortvliet's plans now. Got to start Olly and Perry together for Cov away. If we can get a settled defensive partnership then things will start to take shape. A few clean sheets in recent matches proves just that.

 

Kelvin was in fine form once again. Made a couple of absolutely fantastic saves and you could even go as far to say that he kept us in it at times. Without him we'd be in some serious trouble this season! Never thought I'd say this but fingers crossed we can keep hold of him come January!

 

Lallana was his usual self. The boy has some serious talent and is without doubt the next big thing to roll off the SFC youth conveyor belt. I noticed there were a few scouts and coaches watching from the Director's Box this evening, and one can only wonder who their focus of attention was on . . .

 

All in all, a top draw evening. Thoroughly enjoyed the match, a great result and a good performance too. Lets hope we can kick on from here, take the confidence from tonight's result and get another 3 points at Coventry.

[Saint Fan CaM]

Great performance by the lads...really enjoyed the game and I have not said that for what seems like ages. KD is in excellent form at the moment - top keeper, even if he doesn't always command his area as best he could, he more than makes up in the save dept. Lallana is a star - ran his socks off for the side tonight - was everywhere. Surman bossed midfield. And the new lad - well, if that goal had been scored in the Prem the Sky twerps would be creaming themselves - it was that good a finish.

 

Well done to the team and the coach - I am hoping that my reservations are proven unfounded about JP. This may just be the green shoots of minor recovery perhaps?

[Chap in the Chapel]

A splendid result - but let's not get carried away. For the first half-hour we were second best and Robertson's cracking goal from absolutely nothing was, I thought, against the run of play. We did improve after that but following half-time Norwich were again in the ascendancy before Lallana very cleverly won the penalty. From where I was he was looking for it but there was contact and he earned us the second goal. That's three penalties awarded in two games, two of which have been won by Lallana. Defenders will now be very reluctant to tackle him in the box now. I was amazed at how unprofessional Stefanovic was in getting himself sent off for dissent. With 11, Norwich could still have been in the game.

 

After that though, we were able to play fancy stuff with a man over for 25 minutes, and we probably should have had a couple more, but perspective has to be maintained. Stefanovic shot his team in the foot and Kelvin kept us ahead when we really needed him. Against 11, we weren't all that good and could easily have been behind before we scored. Still, four unbeaten in the league with three clean sheets is progress. I still worry about Lloyd James though. He's obviously not a full-back. Interestingly, Norwich's right-back Otsemebor was impressive - if we ever have any money again we could do a lot worse. Special mentions to Robertson and Lancashire, who I thought were splendid. It'll be tough on Saturday but we've got some momentum and can get a result, no question.

[Calvin]

I was very happy with the performance. I was happy throughout the game as I managed to raise a smile which is strange.

it's good to see that the youth are still not giving up. there is a lot there in terms of fighting spirit, even the energy is still in the youth to push on.

Coventry next.. This will be another test of character for Saints, just hope we can pick up three points and show what the youth can do.

 

I don't regret attending the saints match at all. I always attend home games anyways.

 

 

COME ON YOU REDS.

 

KELVIN DAVIS is once again the hero!

Edited 30 September, 2008 by Calvin

[CHAPEL END CHARLIE]

My personal ratings for Saints v Norwich :

 

K Davis 8 - A flawless display of goalkeeping , 2 or 3 crucial second half saves he's in the form of his career .

L James 5 - Any progress seems very slow at this stage , bit of a weak link to be honest .

O Lancashire 7 - Big and quick he has the makings of a good player given time , still has much to learn obviously.

C Perry 7.5 - The brains behind the defence he's worth his weight in gold to this young team . A natural born leader .

J Mills 7 - I really like this lad , he'll run all day for you & those little legs move deceptively quick !

J Cork 7.5 - Formed an highly effective CM partnership with Drew , seems to be able to play almost any position .

D Surman 7.5 - So much happier in midfield rather than at LB , it would be a terrible shame to move him .

DMG 6.5 - At times he looks like the real thing at other times he looks like a pub player :confused: . Well taken penalty .

A Lallana 8 - A naturally gifted footballer it's worth the ticket price just to watch him play , enjoy him while he's here .

J Robertson 8.5 MOTM - As fine a debut as I've seen since Walcott's his goal was a masterpiece . Swapping him for Dyer already looks like a superb piece of business .

T Peckhart 6 - Puts himself about a bit but off injured before he could make any real impact .

 

Substitutes :

BWP 6 - Not his worst game and willing enough today but I really don't rate him .

M Patterson - Only on for a few minutes .

 

Summery :

A thoroughly entertaining game of football and a well deserved victory for the Saints - indeed we could have won it by 4 or 5 had BWP or DMG taken their chances . How good it is to see a Saints team with so many physically big players in it .

The key to the teams recent - & highly inconsistent improvement IMO is replacing M Svensson with younger fitter defenders (be it Cork or Lancashire) and the introduction of 'Fish' Mills at LB , who not only plays well himself but also free's Surman to move back into his proper midfield position .

One noticeable feature of our game-plan is the team's ability to successfully defend a very high line and in the process catch the opposition offside on numerous occasions , Jan Poortvliet and Chris Perry deserve to be congratulated for all the hard work going on behind the scenes to drill this tactic into our play .

I would urge caution before we start talking about promotion or play-offs however , Doncaster and Norwich look like very ordinary teams to me and it would be a mistake to read too much into the last two results - welcome as they are .

[Englesaint]

Just back but worth staying up to say well done to the boys.

 

The posts above have the detail but special thanks to

- Lallana : class act throughout

- Perry & Lancashire who held the back together well

- Robertson : a goal long remembered by those who saw it

- Kelvin : my MOTM (stunning saves when they really counted)

 

Still some work to do to keep the opposition at bay (Norwich certainly had their fair share of early position and some great opportunities) but a step forward in many respects and hopefully a great confidence booster.

[Kingsbridge Saint]

Well done Saints.

 

I had pretty much given up on the team after Rotherham but have a small bit of faith back now. This side has the ability, and now it looks like it is developing some character too.

 

Hopefully we won't fall on our arses in front of the cameras again next time out.

 

Point at least.

 

Enjoying this win for now......

[Guest Hacienda]

Well done to the team and the coach - I am hoping that my reservations are proven unfounded about JP.

 

A sentiment I believe we all share.

[Iowsaintsfan]

A confidence boosting 2-0 win, and just 3 points off the Play Offs - I think a point at Coventry would be good and then look to smash Watford on 17th October.....

 

Kelvin is Top man!

 

We should easily beat them on the 17th

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

They wont be here! its the 18th!!!!

[Saint Johnno]

Made for a very happy night. Well done you Reds.

Long may it continue.

[Navyred]

Absolutely delighted with the result and the performance last night. I was absolutely over the moon to see a team with Mills, Lancashire, Lallana, McGoldrick, White, James and now Paterson - all Academy players playing first team football (also Hatch in the first team squad). Hats off to our unsung Academy manager Matt Crocker, you are doing a fantastic job.

 

I have said it time and time again - these 'kids' will be the back bone of this club (I hope) for years to come.

 

COYR:)

[sidthesquid]

A brilliant night's entertainment - the match stats said 50 shots on goal between the two teams. Watching Saints at the moment is how football should be - an exhilarating, sometimes scary, always exciting rollercoaster. The way we play and with the players we have means we are always going to ride our luck at the back on occasions, but when we get it right going forward, it's as good as anything you could see in the Prem or the Champions League. I would give them all 8.5 or 9 tonight because they worked hard, stuck to the task even when it wasn't working, and when it did they were unstoppable. It has been fascinating watching these lads develop this season and we are miles ahead of where we were at the start. They look tougher both mentally & physically and they are going to get better and better.

The only downside about the evening was the dismal attendance. Where have all these so-called fans gone? Are they all so rabidly anti-Lowe that they are cutting off their noses to spite their faces? Or has the memory of last season's garbage still not been wiped clean? Because without the return of these fair-weather fans we are going to lose Lallana & Surman and others just to pay for their non-attendance. And that will be the saddest thing of all.

[OldNick]

Not much to add to the quotes already on here. I personally think we are being harsh on the full backs. Both Norwichs wingers were quick and skillful.It seemed to me that our wingers get doubled up on whereas James and Mills were exposed 1 on 1 on many occasions.The winger on loan from Pompey was fast and tricky and he created his chance beutifully and it was then you could see it all crashing down 0n us until the magnificent Davis pulled off his save.I was amazed that they took them both off, it made our job a lot easier.

BWP is lacking real confidence and it was a shame that his fantastic shot hit the bar and not gone in.That would make al ot of difference to someone who is definately a confidence player.As for the song about robbing from the Skates, I know it is not an anti song to him but I m sure he is not impressed.

[saintbob40]

Kelvin Davies – 9/10 – the cat got the cream.....two saves at 1-0 set up the win, outstanding.

Joseph Mills – 7.5/10 – Improving every week. Stick with him JP

Oli Lancashire – 7/10 –Takes a little too much time on the ball on occassions but highly promising.

Chris Perry – 7/10 – Good organiser, old head, who looks better with pace around him.

Lloyd James – 6/10 – Playing out of position and trying hard. But not a RB

David McGoldrick – 8/10 – worked hard again. He has obviously still got the rocket inserted where it should be. Sticky feet at times, needs to release the ball a bit earlier. But generally, played well.

Adam Lallana – 9/10 – Classy, quick feet, good hard worker.

Drew Surman – 8/10 – Formed part of an excellent partrnship in CM. Could get forward because of Cork's graft.

Jack Cork – 8.5/10 – the unsung hero, the water carrier. Play him anywhere and he performs or more importantly his effort allows those around him to perform.If the Saints have Prozone I would be interested to know how far he ran last night.

Robertson – 9/10 – who he.....? Made fools of a few on this board. Dream first start and well done JP for getting him!!

Pekhart – 5/10 – Poor half an hour of work.Surprisingly poor in the air and slow last night.Injured? if not, JP doesnt mess about!

BWP – 7/10 – Tried hard, hit the bar in the first half. Not as quick witted as some around him which often made his contribution jarring.

 

Overall the work ethic was superb and the the quick passing at times was sublime. A joy to watch. Interesting selection dilemmas await as players get fit. Difficult to change the side (other than Robertson starting at centre forward)after that performance.

 

Finally ,what was the average age of the team last night???

[suewhistle]

It has been fascinating watching these lads develop this season and we are miles ahead of where we were at the start. They look tougher both mentally & physically and they are going to get better and better.

The only downside about the evening was the dismal attendance. Where have all these so-called fans gone? Are they all so rabidly anti-Lowe that they are cutting off their noses to spite their faces? Or has the memory of last season's garbage still not been wiped clean? Because without the return of these fair-weather fans we are going to lose Lallana & Surman and others just to pay for their non-attendance. And that will be the saddest thing of all.

 

It's a point I've made that the young players will develop and improve and it'll be a fascinating (and frustrating) process to watch. I saw some good signs on my recent visit to the UK and hope to see even better at Christmas - certainly better than last year when I saw two home defeats. I know money is tight for many, but I'd like to see Lallana play again, so come on peeps, get along if you can please.

[stevegrant]

My match report is now on the main site.

 

A good win, but let's not get carried away yet. Remember what happened last time we did that? And just as a coincidence, our next game is on Sky...

[Pancake]

Any highligts anywhere yet?

[up and away]

A splendid result - but let's not get carried away. For the first half-hour we were second best and Robertson's cracking goal from absolutely nothing was, I thought, against the run of play. We did improve after that but following half-time Norwich were again in the ascendancy before Lallana very cleverly won the penalty. From where I was he was looking for it but there was contact and he earned us the second goal. That's three penalties awarded in two games, two of which have been won by Lallana. Defenders will now be very reluctant to tackle him in the box now. I was amazed at how unprofessional Stefanovic was in getting himself sent off for dissent. With 11, Norwich could still have been in the game.

 

After that though, we were able to play fancy stuff with a man over for 25 minutes, and we probably should have had a couple more, but perspective has to be maintained. Stefanovic shot his team in the foot and Kelvin kept us ahead when we really needed him. Against 11, we weren't all that good and could easily have been behind before we scored. Still, four unbeaten in the league with three clean sheets is progress. I still worry about Lloyd James though. He's obviously not a full-back. Interestingly, Norwich's right-back Otsemebor was impressive - if we ever have any money again we could do a lot worse. Special mentions to Robertson and Lancashire, who I thought were splendid. It'll be tough on Saturday but we've got some momentum and can get a result, no question.

 

I was thinking along the same line, then take into account all that we have missing through injury and I believe fans are right to get carried away. When you looked at the team we had on the pitch at kick off, it was difficult to see us getting a result with such a weakened team of youngsters. Full praise to the kids, management and the couple of pensioners at the back for putting in a performance. A special mention must go to Kelvin, really has been a different player this season. Early days on Robertson, but he did give the impression he could make JP's system work as the lone striker. Lot of very good points came through, AL is class and Lancashire looks like he could dig us out of the hole at the back in time.

 

We won't get into the play off's, but we have a good chance of getting out of jail. If we can then retain the neucleus of this squad, there is hope for the future.

[70's Mike]

Just enjoyed it

 

have decided to take one game at a time and form no opinions as to our strengths and weaknesses

[OldNick]

I was thinking along the same line, then take into account all that we have missing through injury and I believe fans are right to get carried away. When you looked at the team we had on the pitch at kick off, it was difficult to see us getting a result with such a weakened team of youngsters. Full praise to the kids, management and the couple of pensioners at the back for putting in a performance. A special mention must go to Kelvin, really has been a different player this season. Early days on Robertson, but he did give the impression he could make JP's system work as the lone striker. Lot of very good points came through, AL is class and Lancashire looks like he could dig us out of the hole at the back in time.

 

We won't get into the play off's, but we have a good chance of getting out of jail. If we can then retain the neucleus of this squad, there is hope for the future.

I agree and had Norwich scored things could have been different.They didnt and we won with a swagger and it was exciting stuff. It was good to see the players come to the Northam and show their appreciaition and exctiement thay had won.To me they have a great bond and that is a great thing to get a winning team longterm.Stay up and we've had a great season. Edited 1 October, 2008 by OldNick

[itchen]

I couldn't go last night as I was supposed to be revising for a forthcoming exam (but I did let checking in on here and a bit of radio listening rather distract me). It sounds like it was a great game.

 

I'm sticking to just wanting to stay up this season and not getting carried away but we are closer in points to the play offs than relegation. And four league games without loss can't just be down to good luck.

 

Well done to JP and the team. And once this exam is out of the way, I'll be back.

[Ken Tone]

I fear that injuries are going to start taking their toll very soon

 

 

For christ's sake, we had at least 8 first team players out injured last night and still played well. How many more injuries do you anticipate us getting?

 

Really enjoyed last night. Yes, KD made some brilliant saves and if he hadn't maybe things would have been different, but then he is part of team after all - having a good goalkeeper isn't luck. What is more their keeper too made some good saves, and BWP hit the bar with a fantastic shot . Such a pity that didn't go in, because it would have killed the game earlier and he might have gained the confidence to play better. He didn't .. in fact in the second half I'd have taken him off but for the humiliation of subbing off a sub, which would have destroyed what little confidence he has left.

 

It was noticeable how much better McGoldrick played after scoring that penalty. Young players 'feed' off confidence even more than more mature footballers, which is why wins like this are so important.

 

Poortvliet made it clear btw that Pekhart was NOT injured. It was a tactical switch. A very brave and unusual decison to sub someone after only 30 mins.

 

In short all you stay-aways. Get yourselves back down to St Mary's. You missed a cracker.

 

K.

[John Boy Saint]

I enjoyed last nights game, but then I have enjoyed most of our performances this season when looking behind the score. I thought we played well right across the pitch.

 

Personally I thought Lancashire looked more and more assured as the game wore on, both James and Mills are growing into their roles superbly both have good vision when on the ball and look to be expensive with a pass rather than hoofing it aimlessly. As for James he may sometimes look a tad wobbily but he always looks to be prepared to die in an effort to snuff out the threat coming down his flank; I can live with that.

 

Kelvin Davis Zero to Hero: where has he been hiding all this ability for the past couple of years.

 

Well done lads.

[Window Cleaner]

I enjoyed last nights game, but then I have enjoyed most of our performances this season when looking behind the score. I thought we played well right across the pitch.

 

Personally I thought Lancashire looked more and more assured as the game wore on, both James and Mills are growing into their roles superbly both have good vision when on the ball and look to be expensive with a pass rather than hoofing it aimlessly. As for James he may sometimes look a tad wobbily but he always looks to be prepared to die in an effort to snuff out the threat coming down his flank; I can live with that.

 

Kelvin Davis Zero to Hero: where has he been hiding all this ability for the past couple of years.

 

Well done lads.

 

Perhaps he didn't get on with the previous managers. Perhaps he is revelling in the elder statesman and wise old uncle role.Perhaps he thought he was suffering behind a load of overpaid rubbish before.

[derry]

My match report is now on the main site.

 

A good win, but let's not get carried away yet. Remember what happened last time we did that? And just as a coincidence, our next game is on Sky...

 

The same way there is a negative feeding frenzy, when we don't win. It seems to me, the people who go to the games have more of an even perspective, whatever the result. When we win, there is a much more objective and passive reaction, but when we lose different posters do get carried away.

[derry]

Just enjoyed it

 

have decided to take one game at a time and form no opinions as to our strengths and weaknesses

 

Agree, still whatever the result it's far better than last season. It's going to be a rollercoaster, knowing that, it is much easier to cope with the disappointments, whilst enjoying the football and the effort put in by all the players.

[derry]

I agree and had Norwich scored things could have been different.They didnt and we won with a swagger and it was exciting stuff. It was good to see the players come to the Northam and show their appreciaition and exctiement thay had won.To me they have a great bond and that is a great thing to get a winning team longterm.Stay up and we've had a great season.

 

Sums it up nicely for me. I'm delighted with the improvement in KD. He was always a first class shotstopper, he seems to be expanding his game, confidence/distribution/communication and I thought the cross he caught at the end was a collecters piece.