Saints 0 - 0 County Post Match Reaction

[K,Billy's supersound]

not upset with a point when we so nealry ended up with none against another team in great form credit to notts.

just felt because of absenties our midfeild was alittle disjointed and didnt supply or link up with the fowards aswell in previous games. losing chaplow didnt help and think we are relying alittle to much on chamberlin who faded when moved into the middle. think we need to bring in aleast 1 more right sided midfielder. did lambert have a shot on goal and did we win 1 freekick with shooting range of goal?

 

but its not the end of the world and we now have a full week to rest train and prepare for tranmere. COYR

[trousers]

very meh... 3 away games in a row now...

 

That's good news given our last couple of away results...

[Guan 2.0]

Has a BA (Hons) in Adkins media training

[bpsaint]

County are a workmanlike side, they succeeded in shutting Sunderland down last week, away from home as well, they obviously know what they're doing in defence these days and we probably weren't fresh enough to have that extra yard of pace to break them down.

 

Thats where they earned their point,in the 18 yard box,they didn't allow us to create the sort of chances we normally would. Kind of summed things up when one of our best chances is a 20 yard effort from Fonte.

[Toomer]

Dissapointing afternoon a game of very few chances we had a couple early doors which should have taken, we missed AL today we lacked a bit of creatativity today that could be down to they way County played. NA said that the ref had an interesting day, to polite Nigel. Notts County = nasty little team to match their nasty little manager.

[K,Billy's supersound]

bbc radio solent saying rumours around the stadium saying lallana possibly out with legiment damage for a couple of months if true very important we dont sell puncheon and bring in another body this window.

[channonball]

Lallana is the missing link. Without him we have little creativity. If he is out for months, I'd be pretty concerned.

[um pahars]

Not one of our best displays, but predicted a draw before kick off (albiet 2-2). With Lallana missing and Chaplow pulling up early on we seemed to lack that special something and did not rise to the giddy heights of recent matches. That said I think some credit has to go to Notts County who came and did a job on us (and didn't look like a team in the bottom half of the division).

 

Certainly had the lions share of possession, but didn't create any real chances. Given our recent run I'll accept the odd bad day at the office although Huddersfield's late rally was a bit of a downer.

 

Haven't seen attendance, but didn't look as bug as recent games (21,000 maybe).

 

Davis - 6 - One good save, otherwise not really involved.

 

Richardson - 4 - Both full backs were poor today and Richardson's distribution left a lot to be desired.

 

Fonte - 7 - Solid at the back and provided soem impetus going forward at the end

 

Jaidi - 6 - As Fonte, without the forward runs

 

Dickson - 4 - Didn't give us anything going forward.

 

Puncheon - 6 - A mixed bag. Got stuck in, did some hard stuff well and then did some easy stuff very badly.

 

Chaplow - 6 - Started off well, but then seemed to pull up (not sure if a knock or a strain)

 

Schneiderlin - 6 - After some good recent performances he seemed to retreat in to himself again. Some good cross field balls, but didn't commit himself enough.

 

Oxo - 6 - When he could get away from being clogged and body checked he provided us with the only real spark of the game

 

Guly - 6 - Put himself about it, some good touches, but over complicated things at times

 

Lambert - 6 - Ledd the line well, linked up with others, bit lacking in support.

 

 

Subs:

 

Gobern - 3 - Even if he is 4th choice in the middle of the park, we need someone else to step in for him. Just not very good.

 

Barnard - 5 - Not on long enough to say anything either way (although the cast/bandage was missing - not sure if I missed it lat time out).

[.comsaint]

Not the end of the world against a side in very good form indeed. You can't win them all - no matter who you are!

 

Hopefully a new face or two will join the squad this week to help ease our injury worries.

 

Still up there with the best of them. And we have nobody to fear in this division. Nobody.

[Roger]

Not one of our best displays, but predicted a draw before kick off (albiet 2-2). With Lallana missing and Chaplow pulling up early on we seemed to lack that special something and did not rise to the giddy heights of recent matches. That said I think some credit has to go to Notts County who came and did a job on us (and didn't look like a team in the bottom half of the division).

 

Certainly had the lions share of possession, but didn't create any real chances. Given our recent run I'll accept the odd bad day at the office although Huddersfield's late rally was a bit of a downer.

 

Haven't seen attendance, but didn't look as bug as recent games (21,000 maybe).

 

Davis - 6 - One good save, otherwise not really involved.

 

Richardson - 4 - Both full backs were poor today and Richardson's distribution left a lot to be desired.

 

Fonte - 7 - Solid at the back and provided soem impetus going forward at the end

 

Jaidi - 6 - As Fonte, without the forward runs

 

Dickson - 4 - Didn't give us anything going forward.

 

Puncheon - 6 - A mixed bag. Got stuck in, did some hard stuff well and then did some easy stuff very badly.

 

Chaplow - 6 - Started off well, but then seemed to pull up (not sure if a knock or a strain)

 

Schneiderlin - 6 - After some good recent performances he seemed to retreat in to himself again. Some good cross field balls, but didn't commit himself enough.

 

Oxo - 6 - When he could get away from being clogged and body checked he provided us with the only real spark of the game

 

Guly - 6 - Put himself about it, some good touches, but over complicated things at times

 

Lambert - 6 - Ledd the line well, linked up with others, bit lacking in support.

 

 

Subs:

 

Gobern - 3 - Even if he is 4th choice in the middle of the park, we need someone else to step in for him. Just not very good.

 

Barnard - 5 - Not on long enough to say anything either way (although the cast/bandage was missing - not sure if I missed it lat time out).

 

I think morgan, fonte and jaidi all deserved 7. Morgan was good.

[Colbury]

Typical home game where away team parks the bus infront of the goal and Saints struggle to break said side down.

 

I called a 0-0 after 15 minutes.

[niceandfriendly]

Very disappointing, but nothing to cry about. Govern deserves a mention, he looks very composed for someone so young. Has a good first touch and can pass, looks promising. Hope chaplow isn't injured though.

[Nexstar]

Very dull game but they defended in numbers and we lacked a bit of creativity (partly due to the absence of Lallana). We still need to spend a bit of money on the wings and in CM if we are going to have a squad that can sustain a few injuries and still bring players on to turn matches. Gobern did OK but is no impact player.

[SuperMikey]

A point is a point, we could have easily given away a sloppy goal and be in a far more precarious position than we are in now. Sounded like an awful game though, glad I spent my ticket money on a bottle of Absinthe instead.

 

Onwards and upwards Saints!

[St Marco]

Pretty crap game really. Lucky not to lose it at the end.

 

But we didn't lose. Just a shame we are now further from the top.

[Shrek]

They came with a plan and it worked. Ref was terrible and one of the linos was even worse, just to add to the frustration!

 

Lambert was climbed all over for the entire game. County doubled up on Oxo and without Lallana we didn't have the creativity down the other wing.

 

Nevermind, onward and upwards!

[derry]

NC didn't play any football from the back, packed the midfield and belted the ball up front for a break. They were very spoiling and put bodies in the way, thanks to the referee they were allowed to get away with it. Davis as usual shot stopped but we need a proper goalkeeper and he wasted so much time when he had the ball. Richardson's distribution gave the ball away time and time again, Lambert was no threat at all, Chamberlain had a poorish game for him but was physically pulled about, Morgan was second best today, Guly looked like our only threat today and the centre backs were solid. It sounds like noone is going and we are in for some players. If Lallana is out for a couple of months it will make things difficult, maybe time to bring back Waigo.

[S-Clarke]

NC didn't play any football from the back, packed the midfield and belted the ball up front for a break. They were very spoiling and put bodies in the way, thanks to the referee they were allowed to get away with it. Davis as usual shot stopped but we need a proper goalkeeper and he wasted so much time when he had the ball. Richardson's distribution gave the ball away time and time again, Lambert was no threat at all, Chamberlain had a poorish game for him but was physically pulled about, Morgan was second best today, Guly looked like our only threat today and the centre backs were solid. It sounds like noone is going and we are in for some players. If Lallana is out for a couple of months it will make things difficult, maybe time to bring back Waigo.

 

Too late on that one Derry, Papa has joined a 2nd division Italian team. (couple of weeks ago i think)

 

I agree with your summary though. We weren't really allowed to play which made for a pretty numb game.

[Amesbury Saint]

pretty poor

 

but we did not lose.

 

need a couple of signings

[derry]

Too late on that one Derry, Papa has joined a 2nd division Italian team. (couple of weeks ago i think)

 

I agree with your summary though. We weren't really allowed to play which made for a pretty numb game.

 

That's a shame. He went on loan to Grosseto on 4th Jan so could probably still be bought.

Edited 15 January, 2011 by derry

[alpine_saint]

Meh, can't win them all but a concern for me today was that Gobern played. Not good enough for a team who wants to be promoted this season in my opinion.

 

I am sure he will develop into a good little player, but I raised an eyebrow at the depth of the bench on Tuesday in which he sat, and he was our only sub for the midfield today ? Worrying.

 

I always thought Oxo looked very poor, as if he didn't want to be here...

 

Really hope you are putting 2 and 2 together and getting 5.

[S-Clarke]

I

 

 

Really hope you are putting 2 and 2 together and getting 5.

 

I think he is a bit, he was just out-muscled if im honest.

 

Didn't get much time on the ball and they had 4 or 5 players around him whenever he started running. Was quite a difficult game for him, he did have a couple of moments though which resulted in one of our best chances - when punch blazed over the bar.

[Saintandy666]

Pretty **** game to watch after the last few. Notts County are a physical and organised side who are clearly rising up the table and fast. We did miss Lallana, but I don't think it was terminal as we could have won that game, but in the end it just was not to be. Neither side ever really emerged quite on top for a long period of time.

[richardc]

why are people having a go at Gobern - a young kid who is not playing regularly - what do you expect - He did nothing wrong today when he came on - looked comfortable and composed on the ball and looks like he can score. Give the kid a break

[sidthesquid]

Do you think Ince was at the same game as his team?

 

Notts County manager Paul Ince told BBC Radio Nottingham:

"You can't be greedy but I always like to win games coming here and, to be fair, it could easily have been three points. I think it would have been thoroughly deserved."

 

A mi**** free-kick and a corner in stoppage time being the only chances they created. Typical niggly negative Ince team. Born a ***t, will die a ***t, I'm afraid

[up and away]

Not going to be too hard on a team that have just played 3 times in a week, they just look jaded. Really concerned with the nigh nailed on rumours that Lallana is out for a good while. I am a little disappointed by either Adkins or the players after hearing Richardson comment that they left a lot on the bus coming back from Oldham. It's their job to hold their hands up and the managers to spot if they are up to it. Mind you I don't think swapping the full backs would have made that much difference, but there is a chance. But loading up tired players even more than you have to is never going to gain when we have a load more games coming up. I don't mind the draw, that has to be expected now and again, but i don't feel we utilised our resources to the maximum.

 

After the greatest win of the season, the squad has suddenly developed holes that need loans to adjust. It's easy to say with hind sight, but I am wondering if Adkins feels we should have subbed our more important players at Oldham when the job was done?

[niceandfriendly]

why are people having a go at Gobern - a young kid who is not playing regularly - what do you expect - He did nothing wrong today when he came on - looked comfortable and composed on the ball and looks like he can score. Give the kid a break

 

Absolutely. When i saw him coming on I was concerned (but only because I'd seen very little of him before) but he did really well today.

[um pahars]

Absolutely. When i saw him coming on I was concerned (but only because I'd seen very little of him before) but he did really well today.

 

Football is all about opinions, but I have to honestly say I saw nothing from him today that gave me any confidence that he is someone we can rely on in this promotion drive. He still might flourish in to a very good player (then again he's no youth player anymore), but he is not what we need in the middle of the park as we stand here today.

 

His Bambi on Ice impersonation at the end summed it up for me.

[Chez]

Gobern - 3 - Even if he is 4th choice in the middle of the park, we need someone else to step in for him. Just not very good.

 

bloody hell that's harsh. The lad showed some great poise and one touch work in the toughest area of the pitch. He wasn't as smooth as Morgan, but there were one or two times when he allowed the ball to roll across himself creating time and space for himself that reminded me of him. I'm not fully convined he can take a game by the scruff of the neck but he's hardly played over the kast few years so he'd need an extended run to find his feet.

[Saint Fan CaM]

There were a few things that worried me with todays performance... (a) set pieces were very poor, (b) Gobern is way below the standard we need to win this league, © we created very few scoring chances - their GK had little to do all game, (d) the injuries to our key midfield players are starting to look very serious indeed - we miss Lallana and Chaplow so much - in fact without them we looked pretty mediocre actually.

[Bailey]

Surprised how negative people are on here. As Adkins has said, don't get too elated when we win, and don't be too disheartened when we lose (or draw).

 

County came with a game plan and exectued it perfectly.

 

They hassled us and gave us no time on the ball, and it worked to great effect.

 

They were happy with a point, and why wouldn't they be?

 

As for us, a frustrating day all round really.

 

Lallana is definitely the missing link. When he doesn't play, we don't tick.

 

If he's out for 6-8 weeks as is being speculated, then we need to bring another body 'into the building' IMO. Someone with a creative spark.

 

Still, I'd have taken a point at Oldham and a win today, so lets not be too downbeat after today's result.

 

A very long way to go, so keep the faith.

[gammon cheeks]

EHH ! thought he looked well out of it!! Today showed we need another central midfielder as morgan , Hammond and chaplow are good enough but we need another . Lambert looked puffed out in 2nd half so a back up is needed there , also another wide man would be good

[rocknrollman no2]

Notts County had done their homework on us and stopped us playing the kind of game we do well.A lot of other teams will do the same if they cant outplay us.We have to adapt our game,otherwise we wont get out of this league.

Also we missed Lallana which tells me we are still in need of a signing or two.

[saints-cris]

Bit of a dissapointing result, but not a disaster. Were still 2nd if we win our game in hand. Hope that Lallana gets fit soon, was worried the second i saw him not playing as there isnt a defender that can handle how good he is. He is our spark and we'll need him back ASAP.

 

Next up Tranmere, 3 points is a must.

[JonnyLove]

Notts County manager Paul Ince told BBC Radio Nottingham:

"You can't be greedy but I always like to win games coming here and, to be fair, it could easily have been three points.

 

"I think it would have been thoroughly deserved.

"The way we defended - you know when you come to a place like this, they've got a fantastic team, a massive budget and some quality players - and we defended ever so well, the whole team from front to back."

 

 

 

 

**** off ince you cock. You came for a draw and to play non football.

[Crispypie]

Very dull game but they defended in numbers and we lacked a bit of creativity (partly due to the absence of Lallana). We still need to spend a bit of money on the wings and in CM if we are going to have a squad that can sustain a few injuries and still bring players on to turn matches. Gobern did OK but is no impact player.

 

This is spot on, the balance was lost, def lack of ideas. Hey ho, it's not going to be 6-0 every game.

[Chez]

Davis 7 caught, throw and kicked well, plus saved what was required. The save at the end may have looked like an error but his initial positioning was to make a save from the attacker comining in to head it so had to re-adjust at last second, which he did brilliantly.

Richardson 6 solid enough, but other than one of his nice runs inside never really got forward

Fonte 7 Usual solid game, but with some attacking runs. He still dives in and will have to jockey more when we get promoted!

Jaidi 7 A few poor passes in the first half but won everything in the air. There was a collision when Fonte and him went for the same ball and the fans moaned as they always do, but I like to see that now and then as it tells me they are both comitted, better that than neither going for it.

Dickson 4 Worst game in a Saints shirt. Tried hard, but passing ws not up to scratch and just not on the same wavelength as Puncheon.

Chamberlain 6 Did not see the ball enough in the first half, saw more in the second but tried too hard attempting to beat 4 or 5 and it didn't come off. Adkins made a big mistake IMO playing him on the left for large parts of the game. He didn't get to the byeline once on that side. Pointless. As soon as he went back to the right things started to happen.

Puncheon 5 Some absolutely delightful first touches, ball retention and crossfield balls, but then followed by a poor five yard pass to no one, non existant tackling and in the end no real penetration. The byeline was a total stranger to him. He had a decent chance in the first half that he was taking at Millwall but did not show the composure required. Sadly he didn't get another to make up for it.

Morgan 8 Our best player for me. Didn't do a lot wrong all game. Don't recall a poor pass. maybe the only criticism was allowing a ball or two to bounce.

Chaplow 4 very average and could have been subbed even if he didn't take a knock. Ball byopassed him and not enough showing for throws (could say that about all our midfielders today which lead to far too much hopeful long throws and stuff going backwards)

Lambert 6 Decent first half with some wonderful weighted passes to release chamberlain, but their centreback had him in his pocket in the second (with help from a great deal of manhandling)

Guly 7 Decent gamer, but no chances and less and less space as the game went on.

 

Gobern 6 decent showing, but not quite enough once we crossed the half way line. Not sure he has the class for our passing game, but he is leggy and tall and that helps win loose ball, which we did more of when he was on instead of a poor Chaplow

Barnard ran but service was woeful to him

 

I though Adkins had a mare. Chamberlain on the right, Puncheon on the left. ****ing simple. The sub was too slow and it dd nothing but make us look disjointed.

[Chez]

Notts County manager Paul Ince told BBC Radio Nottingham:

"You can't be greedy but I always like to win games coming here and, to be fair, it could easily have been three points.

 

"I think it would have been thoroughly deserved.

a point was fair, they could have won, but a defeat would have been harsh on us.

[Frank's cousin]

Are those who are being harsh on Gobern and Oxo not having the best of days that same that criticised a young Lallana a couple of seasons ago...'not good enough' blah blah - these are young inexperienced players who are still learning FFS.

 

Ince's sides are always going to be physical niggly spoilers - shame that he's a throwback to the dark days of the lower divisions - which is why they may have a run of good results but I dont think they will get anywhere playing that ****e - there ae plenty of sides in this league far better who try and play football.

 

We cant win em all' as they say and although BHA have jumped a few more points clear, its only just halfway and a lot will still happen... another point sonot all bad and the lads have been pretty good of late so not worried... but lets hope teh rumours on Adam's injury are just that.

[NickG]

Ox-C had one of his worst games, made a few wring decisions and had them doubling up on him.

 

Was bit concerned when Gobbern came on but thought he did ok, got stuck in an calm on the ball.

[View From The Top]

Poor game but hey ho, we'll win at Tranmere.

[dubai_phil]

It was a scrappy game. It's as simple as that, honest nterview from NA.

 

Want to find the right diagnosis for AL

 

Sounds like we still trying to sign players

 

We still have the loan window

 

IF there is a scenario that is of benefit for Oxo then,,, BUT it has to right for his career

Edited 15 January, 2011 by dubai_phil

[iansums]

The distribution from Kelvin and the two full-backs today was woeful. Long balls overhit or simply hoofed up to Lambert who won nothing all day. I just wish we would play the ball to feet more. These injuries are a big worry.

[Fitzhugh Fella]

Not one of our best displays, but predicted a draw before kick off (albiet 2-2). With Lallana missing and Chaplow pulling up early on we seemed to lack that special something and did not rise to the giddy heights of recent matches. That said I think some credit has to go to Notts County who came and did a job on us (and didn't look like a team in the bottom half of the division).

 

Certainly had the lions share of possession, but didn't create any real chances. Given our recent run I'll accept the odd bad day at the office although Huddersfield's late rally was a bit of a downer.

 

Haven't seen attendance, but didn't look as bug as recent games (21,000 maybe).

 

Davis - 6 - One good save, otherwise not really involved.

 

Richardson - 4 - Both full backs were poor today and Richardson's distribution left a lot to be desired.

 

Fonte - 7 - Solid at the back and provided soem impetus going forward at the end

 

Jaidi - 6 - As Fonte, without the forward runs

 

Dickson - 4 - Didn't give us anything going forward.

 

Puncheon - 6 - A mixed bag. Got stuck in, did some hard stuff well and then did some easy stuff very badly.

 

Chaplow - 6 - Started off well, but then seemed to pull up (not sure if a knock or a strain)

 

Schneiderlin - 6 - After some good recent performances he seemed to retreat in to himself again. Some good cross field balls, but didn't commit himself enough.

 

Oxo - 6 - When he could get away from being clogged and body checked he provided us with the only real spark of the game

 

Guly - 6 - Put himself about it, some good touches, but over complicated things at times

 

Lambert - 6 - Ledd the line well, linked up with others, bit lacking in support.

 

 

Subs:

 

Gobern - 3 - Even if he is 4th choice in the middle of the park, we need someone else to step in for him. Just not very good.

 

Barnard - 5 - Not on long enough to say anything either way (although the cast/bandage was missing - not sure if I missed it lat time out).

 

 

A good analysis. I would emphasise the point about Richardson's distribution - it was truly shocking. He shuts his eyes and hoofs it basically. He may be a reasonably good defender but his passing and crossing is woeful.

[corky morris]

Some very interesting comments. FWIW I said in the car on the way down that we had beat Ince 5 games in a row & eventually he would get a result.

Thought we were poor. Our best player was either Morgan or Guly. I thought Lambert was very poor today. Why does Kelvin keep faffing with the ball, it only comes straight back to him anyway.

Ref was very poor too. Bottled booking left back for the first challange on Oxo.

NC very much in Ince's image. Nasty, moaning & not attack minded. You can see why he got found out at Blackburn.

[eurosaint]

Davis 7 caught, throw and kicked well, plus saved what was required. The save at the end may have looked like an error but his initial positioning was to make a save from the attacker comining in to head it so had to re-adjust at last second, which he did brilliantly.

Richardson 6 solid enough, but other than one of his nice runs inside never really got forward

Fonte 7 Usual solid game, but with some attacking runs. He still dives in and will have to jockey more when we get promoted!

Jaidi 7 A few poor passes in the first half but won everything in the air. There was a collision when Fonte and him went for the same ball and the fans moaned as they always do, but I like to see that now and then as it tells me they are both comitted, better that than neither going for it.

Dickson 4 Worst game in a Saints shirt. Tried hard, but passing ws not up to scratch and just not on the same wavelength as Puncheon.

Chamberlain 6 Did not see the ball enough in the first half, saw more in the second but tried too hard attempting to beat 4 or 5 and it didn't come off. Adkins made a big mistake IMO playing him on the left for large parts of the game. He didn't get to the byeline once on that side. Pointless. As soon as he went back to the right things started to happen.

Puncheon 5 Some absolutely delightful first touches, ball retention and crossfield balls, but then followed by a poor five yard pass to no one, non existant tackling and in the end no real penetration. The byeline was a total stranger to him. He had a decent chance in the first half that he was taking at Millwall but did not show the composure required. Sadly he didn't get another to make up for it.

Morgan 8 Our best player for me. Didn't do a lot wrong all game. Don't recall a poor pass. maybe the only criticism was allowing a ball or two to bounce.

Chaplow 4 very average and could have been subbed even if he didn't take a knock. Ball byopassed him and not enough showing for throws (could say that about all our midfielders today which lead to far too much hopeful long throws and stuff going backwards)

Lambert 6 Decent first half with some wonderful weighted passes to release chamberlain, but their centreback had him in his pocket in the second (with help from a great deal of manhandling)

Guly 7 Decent gamer, but no chances and less and less space as the game went on.

 

Gobern 6 decent showing, but not quite enough once we crossed the half way line. Not sure he has the class for our passing game, but he is leggy and tall and that helps win loose ball, which we did more of when he was on instead of a poor Chaplow

Barnard ran but service was woeful to him

 

I though Adkins had a mare. Chamberlain on the right, Puncheon on the left. ****ing simple. The sub was too slow and it dd nothing but make us look disjointed.

 

Pretty much as I saw it also, except I think you are being a little harsh on Chaplow. He got his knock fairly early on and it looked to me as if he was trying to play through it before they whacked him again just to make sure !

[doddisalegend]

I was there and honestly I didn't think we played that bad, mostly we lacked that final touch to put it in the net. Every time it looked like we'd broken through the Notts defence the last pass was poor.

 

Pros

The defence looked solid I never felt like county were ever going to score.

 

Cons

Notts county kicking chuncks out of Oxo all afternoon when they realised they couldn't stop him fairly.

The ref seemed determined to help county break the game up being very whistle happy. Also why is it Lambert can be held, pushed and climbed all over by oppossing defenders with no penalty?

Dickson was terrible his passing was very poor (he wasn't the only one).

We had a guilted edge chance to win this game but Guly went for glory rather than the easy pass to oxo who was compleately unmarked for an easy tap in.

[Jonnyboy]

OK Dickson was poor but didnt he clear off the line for us at one point? (thus saving us one point)

[Tom28]

5 of the next 6 league games are away. 7 of the next 9. We needed three points today. But form has been good so mustn't grumble.

[RonManager]

Deffo Chambo peno not given by lino.