Wes Tender Posted 2 April, 2011 Posted 2 April, 2011 We flattered to deceive for the first quarter of an hour and had sufficient chances to have been two or three up. But we fluffed our lines, the principal culprit being Gully. He is often a handful around the box, but too often unleashes a weak shot either wide of the target, or straight at the keeper. After they had gone ahead, it began to seem as if we would get nothing if he remained on the pitch. Also both Chaplow and Hammond seemed out of sorts and not their usual combative selves. Hammond especially didn't seem inclined to chase down the 50/50 balls and so it looked as if MKDs might sneak a goal as they came more into the game. Just before they scored, I turned to my neighbour and commented that we really needed to score so that we would get the kick up the backside that we desperately needed and within a few seconds MKDs had obliged. But although we showed a bit more fight, the organisation still wasn't right and all credit must go to Adkins for the substitutions that changed the game. Although Jonathon Forte has not set the World on fire in his previous appearances, leading to some moans around me when he came on, Adkins knows the lad from his time at Scun thorpe and two goals with virtually his first two touches will go some way to quietening his critics and giving the lad a massive confidence boost at the same time. In fact, coming back from two down, gave the team a major psychological boost, possibly more beneficial to us than if we had just won 1-0. We proved to ourselves that we have the resilience, the self-belief and the fire-power to win from situations of adversity and have sent out a warning message to our rivals that with us the match is not lost until the final whistle. Credit is due though to MKDs, who are a good team and even to the final whistle could have equalised and that would not have been a travsty had they done so. But this team of ours wasn't going to let the three points escape without a fight and kept possession really well to run down the clock towards the end. So although for me, the only players worthy of praise in the first half were Harding and Fonte, in the second half, there were several heroes deserving praise. Hammond had lifted his game, Fonte and Jaidi continued to be rock solid against an onslaught, Barnard and Lambert gave their all and Lallana really showed some great flair and incisive passing. The substitutions though changed the game and Richardson, Forte and Stevens almost made us into a different proposition, playing fast attacking football that proved to be unstoppable. To coin the most over-used cliche in football, it was indeed a game of two halves. We have looked equally disinterested in the first half in many other games this season, but as today, thankfully we have lifted ourselves the second half. Automatic promotion is now firmly in our hands. After a performance like the second half today, the belief is increasing that we can do it. If the players also believe, they will achieve it.
Saints foreva Posted 2 April, 2011 Posted 2 April, 2011 Started well but didn't offer much upfront. MK Dons got into the game a bit more and were a nice passing side with a fair amount of movement and pace. We began to play very poor and hoofed it a lot, after the re-start we continued to do the same until the 60th minute mark. I was moaning about Adkins putting Forte on, I was silenced 5 minutes later. We started to play with a bit more confidence and our players were actually moving quickly. It would have been a nightmare had Dons scored at the death mainly down to the fact that their time wasting contributed massively to the additional 5 minutes. Davis - Didn't have much to do, felt he got beat too easily for the 2nd goal. 5/10. Butterfield - Showed the striker too much for the 2nd goal, thought he did alright before that. 5/10. Fonte - Did fine, won mostly everything in the air. 6/10. Jaidi - Same as above. Dealt with that massive defender for the corners the Dons had in the final minutes. 7/10. Harding - Got forward well, majority of his crosses were a disappointment though. 6/10. Guly - Showed a good touch, but had some poor passing. Also didn't pick out the right ones at two key points when Rickie was free in the area. 6/10. Hammond - Did alright in the defensive midfield role. Jumped into a challenge at the end though which may have costed us points on another day. 6/10. Chaplow - Battled well but gave the ball away a lot, his passing was off too. 5/10. Lallana - I'm not sure what to think of his performance. He showed some nice skills but sometimes he holds onto the ball too much. His crossing was poor, but there was a massive improvement from Adam after the 60th minute mark. 7/10. Lambert - Didn't do much, got into some good positions though but Guly didn't spot him. Good work for the 3rd goal to create the space for Lee and then give him the through-ball. 7/10. Barnard - Battled well, not much really went for him. Great finish for the 3rd goal. 7/10. Forte - Silenced me. Didn't really have much of the ball but he was in the right place at the right time when it mattered. 7/10. Richardson - Seemed calm, dealt with the pace he was against. 6/10. Stephens - Didn't see too much of him on the ball but he seemed calm and wanted to receive passes most of the time.
Window Cleaner Posted 2 April, 2011 Posted 2 April, 2011 To be fair to Hammond he was having to hold the midfield together whilst Guly and Chaplow were on pitch. He looked knackered at the end ! Hammond also got his 9th booking of the season today, still with only 2 matches left before the next let off level he may well escape another ban. Couldn't follow the game today so was spared the emotions of going 2 behind, result is all that counts though.
the saint in winchester Posted 2 April, 2011 Posted 2 April, 2011 No-one covered themselves in glory today - except Johnno Quick, of course. Typical tight limbed performance after a break. Hopefully that should have woken them up and we can keep winning.
SuperSAINT Posted 2 April, 2011 Posted 2 April, 2011 Brilliant result today. This will surely be one of the defining 3pts of the season - Great comeback by the lads today. They showed real spirit against a team that in pretty damn good form. All our rivals would've been totally gutted by our comeback. Bring on Charlton - We owe them.
LGTL Posted 2 April, 2011 Posted 2 April, 2011 Guly is great up until the final ball or the 18 yard box and then he does seem to let himself down. It's a shame because I think he has alot of talent.
dronskisaint Posted 2 April, 2011 Posted 2 April, 2011 Appreciate the take of those at the game thanks! Stuck in my office shouting myself hoarse through the game...fortunately nobody close by - like I'd give a sh*t after the third went in!!! Got ticket and excuse to be on the South Coast for Tuesday...looking forward to it!
ericofarabia Posted 2 April, 2011 Posted 2 April, 2011 To coin the most over-used cliche in football, it was indeed a game of two halves. We have looked equally disinterested in the first half in many other games this season, but as today, thankfully we have lifted ourselves the second half. Automatic promotion is now firmly in our hands. After a performance like the second half today, the belief is increasing that we can do it. If the players also believe, they will achieve it. Wimp - I'm on my 6th London Pride now - and most certainly had more than 2 halves during the game!!!! Supporting Yhe Saints drives you to drink FACT - but please don't drive afrterwards!!
Ziggy Posted 2 April, 2011 Posted 2 April, 2011 Just got back. Fantastic fight back. I can't speak! Thought Forte looked very good and the subs changed the game.
Saint_clark Posted 2 April, 2011 Posted 2 April, 2011 Skimming through the thread, I seem to be the only person that thought almost everyone played well. Only Chaplow and Guly for me let the side down. Butterfield is my signing of the season without a doubt, and even Richardson when he came on looked a threat.
The boy done well Posted 2 April, 2011 Posted 2 April, 2011 Lambert did rather more than most say. For starters didn't he make all 3 goals?
Saint Posted 2 April, 2011 Posted 2 April, 2011 Was impressed with Dale Stephens. He blended into the squad seamlessly and was doing a good job in CM. Nothing flashy and fairly anonymous in that sense, but he was really pushing forward and looked very capable. Hope we can make it a permanent deal in the Summer, if that continues.
Dibden Purlieu Saint Posted 2 April, 2011 Posted 2 April, 2011 Was on the golf course. Had a crap front 9 after finding out we were behind, then hit 1 under on the back 9 after finding out the score. Was my best back 9 ever. God we are hard work, but another invaluable 3 points. Could be the defining moment of the season.
dubai_phil Posted 2 April, 2011 Posted 2 April, 2011 Dubai Phil and EoA have probably beaten you too it and are now drinking themselves into a stupor after our comeback Lol I will admit I was in such a state of shock, I sit here 2 hours or so after it finished & realise I still haven't finished my 2nd half pint of Old Thumper! I was sort of oh wow, think I fancy some Fish & Chips and went and cooked it. GF wasn't that happy as I was befuddled I forgot to make her anything and youngest was like Oh Dad where's my plate so had to go back and cook some more. It seems the we're doomed approach in the build up and match thread is the way to go though, have been using it ever since I (and others) went all OTT for the Walsall game. Sounds like the crowd got up for it and the players switched back into playing by emotions not by plans for a while in the 2nd half and whoosh something magical happened. Only read up to post 68 so expect some will say still not firing, but hell, happy to stutter all the way to 2nd place right now. Bring on Tuesday - the time difference is only +3 hours now so an almost early night for once!
Dibden Purlieu Saint Posted 2 April, 2011 Posted 2 April, 2011 Was impressed with Dale Stephens. He blended into the squad seamlessly and was doing a good job in CM. Nothing flashy and fairly anonymous in that sense, but he was really pushing forward and looked very capable. Hope we can make it a permanent deal in the Summer, if that continues. A permanent fee will have been agreed...
Saint_clark Posted 2 April, 2011 Posted 2 April, 2011 Few comments from other fans; I think today settles it for me, Saints are going up. Long as they take advantage of those games in hand. In fact they've still got quite a few games (3/4) against teams with nothing left to play for, ie relegation or promotion. I think second spot is theirs for the taking. Yep, hopefully Lee Clark rests our first team for the next 6 games and saves them for the play offs because Southampton have clearly got it all sewn up :laugh::laugh: Got a feeling this comeback from saints will be massive come the end of the season:hmmm Bit worried about Saints closing the gap on us.
beatlesaint Posted 2 April, 2011 Posted 2 April, 2011 I like Chaplow but I would start with Dale Stephens on Tuesday night and drop Chappers to the bench.
Saint_lambden Posted 2 April, 2011 Posted 2 April, 2011 Lallana was sensational second half - made the difference , obviously along with impact subs. My shins are voice are ruined but it was worth it! Funny how the Dons goalie was hurrying after our 3rd goal when he was pretty happy to take quite literally 10 minutes over every goal kick whilst they were within sight of a win/point.
Ruffo Posted 2 April, 2011 Posted 2 April, 2011 Awesome result lads. It has been a long season and the finish is going to be a cracker.
CHAPEL END CHARLIE Posted 2 April, 2011 Posted 2 April, 2011 Just how AWESOME was Adam Lallana today ? Any football fan almost has a 'right' to expect his players to give their all for the cause but it seems to me (a not even fully fit) Adam Lallana somehow managed to go way beyond what we might reasonably describe as the 'call of duty'. The whole team put in a wonderful shift today but for me Adam is simply in a different class to all the other players around him, not just because of his outstanding technical ability but because of the superb bloody effort he puts in for this club. My man of the match, my man of the season - that boys a diamond.
Dimond Geezer Posted 2 April, 2011 Posted 2 April, 2011 I think I enjoyed that Well done Forte, right place at the right time, but made 'em count. Well done Adam Lalanna, was particularly impressed with his chasing back & hasselling the MKD guy in front of the Kingsland late in the second half.
Liquidshokk Posted 2 April, 2011 Posted 2 April, 2011 (edited) Anyone know what the main MK Dons forum address is? The ones listed on footyforumfinder doesnt exist anymore. Maybe theyve binned it after today :-P Keen to hear what their take on the game was.... EDIT: Just seen your post Clarky, where were those comments from?? Edited 2 April, 2011 by Liquidshokk
fanimal Posted 2 April, 2011 Posted 2 April, 2011 Lambert was awful for most of the game, no movement, never got above a trot, He is part of the problem why we were so poor after the first fifteen minutes, Harding's passing and crossing was poor. Fonte, Jaidi and Butterfield defended well. We had no right side for the first hour. Stephens came on but was pretty anonymous with just a few little triangle passes, Hammond gave his all and had one of his better games.Chaplow was again a disappointment. Lallana was a livewire. Guly was trying to get things moving but with Lambert static and Barnard ploughing a lone furrow it was difficult. We have been pretty poor but just doing enough to snatch a result for quite a time now. Most of this team are just not good enough to step up and be a top side in the championship. The results are in the main better than the performances. We don't seem to blend as a team and lack thrust and pace up front. Just seen the goals on SSN Rickie was involved /made ALL 3! Got no help from a ****e ref either.
Saint_clark Posted 2 April, 2011 Posted 2 April, 2011 Anyone know what the main MK Dons forum address is? The ones listed on footyforumfinder doesnt exist anymore. Maybe theyve binned it after today :-P Keen to hear what their take on the game was.... EDIT: Just seen your post Clarky, where were those comments from?? http://www.footballforums.net
scotty Posted 2 April, 2011 Posted 2 April, 2011 I thought that as I typed it it was worthy of cracking one off when the third went in! me too, but the stewards told me to stop. Is there no justice?
Fitzhugh Fella Posted 2 April, 2011 Posted 2 April, 2011 Lambert was awful for most of the game, no movement, never got above a trot, He is part of the problem why we were so poor after the first fifteen minutes, Harding's passing and crossing was poor. Fonte, Jaidi and Butterfield defended well. We had no right side for the first hour. Stephens came on but was pretty anonymous with just a few little triangle passes, Hammond gave his all and had one of his better games.Chaplow was again a disappointment. Lallana was a livewire. Guly was trying to get things moving but with Lambert static and Barnard ploughing a lone furrow it was difficult. We have been pretty poor but just doing enough to snatch a result for quite a time now. Most of this team are just not good enough to step up and be a top side in the championship. The results are in the main better than the performances. We don't seem to blend as a team and lack thrust and pace up front. This
Jackie@home Posted 2 April, 2011 Posted 2 April, 2011 Exhilarating second half today. As soon as we got one goal back, I knew we were on our way. We've generally been better in the second half of most games and I reckon the man of the match today was Nigel Adkins - obviously the right half-time team talk and excellent substitutions. He's not afraid to make substitutions when it's needed and, unlike most managers, doesn't wait too long so that the subs don't have enough time to make an impact. Crowd didn't whinge as much as they usually do when things start to go wrong, thank goodness, and I'm sure this helped. The team retained its self-belief and the experience of players like Jaidi and sheer will to win of Lallana was great to see.
LGTL Posted 2 April, 2011 Posted 2 April, 2011 I can't believe people are moaning that we don't have a CHAMPIONSHIP winning team yet...absolutely unreal.
Thedelldays Posted 2 April, 2011 Posted 2 April, 2011 lol...people really think a division 3 team is going to produce spurs/arsenal/man u like football.. we are division 3..with a sprinkling of NPC standard players...lol we won what was a thrilling game by all accounts..and Lambert assisted in all 3 goals...right..? not bad for someone who does nothing it seems
Thedelldays Posted 2 April, 2011 Posted 2 April, 2011 Lambert was awful for most of the game, no movement, never got above a trot, He is part of the problem why we were so poor after the first fifteen minutes, Harding's passing and crossing was poor. Fonte, Jaidi and Butterfield defended well. We had no right side for the first hour. Stephens came on but was pretty anonymous with just a few little triangle passes, Hammond gave his all and had one of his better games.Chaplow was again a disappointment. Lallana was a livewire. Guly was trying to get things moving but with Lambert static and Barnard ploughing a lone furrow it was difficult. We have been pretty poor but just doing enough to snatch a result for quite a time now. Most of this team are just not good enough to step up and be a top side in the championship. The results are in the main better than the performances. We don't seem to blend as a team and lack thrust and pace up front. I really wonder what you expect sometimes....
LGTL Posted 2 April, 2011 Posted 2 April, 2011 The problem is the majority of older fans have been used to decent standard in the top league for the last 27 years, they simply do not know how to handle a bit of a drop in class, and so are criticising players who aren't up to the standard they are used to, a standard 2 divisions above where we are.
corsacar saint Posted 2 April, 2011 Posted 2 April, 2011 I thought the first twenty minutes we were too frightened to shoot,when we had a couple of very good shooting positions, The next 45 minutes we were pretty ordinary and conceded two awful goals,a free header from a corner with Davis yet again rooted to his line,and the second one due to Fonte and Butterfield failing to get tackles in.[Having said that I thought they were our best two players on the day with Lallana,for his second half showing. Once we scored we took them apart for 20 minutes,and had the finish from Lallana not gone agonisingly wide after a superb mazy run,which almost ended up one of the best goals I have ever seen. As an asside watching games as stressful as that,does nothing for a 56 year olds heart.
sidthesquid Posted 2 April, 2011 Posted 2 April, 2011 Fantastic comeback & result, BUT..... I still have concerns. Once again Kelvin was rooted to his line as a corner was whipped into the six yard box, where as we know, any contact is fatal. I stll maintain any ball into the six yard box is the keepers. Didn't look confident at all after that. The diamond formation was pants last week & so it was again today. Lots of nice triangles going nowhere and about as much penetration as Elton John in the Playboy mansion. Width is so key to goals and we had none in the first half. Butterfield was doing today what Lloyd James used to get crucified for last season - namely lobbing a cross in from forty yards rather than pushing on into the space befor him. (And fair play to NA, he finally twigged it and brought on Richardson.) We looked better balanced with Forte & Stephens on, too, and I would retain all three subs in the team for Tuesday. I don't want to be negative on such a good day, and there were plenty of positives - especially showing a bit of heart when we needed it and Adkins' flexibility when plan A isn't working - but you don't win games with neat triangles and circular passing.
beatlesaint Posted 2 April, 2011 Posted 2 April, 2011 I really wonder what you expect sometimes.... Well the Stephens was pretty anonymous statement comes from the fact he is not Brian Howard, and derry likes Brian Howard...a lot :-) The more reasonable summary was that Stephens came on and was very calm, kept the ball moving, passed to our players and looked a decent little player.
The Cat Posted 2 April, 2011 Posted 2 April, 2011 Great last 30 minutes, and fair play to the fans for showing some belief getting behind us when we went 2-0 down. We didn't really deserve to be 2-0 down despite not playing that well and once we started getting more players into the box they started to panic. Always good to beat the fake team too.
teamsaint Posted 2 April, 2011 Posted 2 April, 2011 people who are complaining about the standard of play might reflect on the thought thatr in fact there was the best part of an hour today when we were comfortably the better team. There was only one section of the game when mK were better, the last 10(including fergie time). MK were perhaps a little fortunate to be 2 up having created very little real threat. to come from 2 down to beat a really decent side reflects well on a lot of strengths that we DO have. and i have to say that 5 mins fergie time was bonkers.
eastleighhalo Posted 2 April, 2011 Posted 2 April, 2011 oh what a day that was !! But for those that are slating guly id say back off... for me he looked immense playing behind the front two.. admittedly things didnt quite come off in the time he was on the pitch ..hence the changes that were made. But for me he was the one player first half that made us tick and threaten. Jonno came on and made the impact that the manager knew he could make BUT once we were ahead i was ****ting myself about his defensive qualitites TBH ! ...but you cant have it both ways eh lol I was pleased to see dale come on and look so assured ..looks to be a bloody good catch and im sure he will prove that over time.. Chaps is having a bit of a lean time at the mo with his distribution and although no one could fault his effort but maybe its time for him to have a rest on tuesday me thinks ..christ hes earned it so far this season thats for sure. The right back replacement for me was spot on too...we looked so much better and secure down the right side for it in the last part of the game ..nothing against butterfield at all ...hell hes been a rock there..but the season is a long one at this level and the freshness we have in abundence is there for all to see... Our SQUAD can make auto promo happen ..IM SURE !!
The Cat Posted 2 April, 2011 Posted 2 April, 2011 Stephens seemed ok to me. Looked busy, would lay a pass off and move into space in case he was needed. Sounds simple but often players at this level don't do the easy thing.
Lord Duckhunter Posted 2 April, 2011 Posted 2 April, 2011 This will be the result we look back on in the summer, it IS the turning point. At 2-0 I thought "same old Saints", but once the first went in there was only one winner.
Colinjb Posted 2 April, 2011 Posted 2 April, 2011 Always had to leave the game early today due to the need to catch a flight at Birmingham airport at 10pm. Now sitting in the departure lounge reflecting on it. I departed on 80 minutes praying we wouldn't throw it away! Until the substitutions we were awful, then the tide changed. Can't help but think Harding needs to improve his crossing, until Forte came on he was our main attacking focus. Must say that's the best impersonation of Lazarus I have seen in years. The franchise played well, defended manfully but their ridiculous decision to Sub Baldock hurt them greatly. What a win. Enjoy the Charlton game guys, I will be willing us on from afar.
saints-cris Posted 2 April, 2011 Posted 2 April, 2011 The franchise played well, defended manfully but their ridiculous decision to Sub Baldock hurt them greatly. . He was injured I think.. but their managers subs were badly timed and lost them the game IMO
View From The Top Posted 2 April, 2011 Posted 2 April, 2011 Just back, great game, great atmosphere. I thought we played excellent for the first 20 minutes without creating too many chances. For much of the game MKD never threatened us but for the two goals. Last 30 minutes we were excellent. Noticed a few arguments between Lambert and Guly in the first half, you sensed that after this they were deliberately not passing to each other. Guly went straight down the tunnel after being substituted. Interesting that at one stage, after Gully hadn't rolled Lambert in that RL went and had a worked with Fonte who what went and had a word with Gully who then put his hands up as if to say sorry to RL.
View From The Top Posted 2 April, 2011 Posted 2 April, 2011 Told my dad at half time that the two things we needed to do second half were bring on Forte, and to get Harding to start drilling his crosses instead of floating them in. And how did we score the 2nd goal? I'm waiting for Nigels call to come and sit with him in the dugout for Tuesdays game I sit with Corky Morris and Hasper57Saint and said the exact same thing. Hit the deadball line and drill them back low and hard.
View From The Top Posted 2 April, 2011 Posted 2 April, 2011 I can't believe people are moaning that we don't have a CHAMPIONSHIP winning team yet...absolutely unreal. That's because they are c**ks who thinks we should always play like Barca and not a English L1 team.
NickG Posted 2 April, 2011 Posted 2 April, 2011 No-one covered themselves in glory today - except Johnno Quick, of course. Typical tight limbed performance after a break. Hopefully that should have woken them up and we can keep winning. how many players have ever played in league one with the skill and work rate of Lallana today?
RonManager Posted 2 April, 2011 Posted 2 April, 2011 how many players have ever played in league one with the skill and work rate of Lallana today? 27 no, wait 3 err, ooh i know, 15. No, i give up.
Gis Posted 2 April, 2011 Posted 2 April, 2011 oh what a day that was !! But for those that are slating guly id say back off... for me he looked immense playing behind the front two.. admittedly things didnt quite come off in the time he was on the pitch ..hence the changes that were made. But for me he was the one player first half that made us tick and threaten. Guly often looks poor because he doesn't just take the simple option. He made a few poor decisions today, but some of his interplay with Lallana was the type of class we'll need in the Championship to make any impression, fingers crossed, next year.
NickG Posted 2 April, 2011 Posted 2 April, 2011 guly looked bit like his first few games when he seemed to lack an understanding with others - hopefully soon back to his better form
Phil the Saint Posted 2 April, 2011 Posted 2 April, 2011 The problem is the majority of older fans have been used to decent standard in the top league for the last 27 years, they simply do not know how to handle a bit of a drop in class, and so are criticising players who aren't up to the standard they are used to, a standard 2 divisions above where we are. This
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