Saints 2 Barnsley 0 - Post Match Reaction

[Ohio Saint]

Surprised it hasn't been done already ... so can i just say .... WE ARE SOUTHAMPTON >>> AND WE"RE TOP OF THE LEAGUE.

 

YAY

 

Proper top feels way better than "Kinda" top.

[Crab Lungs]

Great result and made even better with West Ham drawing.

 

Check out their forum they are having a meltdown

 

http://www.kumb.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=139002&st=0&sk=t&sd=a&start=460

 

Massive ROFL

[Cabrone]

Good result and another 3 points.

 

IMO we're now 6 wins away from almost certain promotion. Win our home games + Millwall\Palace (a) and we're there.

 

Might even be able to do it with another 16 points but it would be tight.

 

Keep your heads Saints and steer this ship home.

[supersonic]

great 2-0 result.

 

best news of the day, with Cov drawing and the Skates losing, we are now mathematically safe.

 

WE ARE STAYING UP!

[CanadaSaint]

nice

Well you are wrong.

Nothing needs "desperately" changing

 

And I bet I am well in the majority saying that

 

We'll see, but I'm not too bothered whether you think I'm wrong or right. And nor am I bothered whether my thoughts reflect the majority view on here.

 

Nobody wants us to win this thing more than me but we only beat Barnsley today and we need to be far more incisive in midfield if we're to consistently beat better teams on the run-in.

 

Do you have a counter viewpoint regarding our midfield or is "what a load of crap" as good as it gets? Don't bother answering that one, either.

[Thedelldays]

I liked lee's now when he came off

 

Bit of a cult hero I reckon

[Whitey Grandad]

And if we're not going to reward Lee's intelligent runs with an early pass, we'd be better off not playing him.

 

Well he was caught offside at least five times.

[derry]

nice

Well you are wrong.

Nothing needs "desperately" changing

 

 

And I bet I am well in the majority saying that

 

You might be able to have a majority but I bet none of you played in the same Saints team as Mick Channon. Canada Saint has and was there today. I agree with him but then I know nothing about submarines.

[dubai_phil]

Happy with that.

[CanadaSaint]

Well he was caught offside at least five times.

 

Exactly, and that's what happens when he doesn't get the early pass. With it he could be deadly.

[Gingeletiss]

I've noticed that in interviews, Lee's efforts rarely get mentioned by other players. That was especially noticeable today in Lallana's interview since Lee was mostly responsible for his second goal. I wonder if the language barrier is some kind of issue at the moment.

 

On Radio Solent AL praised Lee for making his second goal.

[dubai_phil]

You might be able to have a majority but I bet none of you played in the same Saints team as Mick Channon. Canada Saint has and was there today. I agree with him but then I know nothing about submarines.

 

I played cricket a few times against Nick Holmes. Does that allow me to post comments about games?

 

Just checking like

[Thedelldays]

You might be able to have a majority but I bet none of you played in the same Saints team as Mick Channon. Canada Saint has and was there today. I agree with him but then I know nothing about submarines.

 

Um. I would not know feck all about how they went about their business on subs in the 70s

 

Change dramatically since

[CanadaSaint]

Um. I would not know feck all about how they went about their business on subs in the 70s

 

Change dramatically since

 

A definite "No" to the counter-viewpoint question, then. No surprise there.

[The Majestic Channon]

Who is canada saint then??

[CanadaSaint]

Who is canada saint then??

 

Nobody that anyone would remember. Just a guy with an opinion, like most on here.

[derry]

Well he was caught offside at least five times.

 

Of course he was, not giving the early pass puts his run through the channel offside even if he checks back onside and the ball is delivered, as soon as he is active he is offside.

[Chez]

Happy days. What a contrast to Tuesday. We played woeful in the first half yet went in one in front. Funny old game football. Have to say I thought Barnsley passed the ball better than us in that period, but a lot of the problems were of our own making. Lee had a poor first half and looked off his usual pace. He caused few problems and although he made runs most wouldn't have been found by Hoddle in his prime. Lambert didn't seem to find any space either and Lallana was very tightly marked. That left the midfield with no options and very quickly the defence was put under pressure and Jos and Fonte hacked and sliced clearances making things worse. I'm not sure what the solution would have been, but the move to a diamond wasn't it. I wonder if the sun in our eyes was a factor. Sounds a lame excuse to me.

 

As I said Adkins response was to go to a diamond. It didn't work as it just meant there was even less options with no wide midfielder. We scored from a set piece. So the formation change didn't play a part in that. Second half was very different, the diamond certainly did work (I think Barnsley countered the diamond in the first half by playing it themselves, but in the second they reverted to a flat midfield and we took them apart, but only after the second goal. Once we got it Barnsley simply went home. I'd be surprised if they have 20% of possession in that period. We totally controlled the game and the subs just strengthen us. They hit the post from a header near the end, but that was pretty much the only thing of note they did we were that dominant.

 

Davis nothing to do. Distribution quicker than on Tuesday.

Richardson 6 ball watched in the first half a few times but got away with it. Tried to get forward but had little impact. Not his best game, not sure the diamond suits him.

Jos 6 very poor first half, some terrible clearances, but decent second and kept Davies quiet.

Fonte 6 again some of his choices when passing out from the back were very poor. Put Guly and Richardson in trouble, but we got away with it. Pushed forward a lot in the second half so that will have caught the eye of some fans, but I was concerned with him being skinned by the sub. Was that a pen? I was right at the other end. Second half he was pretty strong though and we were never carved open so perhaps I'm being a little harsh. Just don't feel quite a confident with the pairing as I have all season, but that will pass!

Fox 9 Very very good game. Pretty much since I said he has impressed me he has impressed me. Good in the air and got stuck in too. On the ball he was his usual neat and tidy self.

Hammond 6 solid enough game, but not as good as Tuesday. First half the game seemed to pass him by a bit. Nothing to write home about positive or negatively, but perhaps the fact he didn't do much is not good?

Morgan 7 was busy and kept thing ticking over nicely. Strong and covers the ground.

Guly 7 decent work rate again, a couple of mis-controls (that had the usual grumbles) when running at pace, but really got hold of the game in the second half and looked to be enjoying himself. Started on the right, went to the head of the diamond, went up front then back into midfield. Versatile to say the least. Far too many fans on his back at the slightest opportunity. Sadly many seem to have made their minds up about him and rather than judge him on each individual game.

Lallana 9 got better and better as the game wore on.

Lambert 5 pretty poor game by his standards. Just didn't get a grip of the game like he normally does. Perhaps it was too congested, but he just didn't seem to find that space to receive those chipped balls and then bring Lee into play. If it wasn't for his reputation he could easily have been subbed earlier.

Lee 6 brilliant play to set up the second goal, but I thought he looked a lot less sharp than on Tuesday. Actually he had a bit of mare in the first half. He pulled out of a tackle, miscontrolled and ran offside a lot. None of his runs were found. Not his fault perhaps, but some we just not intelligent runs. He was just on a different wavelength to the others. Worst game for us so far I woukd say.

 

Cork 7 first class when he came on. Energy and movement

Connelly 7 perfect to close a game down. In the holes and tippy tappy possession stuff.

Sharp not on long but put himself about well. Almost got a chance to show his finishing prowess. Needs game time or he's going to be miles off the ball when we need him most.

Edited 10 March, 2012 by Chez

[derry]

Um. I would not know feck all about how they went about their business on subs in the 70s

 

Change dramatically since[/quote

 

Or it seems football in the 21st century.

[Kingsland Red]

Job done today.

Not convinced by 4-2-2-2 as we lack a runner down the wings with Guly and AL inside.

Chung did well and Guly and Lallana created a fair amount in front of Hammond 'The Crab' and an awesome Spiderman.

Poor Sharpey still looks a bit over weight.

Onwards - together as one !

[ericofarabia]

I liked lee's now when he came off

 

Bit of a cult hero I reckon

 

Guessing that is a Bow ..... LOL we could adopt that somehow .... a bouncing bow like a reverse man City Poznan sort of thing.

 

Pogoing to Turning Japanese gets my vote any day!!

[mitch01]

Well, that wasn't a particularly good performance until we got the second goal. But we got the job done, well done lads!

 

PS Lallana's ability never ceases to amaze me.

[Thedelldays]

Um. I would not know feck all about how they went about their business on subs in the 70s

 

Change dramatically since[/quote

 

Or it seems football in the 21st century.

 

Lol

[Winchester Red]

The main difference for me between the first half and the second was that in the first Barnsley ran their socks off and closed us down quickly.

 

In the second they were knackered and didn't as much.

 

Thank you sunshine

[Weston Saint]

I thought we were poor today but credit to Fox, Lallana and Chung.

 

Canada Saint is correct we play too much sideway passes in midfield and lose the initiative. That said I thought Schneiderlin improved in the second half.

 

The point is we who pay to watch good football want good football. Otherwise we could stay at home and listen to the radio for free. It is not just about the result although that is very important. I got bored how many times we just passed sideways and backwards meaning our forwards became ineffective. They wanted the ball, particularly Chung, but many of his runs were wasted. We do not have someone in the centre of midfield, a Jimmy Case or Alan Ball or Steve Williams who makes things happen.

 

But I am a happy this evening.

[ericofarabia]

Great result and made even better with West Ham drawing.

 

Check out their forum they are having a meltdown

 

http://www.kumb.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=139002&st=0&sk=t&sd=a&start=460

 

Loads of references to their trip to Dubai being one of the reasons they have been p!ss poor at home especially recently .... Special Agents Eric and Phil take a Bow please

[ericofarabia]

I thought we were poor today but credit to Fox, Lallana and Chung.

 

Canada Saint is correct we play too much sideway passes in midfield and lose the initiative. That said I thought Schneiderlin improved in the second half.

 

The point is we who pay to watch good football want good football. Otherwise we could stay at home and listen to the radio for free. It is not just about the result although that is very important. I got bored how many times we just passed sideways and backwards meaning our forwards became ineffective. They wanted the ball, particularly Chung, but many of his runs were wasted. We do not have someone in the centre of midfield, a Jimmy Case or Alan Ball or Steve Williams who makes things happen.

 

But I am a happy this evening.

 

Nothing like a Happy ending to bring a smile to a man's face ..... so I'm told!!

[beatlesaint]

I thought we were poor today but credit to Fox, Lallana and Chung.

 

Canada Saint is correct we play too much sideway passes in midfield and lose the initiative. That said I thought Schneiderlin improved in the second half.

 

The point is we who pay to watch good football want good football. Otherwise we could stay at home and listen to the radio for free. It is not just about the result although that is very important. I got bored how many times we just passed sideways and backwards meaning our forwards became ineffective. They wanted the ball, particularly Chung, but many of his runs were wasted. We do not have someone in the centre of midfield, a Jimmy Case or Alan Ball or Steve Williams who makes things happen.

 

But I am a happy this evening.

 

We will always pass sideways and backwards a lot more with Hammond in the team. Its his stock ball, sideways sideways sideways all the bloody time.

 

I dont understand for the life of me how Hammond is better than Chaplow or Cork in central midfield, not at home when we need to attack and dictate anyway.

[colehillsaint]

I've noticed that in interviews, Lee's efforts rarely get mentioned by other players. That was especially noticeable today in Lallana's interview since Lee was mostly responsible for his second goal. I wonder if the language barrier is some kind of issue at the moment.

 

I heard the solent interview in the car and he said that lee virtually made the goal and it was a tap in. Sorry to be pedantic.

 

Great second half. I think the better weather and squad fitness will start to tell for us now. Fox playing was a surprise, even though some on here said he would. The club seem very adept at getting players back and running from knocks and strains quickly. Case in point; Adam Lalana looks as fit as f*** after the groin strain a few games ago. COYR

[Lifelongsaint83]

I wonder how many panic loan signings Fat Sam will make now...

[70's Mike]

good to win especially after the first half, thought the big change was Spiderman going forward instead of side ways, also good to see Jose and Jos try shots.

we have a lot of flexibilty in the squad and it was good to see the system change at least twice today.

2 away games now but a week to get everyone fit, not convinced Lambert was fit today he seemed to get a knock in the 5 a side warm up game

[CHAPEL END CHARLIE]

Good result, poorish performance I thought. I'm not at all sure the players adapted properly to whatever strange formation the manager imposed upon them and Barnsley were probably the better side until they made the elementary mistake of leaving Adam Lallana totally unmarked in the box - a costly mistake because from that moment on we always looked like the likely winners.

 

3 Good

Reports of Adam Lallana's inability to hit the target seem greatly exaggerated.

Danny Fox quickly recovered from injury and he had a decent game today I thought

2nd goal all down to 'Chung' Lee's industry and quality

 

3 Bad:

We played with little real width today - & suffered because of it.

Ricky Lambert looking very tired and off form - rightly subbed

We will surely have to improve our performance again when we play the likes of Reading

[trousers]

@joshooiveld20: @joshooiveld20 we should start calling you jos koeman after your stunning strike second half #myalltimefavourite! #noonecanbeathimthough!

 

It was a classic moment...the whole crowd urging Jos to shoot. He seemed to hear the crowd, look up and think to himself..."ah, sod it, why not"....boooom....what a shot!

 

He then ran back to his defensive position whereby he got a standing ovation from that end of the ground and he turned round with a beaming smile clapping at the crowd.

 

Great moment :-)

[student]

Think Reading will be out of contention soon, 3 away trips followed by Blackpool (h), West Ham (a), Leeds (h), Brighton (a), Southampton (a) is going to be a big big ask to have not dropped quite a few points along the way

[Hopkins]

Nothing wrong with sideways/backward passing in my eyes. If you don't like it, you'd hate to be a Swansea fan. Football is changing for the better in this country. Retaining possession is becoming vitally important. We do it superbly at our best (Not the first half today). You can only be effective and attacking if you have the ball and have some patience. Sometimes a backwards pass or a sideways pass can draw defenders in and open things up. Remember we have a great home record so teams will come to us and defend organised and deep. Something they didn't do at the start. We have to find ways to break those deep defences down, something that we criticised our players for when we were in League One...not having plan b's/c's.

 

Whether it's entertaining or not is subjective. Personally, I prefer to see us keeping the ball, working the ball around the pitch and wearing teams down, having various ways of playing and allowing our inventive and creative players to flourish. Having the diagonal ball to Lambert and the ball over the top of Lee to chase is allows us to keep teams on there feet against us and both those worked perfectly today which allowed us to get into a position where we could control the game but our ball retention is what sets us apart in this league imo. We as fans need to be patient and have trust in the players that they know what they are doing when they keep the ball. It's evident it's part of the plan..hence our goal kicks which are set up to allow us to keep the ball and not throw up the lottery of Lambert winning a flick on and someone hopefully mopping up around him. The statistics back that up.

 

Whether it's effective or not is not subjective though. We are top of the league.

[SuperMikey]

Just back from the game, pretty p!ssed up still. Crowd was much better today than on Tuesday, despite a load of pr!cks at the top of 38 slagging off Guly at every opportunity! People get on his back too much.

 

We played pretty well, still not at our best but great that we can pick up 7 points from 9 after 3 average performances. First half was quite poor, we were lucky to go in 1-0 up I thought, but second half was much better. We controlled possession, got the ball down and passed it around well. Was great to see after we made all our subs that we were still passing the ball around with quality, most teams wouldn't be able to make 3 subs and be able to keep up their quality of possession and passing like that.

 

Davis 6 - Didn't have anything to do all game, which shows how solid our defence was.

 

Richardson 6 - Looks a bit tired, but did pretty well. Got down the right flank but we left him out of our play a lot today - probably because he's a bit worn out!

Fox 7 - Did very well, made some good tackles high up the pitch and got stuck in. A few problems with Nouble on the right wing but all in all, pretty solid.

Fonte 7 - Solid, good in the air and composed on the ball. Good to see him collecting the ball from Kelvin again from goal kicks, as it allows us to build from the back.

Hooiveld 7 - Again very solid and composed on the ball. I wanted to give him 10/10 just for taking that shot at goal (what a f*cking hit by the way!) but that might be undeserved...

 

Guly 7 - Passed the ball around well, a few people got on his back but kept his chin up and was excellent when he moved to the AMC position behind Sharp and Connolly for the last 15 minutes.

Lallana 9 - Excellent performance from him, he was everywhere today. Worked really hard, closed the ball down well whether in the final third or in his own half. Not to mention 2 great goals! So lucky to have him.

Schneiderlin 6 - Not spectacular, but did his job well. Made some good tackles and passed the ball with confidence and style. His short passing is excellent and he has the vision to pick out a great pass when need be.

Hammond 6 - Pretty quiet, but chased the ball down in midfield and made some good tracking runs and tackles. Prefer Morgan and Cork in the middle but Deano always does well when he comes into the side.

 

Lambert 6 - Quiet game by his standards, but he did ok. Got beaten in the air a few times but his passing was top-notch again and was always aware of where Lee was to pick out a pass. Would like to see him shoot more.

Lee 8 - I love this man. His movement off the ball is top quality and if we could pick his runs out more quickly he would be banging them in right now. Excellent run to set up the second goal. Cult hero status already?

 

Subs:

Cork 6 - Closed down well, some good passing moves and got forward when needed. Brought midfield stability and slickness which we lack when Hammond starts.

Connolly 7 - Linked up really well with the midfield and made some good runs. Gets in very good positions. Just needs to bag a goal to get his confidence up high.

Sharp 6 - Quiet again, thought he must have been frustrated when DC was sent on instead of him. Just needs time to settle in and get to full fitness, he will be quality.

 

All in all happy with 3 points and bring on the next game!

[James]

Just back from the game, pretty p!ssed up still. Crowd was much better today than on Tuesday, despite a load of pr!cks at the top of 38 slagging off Guly at every opportunity! People get on his back too much.

 

We played pretty well, still not at our best but great that we can pick up 7 points from 9 after 3 average performances. First half was quite poor, we were lucky to go in 1-0 up I thought, but second half was much better. We controlled possession, got the ball down and passed it around well. Was great to see after we made all our subs that we were still passing the ball around with quality, most teams wouldn't be able to make 3 subs and be able to keep up their quality of possession and passing like that.

 

Davis 6 - Didn't have anything to do all game, which shows how solid our defence was.

 

Richardson 6 - Looks a bit tired, but did pretty well. Got down the right flank but we left him out of our play a lot today - probably because he's a bit worn out!

Fox 7 - Did very well, made some good tackles high up the pitch and got stuck in. A few problems with Nouble on the right wing but all in all, pretty solid.

Fonte 7 - Solid, good in the air and composed on the ball. Good to see him collecting the ball from Kelvin again from goal kicks, as it allows us to build from the back.

Hooiveld 7 - Again very solid and composed on the ball. I wanted to give him 10/10 just for taking that shot at goal (what a f*cking hit by the way!) but that might be undeserved...

 

Guly 7 - Passed the ball around well, a few people got on his back but kept his chin up and was excellent when he moved to the AMC position behind Sharp and Connolly for the last 15 minutes.

Lallana 9 - Excellent performance from him, he was everywhere today. Worked really hard, closed the ball down well whether in the final third or in his own half. Not to mention 2 great goals! So lucky to have him.

Schneiderlin 6 - Not spectacular, but did his job well. Made some good tackles and passed the ball with confidence and style. His short passing is excellent and he has the vision to pick out a great pass when need be.

Hammond 6 - Pretty quiet, but chased the ball down in midfield and made some good tracking runs and tackles. Prefer Morgan and Cork in the middle but Deano always does well when he comes into the side.

 

Lambert 6 - Quiet game by his standards, but he did ok. Got beaten in the air a few times but his passing was top-notch again and was always aware of where Lee was to pick out a pass. Would like to see him shoot more.

Lee 8 - I love this man. His movement off the ball is top quality and if we could pick his runs out more quickly he would be banging them in right now. Excellent run to set up the second goal. Cult hero status already?

 

Subs:

Cork 6 - Closed down well, some good passing moves and got forward when needed. Brought midfield stability and slickness which we lack when Hammond starts.

Connolly 7 - Linked up really well with the midfield and made some good runs. Gets in very good positions. Just needs to bag a goal to get his confidence up high.

Sharp 6 - Quiet again, thought he must have been frustrated when DC was sent on instead of him. Just needs time to settle in and get to full fitness, he will be quality.

 

All in all happy with 3 points and bring on the next game!

 

Wouldn't have given Lee an 8. Did brilliantly for the second goal but other than that I wasn't that impressed. In the first half he got knocked off the ball a lot, miscontrolled it and should have hit it rather than setting it up for Guly in the area. Second half he was better but ALWAYS offside - perhaps because we weren't picking out his runs but still he needs to stay onside.

 

Thought Sharp looked a bit better than against Ipswich when he came on a bit faster and strong holding the ball up, don't think you could call him 'quiet' when he only had 10 minutes and we had the game won - all we wanted to do was knock it around the back rather than going forward so he didn't exactly have any chance.

 

Thought Lallana was by far the best player on the pitch today, closely followed by Fox who I thought was quality. Did brilliant to win the ball high up the pitch in some dangerous positions.

[dannysfc]

Well that was a game of 2 halves IMO as the first half looked like the Saints from the Ipswich game-(2nd Half!)

n the 2nd half was the Saints team that I know and we're both Good goals by Lalanna n could have been more

with other players involved like Hooiveld n Fonte and with West Ham dropping points was Good n Reading still

won But Were Top Of The League and it looks like it'll be our Season for once!!!

Roll on Millwall and Hull next!!!

COYR!!!

[Thedelldays]

Connolly a 7 and Morgan a 6??

 

Each to their own but IMO Morgan was excellent in the 2nd half. Everything went through him when we had possession

[Charlie Wayman]

Good result but a frustrating afternoon for fans. Cork made the difference. He and Morgan are a class act together, instinctively knocking the ball back and forth knowing where each other will be. Even Guly blossomed and became part of it then.

 

If only we could get service to Tadanari Lee he'd score buckets load of goals but long balls into the box is not what he does as amply demonstrated by his world class run that led to our second goal.

 

It's likely Lallana will get MotM but let's face it he couldn't miss either goal that was set up for him. At least he made some amends for screwing up three equally easy missed opportunities on Tuesday.

 

Morgan was our outstanding player today by a country mile. he reminds more and more of Pires in his pomp

[SNSUN]

It does look as if it's a 3 horse race now. All 3 sides have a decent run of games unbeaten, Readings' is more impressive than ours or West Hams'. West Ham fans who think they deserve to go up are annoyed at their team, but they still have the players to do it. We have good players, a 3.1 point advantage (although played a game more) and the support of each and every one of us! Reading fans will feel they're the dark horses in this - but even though we're top, we can still say we are the underdogs, as we're the promoted side. what a tough one to call!

 

It's in our hands now, that's all we can ask for. Only we can blow it. Every player has to give 100% every game. We must try and stay injury and suspension free. Keep the confidence up and we can string together a run of results that would send us back to the Premiership, and would put Adkins name down as one of the best managers in our history. (Certainly our recent history.)

 

Pleased for Lallana.

[James]

Good result but a frustrating afternoon for fans. Cork made the difference. He and Morgan are a class act together, instinctively knocking the ball back and forth knowing where each other will be. Even Guly blossomed and became part of it then.

 

If only we could get service to Tadanari Lee he'd score buckets load of goals but long balls into the box is not what he does as amply demonstrated by his world class run that led to our second goal.

 

It's likely Lallana will get MotM but let's face it he couldn't miss either goal that was set up for him. At least he made some amends for screwing up three equally easy missed opportunities on Tuesday.

 

Morgan was our outstanding player today by a country mile. he reminds more and more of Pires in his pomp

 

Pires? That's one of the stranger comparisons I've heard...surely Pires goal scoring prowess was what made him the player he was...you can hardly say that about Morgan!

[haddock22]

have to agree 100% with beatlesaint regarding hammonds sideways sideways sideways passing.Surely even a half fit chappel who was our best player for the early part of the season until his injury would be better to start.Hammond really is the weak link at the moment

[Saint_Randell]

I can't work out if Lee's runs our intelligent and we're not finding them; or that they're just the same run every time (in behind the defender and over the top,) and it's virtually impossible for someone to get it up and over the defender from the position they're in and get it to Lee.

 

I'm beginning to think the latter but still, did well for the second goal and he still makes things happen!

[Nexstar]

Goooood times!

[bug187]

Nice to see the Japanese fans with their Tadanari Lee shirts and banners. God knows how many photos they took lol.

[James]

I can't work out if Lee's runs our intelligent and we're not finding them; or that they're just the same run every time (in behind the defender and over the top,) and it's virtually impossible for someone to get it up and over the defender from the position they're in and get it to Lee.

 

I'm beginning to think the latter but still, did well for the second goal and he still makes things happen!

 

This is my position exactly. There's making a good run, and there's making a run which is capable of being picked out!

[saintmatt]

Some very unfair comments re Deano on here. He's our best off the ball player in my opinion (somebody very important to the team), always looks to get the ball down and pass it along the floor, has a better passing range than people give him credit for, and a terrific engine. I also can't ever recall seeing him lose possession! We should count ourselves lucky how intense the competition for midfield places is!

[Dimond Geezer]

Not a great game, but we won it fairly comfortably. I think we will see more games like this for the remainder of the season, less flair & more of a workman like performance. What stood out for me today was neither of the fullbacks were making the over-lapping runs today, there were several times in the first half, when Guly had the ball & he was expecting Richardson to be bombing past, only to look up & find he hadn't moved, leaving Guly isolated, or needing to play a square ball inside, or back to the centre-backs.

[dellgirl]

Hammond is like a child playing in a mans game ,they pass to him he makes no impression at all,so they then play between themselves and make progress. It is embarrassing that he is in the starting 11,he causes problems,he can't help it he is just way out of his element. I would score him 4 and that is generous, please put him out of his misery and don't play him again.