Clever Fox

It's true we gave away too many chances on Tuesday and we wern't perfect but there was more positives to take from that game as a young team finding their feet. We played at a higher tempo moved the ball better and made chances. Yes McCarthy played a blinder the final 10 minutes but that's football. I once seen a game where from the tip off the ball was played down the left wing where the winger crossed into the box and the CF scored. all in about 30 seconds. Well for the next 89 minutes the scoring team couldn't get out of their own box, they were battered but somehow kept the ball out and won 1 nil. That was the day I learned it doesn't matter how good you are, You have to score goals to win matches, Something we're struggling with. The first problem we have is we need to start taking chances , Even Saturday we should have been ahead before they scored. Goals change games and players attitudes. Now that we have someone with experience in Riis I'm hoping things will improve soon. Football can be a cruel game when things are going against you along with everything else that's happening in the Club.

Yesterday's performance bore no resemblance to Tuesday nights game , So what changed apart from the oppositiion. We were slow, poor in possesstion and bereft of ideas. Admittedly they bullied us from the off but we looked like we had no energy and little desire to improve. Paige was closely marked but didn't help himself by his positioning very often facing his own goal. Reid and Burns seemed to be pissed off with each other because when they did make runs the Ball never came. Riis was trying to figure where to go or be to get on the Ball but again we seemed to ignore his strength, Though to be fair it was his first game. Alves tried but was missing McFarlan'es support , Braybrooke tried but wasn't effective yesterday mainly because he was out numbered in midfield most of the time. I still say Alves offers us more in a central role where his close control along with Braybrooke who can carve holes in a defensive block. Defensively we were a shambles which shouldn't happen a Month into the season. We showed signs of Tiredness yesterday , Are we tired this early in the season ?. JJ needs to remember his first priority is defending, Getting forward is a bonus, He was out of position too many times yesterday to help out Suttar who is slow. Other teams will follow Oxfords lead and bully us. Fitness levels need to improve , Russell needs to up his game and quickly, The players need to play as a team and support each other as a team. Russell needs to introduce more systems into our play to counter whatever the opposition throws at us. Possession alone is not enough. You need to be able to tell players we're going to change plan to B,C or D. etc. We need to build from the back with more bodies in midfield until we establish what the opposition are doing. That means players with energy like Aluko and Doyle who I think will be good for the team. Once they learn the role they're being asked to play. Stockport is not going to be an easy game on Saturday either. We have to be rested organised and ready to go into battle because nobody is going to roll over for us. it's just the opposit.

He had his pocket picked a few times trying to receive the ball and play out from the back. We need more players dropping in to show for the Ball including the Wingers. If only to confuse the Wingers.

He'd be a smart choice but we don't do smart so I guess not much will change.

I made this point last week. Since the play off win he's had 23 straight competitive defeats with Southampton , Rangers and us. Aside from the Notts cup win.

While fitness is a real issue since Enzo the squad isn't physical enough. Thankfully we've added more height to the sqaud last week which should help.

Delighted he get's one more pay day. He deserves it. What's sad is he could have been playing here but for one Man.

This was a no brainer on what JJ has produced already this season. This lad is going right to the top. I just hope we can keep him for a year or two.

I expect Riis to start up top. Other than injures I'd expect pretty much the same linup as Tuesday.

I'm sure Charlton will start going backwards now.

Looks a really good signing with impressive goal scoring 10 goals in 39 games for a young player is very good from midfield. I'd replace Cullen or Reid with him.

I think Faes could do a better job than Skipp in that defensive midfield role. He can certainly carry the ball forward can win headers and offer support at Corners. I'd like to see him get a couple of games there.

The other thing I noticed last night was he's inclined to give up when he loses possession, instead of getting back as quickly as possible, but that will come with more games and Coaching.

I was very impressed with some of the patterns of play which is clearly down to Russell. The way we opened them up around the edge of the Box at times was impressive. Which I'm sure will get better as the season goes on.

He was excellent for someone who is still finding his feet in a new Club and Country. Had he got the chances Reid got I'm sure he would have scored. But his time will come as he grows in confidence.

Let's just enjoy the win tonight and the performances by many of our young players who were excellent. Confidence is growing individually and as a team. If we can win again on Saturday then I can see momentum improving and players getting better as the season unfolds.

A lot of our players were blowing very hard by the end of the game which will do their fitness levels a power of good for the future.

He was excellent again tonight. Maybe that's his best position.

A good win with a decent performance.

I hope we are not using up our luck now late in this game.

Not even close. While he done well. Paige and Braybrooke have bossed the game in midfield.

McFarlane is out on his feet.

Reid has actually played well tonight apart from the missed chances.

Braybrooke has got to back himself and score there, no need for a pass to Reid.

Paige and Braybrooke have done a lot of running tonight.