Thursday Night Football

[Neil]

Live updates from the Lawn - here (http://www.livescores.co.uk/myTeamLive.jsp?account=3&match=656) :cool:

[spandau_wirral]

Come on Tigers! Just got back from playing in goal at Bentham and we lost. We better not lose this one or I will shoot everyone in my village!

[weston branch]

Matt Rose sent off:mad:

[spandau_wirral]

Boooo! Guess the best we can hope for now is a draw.

[weston branch]

Finished 0-0, heard that Rose was sent off for what looked like either a bad tackle or a stamp

[Dr Wart Hoover]

Livescores has 15 mins to go!

[spandau_wirral]

Well I guessed the correct score for the first time in a million years, now I hope i got the attendance right and my life will be complete!

Actually I hope I was 1200 out on my guess and 1400 attended.

[Neil]

255 I think - terrible game lacking in quality.

Tim's thoughts here (http://www.cityladies.co.uk/spf/th291107.wav)

I won't complain about the sending off because it looked a bad challenge (probably worse than it was) but Rosey had been persistantly fouling for the previous fifteen minutes and had the ref booked him I don't think that the challenge would've happened.

Their guy wasn't as badly hurt as first feared (thankfully) but it didn't help Rosey that his teammates were telling him to stay on the ground and scream as though he was hurt....

[Joe]

Not a good result.

I couldn't make it, so could someone talk me through our formation please? By the look of the line up on live scores, we seem to have only played one up front, and that one has only just come back from injury and hasn't scored in a couple of months. Is that correct? If so, I think that's a pretty negative attitude to start a home match against a team lower in the league than you with. What did Morf do to deserve the drop?

[spandau_wirral]

So it sounds like doing the washing up and ironing i did was about as thrilling as the game tonight. Hopefully Tuesday night will be more of an event.

Also can't say I'm too gutted that Rose will be suspended for a few games, although guess it doesn't aid the injury front.

P.S. Just had a thought, if you dive in your own area and a foul is given against you, is that a penalty to the opposition? Guess it probably is if it is deemed a 'foul' but then I don't know if that is deemed a 'foul'??

[pylonsider]

255 I think - terrible game lacking in quality.

Tim's thoughts here (http://www.cityladies.co.uk/spf/th291107.wav)

I won't complain about the sending off because it looked a bad challenge (probably worse than it was) but Rosey had been persistantly fouling for the previous fifteen minutes and had the ref booked him I don't think that the challenge would've happened.

Their guy wasn't as badly hurt as first feared (thankfully) but it didn't help Rosey that his teammates were telling him to stay on the ground and scream as though he was hurt....

Got to disagree with you, Neil. Heard what you said in The Green Man tonight (what a truly awful place to go to after a match for a pint) and talked to Andy Chapman after that. And then the ref.

Andy said he heard nowt from anybody - maybe it could have been our Alex Stanley but I did note that he was late to 'arrive' at the incident so I'm dubious about that allegation. Who exactly was it who said the Ciren lads told Chappy to stay down?

What I did see in The Green Man was a very visible set of studs just above the knee - how high did Rose think he had to go to stop him?

Asked the ref about it and he said he was side on, he'd thought it was way over the top but first checked with the lino who confirmed it was late and high. Not a good tackle, by any measure.

Th lad was tired. And way late into that one. End of story.

No mileage in trying to make something of it by suggesting it was simulation by Chappy and, somehow, Rose was the innocent party and got a red because of player intervention. That just don't wash..

[badsy]

agree with pylonsider, rose was getting more and more frustrated at his inability to keep up with game and appeared to take it out on the ciren player. Think that he should be released, his legs have gone and just cant keep up with playing the centre midfield role

[Tim]

Can't argue with the red card - it was an horrendous tackle. Perhaps, though, Neil's cynicism is borne of Ciren's constant negativity throughout the game.

Forget the time-wasting (that started after 12 minutes!), the six across the back and the one shot all night, and instead focus on the incident a few minutes before the sending off.

Ciren had a corner, the ball was whipped high across the box, one of their players jumped up and, unchallenged, headed it over the bar. He then sank to the ground and didn't move.

Did he fall badly? Was he hurt? Or was he playing for time? The answer came when the referee came over to check and the player leapt to his feet and ran off to the centre circle. :tosser:

But if Ciren were a shameful embarrassment, what does that make us? Well, simply a team that can't pass. We soooooooooo need a midfielder who can place his foot on the ball and pass it, simply, to another of our players.

All we got last night was hoofing it forward, often without looking, and expecting Jack to chase it and hold it up before passing to . . . who?

To sum up: a terrible game between two terrible teams.

And what made it worse was, after years of nagging, I persuaded my five-a-side team to come to a game. After that 'spectacle', do you think they'll bother to come again?

[Dommotyger]

Can't argue with the red card - it was an horrendous tackle. Perhaps, though, Neil's cynicism is borne of Ciren's constant negativity throughout the game.

Forget the time-wasting (that started after 12 minutes!), the six across the back and the one shot all night, and instead focus on the incident a few minutes before the sending off.

Ciren had a corner, the ball was whipped high across the box, one of their players jumped up and, unchallenged, headed it over the bar. He then sank to the ground and didn't move.

Did he fall badly? Was he hurt? Or was he playing for time? The answer came when the referee came over to check and the player leapt to his feet and ran off to the centre circle. :tosser:

But if Ciren were a shameful embarrassment, what does that make us? Well, simply a team that can't pass. We soooooooooo need a midfielder who can place his foot on the ball and pass it, simply, to another of our players.

All we got last night was hoofing it forward, often without looking, and expecting Jack to chase it and hold it up before passing to . . . who?

To sum up: a terrible game between two terrible teams.

And what made it worse was, after years of nagging, I persuaded my five-a-side team to come to a game. After that 'spectacle', do you think they'll bother to come again?

Couldn't have said it better myself Tim! I have followed City for 20 years and must admit I am starting to lose interest! Last night was a joke and Rose was a flippin idiot and just summed the evening up! He has never been good for us I'm afraid (although someone will probably come on here and tell me which game he was good in!) and I just hope someone can come in and shine whilst he is banned! We really need some new players and quick as people are going to stop coming! Look at last night's attendance 244!!!!!!!!!! Local derby (I know it was late night shopping zzzzzzzzzz but there was nothing else going on around the two areas and on Sky etc) and we didn't even bust the 250 mark!

[Graham]

I can only agree with all of the comments, I will not comment on the players apart from Muzzie who has been head and shoulders above everyone this season and really cares about the club, the last two signings have been prooved to be good.

Why did we start with one natual striker up front last night who was not 100% fit by the managements comments?

The worst game that I have watched City play that I can remamber and I have seen some bad games and bad defeats, if we play like that again against a better side than Ciren we will get pasted.

[SHANDY LOVE MACHINE]

It was turgid

Also found the decision to play Jack up front on his own a strange one as he was clearly not yet (or could be expected to be) match fit. Its a hard job being a lone striker. I think Morf could have carried it off as he is not only good at holding the ball up but he has the skill and pace to be direct when needed.

Passing was terrible, some positives were:

Kev made a european class save against the Shaxtonian and was solid
Muzzie was outstanding at the back reading the game, tidying up and playing it around simple. Honestly he was class.
Defence was generally pretty solid and every time I see Ashley Thomas play I am confidentised by the fact we have a no nonsense strong defender in there. The only problem I have is that I cannot watch him play without seeing him in a Shortwood shirt knocking us out of the cup.
A word also to Al Lard, who I am pleased to see a lot more composed and confident after some shaky performances which previously led to some questioning his inclusion. You've answered in the right way, on the pitch.
Smithy - lively and once again the player that looked as if he could make things happen, shame no-one got on to his early crosses.

[Neil]

I was told that Morf was at his graduation all day and was late to the ground. That said I'd have still started with another striker rather than either Webby or Reidy.

As for Rosey, I'm not arguing about the sending off, I'm just saying what I was told. I also think that he's been playing much better lately than he had been and am disappointed that he'll be missing.

But that said, what does everyone think makes a good midfielder? Sometimes I really think they're on a hiding to nothing. Everyone is praising Muzzie now but how long ago was it that he was getting slated?

[Simon]

Just an awful game all around.

We were terrible, Ciren were terrible. I can't believe how this season has changed from such optimism to such desperation.

If we play like that against the likes of Kings Lynn and Team Bath we will be slaughtered 5/6-0. We thought the 9 game unbeaten run would finally start the march up the table...I'm guessing we were wrong.

I don't know what it is, but I'm sure its not the Manager, I have to say that TH hasnt looked as animated on the touchline as he normally is recently. The players have to take alot of the blame, they really need to start playing as a unit, and start playing to their potential which is an Top 10 side.

It probably was the most tedious Football game I've ever witnessed. Not good.

[bobcarolgees]

Have to say there seemed to be air around the place before the game that nobody could be bothered, maybe it rubbed off on the players? Usually we are really good noise wise but during the game, especially the 2nd half there was literally 3 or 4 of us singing constantly-what was everyone else doing? Get behind the team during the good and the bad-and if there crap boo them off at the end, the backing they got last night was woefull! You could hear a bloody pin drop, embarrasing.:frown:

The performance first half wise, I thought wasnt that bad. Jack was doing well up front and Smithy looked dangerous. We put a few good moves together and looked the better of the two. 2nd half though we resorted to the kind of desperate rubbish we served up several months ago. However we were still unlucky, we hit the post twice remember. Did Ciren really threaten? Personally I dont think last night was anywhere near as bad as the Shortwood game. Maybe my opinion was blinkered as I was trying to get behind the lads with the 3 or 4 others who could be bothered during the match???

Anyway I hope last night's 2nd half serving was just a blip. Rose was an idiot for the "challenge" leading up to his red card. Without a doubt the sending off was the right decision, totally needless and desperate foul by somebody who struggled throughout the game. Yet to be impressed by him this season.

As for Muzzie, two years ago he rightly got stick-due to the fact he was playing well below his standards, he continually took all the set pieces but his freekicks were useless and he looked completely out of his depth. He's taken that critisicim and look at him now. By far and away the best player we have got this season, if it wasnt for him clearing things up at the back we would be bottom and out of every competition.

Facts are maybe this squad isnt as good as we've been told it is?

[ItmustbeCity]

Very very poor last night, the biggest worry is that we really let Ciren come into the game in the second half and they could have taken all the points despite their constant timewasting. Only real positive was that Muzzie was head and shoulders above everyone else and if it hadn't been for him we probably would be much worse off. Another worry is how much its rubbed off on the crowd, we needed a good result to get some more punters through the gates coming up to christmas but after last night we may be relying on Bromsgrove to bring some numbers down

[Neil]

Facts are maybe this squad isnt as good as we've been told it is?Whats the alternative Bob? I'd love to be able to moan about the calibre of player that Kings Lynn are employing but we have to face facts that we simply cannot afford to pay that much out when the money isn't coming in.

One thing that concerned me about last night was maybe both teams' reliance on Hartpury College players, although I was surprised to learn that there were only four on from both teams.

The thing is that I know we are better and that there is talent in the squad, but it doesn't seem to be working. And when that happens, especially on the nights as they get colder with less fellow fans around it makes you question your desire to come back for more :rolleyes:

[Neil]

Rosey's tackle (http://www.cityladies.co.uk/spf/rosey_ciren.wmv) (oo-er!)

[spandau_wirral]

I wonder what he said in his plea for innocence just as the ref blew up and he waved his arms like a pheasent about to get bashed by a Nissan Micra?

My guess is "What for?"

[Neil]

Do you drive a Nissan Micra per chance?

[yates jr]

he can have no arguements with that
his legs are going and he can't keep up thats the reason he fouls!
Sykos the same his legs look tired and slow ! :mad:
And i'm not really bothered that Rosey will be out for 3 games !

[Neil]

Women are supposed to come to football to look at blokes legs Yatesy ;)

[spandau_wirral]

Do you drive a Nissan Micra per chance?

Of course, it was either that or the BMW Z3. I think I made the right choice.

[Dannyboy]

Lots of interesting items on this thread and I want to come back to them but haven't time at the moment. Two overiding things though. If everyone thinks that peoples legs are going, and I wouldn't disagree, surely we need younger fitter legs and since the best source of young legs after the youth team is Harpury college why be worried about the number of their players that appear? They've lost one, drawn one and won seventeen so far this season. Surely with TH's contacts we are well placed to take 'the best' from there. They have kids who have been released by league teams from all over the country and some of those don't make the first team yet. Second point is lots of mentions here and by TH recently about confidence. When young players are constantly b*ll*ck*d and swore at by senior team members and the bench for the slightest error, how does that encourage them to be comfortable on the ball? The fact Muzzie keeps wacking it over everyones head is a point I'll come back to later and to finish on a positive, start the building around Ash Thomas I think he is one of the most exciting players in this league. Reads the game great in defence, has strength and skill and has an uncanny ability to get in the right places for corners. In time the red and white stripes will fade!!

[nigel]

Sat in the stand last night, balls balloons in the air and noasky is near it but its going to be difficult to control. One of the things I noticed is that muzzie is talking to him, guiding him all the time, things like youve got time, let in bounce, player coming, play it now.

Thought this was quality

[Dannyboy]

Sat in the stand last night, balls balloons in the air and noasky is near it but its going to be difficult to control. One of the things I noticed is that muzzie is talking to him, guiding him all the time, things like youve got time, let in bounce, player coming, play it now.

Thought this was quality

Thats great and i hope it continues. I wasn't there last night. Did anyone miskick, hang on to it too long or choose the wrong option? How was that greeted?

To be honest things have been better over the last few games. A kid with Noasky's talent needs to be support all the time. With his background he will have been constantly encouraged even when he's made mistakes. The modern way seems to work on the logic "what's the point in making someone who feels bad feel even worse". Come to think of it, has the reduced amount of moaning coincided with him announcing he wanted to leave? Took a lotta guts that did and City need players with natural ability (and b*lls) like that.

[MaxiJazz]

But if Ciren were a shameful embarrassment, what does that make us? Well, simply a team that can't pass. We soooooooooo need a midfielder who can place his foot on the ball and pass it, simply, to another of our players.

All we got last night was hoofing it forward, often without looking, and expecting Jack to chase it and hold it up before passing to . . . who?

To sum up: a terrible game between two terrible teams.

And what made it worse was, after years of nagging, I persuaded my five-a-side team to come to a game. After that 'spectacle', do you think they'll bother to come again?Bring Wilko back,,, I'm told he's starting to look fit and injury free again and is head and shoulders above any midfielder in the Cinders league..

[yates jr]

Women are supposed to come to football to look at blokes legs Yatesy ;)

says you who take pictures of them :biggrin:

[Neil]

:biggrin:

Pictures of players legs and more from the Cirencester game can be found here (http://www.flickr.com/photos/tigerimages/sets/72157603345057146/)!

[yates jr]

Neil were you feeling ok there are no pictures of people eating :biggrin: lol

[Neil]

Just giving it a rest while I think of another distraction subject to come up with!

[yates jr]

Just giving it a rest while I think of another distraction subject to come up with!

looks like its vans with balloons in :biggrin::wink:

[Neil]

Yeah, cos you see them at every ground don't you!

[Neil]

From the Ciren match reportWhen, on 87 minutes, he dived in late and high on Andy Chapman after he had been outwitted by the very impressive Ciren wing back deep in his own half, Rose was rightly red carded by the very calm and impressive referee.
Come on Ian, Rosey was marginally late to a ball that he failed to control with a poor first touch. Not sure what part your player played in it other than being the unwitting victim but he certainly didn't "outwit" him :biggrin:

link (http://www.cirentownfc.com/firstteam/matchreport_20071128/)

[Pablo]

What was that truck of balloons for then, were they expecting a replay that much?

[Neil]

I did have it in my mind that they were going to be taking them to the County Ground but had visions of them driving along the A419 blowing away one by one :biggrin:

[Neil]

v/Ip2V-ozTqYw

Thanks to Paul "Pablo" Clark for his able cameramanship :cool:

[Pablo]

I can tell you now it was bloody freezing in that stand with the camera, so it came out better than I thought.

What a save from Kev!!

[Neil]

Gloves are always helpful Pablo :biggrin:

[Noah]

You seem to have caught the best of it guys. Well done. I liked the genial, half-time summariser with the thoughtful analysis. (Maybe)

[pylonsider]

Seen the piccies now, Neil. Good set, both of 'em. The video brought back that feeling, with Smudger running rampant in the first 10, that he was going to punish us big time.

Maybe you had the advantage on me on interpretation on the incident with Chappy, having meself had only the one view of it. Agree that Chappy had let the ball bounce away whereas I'd thought he'd knocked it away and was about to move downfield on to it ... either ways, Rosey was mistiming that one. Misdirecting it, too :biggrin:

Not a good match, with Gloucester having much more of the free flowing moves through midfield but somehow not getting through the defence. Two best chances, after that oh so close one by Pitcher on 4 minutes, fell to Ciren. Great save by Carlsberg Kev.

[bully74uk]

Seen the piccies now, Neil. Good set, both of 'em. The video brought back that feeling, with Smudger running rampant in the first 10, that he was going to punish us big time.

Maybe you had the advantage on me on interpretation on the incident with Chappy, having meself had only the one view of it. Agree that Chappy had let the ball bounce away whereas I'd thought he'd knocked it away and was about to move downfield on to it ... either ways, Rosey was mistiming that one. Misdirecting it, too :biggrin:

Not a good match, with Gloucester having much more of the free flowing moves through midfield but somehow not getting through the defence. Two best chances, after that oh so close one by Pitcher on 4 minutes, fell to Ciren. Great save by Carlsberg Kev.

What about when Bullman spilt the long range effort and we failed to score from the spilt ball ? I thought that was a pretty good chance missed !

And I'd say that Kev was more of a Stella man myself as he doesn't go for the cheap things in life :wink:

[Neil]

I was going to add about the two best chances. Granted, Shaxton was denied by a great save but I can't recall feeling threatened again by a Cirencester team, that according to Pylonsiders report "deserved" to win :biggrin:

[city supporter]

I was going to add about the two best chances. Granted, Shaxton was denied by a great save but I can't recall feeling threatened again by a Cirencester team, that according to Pylonsiders report "deserved" to win :biggrin:

Eh ! what game was he watching:rolleyes:

[Tim]

I couldn't bear to watch the 'highlights' but have to ask: how did you manage to make them stretch for nine minutes?

[Noah]

A lot came from the first six minutes when you and the prawn sandwich brigade may only have just been taking your seats.

[weston branch]

Must admit - the highlights made the game look a lot better than everyone said it was

[Neil]

I couldn't bear to watch the 'highlights' but have to ask: how did you manage to make them stretch for nine minutes?The half time analysis :biggrin:

[Tim]

Noah said: "A lot came from the first six minutes when you and the prawn sandwich brigade may only have just been taking your seats."

We had to take our seats: a Forest Green steward came along and told us we couldn't stand up outside the box!

And the nearest we came to prawn sandwiches was prawn cocktail crisps!