147man
16 May 2005, 08:16 AM
First the Saturday game:
We were completely all over them in the first half and 2-0 up after 13 minutes.
Repka didn't foul and therfore they didn't deserve the free kick that led to the first goal. Having said that Harewood brought down their defender to be in position to score our first.
The difference between NRC and Magilton in midfield was quite marked, NRC was chasing and closing down, harrying the opposition, Magilton by contrast (because of his 38 summers) was just playing a passing game (quite effectively), this was indicative of the player to player comparisons over the whole squad - although their keepers save from Anton was unbelievable and was even compared to Banks vs Pele in 1970 and believe me was not too different!
HT 2-1
Royle made good substitutions (lets face it he was in a tactical battle with an unarmed opponent!), they recognised the danger of Matty and consequently scythed him down whenever he got the ball.
Their second goal was a typical WHU disaster with Ferdinand battling against Walker for ther ball.
The atmosphere was electric for virtually the whole match we cheered and sang and clapped and gave our all, the players were sent out after the match to applaud us (a nice touch if a little belated).
On balance I think we deserved to win 2-1......
But we didn't and we start the Wednesdays game as though there had never been a game at UP - It is in effect a Cup Final.
My overriding concern is as to whether Pardew can motivate the team to perform as they did in the first half, I suspect he can't and that our chance was lost in Saturdays game. However if staying down truly does mean the end of Brown then we'll look back on these games as being fundamental to our future.
PS. Bought the lad a new shirt (with the stripes) and they refused to put lettering on the back as the formats are all changing next season regardless of whether we go up or stay down.
PPS. Rio's Chrysler was in the car park, he'd lent it to Anton as he can't drive!!
We were completely all over them in the first half and 2-0 up after 13 minutes.
Repka didn't foul and therfore they didn't deserve the free kick that led to the first goal. Having said that Harewood brought down their defender to be in position to score our first.
The difference between NRC and Magilton in midfield was quite marked, NRC was chasing and closing down, harrying the opposition, Magilton by contrast (because of his 38 summers) was just playing a passing game (quite effectively), this was indicative of the player to player comparisons over the whole squad - although their keepers save from Anton was unbelievable and was even compared to Banks vs Pele in 1970 and believe me was not too different!
HT 2-1
Royle made good substitutions (lets face it he was in a tactical battle with an unarmed opponent!), they recognised the danger of Matty and consequently scythed him down whenever he got the ball.
Their second goal was a typical WHU disaster with Ferdinand battling against Walker for ther ball.
The atmosphere was electric for virtually the whole match we cheered and sang and clapped and gave our all, the players were sent out after the match to applaud us (a nice touch if a little belated).
On balance I think we deserved to win 2-1......
But we didn't and we start the Wednesdays game as though there had never been a game at UP - It is in effect a Cup Final.
My overriding concern is as to whether Pardew can motivate the team to perform as they did in the first half, I suspect he can't and that our chance was lost in Saturdays game. However if staying down truly does mean the end of Brown then we'll look back on these games as being fundamental to our future.
PS. Bought the lad a new shirt (with the stripes) and they refused to put lettering on the back as the formats are all changing next season regardless of whether we go up or stay down.
PPS. Rio's Chrysler was in the car park, he'd lent it to Anton as he can't drive!!