'We're still not ready' (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Well done Paolo and the lads.

A lesson learnt hopefully.

12-0, now that would have been good!

Obviously the boys aren't fit enough!!! Get ready for some all-night training sessions, lads!!!!!

Very pleased with the three points, much better performance, glad to see Williams off the mark, also very pleased for Thompson.

The downside seems to be, we wasted many chances and went to sleep for the last ten minutes, and add to that No inspirational Ferry, so only just good enough in midfield against a poorer side.

No Bostock on as sub ? maybe his time will come soon, and pleased for Ritchie scoring a blinder of a goal from a difficult position.

Without doubt we were better, but, only better against a poorer side, lets hope we can carry some form and confidence into Saturdays game which will bring with it a much harder to beat and more sorted opposition.

We need to learn how to adapt to the other team changing their formation, that what happened last in in the last ten minutes, they changed their shape and we could not deal with it.

Well that was a game of 2 halves - only one half was 80mins and the other only 10
.
Total domination - MK style - with fast fluid and direct attacking football
.
It was more a case of luck, outstanding goalkeeping (2nd game running their keeper has got MOTM) and some crucial blocks rather than wasting chances this time that stopped it being 5-0 at HT
.
If the game ended at 80 - then the top 3 would have been Thompson, McEveley and Williams who all had outstanding games
.
Thompson delivered everything we hoped - assured defending and an attacking thrust - he will get better too!
.
McEveley was back to his best (thought he was poor by his standards against MK) - great at the back and like Thompson provided an attacking threat too
.
Williams was unplayable - twisting and turning and skipping past players with ease and this time ended it with a great finish
.
I haven't been overly impressed until last night but boy he looked good!
.
The game wasn't really right for Bostock - with Rooney coming on early (heard Collins got a rib injury???) and Williams taking the p1ss out of their defence you couldn't sit him in the hole - and coming on instead of Coke (who could be exceptional once his role is finalised) would have left us too attacking to see out the game
.
However - because of those last 10 Wes has to be considered for MOTM as he made some excellent stops
.
It's hard to put a finger on why the change
.
Is it simply - like MK - they decided to go for it eventually - they were at home let's not forget
.
They also do have quality players I Harley, Howard and Rodgers
.
Was this then coupled with nervous - we haven't won for 4 so panicked a little?
.
Was it the knock Navarro or that saw him come off a few minutes later?
.
He does the donkey work which normally goes unnoticed - but as PdC said Coke did do this - did this allow Howard to start to pull the strings?
.
Well whatever it was it was a well deserved win and no once can deny that!
.
I fully understand why PDC is upset as had it been 1-0 or their fight back started after 75 mins they might have got a totally undeserved point
.
We are getting there and once a few things are worked on we will certainly see more wins than anything else
.
Oh if Ward is the worst defender ever I must have been watching a totally different Swindon over the years as while no Calderwood he certainly is a class above Frampton and Cuthburt!

Should be Come didn't do this

Coke even - bl00dy aut correct or fat fingers!

You should be a proof reader London Red!

London Red wrote:
Well that was a game of 2 halves - only one half was 80mins and the other only 10 . Total domination - MK style - with fast fluid and direct attacking football . It was more a case of luck, outstanding goalkeeping (2nd game running their keeper has got MOTM) and some crucial blocks rather than wasting chances this time that stopped it being 5-0 at HT . If the game ended at 80 - then the top 3 would have been Thompson, McEveley and Williams who all had outstanding games . Thompson delivered everything we hoped - assured defending and an attacking thrust - he will get better too! . McEveley was back to his best (thought he was poor by his standards against MK) - great at the back and like Thompson provided an attacking threat too . Williams was unplayable - twisting and turning and skipping past players with ease and this time ended it with a great finish . I haven't been overly impressed until last night but boy he looked good! . The game wasn't really right for Bostock - with Rooney coming on early (heard Collins got a rib injury???) and Williams taking the p1ss out of their defence you couldn't sit him in the hole - and coming on instead of Coke (who could be exceptional once his role is finalised) would have left us too attacking to see out the game . However - because of those last 10 Wes has to be considered for MOTM as he made some excellent stops . It's hard to put a finger on why the change . Is it simply - like MK - they decided to go for it eventually - they were at home let's not forget . They also do have quality players I Harley, Howard and Rodgers . Was this then coupled with nervous - we haven't won for 4 so panicked a little? . Was it the knock Navarro or that saw him come off a few minutes later? . He does the donkey work which normally goes unnoticed - but as PdC said Coke did do this - did this allow Howard to start to pull the strings? . Well whatever it was it was a well deserved win and no once can deny that! . I fully understand why PDC is upset as had it been 1-0 or their fight back started after 75 mins they might have got a totally undeserved point . We are getting there and once a few things are worked on we will certainly see more wins than anything else . Oh if Ward is the worst defender ever I must have been watching a totally different Swindon over the years as while no Calderwood he certainly is a class above Frampton and Cuthburt!

LR - your usual brief synopsis I see! For the life of me I can't see what is so exceptional about Ward when compared with Flint or Troy. To compare him with Cuthbert & Frampton is hardly any yardstick to judge anyone by.

Agree McEveley played well until his suicidal pass back -what on earth was he doing -schoolboy footie - at that stage and given the pressure he was under should have hoofed it away from the danger zone.

Pompey were no mugs - don't forget they got through a couple of times in the 1st half -remember the block McEveley made when the guy looked odds on to score & Wes pulled off a save when they were through again.

Headmaster's report is -we must do better on Saturday.

Malkym wrote:

London Red wrote:
Well that was a game of 2 halves - only one half was 80mins and the other only 10 . Total domination - MK style - with fast fluid and direct attacking football . It was more a case of luck, outstanding goalkeeping (2nd game running their keeper has got MOTM) and some crucial blocks rather than wasting chances this time that stopped it being 5-0 at HT . If the game ended at 80 - then the top 3 would have been Thompson, McEveley and Williams who all had outstanding games . Thompson delivered everything we hoped - assured defending and an attacking thrust - he will get better too! . McEveley was back to his best (thought he was poor by his standards against MK) - great at the back and like Thompson provided an attacking threat too . Williams was unplayable - twisting and turning and skipping past players with ease and this time ended it with a great finish . I haven't been overly impressed until last night but boy he looked good! . The game wasn't really right for Bostock - with Rooney coming on early (heard Collins got a rib injury???) and Williams taking the p1ss out of their defence you couldn't sit him in the hole - and coming on instead of Coke (who could be exceptional once his role is finalised) would have left us too attacking to see out the game . However - because of those last 10 Wes has to be considered for MOTM as he made some excellent stops . It's hard to put a finger on why the change . Is it simply - like MK - they decided to go for it eventually - they were at home let's not forget . They also do have quality players I Harley, Howard and Rodgers . Was this then coupled with nervous - we haven't won for 4 so panicked a little? . Was it the knock Navarro or that saw him come off a few minutes later? . He does the donkey work which normally goes unnoticed - but as PdC said Coke did do this - did this allow Howard to start to pull the strings? . Well whatever it was it was a well deserved win and no once can deny that! . I fully understand why PDC is upset as had it been 1-0 or their fight back started after 75 mins they might have got a totally undeserved point . We are getting there and once a few things are worked on we will certainly see more wins than anything else . Oh if Ward is the worst defender ever I must have been watching a totally different Swindon over the years as while no Calderwood he certainly is a class above Frampton and Cuthburt!

LR - your usual brief synopsis I see! For the life of me I can't see what is so exceptional about Ward when compared with Flint or Troy. To compare him with Cuthbert & Frampton is hardly any yardstick to judge anyone by.

Agree McEveley played well until his suicidal pass back -what on earth was he doing -schoolboy footie - at that stage and given the pressure he was under should have hoofed it away from the danger zone.

Pompey were no mugs - don't forget they got through a couple of times in the 1st half -remember the block McEveley made when the guy looked odds on to score & Wes pulled off a save when they were through again.

Headmaster's report is -we must do better on Saturday.

Agree Malkym!must do better,our finishing was woeful,the game should have been over by half-time!then they totally switch off for the last vital part of the game,if we're talking promotion that's just not good enough,Paolo still ain't got a clue what our best side is!so great to get the 3 points,still a work in progress with much work to do!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
!

All in all it sounds as if the last two games have shown progress with largely experimental sides.

Lots of good points, but as Malky says, must do better on Saturday. It's a lot more reassuring considering the 3 game run of defeats.

Another view wrote:
All in all it sounds as if the last two games have shown progress with largely experimental sides.

Lots of good points, but as Malky says, must do better on Saturday. It's a lot more reassuring considering the 3 game run of defeats.

"Experimental" seems to be the best description of what's going on at the moment. I will start to feel a lot more comfortable when we see a more settled side. But I suppose we can't complain about picking up three points on the road with an experimental line-up.
.
I am concerned about Ferry and Flint though. I saw them as important for our season. If neither is injured and neither was in the 18 man squad last night, is this an indication of further departures? I hope not.

the don69 wrote:

Malkym wrote:

London Red wrote: Well that was a game of 2 halves - only one half was 80mins and the other only 10 . Total domination - MK style - with fast fluid and direct attacking football . It was more a case of luck, outstanding goalkeeping (2nd game running their keeper has got MOTM) and some crucial blocks rather than wasting chances this time that stopped it being 5-0 at HT . If the game ended at 80 - then the top 3 would have been Thompson, McEveley and Williams who all had outstanding games . Thompson delivered everything we hoped - assured defending and an attacking thrust - he will get better too! . McEveley was back to his best (thought he was poor by his standards against MK) - great at the back and like Thompson provided an attacking threat too . Williams was unplayable - twisting and turning and skipping past players with ease and this time ended it with a great finish . I haven't been overly impressed until last night but boy he looked good! . The game wasn't really right for Bostock - with Rooney coming on early (heard Collins got a rib injury???) and Williams taking the p1ss out of their defence you couldn't sit him in the hole - and coming on instead of Coke (who could be exceptional once his role is finalised) would have left us too attacking to see out the game . However - because of those last 10 Wes has to be considered for MOTM as he made some excellent stops . It's hard to put a finger on why the change . Is it simply - like MK - they decided to go for it eventually - they were at home let's not forget . They also do have quality players I Harley, Howard and Rodgers . Was this then coupled with nervous - we haven't won for 4 so panicked a little? . Was it the knock Navarro or that saw him come off a few minutes later? . He does the donkey work which normally goes unnoticed - but as PdC said Coke did do this - did this allow Howard to start to pull the strings? . Well whatever it was it was a well deserved win and no once can deny that! . I fully understand why PDC is upset as had it been 1-0 or their fight back started after 75 mins they might have got a totally undeserved point . We are getting there and once a few things are worked on we will certainly see more wins than anything else . Oh if Ward is the worst defender ever I must have been watching a totally different Swindon over the years as while no Calderwood he certainly is a class above Frampton and Cuthburt!

LR - your usual brief synopsis I see! For the life of me I can't see what is so exceptional about Ward when compared with Flint or Troy. To compare him with Cuthbert & Frampton is hardly any yardstick to judge anyone by. Agree McEveley played well until his suicidal pass back -what on earth was he doing -schoolboy footie - at that stage and given the pressure he was under should have hoofed it away from the danger zone. Pompey were no mugs - don't forget they got through a couple of times in the 1st half -remember the block McEveley made when the guy looked odds on to score & Wes pulled off a save when they were through again. Headmaster's report is -we must do better on Saturday.

Agree Malkym!must do better,our finishing was woeful,the game should have been over by half-time!then they totally switch off for the last vital part of the game,if we're talking promotion that's just not good enough,Paolo still ain't got a clue what our best side is!so great to get the 3 points,still a work in progress with much work to do!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !

still seems that even with all the talent pdc has brought in he hasnt been able to find a goal scorer cant help think connell would have 4 or 5 already if he stayed still find it strange after all this time. Hate to say it but im sure MR AUSTIN will show us where the goal is next week, imagine if we still had him with the chances our strikers are getting he would probs be in double figures and we would be top of the league never the less a good win and as long as we keep making the chances we will score onwards and upwards..

Some suicidal passing in the last few minutes - I said to a mate of mine even at two up I didn't feel comfortable, I think after the second goal we could have killed the game off but instead took the mickey and brought pressure on ourselves. Happy with the result, but we did switch off for the last few minutes, and that needs working on. Need to get the job done.

Although without doubt from what people have said who actually went to the game a big improvement, BUT, we were against a struggling team.
However, that said, I think Canioman will continue to mix and match until probably middle/end of October, so I don't think we should be overly critical.
I hope Thompson makes RB his own berth in this team, that cuts a bit of slack on numbers into the middle of the back four.
Ironic that a seasoned pro like Devera picks up a silly yellow for time wasting, un necessary.
With Williams getting his first hopefully now he will continue with some more frequent regularity. However, we still don't have a balanced side with these additional new faces included in the mix. Brave man to bring all these guys in, but I shudder to think of the finance behind it, and Caddis now has a dislocated shoulder so who is now paying his wages ??

Very much still work in progress, but these guys in the middle need to start impressing people, because up till now most are un impressed with the Miller/Navarro pairing. Lots to do, Saturday and the Cherries will prove to be a good yardstick as to where we really are, it aint going to be easy.
For what it is worth I would definitely have Ferry in the starting line up for Saturday, without him we seem to wonder aimlessly in the middle, direction needed.

I was there last night along with 1000+ other fantastic supporters. Ok we tired in the last 10 mins, but they put everything into the first 80mins. This is league one don't forget & some of our football was better than most of the stuff on sky in the premiership. Stop demanding perfection for 90 minutes it won't happen. Just enjoy the ride while Paolo is here and remember what has been served up in the past few years. Rant over!!!!

does what he wants Connell has only just "forced" himself into Bradford's starting 11. Hardly an endorsement of him in relation to us.

Williams scored 17 goals last season for Yeovil in THIS division, has looked sharp as mustard to me. I personally think he will score most games.

Re taking Collins off, it's Paolo's message of standards again. He's in it for the long term. He'll encourage him like billy ho and training and I expect him to start on Saturday, just like Flint started after he singled him out.

We are all so quick to make a judgement on the manager's decision but perhaps just like he needs time before interviews; some cooling off before making statements would be better for everyone?

Back to back to back promotions coming.

the wizard wrote:
Although without doubt from what people have said who actually went to the game a big improvement, BUT, we were against a struggling team. However, that said, I think Canioman will continue to mix and match until probably middle/end of October, so I don't think we should be overly critical. I hope Thompson makes RB his own berth in this team, that cuts a bit of slack on numbers into the middle of the back four. Ironic that a seasoned pro like Devera picks up a silly yellow for time wasting, un necessary. With Williams getting his first hopefully now he will continue with some more frequent regularity. However, we still don't have a balanced side with these additional new faces included in the mix. Brave man to bring all these guys in, but I shudder to think of the finance behind it, and Caddis now has a dislocated shoulder so who is now paying his wages ?? Very much still work in progress, but these guys in the middle need to start impressing people, because up till now most are un impressed with the Miller/Navarro pairing. Lots to do, Saturday and the Cherries will prove to be a good yardstick as to where we really are, it aint going to be easy. For what it is worth I would definitely have Ferry in the starting line up for Saturday, without him we seem to wonder aimlessly in the middle, direction needed.

Thompson for me looked out of his depth last night - was out of position on more than a few occassions and whilst good going forwards, seems to struggle with the physical side of the game. Also looked knackered towards the end, not surprising as he's started few if any games that I can recall before last night. Looks a good prospect, needs to toughen up a bit though.

Guys!!! can we please get over- Caddis, Austin, Connell and anyone else who has departed the CG they are history and they ain't coming back so any comparisons, regrets etc are purely hypothetical and totally meaningless as is the constant fixation from some as to what Oxford are doing -who cares! they have no effect on STFC's results or season.

The irony of last nights game is that due to 'arry & Mandric's(sp?) alleged financial dealings Pompey are in the doo doo money wise ala us under diamond Mike and co, and as such may not exist into 2013. A mate I went with, with family connections to Coventry says they need circa £35k a week! just to tread water let alone buying new players and gate revenue isn't going to provide that -similarly at Pompey when you consider that teams like Scunny, Sheff U, Preston, Carlisle will be bringing squat diddly fans to Fratton Park. Really hope they can find some sort of money bags saviour.




Let's let Wray and co. worry about the Financial aspects of bringing in more players

Swindon1984 wrote:

the wizard wrote: Although without doubt from what people have said who actually went to the game a big improvement, BUT, we were against a struggling team. However, that said, I think Canioman will continue to mix and match until probably middle/end of October, so I don't think we should be overly critical. I hope Thompson makes RB his own berth in this team, that cuts a bit of slack on numbers into the middle of the back four. Ironic that a seasoned pro like Devera picks up a silly yellow for time wasting, un necessary. With Williams getting his first hopefully now he will continue with some more frequent regularity. However, we still don't have a balanced side with these additional new faces included in the mix. Brave man to bring all these guys in, but I shudder to think of the finance behind it, and Caddis now has a dislocated shoulder so who is now paying his wages ?? Very much still work in progress, but these guys in the middle need to start impressing people, because up till now most are un impressed with the Miller/Navarro pairing. Lots to do, Saturday and the Cherries will prove to be a good yardstick as to where we really are, it aint going to be easy. For what it is worth I would definitely have Ferry in the starting line up for Saturday, without him we seem to wonder aimlessly in the middle, direction needed.

Thompson for me looked out of his depth last night - was out of position on more than a few occassions and whilst good going forwards, seems to struggle with the physical side of the game. Also looked knackered towards the end, not surprising as he's started few if any games that I can recall before last night. Looks a good prospect, needs to toughen up a bit though.

'84 - can't agree with that - thought he was very impressive- din't put a foot wrong until he gave the ball away once when the rest of the team were also at panic stations.

Granted he might struggle against a more accomplished side and that he is one for the future and by being played cautiously by Pdc he will toughen up I'm sure.

Malkym wrote:

Swindon1984 wrote:

the wizard wrote: Although without doubt from what people have said who actually went to the game a big improvement, BUT, we were against a struggling team. However, that said, I think Canioman will continue to mix and match until probably middle/end of October, so I don't think we should be overly critical. I hope Thompson makes RB his own berth in this team, that cuts a bit of slack on numbers into the middle of the back four. Ironic that a seasoned pro like Devera picks up a silly yellow for time wasting, un necessary. With Williams getting his first hopefully now he will continue with some more frequent regularity. However, we still don't have a balanced side with these additional new faces included in the mix. Brave man to bring all these guys in, but I shudder to think of the finance behind it, and Caddis now has a dislocated shoulder so who is now paying his wages ?? Very much still work in progress, but these guys in the middle need to start impressing people, because up till now most are un impressed with the Miller/Navarro pairing. Lots to do, Saturday and the Cherries will prove to be a good yardstick as to where we really are, it aint going to be easy. For what it is worth I would definitely have Ferry in the starting line up for Saturday, without him we seem to wonder aimlessly in the middle, direction needed.

Thompson for me looked out of his depth last night - was out of position on more than a few occassions and whilst good going forwards, seems to struggle with the physical side of the game. Also looked knackered towards the end, not surprising as he's started few if any games that I can recall before last night. Looks a good prospect, needs to toughen up a bit though.

'84 - can't agree with that - thought he was very impressive- din't put a foot wrong until he gave the ball away once when the rest of the team were also at panic stations. Granted he might struggle against a more accomplished side and that he is one for the future and by being played cautiously by Pdc he will toughen up I'm sure.

Fair enough, everyone's got an opinion. Know that there were a few occassions where their man on the left wing was getting well forward and Thompson was nowhere to be found, the centre halves had to step out to the wing to compensate and it left us open. He did well considering, but did seem to tire earleir than the others and I'm suprprised he wasn't subbed off for that reason, no criticism just maybe not up to full match fitness.

With no reserve side for players such as Thompson to gain match experience this will always be a problem. Getting thrown in at the deep end after spending most of the last 5 months on the practice pitch and doing training with players you know does not gather much needed match day experience, for Thompson or anyone else in his position. I feel this is a definite chinque in our armour which needs to be addressed. There is no substitute for experience, you cannot train it into somebody, they need to go out and gain it, by making mistakes and then learning from them.
making those mistakes in league games is expensive as goes goals conceded and points lost, but also works against confidence and composure, which are very necessary. Canioman needs to get some games organised to sort out some of the more menial problems.

we were in total control of that game last night and should have won more convincingly but the last 10 minutes we were all over the place and that dodgy back pass to Foderingham from mccleverly nearly cost us but we played some great football last night and pompey fans i know said we hammered them. you then look at the stats on the bbc website and possession was 55-45 in our favour sorry but i cant believe that more like 70-30 in our favour.
I thought for his first game Thompson had a good game but does need to brush up a bit on the defensive side but he's a young lad and i thought he played his player well as the ref a couple of times when thompson was fouled didnt seem to blow up for it.
Pompey are experts at diving and the ref unbelievably fell for it everytime with Howard being the main culprit and one of their players diving in his own box was absolutley laughable and the ref fell for it again.
Overall we looked a very good side with slick inter passing and great movement but we need to be more clinical and their were times when we could have pulled the trigger but we didnt and we lost the chance.
Wes had a quiet night apart from the last 10 and he pulled off three really great saves if he hadnt it would have been a total injustice if they had got anything from the game but the players have to learn from those last 10 minutes that we will come across better teams than pompey who will punish us if we make the same mistake of taking our foot off the pedal.

Swindon1984 wrote:

the wizard wrote: Although without doubt from what people have said who actually went to the game a big improvement, BUT, we were against a struggling team. However, that said, I think Canioman will continue to mix and match until probably middle/end of October, so I don't think we should be overly critical. I hope Thompson makes RB his own berth in this team, that cuts a bit of slack on numbers into the middle of the back four. Ironic that a seasoned pro like Devera picks up a silly yellow for time wasting, un necessary. With Williams getting his first hopefully now he will continue with some more frequent regularity. However, we still don't have a balanced side with these additional new faces included in the mix. Brave man to bring all these guys in, but I shudder to think of the finance behind it, and Caddis now has a dislocated shoulder so who is now paying his wages ?? Very much still work in progress, but these guys in the middle need to start impressing people, because up till now most are un impressed with the Miller/Navarro pairing. Lots to do, Saturday and the Cherries will prove to be a good yardstick as to where we really are, it aint going to be easy. For what it is worth I would definitely have Ferry in the starting line up for Saturday, without him we seem to wonder aimlessly in the middle, direction needed.

Thompson for me looked out of his depth last night - was out of position on more than a few occassions and whilst good going forwards, seems to struggle with the physical side of the game. Also looked knackered towards the end, not surprising as he's started few if any games that I can recall before last night. Looks a good prospect, needs to toughen up a bit though.

I couldn't go to the game so all I can comment on is what the manager and radio commontaters have reported.
The radio guys said that Thommo looked very strong and that he was the best tackler on the pitch. They never said a negative thing about him all through the match.

The manager said he was excellent and played very well. Indeed it did sound to me listening on my radio that he was more than adequate and put in a better performance than Devera has over the last couple of games.

A big difference between Devera and Thompson is that the latter gets forward more and gets his crosses in whilst the former prefers to not cross the half way line. With the full back overlapping it does take a little pressure off of Ritchie.

From what I've witnessed in Thommo he is better at R/B than Joe. I think he will make that position his own and we certainly havn't seen the last of him this season.

Well done on a good result against a last season Championship side that have some pretty decent players . Remember though that football today is a 95 minute game.
Looking forward to us doing some cherry picking on Saturday when Paolo comes face to face with his mentor "Arry"

LeGod wrote:
we were in total control of that game last night and should have won more convincingly but the last 10 minutes we were all over the place and that dodgy back pass to Foderingham from mccleverly nearly cost us but we played some great football last night and pompey fans i know said we hammered them. you then look at the stats on the bbc website and possession was 55-45 in our favour sorry but i cant believe that more like 70-30 in our favour.
I thought for his first game Thompson had a good game but does need to brush up a bit on the defensive side but he's a young lad and i thought he played his player well as the ref a couple of times when thompson was fouled didnt seem to blow up for it.
Pompey are experts at diving and the ref unbelievably fell for it everytime with Howard being the main culprit and one of their players diving in his own box was absolutley laughable and the ref fell for it again.
Overall we looked a very good side with slick inter passing and great movement but we need to be more clinical and their were times when we could have pulled the trigger but we didnt and we lost the chance.
Wes had a quiet night apart from the last 10 and he pulled off three really great saves if he hadnt it would have been a total injustice if they had got anything from the game but the players have to learn from those last 10 minutes that we will come across better teams than pompey who will punish us if we make the same mistake of taking our foot off the pedal.

Legod i agree we will come up against better sides than Pompey who may punish us however if we continue to produce the chances that we did for the 80mins i reckon some one very soon is going to get spanked by 5 or more goals, great support from both sets of supporters again last night, a Pompey mate i travelled with was more than impressed by us the fans and the team,great night lets smack Bormuff.

Could not believe the last 10 minutes we just fell apart.
Maybe it had something to do with Navaro going off as all of a sudden we had holes in the midfield.

All in all a great night though apart from the A34 being closed on the way home for me.

Special mention to the Pompey fans as well. All other clubs could take a note. 2-0 down but they still sing.
Fratton Park remains a real football ground with real football supporters.

Hope they get out of their financial mess.
Oxford take 700 fans to their local derby v Cheltenham ....... As we know they only turn up for their cup final against us. Poor Support or what.

WE`RE STILL NOT READY ! says Paolo. He`s right but he is knocking them into the shape necessary to do the job i.e. get Swindon Town up another league. No complaints from me and the Bournemuff game should be worth every penny.

Malkym wrote:
Guys!!! can we please get over- Caddis, Austin, Connell and anyone else who has departed the CG they are history and they ain't coming back so any comparisons, regrets etc are purely hypothetical and totally meaningless as is the constant fixation from some as to what Oxford are doing -who cares! they have no effect on STFC's results or season. The irony of last nights game is that due to 'arry & Mandric's(sp?) alleged financial dealings Pompey are in the doo doo money wise ala us under diamond Mike and co, and as such may not exist into 2013. A mate I went with, with family connections to Coventry says they need circa £35k a week! just to tread water let alone buying new players and gate revenue isn't going to provide that -similarly at Pompey when you consider that teams like Scunny, Sheff U, Preston, Carlisle will be bringing squat diddly fans to Fratton Park. Really hope they can find some sort of money bags saviour. Let's let Wray and co. worry about the Financial aspects of bringing in more players

Well you got that wrong Malkym!Austin's coming back Tuesday night!but hopefully he's NOT going to give our Strikers a lesson in how to finish!LOL!!!!!!!!!

I was there last night. When asked by my colleagues this morning what I thought of the game - "what a great game for a neutral fan - lots of action, incredible saves, fantatstic sets of fans, end to ned and drama - had it all".

Now as a STFC fan, I saw 80 mins of real promise last night, with passages of slick play, positive attitude and and some really terrific efforts that resulted in 2 great goals. Yes we had a 10 minute series of 'moments of madness' but with time and more gelling, we are going to have a team that can push for promotion. I genuinely feel that the best is yet to come.

We should have one by a country mile - but face it, you can see why their goalie got MOTM - he was outstanding - so PDC, sign him up as cover for Sir Wes ( who was equally awesome last night). I cannot agree with some comments about Nathan - he played a blinder. Williams has broken his drought so hopefully the confidence will rise and more to follow. He had a great game. The subs were right, not sure why for Collins, but hear he may have picked up a rib injury. Not surprised as Pompey were pretty physical and there was a lot of 'putting it about' - although on occasions our boys road challenges well and probably 'balanced the books'...

I really enjoyed the atmosphere and credit to Pompey and their fans for a great night. My Dad was there (lives in Pompey) and he (aged 79) has not been there since he was 11 and loved it.

Now for Ballmouth - good team selection please PDC and another 3 points as well.

Onwards and upwards!! COYR!!

John Young's Grumpy wrote:
I was there last night. When asked by my colleagues this morning what I thought of the game - "what a great game for a neutral fan - lots of action, incredible saves, fantatstic sets of fans, end to ned and drama - had it all".

Now as a STFC fan, I saw 80 mins of real promise last night, with passages of slick play, positive attitude and and some really terrific efforts that resulted in 2 great goals. Yes we had a 10 minute series of 'moments of madness' but with time and more gelling, we are going to have a team that can push for promotion. I genuinely feel that the best is yet to come.

We should have one by a country mile - but face it, you can see why their goalie got MOTM - he was outstanding - so PDC, sign him up as cover for Sir Wes ( who was equally awesome last night). I cannot agree with some comments about Nathan - he played a blinder. Williams has broken his drought so hopefully the confidence will rise and more to follow. He had a great game. The subs were right, not sure why for Collins, but hear he may have picked up a rib injury. Not surprised as Pompey were pretty physical and there was a lot of 'putting it about' - although on occasions our boys road challenges well and probably 'balanced the books'...

I really enjoyed the atmosphere and credit to Pompey and their fans for a great night. My Dad was there (lives in Pompey) and he (aged 79) has not been there since he was 11 and loved it.

Now for Ballmouth - good team selection please PDC and another 3 points as well.

Onwards and upwards!! COYR!!

How times have changed since the days when you felt fortunate to get away from Fratton Park in one piece and when the Swindon police described Pompey's fans as the worst in the country after one of their rampages at the County Ground!

It's funny how we all see the same game differently. I thought both full backs played very well and McEveley was unlucky not to get on the score sheet in the first half.

I actually think Pompey may do ok if they can keep that bunch of players together, the major difference was that we knew the runs players were making enabling the quick passing, whereas due to their disruptions they didn't have the same fluidity.

I'm glad we've got that out of the way early, a trip to Fratton Park after christmas could be a lot tougher!

One question I do have though is how have they put that team together? They have some decent players for a club in administration!

Stilloyal wrote:

Swindon1984 wrote:

the wizard wrote: Although without doubt from what people have said who actually went to the game a big improvement, BUT, we were against a struggling team. However, that said, I think Canioman will continue to mix and match until probably middle/end of October, so I don't think we should be overly critical. I hope Thompson makes RB his own berth in this team, that cuts a bit of slack on numbers into the middle of the back four. Ironic that a seasoned pro like Devera picks up a silly yellow for time wasting, un necessary. With Williams getting his first hopefully now he will continue with some more frequent regularity. However, we still don't have a balanced side with these additional new faces included in the mix. Brave man to bring all these guys in, but I shudder to think of the finance behind it, and Caddis now has a dislocated shoulder so who is now paying his wages ?? Very much still work in progress, but these guys in the middle need to start impressing people, because up till now most are un impressed with the Miller/Navarro pairing. Lots to do, Saturday and the Cherries will prove to be a good yardstick as to where we really are, it aint going to be easy. For what it is worth I would definitely have Ferry in the starting line up for Saturday, without him we seem to wonder aimlessly in the middle, direction needed.

Thompson for me looked out of his depth last night - was out of position on more than a few occassions and whilst good going forwards, seems to struggle with the physical side of the game. Also looked knackered towards the end, not surprising as he's started few if any games that I can recall before last night. Looks a good prospect, needs to toughen up a bit though.

I couldn't go to the game so all I can comment on is what the manager and radio commontaters have reported. The radio guys said that Thommo looked very strong and that he was the best tackler on the pitch. They never said a negative thing about him all through the match. The manager said he was excellent and played very well. Indeed it did sound to me listening on my radio that he was more than adequate and put in a better performance than Devera has over the last couple of games. A big difference between Devera and Thompson is that the latter gets forward more and gets his crosses in whilst the former prefers to not cross the half way line. With the full back overlapping it does take a little pressure off of Ritchie. From what I've witnessed in Thommo he is better at R/B than Joe. I think he will make that position his own and we certainly havn't seen the last of him this season. Well done on a good result against a last season Championship side that have some pretty decent players . Remember though that football today is a 95 minute game. Looking forward to us doing some cherry picking on Saturday when Paolo comes face to face with his mentor "Arry"

Think the first line says it all there! Again, it's an opinion I have based on watching the match. Don't expect everyone to agree.

On the subject of the pompey fans, very impressed - spoke to some before the game in the pubs and after on the train home, good bunch, real supporters, very passionate about their club but certainly not hooligans or louts. Always thought Swindon and Portsmouth are quite similar in terms of size, type of ground, financial problems off the field etc so found a lot of common ground with their fans. Good night all round, last ten minutes notwithstanding.

Oi Den! wrote:

John Young's Grumpy wrote: I was there last night. When asked by my colleagues this morning what I thought of the game - "what a great game for a neutral fan - lots of action, incredible saves, fantatstic sets of fans, end to ned and drama - had it all". Now as a STFC fan, I saw 80 mins of real promise last night, with passages of slick play, positive attitude and and some really terrific efforts that resulted in 2 great goals. Yes we had a 10 minute series of 'moments of madness' but with time and more gelling, we are going to have a team that can push for promotion. I genuinely feel that the best is yet to come. We should have one by a country mile - but face it, you can see why their goalie got MOTM - he was outstanding - so PDC, sign him up as cover for Sir Wes ( who was equally awesome last night). I cannot agree with some comments about Nathan - he played a blinder. Williams has broken his drought so hopefully the confidence will rise and more to follow. He had a great game. The subs were right, not sure why for Collins, but hear he may have picked up a rib injury. Not surprised as Pompey were pretty physical and there was a lot of 'putting it about' - although on occasions our boys road challenges well and probably 'balanced the books'... I really enjoyed the atmosphere and credit to Pompey and their fans for a great night. My Dad was there (lives in Pompey) and he (aged 79) has not been there since he was 11 and loved it. Now for Ballmouth - good team selection please PDC and another 3 points as well. Onwards and upwards!! COYR!!

How times have changed since the days when you felt fortunate to get away from Fratton Park in one piece and when the Swindon police described Pompey's fans as the worst in the country after one of their rampages at the County Ground!

Ha ha my Dad was originally from Pompey and my Nan who sadly passed away a few years ago lived on the notorious Paulsgrove Estate.

I was only saying this last night to the young lads who travelled with us.
Always good to get out of Pompey intact !!

Last night another funny moment was a works van coming off a slip road parallel to my car. Next minute window on the van gets pulled down and a crazy Italian shouting at our car...."Paolo, Paolo, Paolo Di Canio, the King, Swindon win, Paolo, Paolo."

Well done to the lads last night. Good result, and could have been a lot lot more!!

Paolo being a perfectionist was always going to be unhappy with the last 10 mins. It was reminiscent of the Wilson era! Im sure he will sort it out, at least we are back to winning ways, and hopefully that scare at the end will have made the lads realize that we have to play for 9o mins not 80

the wizard wrote:
Although without doubt from what people have said who actually went to the game a big improvement, BUT, we were against a struggling team. However, that said, I think Canioman will continue to mix and match until probably middle/end of October, so I don't think we should be overly critical. I hope Thompson makes RB his own berth in this team, that cuts a bit of slack on numbers into the middle of the back four. Ironic that a seasoned pro like Devera picks up a silly yellow for time wasting, un necessary. With Williams getting his first hopefully now he will continue with some more frequent regularity. However, we still don't have a balanced side with these additional new faces included in the mix. Brave man to bring all these guys in, but I shudder to think of the finance behind it, and Caddis now has a dislocated shoulder so who is now paying his wages ?? Very much still work in progress, but these guys in the middle need to start impressing people, because up till now most are un impressed with the Miller/Navarro pairing. Lots to do, Saturday and the Cherries will prove to be a good yardstick as to where we really are, it aint going to be easy. For what it is worth I would definitely have Ferry in the starting line up for Saturday, without him we seem to wonder aimlessly in the middle, direction needed.

A struggling team, maybe, but there were some good players on show, and with their home support I would put them down to pick up plenty of points at home - certainly no walkover if they can keep the loan players there.

Some interesting points to note -

1) We didn't struggle without Ferry, we played fantastically well.

2) The new faces - Ward, Rooney, and to a point Coke played very well IMO.

3) Up to the last 10 minutes we didn't struggle without Flint, although it would have more reassuring to have have seen him or Troy in the back four in the last 10 minutes

4) Bar the Orient game when the whole side had the off game, Williams is streets ahead of Alan Connell in terms of all round ability. Goals came last year in L1, they will come this year too. Nice to see the fans modify the AC song to AW when he scored.

TheDukeOfBanbury wrote:

Oi Den! wrote:

John Young's Grumpy wrote: I was there last night. When asked by my colleagues this morning what I thought of the game - "what a great game for a neutral fan - lots of action, incredible saves, fantatstic sets of fans, end to ned and drama - had it all". Now as a STFC fan, I saw 80 mins of real promise last night, with passages of slick play, positive attitude and and some really terrific efforts that resulted in 2 great goals. Yes we had a 10 minute series of 'moments of madness' but with time and more gelling, we are going to have a team that can push for promotion. I genuinely feel that the best is yet to come. We should have one by a country mile - but face it, you can see why their goalie got MOTM - he was outstanding - so PDC, sign him up as cover for Sir Wes ( who was equally awesome last night). I cannot agree with some comments about Nathan - he played a blinder. Williams has broken his drought so hopefully the confidence will rise and more to follow. He had a great game. The subs were right, not sure why for Collins, but hear he may have picked up a rib injury. Not surprised as Pompey were pretty physical and there was a lot of 'putting it about' - although on occasions our boys road challenges well and probably 'balanced the books'... I really enjoyed the atmosphere and credit to Pompey and their fans for a great night. My Dad was there (lives in Pompey) and he (aged 79) has not been there since he was 11 and loved it. Now for Ballmouth - good team selection please PDC and another 3 points as well. Onwards and upwards!! COYR!!

How times have changed since the days when you felt fortunate to get away from Fratton Park in one piece and when the Swindon police described Pompey's fans as the worst in the country after one of their rampages at the County Ground!

Ha ha my Dad was originally from Pompey and my Nan who sadly passed away a few years ago lived on the notorious Paulsgrove Estate.

I was only saying this last night to the young lads who travelled with us.
Always good to get out of Pompey intact !!

Last night another funny moment was a works van coming off a slip road parallel to my car. Next minute window on the van gets pulled down and a crazy Italian shouting at our car...."Paolo, Paolo, Paolo Di Canio, the King, Swindon win, Paolo, Paolo."

Duke,

As an apprentice I had several Portsmouth Power Station mates that lived up on Paulsgrove, Mousehole Road to be precise. Salt of the earth characters and called it as it is. Brilliant guys.

Big shame what has happened to their club, but hopefully the problems over time will be resolved, they just need someone to find them a "Fitton" type guy who can come in and do them some good. I don't need reminding of where we have come from in a very short space of time, but maybe their are a few others that do, and I don't refer to the majority on here, but you do hear it in the stands as you probably well know.

Onwards and most likely upwards.

Oi Den! wrote:

John Young's Grumpy wrote:
I was there last night. When asked by my colleagues this morning what I thought of the game - "what a great game for a neutral fan - lots of action, incredible saves, fantatstic sets of fans, end to ned and drama - had it all".

Now as a STFC fan, I saw 80 mins of real promise last night, with passages of slick play, positive attitude and and some really terrific efforts that resulted in 2 great goals. Yes we had a 10 minute series of 'moments of madness' but with time and more gelling, we are going to have a team that can push for promotion. I genuinely feel that the best is yet to come.

We should have one by a country mile - but face it, you can see why their goalie got MOTM - he was outstanding - so PDC, sign him up as cover for Sir Wes ( who was equally awesome last night). I cannot agree with some comments about Nathan - he played a blinder. Williams has broken his drought so hopefully the confidence will rise and more to follow. He had a great game. The subs were right, not sure why for Collins, but hear he may have picked up a rib injury. Not surprised as Pompey were pretty physical and there was a lot of 'putting it about' - although on occasions our boys road challenges well and probably 'balanced the books'...

I really enjoyed the atmosphere and credit to Pompey and their fans for a great night. My Dad was there (lives in Pompey) and he (aged 79) has not been there since he was 11 and loved it.

Now for Ballmouth - good team selection please PDC and another 3 points as well.

Onwards and upwards!! COYR!!

How times have changed since the days when you felt fortunate to get away from Fratton Park in one piece and when the Swindon police described Pompey's fans as the worst in the country after one of their rampages at the County Ground!

Ha memories....LOL
Some of the more "interesting" games back in the day!

It was great result and performance and 4 points from the two away games should put to bed the rumours of widespread discontent in the camp.
3 games losses or wins do not make a season,PNE on fire at home,OUFC their cup final and it their turn after 30 years to have a run against us! Leyton Orient just poor plain and simple,it will happen again at some point this season.
It seems like without Flint in the side we are doing well leading me to believe about what PDC says about one or two players bringing others down,even though that should not happen.

I also do not like the knocking of Ward or other newcomers as it can take awhile to settle.
As for Connell i maybe would have wanted him to stay as a squad player,it also seems to me that some forget he too missed guilt edged chances for us last season when given the chance.
I think PDC is slowly but surely finding out the team he wants and i agree with the poster above that some team is going to get thrashed.

We won! Ace.....
.
Is this the start of another 20 odd game unbeaten run?

the wizard wrote:

TheDukeOfBanbury wrote:

Oi Den! wrote:

John Young's Grumpy wrote: I was there last night. When asked by my colleagues this morning what I thought of the game - "what a great game for a neutral fan - lots of action, incredible saves, fantatstic sets of fans, end to ned and drama - had it all". Now as a STFC fan, I saw 80 mins of real promise last night, with passages of slick play, positive attitude and and some really terrific efforts that resulted in 2 great goals. Yes we had a 10 minute series of 'moments of madness' but with time and more gelling, we are going to have a team that can push for promotion. I genuinely feel that the best is yet to come. We should have one by a country mile - but face it, you can see why their goalie got MOTM - he was outstanding - so PDC, sign him up as cover for Sir Wes ( who was equally awesome last night). I cannot agree with some comments about Nathan - he played a blinder. Williams has broken his drought so hopefully the confidence will rise and more to follow. He had a great game. The subs were right, not sure why for Collins, but hear he may have picked up a rib injury. Not surprised as Pompey were pretty physical and there was a lot of 'putting it about' - although on occasions our boys road challenges well and probably 'balanced the books'... I really enjoyed the atmosphere and credit to Pompey and their fans for a great night. My Dad was there (lives in Pompey) and he (aged 79) has not been there since he was 11 and loved it. Now for Ballmouth - good team selection please PDC and another 3 points as well. Onwards and upwards!! COYR!!

How times have changed since the days when you felt fortunate to get away from Fratton Park in one piece and when the Swindon police described Pompey's fans as the worst in the country after one of their rampages at the County Ground!

Ha ha my Dad was originally from Pompey and my Nan who sadly passed away a few years ago lived on the notorious Paulsgrove Estate. I was only saying this last night to the young lads who travelled with us. Always good to get out of Pompey intact !! Last night another funny moment was a works van coming off a slip road parallel to my car. Next minute window on the van gets pulled down and a crazy Italian shouting at our car...."Paolo, Paolo, Paolo Di Canio, the King, Swindon win, Paolo, Paolo."

Duke, As an apprentice I had several Portsmouth Power Station mates that lived up on Paulsgrove, Mousehole Road to be precise. Salt of the earth characters and called it as it is. Brilliant guys. Big shame what has happened to their club, but hopefully the problems over time will be resolved, they just need someone to find them a "Fitton" type guy who can come in and do them some good. I don't need reminding of where we have come from in a very short space of time, but maybe their are a few others that do, and I don't refer to the majority on here, but you do hear it in the stands as you probably well know. Onwards and most likely upwards.

Top post wiz.

I get the feeling we both have a soft spot for Pompey for various reasons. I spent many a Summer staying on the Paulsgrove Estate and have fond memories.

Like you I would like to see that Club moving forward again just for those "loyal" fans.

6:57 nudge wink ;)

The 6:57 still going?
More importantly was the Mr.Portsmouth and his bell still there last night.
That annoyed me when PFC were in the Premier League when some fans who had no doubt were supporting them for time complained about him.

dreamofacleansheet2 wrote:
does what he wants Connell has only just "forced" himself into Bradford's starting 11. Hardly an endorsement of him in relation to us. Williams scored 17 goals last season for Yeovil in THIS division, has looked sharp as mustard to me. I personally think he will score most games. Re taking Collins off, it's Paolo's message of standards again. He's in it for the long term. He'll encourage him like billy ho and training and I expect him to start on Saturday, just like Flint started after he singled him out. We are all so quick to make a judgement on the manager's decision but perhaps just like he needs time before interviews; some cooling off before making statements would be better for everyone? Back to back to back promotions coming.

connell only started about 16 times 40 or so games for us and he was still top goal scorer what does that tell you. rotherham 2-1 down came on 2 shots 2 goal, shrewsbury 1-0 down came on 2 shots 2 goals jpt semi connell again, wigan and plymouth 85th minute 0-0 connell again crutial goals in our season every goal is crutial but some a bit more than others dont you think and he never complained when he didnt start he made sure when he got his chance he took it he also proved it the season before at grimsby. same old swindon fans treat him like god last season then he goes and then slag him off what a supprise

Is that the same Connell who is not a regular starter in L2 for Bradford and if you click on the top scorers list on the BBC which has about 20 names on it he does feature?
.
Thought so - but yeah he would had at least 5 for us by now especially when he only got 13 in total last season!
.
No one is doubting he played a big role for us last year - they all did!
.
However - What every single L1 manager told us is none of them think he is a L1 player - end of debate!
.
24 can't be wrong!!!!

If you get a chance to listen to the Thompson interview you should - sound like a very sensible level Hesse young man
,
Think once he settles we will see a Caddis/Devera hybrid
.
Better defensively than Caddis
.
Better attacking than Devera
.
So that must be a good thing

Agree the last 10+4 was dire but PDC also needs to look at his substitution timings. There were 3 players clealry blowing out of their arses at 75 mins yet the three he subbed were not. No idea why Collins came off, but he didn't seem happy. Absolutley ridiculous decision if it was anything other than a knock/ injury.
*
I usually find PDCs touchline antics quite amusing but yesterday they were ridiculous. What we needed in the last 15 mins was calm heads and composure on the pitch which is not going to be helped when it looks like your manager is having a serious mental breakdown in the dug out. I love PDCs passion but he needs to understand how his reactions transmit to the players, it is possible to be passionate whilst remaining calm and level headed...

London Red wrote:
If you get a chance to listen to the Thompson interview you should - sound like a very sensible level Hesse young man
,
Think once he settles we will see a Caddis/Devera hybrid
.
Better defensively than Caddis
.
Better attacking than Devera
.
So that must be a good thing

Just hope that after being several seasons into being an experienced pro he doesn't pick up a totally stupid yellow for time wasting like Devera last night then, eh ?

For the record and I've been saying for a while before today, I hope he makes that his position here at STFC. It will be VERY nice to have some home grown talent in the team.

As goes Connell, he did do very well and slotted into this team very well and knew how to read this team, perhaps better than Bradford. Many players do well at one club and little elsewhere, Andy Carroll springs to mind as well and there is no doubting his talent, you just have to feed the ball to him in his way, no doubt Connell is the same in principle.
I just wonder how many of those managers will get sacked because of poor goal scoring, three of them will be relegated for sure, and just look at the list of those who left through reasons various since Canioman has been here, Jervis for one. Oh Dear !

London Red wrote:
Is that the same Connell who is not a regular starter in L2 for Bradford and if you click on the top scorers list on the BBC which has about 20 names on it he does feature?
.
Thought so - but yeah he would had at least 5 for us by now especially when he only got 13 in total last season!
.
No one is doubting he played a big role for us last year - they all did!
.
However - What every single L1 manager told us is none of them think he is a L1 player - end of debate!
.
24 can't be wrong!!!!

LR, while I don't think it's right to assume Connell would have been scoring freely for us this season, I also question the worth of your statement that he is not a regular starter for Bradford - as if that somehow justifies getting rid of him. All we can judge Connell on is what we saw him do for us. Even if he was playing every game for Bradford and not scoring, I wouldn't even say that's proof that he wasn't good enough for us. And if he's not playing, how can we judge him at all? Maybe Bradford have just got a couple of other strikers who are playing well enough to keep him out.
.
And how do you know that all managers in our division thought he wasn't good enough for them? Perhaps some of them couldn't afford him. Or perhaps he chose a club that's a big fish in a small pond in preference to one of the smaller fish in the bigger pond?

Stratton Red wrote:
Agree the last 10+4 was dire but PDC also needs to look at his substitution timings. There were 3 players clealry blowing out of their arses at 75 mins yet the three he subbed were not. No idea why Collins came off, but he didn't seem happy. Absolutley ridiculous decision if it was anything other than a knock/ injury.
*
I usually find PDCs touchline antics quite amusing but yesterday they were ridiculous. What we needed in the last 15 mins was calm heads and composure on the pitch which is not going to be helped when it looks like your manager is having a serious mental breakdown in the dug out. I love PDCs passion but he needs to understand how his reactions transmit to the players, it is possible to be passionate whilst remaining calm and level headed...

Stratton, I wasn't there last night but if all you say is true, that seems like a very insightful post.

I'm happy at PDC's analysis of the game, we could have been out of sight after 20 minutes, their keeper was the 'home' MotM and that says a lot, but whilst we look great going forward, we appear to have a glass defensive wall, when put under direct pressure, as at Stoke and Preston. It may be a couple more games before PDC decides on his best defence and tries to keep them together for a string of games. We should also remember that we were in L2 last term so it will take a bit more time to adjust to L1. Forwards as ever

Red_jools wrote:
I'm happy at PDC's analysis of the game, we could have been out of sight after 20 minutes, their keeper was the 'home' MotM and that says a lot, but whilst we look great going forward, we appear to have a glass defensive wall, when put under direct pressure, as at Stoke and Preston. It may be a couple more games before PDC decides on his best defence and tries to keep them together for a string of games. We should also remember that we were in L2 last term so it will take a bit more time to adjust to L1. Forwards as ever

Agree and we should have been out of sight within the half hour for sure, both Collins & Williams had at least two golden opportunities each with one on one v keeper chances -they simply have to have scored and it was more diffocult to miss. Why is it that faced with one to one situations - certainly in L1 & L2 the keeper invariably comes out on top - bet they don't practice those on the training ground.

Mate I went with is offering, albeit slightly tongue in cheek, even money @ a grand that neither Williams or Collins hit 20 league goals this season and they should really shouldn't they?

Have to say that if that was bookies odds based on the fact that we have almost played already one quarter of our games it wouldn't be a bad bet

Of absolutely no relevance to this thread or of interest to Swindon Town but I see last night Caddis dislocated his shoulder and is out for 4 weeks. So at least people can stop banging on about caddis for the next 4 weeks!!!

After being in total charge for 80 mins,we could have lost that game,just think how painful that would have been,city blew it last night in the last 3 mins,PDC must work on full focus for the whole game,well the two teams at the top of the league,are low budget sides and Stevenage sold a lot of their best players don't know how their still unbeaten,Tranny seem to be scoring for fun,they got the two top-scorers in div1,but i'll be surprised if both those two can keep it going,lets do a bit of cherry plucking on Saturday hahaha.

Was it Swindon 1984 who said:- "Thompson for me looked out of his depth last night - was out of position on more than a few occassions and whilst good going forwards, seems to struggle with the physical side of the game. Also looked knackered towards the end"
He then said "He looks a good prospect"

Hmm? Most agree with your final statement but none apparently with the former..

London Red wrote:
If you get a chance to listen to the Thompson interview you should - sound like a very sensible level Hesse young man , Think once he settles we will see a Caddis/Devera hybrid . Better defensively than Caddis . Better attacking than Devera . So that must be a good thing

realy 1 start and you say hes gunna be better than caddis! im glad hes finaly got a chance but making a statement like that after 1 game caddis led us to a jpt final and won the league if he does more than that then i will agree..

ILOVESTFC wrote:
Of absolutely no relevance to this thread or of interest to Swindon Town but I see last night Caddis dislocated his shoulder and is out for 4 weeks. So at least people can stop banging on about caddis for the next 4 weeks!!!

That`ll be a welcome break !

newburymike wrote:
I was there last night along with 1000+ other fantastic supporters. Ok we tired in the last 10 mins, but they put everything into the first 80mins. This is league one don't forget & some of our football was better than most of the stuff on sky in the premiership. Stop demanding perfection for 90 minutes it won't happen. Just enjoy the ride while Paolo is here and remember what has been served up in the past few years. Rant over!!!!

I was there last night and have to agree with you. The guys were great overall. I dont know what some people want on this board. There was some fast precise passing last night with movement, it was a joy to watch, even the Pompey fans said so. When they play like that lets all get behind them.

First nice to Win,yet hats of to The Pompey Manager and Team.He has borrowed beeged and found players.
Yes it seems they wer overun for 80%of the game yet in the last 10 mins found the strength to get a goal and maybe could have got a share of the Points
My question is pdc has had super support from the Board and is looking for more loanees.
Something is not right at the CG I aint got a clue but when you see Pdc's budget he should be able to get more out of the team
Again what a gate for a team who are in bother again hats off to all Pompey supporters/What there manage do with Pdc's budget,I get fed up with this it's early days etc look at Tranmere/Crawley /Stevenage
So Pdc stop falling out with your team Manage them

Andy Williams....witnessi
ng the birth of a Town striking legend.

Southside couldn't agree more.

Mike1990 Stevenage - they've got Risser that's why they are up there.

Us: We will win the league. Paolo may appear madder than a box of frogs but there is method in all his harranging of players and demand for the highest standards.

Back to back to back promotions coming. Watching the birth of a managerial legend. Isn't he already? Build a statue of him when he takes us to the premiership.

newburymike wrote:
I was there last night along with 1000+ other fantastic supporters. Ok we tired in the last 10 mins, but they put everything into the first 80mins. This is league one don't forget & some of our football was better than most of the stuff on sky in the premiership. Stop demanding perfection for 90 minutes it won't happen. Just enjoy the ride while Paolo is here and remember what has been served up in the past few years. Rant over!!!!

....find it rather pathetic!!...just not up to the job!!
..
How on earth are the team going to get through the season if all of the fans start to tire after 80mins!!?...if you can't keep up the singing for 90mins +5 then you need more training!!
..
More pre-match beer, less chatting and bigger breaths!!...now get back to 7 nights a week training please!!

BonzoDogDooDa wrote:

newburymike wrote:
I was there last night along with 1000+ other fantastic supporters. Ok we tired in the last 10 mins, but they put everything into the first 80mins. This is league one don't forget & some of our football was better than most of the stuff on sky in the premiership. Stop demanding perfection for 90 minutes it won't happen. Just enjoy the ride while Paolo is here and remember what has been served up in the past few years. Rant over!!!!

I was there last night and have to agree with you. The guys were great overall. I dont know what some people want on this board. There was some fast precise passing last night with movement, it was a joy to watch, even the Pompey fans said so. When they play like that lets all get behind them.

But chaps, aren't people saying exactly the same thing as the manager? If so, shouldn't you be having a go at him for demanding perfection, as well as knocking supporters who happen to agree with him?

I'm not called 'whinger' for nothing, and in the immediate aftermath of the game last night I wasn't happy with how we 'almost' gave it away.

If Pompey had equalised it would have been the biggest footballing injustice going.

Having had time to reflect, we didn't give it away and I remembered how we played absolutely scintillating football that was joy to watch for the majority of the first 80 minutes. The ball was zipping around the pitch and had the Portsmouth players mesmerised as Town players moved through them, creating chance after chance. We could easily (and perhaps should) have been 5 up at half time.

This continued in the second half and after Williams scored the second we were extracting the Michael by playing round them for fun. Even the Pompey fans cheered when their own players managed to string a couple of passes together without us dispossessing them.

Maybe this transmitted to the players and they thought it was all too easy and then they stopped doing what they had been doing for the first 80 minutes.

Anyway, we won - thats what matters.

Contrary to the thoughts of another poster on here, Nathan was immense last night and is definately up to the physical side of the game. That boy is in to stay.

COYR

London Red wrote:
If you get a chance to listen to the Thompson interview you should - sound like a very sensible level Hesse young man , Think once he settles we will see a Caddis/Devera hybrid . Better defensively than Caddis . Better attacking than Devera . So that must be a good thing

I think you're right about the hybrid but hopefully he won't be perceived the other way - ie worse at attacking than Caddis, and worse at defending than Devera....

Personally I thought he did very well last night when he went forward, creative with Ritchie with some nice one touch stuff, but needed help at times defensively.

Very promising though and I hope he gets his run in the side.

castle9,

While I TOTALLY agree with you on so many points I must admit to one nagging doubt. We were playing against a side that is in huge dis array.
What will happen when we come up against organised well drilled sides that have been well put together, sides that will stop us from playing, do we have a plan B, or will we flounder like we did against Orient. I'm NOT trying to be negative here, but purely objective. While we are entitled to enjoy the moment against a lowly side, we must also remember for just a few seconds comparably, we let things slip and they nailed one in just to let us know how frail we can be.
You always seem to be objective and focused, are we that close, or did we make the most of the moment against just a poor side. Bournemouth will be a much sterner test, and perhaps a better yardstick to where we really are. I still think Canioman hasn't finished tinkering, and I still think we are not anywhere near as the finished product as he wants us to be. Time as always will reveal the answers, lets hope we are lucky.

PdC does - where did I say he was better?
.
I said he looks better at defending - which lets be honest has been a question mark about Caddis for well forever!
.
Wilesy never thought of it that way and knowing our fans that could be a real possibility - I hope not though

I said this morning that no one could say we didn't deserve our win - I was wrong!
.
Apparently Appleton doesn't know how they didn't get a share of the spoils!
.
At least the Vital Pompy site saw through it - that is a good read and very complimentary of us and said we fully deserved the win
.
It's one of the top links on newsnow

Wiz, yes we caught them at a good time, but despite this talk of disarray, they've still got some useful players with experience (Brian Howard, McLeod, Michalik,Rodgers etc).

We played them off the park at their place, in front of their supporters and yes they came close to equalising - but they didnt.

PDC will never finish tinkering, however, we did play some fantastic stuff last night. Reminded me of Leicester last season and as one poster said earlier, better than a lot of the Premier league stuff this season in terms of excitement.

Steve. Brentford wrote:

LeGod wrote: we were in total control of that game last night and should have won more convincingly but the last 10 minutes we were all over the place and that dodgy back pass to Foderingham from mccleverly nearly cost us but we played some great football last night and pompey fans i know said we hammered them. you then look at the stats on the bbc website and possession was 55-45 in our favour sorry but i cant believe that more like 70-30 in our favour. I thought for his first game Thompson had a good game but does need to brush up a bit on the defensive side but he's a young lad and i thought he played his player well as the ref a couple of times when thompson was fouled didnt seem to blow up for it. Pompey are experts at diving and the ref unbelievably fell for it everytime with Howard being the main culprit and one of their players diving in his own box was absolutley laughable and the ref fell for it again. Overall we looked a very good side with slick inter passing and great movement but we need to be more clinical and their were times when we could have pulled the trigger but we didnt and we lost the chance. Wes had a quiet night apart from the last 10 and he pulled off three really great saves if he hadnt it would have been a total injustice if they had got anything from the game but the players have to learn from those last 10 minutes that we will come across better teams than pompey who will punish us if we make the same mistake of taking our foot off the pedal.

Legod i agree we will come up against better sides than Pompey who may punish us however if we continue to produce the chances that we did for the 80mins i reckon some one very soon is going to get spanked by 5 or more goals, great support from both sets of supporters again last night, a Pompey mate i travelled with was more than impressed by us the fans and the team,great night lets smack Bormuff.

Hello mate...
Sorry about your mate.
You know were i am if you what a chat or anything...
.
I was going to post somthing about last night game BUT i got a bit worried incase other thought i was having a go at the players or the manager..

DarrenSTFCRomain wrote:

Steve. Brentford wrote:

LeGod wrote: we were in total control of that game last night and should have won more convincingly but the last 10 minutes we were all over the place and that dodgy back pass to Foderingham from mccleverly nearly cost us but we played some great football last night and pompey fans i know said we hammered them. you then look at the stats on the bbc website and possession was 55-45 in our favour sorry but i cant believe that more like 70-30 in our favour. I thought for his first game Thompson had a good game but does need to brush up a bit on the defensive side but he's a young lad and i thought he played his player well as the ref a couple of times when thompson was fouled didnt seem to blow up for it. Pompey are experts at diving and the ref unbelievably fell for it everytime with Howard being the main culprit and one of their players diving in his own box was absolutley laughable and the ref fell for it again. Overall we looked a very good side with slick inter passing and great movement but we need to be more clinical and their were times when we could have pulled the trigger but we didnt and we lost the chance. Wes had a quiet night apart from the last 10 and he pulled off three really great saves if he hadnt it would have been a total injustice if they had got anything from the game but the players have to learn from those last 10 minutes that we will come across better teams than pompey who will punish us if we make the same mistake of taking our foot off the pedal.

Legod i agree we will come up against better sides than Pompey who may punish us however if we continue to produce the chances that we did for the 80mins i reckon some one very soon is going to get spanked by 5 or more goals, great support from both sets of supporters again last night, a Pompey mate i travelled with was more than impressed by us the fans and the team,great night lets smack Bormuff.

Hello mate...
Sorry about your mate.
You know were i am if you what a chat or anything...
.
I was going to post somthing about last night game BUT i got a bit worried incase other thought i was having a go at the players or the manager..

Haha since when do you get worried you tart,
And no problems mate with regards to (Alan Kinge) the fella who jumped, my boys are close to his kids though and its them i feel for.They will have to put up with all the local newspapers that are hovering around like a load of mosquitoes,now his name is about to be released.


RIP AL, only you know why.

Castle 9,

Thanks again. Your good self and one or two others have given some good accounts of last nights action, and to be fair it has all sounded like riveting stuff.

I'm cautiously encouraged and really am hoping for a similar display now on Saturday. If that does happen it will give everyone a considerable lift. We have done well away at Stoke and Pompey last night in particular. Lets just do it at home as well now.

Thanks again to you and those who went last night for the good accounts today, one and all.

mallorca wrote:
First nice to Win,yet hats of to The Pompey Manager and Team.He has borrowed beeged and found players. Yes it seems they wer overun for 80%of the game yet in the last 10 mins found the strength to get a goal and maybe could have got a share of the Points My question is pdc has had super support from the Board and is looking for more loanees. Something is not right at the CG I aint got a clue but when you see Pdc's budget he should be able to get more out of the team Again what a gate for a team who are in bother again hats off to all Pompey supporters/What there manage do with Pdc's budget,I get fed up with this it's early days etc look at Tranmere/Crawley /Stevenage So Pdc stop falling out with your team Manage them

Yep, it's all going to hell - sack the manager, he's useless....

Tranmere? Looking very good, bit of a surprise that to me but fair play to them.

Crawley? You're criticising what Paolo's doing with his budget and then cite that shower as a good example to the contrary? We know how they bought their way out of non-league/league 2 and questions still need to be asked over how they've managed to do this bearing in mind the gates they currently get.

Stevenage? Established in league 1 after last season, and would be expected to be there or thereabouts.

You may not like the fact PDC's looking for further loans but what matters are results on the pitch - if we were bottom of the league right now instead of joint fifth on goal difference I might even agree with you, but we're not.

Don't know of any other club where there'd be so much griping after a win!