[DIFH]

LondonBlue, on 23 January 2021 - 11:17 PM, said:

Whether Boden leaves or not none of us can guess - but he doesn't exactly fit the high press mould that Rowe seems to go for.

Add to that his lack of confidence and lost mojo - I can't see him playing a major role for us even if he does stay. It speaks volumes that Rowe chose to put both Rowley and Mandeville on the bench ahead of him.

They're midfielders though.

[DIFH]

bucko, on 24 January 2021 - 08:36 AM, said:

If we keep playing like we are and keep key players fit then we will go up this season.
Torquay are not out of reach!!!

But they keep winning and a nice points haul.

[Johnnyspireite7]

The Earl of Chesterfield, on 24 January 2021 - 09:14 AM, said:

You don't completely overhaul a squad mid-season if you're not going for promotion.

But whilst we celebrate yesterday's win there were lessons to be learned - in short who's gonna score if both Assante and Denton are absent?

Especially if rumours of Boden's imminent exit are accurate.

Maybe Dinnanga will turn effort into outcome - without being too tough too soon a striker's supposed to strike - whilst there're early suggestions Rowley can adapt. And of course our midfield certainly have goals in them.

Either way the narrative has turned from how we avoid relegation to how we go up on the space of six short weeks (a fact focussed upon by a Wrexham forum crying out for change).

Suddenly it's good to be a Spireite again...

We need midfield to start chipping in on that front. Think Danny Whitaker in 2010-11 and Jay O'Shea & Gary Roberts in 2013-14. Not sure who in our current squad could perform the role, guessing Whelan or McCourt could be the ones.

[Westbars Spireite]

DIFH, on 24 January 2021 - 10:11 AM, said:

But they keep winning and a nice points haul.

We gained 2 points on them yesterday.

[DIFH]

Bowzer spirey, on 24 January 2021 - 09:55 AM, said:

I'd be surprised if their manager lasts the week out. They will have seen what a new manager has done for us and want him gone. Along with bringing lots of new players in too of course now they have some investment.

He'll remain in place until the takeover and I'd guess the takeover is stalling due to uncertainty of the league continuing. They are after all above us.

[LondonBlue]

DIFH, on 24 January 2021 - 10:08 AM, said:

They're midfielders though.

Exactly my point. He opted for two attacking midfielders on the bench as options to come on for a tiring Dinanga rather than Boden, a striker.

Think Scott is likely to leave this week.

This post has been edited by LondonBlue: 24 January 2021 - 10:47 AM

[Goku]

The Earl of Chesterfield, on 24 January 2021 - 09:48 AM, said:

Don't agree with the 'can't play football like that with Denton on the side', Dave.

Infact I'd argue he'd benefit it, being a target man in the box and attracting defenders so giving space to others.

There's an ongoing debate whether Denton's a starter or a finisher, but what there's no debate about is he offers a credible option...

Can’t press as a unit with Denton in the team and that’s the problem which is a shame because his threat is evident. Think if he stays he’ll be more of an impact sub next season. Maybe even this season if we sign another forrad.

[Waller is my hero]

LondonBlue, on 24 January 2021 - 10:23 AM, said:

Exactly my point. He opted for two attacking midfielders on the bench as options to come on for a tiring Dinanga rather than Boden, a striker.

Think Scott is likely to leave this week.

I think Rowley played well in that more advanced role, like a false #9

[monte]

I think Denton will be the impact sub from now on. We need pace in the side with the way Rowe plays.

The new lad on loan looked okay and was pretty good in the air. I can see him being a better option after a couple more games.

You never know we might sign another striker next week 🤣

[LondonBlue]

Waller is my hero, on 24 January 2021 - 10:59 AM, said:

I think Rowley played well in that more advanced role, like a false #9

He looked dangerous didn't he.

Its clear Rowe wants his strikers to press from the front and keep it up at a high tempo.

How Asante keeps it up for the full 90 I don't know.

[Mr Mercury]

LondonBlue, on 24 January 2021 - 11:06 AM, said:

He looked dangerous didn't he.

Its clear Rowe wants his strikers to press from the front and keep it up at a high tempo.

How Asante keeps it up for the full 90 I don't know.

The problem for me with Rowley is his complete lack of pace, he does look dangerous and gets in some great positions but just doesn't have the pace to push on and drive forward.

[Lincs Spireite]

Mr Mercury, on 24 January 2021 - 11:16 AM, said:

The problem for me with Rowley is his complete lack of pace, he does look dangerous and gets in some great positions but just doesn't have the pace to push on and drive forward.

The problem for me with Rowley is his tendency to pass back instead of driving forward. I guess it's a confidence thing but you wont score by going backwards. I am seriously concerned if Asante gets injured. We need another striker of similar stature or a younger version of big Tom.

[dtp]

Mr Mercury, on 24 January 2021 - 11:16 AM, said:

The problem for me with Rowley is his complete lack of pace, he does look dangerous and gets in some great positions but just doesn't have the pace to push on and drive forward.

You mean like he didn't v Boston a few times and their rather biased commentator mentioned how he just ghosts past a couple of defenders.

Anyway, he might not be blistering fast but if you make the right runs into the right channels you can get and set up chances as he did on the right when he brought a save from their keeper at the near post then on the left when he set up Whelan in the penalty area.

For what it's worth, I don't think any of our central midfielders have any more pace.

[60s 70s Spireite]

NL highlights up now
https://www.thenationalleague.org.uk/

[dim view]

The Earl of Chesterfield, on 24 January 2021 - 09:48 AM, said:

Don't agree with the 'can't play football like that with Denton on the side', Dave.

Infact I'd argue he'd benefit it, being a target man in the box and attracting defenders so giving space to others.

There's an ongoing debate whether Denton's a starter or a finisher, but what there's no debate about is he offers a credible option...

Good thread this. Only taken 5 years but we've got our football team back, finances permitting.

I just think that with him the team then all the others have to play to different instructions, opponents get organised so that the long ball is the easiest option for our defenders and goalie, and 'pressing' (like the jargon?) don't work. Apart from that.......

I suppose the devil lies in the detail though. There must be key measures of team effectiveness with and without him that JR fawns on.

This post has been edited by dim view: 24 January 2021 - 12:19 PM

[LondonBlue]

60s 70s Spireite, on 24 January 2021 - 12:04 PM, said:

NL highlights up now
https://www.thenationalleague.org.uk/

Still think their penalty looks harsh - ref is stood in the perfect position though so will give him the benefit of the doubt.

Two excellent finishes from Asante.

[CFC91]

LondonBlue, on 24 January 2021 - 12:20 PM, said:

Still think their penalty looks harsh - ref is stood in the perfect position though so will give him the benefit of the doubt.

Two excellent finishes from Asante.

Asante is the real deal isn’t he. Hope we can keep him fit

Saw a comment from a Wrexham fan saying we were shaky at the back, I can’t remember them having a shot apart from the pen so don’t know how he’s worked that out

[LondonBlue]

CFC91, on 24 January 2021 - 12:21 PM, said:

Asante is the real deal isn’t he. Hope we can keep him fit

Saw a comment from a Wrexham fan saying we were shaky at the back, I can’t remember them having a shot apart from the pen so don’t know how he’s worked that out

He is a complete CF - pace, power, strength, works hard and knows how to finish. I'm astounded he hasn't been plying his trade in the football league.

[60s 70s Spireite]

CFC91, on 24 January 2021 - 12:21 PM, said:

Asante is the real deal isn’t he. Hope we can keep him fit

Saw a comment from a Wrexham fan saying we were shaky at the back, I can’t remember them having a shot apart from the pen so don’t know how he’s worked that out

They were probably referring to their 8 or 9 corners. Some of them caused trouble. Plus I don’t think our keeper caught one did he?

[dim view]

CFC91, on 24 January 2021 - 12:21 PM, said:

Asante is the real deal isn’t he. Hope we can keep him fit

Saw a comment from a Wrexham fan saying we were shaky at the back, I can’t remember them having a shot apart from the pen so don’t know how he’s worked that out

It's cos in the first 15 mins Maguire got caught out of position twice. On the first occasion their man was completely free but the ball didn't get transferred to him. On the second, their man had a free run but Maguire redeemed himself by magnificently cutting out the cross. Still, who cares?

This post has been edited by dim view: 24 January 2021 - 12:47 PM