[prolurker]

Being 26 games into the season, it feels like enough to have a look at the numbers which for me highlights the need for plan B if we go behind.

From the 26 league games, we've conceded first 13 times and scored first 13 times.

The point difference is huge though as we've picked up 31 points when scoring first and just the 5 when we concede the first goal.

More concerning issue is we're yet to come behind in a game to win when we've conceded first.

Think this says two things we could be looking at
- First being less expansive in the first stages of a game (7 goals conceded in the first 15 minutes of matches so far).
- Secondly a more effective plan B. If we're wanting to make playoffs/promotion, coming behind more often is the type of things opposition teams fear. We had it in the national league winning campaign but looks to have dropped off this seadson. Injuries may have contributed in recent weeks with the players we have available off the bench, just something to highlight.

[gordon_brittas]

I think next season we need to go at teams at home more who are just intent to sit back. Seems at times we are just content to sit on a not so comfortably one nil lead. The dropped points against Swindon, Salford, Cheltenham , Colchester, games we should have won comfortably. Those 8 points would have put it us well and truly in the mix.

[The Rev.]

prolurker, on 26 January 2025 - 07:45 PM, said:

Being 26 games into the season, it feels like enough to have a look at the numbers which for me highlights the need for plan B if we go behind.

From the 26 league games, we've conceded first 13 times and scored first 13 times.

The point difference is huge though as we've picked up 31 points when scoring first and just the 5 when we concede the first goal.

More concerning issue is we're yet to come behind in a game to win when we've conceded first.

Think this says two things we could be looking at
- First being less expansive in the first stages of a game (7 goals conceded in the first 15 minutes of matches so far).
- Secondly a more effective plan B. If we're wanting to make playoffs/promotion, coming behind more often is the type of things opposition teams fear. We had it in the national league winning campaign but looks to have dropped off this seadson. Injuries may have contributed in recent weeks with the players we have available off the bench, just something to highlight.

Yes, Mandy said as much in his post match interview with Phil Tooley; if we score first it makes the opposition play a bit more adventurously and opens up the game, which suits our style of play; the statistics speak for themselves, i.e. 31 points from a possible 39 when we've scored first, however I would imagine the analysts at the club have picked up on this, but to a degree the manager has been hog-tied by injuries and has had to approach each game getting the balance right between being less expansive in the first stages of a game - and scoring first to gain the advantage that he knows usually leads to three points. Analysis and statistics apart, the only statistic that matters is scoring more goals than the opposition - and at the moment, whilst we've strengthened the defence with our latest acquisitions, we are woefully short of goals at the other end and to have any chance of making the play-offs, this (in my opinion) is the main problem that Cookie and co have to solve.

This post has been edited by The Rev.: 26 January 2025 - 08:16 PM

[LondonBlue]

We really struggle against sides who sit in and hit us on the counter. We need to learn to be more dangerous and to create more clear cut chances.

[prolurker]

After Port Vale we're now 34 points from 42 when scoring first...

[HoneyTrippa]

from another angle ..... we are 11pts from guaranteed safety.

[Osborne again]

Nice to see Ash Palmer back on the grass, and we may really need him soon on the pitch.

[prolurker]

Osborne again, on 30 January 2025 - 07:32 PM, said:

Nice to see Ash Palmer back on the grass, and we may really need him soon on the pitch.

Great player but him and grimes together give me nightmares.

As sad I am to say it I think Naylor back into defence is our best option at the moment.

[Osborne again]

prolurker, on 30 January 2025 - 10:59 PM, said:

Great player but him and grimes together give me nightmares.

As sad I am to say it I think Naylor back into defence is our best option at the moment.

I must admit, I think you're right I'm afraid and Ash will be warming the bench,if he's added to the squad, but then again, how many more options have we?
Even with Dunkley and McFadzean at the back we'd still be vulnerable to the ball over the top, but I think our defensive woes, last year, were partly to do with the full backs being too high and not being good enough, although Shecks has improved beyond recognition.

[Exharboroughspireite]

Palmer will struggle in this division.

[Osborne again]

Exharboroughspireite, on 31 January 2025 - 06:00 AM, said:

Palmer will struggle in this division.

He may well do,but he may be all we have unless we bring in another centre half. I've no doubt that he would be on the bench and Naylor would partner Grimes. If this carries on, we may have to get Dobra a pair of platform boots.

[Westbars Spireite]

Osborne again, on 31 January 2025 - 06:27 AM, said:

He may well do,but he may be all we have unless we bring in another centre half. I've no doubt that he would be on the bench and Naylor would partner Grimes. If this carries on, we may have to get Dobra a pair of platform boots.

Have you forgotten about Tyrone Williams?

[Osborne again]

Westbars Spireite, on 31 January 2025 - 07:31 AM, said:

Have you forgotten about Tyrone Williams?

Not at all mate,but I'm assuming our Ty will be out for at least another month, unless someone has said anything different.

[spireitetoo]

Naylor back to RCB and Fleck to start ... or (most likely) Metcalfe to start next to DJ

[Osborne again]

spireitetoo, on 31 January 2025 - 08:35 AM, said:

Naylor back to RCB and Fleck to start ... or (most likely) Metcalfe to start next to DJ

Yes, I'd agree with Naylor being in his now, or recently familiar position. The other two I could see Banks coming in for DJ.

[Fit as a Nelson]

spireitetoo, on 31 January 2025 - 08:35 AM, said:

Naylor back to RCB and Fleck to start ... or (most likely) Metcalfe to start next to DJ

Yes agree Naylor and grimes as the back and then I?d be tempted by Banks and Metcalfe in midfield whilst we build Flecks fitness up.

[Osborne again]

Fit as a Nelson, on 31 January 2025 - 09:21 AM, said:

Yes agree Naylor and grimes as the back and then I?d be tempted by Banks and Metcalfe in midfield whilst we build Flecks fitness up.

Fleck is like McFadzean,you see him touch the ball once or twice and you see the quality.

[dim view]

Osborne again, on 31 January 2025 - 09:38 AM, said:

Fleck is like McFadzean,you see him touch the ball once or twice and you see the quality.

I'm dreading the next press conference.

[azul]

Osborne again, on 31 January 2025 - 07:50 AM, said:

Not at all mate,but I'm assuming our Ty will be out for at least another month, unless someone has said anything different.

I think he is available

This post has been edited by azul: 31 January 2025 - 09:46 AM

[Osborne again]

dim view, on 31 January 2025 - 09:44 AM, said:

I'm dreading the next press conference.

I have my fingers and everything else crossed for both of them to be OK,but I think Fleck has more chance of making the match day squad than his buddy.

azul, on 31 January 2025 - 09:46 AM, said:

I think he is available

I hope he is mate.