[frearsghost]

Well you can't get better than a win so well done Town.

Pre-match news was that Currie was out with a stomach bug. It was raining and miserable and the ball was shooting off the pitch. Town in the home kit.

Town kicked off towards the new stand with Roberson playing out wide on the left. This was my first look at the new players. They looked fit and up for it. Town had more of the ball early on and looked good but the referee angered the Town fans with the early bookings of Page and Goodall. Ward was culpable for two misses when he should have done better. The first he shot straight at the keeper from a good position; the second he screwed wide from a one on one. It was identical to the one that Rooney scored last season but whereas Rooney buried it, Wardy screwed it wide. It was deja-vu again when Lester seemed to be brought down for a penalty, but, just like last season, he was booked for diving. The referee seemed to be a homer and the fans were shouting "Two teams ref"

Barnet had created little, despite their build up and it was cruel when they won a free-kick five yards inside their own half and scored The defender sent a curling ball into the penalty area. Lee came for it but seemed to come too far and completely misjudged it; the ball sailing over him into the net. Schoolboy era. End of story. So we were 1-0 down when we should have been 2-0 up.

I'd been impressed with Harsley in midfield. He's a hard worker who tackles hard and chases. Pages positioning was good as was his captaincy and talking. Austin looked a rock. I thought Town had played well in the first half, there was certainly no lack of effort but if you don't take your chances you don't win games. We were losing and Barnet only had a couple of half chances. I thought we were just the better side in the first half.

It took the quality of Lester to get us back into the game. Picking up the ball he shuffled forward and across with three or four players around him. In typical style he found a way through and slotted home the equaliser. A brilliant chip from Lester thirty yards out put us 2-1 up after Harsley, I think, had done the hard work and then there was only one team in it. Ward picked up a through ball that came off a defender and scored from a one on one to make it 3-1. He needed to score after the early misses so he would have finished the game on a high.

Barnet looked more threatening after the substitutions and Lee redeemed himself with a couple of quality saves that could have turned the game for Barnet had they gone in. When he was beaten Page was there to clear off the line. A great start to the season but better teams will ask more searching questions.

Barnet Manager on the radio says we were out thought by the better side and he fancies us to there in the mix.
Great opening day! I found it an entertaining game. Come on you Blues.

This post has been edited by frearsghost: 09 August 2008 - 06:27 PM

[Town_Fan]

Excellent summary FG. Pretty much how I saw it.

Lee showed what a capable shot stopper he is with one low down save that looked world class. It made up for the dreadful error in the first half which is huge howlers in a row now and must be dealt with.

Lester bailed Ward out yet again and I think without Lester we are going to really struggle for goals.

[Wooden Spoon]

frearsghost, on Aug 9 2008, 07:13 PM, said:

Well you can't get better than a win so well done Town.

Pre-match news was that Currie was out with a stomach bug. It was raining and miserable and the ball was shooting off the pitch. Town in the home kit.

Town kicked off towards the new stand with Roberson playing out wide on the left. This was my first look at the new players. They looked fit and up for it. Town had more of the ball early on and looked good but the referee angered the Town fans with the early bookings of Page and Goodall. Ward was culpable for two misses when he should have done better. The first he shot straight at the keeper from a good position; the second he screwed wide from a one on one. It was identical to the one that Rooney scored last season but whereas Rooney buried it, Wardy screwed it wide. It was deja-vu again when Lester seemed to be brought down for a penalty, but, just like last season, he was booked for diving. The referee seemed to be a homer and the fans were shouting "Two teams ref"

Barnet had created little, despite their build up and it was cruel when they won a free-kick five yards inside their own half and scored The defender sent a curling ball into the penalty area. Lee came for it but seemed to come too far and completely misjudged it; the ball sailing over him into the net. Schoolboy era. End of story. So we were 1-0 down when we should have been 2-0 up.

I'd been impressed with Harsley in midfield. He's a hard worker who tackles hard and chases. Pages positioning was good as was his captaincy and talking. Austin looked a rock. I thought Town had played well in the first half, there was certainly no lack of effort but if you don't take your chances you don't win games. We were losing and Barnet only had a couple of half chances. I thought we were just the better side in the first half.

It took the quality of Lester to get us back into the game. Picking up the ball he shuffled forward and across with three or four players around him. In typical style he found a way through and slotted home the equaliser. A brilliant chip from Lester thirty yards out put us 2-1 up after Harsley, I think, had done the hard work and then there was only one team in it. Ward picked up a through ball that came off a defender and scored from a one on one to make it 3-1. He needed to score after the early misses so he would have finished the game on a high.

Barnet looked more threatening after the substitutions and Lee redeemed himself with a couple of quality saves that could have turned the game for Barnet had they gone in. When he was beaten Page was there to clear off the line. A great start to the season but better teams will ask more searching questions.

Barnet Manager on the radio says we were out thought by the better side and he fancies us to there in the mix.
Great opening day! I found it an entertaining game. Come on you Blues.

Ward concerns me a little.

[spiriteboy]

Town_Fan, on Aug 9 2008, 07:20 PM, said:

Excellent summary FG. Pretty much how I saw it.

Lee showed what a capable shot stopper he is with one low down save that looked world class. It made up for the dreadful error in the first half which is huge howlers in a row now and must be dealt with.

Lester bailed Ward out yet again and I think without Lester we are going to really struggle for goals.

You really cant find out good to say about the lad can you, assist with jacks 2nd, scored the 3rd, there keeper pulled off a great save from a shot in the 1st half, yes he should have at least hit the target when through in the 1st half (bad miss) linked up with jack well, and done a lot of closing down when they had the ball. And then you highlight the fact the keeper has made 2 errors on the bounce, i was sat right behind him and to be fair to him it looked like the ball just got caught on the wind and sailed over him, but after that he pulled off some great saves at critical moments in the game, and was prob a candidate for m.o.t.m

[Ernie Ernie Ernie]

death, on Aug 9 2008, 07:28 PM, said:

Ward concerns me a little.

8 goals in last 9 competitive games Death?

[shaun1866]

Ernie Ernie Ernie, on Aug 9 2008, 08:08 PM, said:

8 goals in last 9 competitive games Death?

glad someone else has seen that stat !!! i thought they played very well together today , and the goal keeper made some superb stops some he should never have got to , i thought lowry played well to

[Larkin around]

Fearsghost - pretty much exactly how I saw it.

I wasn't disappointed to go in at half time 1-0 down, because I knew that - with the way we were playing - we will create more and score...eventually! Ward was guilty of trying to score some fancy curlers in the first half, when really he could have slotted it as he did for our third.

Page and Austin worried me in pre-season, but more of what we saw today, and we'll be fine at the back. And as TF said, Tommy Lee went from the insane to the magnificent. I guess we can expect more of that?! His second half save(s) were outstanding, and I was pleased for him cos he looked gutted after the first half incident.

MoTM though has to be Harsley who worked like a trojen for the whole game, and he used the ball very constructively when he won it. What really pleased me about today was how hard everyone worked for each other, and the amount of committment shown in tackles (something any football fan wants to see), and - for me - Harsley epitomised that with his performance. Kerry likewise.

Also a mentioned to Gregor, who gives plenty of food for thought in that left mid position. The fans warmed to him after his efforts in the first half, and he grew in confidence as the game wore on. Very much a confidence player.

Obviously we need a striker though, even two. Lester did what he did best but we can't heap all that responsibility on his shoulders, especially when Ward needs 5 efforts to score. I sympathise for them. Rico needs to work some magic soon. I just hope his budget allows for two more.

A very pleasing day in miserable weather. Barnet were pretty poor, mind you.

[Wooden Spoon]

Ernie Ernie Ernie, on Aug 9 2008, 08:08 PM, said:

8 goals in last 9 competitive games Death?

Yeah, cant argue with that, and he worked hard today, but the one on ones he missed, and his `body language`?

Not sure what it is, but something concerns me. trying to hard perhaps, I dont know.

This post has been edited by death: 09 August 2008 - 09:33 PM

[Middle East]

spireiteblue, on Aug 10 2008, 12:26 AM, said:

I agree with most of this,apart from mentioning Rooney,no point he doesn't play for us anymore...

Referee and linesman on our side what planet was they on,lino missed umpteen offsides bcos he couldn'nt keep up with play,but i think he missed a glorious chance by letting Ward go through for the third and i thank him sooooo much for that as he needed that goal.

They Barnet committed 3 fouls in quick succession and nothing by the way of a card,our first foul not only saw a yellow card but a fluke of a goal,i will not condemn anyone as my first thoughts was the wind took it,in fact nobody was even close to it not even my early contenders for relegation Barnet but thanks to the authorities even they are safe.

The game we was on top for a lot of the game,Robertson was great but i suppose ppl who wasn't there will still lambast him,he in my opinion is a valuable member of our club,well done Gregor....

It was difficult first half even though we were on top but as i said the officials seemed to want to spoil our game and they did we went in losing.

Second half i suspect Rico told them what us that were there already knew,Barnet was there for the taking and if we played football we would win,Jack who had a goal ruled out in the first half what for we don't know,he then got us back into the game with one of his trademark goals,head down ran at them and blast the ball into the net,not long after Ward foraged through was sent tumbling the ball squirmed back to Jack and he lobbed a sublime ball over and into an empty goal...

The third and killer goal where i waited for the linos flag amazingly it didn't come,Ward let the ball drop took it a few paces and beat the aging on coming keeper with ease.

We could and should have scored more,this was a hard fought win and i am proud of them today.

MOTM...a few contenders,jack for his 2 goals,Ward for his goal and running,Robertson,but mine goes to Austin,ok a few wayward clearances but probably down to the pace of the game and the blustery conditions....

No one's mentioned Lloyd Kerry who I tought had a cracking match both him and Harsley like a tackle to say the least!

[

This post has been edited by back of the kop: 10 August 2008 - 08:32 AM

[Mr Mercury]

spireiteblue, on Aug 10 2008, 12:26 AM, said:

I agree with most of this,apart from mentioning Rooney,no point he doesn't play for us anymore...

Referee and linesman on our side what planet was they on,lino missed umpteen offsides bcos he couldn'nt keep up with play,but i think he missed a glorious chance by letting Ward go through for the third and i thank him sooooo much for that as he needed that goal.

They Barnet committed 3 fouls in quick succession and nothing by the way of a card,our first foul not only saw a yellow card but a fluke of a goal,i will not condemn anyone as my first thoughts was the wind took it,in fact nobody was even close to it not even my early contenders for relegation Barnet but thanks to the authorities even they are safe.

The game we was on top for a lot of the game,Robertson was great but i suppose ppl who wasn't there will still lambast him,he in my opinion is a valuable member of our club,well done Gregor....

It was difficult first half even though we were on top but as i said the officials seemed to want to spoil our game and they did we went in losing.

Second half i suspect Rico told them what us that were there already knew,Barnet was there for the taking and if we played football we would win,Jack who had a goal ruled out in the first half what for we don't know,he then got us back into the game with one of his trademark goals,head down ran at them and blast the ball into the net,not long after Ward foraged through was sent tumbling the ball squirmed back to Jack and he lobbed a sublime ball over and into an empty goal...

The third and killer goal where i waited for the linos flag amazingly it didn't come,Ward let the ball drop took it a few paces and beat the aging on coming keeper with ease.

We could and should have scored more,this was a hard fought win and i am proud of them today.

MOTM...a few contenders,jack for his 2 goals,Ward for his goal and running,Robertson,but mine goes to Austin,ok a few wayward clearances but probably down to the pace of the game and the blustery conditions....

No he didnt, I was stood very close to you Blue and you need to, like many other fans, gen up on the offside law. It doesn`t matter if a player is stood 50m in an offside position he isn`t offside until he actively seeks the ball or become directly involved in the play, (sadly Cloughies mantra,"if he isnt involved in play whats he doing on the pitch then", is not relevant.
I don`t want to come across all pompous and arrogant, and this isnt an attempt to take the pee but a hell of a lot of supporters still havent grasped the offside law. The linesman on our side had a very good game and got many decisions spot on.
Now the referee on the other hand..
Regarding the ward goal, soft lad here missed it due to a toilet break, if the ball came to Ward in an offside postion, but from an opposing player then he can`t be offside, but like I said I didn`t see it and my mate said it was from a bit of a melee.

This post has been edited by Mr Mercury: 10 August 2008 - 08:45 AM

[Webster]

Mr Mercury, on Aug 10 2008, 09:43 AM, said:

No he didnt, I was stood very close to you Blue and you need to, like many other fans, gen up on the offside law. It doesn`t matter if a player is stood 50m in an offside position he isn`t offside until he actively seeks the ball or become directly involved in the play, (sadly Cloughies mantra,"if he isnt involved in play whats he doing on the pitch then", is not relevant.
I don`t want to come across all pompous and arrogant, and this isnt an attempt to take the pee but a hell of a lot of supporters still havent grasped the offside law. The linesman on our side had a very good game and got many decisions spot on.
Now the referee on the other hand..
Regarding the ward goal, soft lad here missed it due to a toilet break, if the ball came to Ward in an offside postion, but from an opposing player then he can`t be offside, but like I said I didn`t see it and my mate said it was from a bit of a melee.

Ward was onside when Goodall played the ball forward couldnt believe the poor back header after the 2 defenders seemed to run into each other that gifted him the ball though

[Larkin around]

Mr Mercury, on Aug 10 2008, 09:43 AM, said:

No he didnt, I was stood very close to you Blue and you need to, like many other fans, gen up on the offside law. It doesn`t matter if a player is stood 50m in an offside position he isn`t offside until he actively seeks the ball or become directly involved in the play, (sadly Cloughies mantra,"if he isnt involved in play whats he doing on the pitch then", is not relevant.
I don`t want to come across all pompous and arrogant, and this isnt an attempt to take the pee but a hell of a lot of supporters still havent grasped the offside law. The linesman on our side had a very good game and got many decisions spot on.
Now the referee on the other hand..
Regarding the ward goal, soft lad here missed it due to a toilet break, if the ball came to Ward in an offside postion, but from an opposing player then he can`t be offside, but like I said I didn`t see it and my mate said it was from a bit of a melee.

Well said Mr M. I noticed it a lot around me too, with how many people were claiming offside when it blatently wasn't. The law is lost on many people, but it's not as difficult as people make out. It's bloódy frustrating to see fans who just don't understand. The linesman was fine, the referee was poor.

[baldrik]

Town_Fan, on Aug 9 2008, 07:20 PM, said:

Excellent summary FG. Pretty much how I saw it.

Lee showed what a capable shot stopper he is with one low down save that looked world class. It made up for the dreadful error in the first half which is huge howlers in a row now and must be dealt with.

Lester bailed Ward out yet again and I think without Lester we are going to really struggle for goals.

Heard some mention of rico out being chanted at half time, what morons would do that? can you shed any light on this and name and shame the bums.

[Bugerov]

back of the kop, on Aug 10 2008, 09:31 AM, said:

No one's mentioned Lloyd Kerry who I tought had a cracking match both him and Harsley like a tackle to say the least!

[

I like the sound of this!

Sounds like we have some genuine bite and movement in the midfield now.

Also good that we have Niven as cover for Kerry

[Wooden Spoon]

spireiteblue, on Aug 10 2008, 12:26 AM, said:

I agree with most of this,apart from mentioning Rooney,no point he doesn't play for us anymore...

Referee and linesman on our side what planet was they on,lino missed umpteen offsides bcos he couldn'nt keep up with play,but i think he missed a glorious chance by letting Ward go through for the third and i thank him sooooo much for that as he needed that goal.

They Barnet committed 3 fouls in quick succession and nothing by the way of a card,our first foul not only saw a yellow card but a fluke of a goal,i will not condemn anyone as my first thoughts was the wind took it,in fact nobody was even close to it not even my early contenders for relegation Barnet but thanks to the authorities even they are safe.

The game we was on top for a lot of the game,Robertson was great but i suppose ppl who wasn't there will still lambast him,he in my opinion is a valuable member of our club,well done Gregor....

It was difficult first half even though we were on top but as i said the officials seemed to want to spoil our game and they did we went in losing.

Second half i suspect Rico told them what us that were there already knew,Barnet was there for the taking and if we played football we would win,Jack who had a goal ruled out in the first half what for we don't know,he then got us back into the game with one of his trademark goals,head down ran at them and blast the ball into the net,not long after Ward foraged through was sent tumbling the ball squirmed back to Jack and he lobbed a sublime ball over and into an empty goal...

The third and killer goal where i waited for the linos flag amazingly it didn't come,Ward let the ball drop took it a few paces and beat the aging on coming keeper with ease.

We could and should have scored more,this was a hard fought win and i am proud of them today.

MOTM...a few contenders,jack for his 2 goals,Ward for his goal and running,Robertson,but mine goes to Austin,ok a few wayward clearances but probably down to the pace of the game and the blustery conditions....

Lester CLEARLY pushed the guy to get to the ball for the dissallowed goal.

[dannypearson]

baldrik, on Aug 10 2008, 11:52 AM, said:

Heard some mention of rico out being chanted at half time, what morons would do that? can you shed any light on this and name and shame the bums.

I heard it but why call them morons? They pay their money so are entitled to voice their views.

It was 45 minutes later than most on here were stating it.