Match Discussion: Game 16 - The Railwaymen (A)

[menzinho]

Frustrating to lose the away record in that way, that first half was probably going down in history for the most uneventful and boring halves until we decided to let them score from our corner…

I know we are hampered with injuries to our forwards but the 4-4-2 in that first half just didn’t work, especially going forward, only Tsaroulla looked like he knew what he was doing in the opposition’s half. Two upfront actually hurt us as both Brown and Scott looked a bit lost.

I thought second half we were better but after that penalty (where Bogle just tried to do a cut/chop back completely lost his footing and fell into Platt) we just got a bit rocked. The attacking quality just wasn’t available and it really hurt us today. Even when everyone is fit I do think we are crying out for a bit more pace though, especially upfront/wide, we need to become more of a threat in behind teams.

6 yellows, 1 red for Crewe and the ref missed a nasty stamp on Abbott first half - that would've been replayed multiple times via VAR in the Prem... If we’ve got out of that game with no injuries we’ve done well.

[TheSkipper 𝕏 TheSkipperNCFC]

I don't think Notts played badly, although being caught out by a quick counter-attack was disappointing. I do think Alex Bass should have reacted faster. I don't blame him, as in a one-on-one situation, you expect the striker to score, but his reaction seemed a bit delayed. Then again, who was defending that break?

I'm unsure about the penalty. I didn't see anything wrong at the time and still don't after watching the highlights. Crewe Alexandra played well and deserved the win. We lack the attacking threat that Alassane Jatta brings. I would have rested Cedwyn Scott mid-week and saved him for today, or started David McGoldrick instead, so he wasn't overburdened after his return.

I don't think we need to worry, but it's a shame to lose the undefeated away record.

[Fan of Big Tone 𝕏 @mainstandpie]

Notts put together some great passing moves but we’re pretty toothless in front of goal, Tsaurolla was unlucky with his shot on goal which the goalie did well to save.

The penalty decision was a joke, he literally just slipped up and was probably as surprised as anyone when the ref pointed to the spot. 
 

Overall I think Crewe probably shaded it, we move on to the next game.

[Robbie 𝕏 @Robbie_NCFC]

The first 40 minutes were uneventful & even though Notts didn't create much we were comfortable enough at the back.

The goal came right out of the blue and changed the game as it turned out. I think that not leaving a couple of defenders behind to guard for a quick break was a mistake.

I thought Ness played well in the first half & may challenge for a regular spot going forward .

The substitutions & the change of shape back to a back three helped to make Notts a little better up front, & Notts did have a few opportunities, but the penalty killed us.

I think that the injuries may be beginning to hurt Notts. Jatta was definitely missed, and next week against Newport, Bedeau will be suspended for accumulating 5 yellow cards.

The positive is that Jatta will be back next week, & Notts are only one point behind Crewe who sit in 2nd place. 

A win should see Notts back in the mix at the top once again. Just getting to the year end in contention has to be the goal now.

[Piethagoram 𝕏 @piethagoram]

 

[ARLukomski 𝕏 ARLukomski Instagram declanweliczko_arlki]

Where do I start?

Firstly, Stuart is absolutely correct when he says we weren't good enough. We got into some decent positions on occasions but our decision making let us down in the final 3rd. At one point in the first half, we played out of Crewe's press really well but we didn't create anything from it once we got into the final third. Another chance we got was when Tsaroulla took on 2 or 3 players with his shot deflected with Crewe's defender heading it out for a corner. 

Our game plan was working a bit. It was looking like a nailed on 0-0. We weren't creating much and Crewe were working hard and pressing, but they kept over hitting their crosses, whenever they got into a decent position. Then they broke from a corner. I originally thought Austin had a headstart on Shilow Tracey but it's equal and Tracey's pace gets him there before Austin or Abbott. I don't know why no one takes a booking on half way or before he even gets to the ball. If we lost 1-0 to this goal and we played how we did, then I could say it was a poor performance in a game that was lacking intensity and quality. The truth is the game was lacking in quality and intensity throughout. The Donny game felt like a genuine top League 2 clash. This was a genuine summary of the lack of quality in the division this year. Notts were 3rd and Crewe 5th before kick-off and it wouldn't have been surprising if no one had looked at the table before the game and wondered if these two were 11th and 12th. The quality compared to the top 3 last year is massive. 

Gordon and Didzy replaced Ness and Scott at half time. May I add, Lucas Ness was having a good game and had kept Omar Bogle quiet in the first half, winning the majority of his aerial duels. We started the 2nd half well with Jev playing a good through ball to Austin who cut in and shot, rather than taking a touch and hitting it at Filip Marschall's near post instead, which I think was the better option. Then the penalty, oh my lord, the penalty. The whole away end and supporters of other football clubs on Twitter are still flabbergasted as to how this was given. Omar Bogle slips on the ball. He slips and continues to try and play on, protecting the ball with Ryan Cooney (the penalty taker) the only one who appeals. Then again, Cooney was acting proper weird all game. Goading the Notts fans in the 2nd half even before the penalty and then unprovoked, celebrating in front of Alex Bass after he scored. He then put a video on Twitter as to why. Alex Bass has like an interaction with him that lasts 2 seconds and then he walks off. I don't know what he might have said in less than 5 seconds to make Cooney act like he did but some players are like that I guess. A Gills fan on Twitter also said he's got a bit of an ego. 

The game was dead after that. We were still in the game at 1-0 even though we weren't playing that great but that daft decision killed the game. You may as well have blew the whistle after the 62nd minute because the game was over. Macari had a chance late on where he didn't connect properly with the ball and Marschall made a save from a header (can't remember who headed it). 

We really need to hang on in there till January so we can get some reinforcements in. It's like waiting for the weather to be decent before launching the Normandy landings. These injuries are destroying us. It's not that the squad depth is poor again. It isn't. It's just our depth is all injured. Grant, Edwards and Robertson. Didzy and Scott have both just come back and Jones and Crowley are crucial starters.

[Piethagoram 𝕏 @piethagoram]

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