menzinho

Points wise we can’t complain as that’s 7 points from 9 in 7 days. However performance wise, and I mean in an attacking sense I’m a bit worried. We won that through a flukey goal, yes we dominated possession but chance wise again we didn’t create a lot…

It was a strange game, Ardley said he thought it would be more open. Solihull did have a lot of players behind the ball but that’s no excuse for being as poor as we were particularly in the first half. At the moment we’re relying on moments of magic to win us games, which hardly ideal! I get the frustrations, early on in the season we were scoring but conceding - now we’ve fixed the conceding part we need to rediscover that scoring part again! I still find it odd that we’re only 16 games into the season… And I think I can look at that as a positive. Under Ardley the team seems to need a run of games to get going, we had our best spell last year over the Christmas/NY period we continued that into the second half of the season but sadly had to stop playing just when we’d won 5/5! I’m hopeful we can replicate that type of form again.

Solihull play at bit like us by all accounts, so it could be a case of two teams cancelling each other out – I’m not expecting a goal fest especially considering our lack of goals at the moment. Sounds like Brindley won’t be available, so D-KE to RB and Miller in at LB? I'd be surprised if Chicksen started. And It’ll be interesting to see if Reeves and Doyle continue to play as the CMs. I’m still not sure which formation suits us best this season. Assuming we want to play with Rodrigues the 4-2-3-1 probably just edges it for me… Head says another 0-0 but I hope we can win it.

Would’ve been a great statement if Notts could have won that, I feel a bit disappointed we didn’t. Couldn’t fault the work rate/battling and again, defensively very solid. Another clean sheet but is it coming at the expense of our attacking play? I feel like our attacking play is too predictable now, I don’t mind us cutting inside but it’s almost every attack. Yesterday it forced Enzio to shoot with his left foot, he bangs them in on his right! Play him on the other wing or just switch it up a bit more - he was only up against a now 35 y/o Dean Moxey, no disrespect but Enzio should've been able to cause him constant problems one on one. When we’re in the final third, still, almost every ball is into feet we never want to play a ball in behind – mainly because no-one makes the runs but the one time we did Effiong caused a big problem. He won a good free-kick another yard in and he would’ve got a pen. I’m slightly worried we rely too much on Roberts in an attacking sense, since his injury in the league we’ve scored 5 goals in 7 games… Is that just a coincidence? I’m not so sure…

Started too slow. First half was a bit of a non-event, we did actually get into plenty off good positions but we ended up crossing to just Wootton in the box a lot of times, desperately needed more bodies in there. Second half was much better, if we’d have played like we had in the second half all game I’d have backed us to win that. Linesmen were shocking, no way was Enzio off in the first half and Knowles looked level to me. The overall performance did deserve at least a draw if I’m being honest – but ya know that’s football. Can’t argue with the defence at moment, but we aren’t going to keep clean sheets every game – just conceding the one goal isn’t bad. However since we scored 3 against Wealdstone, we’ve only scored 2 goals in the last 5 league games…

Yeah, not great news for us at all especially as it’s a double header of games so that’s another set of games to catch up on. So we’ve played 13 games in 3 months, that’s basically 4 games a month, and we’ve got 31 games (+ FA vase) left to play. If we keep averaging 4 games a month it’ll take us 7 months to complete the season! Lots of teams in the same position and some have even played fewer than us too, Dover have only played 9 games! And now there’s a more contagious strain of Covid-19, I agree @DangerousSausage that a PPG finish is looming again….

Yeah maybe, @Piethagoram I think he was our last signing but he’s played his entire career in L1, and Bolton fans liked and rated him. He’s two levels lower now; he should be more than solid enough for us. I like DKE but it's got to be so much easier for a natural left-footer in that position. I’m not writing Chicksen off just yet, I need to see more of him – but yeah, he hasn’t exactly had a standout performance so far...

When I first saw the team, I was surprised that Chicksen couldn’t get in at LB ahead of our two RBs! They and the rest of the team didn’t start very well and the passing and touch was so bad if you’d have told me they’d been out drinking heavily the night before I would’ve believed you. Second half we did go more direct and improved slightly but Woking pressed well and had a lot of players behind the ball restricting that space. Enzio will have felt a little hard done by not getting a start but he effectively got us that goal today, great strength and run before squaring it Wootton. Wootton didn't have his best game but he kept working hard for the team. Think that’ll be him off pens though! 2 in 2 he’s missed and we can’t afford to mess up a gift like a pen especially at a times when we desperately need a goal... Ok we weren’t the usual fluid team we’ve seen recently but I guess the biggest positive to take from the last couple of games and today is how much more assured our defence is looking now. We’re solid again, and 3 clean sheets in a row proves it!

???? OMG. What did I just watch?!? Unbelievable... Speechless. Deary me Chesterfield. Absolute car-crash of a team.

Chesterfield have sacked their manager, John Pemberton, let’s hope this doesn’t spark a performance from them. They are poor, like really poor - I had a look on their forum and from about 20 predictions only 1 has predicted a win! ???? That said I’m not feeling confident going into this one. ???? As for the team. I like a 4-3-3 but if feels like we’re playing players slightly out of position but then part of me thinks they’re professional footballers so they should be able to adapt. Could Rodrigues drop into a 3-man midfield? It needs something more too it. Maybe we just need to go back to a 2! I’d like to see Wolfe, some Barnsley fans seemed to think he wasn’t far off getting in their team. I’d argue this game could be ideal for Turner, just stick to Denton as Chesterfield’s game pretty much revolves around them hitting it long to him – stop him and you stop them. (And there’s no worries about pace with Denton!) Maybe he can redeem himself here. However with Pemberton gone they might try something else… I think there will be goals in this game. 2-2. Roberts and Wootton to score. It should be an easy win, but I just can’t see it the way we are playing at the mo. (Obvs hope I’m wrong and we stroll to another 3-0).

Yes Turner’s mistake was a shocker (another defensive error costing us points) but the performance on the whole again was poor and we didn’t deserve the win. We didn’t create much and we’ve gone from having one of the most solid defences to one that’s a bit all over the place with more than one mistake in them. We were lucky Halifax’s crossing and final ball was poor, is that why we just let them do it over and over again? I’m getting also getting worried about this Doyle-Reeves-O’Brien trio, there’s no real competition for these places. But Reeves looks to be a step above the other two… Enzio is just not on it at all. Wootton struggled. The only real positive was that Sam scored. I know I said a draw wouldn't be the worst result, but I'm feeling pretty deflated after that.

Yeah. Given Thomas was reported to be ill, I assume we'll see him at some point tonight. I get it when he first came in he hadn’t played for a while but he’s had months of training with the team now. Surely he’s ready now?! He’s been getting gradually better in each appearance he’s had… ???????? Okay, he had a half-decent chance against Aldershot that that he fluffed, but he got himself into a scoring position. Tonight I’m hoping he’ll finish one off.

Halifax are in a similar situation to us in that they’ve had a stop start season. I can’t see it being a great game, I think both sides will be rusty but we should have enough about us to get a win. Pass it out from the back, that’s fine but please don’t mess around with it! We really can’t afford anymore stupid mistakes that cost us the game. A draw wouldn’t be disastrous but we really could do with a win. I'll also go 1-0 Notts, Sam to score. Yes, I going all out here. Elisha Sam, off the bench to score the winner!

Yeah, it was a pretty bad performance by all accounts. I didn't watch it but the commentary about the players constantly slipping over was about as entertaining as it got! Roberts and Rawlinson missing isn't helpful but the point of a squad is that we should be able to perform without them. Too many players had bad games. Wootton wasn't on it like he has been and Lacey had a uncharacteristic shocker. I worry without Roberts and Enzio's loss of form we've lost what was quite an integral part of why we were so successful last season, we need to be able to find ways of getting results without them. There's that old saying that champions can play badly and still get results, seems we've got that first bit nailed - just need to work on the second bit.

Yeah it is surprisingly quiet, I guess there’s no point testing players too early on. I think Friday is the latest they can do it. Fingers crossed we have no more cases. I’m pretty sure there’s no chance any that tested positive last week will be available. I just hope they’re all doing okay, I know footballers are young and fit, I’m sure they’ll be fine but every individual is different. I hope they aren’t affected for too long after either, hearing all this stuff about long covid too now is grim. As for the remains of the team (assuming everyone else is alright) it’s likely we’ll be without a RB again. I'm not sold on McCrory playing there, think I'd rather play Rawlinson there and bring Turner into the side. Sam needs to be thrown in, he needs match fitness and a chance show us what he can do. Pilling looked decent in the pre-season games, wouldn’t be opposed to giving him a game. I wouldn’t make too many changes, with the reduced income it would be helpful to get through a couple of rounds. As for the score, I think we will have worked on set-pieces and defending this week (again assuming we had a squad to train!). 2-0 Notts, Sam and Reeves to score.

Barratt should’ve been sent off, but that said it’s still annoying how we were so poor defending set-pieces. It’s the sloppiness against Barnet again, but this time it’s actually cost us. I agree we with everyone that we still had the players capable of getting a result, the bench was very weak in terms of attacking options but we still scored 2 goals and should’ve at least been able to get a draw. Disappointing result aside, I think the issue of testing and postponing of games could become an issue now. 6 games off today (throughout the national league structure) due to infections. We are incredibly lucky we’ve got owners able to fund rounds of testing, other clubs aren’t so lucky. Are Sutton getting a round of testing? I Imagine it’s likely one of their players could have covid-19. Surely they can’t play their game until they know they’re all unaffected… If clubs like Sutton have to wait until players show symptoms it could well be to late, players could play and pass the virus on. Getting Covid-19 test results after games means it won’t stop the spread. It’s just going to slowly and continuously disrupt the season if nothing is done but I know clubs can’t afford the testing. A real catch-22 scenario…

I don’t think the squad will go into this one over-confident because Ardley won’t let that happen, he'll make sure we think of our defensive duties as much as our attacking ones. In terms of the team, not heard back about the Covid testing so I assume everyone’s in the clear there. I’d stick with the 4-3-3, maybe have Rodrigues as part of the midfield 3 with Thomas or Enzio up with Wootton and Roberts. McCrory back in at LB for me, not a dig at DKE but it’s just so much easier for a natural left-footer. I don’t think it’ll be as easy as everyone thinks, just a hunch I can’t see a thrashing. I still think we’ll control the game, but I can see Maidenhead frustrating us. 2-0, but the second goal will come late(ish) in the second half. Wootton to keep up his scoring run, Thomas with the other.

Worth remembering Sutton play on a 4G pitch which should actually help with the way we play, they'll be no bumps or rough patches of grass to stop our slick passing. No doubting our home form at the moment, it's away from home where we need to improve. I think we should be approaching all the games in the way we do our home ones, I don't think there's anyone in this league at the moment that look like a real 'wow' team where it would be more sensible to play with more players behind the ball. As for the team for Sutton, my only slight issue is how we are a touch light in centre mid. Reeves and Doyle have played every game so far, hope they aren't too fatigued just yet. Maybe worth starting O'Brien for one of them? I'll say; 1-1. Wootton to keep up his current scoring form.

I watched the highlights of the Eastleigh game on the National League site (I was looking for ours v Dover but they never appeared). They actually knocked the ball around quite well and had some decent chances themselves but defensively they were all over the place, Eastleigh just kept chipping the ball in behind and they were so slow and useless dealing with it. The pace and skill of Thomas, Roberts, Knowles and Enzio could really damage Barnet from what I've seen. I'd say don't panic to much about the patterns of play being perfect, instead focus on working on the runs in behind. Barnet have had a lot of players leave them, I think they've pretty much got a whole new defence so it could be an ideal time to play them. We're very strong at home and the players will feel better now they've got the first win on the board. 2-1 Notts... Roberts and Thomas to score.

That was a very solid performance all-round. Once we got into our passing rhythm, we looked comfortable and confident. Great play by Thomas to set Wootton up twice, he should’ve had a hat-trick – that said I think the penalty was a bit soft. Altrincham will feel hard done by with the one where Brindley grabbed their attacker’s shirt, no idea what he was thinking there… Thought the game slightly passed Doyle by a touch as the game wore on, maybe not entirely his fault once O’Brien moved more into the middle him and Reeves pushed that bit higher and harried Altrincham none stop. Hopefully proves that we don’t need him every game to be successful. Great to get the first win of the season, same again against Barnet please!

If we want to play 4 in midfield O’Brien out wide is okay as last resort or for one game where the tactics suit but we can’t try and shoe-horn Reeves, Doyle and him into the team every game. No idea where Rodrigues will play now it seems the diamond (a formation suited for him) is presumably back on the drawing board, he’s skilful but I think ultimately he’ll lack the pace to provide much threat out wide. 4-2-3-1 would work but scarifies a striker and Ardley likes playing 2 upfront… I’d stick with the 4-4-2, but put Enzio in for O’Brien. I’d like to see Rodrigues in, but where/how at the minute I’m not sure. We’re better at home but I think we’ll be a bit cagey given our last result. 1-0, Roberts to score.

Absolutely gutted. Harrogate did to us what we did to Barnet. Harrogate won pretty much every second ball and just did not let us get our passing game going. Everyone can criticise and pick the team after the game, but yeah in hindsight I think to combat the pressing we needed another man in middle to help us get more control of the game. The second half team was better, aside from no Rawlinson for Turner, Thomas and Enzio offered more threat. The 3rd goal absolutely killed us (and me) though. I agree we've got to take the positives from it, we'd have all absolutely taken a Wembley final if we were offered it back in September. Here's to hoping we can go one better next season...

Like a few on here, it would’ve been my first opportunity to see Notts at Wembley. It’s bittersweet in a way, as moments like this are what being a fan is all about. Who knows maybe we’ll get a chance to go with the FA Vase *desperately clutches at straws*. As for the team, I expect at least one-surprise to it. Enzio back in? Thomas/Wilson upfront for more pace? Maybe. I’ve full confidence in whatever the team and tactics NA picks and it won’t be through lack of planning, effort or desire if we don’t win. I don't want to tempt fate by predicting the score, I know what I hope the score will be… Both teams are pretty closely matched I think there’ll only be a goal in it. Anyone know if it goes to extra-time or straight to pens? I think with our squad/subs extra-time would favour us. Straight to pens would be unbearable...

I have to say, I was pretty stunned with that performance 4 months out and then coming back for such a big game and we just absolutely nailed it. 10/20 mins in and the nerves kind of went for me, we fell back into a bit of a rhythm, I just thought we looked so much more assured on the ball than Barnet even though it wasn’t coming off in the early stages. The movement, patterns, trying to work the ball into dangerous areas, it was all promising. And off the ball, we were the proactive team, organised but pressing Barnet well. The only thing that pricked the nerves a bit was Ben Turner when he had to sprint! He doesn’t look that natural running to me (sorry Ben) but that said he played very well, won pretty much every header exactly what you want from him. Lacey was class as well, 100% needs to be here next season. I don’t have the time to praise everyone, they were all excellent for me. What win. Finish the job next weekend and wow what a season this will have been. COYP!

Picking the team is going to be tough. Some big decisions; like CM pairing. I think it will be Doyle and Rose. Maybe not a a bad thing, O'Brien on in the second half if we need a goal. Bakayogo or Bagan, I really don't know? And Turner coming back in? I personally would like to see Lacey and Rawlinson as our centre backs. I also wouldn't be surprised if Thomas starts upfront but I'm hoping it's Dennis and Wotton. Can't see it being a goal fest, I think Barnet will come and defend, they'll let us have the ball but restrict any space in behind. Having to break a team down on our first game back isn't ideal - need to hope Roberts and Enzio can do something magic. 1-1. Notts to go through on pens.