YoopEyes

The worry is that we have a “net loss” during January. If we replace outgoing players with improvements or simply add some additional quality to the squad, fine. My fear is there will be a couple of out/goings who will be replaced by less favourable signings. We’ll either sign untried youngsters or “experienced” (injured has beens?) journeymen. I sincerely hope that my fears will be misplaced.

Game off - postponed due to frozen pitch. So much for the covers, cannabis lamps etc. We have the facility for under soil heating but it isn’t connected/operational!

My only concern with Dennis was that he didn’t score - and he has a couple of good opportunities to be fair. He is far more dangerous throughout the game than Jatta tho’. Dennis has better close control, more ball skill and threatens the keeper/goal more often too.

I thought there were only 2 contenders tbh - Dennis & Iorpenda. Dennis was the only real goal threat and he showed the required levels of application and determination. Iorpenda was the only other who showed up well throughout the game. He covers a lot of ground, wins his challenges and uses the ball well. He did manage a shot on target too, of course. On balance, I’d give it to Iorpenda, but it’s a close call. The 2 of them often linked well together but in a team full of mediocrity, Iorpenda shives with his skill, awareness, industry and attitude.

That was very poor, lack of pace all over the pitch, no real creativity. Only Dennis & Ioroenda showed any quality really. Anyone still think Jones isn’t finished? If he comes on as sub again, I think I’m going home. Utter waste of a shirt, every time he plays. Not sure what value Gordon, Jatta & Kouhyar offer either for that matter. They don’t look like “top 3 team” players to me.

Purely based on commentary and updates from the ground, Iorpenda gets my vote. Bedeau, Tsaroulla and Macari seemed to show up well too.

Yes, very busy period! 3 more games in 7 days. I’m sure Jatta will be rested for 1 and Jones may well make a start. MKD is a huge game if we are to consolidate our promotion credentials. We need at least a point to regain some momentum really. I think players like Grant & Iorpenda are crucial for these games because they offer the guile and creativity that others lack. Norburn offers the grit but if Palmer is fit I’m sure he’d start - but he might come of the bench on Mon & get a start in 1 of the upcoming home games. We’ll see.

After the opening 30 mins, where Platt, Norburn, Iorpenda and Bedeau all looked comfortable, not many showed up favourably tbh. Macari is a decent shout, he’s pretty defendable, has a good touch, usually wins his battles and he links up well with those in front of him. I’d go with him - it certainly wasn’t Jatta, Roos, Gordon or Bennetts.

Catastrophic 2nd half. A lack of energy, fight and inventiveness. Today highlighted that we can, comfortably, get rid of Gordon, Bennetts, Jatta & Jones in January. They are all “off the pace” and just quite good enough tbh. As for Roos, well any credit gained from the last 2 or 3 games has been wee & truly dumped in the bin! He was diabolical today, should have held the shot for the 1st, it was straight into his midriff, and there simply are no words for the 2nd. Absolute liability, he needs replacing pdq. If you actually needed confirmation that Jones is “finished” then today must, surely be it. I think Gordon broke his own world record for the most awful crosses in 1 game and he was only on the pitch for 45+ mins! Bennetts has failed to improve/develop over the last 4 months and he was simply dreadful. Why we persistently take off Grant & Tsaroulla, both of whom possess ball control, skill and the ability to make forward passes remains a mystery. We rarely, if ever, improve once they’ve gone.

Decent enough effort & h/t scoreline in a tough gig tbh. Bennetts has wasted a couple of good breaks but we lack sharpness in the final 3rd again. Jatta’s touch and control are abysmal again tbh. If we can quicken the tempo and just find that incisive ball into the box we’ll win this. They look similar to us, neat at times but nothing up front. Their defence is distinctly shakier than ours, Grimes is a thug and the full backs are vulnerable. Can see a possible red for them too if Naylor and the 2 cb’s stay on the pitch.

Happy with that - strongest available XI for my money.

I’d disagree re: Jones - I’d say that he offers no threat at all! We lose pace & fluency with him on the pitch. He’s tentative, won’t even try to beat a man and lobs the ball into the box from far too deep. He was spectacularly ineffective today. Grant, on the other hand, has great touch, moves the ball forward at pace and his greater mobility means that he links up well with Macari and Tsaroulla on the right. Equally, Iorpenda has done enough in the “big games” to keep Hall out. Paterson has been consistent, he’s loyal to those who deliver & do the job. Can’t see him making changes for Chesterfield tbh. The MKD & Fleetwood games may see some rotation and we will probably see Kouhyar, Hall and maybe even Jones in the starting XI.

There were some impressive performances in a very solid team display. We didn’t create enough clear cut chances but we moved the ball well up to the final 3rd and defended as a unit. Hard to fault Macari or Platt all game, Iorpenda was superb in the opening 25 mins and again in the last 20 too. Grant was our most inventive and creative player again, his subtle touches and ability to link up with Macari & Tsaroulla make him a valuable member of the team. We lose a bit of spark whenever he goes off for my money. Dennis & Norburn were absolutely outstanding tho’, from virtually start to finish. Dennis worked his nuts off and looked comfortable on the ball - just needed a goal. Norburn’s best display in a Notts shirt, by a mile. He grafted, cajoled others, directed play and used the ball neatly and effectively. He gets it for me, just, over Dennis, Iorpenda & Macari. Footnote: Not at all sure why Jones came on - he offers no threat whatsoever now, no pace, unwilling to go past a man and his crosses are from far too deep positions. Tsaroulla could have moved to the left and Kouhyar on the right, rather than Gordon. I think we lost a bit of fluency with Jones tbh.

Stuart Rimmer - striker, late 80’s from memory. Went to “Warsaw” after playing for us for a short while I believe. One of many strikers who always seemed to do well, wherever he played, but never really seemed to click here.

Currently on holiday - not got time to do that.🙁

Agreed, heard it and got 3rd party updates from folks at the game. Sounded close between Dennis and Roos to me - difficult to choose without seeing the game in this instance. Roos keeps us in it and Dennis breaks the deadlock. As I’m unable to split them, it’s a “tie” for me, so not able to cast a vote.

Fabulous stuff - the tough month of matches is going ok, so far…….

Other scores going our way now too…… MKD, Warsaw & Bromley all level.

Great stuff - let’s have this Notts! We are certainly establishing ourselves as “contenders” now. If we can overcome teams like MKD & the fishy people without Palmer, Robbo or a fully functioning Jones then we have made progress. Keep it going & keep ‘em out Notts.

Good selection - again. Solid enough team and decent bench, given the circumstances, assuming Jones is fit and confident. Good to see Hinchy back, always grafts and battles and he has a good eye for a pass. He’s one for the future, plenty of potential.

Agreed. Talented lad, seemed to get some harsh criticism last season but he’s still young and has potential. He’s gritty, a battler but with some skill and an eye for a pass. Happy to see him back in the fold. Not a first choice selection but with Robbo & Palmer out he’s a sound cover/squad player.

Duff start! I’m in Madeira on hols, so can’t see the game. It’s going to be an uphill struggle now…… Hoping for better news when I return from dinner.

Dennis should start in my view. I’d go with Macari, Grant, Robertson, Iorpenda & Tsaroulla behind Dennis & Jatta. Ness, Platt & Bedeau at the back. I somehow doubt that will be MP’s choice tbh but I believe that gives us the width, mobility, physical presence and goal threat that we need.

Roos - on the basis he won a MOTM when he did nothing to deserve. Today he did. Always rate Grant’s industry and subtlety tbh & Platt lasted the pace and did his job. Everyone grafted, but Roos for me.

Terrific win - 4th now, superb 3 points.