rjdgull
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Post by rjdgull on Nov 21, 2018 22:20:10 GMT
There has been some debate about the merits of this competition with most fans not wanting it to get in the way of our league campaign and you only have to think back to 10 years ago when we ended up playing on Saturday Tuesday Thursday and Saturday with the fixture list backlog caused by this competition. Even the joy of getting to the new Wembley was tempered by losing in the last 20 minutes to Exeter in the play-off just before this which no doubt affected our performance in the final and something none of us would want to see repeated.
However, as fans we do not have to worry about paying the bills and if we did lose on Saturday that would leave a blank weekend in the middle of December which is not ideal. Also this competition has come along at quite a good time in that we have a few players coming back from injury along with the bench warmers that would benefit from a run out either now or in the next round so my view is that we should aim to progress at least in the early stages and if we win there is a good chance of getting a National League team which will give a feel as to how the team or certain players would cope at the next higher level if we did get promoted.
It will be interesting to see how Johnson approaches this game but it is likely that he will want to maintain our momentum so how many changes will there be?
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Rob
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Post by Rob on Nov 22, 2018 22:51:13 GMT
Am going to this one as it’s a fairly easy drive. Assuming nobody else back from injury, I’d be more than happy to see Sendles-White, Edwards, Nabi and Williams all get some decent game time. Certainly wouldn’t be averse to a showing from Koszela and Baxter either.
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rjdgull
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Post by rjdgull on Nov 23, 2018 18:18:01 GMT
Looks like Johnson is going to prioritise this competition to keep momentum going. I suppose we have 4 leagues games less to play this season so there is a bit of wriggle room. link |
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rjdgull
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Post by rjdgull on Nov 23, 2018 18:29:53 GMT
link - Wynter is certainly looking forward and up for this one. Thought he had a good game on Saturday after a lot of indifferent performances and maybe is playing better in a better side but he is giving Johnson that option of 4-4-2 which he seems to prefer somewhat give or take tactical considerations.
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Jon
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Post by Jon on Nov 23, 2018 23:50:12 GMT
As Gary Johnson says, it is important to keep the momentum going - and that means continuing to play the high-speed high-energy style that we have clicked into.
Are Williams and Nabi showing any signs in training of being willing and able to play in that way?
If so, they might get a start. If not, they probably won't be around for long.
I would expect Sendles-White and Edwards to start. Both are clearly first-team quality. In a league game, I would expect Wynter and Keating to make way, but we might see a chance to rest a few regular starters instead.
Talk of Dickson, Hall and Essuman being possibly, but not probably, available. Again none would weaken the team.
Whatever, I am sure we will put out eleven who Johnson feels worthy of a start - even if not the same eleven he might pick for a league game.
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petef
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Post by petef on Nov 24, 2018 13:26:22 GMT
This competition is of more significance to the opposition than it is or us - we have bigger fish to fry.
Quite rightly though it must be taken seriously and is a chance to get some pitch time for those that haven't been involved.
Its a fact that some players struggle with frequent injury problems while other can cope easily with the week to week demands at this level.
Luckily we have been able to adapt and even improve our performances without the likes of Dickson and Asa Hall and who both seem rather injury prone.
Sokolik, Alex Bass, Nabi are others who have struggled with fitness or who have been missing long term while the likes of Keating, Reid, Davis after an injury hit start look to be bombproof.
Its a balancing act for the manager with a small squad but Johnson is doing an incredible job covering for injuries and re-motivating week to week..
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rjdgull
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Post by rjdgull on Nov 24, 2018 14:34:05 GMT
Well, Johnson is taking this very seriously- an unchanged line up with Keating retained on the wing with Edwards still on the bench, Burton, Williams, Sendles-White and Nabi complete the bench. - link |
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rjdgull
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Post by rjdgull on Nov 24, 2018 14:48:54 GMT
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rjdgull
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Post by rjdgull on Nov 24, 2018 14:53:24 GMT
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rjdgull
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Post by rjdgull on Nov 24, 2018 15:08:13 GMT
Reid just wide with a shot
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Jon
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Post by Jon on Nov 24, 2018 15:10:24 GMT
the likes of Dickson and Asa Hall and who both seem rather injury prone. Sokolik, Alex Bass, Nabi are others who have struggled with fitness or who have been missing long term while the likes of Keating, Reid, Davis after an injury hit start look to be bombproof. Five players signed by Owers all injury-prone. Three signed by Nicholson always fit. |
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rjdgull
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Post by rjdgull on Nov 24, 2018 15:10:59 GMT
Basingstoke score from a dodgy penalty shot right in the corner of the net giving McDonald no chance
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Jon
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Post by Jon on Nov 24, 2018 15:11:25 GMT
0-1. Sort it out Johnson.
1-1. Well sorted.
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rjdgull
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Post by rjdgull on Nov 24, 2018 15:12:53 GMT
Reid scores again to keep his average of a goal a game under Johnson
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rjdgull
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Post by rjdgull on Nov 24, 2018 15:51:04 GMT
1-1 Half time - sounds like an open game and our midfield and defence need to get a grip. Fitness may play a part as the match progresses?
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