Super U's to get ahead of the Hatters to secure derby double duel at WHCS 20:35 - Mar 24 with 1395 views | durham_exile | This weekend, the WHCS, in common with all other weekend matches, will witness a minute’s silence to remember the victims of the atrocity that took place in Central London on Wednesday afternoon. Such senseless and mindless violence perpetrated against innocent people puts football well and truly into perspective. JM and his charges embark upon 8 Cup finals between now and 6th May, knowing that 20 points will probably be required to secure 7th place and a Play Off berth. The visitors are Luton Town, who are handily placed in 5th place on 60 points. Whereas JM has crushing injury concerns, Nathan Jones has top scorer Danny Hylton available after he was taken off on Tuesday evening after a draw at Rodney Parade in order to ensure his availability for the U’s game. Sammy Szmodics was injured at Crewe last Saturday and sadly sustained a broken leg. He will again be sorely missed after his earlier season injury worries. It is not all bad news for JM however, Dean Brill, fresh from his Black Cats heroics for the U23’s is in the squad along with Tommy O’Sullivan our signing from Cardiff, who is likely to see some game time between now and the end of the season. Richard Brindley is also likely to play and probably start on Saturday. Now the importance of this game cannot be overstated. The Super U’s simply must win, not only to maintain their excellent home form, but also to close the gap on the top seven. The Hatters were deservedly beaten on Boxing Day in a pulsating game and the U’s, without six of those players, will have to match their opponents whilst finding the back of the net which they failed to do at Gresty Road despite an encouraging second half. Interestingly, when the two sides met on Boxing Day Luton Town were in 5th place with 35 points from 21 games, whilst the U’s were 13th with 27 points from 21 games. The weather is set fair and the pitch will be in very good condition meaning that the U’s can play the ball on the deck and hopefully take the game to their opponents from the outset. JM must decide on his formation and in my view, must attack with purpose in a 3,4,3 formation: Walker James Elokobi Briggs Brindley Murray Lapslie Dickenson Pyke Porter Bonne Subs: Brill Vincent-Young Wright Wynter Kinsella O’Sullivan Edge Much has been made of Brennan Dickenson’s form, but Cameron James for me is absolute quality and must be well looked after by the club, he has the ability to become a top defender. Big George and Matt Briggs are playing very well; Briggs has been impressive since returning from injury. Richard Brindley has been missed and will pick up where he left off prior to injury. Sean Murray, after an unfortunate and unlucky start at Blackpool is emerging as a cultured attacking midfield player. Tom Lapslie, who excelled, when given the captaincy in Porter’s absence, is looking to recapture his best form; whilst Dickenson needs to convert more of his opportunities, and for their part, his striking colleagues need to convert more from the delicious left wing crosses that he provides. The bench looks very striker unfriendly these days mainly due to injuries to Guthrie and Johnstone, but on Saturday, JM should play three up front from the start. JM may demonstrate FOMO, but he must throw caution to the wind and attack the Hatters in an attempt to add to their excellent home record, whilst looking to close in on the top seven. Saturday will see another crowd nudging the 6,000 mark and this time the faithful will be looking for three home points rather than giving the opposition the chance to spoil the party. League placings show just how tight the positions are and confirm that a further 20 points will be sufficient for the U’s but they must secure three of them tomorrow. Doncaster 38 78 Plymouth 38 72 Pompey 38 65 Stevenage 38 61 Luton 38 60 Carlisle 38 59 Exeter 38 58 Blackpool 38 57 Mansfield 38 55 Wycombe 38 55 COL U 38 54 Enjoy the game and remember if you want to get ahead, get a hat! Up the Super U’s | |
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Super U's to get ahead of the Hatters to secure derby double duel at WHCS on 17:11 - Mar 25 with 507 views | durham_exile |
Super U's to get ahead of the Hatters to secure derby double duel at WHCS on 16:55 - Mar 25 by gerry_us | Pardon Wessex? 3-3 and still not over. |
Doncaster 38 78 Plymouth 38 72 Pompey 39 68 Stevenage 39 62 Blackpool 39 60 Luton 39 60 Exeter 39 59 Carlisle 39 59 Mansfield 39 58 COL U 39 57 Getting tight for the four play off positions | |
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Super U's to get ahead of the Hatters to secure derby double duel at WHCS on 18:47 - Mar 25 with 473 views | wessex_exile |
Super U's to get ahead of the Hatters to secure derby double duel at WHCS on 17:11 - Mar 25 by durham_exile | Doncaster 38 78 Plymouth 38 72 Pompey 39 68 Stevenage 39 62 Blackpool 39 60 Luton 39 60 Exeter 39 59 Carlisle 39 59 Mansfield 39 58 COL U 39 57 Getting tight for the four play off positions |
Are the play-offs now play-ons? | |
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Super U's to get ahead of the Hatters to secure derby double duel at WHCS on 18:55 - Mar 25 with 466 views | oxfcolu | Excellent win. | | | |
Super U's to get ahead of the Hatters to secure derby double duel at WHCS on 18:55 - Mar 25 with 466 views | gerry_us |
Super U's to get ahead of the Hatters to secure derby double duel at WHCS on 18:47 - Mar 25 by wessex_exile | Are the play-offs now play-ons? |
I'm more concerned about the amount of possession and shots by Luton in the second half when we are winning 2-0 and should be bossing the match until the end. Is this negativity on JM' s part or are we genuinely unable to sustain performance for the full 90 minutes. It can't be down to fitness... can it? May explain the amount of injuries. Next week is also a "must win" or we can wave goodbye to late season excitement. | | | |
Super U's to get ahead of the Hatters to secure derby double duel at WHCS on 19:12 - Mar 25 with 462 views | bwildered | JM must have the Haynes Routemaster manual firmly in the game plan . Another park the bus second half display might play dividends at present .... but we will unstuck . A great display by Eastman considering his long layoff, and Drey Wright more in a roaming mode . In the end three points gained, but without points from the away form back up , will look forlorn at the end of the season . | |
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Super U's to get ahead of the Hatters to secure derby double duel at WHCS on 08:33 - Mar 26 with 396 views | Leadbelly | Three observations; Porter looks so much more effective if he is allowed to play facing the opposition goal. The back three of Elokobi, James and Eastman (welcome back Tom) had a very good game. We are not invincible when 2-0 ahead at half time although it appears McGreal believes we are. | |
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Super U's to get ahead of the Hatters to secure derby double duel at WHCS on 11:14 - Mar 26 with 376 views | bwildered | After match comments from JM , state that the football in the first half was exceptional and terrific, which I whole heartily agree. So Stan and Jack ( JM and Ball ) hopefully next time get that bus out ............. apologies beginning to sound like Blakey . | |
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Super U's to get ahead of the Hatters to secure derby double duel at WHCS on 17:38 - Mar 26 with 340 views | durham_exile |
Super U's to get ahead of the Hatters to secure derby double duel at WHCS on 17:11 - Mar 25 by durham_exile | Doncaster 38 78 Plymouth 38 72 Pompey 39 68 Stevenage 39 62 Blackpool 39 60 Luton 39 60 Exeter 39 59 Carlisle 39 59 Mansfield 39 58 COL U 39 57 Getting tight for the four play off positions |
Impressive win for Plymouth which probably confirms the top two. Also good because when we play the pilgrims they may have eye on the beach. Up the U's | |
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