| Magpies to have wings clipped by the Super U's at the JCS 05:13 - Apr 5 with 1546 views | durham_exile |
After that second magnificent unbeaten run which came to an unceremonious ending at Valley Parade, the game which really hurt us was that 2-1 home defeat to Grimsby. Even a draw that evening would have done. Still, we move on and that point at the Priestfield on Tuesday night could be vital in the final reckoning.
Now you could be forgiven for thinking that the Cowleys have walked under more ladders than Fred Dibnah climbed in his illustrious lifetime or they have run over more black cats than there are Sunderland supporters given the recent horrendous list of injuries and that nagging virus which has plagued the JCS.
The Virus has been particularly virulent with a gastro element and fever, headache and flu-like symptoms. I am wondering whether we shouldn’t have approached the EFL for some latitude given the ferocity of the virus and the number of key players who were affected. Still, we didn’t and that’s that.
Most recent victims of the virus have been Lyle Taylor, Jamie McDonnell, Ellis Iandolo and Kane Vincent-Young. Hopefully all four will be back in the reckoning for today’s match.
The injury list includes Harry Anderson, Samson Tovide, Teddy Bishop, Jack Payne and Owura Edwards, none of whom are likely to be back for the Magpies game.
Frankly those who are left have been simply incredible to keep us in with a shout of the Play Offs after all these trials and tribulations.
Current Table:
Walsall 40 72
Bradford 40 70
PV 40 70
Notts Co 40 68
Doncaster 39 67
Wimbledon 40 65
Grimsby 40 62
Crewe 40 61
COL U 40 59
Chesterfield 39 58
The games don’t come much bigger than today’s game against Notts County. I’m afraid to say that this is a must win for the U’s in order to close the gap on Grimsby and Crewe and to keep Chesterfield at bay.
At the start of the season, we would have taken a top seven place (I did predict it in August) but after the two recent defeats it has become a more difficult task and one which shows that despite the brilliance of our form since January we cannot let up and must keep recording those all-important victories.
The old maxim couldn’t be more apposite, we have six cup finals to play. We probably need to win four and to draw the other two. It can be done, however.
Saturday 5 April 3pm Notts Co Home
Saturday 12 April 3pm Newport Away
Friday 18 April 3pm Crewe Home – Sky Sports+
Monday 21 April 3pm Doncaster Away – Sky Sports+
Saturday 26 April 3pm Salford Away
Saturday 3 May 3pm Barrow Home
Stuart Maynard brings his Notts County side to the JCS boosted by a victory over MK Dons (however doesn’t everyone beat the Franchise). Our old friend Sam Slocombe will be number two to Alex Bass whilst the evergreen David McGoldrick and Alassana Jatta will offer a big threat up front.
Now last season we won a pulsating game 5-4 at the JCS but both teams have been transformed since then. Notts County have stopped the Kevin Keegan approach to football, (we will score one more than you) whilst the Cowleys have stiffened the U’s resolve and have created a team capable of beating anyone in the League.
The weather in Colchester today will be 15 degrees Celsius, warm and sunny with a gentle breeze. Hopefully the ground staff have been working wonders on the pitch. At least they might have put down some green coloured sand so that it does at least look a little more ascetically pleasing on the eye.
Now here comes the difficult bit, who will DC start at 3pm.
I’m going for the following:
Macey
Egbo Kells Flanagan Iandolo
McDonnell KVY
Thorn Read Gordon
Taylor
Subs:
Smith Aboh Scully Connolly Tucker Jolliffe (Simpson under sufferance)
I’m trying to keep this preview as positive as possible but neither Rob Hunt nor Tyreece Simpson should be anywhere near the pitch tomorrow or for the rest of the season. Prove me wrong both of you!!!!!
However, with no Samson Tovide or Owura Edwards or Jack Payne – Simpson might have to be on the bench.
Now the all important scoreline. 2-1 to the Super U’s. A difficult but enthralling game will see us just coming out on top. Lyle Taylor and a spectacular free kick from Arthur Read.
Attendance, possibly nudging 8,000 given that the Magpies will bring 800.
Enjoy the game.
Get behind the team and Up the U’s
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| Magpies to have wings clipped by the Super U's at the JCS on 09:55 - Apr 5 with 988 views | wessex_exile |
Great write-up as ever Durham, thanks. Looking at ticket sales, I don’t think there’ll be that many, but still a decent 5,550-6,000 I’d reckon. As I said earlier in the week, we’re now in a mini-league of 5-6 playing for 7th place.
At home to surely already doomed Morecambe, I can’t see Grimsby relinquishing that spot today, but, they do blow hot and cold. Easily the most defeats of any team in the top half of the table, a negative goal difference and at best indifferent home form, they certainly can lose, I just can’t see it. 2-0 to Grimsby
Crewe, on the other hand, surely must lose, away at title chasing Bradford City. I guess it depends which Bradford City turn up, the Col U champs or the Tranmere chumps. Crewe’s current form isn’t great, just one win in six, but on that front (two wins) Bradford’s isn’t much better, with the top three seemingly all taking turns to bottle it. However, not today, 3-1 to Bradford City.
Leaving us to one side, Chesterfield are in excellent form at just the right time, unbeaten in six (five wins) after losing the previous four on the bounce. However, they have a tricky trip today to struggling Tranmere. I don’t think Tranmere will get relegated, I think those places are already claimed by the current occupants, but they’ll still be scrapping for every point. And that’s what I think they’ll get today, a hard-fought 1-1. Incidentally, Chez Vegas’s game in hand is home to Gillingham on Tuesday, which I expect them to win.
Salford host reinvigorated Gillingham under foppish dandy Ainsworth. Watching on Tuesday night I saw a team full of endeavour but lacking in technical ability. But for the since apologised for ‘penalty’ they couldn’t break down a below par makeshift U’s. However, against lesser teams their effort might be enough, and I do consider Salford a lesser team. Gills to end Saltyford’s lingering play-off hopes with a 2-1 smash and grab.
As for long odds Fleetwood, they can actually leap-frog the U’s if results go their way at home to Swindon. They’re in good form too, third in the last six form table, albeit that is mainly from their away form, two wins and four draws in their last six at home isn’t much to shout about. If they were playing the Swindon that Holloway send charging up the league, I’d figure they lose, but that Swindon charge has faltered of late, so I’ll go for a 2-1 to the Cods.
That leaves the U’s. Battered by plague and pestilence, today will be all about the spirit of a patched together squad, and sadly also the pitch. Obviously it’s a must-win game, they all are, but none more so than today (for now). Dropped points aren’t necessarily a disaster, provided Grimsby do the same and other results are favourable, but I’d rather we didn’t have to rely on that.
U’s to…well, let’s just wait and see. |  |
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| Magpies to have wings clipped by the Super U's at the JCS on 10:45 - Apr 5 with 970 views | durham_exile |
| Magpies to have wings clipped by the Super U's at the JCS on 09:55 - Apr 5 by wessex_exile |
Great write-up as ever Durham, thanks. Looking at ticket sales, I don’t think there’ll be that many, but still a decent 5,550-6,000 I’d reckon. As I said earlier in the week, we’re now in a mini-league of 5-6 playing for 7th place.
At home to surely already doomed Morecambe, I can’t see Grimsby relinquishing that spot today, but, they do blow hot and cold. Easily the most defeats of any team in the top half of the table, a negative goal difference and at best indifferent home form, they certainly can lose, I just can’t see it. 2-0 to Grimsby
Crewe, on the other hand, surely must lose, away at title chasing Bradford City. I guess it depends which Bradford City turn up, the Col U champs or the Tranmere chumps. Crewe’s current form isn’t great, just one win in six, but on that front (two wins) Bradford’s isn’t much better, with the top three seemingly all taking turns to bottle it. However, not today, 3-1 to Bradford City.
Leaving us to one side, Chesterfield are in excellent form at just the right time, unbeaten in six (five wins) after losing the previous four on the bounce. However, they have a tricky trip today to struggling Tranmere. I don’t think Tranmere will get relegated, I think those places are already claimed by the current occupants, but they’ll still be scrapping for every point. And that’s what I think they’ll get today, a hard-fought 1-1. Incidentally, Chez Vegas’s game in hand is home to Gillingham on Tuesday, which I expect them to win.
Salford host reinvigorated Gillingham under foppish dandy Ainsworth. Watching on Tuesday night I saw a team full of endeavour but lacking in technical ability. But for the since apologised for ‘penalty’ they couldn’t break down a below par makeshift U’s. However, against lesser teams their effort might be enough, and I do consider Salford a lesser team. Gills to end Saltyford’s lingering play-off hopes with a 2-1 smash and grab.
As for long odds Fleetwood, they can actually leap-frog the U’s if results go their way at home to Swindon. They’re in good form too, third in the last six form table, albeit that is mainly from their away form, two wins and four draws in their last six at home isn’t much to shout about. If they were playing the Swindon that Holloway send charging up the league, I’d figure they lose, but that Swindon charge has faltered of late, so I’ll go for a 2-1 to the Cods.
That leaves the U’s. Battered by plague and pestilence, today will be all about the spirit of a patched together squad, and sadly also the pitch. Obviously it’s a must-win game, they all are, but none more so than today (for now). Dropped points aren’t necessarily a disaster, provided Grimsby do the same and other results are favourable, but I’d rather we didn’t have to rely on that.
U’s to…well, let’s just wait and see. |
Wessex
Great assessment of our rivals matches.
I wouldn't disagree with those predicted scores.
We have been so poorly served by referee decisions of late and however gratifying it is to receive apologies I would rather have the extra points.
Every team in this mini league for 7th place will have a difficult game one week and an easier one the next.
As long as we can prevail today then we are right back in the mix.
Enjoy the game.
Up the U's | |
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| Magpies to have wings clipped by the Super U's at the JCS on 11:30 - Apr 5 with 936 views | MarkyMark47 |
As Edwards was put forward for the pre-match interview, perhaps he might feature and his removal on Tuesday was precautionary. KVY has been struggling with an Achilles injury according to the physio report in the Grimsby programme. |  | | |
| Magpies to have wings clipped by the Super U's at the JCS on 11:38 - Apr 5 with 933 views | MarkyMark47 |
| Magpies to have wings clipped by the Super U's at the JCS on 11:30 - Apr 5 by MarkyMark47 |
As Edwards was put forward for the pre-match interview, perhaps he might feature and his removal on Tuesday was precautionary. KVY has been struggling with an Achilles injury according to the physio report in the Grimsby programme. |
I'd like to see Tucker start in the back four, with Egbo in midfield. Probably won't happen though. | | | |
| Magpies to have wings clipped by the Super U's at the JCS on 12:08 - Apr 5 with 897 views | wessex_exile |
| Magpies to have wings clipped by the Super U's at the JCS on 11:38 - Apr 5 by MarkyMark47 |
I'd like to see Tucker start in the back four, with Egbo in midfield. Probably won't happen though. |
LOL - talking to yourself again Marky :-)
That was exactly what I was thinking about Edwards doing the pre-match interview. It would seem an odd choice if he wasn't likely to feature. Maybe coming off the bench though to give him some more recovery time/ avoid exacerbating whatever his injury was? | |
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| Magpies to have wings clipped by the Super U's at the JCS on 12:54 - Apr 5 with 869 views | wessex_exile |
It doesn't really affect us, but Walsall already 2-1 up against Port Vale, after the Valiants took a 4th minute lead. | |
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| Magpies to have wings clipped by the Super U's at the JCS on 13:22 - Apr 5 with 844 views | wessex_exile |
| Magpies to have wings clipped by the Super U's at the JCS on 12:54 - Apr 5 by wessex_exile |
It doesn't really affect us, but Walsall already 2-1 up against Port Vale, after the Valiants took a 4th minute lead. |
This one is swinging back and forth, now 3-2 to Port Vale with a penalty in first half stoppage time. Tranmere currently holding Chesterfield at 0-0 with ten minutes to half time. | |
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| Magpies to have wings clipped by the Super U's at the JCS on 13:54 - Apr 5 with 824 views | wessex_exile |
| Magpies to have wings clipped by the Super U's at the JCS on 13:22 - Apr 5 by wessex_exile |
This one is swinging back and forth, now 3-2 to Port Vale with a penalty in first half stoppage time. Tranmere currently holding Chesterfield at 0-0 with ten minutes to half time. |
Tranmere take the lead in the 1st minute of the second half! | |
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| Magpies to have wings clipped by the Super U's at the JCS on 14:01 - Apr 5 with 818 views | wessex_exile |
| Magpies to have wings clipped by the Super U's at the JCS on 13:54 - Apr 5 by wessex_exile |
Tranmere take the lead in the 1st minute of the second half! |
...and now it's 2-0! | |
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| Magpies to have wings clipped by the Super U's at the JCS on 14:05 - Apr 5 with 815 views | wessex_exile |
Tucker and Payne out, but McDonnell, Edwards and Taylor all start - overall positive, time for Read to find last season's form and fill that (small) Jack Payne hole in midfield. | |
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| Magpies to have wings clipped by the Super U's at the JCS on 14:10 - Apr 5 with 812 views | durham_exile |
| Magpies to have wings clipped by the Super U's at the JCS on 14:05 - Apr 5 by wessex_exile |
Tucker and Payne out, but McDonnell, Edwards and Taylor all start - overall positive, time for Read to find last season's form and fill that (small) Jack Payne hole in midfield. |
Macey
Egbo Kells Flanagan Iandolo
Thorn Read McDonnell Edwards
Simpson Taylor
Subs
Smith Hunt Tovide Scully Aboh Connolly Jolliffe..
Great to see Samson on the bench
Time for Simpson to stand up and be counted
Up the U's | |
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| Magpies to have wings clipped by the Super U's at the JCS on 14:22 - Apr 5 with 803 views | MarkyMark47 |
| Magpies to have wings clipped by the Super U's at the JCS on 12:08 - Apr 5 by wessex_exile |
LOL - talking to yourself again Marky :-)
That was exactly what I was thinking about Edwards doing the pre-match interview. It would seem an odd choice if he wasn't likely to feature. Maybe coming off the bench though to give him some more recovery time/ avoid exacerbating whatever his injury was? |
Ha ha! Must try harder. Great news that Edwards starts. | | | |
| Magpies to have wings clipped by the Super U's at the JCS on 14:29 - Apr 5 with 796 views | wessex_exile |
Donny snatch two late goals to beat Cheltenham, but it doesn't really change anything for the U's. Tranmere now 3-0 up - I knew they'd be a tough ask for the Spireites, but I didn't expect it to be that comprehensive. | |
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| Magpies to have wings clipped by the Super U's at the JCS on 14:38 - Apr 5 with 788 views | wessex_exile |
| Magpies to have wings clipped by the Super U's at the JCS on 14:29 - Apr 5 by wessex_exile |
Donny snatch two late goals to beat Cheltenham, but it doesn't really change anything for the U's. Tranmere now 3-0 up - I knew they'd be a tough ask for the Spireites, but I didn't expect it to be that comprehensive. |
Bloody hell, now 4-0! Not just a heavy defeat, but a massive dent in Chesterfield's goal difference. More importantly, Morecambe will now know their league survival hangs by the slimmest of threads, and to avoid the drop they must get a win at Grimsby. Let's hope they're up for it. | |
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| Magpies to have wings clipped by the Super U's at the JCS on 15:46 - Apr 5 with 718 views | durham_exile |
| Magpies to have wings clipped by the Super U's at the JCS on 14:38 - Apr 5 by wessex_exile |
Bloody hell, now 4-0! Not just a heavy defeat, but a massive dent in Chesterfield's goal difference. More importantly, Morecambe will now know their league survival hangs by the slimmest of threads, and to avoid the drop they must get a win at Grimsby. Let's hope they're up for it. |
Tyreece Simpson
My "favourite" striker proves me wrong.
Well done now do it again.
Up the U's | |
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| Magpies to have wings clipped by the Super U's at the JCS on 15:52 - Apr 5 with 708 views | durham_exile |
| Magpies to have wings clipped by the Super U's at the JCS on 15:46 - Apr 5 by durham_exile |
Tyreece Simpson
My "favourite" striker proves me wrong.
Well done now do it again.
Up the U's |
Come on the U's
Big 45 to come.
Get in | |
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| Magpies to have wings clipped by the Super U's at the JCS on 15:58 - Apr 5 with 695 views | wessex_exile |
Great perseverance, tenacity and composure by Oscar Thorn to serve it up on plate for Simpson. Absolutely massive second half to come - Come on Col U! | |
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| Magpies to have wings clipped by the Super U's at the JCS on 16:16 - Apr 5 with 670 views | durham_exile |
| Magpies to have wings clipped by the Super U's at the JCS on 15:58 - Apr 5 by wessex_exile |
Great perseverance, tenacity and composure by Oscar Thorn to serve it up on plate for Simpson. Absolutely massive second half to come - Come on Col U! |
Come on the U's | |
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| Magpies to have wings clipped by the Super U's at the JCS on 16:29 - Apr 5 with 647 views | durham_exile |
| Magpies to have wings clipped by the Super U's at the JCS on 16:16 - Apr 5 by durham_exile |
Come on the U's |
Great to see Samson back to help fire us into the Play Offs.
Up the U's | |
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| Magpies to have wings clipped by the Super U's at the JCS on 16:58 - Apr 5 with 609 views | durham_exile |
| Magpies to have wings clipped by the Super U's at the JCS on 16:29 - Apr 5 by durham_exile |
Great to see Samson back to help fire us into the Play Offs.
Up the U's |
Absolutely huge three points.
Play Offs are back on.
Up the U's
I was pleased that Simpson stepped up to score the winner. | |
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| Magpies to have wings clipped by the Super U's at the JCS on 17:03 - Apr 5 with 591 views | burnsieespana |
Some result when you study the stats.
Well done Simpson as you could yet be our surprise packet |  | | |
| Magpies to have wings clipped by the Super U's at the JCS on 17:29 - Apr 5 with 541 views | gerry_us |
| Magpies to have wings clipped by the Super U's at the JCS on 16:58 - Apr 5 by durham_exile |
Absolutely huge three points.
Play Offs are back on.
Up the U's
I was pleased that Simpson stepped up to score the winner. |
Is he your favourite now?  |  | | |
| Magpies to have wings clipped by the Super U's at the JCS on 17:40 - Apr 5 with 529 views | BLACKCAT |
| Magpies to have wings clipped by the Super U's at the JCS on 17:03 - Apr 5 by burnsieespana |
Some result when you study the stats.
Well done Simpson as you could yet be our surprise packet |
And with the illness and injury in the camp. Surprised and delighted by the result. |  | | |
| Magpies to have wings clipped by the Super U's at the JCS on 18:04 - Apr 5 with 496 views | MarkyMark47 |
The JCS was the place to be. Glorious spring sunshine, fantastic crowd and an immense performance, especially the second half. | | | |
| Magpies to have wings clipped by the Super U's at the JCS on 18:25 - Apr 5 with 468 views | bwildered |
Not so glorious sunshine in the shade . Wind seems problematic across the pitch leaving crosses frequently over hit. Thorn dispossessed defender to square for Simpson to see home, we all wait a refs whistle that never comes. Cardinal rule for the defender, do not let the ball bounce not adhered to .
Tovide returns halfway through to terrorise defence to take pressure off our own back press. Thorn should have seen game home but shoots over the bar from a central position.
Scrapped the win, but that what’s it’s about at the business end of the season .
Heart and will for each other is uncomprehending, everyone take a bow .
Onwards and upwards . [Post edited 5 Apr 19:06]
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