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Reply | Super U's to eclipse Accrington (who are they!) on Saturday
at 11:08 9 Apr 2018
Such a disappointing result felt a draw would be about right, alas this is the way football goes.
I feel our set up is quite similar to Accrington, solid at the back, industrial, sturdy... More like a team trying to battle out of the Conference? The difference between the two is that whilst, in my opinion, we have the quality in defensive/midfield personnel, Stanley have the quality going forward, or at least experience.
Kee = 1 in 2 striker with experience
Jackson = Gives them the pace, mobility up top.
Our problem this season has been going forward. Mandron's a good striker, but in the Ibehre mold, competitive, battling, not a finisher. Szmodics has scored goals but to me it looks like McGreal is holding him back by making him a CAM rather than a number 10 striker who plays off of Mandron. He's been told not to make those attacking runs forward, he's not gambling on Mandron winning headers/holding the ball up. I think McGreal's told him not too so we are not overextended (have another man behind the ball if Mandron doesn't win the flick/hold up).
Wingers/wide men wise, we haven't got the quality in terms of delivery or goalscorers. Drey has improved hugely and is actually looking a good player but no doubt lacks the finishing/delivery that we need. Jackson likewise has awful end product and KVY doesn't, in my opinion, attack enough.
For me, our biggest threat going forward is Senior, but in the centre rather than out wide. No doubt he's a natural winger, but currently he doesn't get the ball enough and a move into the middle, would, in my opinion, allow him to show the quality he posses.
My XI vs Notts:
5-2-1-2
Walker
KVY
Prosser
Kent
Eastman
Jackson
Comley
Stevenson
Senior
Szmodics
Mandron |
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Reply | 2017/18 League 2 - the remaining matches that matter!
at 09:53 5 Apr 2018
I'm quietly confident that we will reach the 70 point mark. My fear is that with our inferior GD, we will need 72/73 points to get that final spot.
5 games left... 4 wins needed minimum. |
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Reply | STH Forum
at 14:18 29 Mar 2018
We've had this poor behavior from this group for years now. I remember getting into an altercation with them back in the Humes era for their behavior at Sheffield Utd away... They were consistently chanting derogatories to Humes and the team so I turned around and said a few words to them. Some started to make their way down to confront me. Nothing happened of course.
At the end of the day, it's up to the sane, rational people in the stand to deal with them. No point in relying on incompetent stewards. Time to stand up to this noisy minority and tell them to grow up or get out. They've been used to having their way for years now but once people start to confront them they'll have no clue what to do... They are mostly 12 - 18-year-olds anyway.
No issue with them voicing frustration (albeit wish they did it more logically and amicably) but when they start calling Cowling a C**t and slating the team despite winning it's gone too far and actually puts people off from going! |
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Reply | I suppose there are two sides to every story!
at 10:16 29 Mar 2018
Wholeheartedly agree here Noah. This is a big positive for the club as we are now very likely to make a profit on the stadium with council rental decreasing from 300K/Month to 150K/Month... Means we can afford to put more into the squad or look to develop the club further.
The issue here seems to be that Cowling was open and honest with the fans at the ST meeting. Weston Homes seem more annoyed he's announced this without their consent rather than them wanting to remain sponsors. |
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Reply | STH Forum
at 10:11 29 Mar 2018
"Lifetime bans on those identified" Haha! what did I tell you, you punch him and he'll swing straight back. Brash, Abrasive and doesn't take fools lightly. Not sure this is the way to win the fans around but does he care at this point? I doubt it.
Good news on the new sponsorship deal which sounds like more money available for the club. I wonder whether this will be invested in the 1st team? Effectively we will be rent free if we can find a sponsor willing to put up more than 150K. I'm sure Cowling has this one covered.
This whole contract extension is baffling to me. Seemingly Dickenson/Lapslie have this in their contract meaning whilst their contracts are up at the end of the season, the club can enforce a year-long extension (without player consent) meaning we will see both at the *Enter Company Name* Community Stadium next season... Alas, Walker does not have this in his contract and is likely to leave.
Very interesting that we are looking to move training grounds again! We've heard in the past that Cowling wants to make us CAT 1. Does anyone know whether we can be a CAT 1 team in League 2? If not, perhaps Cowling see's the opportunity to build CAT 1 facilities, then looks to rise the leagues. Certainly indicates ambition. |
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Reply | Maamria Mia - the winner takes it all today at the Lamex
at 11:13 26 Mar 2018
A win, 3 points, but a dangerous precedent set for next season.
McGreal lauded his players after dragging themselves over the line to defeat lowly 16th placed Stevenage in a 1-0 victory on Saturday. This was the U's first win away since Crawley on Boxing Day and our first goal since Mansfield away. We've now scored 2 in our last 5 matches.
Regardless, McGreal was clearly delighted by his teams performance stating: "From minute one, especially in the first 45 minutes, some of the football we played was out of this world".
I cannot agree with this, nor, i'm pretty certain, will the majority of the other Colchester fans sitting in the stand behind the goal, where despite winning, there was somewhat a toxic atmosphere as the S1 young boys chanted virulently "Robbie Cowling's a C**T" and "Cowling Out" on repeat.
Other's around looked uncomfortable and at worst discontenting toward the young lads but nothing came of it. I don't blame this lot, they can sense something's not quite right in the state of Denmark, but rather than discuss or cogitate, look into the history, finances and decision, decide to vent, shout and curse. Why not? it feels good right?.. I'm not so sure.
Anyhow, back to the game and I was pleasantly surprised to see Szmodics playing on the last man for the first 45 minutes. This is in large to the inclusion of Ben Stevenson who helps bring the side forward through his positioning and creativity meaning Szmodics doesn't get restless and drop deeper searching for the ball. Not his best performance but he got 3 shots away, more than his last 3/4 games combined..
Brennan and Drey got the ball regularly and had some better distribution. We looked comfortable and happy to glide through the game. Solid at the back, at ease up top... Will this be a problem for next season? You betcha.
Second half began and just as soon as we'd started to get to a position were we'd have more shots than one hand can count, we decide to sit back. Cue total boredom, phone checking and aggravation from the U's faithful as Stevenage start to press forward. On this occasion the sturdy Prosser, Eastman, KVY and Jackson were happy to deal with the weak threat Stevenage posed. Will the same be said when we face a decent side? Perhaps not?
25 minutes to go and I sat dumbfounded as Jackson ran the ball into the corner looking to waste time. "Change it up John" I thought to myself as I placed £7 on Stevenage to score next and that he did... but not to my liking.
Central Midfielder Sean Murray on for Right Midfielder Drey Wright. Odd, I thought this destabilised and unbalanced us. Perhaps Courtney Senior would've been the preferred option, he certainly would've given us some attacking intent and perhaps we could capitalise on the counter?
Stevenage pressure continued and we looked less likely to create. Next sub, Defensive, dynamic midfielder Comley on for creative Stevenson (who had a knock). Then a few minutes later, Striker Mandeville on for Left Midfielder Brennan Dickenson... and guess where he played? Yep that's right, Left Midfield.... At this point, I was certain of a Stevenage goal and as Jackson toppled an on-running Stevenage player I thought the referee had pointed to the spot. Alas, our defensive competence held strong and as the final whistle blowed I felt somewhat fearful rather than jubilation.
Please John, do not continue to play this style of football, it will not work with the better teams and it does a dis-service to the quality of players we have. More than happy for us to rely on the strength we posses in defence, but at least counter attack and pose a threat. |
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Reply | Guthrie
at 16:39 23 Mar 2018
Sorry Durham,
Disagree here. Guthrie is a talented player, passionate and emotional but he lets things get to him, has a stinking attitude and thinks he's better than the team, he causes disruption within the squad. I have heard exactly the same rumours as those above plus the rumours of what was said after the Yeovil game.
I'm pleasantly surprised McGreal has put his foot down here and I highly doubt we will see Guthrie again. Someone will take a punt on him but don't expect too much, his own character is his biggest hindrance and until he learns that he won't fulfil his footballing potential. |
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Reply | Morecambe 0 v Super U's 0 enough said....Durham
at 11:12 22 Mar 2018
Once again a rather fantastic report Durham. I was not one of the 52 hearty souls to travel to Morecambe. Out of the country currently but too far for me on a Tuesday night anyway and quite frankly fed up with what feels like a continual self-flagellation every match-day. Yet not soon after I've written this, I will be buying my tickets for Stevenage away... Not sure what that says about me!
I managed to watch the game on the laptop via the EFL subscription based platform for fans abroad and found myself surprised to see the team set up as a 4-5-1... I understand Morecambe are fighting for their lives at the bottom but with nothing to lose, i'd expected, and would've liked us to go for a more attacking approach.
Unsurprisingly our dynamic, yet unimaginative midfield (Comley, Lapslie) were unable to control the game and so were quickly bypassed by the defence who reverted to long balls forward to the ever isolated Mandron. The Morecambe gonks were happy to deal with this and thoroughly dominated Mandron all game.
Nothing was sticking up-top and so as a result Szmodics dropped deeper into midfield hoping to get on the ball more. Which in turn isolated Mandron further and took Szmodics out of his best position (number 10)
Dickenson/Wright recieved the ball often on the wings but both's end product was sub-par and no crosses really threatened.
Senior/Stevenson brought the game to life in the final 10 minutes but not really enough time to impose themselves on the game. Senior is some player and we need to not only tie him down with a 3/4yr contract but play him regularly. He is currently the only player we have with serious attacking intent and I think some excitement is owed to the fans after the recent steady Eddie approach.
Likewise, Stevenson a potential potential Premier League player next season is made to warm the benches here. A player who can dictate the game, make things tick over. Yet not utilised.
From what i can see, McGreal has really lost the plot over the past few weeks. His comments after the game laid bare for all to see... "We came here knowing what to expect and we combated them and limited them to a number of shots from a fair distance out," said McGreal... Well thanks for that John, I'm sure the 52 hearty souls enjoyed us restricting 18th placed Morecambe to ensure we picked up the valuable point.
Stevenage away on Saturday and I'll be hugely frustrated if we set up for the draw. Time to lay the law down now JM, get contracts signed and experiment with the team. Our defence is 5th best in the league but attack is 15th best, how do we rectify that without harming too much the defensive record?
4-3-3
Walker
KVY
Prosser
Eastman
Jackson
Stevenson
Comley
Lapslie
Senior
Mandron
Wright
Bench: Barnes, Rooney, Murray, Szmodics, Issa, Junior, Dickenson |
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Reply | Super U's to pot those Shrimps at the Globe tonight
at 14:20 20 Mar 2018
Once again a brilliant preview.
Would love to see a change up from McGreal both in team and tactics:
4-3-3/4-2-4.
Walker
KVY (Gondoh if RJ still injured)
Prosser
Kent
Jackson
Stevenson
Lapslie
Wright
Szmodics
Mandron
Senior
Bench: Barnes, Eastman, Gondoh, Comley, Murray, Shodipo, Junior |
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Reply | Another year in the basement league next year
at 17:11 18 Mar 2018
Nicely Amalgamated Pinault,
Whilst I agree with most that we have plenty of problems at the club, I feel all issues should be looked at through the lenses of historical as-well as real-time perspective. Throughout our history we've bounced around in the now conference and L2. A short soar into the Championship and L1 gave us hope but the reality wasn't to be. Why?.. 100's of reasons formulated together but a large proportion based on the financials... Whether we like it or not, the correlation between attendance, income and league position is overwhelming.. Unless we have the finances to plough into the team then it makes it very difficult to compete with teams who can afford to pay better players without breaking the EFL rules. Now, there are teams who break the rules or find a loophole but is that sustainable? I'm not sure.
Our 2017/18 attendance is 16th/24th in L2 and whilst I appreciate we create a good income through other options (like events) this doesn't bode well for suspected success. The question is then, how do we improve attendances/increase income through other means?
Well that brings up so many questions but in particular Cowling's fan management. Cowling is and always has been brash and abrasive with the fans, which is why so many dislike him and subsequently stay away. He's the sort of individual who is egotistical and holds grudges easily so when someone says something about him or his plans that he dislikes, he fires from the hip straight back... But this is problematic to his own plan, because by alienating fans, he reduces his already small financial bandwidth, thus the chance of success is far smaller... If he had any nouse, he would be charitable and friendly to the fans and help drive attendances forawards through progressive ticketing policy.
There is no doubting his vision for the club. The investment in facilities and continual investment in youth (which he hopes to profit off when selling the young lads, another method of increasing our income) but he's so bloody egotistical that he can't see/wont acknowledge his own behaviour is harming his plans... Or perhaps he thinks it can't harm his plans?
I like JMc but can't help but think he's struggling to learn quickly and develop in League football. I'd like to see him impose himself more on the squad, put his stamp on things and drive passion in the players. I'd like to see him improve his game management and tactical flexibility.
My biggest concern is that I fear Cowling's enforced a yes man philosophy around the club by promoting from within, keeping the same faces for long periods (Humes, Ashby, McGreal, Ball) you fall in line with the plans and that's it. This can be a good thing as everyone is striving in the same direction, but sometimes you need a bit of questioning and alternative opinion in the debate, otherwise things can go sour.
We've got a lot of fantastic players in the squad. Good enough for L1 in my opinion. We just need to manage them correctly allowing them to utilize their potential. Out of our squad: Walker, KVY, Kent, Inniss, Dickenson, Comley, Murray, Szmodics, Senior are all L1 quality or higher.
Frustrating times and probably frustrating times ahead. McGreal will/should improve but how quickly is another matter. A squad with lots of potential but not the manager to provide dynamism. I'm happy to give him time and let him grow as a manager but he needs to re-think/change up his philosophy... As currently there is no way we will get promotion |
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Reply | Another year in the basement league next year
at 09:58 18 Mar 2018
We've become far too rigid and not attacking enough... Statistically we have the 5th best defence in the league but the 14th best attack... Season is over now, let's throw caution to the wind and actually attack teams more freely.... It's not as if we dont have the players to do it! (Senior, Dickenson, Wright, Shodipo)
Sort the contracts ASAP and start building again for next year. Use this time now to get game time into the young lads (James, Diaz Wright, Junior, Gondoh, Rooney, Issa, Senior) that are good enough to step up. Start experimenting with tactic's/formations etc...
McGreal made some funny decisions yesterday that IMO shows his lack of experience:
1) Lapslie and Comley pairing AT HOME in a game we needed to win!.. Both dynamic and combative neither creative... Game was calling out for a bit of Stevenson dictation.
2) Szmodics in CAM... What a waste, the lad is our top goalscorer, can find space and get in behind the opposition and yet McGreal chooses to stick him in midfield which totally restricts him from getting into dangerous area's further forward. He's not a midfielder! If we want to get the most out of him we need to be playing him uptop.
3) Playing a formation which depends heavily on fullbacks who can get get back and forth and put a quality delivery into the box.... Neither KVY or Drey are known for their delivery... Don't play this formation, play to the personnel you have available.
Frustrated is an understatement regarding this season. Now is the time to sort the men from the boys, who want's to be here, who want's to play for the manager and who's looking to move elsewhere. |
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Reply | Crewe well and truly up the Junction after Super U's steam in to Gresty Road!
at 11:26 18 Feb 2018
McGreals got caught focusing on statistics & opposition tactics instead of reacting to what's needed 'in-game'. We've lost the spontaneity, the caution to the wind approach needed at this point of the season and i'm afraid it's damning indication of tactical rigidity.
McGreal acknowledged "Crewe changed it up to how they had been playing, they made it very tight for us rather than knocking the ball around"... So why did we seemingly continue to operate under our pre-match game plan? I'm no football manager, but i felt it clear that the game was calling out for wingers and direct runners ala Senior, Wright and unused sub Shodipo. Instead we stayed at a firm 3-4-1-2 whilst it was abundantly clear that we lacked the personnel in key positions (Wing backs) with an injured Jackson and an out of position Drey Wright, shackled with his defensive duties.
Senior at CAM took 2/3 players out of the game every time he got the ball as Crewe closed him down but we failed to capitalise on the space this created.
I'm happy for us to focus on stability throughout the season but not when we need 7/8 wins from 12. The season is not over yet, but it doesn't fill me with confidence that we petered out without even a spark against a side who, whilst they proudly fought for their 3 points, showed why they are down at the bottom of the table. We need to be really imposing ourselves on games now, attacking quickly and directly with the quality we have. Dickenson now returning, Senior unplayable, Wright and Shodipo, an unknown, but highly regarded quantity. We have the defensive fortitude but I feel our attack is being shackled. |
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Reply | Coventry to be left singing the blues after the Super U's turn on the style
at 09:53 13 Feb 2018
Fantastic Match Preview. Games against teams around us are vitally important, all 6 pointers as we look to clamber over our opponents and into the play offs.
I feel an air of excitement tonight, McGreal will want to make up for the mistakes made against Carlisle with an attacking side:
JMc XI:
(3-4-1-2)
Walker
Kent
Prosser
Eastman
Wright
Comley
Stevenson
Jackson
Senior
Junior
Mandron
Bench:
Gilmartin
Inniss
Murray
Lapslie
Mandeville
Szmodics
Dickenson
No inclusion for Dickenson in last nights 4-1 loss to Crystal Palace (Decarrey Sheriff with another goal... 6 in 3) means he'll make his return to 1st team football tonight. Would love to see him get 20 mins. |
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Reply | Deja vu all over again at Carlisle!
at 22:03 12 Feb 2018
Once Dickenson and KVY are back i'm certain we will start to see us really put teams away. Our Wing backs ability to get forward and cross is paramount and these two (especially Dickenson, are far better than Drey/Jackson)
Szmodics is an interesting case. To me it's baffling we start Guthrie, a player who's contract is up at the end of the season, who is yet to sign a new deal and was close to leaving in January (He was the player we received a bid for) over our top goalscorer. That said, McGreal's recent comments in the Gazette indicated that he doesn't see Szmodics as a striker, but a CAM and with Courtney Senior firing on all cylinders (6 games, 3 goals, 2 assists) It's difficult to drop him.
Now I'm not as "In the know" as some, but I'm quite sure I would've heard something if Szmodics in particular threw his toys out the pram and so i'm unsure this is to do with attitude.
I understand different tactics for different games but surely we would want to play Szmodics in order to put him in the window, and hope to capitalise on his good form?
I mean, this is the whole point of the academy, to develop players, hope they perform in the first team before looking to move them on for a healthy sum, which can be re-invested into the first and youth teams, thus completing the circle of youth! It's vitally important we show other clubs and our own supporters that we can do this.
That said, it's not transparent and we as fans cannot know everything that goes on, we must trust McGreal with his decisions.
Anyhow, onto Coventry, 3 points is a must and i'm quietly confident.
My XI:
(3-4-1-2)
Walker
Kent
Prosser
Eastman
Jackson (Dickenson to replace for last 20)
Stevenson
Comley
Wright
Senior (Junior to replace after 60 with Szmodics dropping into the whole)
Mandron
Szmodics
With Guthrie injured Junior must be getting close to his first start Noah ;) |
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Reply | Deja vu all over again at Carlisle!
at 10:02 12 Feb 2018
A good review Durham, hitting the nail on the head.
To summarise in one sentence: Carlisle away, a carbon copy of Port Vale.
With Stevenson, Senior, Wright, Guthrie and Jackson we found it so easy getting forward into the final third with the ball. Senior jinxed past players with ease, Guthrie made direct runs forward and Jackson bombed down the right... But once in these positions, No End Product. Jackson's crosses weak and shots poor, Drey Wright lacking composure, laroping his shot off for a throw on. Mandron dilly dallying on the ball allowing for the defence to get back in.
Senior the only real danger once in the final third, but inexperienced, he beautifully set up Jackson with a back heel only for Jackson to meekly curl the ball into the hands of the keeper.
I was surprised not to see our top goalscorer and best finisher Szmodics getting game time as we clearly lacked finishing ability. Play a goalscorer/finisher with Stevenson and Senior and they'll score plenty.
1-0 at HT and perhaps luckily as Carlisle had a few good chances, yet we took the chance and should've capitalised on it.
Start of the second half saw us drop deep and create nothing for 30 minutes. I'm a avid follower of Experimental 361 and his timelines of chances throughout matches indicated we had "ZERO attempts on goal" from minute 50 to minute 80. This confirmed my thoughts whilst watching the game. Frustrating beyond belief as we clearly had both the attacking and defensive edge over a rather lacklustre Carlisle side. Yet we allowed them back into the game by sitting deep and inviting pressure.
The first free kick that rocketed off the bar was an indicator of what was to come and surprise surprise, as soon as the goal goes in, it's back to getting forward and creating clear chances. Szmodics shoots just wide from the edge of the box, Mandeville crosses the ball which is headed off the line, Mandron squirms in the box and fires one onto the post... Again this is indicated on Experimental 361's timeline... Why does McGreal insist on attempting to see the game out for 40 minutes without any attempt at attacking the opposition? We would be much better off looking to control the game, forcing Carlisle forward and then breaking dangerously with quick clever players like Senior, Szmodics and Wright? Taking the games by the horns, looking to kill off teams rather than meekly hiding and hoping the opposition won't find the net. |
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Reply | Young U's progress.
at 10:01 7 Feb 2018
A good test for the young lads. Reading U18's included plenty of players who've played for their country including Danny Loader (Hat trick hero) who played and scored for England's WC champions during the U17's World Cup... Another was Nolan who was also called up to England U17's. |
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Reply | Junior MUST play on Saturday!
at 09:53 7 Feb 2018
Many thanks Durham!
Stumbled across the site but liking the look of the content. Much more in-depth than the Gazette comments section!!
I'm making the trip up on Saturday so looking forward to seeing what McGreal does. He said in today's papers: “We’ve got to get a squad that stays hungry and competitive and I think by making the changes, it added that little bit of a bite to training and in the performance." To me this suggests he's happy to chop and change things up now we've got a strong squad.
From memory Carlisle have been quite industrial so I wonder whether we'll try and bamboozle them with our quick, skilful players in Senior, Wright, Szmodics?
Guthrie not yet back in form, not sure he fits in with our system and very much a one man band, not a team player in any sense. Will be interesting to see our approach with him considering his contract is up at the end of the season. Others we need to worry about are:
Walker,
Dickenson,
Kpekawa,
Lapslie,
Loft,
Murray,
Senior,
KVY,
Wright
All out of contract at the end of the season! Certainly an interesting few months coming up. |
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Reply | Junior MUST play on Saturday!
at 15:30 6 Feb 2018
What better way to introduce yourself to the club and try and force into the First Team than to score 4 in 2 games!
McGreal certainly has some difficult decisions to make now with options on the pitch. Courtney Senior has exploded onto the scene making 4 appearances scoring 2 and assisting 2. He, at the moment simply cannot be dropped! That said, how do you justify not playing our top goalscorer in Szmodics?
Mandron, a regular all season certainly isn't a goal scorer, that said he's got 9 for the season, but holds the ball up and links the game with experience beyond his years (only 23). Guthrie on the comeback from injury and a player we would like to get back to form. Mandeville, loaned from Doncaster, will certainly be after game time, Donny fans suggest we've got a rough diamond with him, get his head in the right place and he'll fly. Scored 10 in 27 in Doncaster's promotion season at only 19!
.
That means going forward we have:
Mandron,
Guthrie,
Szmodics,
Mandeville,
Junior Ogedi Ozokwe,
Senior,
Wright
For me personally, Szmodics is an out and out forward. He gets in behind the defenders and finds plenty of space. Dropping him into CAM will lose that attacking freedom! If we are to play 3-4-1-2 against Carlisle away I'd like to see:
Walker
KVY
Prosser
Kent
Eastman
Jackson
Comley
Stevenson
Senior
Szmodics
Mandron
BENCH:
Gilmartin
Inniss
Wright
Lapslie
Mandeville
Guthrie
Junior |
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