Thetownend.com

I'm not drunk, but after yesterday I think theres a little more confidence in my sober thread starting abilities!

I've started a thread with this title before, and we won that. Don't see why we can't win this!

2-0

COYR

Working.

5-0 Town. Ritchie, Murray, Benson hat-trick.

Waiting for the Cowboys/Giants game to start.

2-0 Town, De Vita & Benson to score

4-0

Having just watched the Broncos bore their way into the playoffs through defeat, I can't be arsed with anymore NFL tonight!

Got a feeling that this will go the way of all recent games against AFC and be a draw - 2-2

2-1 to town

3-0 Connell, Murray, Ferry

Thought I could go tonight but can't - damn.

2-0 to us, with Benson getting a debut goal off the bench.

3-1

3-1

Dons are on a terrible run, drawn 3 and lost 7 of their last 10 in the league. Plus they have a few out today.

I can't see us losing today, but when I'm pessimistic we seem to win.

So I'll go with 2-2. Connell and Murray.

1-1

Will PDC be in the dugout today?

I assume he gets a ban for his red at Northampton.

3-0 Connell 2 and Benson, start of a fruitful partnership, bit of wishful thinking

Working today.  My line manager/head of dept also here, and she supports Wimbledon.  I think I may run a sweepstake.

You win promotion by building winning runs, so it would be a great shame if we didn't carry forward the momentum of our late, late minute winner on Saturday.  Another 'must win' for me today.  I want points, I want to pull away from Oxford, I want to close the gap with 3rd place further still and I want bragging rights at work.

Hopeful Benson can add a real cutting edge - http://thewashbag.com/2012/01/02/now-paul-benson-has-signed-is-the-search-for-a-nasty-striker-over/

The Dons seem to be carrying some injuries and they aren't in any kind of form. Plus, their defence isn't great. Which all points to them winning.

This game is certainly one we should win.  I'm going for 2-0 COYR

Is Paul Benson 187 centimetres tall?? :hmmm:

Yes, it would appear he is 188cm in height...or 6.167979 feet in old money......perfect 8)

2-1 defeat.

1-1

2-0 Swindon

Our match preview...

http://thewashbag.com/2012/01/01/match-preview-swindon-vs-afc-wimbledon/

We are going to murder some team at some point and think it could be today,5-1 Town and hopefully Connell among the goals

Hope we slaughter them today, we always seem to find them tough though, no matter who is missing form their team, so i will go with a 2-1 victory to us.

Tonight?  Thought it was a 3 pm kick off!  Can somebody confirm please?

Sorry - you are right - 3pm kick off - still can't make it though!

We will win this game certainly I predict 2-0 so that should mean either 1-0, 3-0 or 2-1. Enjoy....

Providing the three that came off the bench on Saturday start, I think we'll win. Still think Kennedy is the weak link in the side though, and if Wimbledon stick a bit of pace on the right, he'll struggle.

1-0 Town.

If Foderingham is out I'm less confident, but think we'll win all the same...2-1 Town.

7-0

I'm going for a 4-0 win. I think Benson will be raring to go and will score, whether off the bench or starting.

Players will have 1 eye on saturdays game, so hopefully they will be out to ensure their starting place, rather than saving themselves.

The key, as normal at home, is to score early.

We have to win. That's all.

Got to be dragged around Tescos first but means I don't have to walk. 4-0.

Very confident after Saturday. We didn't play all that well, we rode our luck and we got the win. Last season we'd have conceded late on. Things just seem to be going our way this year, so I'll go for another 2-1 win.

Ferry in for Risser, Benson in for Magera and Flint in for Devera, even if he did do a good job on Saturday.

I never like it when the TEF gets over confident.

3-1 that's it as I'm setting off.

Panicked then. Sat on a train heading to Swindon and thought it might be an evening kick off but realise it is actually 1500.

I agree.

They've seemingly been on par with us during our last two encounters.

He's playing, isn't he?

Yes, he is. From the official site:

http://www.swindontownfc.co.uk/page/Preview/0,,10341~2509692,00.html

Games elsewhere today include Burton v Hereford; Gills v Aldershot; Port Vale v Cheltenham; Shrewsbury v Northampton; and Southend v Daggers. Don't see many of those going our way, so important to get the three points today.

Crawley v Oxford could help us out though - wouldn't mind that one being a draw.

I agree. Play well today and you're facing Premier League opposition next weekend at what will be nearly a packed CG!!

I reckon a nice 3-0 today.

Wimbledon aren't too bad a side to be fair. They've drawn with us twice. Reckon we might nick this one today though as their form has been woeful.

Depends which Swindon turn up. Either 1-1 or 3-0.

Surely we can get an 8k gate for our only festive league fixture.

Agree with that.

Also add that at the other end of the table an unlikely Barnet win could possibly be the undoing of Buckle.

Would like to see us batter them 4,5-0 but would be happy with 1 nil, murry and connel to start up top, agood win would stand us good for saturday... COYR

© Batch, 2012

 :D

Off now with a date with destiny....1-0 will do me.

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Can't wait for the team news......

I think we'll see Flint and Ferry back in and no other changes.

Connell will be in for Magera I reckon on top of the 2 above.

Working today but have bugger all to do so will be all over this thread like flies around shite.

Good news guys, have found my lucky hat!!!!

Phew, I was worrying all night about that.

Town: Foderingham; Caddis, Flint, McCormack, Kennedy; Ritchie, Ferry, Smith J, De Vita; Connell, Murray

Nice team.

Subs: Cibocchi, Magera, Benson, Gabilondo, Thompson L

Anyone know who the 'secret' goalkeeper is? Paolo mentioned an outfield player who can also play in goal, who is quite small. He said he doesn't want to expose the secret, as a tactic against the opposition. Is it Cibocchi?

Wouldn't surprise me if it was McCormack.

Very good shout.

Anyone got the low down on Louis Thompson?

I can see why people are cock a hoop about the result saturday but we have to remember the performance was very poor. We have to improve and gain consistency. I'm hoping we can get a 1 0 result and kick on.

It's interesting reading through the Northampton forums where a lot of the comments are actually quite complimentary about our performance. More so than a lot of our own fans. I suppose it's all about what you're used to.

big changes for wombles today, not sure if thats agood thing....

Surprised Midson isn't starting for them tbf.

Recovering from a knock.

Gary Rose just tweeted that us not getting Liam Ridehalgh back was PdC's decision to send him back..

Apparently PdC wants predominantly contracted players...

Wray just said on the radio that we made an offer to sign Jervis on a permanent deal but it was rejected and the they had already lined up Preston's loan offer so he could play in a higher division.

I like JW's voice.

Anyone know what time the ticket office closes today, if it's even open?
I heard Wigan tickets are reserved til 5.30pm today.. When's the earliest I can buy them.

Afternoon all.

I like the look of that team line up.

Without wishing to sound like a name dropper, when I was speaking to Kennedy he said Paolo had, had him in the office letting him know he'd play a part later on in the season. Kennedy knew he'd get his chance.

Now this was a while back - just after the Huddersfield game I think, so whether the decision about Ridenlaugh had been made that far back?

anyway, COYR

Afternoon chaps....Spent the N'hampton game listening and undercoating some shelves. Going to spend this afternoon glossing.

afternoon all from sunny bridlington come on the town  we are due a big score and i feel todays the day  

Phew, lucky escape then, don't think Jervis is the answer to our prayers. Wish him well though

Anything happening?

Not particularly. But a better start I think that usual.

nope

Shrewsbury one down

...And we're fourth!!!

Northampton beating Shrewsbury is great news. Let's hope they hold on this time though, unlike Saturday!

Will Evans has scored for Hereford.

Hereford beating Burton - is that our Evans?

I managed to rope 5 others (most of the team working today) in to my sweepstake.  Only the Wimbledon fan has gone for a Wimbledon win.  (The 4 neutrals went for 3 Town wins and a draw.)  We'll see.

Yes, but he's their Evans now.

Doing us a favour there, another scoreline going our way!

Only any use if we capitalise though.  Need the win to drive the advantage home.

We need to score before the break

Is it sounding likely?

timlin score for Southend

Shrews 1-1

No.

Shewsbury level and Southend winning.

All our players are scoring then.

Jervis
Timlin
Evans

Pah.

soapy tit wank!!!

so any news on how we are playing please

It's half time. That's about it really.

0 shots on target according to the BBC stats

Mehh. Sounds as if we've had plenty of possession and a few chances, but haven't taken advantage of it. Benson on soon I think.

Timlin is really starting to pi$$ me off.

Forward line wrong again or is it that there's not enough width??

Fill your boots Benson.

If Magera had missed the chances that Murray has, he would have been slaughtered on here.

We have played ok, but can't win anything in the air up front.
Once we started to play the ball on the floor we looked a lot better.

Wimbledon look like a decent side, but one that we should be beating if we want top 3.

Still have faith that we can win this, and think we will see Benson soon

From what I saw at Northampton, Magera never gets in any goalscoring chances, whereas Murray does seem to.

Why have the BBC got a reporter at Shrewsbury v Northampton today??

Ridiculous

Squirrel on the pitch!

most exciting part of the game.

Flint chasing a Squirrel of the pitch.

Was it a Red squirrel?

jills winning.

Benson getting ready.  Devita spurns a chance

Benson on for Ritchie

Benson on Murray off

Benson on for Ritchie. WHAT?!

Nevermind, Murrray off, Benson on

Phew. Benson on for Murray.

Midson on for Wimbledon. Dangerous player.

So, do we ever score first half goals?

3 up front!!

Attacking!! Ritchie is probably knackered to be fair

GOAAAAAAAAAAAAALLL CADISSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS

GET IN!

Caddis really is captain fantastic!

Caddis free kick ruffles the net........here we go........GET IN!!!

Crawley losing

I retract...

Things just keep getting better. Oh- but at the expense of Oxford's victory..

I'd be pleased about that, if it wasn't the scum beating them. Think a draw in this one is the best result possible.

Oh yeeeeeeeeeeeesssssssssssssssssss

Now for Dag & Red to equalise.. please..

Ritchie hits the post from 6 yards.

It's the top sides losing we need I'm not concerned about Oxford, they will lose plenty more yet

Bodin nets for Torquay.

Bodin scores!!! Unbelievable

if the season ended now we would play the scum in the play offs

Bodin
Jervis
Timlin
Evans

Any more?

6 points away from Crawley. We're getting there. COYR

cheltenham winning, d'oh

It's good that the season doesn't end now then!!

How astonishingly relevant

Only one of those is still our player!

Chances galore!

Cheltenham winning ffs.

Why are you not concerned about Oxford?  Not much between us and them on paper, in fairness, although we have edged it during the last 3 months or so.  But that's it.  I'm certainly not writing them off just yet, and would be happy to see them drop points at any opportunity.  A draw would be great there - and, failing that, I'd prefer an Oxford win to a Crawley one.

I'm starting to think I underestimated them at the start of the season.  They are looking worryingly consistent...even if only 3,000 odd turn up each week to appreciate it.

'Winning mentality'. It's a dangerous thing.

Got a feeling they will drop away, though I'm sure they will raise their game against us

Gabilondo for De Vita

Gabilondo on for De Vita.

And Rovers losing again! Shame.

Izale Mcleod again!!

Austin could potentially score.

Of the top 8 sides, currently...

Winning: Cheltenham, Southend, us, Gills, Oxford
Drawing: Shrewsbury
Losing: Crawley, Burton

Not a bad set of scores as they stand.

Rovers are on some relegation form...

J P McGovern scored !!!

Austin and JPM score.

Cheltenham 2 up now.

We seriously need a second.

soapy tit wank right on cue

CONNELLLLLLLLLLLLLL!!!!!!!!

job done

Connell!

McGovern scores against Danny Wilson and Charlie scores for Burnley!!

Austin is going to play for England in the next 5 years.

Hahahaha!  Good one. 

Alaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaannnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn knew he'd start scoring at some stage

Austin
JPM
Timlin
Jervis
Bodin
Evans

Any more?

Am now watching paint dry...Which seems the same as many at the County Ground today!

Really pleased that Connell has scored again.

He loves scoring against Leeds.

Breathes again.  A few more of the other results going our way would be the icing on the cake.

Take a bow, Alan.  Your days as a squad player/super-sub may be drawing to a close.

Only care about one of them. You might as wekk post about the players who have scored that we are going to sign in the next few years!

Jake Hyde's scored for Dundee I think.

Arquin for Hereford.

I assume he plays another sport as well as football then?

Foderingham makes a brilliant save.

I think he's got a very good chance of making it to the very top, as he's a natural, premiership class, finisher.

Rovers loosing 2 nil as are Burton at home to Hereford

Cheltenham 2-1 Port Vale

8324 attendance

Vale get one back vs Cheltenham.  Another would be beautiful.

Brilliant support.

Anyone know what's happening with Kerroooooosh? Did we ever find out what the 'technical' reasons were? Is he technically not our player anymore, not in the country or just not in favour?

And did he ever manage to put that fire out?

Connell hits the crossbar

Joint best goal difference in the division as it stands.

I think its safe to assume the Kerrouche fire is well and truely out.

My on sale £14 Algeria shirt with Kerrouche on the back looks a waste of money now!

Andy Monkhouse scores!

oh and on the whole ex players thing Andy Monkhouse.

Sarfend 1-1

go on the daggers!

Dagenham draw level!

Picture please?

Benson sounding very lively..

D & R score against Southend

Wolves equalise against Chelsea.

Other scores are very promising. Come on Benson, do what Magera cant and notch a goal!

Yes!!  Brilliant news that.

Timlin mistake by all accounts too.

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Greer off

Alas Sarfend have a game in hand

This is the kind of day we're going to need more & more in the second half of the season.  Other results going our way and a Town win.  Damn, this feels good.

Nice, isn't it  8)

All the more reason to be breathing down their necks.

Pox 1 Crawley 1

...and it just keeps getting better.

Perfect.

To be fair we always in the past seemed to be the team with games in hand and we buggered it up - so pleased for once to have points in the bag.

Full time, more than happy with today's events.

Well done young man.

We've gained ground (either 2 or 3 points) on Burton, Crawley, Oxford, Shrewsbury and Southend this afternoon.  Best set of results I can remember for a while.

Love football.  Well done lads.  A good day's work.

Great result, well pleased

 :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap:

SWEEEEEEEEEEEET! A good day all round!.

Hopefully this is the start of our big push to the automatic spots...


 :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap:

Come on you reds ,onwards and upwards, great day all round.

Does anyone have a report on Benson

Heard that he Hedges his butts.

PDC sounding half asleep:
- Always worried about games like todays (other team having lost 6 on trot)
- Pleased with holiday period
- Not many right backs in England who score 5-6 goals per year. Caddis is extra goal scoring option for Town.
- Connell scored very good goal from Gabilondo cross. PDC talked about advice he had given Gabby ref where to cross to.
- Benson was rusty. Always makes right decision with his movement. First touch let him down - PDC said he'd 'kick his arse' (then apologised for language). Joked about getting WD40 for his rusty joints!
- Talked about the team eating 'salt' rather than 'too much turkey'. Sounds as if there had been unhappiness in the dressing room about PDC strict regime over Xmas, but PDC says that the team now understand.
- Waiting for news w/r/t other transfers. PDC keeping quiet as others are working on it - Doesn't want to jeopardise it.
- Needs to consider players leaving. Difficult to achieve though even if he has told people that they are not in his plans. He knows now who he prefers to pick and gave the example of prefering a 70% effort from Caddis against 150% from some other players.

Lacking match fitness, which you can obviously understand, but made some good runs and twice was one on one. Once fully fit he will score goals for sure.

And he's right. Bet nobody cramped up today. Strict fitness regime still there and players sound like they're reaping the benefits

Benson's interview:
- Could and should have scored 2. Disappointed to have missed them and didn't want to use rustiness as an excuse
- Team happy with 3 points
- Desperate to play. First game in 3 months.
- Difficult to get back into it despite working on fitness.
- Would have like to have felt better, but hopes that he'll get sharper and fitter in the next couple of weeks
- Disappointed loan didnt work out, but training for a couple of days helped him make a decision to sign permanently.
- Had interest from other clubs, but Swindon was only one who could deal with Charlton (which suggests others wouldn't pay fees or make player exchange). He said he wanted to come here though.
- Not cup tied. Can play in FA Cup and JPT.

Benson came across very well in his interview.

benson's movement was ace, he'll come good

murray's movement was also decent, but once he got the ball he didn't have an idea what to do with the ball

That's good news

Good, strong performance today against a Wimbledon team with almost zero footballing ability - their only decent player was the winger who came off the bench, won the ball and made good runs.

Foderingham: 7 - solid. Didn't have loads to do but made a good stop when called upon and his kicking was as solid as usual

Caddis: 7 - good work up and down the right flank, and obviuosly got the first goal
McCormack: 7 - very strong at the back, and great composure with the ball at his feet
Flint: 7 - Very solid as usual
Kennedy: 7 - Had the hardest job today dealing with some good wing play, but did a good job and got forward to good effect too

Ritchie: 8 - thought he had a very good game today. A lot of running to bring the ball clear and to get at defenders. Good crossing too, and could have grabbed a goal.
Ferry: 7 - never stops running and always seems to pick out a player in space
Smith: 7 - As usual, battled well in the middle by making numerous tackles and winning headers. I think he also hit the post?
De Vita: 6 - Didn't really impress in the first half as he wasn't taking up good positions. He did look a bit more threatening after the break though

Murray: 6 - Got in some good positions but wasn't particularly ffective in front of goal
Connell: 7 - Made a nuisance of himself, held the ball up, and took his goal well

Benson: 6 - Got into good positions and made good runs. Finishing wasn't great but that's to be expected after 3 months not playing. Looks promising.
Gabilondo: 6.5 - Looked handy on the left against a poor defence. Got stuck in, made a couple of good runs, and played a good ball in for Connell's goal
Cibocchi: came on and didn't have much to do

Bensons positioning and off the ball movement was sheer class! This guy is going to get us goals.

I also thought that was Ritchie's best game for a long time.

Benson did well.

Ritchie needs to pass the ball

Wimbledon tired very badly in the last 20 minutes. Very professional by us - we didn't panic when they stuck everyone behind the ball and had faith the goals would come. In the end we could/should have had 4 or 5, where it not for the woodwork and sloppy finishing.

Onwards and upwards

Pretty pleased with that, Wimbledon came for a point and were on course at half time. Always knew that as the 2nd half wore on we'd open them up more and create - and we did just that. Could've been a huge score in the end but 2 and a clean sheet is spot on anyway.

Everyone performed quite well today and can't really add anything more than what has been said about Benson. Plenty more to come from him.

Great set of results today. Top 3 for us very soon.

Oh and bennett and drs were looking very sexy today.

Whilst fred elliot looked dead

Possession
    Swindon 62%
    AFC Wimbledon 38%

Attempts on target
    Swindon 6
    AFC Wimbledon 1

Attempts off target
    Swindon 10
    AFC Wimbledon 4

That sums it up nicely. And remember out of those 10 off target, 2 or 3 hit the woodwork.

cheers babe, Fred looked like a dead beige smurf

Wouldn't argue with the majority of that assessment.  Thought Benson deserved more than 6 although he was only on fro 30 minutes or so, seemed to change the game with his movement and knocking balls around the corner.  Personally thought Connell was mom, he worked his socks off without too much support in the first half and thoroughly deserved his goal.  Think the Benson/Connell partnership will shape up well.

It was actually 4 hit the woodwork!

That my TEF friends was a giant game of cat and mouse. Wimbledon came to frustrate us and keep it tight, and virtually offered no attacking threat whatsoever.

So it was always a case of would we score, and in those situations there is always the danger of a sucker punch as we become more and more desperate and commit more and more bodies forward.

But not today. Thankfully a (in my opinion) slightly soft free kick won by Connell was well struck and in off the post (possibly both posts) from Caddis.

Wimbledon then had to attack us more, and they sort of did a bit, but it left space and Connell finished the game off.

From then on it was a training ground exercise in seeing how many more we would score. We didn't, but Connell hit the bar, as did someone else, Smith hit the post and Benson had two one on ones, the first was a bit at the 'keeper, the second the keeper came out quickly and smothered it. But you get the idea, it was won at a canter.

I'd be slightly concerned if I was a Don, the excellent fight and physical presence they had at their place has somewhat diminished. But at least they are better than Bristol Rovers :)

My only disappointment, after his excellent game on Saturday Murray struggled to get into the game today.

What marks did the squirrel get this afternoon, it was a straight run down the pitch!!!   :clap: :smugfu:

Hibern8?

Pleased with that today, we showed great patience when trying to get past an all too familiar 'parked bus'.

The first goal changed everything, Wimbledon finally tried to look positive and as a result we really ramped up the pressure.

Connell worked tirelessly, held the ball up well and his distribution was tidy. Took his goal well, instant control and whack! Keeper didn't stand a chance.

Benson is looking good - any player who works the spaces as well as he did will score a hatful. Seem to naturally/instinctively drift into threatening positions, get him match sharp and he'll deffo be an asset. Surprised by his size as well, I always imagined him as smaller, fox-in-the-box type player, but he won pretty much every header he went for, included a great flick on to Connell for his huge lob attempt on the keeper.

Agree with Batch, Murray looked slightly lost for most of the first half, but still managed to carve out a couple of half-chances.

I must admit the possibility of a Connell-Benson partnership is an exciting prospect

That's fair enough. Benson certainly looks promising - hopefully he can get himself up to speed in the next couple of weeks. Also agree that Connell was good. Him and Benson could work well together.

Once we scored it was one way traffic, they were rather limited skill wise and attack wise although their fans made a good noise until we went ahead and then were quiet as mice!

Hope they do not go down though as we need to remember those franchise Mk bastards stole their club from them and they have done brilliantly to get back so quickly (maybe a bit too quickly judging by their current run).

COYR

Very impressed again today.
Honestly think theres very little missing from the squad now Benson has signed.

Would be very happy with that starting 11 for the rest of the year.

Possibly another LB for cover as I don't think Chibboci is goos enough.

Would like to keep Murray for the season and obviously Wes could be the signing of the century. Best keeper I've ever seen in a town shirt.

I'd personally give Connell motm as I thought he did well.

16 out of 17 unbeaten is brilliant.

Completely agree.  Good result today and up to 4th place.  Benson looked very promising even if he did fluff a great one on one opportunity.  

Agreed. Thought ole Benson looked ace when he came on, just a shame he didn't find the net.

We were quality in the last 10 minutes, utterly tore them apart. Bit of a dull affair till then.

About right though i would have given De Vita 8...quality on the ball and quality.

Fair play to Wimbledon and there fans,come along way in a short time.
Alan Mac gets my vote as MOM.....and another mention to Foderingham who is real class.

Also 8,400 was a great turnout,especially us being home on Saturday and many already having tickets for Barnet a week tomorow.....no reason why we cannot go on to win the league now.

Squirrel 2 - Too easily shepherded out of play by Flint, who must have been 6ft 6 taller than him. 

Yeah, totally agree with that SWS, early days and all that but there is definite feeling that a final jigsaw piece is slotting into place with Benson signing.

I think once he's up to speed then Benson and Connell should be our starting pair. Thought Connell had his best game today, fucking lovely to see the ball stick up top. So strong for a small guy.

Two great sideshows, as well as an enjoyable main match - 1) the squirrel, who not only ran straight and true straight into the penalty area for a Swindon corner, but also took up an excellent position, completely unmarked until Flint ushered him off.  2) The di Canio show - it was great to watch, when the action dimmed - they may need to install strengthened glass in the dugout though....fascinating to see several of the occupants (Benson in particular) laughing at his reactions!!!  But what passion....and each player getting a hug as they came off.  Excellent stuff which counts for so much in the overall mix of what is happening at the CG at the moment.

The guy behind me did not agree, and did so very vocally for a considerable period of time. He was quieter after the goal.

Then the guy behind you is a dribbling spastic.

you know a player has REALLY fucked up when Paolo's hat leaves his head.

Not too keen on the allusion there, but there were sevarl behind me in the Arkells Stand....it gets very boring after a while.

Ace result, great team performance and up to 4th in the league gaining ground on Creepy..hope that sums it up in a 'nutshell' (excuse the puns ref that squirral)

Agree with most of what has been said - today was a job well done, but it did get a bit too close for comfort at times, until we got our 2nd.

Special mention for Connell. His movement was good throughout and he did a half decent job for a average-sized player to play with his back to goal and hold it up. At times he just needs to control it and play the simple ball wide, rather than over elaborate. Hopefully that will come. He and Benson could be a handy front two - perhaps lacking pace, but we should give it a go.

I am sure Benson will score goals. He seemed very dissapointed on the radio not to have scored one of the one-on-ones. He made it clear that he is a few weeks away from match fitness, so I would expect Connell and Murray to start again on Saturday.

Murray struggled today. Off the ball he was good, but less so on it. He couldn't cope at all with the physicality of their centre backs and had little impact.

3 points off 3rd now - fingers crossed we do ok at the weekend and Cheltenham get an absolute hammering, and hopefully throw them off course.

I was going to say fuckwit, I know I've said it before but Connell does a brilliant job holding the ball up, bringing others into play and generally being a pain in the arse to the opponents defence, works so hard and he will score goals

Just noticed we haven't conceded a goal at home in the league for nearly 3 months now (in the 3-3 draw with Hereford).

I've previously been impressed how Connell holds the ball up, so it's nice to see that noted by other fans today.
I am at a loss to understand why he hasn't had a run in the side. Hopefully he will now get it.

I'm surprised nobody has mentioned the ref and his assistants who were completely fucking useless. The season of goodwill to all men is over so fuck them. Goal kicks that were corners and vice versa. I did particularly like when Kennedy was cleaned out by the corner flag for play to be waved on.
As for the game i'd hate to see Wimbledon week in, week out. They parked the bus and kicked, pushed and shoved anything in a red shirt. They were absolute shite and the winger could probably add a yard of pace if he cut his 70's affro to be more airodynamic.
MOM for me was Connell. Benson will be a class signing. I do feel, however, we need a big man striker - although he's ginger and Rovers, Harrald wouldn't be a shit signing.
Everyone played OKish. It was a difficult game but Kennedy needs to get a bit sharper, which will hopefully come with a run of games. Ritchie - you are still a greedy bastard particularly where there were 3 on your left and you took the shot on despite a defender in front of you who succesfully blocked the shot.
3 great points and onwards and upwards.  

Fully agree. We've got the best goal difference at the moment but we would be way out in front if Ritchie wasn't so greedy, especially with games like this, where 2-0 can become 5-0.

what i can't believe is the fact we've lost once in 16/17 games and we're still only 7 points off top but also 5 points away from the Pox!!!!!

it is one close league this year and if we're to get promoted we must keep our run going all the way till the end of the season

We were 4 points behind at one stage so a 9 point turn around is pretty good.

Decent performance, Wimbledon offered nothing but we kept being patient and we could have had 4 or 5 in the end. Benson looked lively, got into some great positions and i'm sure the finishing will come with more match practice.

Can anyone tell me why the TE were calling Wimbledon's Johnson a cunt and booing him for most of the game?

The officials were utter dog shit and if the squirrel was looking for nuts he wouldn't have found any on the linesman, they would not make a decision off their own back all game.

We are certainly gaining speed and with more signings on the way we should go from strength to strength.

Because Connell slid into him and he got up whinging and moaning that Connell had caught him late...made himself look a wuss really because he is nearly twice Connells size.....and Connell apologised and Johnson refused his hand.

Ah ok, cheers Leefer. Johnson sounds like a cunt  :)

well i enjoyed that....the panic never appeared unlike torquay.

good result at the pox i reckon.

Benson looked good....i am quite happy all round.

county hotel full of wobbles who enjoyed the ska mash up.

nah it wasn't that - whilst lying on the floor having been tackled connell attempted to punch/throw the ball into the 6 yard box. ref then gave a free kick for the handball. connell put his hand out for johnson to grab him up, but johnson refused because he thought connell was a cunt for trying to pull such a stunt. then the next time they went for a challenge, johnson went right through connell but ref didn't give us a free-kick

ritchie may be greedy at times, but i thought he dictated the game today. his best game for a while

Good result, other results gone in our favour as well! Really looking forward to the rest of this season, Benson will be quality as well

Just seen the goals. Caddis free kick was poor, keeper should have had that - but then Caddis pretty much said that in his interview anyway.

Great skill, cross by Gabby and finish from Connell. Two good finishes from him both with his leg peg - he is right footed isnt he?

Is Fred Elliot dead ??

He was a shaking mess of a man when I chatted to him in the Legends.

Can't agree with that. In the same way as a striker has to be selfish sometimes, so does Ritchie, and his record this year says he should be allowed to back himself even if he has an outlet at times. He's a matchwinner for us - I still can't get my head around why our fans haven't completely taken to him - in the same way as we people didn't with Cox. Maybe it's because we think they're that good they'll inevitably move on to bigger things and not with us for long....I just don't know.

Great result today, hopefully we can keep it up throughout January.

Put a google spreadsheet together showing our points: if we continue our form since the first five games of the season, then we're on course to end with 89 points.  That's an extra 46 points, or 15 wins and a draw.

Since 2005 the top three have scored between 78 and 97 points - in 4/6 seasons 89 points was enough for the title.

2010: 80-86*
2009: 82-93
2008: 78-85*
2007: 88-97
2006: 85-89*
2005: 81-86*

Spreadsheet is here: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0AvO0p933_b0xdHFNemgtRlVKRGRCOWRDTHFYb2tJZnc

My predicted wins are in bold.

oi, stealing my gig!

Comfortable win in the end. Pretty much routine at home nowadays.

I thought we were alright first half but they put men behind the ball and our passing game couldn't break them down. 2nd half we stepped it up a gear and became a bit more direct which made it tougher for them to keep up with us. Nice goal from Connell. He's come good in the last few games. Always knew there was a decent player there just needs more games and a decent strike partner I think.

Ferry was class and Ritchie had his first good game in quite a while which was good to see. Benson impressed me. He just needs more games to get sharper and gain match fitness but he looks like a good signing for us if that's anything to go by.

I'm really confident with the squad we have. A few additions in the next few weeks and keeping hold of our best players should see us in the top 3 come May in my opinion. 1 defeat in 18. That's pretty impressive stats. Focus switches back to the cups again now. Bring on Wigan and Barnet.

Some fans haven't taken to him because he is a greedy bastard who makes a lot of bad decisions as well as lot of good decisions. I'm pretty much on the fence. Some time ago I said I'd take a bid of £400k plus. If the money is right I'd have no problems seeing him go. Alternatively I'd have no problems if he stays. Caddis and Ritchie work very effectively - would Ritchie be as good without Caddis?

Would Caddis be as good without ritchie?

Would Caddis be as good without Ritchie?

Ritchie may be a bit selfish with the ball at his feet, but through the game his awareness of what Caddis is doing is ace. He often drops back to cover right back after Caddis has run past him, and is strong enough/good enough in the air to do it effectively - he is certainly better defensive cover than McGovern used to be.

I'd rather have a greedy Ritchie than a selfless Gabbi.

The lad has a lot of quality, maybe he does too much at times, but he also makes things happen. It would be a massive blow to lose him.

Matt Ritchie tracks back, helps Caddis, and covers for him when he gets forward. He takes up positions in the box when the ball is on the left, and often wins headers at the back post. He can take the ball clear when he picks up possession in a defensive situation. He whips dangerous balls into the box. He is double marked more often than not, creating space for others. And he scores a decent amount of goals.

Yes, he can be a bit greedy at times. But if he was to leave we'd be missing out on a lot.

I think the rovers match illustrated how much we'd miss Ritchie if he went, we offered no threat at all down either flank. If we get Rooney in and have him on one wing and Ritchie on the other we'll tear through the rest of the league.

Really good, professional win against a side who didn't offer much at all going forward. Everything I think has already been said above, Connell and Ritchie stood out for me.

Also worth a mention the ball Smith played through for Benson's first one-on-one was an absolute beaut. Showed more of a passing range than I realised he had today.

Judging on that performance sigining Benson and Fod on permanent deals means this has already been a very good transfer window, no glaring weaknesses in the first XI imho.

I was impressed by a few through balls today, particularly those that put the forwards in space. I think the Wimbledon defence made it a bit easy for us at times, leaving the gaps, but it's encouraging that we exploited it.

I agree with this, I can't believe the amount of people complaining that he is greedy, when half the people shout shot when players are in space.  Yes he does shot a lot but we often get corners or deflections to our players from these shots.

[nev]Shoot, it's shoot[/nev]

Sorry if it's been mentioned but coming away from the game today up near old town and the road was closed off because of an incident, loads of police about. Anybody know what happened ?

I saw on facebook that it's because the bomb squad were called to croft road..

No idea what became of it, I've not heard a massive explosion.

It is indeed... I read it as shoot but wrote shot... so shoot me

yeah just read the adv site. A suspicious package was found. It was two aerosol cans tied together.

I'm sure i've said this before but i think one of the reasons pdc plays him on the right is so that he can cut in and have a pop, also he has the beating of most full backs to be able to cut back on to his left to swing in some really dangerous crosses.

Nothing is left to chance by pdc and i'm sure ritchie coming infield and having a go from time to time is well within the remit for each and every game.

Most defenders say it is much harder playing against wingers who are effectively playing on the wrong wing. Ritchie doesn't always cut inside but has the option of going down the line or coming in field onto his stronger foot. Caddis has started cutting in more recently instead of just looking to go down the line every time to get his crosses in.

Smith MOTM for me,Ferry not far behind.Disappointing debut for Benson.Wimbledon's performance the worst Ive seen from a Pro side for a very long time.

Did you not see Barnet?

Huh?  Bloody encouraging debut for someone who hasnt played for 3 months.

Wimbledon were marginally better than Barnet but that isnt saying much.  Tina Turner looked decent on the wing but he only got on early cos of the injury.  Surprised/pleased when i saw the starting lineup minus Midson.

no

Tina Turner? Eh, I could have sworn it was Macy Grey.

I thought Benson looked good when he came on. Fair enough he fooked up those 1 on 1's but he made the runs and continually made space for himself. When 100% match fit he'll be a handful.

I thought it was don king

First half? Meh....

Second half? As good an entertaining half of football as I have seen for a while.

De Vita and Murray were the weak links in the side for this game and their substituions had impact.

Benson looks like he has potential to be a quality signing. He just needs to get the games under his belt.

Ritchie greedy? I should cocoa but, he scares the shit out of opposing defences and gets double teamed just about every time he has the ball in the opposing half of the field. The Ritchie/ Caddis partnership is almost like telepathy, they work so well together. I would hate to see the partnership split up by either leaving but, worst case scenario and Ritchie leaves in the close season? Every goal he scores is money in the bank for us.

What the fuck has Caddis got to do to get MOM?

:ohmy:

Here, here. Shocking, they all looked like they'd rather be somewhere else.

 :Ride On Fatbury's Lovestick:

Sky Highlights here. Much better than the BBC one, as usual.

http://www.skysports.com/video/inline/0,,16479_7409839,00.html (http://www.skysports.com/video/inline/0,,16479_7409839,00.html)

At least he hit the back of the net, more than the previous incumbent of the number 9 shirt managed...

Last quote being "Swindon unbeaten at home this season"

At least the highlights are good.

If Poxford see that they will be calling Sky in their droves, if they have paid BT !

Very good set of highlights on STFC Player again too, for those who have it

I agree....I was sitting close to the right side action in the first half, and was really impressed by the Ritchie/Caddis connection, with Ferry and to a lesser extent Connell and Murray offering the third corner of the triangle, and it wasn't just on the ball stuff, but all the time they were connecting ready to support each other - and as far as i could see that continued in the second half.  Perhaps it has become so 'normal' that its no longer noticed in the MOM debates.

Thought he looked more like Sideshow Bob

I stand by it-Benson was disappointing in that he's a striker and missed 3 great chances.

Who the fuck is Adam Flint!!?? Seriously, the mistakes that keep getting made are fucking embarrasing.

Obviously mean Aden Flint...  A bit of give and take wouldn't go amiss.

Good point, Ralwus.

Mistakes happen in life jayohaitchenn ask your mum and dad, he called me a retard for a mistake yesterday, stop picking people up on mistakes you sad little prick, go back upstairs and watch your harry potter film

I think Flint himself even has trouble with his name sometimes - thats why he's got it tattooed on his arm!

Probably spent too much time at school knapping.

Nice one.

I've just worked it out too. :clap:

Grow up.

outstanding stuff

What a bizzare response!

I'm not quite sure why Jayo's dad calling this guy a retard would be an insult to Jayo?

That made me chuckle, you are a natural.