Thetownend.com

The Opponent:    Franchise FC

Here we are again, with kick off just a little over 12 hours away and only 9 hours until the first few beers are sank, not by myself may I add, in fact I will be lucky to get through the door in time for kick off, mainly thanks to peoples garden rubbish and rusty cookers. Things have felt pretty positive since last Saturday with the thumping of Crewe and the permanent signing of Massimo Luongo and further reinforcements that seem to have a few of us daring to dream once again. Its nice to be feeling positive about our club again, who knows how long it will last, but the efforts the board have made in saving cash and still putting a competitive squad together for this season has to be applauded.

I don’t really want to say too much regarding today’s opponents that set up camp in Buckinghamshire a few years back.  A club with no history can often make it difficult to give any sort of trivia on but it not difficult to have an opinion on them, and I don’t really have one on the club robbing cunts.  Franchise manager, Karl Robinson has this opinion of us, “We're looking forward to the challenge of playing against Swindon. We played against most of the players [on loan from Tottenham] in the summer when Tottenham came here. I think I've spent less in three and a half years than each of their managers in their one year. Other than Stephen Gleeson ours is a completely free team - free transfers, loans, academy players. Swindon have some really good players. Players I've tried to sign myself on loan. It's surprising how many players they've been able to assemble not too long after [almost going into] administration”. Robinson, who himself turned out for such footballing powers as  Rhyl, Oswestry Town, Marine, Prescot Cables and Alsager Town became the youngest person ever to acquire a UEFA Pro Licence at the age of 29. As a youth player he was on the books of Everton, Blackpool, and the mighty Swindon Town.

The last time we met at –  Asda – Just 4 months back, towards the end of the 12/13 season we lost 2-0. Our last victory on their patch was back in 2009 when we turned out 4-1 winners, if I remember rightly JP McGovern scored a blinder that night which pretty much secured his place in the team for the rest of the season!

They’ve served for us both –.Sean O’Hanlon,  Albert Jarrett, Ryan Harley, JP McGovern, Danny Wilson, Sol Davis, Alan Navarro.

Where the opposition gather –
 
http://www.concreteroundabout.co.uk/phpbb/viewforum.php?f=4&sid=18d717a34399bd50693a19ae7c4c8a7c

Franchise Last 6 – WDWDDW

The Odds –  Franchise 11/8   Draw 12/5   Swindon 9/4  A not very generous 5/1 seems to be whats on offer for Izale McLeod to score the first goal, I prefer the 8/1 on Nile Ranger to continue his goalscoring form. Nicky Ajose  and Ryan Mason are offering a similar price to Ranger.

The Son Says –  The plan is to record this and avoid the score until I get home from work. The chances of the boy avoiding the score and managing not to tell me are rather slim. 2-0 Town.

The Prediction –  A tough away game this one, it usually is. I think it will be a tight affair and we will sneak it 0-3, with goals from Ranger, Luongo and Ward in front of 8’433 (987 from Swindon)

And Finally –  Not only is Milton Keynes an anagram of Silent Monkey but it is also home to some 40 million trees!


COYR COYR COYR

Good work. 1-1 or 2-1

Well done again,didn't realise there recent form was so hot..unbeaten in the last 6.

Big test tomorow and whatever the score i hope we show the country that we can play a bit.

Thing is, I know you're right in very many ways. And I'll probably take that "it's all about the performance" ethos against most clubs in this division. But I don't really care about the performance as long as we beat the dirty franchise club-stealing scumbags.

A win would have me sit up and take real notice,already looking forward to Wolves next week.

Robinson's comments irk me a little and I don't know why.

A poor performance on national telly to bring us back down to earth a bit and temper our expectations. 2-1 to Franchise.

My opinions are in no way biased by the fact I'll miss the game.

I'm going...please win!

Can't see us getting anything There today unfortunately, Would be great if we came away with a point or three though.I hope we continue with the playing the game on the deck as in recent weeks which will make for decent viewing as I'll be watching the game on Sky.

This - for all points apart from the Robinson bit as I don't know what he said.

2-0 Ranger, Luongo.

Nice to see Robinson getting in his excuses early.

I'm sure SR went to a lot of trouble writing his preview. I think you should read it :no:

Ah so he played against most of the handful of players we have from Spurs. How many is that, 2 or 3?

Probably a fair point on the transfer budget in the Jedco era though

Will be watching us for the first time this season on TV today but hope to be up for the Drizzle Shitty game.

Can't see us getting a result there as they are very difficult to beat, but we have won there a few times before so its possible with a good team effort.

Good write up again SR love it.

Good one SR.

I too am going to this, my morality stance got taken over by the fact we are playing very well and watching us on TV gets on my tits.

2-1 town, Ranger and Mason

I don't think any of them were in the Spurs team.

Will be interesting to see how we do against another team that likes to play football and has decent players (Crewe only had 1 of those!). Our away record is awful so hopeful today is the day that changes. Got a feeling we may do alright today. Interesting to see if N'Guessan comes straight in the side, i assume for Byrne or if he just starts on the bench.

This is true as posted by DPC yesterday...

2-0 to use Luongo and Pritchard

I'm going. I can get away with getting with a £1 ticket and I can't say no to that!

Going to be very tough today, I would be happy with a draw.

Robinson's a cunt, Franchise are cunts, let's smash 'em please boys.

2-0 to the Town.

I'd be happy with a point but think we'll pinch it 2-1 with a late Pritchard winner,Grant Hall with the opener

Always considered Robinson as a good guy, tainted by his association to Franchise. Much like Danny Wilson,  tainted by City and Franchise. For someone as seemingly knowledgeable as he is, he should know we've not been back into admin.

Anyway, I'd take a draw, but like Paul D, I'd be over the moon if we beat the club stealing, filthy impostors with an offside goal, following a clear foul on the keeper in the 6th minute of injury time, after the board showed 4 minutes.

2-1 defeat.

I'm going to watch at home with a bottle of Tia Maria, in memory of Fred Elliott - New Years Day 2007.

After such a calm, positive week, Town will probably go and lose.

1-0 loss.

Any good suggestions for places to stream this game from?

3-3 with a sending off a piece

You cant go wrong with Wiziwig for your sports streaming needs

This is a bloody tough game, I'll take a dull 0-0 and run away.

I'm back from my travels far far away.  I have a good feeling about this 2-1 Swindon COYR

That be the one

1-1 ranger netting

Got a bad feeling about this one. 3-1 defeat but I will be most pleased to be proved wrong. 9,345 crowd 888 from Swindon.

TOWN v Franchise: Foderingham; N Thompson, Hall, Ward, McEveley; Kasim; Byrne, Luongo, Mason, Pritchard; Ranger

subs: Belford, Barthram, Harley, L Thompson, Storey, Ajose, N'Guessan

Any links for good links for streaming today ?

Try reading the last few posts before asking.

NZ Red please ignore this chump! You have made the effort to stay up late into the night to follow our beloved Town and you should be commended for that not ridiculed.......I think Wiziwig was the name mentioned earlier.

Going to settle down in front of the box to watch. Looking forward to this, although I think it could end in  tears.

Cmon Town!

Come on Town!

Thank you...really appreciated.

Yes, Sonic is at times just a fuck wit.

COYMRS

(http://i.imgur.com/xry6UIa.gif)

p.s. please don't post direct links

2-0 Town (Luongo and Ranger)

5,808 (609 Town fans)

C'mon Town

C'mon Town, first time I get to see the Town this season albeit via Sky

please don't post direct links

Apologies

GET IT FORWARD TOWN

Likewise.

nice play from Ranger there

Good start by Town, Ranger looks decent. 

atmosphere is like a reserve match

What a goal.

back of the net!

Great goal.

Eh?

Yes

The second that left his foot it was going in.  Get in!

What a goal!!!M!

Your stream is obviously a bit behind.

Bloody 'ell how far behind is the stream...

You can see the difference with Ranger playing upfront over Williams.  He can hold the ball up well and is winning us a number of cheap freekicks

Fucking hell Wes.

Fodderingham being a dick again :)

Ranger so strong on the ball... What a signing, regardless of his history

What a cock up from the free kick.  Stupidity.

Superb!!

Ranger taking some punishment up front - great target man and holds the ball up well

....bout 5 minutes!

I'm confused what's the score? It's 1-0 currently for me

For those behind play, try stadium-live.com - channel 2.

:)

1-0. Just coming up to 23 minutes gone.

Still one nil

Cheers  :thumb:

Never mind library, we should be singing "is this a mortuary"!

Good grief, we think the County Ground is devoid of atmosphere.  

it is literally like a reserve game, you can hear the players almost perfectly

This Kasim is different class.

Franchise getting back into the game - looks like town more than happy to hit on the counter

Good to see Wes hasnt learnt

yeah he's shit isn't he

obstruction in the penalty area is a foul, isn't it?

Ranger looks a far better player than I ever thought he would be

Could have been 2 up.

Get another and MK will lose it.

Ooooo picture of the elusive lesser spotted power.

Agreed.

Going to Milton Keynes is a right waste of one his days

loved that overhead flick from Kasim

Delighted with that first half.

Good stuff..

Happy with that.

HT 0-1

That was pretty enjoyable. I will never get tired of watching that Pritchard goal.

Loving me some Byrne as well. And Ranger.

Are we holding our own or hanging on?

Good 1st half, high quality all round for this league I thought. Ranger looks really comfortable up top on his own. Also only two heart stopping moments so far in defence!

The only 'shakey' moments both came from Wes being a dick.  Love the way Kasim quietly goes about his business, and Mason is starting to grow on me.  Nice goal from the 'match day mascot', too.

good first half, what a shit atmosphere thought it was bad at home games. goal was very well taken hopefully we can nick another in the 2nd.

Holding our own - MK have more possession, but we have more shots on target, and look dangerous on the break

Another goal and Franchise will cave
Pritch,Kasim and Ranger stand out for me
Mason,Bryne,Luongo doing ok too

Looking good so far but wont count chickens yet

Superb 1st half apart from two moments of Wes madness.Grant Hall has played more accurate passes in that half than Aden Flint did in his Town career.

Cooper and Robinson bear a slight similarity.

Robinson looks like a used car salesman, reminds me of the estate agent from Gavin and Stacey

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MHXYpCc_YFw

Wow! Really enjoyed that first half.

As for shaky moments: They seem more noticeable because we look so bloody good the rest of the time.

Interesting to see Cooper switching McEverley & Byrne and Byrne & Pritchard. Don't like it when Pritchard is defending on the right though!

Looking forward to the second half, but think its going to be much tougher, especially as all of the pressing has got to have an effect on the players later in the game.

Ranger is a real handfull in the box

Oh fuck - Red card

FFS Bryne strikes again
Never a straight red

Fucking joke

Don't think the ref had much choice.

Fucking nice one Byrne.  Twat.

which is it?

Not even a yellow there. Dickhead ref

No players complained, ref was he only one who thought it was a red, never a red.

He was right on top of it, Bryne wants to have a word with himself and Cooper needs to read him the fucking riot act. He's let his team mates down badly. That could be massive for us.

Anyone who has ever played pub football could tell you that was undeserving of a card

Twas never a red but Bryne manages to get it anyway
He does dive in at times

FFS 1 all

Fuck.

Fucks sake

Bollocks....1-1

Shocking defending

What poor defending

Ward fucked it up by sending that ball forward... FFS

I've seen a number of those type of challenges every season, and mostly just a free kick is awarded.

If it was high fair enough, but it was on the ankle.

And...cock !!!

Just as I was starting to like Byrne. Stupid tackle, blatant red.

Bum. Stupid tackle by Byrne. Daft ball forward by Ward for their goal. Going to be almost impossible now.

Clear red

If that had been the other way the opinion wouldn't be split

Yeah a red card imo, he knew what he was doing. Stupid stupid tackle. Probably cost us 3 points

This is going to cost us now.  Byrne's a fucking twat.  No need for the challenge at all.

Two so far.

Still fail to see the intent there. Just looks late to me.

Calm down dear.

Yeah i dont see it either

Studs on the ankle = dangerous tackle = red card.

No qualms from me.

I'm no psychologist, but I see no intent, just late. Yellow max.

Byrne is such a scapegoat

As much as I hate so see ANY player sent off mainly because it skews the game completely, we could do with one of their players walking to balance things out.

Good sub imo. Ranger played really well but ajose pace could help us counter better

Starting to be a bit of a habit now.

Cracking save from Wes
Only a matter of time before we concede again tho

For?

We were in control up until then really. A point will be a good achievement now.

I am calm, just pissed off.

everyone and everything

if we lose, Byrne will be blamed - Stefpol is already blaming him for us losing

Stupid twat ruined a good performance. Going to be very hard to hang on from here but who knows. Don't like the Franchise love in on SKY either. Apparently they have a premiership centre forward playing

Here i was enjoying a few lunchtime pints. Wanker

Good. He's a tosser.

Their striker is superb to be fair. On loan from Chelsea.

Still think we can nick this on the counter.  A point would be good result though now.

If we do lose the chances are that a twatish decision from him will be a major factor in that.

Anyone can make a mistake as long as you learn from them - Byrne needs to wise up a bit.

A factor not the cause. You can't blame Byrne's sending off for the poor defending that caused us to concede the goal.

Anyway, we're properly out of this game now

You can't blame him for poor defending but we've been comfortable with 11 men on the pitch.

We've been on the back foot since because of his naivety!

nice cross N'Guessan

It was a bit of mental brain freeze from the defence, have to wonder whether sending off flustered them for couple of minutes.

Obviously just guess work as can't read their minds though

So good they moved him to the wing:-)

McEveley looked like he was going to murder Dele Ali there, no booking.

Mason and Kasim booked for fuck all there

The cars are flying around now.

I want to see that late challenge by Alli on McEveley, as it was as late as the Byrne's, but of course Sky didn't show that again.

Getting a bit tasty

Discipline out the window
Mind the late foul on JMac was overlooked then Mason gets a yellow followed by Kasim for argueing about the JMac challenge

this is the first time I've seen Kasim and I've fallen in love with him after 80 minutes, absolutely class

Been a pile up?

Are we still worried that our youthful midfield will get bullied out of games?

I'm starting to worry more about suspensions from our disciplinary record.

Starting to play long now. Doesn't suit us.

 :)

Why was Mason booked when their player did a worse challenge on McEveley?

Why the Franchise love in by the Sky commentators?

Had to laugh at "the fans turn up the volume at stadium MK"  Presumably he meant from morgue to library volume.

come on guys, let's hold on and get them on the break.

Because he plays for Swindon, how long have you been watching us for?

 :nod:

Phew...thought that was going to be another red

nothing wrong with that challenge

Another Thompson special there
Racking up the bookings

Fully agree. Got the ball.

Not high, not late, won the ball...

But took the man out after
Cant do that these days

and from behind which is never a good idea :)

Lucky

Lucky break !!!

offside, interfering with play. ahem

Phew. Lucky offside

Got away with that.

where the fuck did 5 mins come from?

5 minutes  :cry:
Where did that come from

 
 :(

5 minutes. Joke

ref hoping to give MKD more time to score

Hang on lads . . . .

Six substitutions @ 30 seconds each, then a bit for each of those bookings and the sending off.

Great point.

Good result, why didn't we get that corner...

Bet Sky are gutted, they didn't get the result they wanted.

Take that

Decent result, all things considered  :clap:

Decent game ruined by officials

Good Point. Will be good for the confidence that one.

This

Brilliant performance, stupid Byrne. We're getting better every game but show our inexperience at times. Can't wait for Wolves.

I expect most of us would have taken a point before kick-off. Good result. Very encouraging that it could have been more, disappointing that it wasn't.

Good result and a fair result.  Think we probably would have won if Byrne wasn't sent off. Cut out the defensive mistakes and we will be there or there abouts

Stops the rot away from home.

 ;D

Never expected to get anything from this game before kick off but after such a positive start it was there for the taking.
Good point in the end though should/could have been all 3.

Stopped the run of away defeats anyway
Onwards and upwards to Molineux

Really good point, very happy with that.

Early days, but I think we will be up there. Excellent first half then a blatant red for liability Byrne and we did well to hold on.

Good point.  Think we would have won if we hadn't gone down to 10, we were on the back foot from then. Shame.

Did very well to see the game out under pressure.

Good point, the fact we were in control at 11 v 11 is pretty encouraging.

Can't bloody wait for my first trip to Molineux now.

Cooper disagrees with the ref so he's going to get charged.

Cooper not happy with the sending off at all.

I agree with him.

Even the Franchise manager doesn't think it was a red.

nice to see the opposing manager agreeing it didn't look like a red card

None of them think its a red bar the ref

Just back from watching it down the pub.

First half we were on top bar a 10 minute spell where they put us under a lot of pressure. Had one opportunity to make it 2-0, should really have made more of that. Kasim was immense, Ranger was holding it up well, and Pritchard looked dangerous.

The red card changed it. For me, it was harsh. I wouldn't be calling for a red had that challenge come against a town player, and nobody would have batted an eyelid if the ref produced a yellow. The game changed, we were on the back foot, and its a shame that a moment of sloppy defending let them in. The offside goal should have been allowed, but I think we'd have gone on to win with 11 men on the pitch, so no sympathy on that front.

On the whole very positive. Some tricky games coming up over the next few weeks. I'll be back in time to watch us at home to Chelsea and away at PNE - looking forward to it after that display.

Can see his point. I think the problem was that Bryne didn't lift his foot quick enough and so the ref thought it was a stamp. However, the franchise player slid his foot under where Bryne was landing, which made it look more deliberate than it actually was.

No point appealing, it'll never get turned over, despite the fact he had eyes on the ball.

Cooper was hopping there.

No way was that a red card, I hope the fans cut him some slack, I'm sure he's beating himself up enough. Like Beagrie said, it was a tired challenge more than a lazy or reckless one. Very good point for us and if we keep performing to that level, or at least near to it, we should have a heart attack free season, which is what us poor Swindon fans need.

Might be worth a go
Auto 3 match ban otherwise - even if gets reduced to 1 would be worth it

That was a hard fought draw from Town, thought first half we had the much better chances and deservedly went in 1-0 up.  Byrne was unlucky to go, but we've seen that kind of thing given before, its a shame because he is fantastic running at people and will make a pretty good winger. 

Not unheard of to have it extended to 4. Though that would be insanely harsh.

Just seen the red card incident again no way was that a red card Byrne went in for the ball lost his footing...certainly no intent there.
Seems Byrne will be the new scapegoat this season from some of our fans hope those calling Byrne a twat are ashamed of themselves because there was nothing wrong with that challenge.  No point appealing though because Refs very rarely rescind.

Definitely got lucky with their 2nd goal being ruled out for offside the lad was onside when he scored

I thought Robinson conducted himself very well in his interview & I loved Coopers passion

Just watched the game on the internet.....

Suggest the first half was some of the best football played by Swindon since the Hoddle, Ardilles day..total joy to watch.

Then gritted it out once an unfortunate sending off.

I bet 6 x weeks ago every one on here would have not believed the quality of players Mark Cooper and the board have got here.

Bloody good job by the manager and board so far...

COYMR'S

 A decent point...a good advert for Div 3 football...ref was justified in the red card in the current game, so think the decision will stand.

A good point away from home.  Blatant Red my arse!  Reading this thread after the game makes me understand why I read more and more 80% bollocks on here every day.  Byrne had just ran the length of the pitch and turned around to put a tired attempt at a block in and ended up stepping on his foot, that happens 2 or 3 times in every game, Yellow at worst, but a freekick and a talking to would have done.

Got away with the offside, should have been a goal, but when I watched it live I thought it was offside so can understand why it was given.

Great strike by Pritchard.  1-1, decent point away from home.  Next.

I can understand the red card... it was dangerous (standing on someone's leg with your full weight) but it was not intentional. I'm not sure intent is always relevant when something is dangerous. Although it 'changed the game', I would argue it didn't cost us the goal.

Good performance, we looked threatening. Ward was lazy getting out for their goal, and Hall was unaware (again). The pair of them are either imperious keeping clean sheets, or make silly mistakes that cost goals at the moment. Still early days, I guess. Onwards...

Find that really odd because neither manager thought it was a red, and both teams looked visibly shocked at the decision. Most of us have played a bit of football in our time and must know how many times you get your feet stamped on awkwardly in a challenge. For me, no way was it a sending off. Changed the the whole landscape of the game and negated our fluency and threat.

bar the ref and a few on here it seems who disagree with Karl Robinson

My summary........
- Fantastic first half performance. We looked like a very good team
- Started 2nd brightly and I thought that Byrne was playing well and looked to be the attacking outlet that was going to rip them apart as they tried to calm the threat from Pritchard
- Sending off was harsh but it was silly for Byrne to put himself in the position for the ref to make that sort of decision. No doubt in my mind that had Byrne stayed on the field, we would have gone on to win comfortably.
- I thought Ward was the source of all the defensive lapses today and was at fault for the goal. However, back 4 generally looked pretty effective.
- Lucky not to lose 2-1 as their offside goal wasn't
- N'Guessan looked big, strong and good in the air. Ranger looked lumbering at times but has phenomenally quick feet. Ajose and Hartley didn't shine for me.
- I don't think I have ever seen our midfield look so classy! Kasim in particular was superb. He was all over the park, kept winning the ball and played everything simple.
- That was a fantastic performance to hold on to a point, but I think if Ranger rather than N'Guessan had the ball in the box in the last minute, we would have been celebrating a 1-2 win.

Fingers crossed for the Accy this afternoon now.

Didn't think it was a red, yellow at most.  I look at it as if that was a Opposition player, I would have been equally surprised at a red.  Unfortunately changed the game and limited our chances, don't the people slagging of Bryne.  Not my favourite player especially at full back but thought he'd put in a pretty good performance.  I presume this will now open way for Nguessan to start the next few.

that was an excellent point that was. hung on until the end after what shouldn't have been a red in the first start and what could be argued as being a 'stolen three points'

Ok..
two points dropped as far as i'm concerned, we were in control of the game ,franchise had fuck all before the sending off,was it straight red, maybe,thats another debate.. what did please me was the resolve from the rest of the team,the willingness to work for each other. :grouphug:

I'll take a point, but we should of had all 3 :violin:

oh, and franchise need to shoot the drummer!!!! :gay:

Straight red, get real.

(https://fbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn2/1269188_10153215361870252_738251303_o.jpg)

I swear more than once during the game I could hear

'Come on Ipswich'

Going mad!!

Another encouraging performance from us and did well to hold our nerve and almost nick it right at the end. Can probably count ourselves lucky with the offside but that evens it out after the absolute joke of a red card.

this is the KEY thing, any form of intent to injure is clamped down on,straight red all day...

In the modern game it's deemed a reckless challenge...there doesn't have to be intent, and how far he's run etc has no bearing.

13 reds today so far in just leagues 1 and 2  :eek:

Just watched it back & I agree with Karl Robinson, never a Red Card.

He has tried to block the ball an stood on his foot.

It was a less dangerous challenge than that of Chadwick on Pritchard in the first half.

I haven't seen the replay of the foul by Byrne so I won't comment yet....but it looks as if the second goal was onside so .....give and take...

Ref would of sent another off if Robinson hadn't sped out of the dugout to tell the ref no...he seemed determined to fuck it up...compounded by the decision to blow the whistle when we had a corner.

I would of taken a point at 8:30 am this morning so I suppose in a way I'm happy but frustrating because at 11 v 11 I reckon we could of turned them over.

Really enjoyed talk sport lick Robinsons Arse after the game.....fucking clowns.

If only there was some intent.

and Alli on Jac Mac, who didn't even get a talking to.

Attendance: 7,738 not heard how many away fans yet
Although all the seats not in yet that stadium will hold 30,000 so no wonder it sounded like a reserve game

639 Town fans, lowest I can ever remember us taking to MK.

I see big spending Brentford got a bit of a beating today.

Just got back.

Another good performance, we dominated the game up until the red card. Not a red for me, ref was awful for both teams, ruined what was a good game.

Bryne played well before the red, he is definatley much better on the wing. Kasim was good again and Ranger is looking like a great signing.

Awful atmosphere, such a horrible place to watch football. Town fans were pretty awful as well. Overall, happy with a point after another encouraging performance.

Sam Morshead ‏@SamMorshead_SA 9m
My understanding is referee Stuart Attwell will not be rescinding red card of Nathan Byrne and club are seriously considering an appeal.

If even Karl Robinson didn't even think it was a red card , then it wasn't. End of discussion.

Agree with you. At times as the Sun was beaming through the clouds the atmosphere was like a pre-season friendly.
The problem with Town fans and always has been they spread out all over the place.

In fact there was more player reaction to the late tackle by Alli on McEveley, which got two Town players booked for dissent, than there was Franchise players complaining about Byrne's challenge.

In the modern game where you see similar challenges happening regularly that don't get punished.  I didn't say anything about intent and how far he has run does have bearing if it means he has put in a tired attempt at a challenge in which meant that his missed the ball and stepped on his foot.

If that was a red in the modern game there would be red cards in every game.

Byrne knew what he was doing. Frustrated at losing the ball and stamped on matey. Debateable red but an intentional foul for sure.

How can you say "for sure" when a fair number of others feel there was no intent at all?

because I'm sure

Utter rubbish, the MK defender cleared it very fast. No way was it intentional, It was a yellow nothing more in the real world.

Ha. He got robbed of the ball and stamped in frustration. Happens all the time. Harsh red but he meant it alright

If he meant it, it's not harsh ;)

Hahaha there was no stamp, there was no movement towards the leg, there was no aggressive downward motion. It was simply an attempt to block the clearance.

Horrible place to watch football, talk about got all the gear and no idea.

I thought we dominated the game prior to the red, Karl Robinson on 3 Counties Radio said that even without the red he thought MK looked likely to score, bollocks in my view.

All played well again and very impressed with N'Guessan (sp) he's a big unit with a fair bit of pace. Ajose didn't impress me at all when he came on.

Arriba wears glasses, I'm going for glasses soon, we'll call it quits :)

Was that when Kasim got booked and pulled away from the ref? Kasim has a bit of a temper which I liked.

I must say how impressed overall I am with spurs feeder club fc. They are some cracking players. All of them. Early days but I'm being swayed somewhat

Just seen it. Never a red in a million years.

Yes, the ref played advantage despite the Franchise player being extremely late. When the play next stopped after Mason comitted a foul, and got booked, Kasim was remenstrating with the ref to take action against Alli, and got booked himself, and Alli got no punishment, yet was probably the worst challenge of the match, as it was so late.

They did look like they had a goal in them, but we looked just as likely to score another until the red.

Got to say I disagree 100% with arriba, looked to me he was just a fraction late and not even looking to be aware of the clearing defenders foot position. Furthermore I was surprised the ref was even going to book him.

But I was watching via an average quality stream stream so I'll take another look on the FLS. If there was intent the he's off no argument.

Fully agree. Both went for the ball..the Franchise player got there first, and Byrne caught his ankle. If that was a sending off, there will be a number of players getting red every game.

Also first time I've 'seen' Ranger play for us. As suspected he looks handy. Good turn and shot that was parried away by the keeper. On another that would have been 2-0.

(Still don't think he is worth the risk, but if he keeps himself out of trouble and is found innocent come January we'll have a bargain).

It doesn't matter if there was intent, whether he meant it, or whether it was just an accident or because of tiredness; he put his studs on the guys ankle. It's dangerous/serious foul play and a red card.

Them's the rules.

Putting your foot on the ground is not dangerous/serious foul play though. He's not raised his studs , he's not potentially put an opponent at risk (in my view)

There isn't one. Sort it out BBC!

Oh FFS. I'll watch it on Player then.

Avoiding all the red card, offside opinions. I think what we probably saw was  2 pretty good sides that will finish in the top half if not further up.

Yes pleasantly surprised with how we competed today. They had more of the ball, we looked just as dangerous (up to the card).

I like the fact we didn't do traditional Town of trying to hold on for dear life with 10 men. We had to absorb some pressure and a slice of luck saved us, true, but we still looked to break forward and nearly nicked it right at the end.

Yeah I'm a bit disappointed N'Guessan didn't get his head up but maybe that's a bit greedy on my part. 1-1 is no poor result against that lot.

I thought that was Byrne's best game for us, ironically. Looked the part going forward. A real pleasure to watch that first half. Just a shame the 2nd became an uneven contest. Not a red, but not one that will get overturned. Kasim, again, was simply brilliant in the first half and pretty quiet in the second . Pritchard 's strike was superb and he caused trouble in the first half - more so on the right. Mason was quiet, but still used the ball well. We could do now with putting a run together - make this side believe that something could happen this year, but Wolves and City are two tough games. Really looking forward to both, having been utterly apathetic at the start of the season.

Have to agree - two footballing sides, who played the right way. Wes had a couple of hairy moments in the first half but we came out unscathed.

Mark Cooper deserves some credit  for making the right substitutions at the right time and doubtless also for the way Town negated Franchise's still weightier possession in the second half.

Liked the fact that he was angry after the game too

Watching Brazil vs Australia. A bloke's just got away with a challenge similar to Byrne without so much as a talking to. Only a friendly, but still...

You beat me to it. The Australian's tackle (stamp on Naymar's foot) was worse than Byrne's and he didn't get a card or a talking to.

I liked that, showed some aggression and passion. Good on him.

What's happened to Chadwick's buck teeth - vain bastard.

Of all the years I've watched STFC play there was always a sniff of piss and panic at the back - seems to be a thing of the past judged on what I've seen this year.

There was some classy football on show today.

Anthony Kay, a big central defender, goes down like a sack of shit every time a player puts their foot in. What a chomp.
Some of the MK players today, are way overreacting, cheating bastards.
Our players seem to get up when fouled.

A few dives going around that's for sure although Jay's one in the second half was pretty good.

Isn't a straight red only 1 game ban? As opposed to 2 yellows and a red?

Enjoyed the game today, ruined by the sending off...N'Guessan looked handy.

Plus I got a free coke in McDonalds outside the ground...

Now onto Wolves away next weekend.

Professional Foul 1 Game, Violent Conduct 3 games.

Ah ok, ta.

Bigger attendance then I thought there might be

http://www.miltonkeynes.co.uk/sport/mk-dons/dons-1-1-swindon-town-unbeaten-streak-continues-with-draw-1-5468182

Enough already with the red fucking card. It's happened. We move on.

The fact is, I'm feeling pretty damned good about the Club right now.  That for me, is the overall feeling from today. Whatever happens from now on and wherever we finish in the league, I think it's pretty reasonable to say that we're going to have a decent season.

No Reg, I'm not predicting that we're going to win the league, or get promoted, or even make the play offs (although I'm not writing off any of those scenarios either). I just think we're going to be 'OK'. A few weeks ago, I wouldn't have dared to have hoped for such an outcome.

That is why, at this point in time, I am overjoyed with how things are going.

You know something else I liked today - bringing on two strikers after the sending off. For as long as I can remember, our lower-league managers have chucked on another defender and given away the initiative for the rest of the game. Instead of which their extra man couldn't be added to their attack as they needed to keep cover back.

It's like our keeping two or three up when defending corners. Puts the other team on the back foot and reinforces a positive mindset in our team. An obvious idea really but what a welcome change.

Stamp? Really? You obviously don't have an hd TV, were you watching on a black and white portable?

Yeah arriba, you fucking peasant

Spot on.
As you know I was told the Club was being bought that ended up being the Power introduction.

I wan't looking forward to this season one bit and wouldn't have been surprised if we entered admin. So much s**t going on I thought at best we would struggle and be in a relegation fight.

Enjoying watching the style of football and everything appears to have settled down off the pitch.
I have to say booking tickets now has vastly improved with My World and the ticketmaster lines.

Now I am actually believing in a play of finish but would take a mid table finish.
After Brentford and yet again a kick in the teeth I found myself glad to see the back of football.
Now I a enjoying it once again.

  :sherlock:  :bye:

Good morning Banbury

I was lucky to be able to see the whole match streamed to sunny NZ live...

What a wonderful advert for division 3 football.

Two very good footballing sides with a touch of superb skill for the Town goal.

Debate about sending off...a goal that was offside but wasn't !!!

Swindon played better football on Saturday with a more balanced side including a manager who seems to have a real desire to take this team forward..

All this after all the "dark" goings on a month or so ago.

Surprised, yes overjoyed in fact.

COYMR's :)

   

Been down in Bournemouth for the weekend, so watched the game down their...good point after going down to 10 men, thought we played really well 1st half, Kasim was quality and personally don't think it was a red card (doubt it'll be overturned though). Looking forward to going to Wolves next Saturday...C.O.Y.R!!!

I was over in Achill in deepest darkest Ireland for the weekend and the missus' dad kindly recorded the match for me. After watching the first half I thought we were excellent and passed the ball around really well. Kasim was brilliant and made one goal saving block as well, really putting his body on the line for the cause. I thought Pritchard was tricky and had their left back on toast. Ranger was playing the man up top role to perfection and had we gone in 2-0 up at half time it wouldn't have been undeserved.

Then Byrne got sent off and Dons equalised straight away so didn't bother watching the last half an hour as I was convinced we would go on to lose. Checking the internet for the score I breathed a huge sigh of relief to see we had 'clung on' to a draw, very happy with the result. The auld fella actually said that the quality and enjoyment of the game against Franchise was better than some of the previous Premier league games which are verging on teams being afraid to lose rather than going for the win (Man U v Chelsa and Liverpool v Man U I guess recent examples of big games being devoid of much happening).

Good start to a very tough month, hopefully we should be in high spirits for the Wolves match, they haven't had a game for 2 weeks so hopefully will be 'rusty'

Achill is a beautiful part of the world.

It certainly is Chalkies, when the weather is nice, its so peaceful and picturesque.

And the local bar opens until whenever people want to leave, which is nice!

When I was out that way 30 years ago, it seemed like the 20th Century had only just arrived. I daresay though, such isthe pace of change in the modern world...the 21st has poked its nose in pdq.

Ireland still only has once pace, barely moving. Outside of the big cities, nothing much has changed.

Having lived in Co Kerry for 10 years 'things', as in infrastructure, have changed but the general outlook of the people has not.

They really have a 'don't give a fuck' attitude which I found refreshing

And if to prove the FA hate us this red card has been rescinded!:

http://www1.skysports.com/watch/video/sports/football/teams/leyton-orient/8948432/leyton-orient-1-1-walsall

Which one  :headhurts:
Walsall or L'Orient

Walsall lunge......

Erm, for what reason was that rescinded?!

Something to do with Byrne's red card against Franchise and the FA saying bollocks to an appeal possibly?

Eh? I meant how did the FA/FL justify overturning that Walsall one.

Because Walsall Aren't us..

Just read the BBC article and suddenly all becomes clear. It was safe to overrule this particular ref because it was Graham Scott, long-time Swindon fan, founding member of SSILA (original London reds) and former Abingdon Town goalkeeper.

There's a simple explanation for everything if you look hard enough.  :)

Impressive, have you ever thought of matchday thread contributions?