Thetownend.com

The Opponent: Cheltenham Town.

The magic of the FA Cup has arrived with the short journey up the road to Cheltenham. My last visit was the first game of the Di Canio era a few years back. We lost 1-0 and some fat oik at the train station on the way home said to me, “You lot are going down man”. Chuckle.

In 2006, a house valuation web site rated Cheltenham the most desirable property location in Britain. In 2014, The Daily Telegraph newspaper named Cheltenham as the best place in the United Kingdom to raise a family. The unemployment rate in Cheltenham was 2.7% in 2010 compared to the UK national unemployment level of 7.9%. So if burglary is more your thing, there is more on offer in Cheltenham than just the football.

Last Time Out –  Saturday 1st November:  Cheltenham Town 0 York City 1 - Diego De Girolamo scored his third goal in four matches as York beat Cheltenham to seal their second win of the season. The Italian striker, on loan from Sheffield United, steered home Michael Coulson's pass to give the visitors a deserved half-time lead. The Minstermen then had to withstand a second-half rally from Cheltenham.  Away goalkeeper Aleksander Cisak did superbly to twice deny Byron Harrison, while Terry Gornell sent a free header wide for the hosts.

Starting XI -  Saturday 1st November - Carson, Brown, Deaman, Elliot, Vaughan, Hanks (De Vita), Taylor, Richards, Braham-Barrett, Marquis, Gornell.

They have served us both – Steve Abbey, Harold Bailey, Paul Benson, Billy Brae, Alan Churchward, David Dangerfield, David Elsey, Brian Hughes, Gary Marshall, Nobby Newberry, Michael Rose, Billy Tucker, Bobby Weale, Ken Skeen, Willie Penman, Kaid Mohamed, Dai Jones, Charlie Henry, Arnold Darcy, Shane Cook, Aaron Brown, Martin Blackler, Jim Barron, Kevin Amankwaah, Andy Wollen, Mike Summerbee, Michael Pook, Harry Morris, Reg Jones, Dave Hockaday, Fred Edmonds, Jamie Cureton, Geoff Chalkin, Steve Book, Ray Baverstock, Kevin Baddely

The Odds –  Cheltenham  13/5  Draw 5/2  Swindon Evens

The Son Says – Buzzing from a late winner on Tuesday, he predicts a 3-1 win on our travels.

The Prediction –  Must admit I have been flat out this week so know nothing about ticket sales. I'm going for a 5-1 win, Smith x3, Williams and Kasim. 888 from the mighty Robins in a crowd of 3’345

And Finally –  In 2012, Left Wing mouthpiece, The Guardian, found that at the end of 2011, 41 multi-millionaires lived in Cheltenham, which was the fourth-highest rate in the UK of multi-millionaires per 100,000 people at 35.44.


COYR COYR COYR COYR

As ever a good write up....though I'd take issue with the Guardian as a left wing mouthpiece....at the last General Election, the Guardian, came out in favour of the Liberal Democrats. I respect its independent thinking , but left wing it is not.

I once shook the hand of Neil Kinnock at a " don't ban Trade Unions rally" at GCHQ in Cheltenham. Then they were only tapping phones, now they'll be reading this...well fuck off, Cheltenham scum.

Raffaele De Vita has also 'served us both'....

0-3 Smith, L. Thompson & Williams.

Shagger of a team for us but still cannot see any other outcome but a comfortable win.

2-0, Turnbull and that toffee fella

3976 with 1341 from the first team to best Bristol fucking City

2-1 defeat, we never bloody win there

5+ hours on the train today.  This had better be good.

Hockaday played for Cheltenham? I don't remember that.

For once, we don't get done over in the Cup by a team lower down the food chain than us...

2-0 Smith, Williams

2 1 swindon Williams and beeka man 1489 real robins fans in a total crowd of 4135 oh and for those who cannot make it

FOOTBALL: Commentary on Swindon's FA Cup tie at Cheltenham is also available online from 1500. UK ONLY.
bbc.co.uk/sport/0/footba…

Lose 2-1. The Whaddon hoodoo continues

Win 3-1

This was buried in the 'FA Cup' thread.  Sound advice from our resident Cheltenham resident...

I don't know if this has been posted already - I haven't seen it - our 3rd kit has been revealed.

Oh dear, oh dear, oh dear...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tt7jwC2K6fc&feature=youtu.be

Edit: Just seen it in the FA Cup thread. Any way, for those of you who haven't seen it - enjoy.

Only been away once this season, Crawley so the omens aren't good. Been there 3 times and taken a different route each time as the signposting to the ground is absolute shite. Should be at least 1400 Town as I think that is what we sold by end of play Weds.
Unfortunately going for a loss but we will be by far the better side. .

You're a strange paranoid man.

I don't give a shit if they look at my stuff, but if it helps stop one atrocity, convict one organised crime organisation, or break one paedophile ring, then spy away please.

I think the Guardian is left wing, just not in the same way the labour party is, if you see what I mean. It's more of a bleeding heart liberal kind of newspaper for the patently middle class sort who likes rolling their eyes and sucking through their teeth at people who read the Daily Mail whilst eating fairtrade libyan peace hummous they got at Waitrose.

I myself am a Guardian man.

Anyway, back to the football, 3-1. Should be a nice, simple victory, but I fear Cheltenbum will get a goal early on. 1506 from Swindon in a crowd of 4,765.

Last time I went there Parkin was sent off and Gurney started mouthing at the crowd. The seats were badly spaced out and it killed my knees!

Been raining since before 0800 and just teemed it down - Its gonna be a quagmire.

Classic conditions for a cup upset....we'll be doing well to still be in the draw on Monday.

if it keeps raining like it is I think there is a good chance it will be off

Very showery in Swindon, its sunny now.

Looking at the rain radar, it looks to be an improving picture. Bit of a small window shown though.

http://www.raintoday.co.uk/

It's fucking hammering down in Worcester and has been all morning

Labour left wing? Hardly true.
I haven't voted Labour since Blairs first victory because Labour is in a race to move right if the tories.
Swindon to win the replay(just) 3,000 1480 of us plus the ones in the home ends.

Heh! heh! You do surprise me Reg.

I have to say though, I won't be shocked if we do lose.

I'm normally confident, but we have been shocking in the fa cup recently. think this might be 1-1

Branco on the coach today so could be involved on the bench at least.

Embarrassed to ask this, but it is straight to a replay without extra time isn't it ?!

Foderingham; Stephens, N Thompson, Turnbull; Byrne, Luongo, Kasim, L Thompson, Toffolo; Obika, Williams

subs: Belford, Barthram, Branco, Gladwin, Reeves, Rodgers, Smith

Yep no extra time today.

Ta

player AGAIN!!SHIT

Yep, am listening to the BBC site...which I think wont be turned off today mate.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio/player/bbc_radio_wiltshire

Town fans in good voice.

OK maybe I lied....FFS.

Just tuned in, what was the minute's silence for?

Remembrance Sunday

Is it just for me or is there no audio commentary on Player?

Of course, thanks

Nope, having to listen to Cheltnumbs commentary so far.

That wasn't working either....but it is now. Shit service once again.

WHY WHY WHY? EVERY WEEK OPPOSITION COMMENTARY IS FAULTLESS.FUCKBOLLOCKS PLAYER

I concur.

FFS.

NOT AVAILABLE ON LINE UNFORTUNATELY

Cock up in defence yet again.

Oh ffs... 1-0 down

FFS

Jake Hyde scores for York, didn't realise he had gone there

Long ball over the top? Seriously? Pathetic.

Ughhh.

Shambolic defending again,really worried about thompson n's contribution as a "one of three"

Yeah he went there in the summer for a fee of about £20k, good move for him, spoke to him a few weeks back on FB, nice bloke, been injured a lot so far though.

Thompson was outstanding Tuesday night. Worried that we're slow starters a lot though, could get caught out often this season.

Thought there was a push that lead to their goal.  Hey ho

Also Cheltenham getting 9 men being ball, leaving 2 up.

FFS in spades, Thompson off - red card

Fucking hell. 4 or 5 game suspension now?

WTF Nathan off AGAIN.

Captain Thompson leading by example once more.

And a 3 match ban including Shitty

Sounds another harsh red for Nathan.

For FUCK SAKE

Fuck off was that a red

Why the fuck was he playing anyway - poxy cup games

Sky says "denied a goal scoring opportunity"

Sounds like an appeal cud be worthwhile

I would prefer us to just play the yoofs in the cups this year, couldn't give a toss about the cups, would rather concentrate on the league

Doesn't matter if it's harsh or incorrect, to be getting sent off again is completely unacceptable from Thompson.

 :Ride On Fatbury's Lovestick:

3 reds this season. 2 shouldn't have been. Fucks me off, how are we supposed to play against 12 men most weeks? You know if we try appeal, he'll get an extra game ban

Does that mean that when NT comes back from his suspension that he is still one yellow away from another suspension?

Money talks.

Yep.

71% of possession but a goal and man down. Wow.

He should have just got himself booked in the Preston game...

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/B17djIOIcAAAnU2.jpg)

Says on the Town site that we have had 2 sent off. Is that true?

I quite fancy a pie now.

no

Dont care how much most town fans love Thompson,he's a fucking liability

Fur pie?

told you so

Bollocks

Not so much a bogey team as a phlegm-ridden full on nasal/bronchial congestion.

Clearly not a football town, yet they find us out every time.

Fucking embarrassing.

And don't get me started on the ref.

see a macclesfield type hiding coming on

bollocks back

Seriously, with Branco on the bench why have they risked Thompson. You know he can't help himself pick up stupid bookings. Even if it wasn't a red from that photo it looks like a yellow and would be suspended anyway.

Yep.

fuck me

Game over.

Fuck fuck 2-0

Oh well. Maybe next year

 :soapy tit wank:

Thompson should have got himself booked against Preston - miss this crap and cleared for City

Cooper got it badly wrong today, he should have rested Thompson.

Just shows again why we so badly need 1 experienced centre half in there. Yes they will make mistakes too but at least it will calm things down.

3 red cards before Christmas warranted or not ain't a co-incidence

bollocks!

Because getting as far as we can in a cup competition is more important than a single league match in early November.

Talking to a friend who goes to most Cheltenham games. He recons they have been awful all year and couldn't score in a brothel.

Branco back against City,no problem

Luckily they've gone to a football pitch instead and scored twice.

Well we've been shit. The ref is a cock and we are losing. Average away day at Cheltenham really.

At least I can watch the rugby now instead of listening to this.

Not sure we can blame the ref. We've just been woeful and Thompson's foul was brainless.

To make it worse, we've got some pissed up old cunt sat behind us shouting incoherent bollocks contantly. Reg, are you at the game just out of interest?

Welp, that's a load of bullshit isn't it.

Coops really needs to rotate players around for cup matches like this. Shouldn't have risked Thompson in the first place.

Might be motormouth Phil, he was on the radio earlier.

Unfortunately my Saturday game was cancelled so made a late decision to come to this made worst having to be in the home end stood next to 'goofy' as our fans seem to have named him. Shit game Cheltenham are typical team that beats us..... Big long ball merchants.
For all the good football if you can't defend set pieces of long balls you may as well give up!

This. Stephens seems to have lost the ability to challenge for and head the ball

Well Player is back,sort of-virtually inaudible and more hiccups than Norman fucking Collier.Cheltenham commentary on the other hand,impeccable.Getting beyond shit

I've been very disappointed with Stephens since he returned to us.

Oh well all over now 3-0

Stephens, oh dear

Are the Adver mongs calling for Cooper's head yet?

we must be close to being the worst fa cup side of the last 20 years

(http://i.imgur.com/LeStz6v.gif)

Sonicyouth, a gif for every occasion.

Was initially gutted I couldn't make this with stuff on late this afternoon. Feeling less annoyed now. Seething about the score still though. What a stinker.

Cheltenham comms seemed shocked that Town fans are leaving - like we have a chance of still winning!

eurgh, england have looked so poor in the second half

The last 3 definately.

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

Whilst I  would agree under  normal circumstances.  But with our biggest game  (so far) this  season coming up and our captain one yellow away from suspension it was common sense.

4-0

Embarassing.

well, today has been a shit day all round.

(http://i.imgur.com/q7vY1YX.gif)

Pathetic.

In all honesty, I'm more annoyed by NT's likely suspension than the loss/performance. If I'd paid £23 plus travel to be there I'd obviously feel differently.

Actually embarrassing earliest I've walked out. Our defence is just embarrassing any long ball or set piece and were fucked!

Nearly 5

I feel diminished.

Silly team selection today, the big one is next week! We could have gotten by playing fringe players who are keen to impress rather than risking the likes of Thompson (who has been a disciplinary liability this season). Sometimes I wish Cooper would take a more 'horses for courses' approach rather than ignorantly plundering on with a similar starting XI regardless of the opposition.

did Roberts just say "horrorcaust"?

This was a must win game in terms of finance we are out of all the cups already, players will be sold in January.

Seriously, no words really to describe what we've seen here this afternoon.  I'll leave the analysis to someone else because I haven't got a fucking clue.  Other than De Vita, I could not name a single one of their players or list their attributes.  It's like being annihilated by a murky shade of mid-grey.

5-0 this is fucking awful, sounds like players are giving up as well

hahahaha

fuck me

Fucking disgraceful.

wouldn't have thought we have the squad that roll over and die, I'm obviously wrong

This is what has shocked me most, we rolled over for them to kick us in the bollocks.

Sometimes you just have to laugh. It's that or cry and it's not worth that.

Classic way to put city off for next week FFs!!

Only just had a chance to check the score.  Really glad I didn't let my son talk me into going.  Feel for those who've yet again wasted money to see us knocked out by a lower league team.

What is our problem with the FA Cup?  Pathetically embarassing yet again.

Thompson's disciplinary record is becoming a joke.  That'll cost us dearly in the league now.  Cooper needs to sort it out, he's not captain material imo.

Shitty are gonna rip us a new arse next week.

 :flaccid: :flaccid:
We seem to have hit a pink patch

This'll get the crowds back at the CG.

Seems like the pink shirts have got the defence joining a gay pride parade.

Fucking nancys

Silver lining?  My train tickets cost £38.  Might just hold on to them for the refund.

Our last FA Cup goal is currently Paul Benson's against Wigan

Prick.

The shirts are purple and black...no sign of pink !!!

Pink, purple who gives a fuck

Still nancys

I really hope Cooper doesn't insult the supporters by making excuses for the young defence.  I would suggest he tries to get somebody else in this week or as JJ said, we'll be anihilated next week.

Well, I haven't used this one in a while.

(http://www.reactiongifs.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/killself.gif)

Can I buy the third kit now?

I was so close to going today. Sounded like our worst performance, well ever!

No excuses Cooper please about them being young.

GET AN EXPERIENCED CENTRE HALF. It ain't fucking rocket science

Thompson - now 4 sending offs in last 19 games.

must be some sort of record

Come on JJ. A terrible performance it may be but a bad game doesn't automatically mean we have become shit overnight. We did beat Preston last week. No excuses but this does happen in football.

Not really acceptable, a couple of them might have been debatable decisions but he can't carry on like this.

Exactly....there are forces at work, when we get to Whaddon Road that cannot be explained....Numb...8 home games, 8 goals. At least they're not non-league.

Maybe CB is the cause of his dismissals - that and having to clear up after Stephens drops yet another bollock.

Really thought he was the man who would be the final piece of the jigsaw for our defence, but Stephens has generally been poor

Don't know if it's already been said, but we had 59% possession !

If it was Spain we would probably been awarded the game for that !

 :hmmm:no - a record is one of them black round things with a hole in the middle (a bit like the Swindon defence).

I bet we thrash City next week.

Shambles, when the fixture list came out I checked for any games I will have to miss and was crying in my beer that I miss the City game next week - not so unhappy now!

Probably eavesdropping on Cooper's team talks with their evil snooping machines Reg

On the plus side it could have been 6 or 7!

would you put money on that ???????

Wouldn't surprise me..... it's a funny old game!

(http://i.giphy.com/4lBRztYRqfjUs.gif)

Can we just not play in the FA cup next season.

We didn't today.

Is Stephens' loan only until January - if so, get rid

Pathetic today, truly pathetic. No fight or desire.

Better fucking sort it out for next week

sure, why not?

  :hmmm:   You could be onto something here....I also don't like the fact that their training ground is in Swindon  ;)

Brave Chap !!!!!!!!!!!!!!   (PS Hope you Win).

They had 5 shots on target and they scored 5 goals  :Ride On Fatbury's Lovestick:

So next week no Thompson, no Luongo and now, no Kasim

Branco Gladders and Reeves-what's the problem?!!

Shuuuuuuuder

Quite just got to get on with it....an opportunity for these lads to shine. We started with NT, Mass, and Yas today, but it did little good.

Why no Kasim? My connection dropped. Did MC say he can't play?

Edit: Just heard about effing FIFA>

I left after the fourth goal went in, just as I did at Macclesfield this time last year.  Will I never learn?  I'm old enough to know better FFS!

....and Nathan Thompson needs to have a long, serious talk with himself.  The Referee may well have been poor again today (most of them are) but there is no excuse for 4 red cards in so few games.  To be honest, I was surprised that Cooper risked playing him today. 

....and don't get me started about Jack Stephens!

Terrible just terrible......what else can anyone say.
Worse still thread bare against City.

Truely shambolic defending where we were out muscled, couldn't mark and out skilled. Stephens was worst culprit today, looked to me like his head went down which is worrying - we know how good he can be I hope he doesn't become a fan scapegoat.

I'm going to defend Thompson. He put in a challenge shoulder to shoulder to try and win the ball. Even if the ref thought it to be a foul I can't see how it was judged to be a ) deliberately and b) denying a goal scoring opportunity given he was miles away  - possibly last man but would the player have raced array clean through. Hmmm.

Anyway we were shit going forward too. Cheltenham put 9 behind the ball and our methodical passing buildup game allowed them back into position when we did break.

Ho hum

Absolutely pathetic , the sending off was a joke and we should appeal even if it means he gets an extra game but having said that our defending was absolutely woeful Jack Stephens looks a shadow of the player he was last season. I left as soon as the 4th hit the back of net , the only funny moment was when they announced over the tannoy that people would be ejected for throwing objects it was fucking celery

What did Cooper have to say in his interview?

'My hovercraft is full of eels'

This:


The Town boss said: "If I'm honest, we started very brightly in the game. We looked very composed and comfortable.

"Then, and I have to be very cafeful we what I have to say, I don't know how to describe it but it was an incredible decision to send the captain off.

"Having seen it numerous times it is an incredible decision, that puts us on the back foot.

"But when all is said and done we shouldn't concede the goals that we do even with 10 men.

"It (the decision to send Thompson off) was more comical than (anything else), I thought it was a joke at first when the red card came out, I didn't even think that it was a foul.

"It was a coming together, the lad has ran behind Nathan, Nathaan has not made any contact and it looks to me if he is running towards the corner flag.

"We have to give Cheltenham credit they battled well today, got bodies behind the ball, they got a break with the sending off and they made the most of it.

"We have to look at our own house and get that in order and we didnt have enough desire in both penalty box that was the long and short of it."

Should Cooper start reviewing whether Nathan Thompson is really able to play centre back, his height for headers and poor positioning are starting to cost us......I still think he is a reasonable good defender but not as centre back.......... I hope that third shirt is consigned to history like the white sunday people shirt.  The one positive today was Harry Toffolo in our defence, struggling in the rest of the team. Why Cooper persisted with Obika for so long into the 2nd half was questionable should have taken him off at half time.

They are appealing the red.

Does this mean he is available until the tribunal i.e. City game?

3 game ban as it stands

It will be decided early next week. I'm not holding my breath for it to be overturned.

Especially on the basis he's already had 3 red cards.  It's hardly like he's got an unblemished record!

Everyone was singing NT's praises when he returned after his last suspension saying that the defensive improvement on his return showed how much we missed him and how key he is to the way we play...  Now everyone is saying he is suspect at CB?

Yep, his red card record needs to be looked at, but why does him getting sent off today mean he has turned into a bad player defensively?

Humiliating, embarrassing, shambolic. I thought NTs was a yellow not a red but he's still a fuckwit for doing it. Like v the gayers, he can't help himself. He's no fucking good to anyone if he's dropped. He can't be unlucky all the time. Its obvious his card has been marked. Cooper needs to sort out the disciplinary record pronto . Less moaning about wanky refs - that ain;t going to change so we need to learn.
Anyway if NT was still on the pitch we'd have got fucked over. The players simply couldn't give a fuck. we were second to every ball and won fuck all in the air. Stephens is scarily bad at the moment and today gave a performance of ineptitude similar to Wards v Wolves. Their no 9 tore us a new one today.
On a separate note their no 8 really is a cunt of the highest order taking the piss when their 4th went in.
Our dead ball delivery was total wank and even if it wasn't I dare say nobody would have given a fuck to get on the end of it. Williams and Obika were bollocks today with a toss up as to who had the worst fist touch.
I don't think I've seen much worse in 43 years supporting Town.
I took my daughter there today so it was not a cheap day. Unless its the Scummers I'm not too bad in defeat but I'm fucking angry tonight. 

The only good thing is there is now potentially a weekend in Blackpool to be had on 3rd round day as we will now definitely head to Fleetwood, weather permitting.

Unfair, they've worked hard all week to hit the first man from corners.

Good to see de vita got a great reception both when subbed and after the final whistle. Top chap

*Some people. In both instances. And not necessarily all the same people, more of a Venn diagram type thing.
It doesn't make him a bad player defensively but a player who keeps getting sent off is a liability in any team. Sounds like it was harsh today, but 3 reds by November starts to look like more than a coincidence.

And, for the record, I really like Nathan, voted for him as player or young player of the season several times and love his attitude. But I do wonder if maybe being the anchor in a back 3 or maybe the captaincy is an extra pressure that's maybe proven a bit too much for him. Although I'd be very nervous that taking it off him now could really torpedo his confidence. Something's going wrong, though, and Cooper needs to sort it out.

We needed a cup run to bring in some much needed cash, powers can't be a happy bunny at the mo.

This is my major (or only) concern about today. A lack of a cup run will sure add pressure to sell in January,

See the "We want a refund" bandwagon is rolling again. Pfft.

Never a red today. He miles outside the box to the right hand side. A foul or not their player would never have scored from there and there would have been someone covering.

On another day we would have won 5 nil. Was just one of them days today. Would rather a cup game to lose like this to be fair.

They can do one. That's the problem with our fanbase. Not enough hardcore fans that can take a defeat like today on the chin and move on.

I'm not sure what it achieves. To be fair, you pay your money, you take your chances...

I know Sunderland paid out, but that was silly too.

I very nearly left after the 4th but I'm glad I didn't because the 5th was absolute comedy gold.

Shocking all round today, shambolic defending, they walked round us as if we weren't there. Special mention to Stephens who was unbelievably bad, not sure he won a single ball in the air today. Thompson was stupid, didn't need to make the challenge, but not convinced it was a red. Ref was total wank and really didn't help us. We didn't seem to give a shit today, pulling out of 50/50's and just very lethargic and lacking any sort of effort.

A wasted 260 mile round trip but that's just part of supporting Town. Plenty of people shouting we want our money back today but I don't agree with that, these days happen.

If you had offered me the thrashing today and a win next Saturday, I would have taken it.

All day, every day.

Didn't go today, don't care much for the cup, and spent a lovely afternoon with my goddaughters instead.  I'll be at the CG next week, though.  To me, the league matters so much more (money from a good cup run aside - and yes I know how important that is).  I can't speak for anyone else, but I'm so bloody bored of the bottom two divisions...want that promotion.

Yeah agree. I'm sick of going to tinpot teams like Yeovil and Cheltenham and playing shite. I'd rather play shite at teams like Derby and Forest.

Spot on john, we left after the 4th, fucking embarrassing

 :)Me too, could go by train and I know some great pubs in those two cities.   :pint:

A bad day at the office.

Comical defending,  Too slow going forward and a very harsh red card.  Well until 53 minutes anyway, had seen enough after the third; was back in Swindon before FT.

Expensive day out watching the town, I dont expect a refund but an apology over social media from the players wouldn't go a miss- they lap it up after a win (rightfully), a short tweet apologising to the fans wouldn't take much effort. (Only player ive seen tweet is LT).

Not looking forward to next Saturday at the moment, but like a few others have said we played shit with mass and yas today. Im sure as the week goes on ill start to feel a bit more optimistic.

Onwards and upwards.

Not sure if it was me just being a bit biased but I thought De Vita was brilliant for them, ran the show from the middle.

Is Yeovil a city ?

Haven't read back.....yet.

Utter dog shit ....start to finish.

Nobody got it right.

Chuckles selection
Tactics
Players performance
Nathan red...again
Fans decision to go in the first place...
Ref...shit but didnt lose us the match

Everything went wrong...

Silver lining Is that's it the cup....and 1:0 or 5:0 or even 8:0 we are dumped out..

I left at 3 and fucked off to the pub. First time I have left proper early since McMoan seeing Norwich stroll to victory at the CG.

We are going to have to pull some rabbits out of Arses to get anything next week against the shitheads at this rate.

I will be there.

Back home now - at last.  And plenty of opportunity to deliberate, cogitate & digest on the train back.

Conclusion: in the last 24 years I can think of only 2 other games that match that one for awfulness - the 6-0 home defeat to Ipswich in 1998/99 and the 7-1 capitulation away to Forest in Feb 2006 (my stag weekend).  What sets this one apart is how unexpected it was.

I should probably give  Cheltenham some credit, but they were ordinary and unremarkable.  Still baffled as to how this happened.  And still feel as if we should be able to hit the rewind button and play the game again for real.

Started to read back....

Refund? Fuck off....

Has anyone been suggesting that seriously?  Seriously?

Pretty much everything has been said about today.

I have no fucking idea whatsoever as to why we're persisting with Kassim taking all free kicks though. Apart from a goal a few weeks ago, they're shite.

The Celery show was great and confused the fuck out of plod and the stewards.

Knowing us, we'll dick City next Saturday with a makeshift side.

Then again...

Everything was shit, I have nothing to add to what's been said, everyone has said what I was thinking.
However, I've seen it on here that we will get a spanking one day, and if today was the day and that's it for the season, I will take that.
Massive game next week, 3 players short or not, we can do them, we are 3rd in the league, playing some splendid stuff (today aside). This team is capable of giving someone a hammering as well as taking one, hopefully we learn from it and go again.

There were a few chants of we want our money back but i doubt (hope) these werent serious and was just heat of moment fury at our shitness

Also, if you were one of them giving it the finger at the end of the game, fuck off.
If you don't like days like this, your following the wrong fucking sport, it happens, we've all paid our money, it's not nice but its football for you.

Yeah!!...

Go and support Manchester United or something!!

....Oh wait :)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7XNgS2VBuVM

Just seen the highlights, don't know if it was a red or not really, but it certainly wont be overturned.

Maybe Byrne's 'they scored and we know one goal is nothing' attitude, which if also a team attitude, could explain things a bit.

if this is, truly, what the players think, that they are so good they can always pull it back, no wonder nobody seems to bother defending properly.

not something I wanted to hear TBH

To be fair to him, I felt (and I know others around me felt) the same as well when we were one goal down and down to 10 men.  The opening exchanges seemed to make it very clear that we were by far the better footballing side.  Only at 2-0 did I start to feel that it wasn't going to be our day.

Cheltenham are possibly the most average side ever to have beaten us by such a scoreline.

This defeat stems back to the poor attendance against Preston which undermined the team's confidence fatally.

riiiiiiiiiiight.


(http://i420.photobucket.com/albums/pp282/therehastobeaway/3jz8.jpg) (http://media.photobucket.com/user/therehastobeaway/media/3jz8.jpg.html)

This is nothing more than your classic Swindon Town cup capitulation. It's not acceptable but it's what we do.

HAHAHAHAHAHA!!! :Ride On Fatbury's Lovestick: :Ride On Fatbury's Lovestick: :Ride On Fatbury's Lovestick:

That's some funny shit right there 8)

Oh dear

I think you all just got whoooooooooshed

Let's hope that's the case.

It definitely is the case!

I wasn't sure if I had been wooshed or not.

It was funny on either level though - ironic or serious.

You may be right. 

:)

With Jed rearing his ugly head again, it's a toxic combo. One game though is too soon to suggest we've been holed beneath the waterline.

Cracking day out ruined by 90 minutes of "football'

Welcome to almost every trip to Notts County... Maybe this year I'll stay in the Fellows.

Now that is a good pub.  I stay over for a night in Nottingham on work from time to time and watch the football in there

Fuck off with your sensible levelled response to my posts and pointing out my generalisations :D  I had a point to make and was gonna make it god damn you!  :P

Attended all three unfortunately.  David Johnson tore us apart in that Ipswich game if I recall correctly?   :no:

Was maybe harsh, but no way will it be over turned, especially given his disciplinary record this season and him deciding to give everything a good kicking on his way down the tunnel. Good chance the ban would be increased or they'll ask to him to explain his disciplinary record this season.

Ha ha, you made it quite well, in fairness. Just the "everyone said x" or "everyone always does x" always grinds my gears. Not just you, everyone does it :)

Well that escalated quickly!!

Dear oh dear what a shambles that looked on the highlights. Thompson was fuming to have been sent off. Kicking everything he could!

My optimism for the City game has all but gone now.

Where are the highlights?

you really wouldn't want to see them

Go on have an educated guess, it's not flipping difficult

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/29907063

Can't see enough of the sending off on that. Still maintain it was no red seeing it 'live', but there is more chance of me getting a blow job off Natalie Imbruglia than it being overturned.

The rest of it just condenses the the whole crappy day into 2 minutes-it was far worse than that, and they added a bloody annoying commentator as an added kick in the balls.

doesn't look like a straight red, too far away from the goal and a player covering

(http://i.imgur.com/E5EdIeY.jpg)

Never be overturned, in fact wouldn't be surprised if not added to for launching the drinks bottles ( one of which seemed to near reach centre circle )
and kicking the shit out of the tunnel

WHAT HAPPENED TO OUR 5 SHOTS ON TARGET?

Yesterday was shite, they wanted it more than us but at 1-0 down I thought we were the better side and then Thompson gets sent off. 4 sendings off in 19 games, and 3 this season isn't good enough. I personally don't think he's a CB and not sure if it's worth persisting with him there.

Left as the 4th went in and was shocked they only scored 1 more afterwards in the final 20 mins. The commentator on those highlights sounds like he's having a mighty orgasm - cunt! Love the FA Cup so disappointed we've gone out at the first stage for the third year running, and also we miss out on some revenue getting through the rounds.

I took a match ball home.

Thanks Sonic

Could be worse, we could be Coventry

:Ride On Fatbury's Lovestick:

Utterly pathetic performance.

Jack Stephens' deterioration has increasingly concerned me recently and yesterday confirms my view he has become a liability. He looks a completely different player from last season - the loss of Troy alongside him perhaps?

Turnbull > Stephens

I was chatting to you as we walked out the ground together then :)

Different player to last year. Troys absence got to be a factor but also don't you think the LWB in our setup provides more cover than Byrne does and so Stephens is left more exposed regularly. Watch for it in next games. Stephens has to play CB and RB a lot whereas Turnbull only has to play CB. Not that we want Byrne to change but he's such an attacking threat the dynamics down each flank are different

I was surprised at how well we'd taken it walking out, must have been 'looking forward to having more alcohol' phase! If I remember it was your birthday, so hope you had a good one despite the result yesterday!  :beers:

p.s - ball got safely home!

Sometimes it goes beyond angry and you just gotta laugh. Less so if it happens again on Saturday.

Long gone are my days of getting overly emotional about football. I was disappointed by the result but we had a top day out.

Think you two were just excited about having that ball up your jumper.

What about Bolton? That was 7-0 if I remember correctly - was at that one, too.

Yes, I walked out fo that at 6, it was 7!!

I was close to walking out at Birmingham when we went 4-1 down - it was my birthday, too.

So I thought 'fuck this, I'm off'. Glad I was persuaded to stay!

80 mins :)

Actually was 72 mins for the 4th goal
Hows your biscuit store soapy tit wank

haha,  only granola bars left :D

5-0 and left just before the 5th.
Had even more reasons to be pissed off than all you lot put together.
My seat was next to that "Phil" for the first half.......ruined the day.just had to move the second.
Sorry but I thought my fucking head was going to explode. Must have repeated himself ten fucking times of pure shit.
Rant over. If anyone is misfortunate to have to sit with him then get arrested and get taken out.
Worthwhile for sure.

Time now to move on to City.

I had him behind me at Chesterfield! Persistent.

Having had 36 hours to digest what happened on Saturday I think the anger has given away to pure shock at how easy we got rolled over. We had only lost one game by more than a goal all season and no one could have seen a defeat like that coming, my only worry now is how cooper gets it out of the young players heads because that must have wiped out pretty much all of their confidence and belief for Saturday .

I think the hardest thing about it is that Cheltenham were comfortably the worst team I've seen us play this season, and they've beaten us because they wanted it more. That's inexcusable.

Having said that, if it had remained 11 v 11 I think we would have snatched it. Sick to death of coming on here and having to moan about referees but seriously, how many of these big decisions have referees got wrong? Everyone can moan at Thompsons disciplinary record but 2 of those sending offs were ridiculous (and one caused us to get an apology from the officials!).

It's the FA cup, these things happen (to us anyway). Best just to get back into training and forget about it. If we beat City on Saturday this will be gone.

Christ, if they are that Flakey we'd better sell them on and get a new lot in.

I think we have lulled city into a false sense of obscurity.
Bad day at the office. This team doesn't become rubbish overnight. Move on.

He burped straignt in my face at Supermarine 8)

Hahaha Football Phil!! Haven't seen him for ages. Last I saw him was the last time I used the SAS Travel guys at QPR.

We had a guy in front of us that didn't understand we had some of the side stand too. So spent ages swearing at anyone in Away Arkell's.

I was going to go to that but couldnt really afford two trips in one weekend so went to the Swindon game :badmood:

You're lucky that you could move.  I had him sat next to me on an SAS coach to a game up north a couple of seasons ago. I'm still receiving trauma counselling.   :headhurts:

But most people do that to you anyway!!

Football really does bring out some absolute howling specimens. I think I have already mentioned the guy who stands at the back of the DRS, who always seems to be totally off his face and just shouts absolute nonsense the whole game. How someone gets to be so angry about next to nothing is beyond me. At least Nathan Byrne is decent this season as 90% of his rants were about him.

At Upton Park on Saturday I was unfortunate enough to be stood (the whole away end was standing, plus points) next to a woman with the foulest mouth and an awful screeching voice. I had to feel for her husband who must have been ashamed to be seen out in public with that midden.  

And don't get me started on the awful, awful brummy accents!  :cry:

Our 3 CBs are all good footballers - comfortable on the ball and great at bringing it out of defence, Stephens set up for Williams' goal at Yeovil being a good example.

Maybe that is half the problem, especially when we play the more 'rustic' teams. Their ability on the ball covers up their failings in defence - they all fancy themselves as ball players first and defenders last.

At least with Branco he doesn't seem to mind doing the basics of actually heading the ball.

The very system that makes us breathtaking at times is also responsible for the defensive deficiencies.

Is it possible to marry the 2?

Confirmed that NT has a 3 game ban, subject to appeal

http://www.thisisswindontownfc.co.uk/news/11591328.Skipper_picks_up_three_game_ban/

I wonder if we factor in the apology we apparently got for Thompsons previous dismissal? Surely that can only work in our favour.

Anyone who watches this simply cannot agree that it's a red card. The only people I've seen who seemed to think it was were all Cheltenham fans!

I saw a few tweets that it wasn't just, but on most cases they're a bunch of twats.

Problem is though that even though a simpleton can see that(edit: ha ha, no I wasn't calling you that Tails!), we have the next step down to convince at appeal.

Its not a "video evidence clearly shows.." scenario, it comes down to (incorrect) interpretation. I can't see the powers that be overruling the idiot ref based on interpretation.

So why is he not available for the CITY game if we have appealed.

Surely his ban should only start once, and if, the ban is ratified

The best apology they can give the fans is to do the Slavers. I'm still angry about the lack of effort. Don't mind losing but what I do mind is people not putting a shift in like Saturday. They were all crap. Obika and Williams had a contest to see who could trap the ball the furthest. They were all lazy, disinterested and dishonest. The 3rd goal summed it up for me.
We put out our first XI to get through. If I was Power I'd be reading the riot act as this should have been a decent revenue stream. Given last season and this the FA Cup is something the players couldn't care less about. If we get an away draw next season I wonder how many of our fans will bother turning up.

The appeal will happen in the next day or so, so well before Saturday's game.

I think the default process is to filter all application letters into an automatic 'No' folder.

Or randomly make up a rule where you get an extra game ban for having the nerve to appeal a terrible decisin a la Douglas's sending off a few years back.

Byrne said of the sending off that Wes would have got to the ball first anyway, is that a realistic assesment?

It could be argued that it wasn't a clear goalscoring opportunity, he's about 10 yards in our half, with at least one centre half running back.  So perhaps an incorrect interpretation.

Of course, this is the FA and we are Swindon, so there's no fucking point appealing anyway.

On that day, though, every time we attacked we looked like scoring. And you couldn't leave after Shaun Taylor got a load of stitches in his head, and then came back on to score with a header!

He should be given a slot on sky's fan zone commentary. When that man gets hold of an idea, it's fair to say he doesn't let it go....

We need a centre back that will deal with the initial long/high ball and get his head on it, none of the current crop are capable of this and opposition strikers are able to bully them. Troy stepped in and fulfilled this role last season and maybe Branco will become that man who knows but until we have one the high ball is going to be a major problem for us. What worries me most is over the winter months we all know the long ball is used a lot more frequently by teams which I fear could see us struggle.

If you can't defend the long ball and crosses you are always going to fall short, even at the highest level. Barcelona epitomise this they have all the attacking threat you'd ever want but can't defend as they just stick ball players at the back not proper defenders.

Just out of interest, what part of Barcelona winning 14 titles out of a possible 19 is falling short? Since you brought them up.

They had a good Pique, Puyol and Abidal who could defend during their success. They seem to have lost their way when it comes to defending, the PSG match in the Champions League this season reminded me of us albeit at a much higher level. Every time PSG put a ball in the box it looked like they'd score. My point is no matter how good your football is you need to be able to defend the basics.

Is he the really loud guy with the strong Westcountry accent??

More than likely.  Scabby clothes, not all there mentally.

Most people must have been subjected to the Phil experiences at least once. I was trapped next to him trying to get out of the away end at Pompey a couple of seasons back, I should have known better as I saw him coming.

I got caught by him once at Colchester on a Tuesday night, there was only about 150 Town fans there so he was really hard to avoid. That night he had a huge fixation with Alan McCormack, wouldn't shut up about him for some reason. Luckily he spotted someone he knew and I was spared 90 minutes of hell.

Ha ha, sounds very much like him. I've been caught on a couple of occasions, Crewe away under PDC springs to mind, Jonathan Tehoue missed a couple of good 2nd half chances in a 2-0 defeat hence 'that black guy should have had 4 goals' being screamed in my face about 5 times!!!

The last few posts have actually made me smile.
Every time I see that Phil away from home I avoid him. He "picks" people off before the game informing everyone who is in the team.
....but Saturday I was stuck. Looking back now the bit that made me smile is I saw 3 empty seats and was counting down the numbers with my 2 boys....and as I looked up I saw him.
Then in my mind I said,"fuck, ohh shit I'm sitting next to him.
Even my eldest was trying not to laugh.

The most used phrase, I kid you not near on 20 times, in that Broad West Country accent.
"They've gotta move the ball quicker...."
I actually felt drained by halftime, my neck was crocked as I sat sideways on avoiding, "they've gotta move the ball quicker." for the 123rd time.
I was completely done for. Headache, day ruined and never again.

Sorry it was a bad experience.

Is he on here  ???

"They've gotta move the ball quicker.".......:(

Whilst on the subject of random characters at the CG, does anybody ever spot the old man in the Town End, sits on his own, low down on the left hand side, white hair and will always have a drink in the legends before a game (I only tend to pop in during week games, but presume he is a regular in there) , looking like he wants someone to talk to... .always wears a dark blue coat. Must be 80-85.

Perhaps I should say hello, but then I'm frightened that he may turn out to be like Repetitive Phil and inadvertently become my new best friend.

Is he the guy with no teeth that makes absolutely no sense? Normally shouts FORRWAAARDDDDDDD??

With a walking stick? If it's the one I'm thinking of he spoke to me pre-match at the Oxford FA Cup game back in 2002 or whatever it was? Well, I say spoke to me. He was just repeatedly asking me "Where's number 7 Beauchamp then?" in a very aggressive tone, despite me repeatedly telling him that he'd retired. He looked about 80 back then, I'm astonished he's still alive, let alone going football with only a walking stick. Fair play to him.

To be fair. Bullshit Phil been going to every game for well over 25 years (always on every video/documentary too). He is harmless chap tbh, just annoying if you have to sit next to him ;)

No, that's three quarters of the Arkells!!

No-one can call themselves a true Swindon fan if they haven't been cornered by Motormouth Phil at some point.

Hey, that's me!

You're my favourite <3

He latched onto me at a pre season versus hungerford a few years I started walking around the pitch and he just kept following telling me that some other team I forget who it was was getting beat " three nought"
He sits in the same row as me in the arkells but thankfully 20 seats away

Legend has it (well, my mate Dave recalls) that on the way down to Plymouth on the coach many seasons ago, he spots a needle-style monument on the top of a hill and cries out: "Look, there's a rocket ship!"

We've known him as 'Dave Lonely' for many years, and the old guy with walking stick as 'Arthur Wiseman'. Legends, along with 'Mussolini' (a bloke who, uh, looked just like Benito), and the Stonehouse 'Aliens'.

Ah, the good old days of the Travel Club...

Does the fella who looks the spitting image of Rick Wakeman still do the coach to every away game?

Him and his gang were the most negative bunch of tossers ive ever encounted

It was more of a "Raaacket Ship"  ;D

The fan I have to sit near is an older bloke with the most high pitched voice.

He sits in Arkell's and rarely goes to away games, but he was at Cheltenham, sat in the same bloody row!

He usually just shouts "Come on Swindooooooon!" in his shriek. Anyone else heard him before?

He comes from Coates, nr Cirencester I believe, used to see him at home games in the DRS but not seen him this year.

My personal favourites were the tramp-like couple who used to sit 3 or 4 rows in front of my old season ticket seat (DRS Q42).

He was a tall fucker with a greasy pony tail and she looked like slept in a skip.  He would puff away on a cigar during the game which annoyed non-smokers around him, murmering something incoherant when confronted about it.  I remember one game during a break in play the crowd were quiet they randomally stood up and erupted into a massive arguement, he stormed out much to the amusement of a sizeable section of the stand.

think I saw him the other day but old habits die hard as I was moving quickly in the other direction.

How about Fidel Castro ? Always wears army combats, sits in Arkells, stinks, drinkers nose.

So its your fault my season ticket seat has sunk a bit then

Nathan's appeal upheld and he is available for the City game!

Fuck me!

Incredible news...

(http://fc05.deviantart.net/fs11/i/2006/224/2/6/Frozen_Hell_Engagement_by_JoopaDoops.jpg)

Surely his challenge was worthy of a booking? Shouldn't his red be turned into a yellow and he receives a suspension?

Not that I'm overly bothered!

Shhhhhh :)

AND that he attacked a water bottle and the plastic tunnel too? He should probably have been given 3 red cards! ;)

Not an option

The FA just decide if it was a red or not

Excellent! :) Bit of a touch with that result!

Great news.

Until he gets sent off on saturday.

Jesus Christ. I can't believe it. Is it April or have the fa finally made a good call. Never thought I'd live to see the day.

It does seem bizarre in the extreme, especially as FIFA have got in the act as well...

I stand next to some really annoying cunts in the TE.

Unfortunately they are my mates and I'm stuck with em.

My views are quiet and concise.

FUCK ME

Who gave who a cheeky fumble around the back of the bins to get this overturned?

Jutty

Arthur Wiseman.....the old Chippenham cinema projector man.
Yes a flash back to those Travel Club Days.

That post just reduced me to tears :)
I can literally picture it.......
"They've gotta move the ball quicker"

Wardorf and Stadler (may have not spelt this correctly) but from the muppets, always moaning.
They don't anymore to be honest.
It became a trend to moan at any player who was previously from Bristol :)

Know all these characters and recall many more over the years :)
Makes you realise how unique it is following a football club around the Country.

Used to like the Prof (lookalike from Tintin) who stood next to me in the TE.
Used to travel away on the coaches. Sadly likely to have passed away now.

I've seen the fella in a wheelchair over many years - I don't think he actually misses a game.

Usually pops into the CGH for a bevvy before a game.

Is mini Brezovan still around?

Johnny! legend

I thought I was hearing things on Saturday as I have never heard him at an away game before thanks for confirming that I dont have a high pitched 'come on Swindoooon' ringing in my ears. He is an oldish chap with big bins looks a bit like bill gates from the early nineties and he just lets out his shout like a bout of tourettes at random times during the game.

No you mostly stand by yourself as you always drop your guts & also whenever you turn to talk to anybody your eyes always hit them, but the most annoying person in the t e is the twat who does the peacock sound he is a total bell end.

I've seen him working in Tesco a few times recently

Yea.....we know your views they fucking  stink!

Never quite understood the peacock sound (I'll be honest, I hadn't previously identified as a peacock). However, it is a nice reminder that you're in the familiar surroundings of the  Town End.

Don't encourage the cunt!

Our group calls him Pterodactyl Man! 'Arrrrrrrrrrrrr Arrrrrrrrrrrrrrr'

Our group call him pumpkin head

He stood behind me at Yeovil a few years ago, I wasn't anticipating the noise  >:(

Johnny Menham,  not missed a home game for over forty years - and that's a fact,  used to do every away game as well until his father's health declined,  and unfortunately passed away. :pint:

suppose you could always join your other mate in the Arkells stand.

Just like his smelly ass then !!!!!!

Three consecutive posts is not on.

Have a word.

In the midst of today's excitement did you see Cheltenham lost 5-1 at Stevenage. What goes around, comes around!!!

As the incomparable Jimmy Greaves, who Wayne Rooney matched for England goals today, would say....It's a funny old game.

'Wise words mate'  :nod:

The Whadden Road Hoodoo is feeling stranger than ever wih a few weeks hindsight. Did Rev. Pitt take a shit there once, I wonder. . .