Thetownend.com

Fancy going to this but will be under my own steam and dependant upon work that day. So what is the matchday parking like for anyone who has already been.

The Colchester bus Park and Ride is across the dual carriageway by McDonalds. A 10 minute walk across the bridge. Ignore the fact it says it closes at 2130. Think it’s about £3 to park

There is parking at the ground, but it was horrible to get out of last time i drove there

You cannot say the U's are not consistent. One game of dross after another.

If these are two of the top teams in this division it's crap.

Another game another draw. How good could we be if we had someone who could put the ball in the back of the net.

6 draws from our last 8 games.

12pts from a possible 24.

Norris came on with 4 mins to go, 4 touches all of them to give the ball away. Just saying.

A shocking game and a terrible advertisement for the top of League Two.

Can't grumble with a draw away to Exeter but as Lofty says it's the other draws that have caused problems. Think we have to beat Swindon on Tuesday.

Beaten Swindon twice already this season and no reason why we can't win again on Tuesday.

Robinson hasn’t scored in his last 372 minutes.....just saying!

Think the playoffs are realistic although the top 3 will probably stay as it is.

We really do need to win on Tuesday, so knowing us we will go and lose.

There is a reason Norris isnt in the team, because McGreal has realised that pace, power and closing down is what you need and Norris offers none of these attributes.
Slowly but surely people are starting to see he isnt that good.
If he gave away the ball 4 times in as many minutes that isnt exactly helpful to the cause particularly away from home.
I think he still has another year left after this season though so I suspect we will probably keep him as a squad player until his deal runs down, mainly on the basis that I doubt many other teams would want to buy him anyway especially if a fee is required.

I am thinking Swindon will fall away. Doyle is a massive loss, there still is the potential that Yates will be recalled and it must be about 18 months since they were going bust so must be time again for them to moan about how hard done they are even though they chucked their money away left right and centre.

I've been thinking the same, the chasing pack are catching up now. Still feels like a number of teams could win the league unlike previous seasons where one team really ran away with it.

I think Yates only gets a recall if someone is interested in buying him this window, Rotherham don't need him while they're sitting pretty atop L1 and unlike Bradford he's not denting any chances they perceive they have with his parent club being a league above. 12 goals in 24 games this season, last year he scored half the amount of goals for Carlisle in 23 games and over the same time frame as his current form, with Carlisle a more competent side than they are this season. You'd though that might spark some interest, I'm surprised Salford haven't made enquiries or Forest Green with their money bags owners.

Leaves Swindon with only one recognised striker, which doesn't bode well for them going forward.
Let's hope they can't get anyone in before Tuesday.

Ooof... that is a blow for Swindon. From having both of League Two's top scorers, to having just one recognised striker.
Expect wheels to wobble on their wagon... and/or some new signings to come in sharpish, as Monkey says, hopefully not before Tuesday - though even then, they'd not have long to settle in.

It's definitely a good time to be playing Swindon if things stay as they are! Could be on for a League double over them, probably not too many other L2 teams will have done that by the end of the season!

Swindon have signed Hallam Hope from Carlisle. Will that turn out to be a straight swap for Yates?

Only scored 3 goals this season, might turn out to be Hallam Hopeless

So seems centre forward is not his forte. As elneil says, not been in sparkling form this season either so, whilst it may have been better for us if they hadn't signed a other forward - not sure he's quite Eoin Doyle.

I quite like Hope whenever i have seen him however don't see him as an out and out scorer so with the loss of Doyle and Yates who both seemed to know where the net is you have to think Swindon are going to suffer. Over the xmas period the league seems to have really tightened up, i wonder if this is due to pitches and exhaustion leveling the playing field a little.

I have to agree, it's so tight in the League still. My gut feeling is that Swindon and Crewe will drop away into the playoffs and we'll see Exeter and Plymouth as 1st and 2nd come the end of the season. 3rd to 7th could be a whole load of teams in the top-half

Col U away, on a Tuesday night. I think a point would be a fantastic result. A win. We possibly should start asking Danny Rose if he knows any trophy suppliers  ;)

I expect a ground out 1-0 or 0-1. Think whoever scores will be not a regular goalscorer. Someone like Broadbent. From a corner. No doubt Hacker will score in 90+4

Don't take the piss.
We never score from corners.

Don't take the piss.
We never score from corners.

I parked on the road in the industrial estate, but this was a few years ago. The worst new stadium I've ever visited - completely soulless.

Not a happy hunting ground so a point would be most welcome. 

The first comment on the 2nd set must be from their clueless resident special needs quota.

Did I miss nearly going bust 18 months ago?

Did I miss nearly going bust 18 months ago?

I parked on the road in the industrial estate, but this was a few years ago. The worst new stadium I've ever visited - completely soulless.

Exactly the same,  a few years ago now but parked on the industrial estate,  not sure if this is still possible,  usually were theres spaces that close to a ground theres always someone trying to cash in. Remember there was a burger van on the estate,  did a bloody good burger with mushrooms.   Also burgers, pies and beer on sale in the ground.      0-0  will keep me happy.

Nice and local one for me - even though I hate going there.

They draw a lot of games, but had done an absolute job on us twice this season already so very, very tough to get out of there with anything more than a point.

0-0, 450 Town fans in a crowd of 3200.

Assuming Baudry is fit, I'd do Rose for Isgrove and sit in with a deep 6, get the ball to Doughty and on to one of the front 3 as quickly as possible in transition. Bury away last season....

Don't forget Lyden is available..... I'd guess he'll come back in, yes probably for Isgrove.

Good point - Lyden instead of Rose in that set up then.

Me too, Isgrove although great on his day has not been as good recently as early season(by his own admission too). Lyden will chase down anything though and often win it.

That would be my only change to Saturdays team. As you say as long as the Frenchman is fit to play 2 games in 3 days.

The kind of team we do not do well against. I'd be happy with a point.

They struggle to score.

They struggle to score. Play with Theo up front on his own. Doris is Doris. Think Nouble is injured.

Get the first goal and we’ll thump them.

Yeah Noubles back has gone and probably won't be available for the game, Robinson hasn't scored in 6 games, Norris hasn't scored in 9 games.

Is Baudry going to be up to 2 games in 3 days, especially with half an eye on Exeter on Saturday?

Although not against us, apparently. Is Baudry going to be up to 2 games in 3 days, especially with half an eye on Exeter on Saturday?

Not as concerned about Baudry now that Broadbent has performed well since he has returned.

Piss take away, but I've started dance classes with Mrs B. On Tuesdays.

On a scale of 1 to 10, how pissed off do you think she'll be if I sneak a pocket radio in with me?

Piss take away, but I've started dance classes with Mrs B. On Tuesdays.

On a scale of 1 to 10, how pissed off do you think she'll be if I sneak a pocket radio in with me?

Strategic calf injury when you get home from work tonight. Limping around tomorrow morning. Tomorrow evening "Still not right love, don't want to risk straining it further, better rest it up. You go, though, I'll stay in"

Strategic calf injury when you get home from work tonight. Limping around tomorrow morning. Tomorrow evening "Still not right love, don't want to risk straining it further, better rest it up. You go, though, I'll stay in"

Sounds like a man who's already done it.

What type of dancing Batch? I'm guessing Salsa  :)

Strategic calf injury when you get home from work tonight. Limping around tomorrow morning. Tomorrow evening "Still not right love, don't want to risk straining it further, better rest it up. You go, though, I'll stay in"
 

:)

unfortunately she knows me too well

What type of dancing Batch? I'm guessing Salsa  :)

Although not against us, apparently. Is Baudry going to be up to 2 games in 3 days, especially with half an eye on Exeter on Saturday?

I’d play him next 2 games if possible and then rest him as we need his ability to bring the ball out against the better teams, he is a key component in the way we play and a lot of attacks start with him.

Completely agree which is why I suggested resting him tomorrow so he can play Saturday. Push comes to shove, I suspect Tails is right, he'll play the 1st 60-70 tomorrow and then be rested.

What type of dancing Batch? I'm guessing Salsa  :)

If Yates is back tomorrow Christ knows who we drop for him. Seen people suggest Woolery but he got an assist for the first and won the ball for Isgrove on the second against Vale. Looking back to through the goals we've scored this season I'd wager Woolery has been involved in the build up for well over half of them.
Nice to have choices again though.

I don't think Yates will be available for tomorrow, but if he was, then personally I'd drop Isgrove. He's lost a bit of form since returning from injury and I don't think he'd had much joy against Colchester (he'll probably score a hat-trick against them now!)

What type of dancing Batch? I'm guessing Salsa  :)

I don't think Yates will be available for tomorrow, but if he was, then personally I'd drop Isgrove. He's lost a bit of form since returning from injury and I don't think he'd had much joy against Colchester (he'll probably score a hat-trick against them now!)

I was going by the post earlier that Lyden will replace Isgrove already.

Yates back in the office on Weds.

As long as he doesn't talk about football....

Colchester were well drilled defensively and we had no answer for them

Colchester were good, in fact they edged it, although a draw was a fair result. Their attacking 4 were pacy skilful players who occupied our wing backs all match and our midfield struggled to get a hold on the game against their midfkeld who were equal to everything we put at them.

I'm confident of a win next week at Swindon. Nige will be back dominating and I can see a 2-0 victory.
 
Defences were well on top today. We lacked that quality in the final third

Colchester are a good side and it was a tough game

With our relative strength in-depth I don't see City slipping up at all. It's too early to call, but I reckon City and Argyle will be in the autos plus either Crewe, Swindon or Northampton.

Colchester showed they can be a real threat and bossed the midfield until mid way through the second half.

One thing also very noticeable and very disappointing was the number of times we passed the ball back from attacking positions often as far back as JM. In contrast when Colchester had the ball they were direct and whilst I may have missed it I cannot recall them playing many, if any, back passes. We certainly have a promotion winning defence. However clean sheets are all very well but to gain promotion either automatically or through the playoffs we have to put the ball in the back of the net regularly too.

Colchester were a good side and deserved the point today.

What was different today was the level of the opposition, Colchester had some very good players on the ball who used the ball quickly and efficiently. Like us they didn't have a killer instinct in front of goal, but they were the better team in the middle of the park. I have thought all season that the best teams in the division are not at the level of the previous seasons I have been watching (two), and for that reason for the first time I have been confident of us getting automatic promotion

Colchester looked to me well capable of automatic promotion and with them and our Cornish cousins on our tail we need to keep focussed now. Swindon next week will give us a very good clue if we can make the autos, but now is the crunch time.

I thought Colchester were good energetic and a solid unit. They didn't offer much up front but dictated midfield, I can't recall the last time our midfield looked so ineffective, relying on long balls in the end to start attacks. Draw was a fair result in the end.

I'd be very happy with one win and one loss from next two games.  Much better than 2 draws.

0-2 Woolery & Doughty

Normally I'd agree with you, but the make up of the games means 2 draws works very well.

If it's 3 points, I'd much rather they came against Exeter. Not losing Saturday is the most important element of the week.

Colchester have changed their more "agricultural" style from early season to being a side that press from midfield and pass the ball well.

These comments from Exeter fans after the 0-0 draw  on Saturday.

Think we've been written off quite a bit recently after losing Yates and Doyle. We'd have done the same on the face of it, any team would struggle losing the top goalscorers of the whole division.

I think I prefer it this way. The fiction that we have 9/10 players who just kick it aimlessly while Doyle / Yates did all the hard work is laughable but widely believed.

Decided I'm going to this now!

Unbeaten away from home when I've gone so far - Exeter, Orient, Grimsby and Plymouth. Fingers crossed for another!

From what I can see it's a soulless place in the middle of nowhere with no pubs nearby, that correct for those that have bene before?

Decided I'm going to this now!

Unbeaten away from home when I've gone so far - Exeter, Orient, Grimsby and Plymouth. Fingers crossed for another!

From what I can see it's a soulless place in the middle of nowhere with no pubs nearby, that correct for those that have bene before?

Normally I'd agree with you, but the make up of the games means 2 draws works very well.

If it's 3 points, I'd much rather they came against Exeter. Not losing Saturday is the most important element of the week.

100%

You going to be going to your local game OST?

Be rude not to  ;)

Lets hope its a bit better result than last time you attended there!

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Bristol-Novelty-BW067-Short-Ginger/dp/B001GLYKMG/ref=sr_1_10?crid=3F2N0UASXNZXX&keywords=ginger+wig&qid=1580162484&sprefix=ginger+wig%2Caps%2C320&sr=8-10 (https://www.amazon.co.uk/Bristol-Novelty-BW067-Short-Ginger/dp/B001GLYKMG/ref=sr_1_10?crid=3F2N0UASXNZXX&keywords=ginger+wig&qid=1580162484&sprefix=ginger+wig%2Caps%2C320&sr=8-10)

IF. IT. HAPPENS.

i think saturday should be ginger wig day at the county ground. it needs a celebration.  :hmmm:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Bristol-Novelty-BW067-Short-Ginger/dp/B001GLYKMG/ref=sr_1_10?crid=3F2N0UASXNZXX&keywords=ginger+wig&qid=1580162484&sprefix=ginger+wig%2Caps%2C320&sr=8-10 (https://www.amazon.co.uk/Bristol-Novelty-BW067-Short-Ginger/dp/B001GLYKMG/ref=sr_1_10?crid=3F2N0UASXNZXX&keywords=ginger+wig&qid=1580162484&sprefix=ginger+wig%2Caps%2C320&sr=8-10)

IF. IT. HAPPENS.

i think saturday should be ginger wig day at the county ground. it needs a celebration.  :hmmm:

I fear we will lose this to drag everyone back down to earth after the excitement of the last 24 hours.

That's my fear too.

You'd have hoped we've learnt from the two 3-0 defeats, but the way they play doesn't suit our style at all. If we can win the midfield battle, and Grant and Doughty play like they did on Saturday, then we might nick something (plus Lyden's back).

That's my fear too.

You'd have hoped we've learnt from the two 3-0 defeats, but the way they play doesn't suit our style at all. If we can win the midfield battle, and Grant and Doughty play like they did on Saturday, then we might nick something (plus Lyden's back).

That's my fear too.

You'd have hoped we've learnt from the two 3-0 defeats, but the way they play doesn't suit our style at all. If we can win the midfield battle, and Grant and Doughty play like they did on Saturday, then we might nick something (plus Lyden's back).

Yes, I also fear the players might be thinking about the next game rather than focusing on this one.

Henceforth to be known as 4D Syndrome.  ;)

Colchester have beaten us twice so far this season, 3-0 both times.

We are poor in midweek games.

We don't have our 2 leading scorers at the club (currently).

Colchester are on an undefeated 15 game run.

In my book thats a free hit for Wellens, nothing to lose in going out there to attack them from the off.

It seems no Swindon fan is confident we can go there and actually win, so lets upset the apple cart and do it, what the fuck have we got to lose?

Nothing.

Everything to gain.

It seems no Swindon fan is confident we can go there and actually win, so lets upset the apple cart and do it, what the fuck have we got to lose

Speak for yourself. I expect us to win most games - doesn’t mean we do, obviously - but, come on, the standard in this league is dire and we should be looking at winning every time we play.

We are top of the league for a reason.

Yes the league is shit, but I never go into games EXPECTING to win, I always go into them HOPING we will win.

Even under PdC and Macari previously, when we are playing great football, I have never had a hubristic attitude as to us winning games with such ease.

Every time I have been confident of winning games in the past it has come back to kick me in the ass so thats not a stance that I take as a Town supporter, also its not one that I know of any other Town supporting mates taking, we aren't Man City, they have earned a right to such arrogance.

nothing to lose in going out there to attack them from the off.

It seems no Swindon fan is confident we can go there and actually win, so lets upset the apple cart and do it, what the fuck have we got to lose?

Nothing.

Everything to gain.

Yes the league is shit, but I never go into games EXPECTING to win, I always go into them HOPING we will win.

Even under PdC and Macari previously, when we are playing great football, I have never had a hubristic attitude as to us winning games with such ease.

Every time I have been confident of winning games in the past it has come back to kick me in the ass so thats not a stance that I take as a Town supporter, also its not one that I know of any other Town supporting mates taking, we aren't Man City, they have earned a right to such arrogance.

That’s me told!

You lot are all Reg-lites!

I’ll revisit this thread later this evening with a fucking humongous

I TOLD YOU SO!

Thats some confidence, nobody has said we definately won't win, nobody has said we can't win, only you have said that you expect us to win and not lose though.

Nobody is gloating IF we don't win, but you will be gloating IF we win? OK then.

Tho let it be said that many times in the past my confidence in a town win has been misplaced so wouldn't put money on it!

Yea for sure. The more I think about doughty and Grant in midfield the more I feel we can win this. Those two are pure class in the middle, in different ways.

However we do have a little buffer, so perhaps can just about afford bad Tuesdays at ColU and Cobblers.  

The link usually pops up well in advance - they play the BBC audio feed ahead of the picture appearing.  Yes to desktop - HDMI cable to 65inch TV and you are all set.  It's usual practice for the audio to go funky at some point.

The link on midweek games usually comes alive at about 7pm.

To see it you may have to go to iFollow then click the link for "Next Game".

Can we watch midweekers on iplayer from the UK without a vpn or anything?  And in particular tonight?

Just bought my matchday pass. How does the revenue work for matchday passes? Is it split between the 2 clubs and iFollow?

Just bought my matchday pass.

Umm coming in on the back of this ifollow stuff here, never really taken much notice before but as work is not co operating today I can’t make it. Deffo to Mansfield though.

So can I watch this live on my iPad tonight in the UK legitimately? If so how much and how do I go about it?

I just googled      swindontownifollow,  went straight to it, registered and paid in minutes, very easy,  all legal and above board.

Good start the video clip won’t play on my iPad.... not sure whether I need to download the app for my iPad, it does say for a mobile device but I’m not 100% sure if that included an iPad.

Trying to buy a ticket. Can someone tell w are we on the north stand or jobserve stand? I assume jobserve but don’t want to end up in the wrong bit

We have been sent JobServe East 1 and JobServe East 2 Stand tickets initially. JobServe East 2 is located closer to the halfway line and therefore that is the reason behind the more expensive ticket.

Do you think the new striker, Muskwe, will be involved tonight? Bench probably if he is?

Theo starts for Colchester

I like this team

Wrong thread, I know, but Bradford apparently have 6 loan players in their Matchday squad. Got no idea, obviously, if this is correct.

That is a team picked to control the midfield with us hitting them on the break with pace.

I think we would have all picked this as the starting line up if it was up to us.

Even the bench is looking stronger too.

Thinking of ifollowing but all I get is a football bouncing up and down... How do you actually buy it?

Thinking of ifollowing but all I get is a football bouncing up and down... How do you actually buy it?

Using Firefox on Windows 10... the page loads fine but not if I'm signed in. Strange.

I can't watch either. All I've got is the text 'Lineups are announced and players are warming up'.

Have you clicked on ifollow...next match?

I get that sometimes, try The Edge sometimes one works then not the other.

iFollow stream online already, no sound yet though for those that have not used it before this is pretty normal.

Cant remember who said it but bouncing football usually equals using Chrome. It really doesnt like Ifollow switch to firefox.

First time for me,  logged in straight away, all working perfect,  very impressed.  (No I don't work for ifollow).  Just hope I get value for money !!!.

Looks like a good turnout by Town Fans.

But otherwise their little stadium is typically sparse. They really are appallingly supported aren’t they.

Donaldson scores for Bradford  :eek:

We keep losing our footing in their muddy area.

That looked miles offside

That looked miles offside

Crawley one up at Plymouth,   about the only one going for us at present.

The play offs beckon.

The play offs beckon.

Att: 3258 ( 338 away )

It might just be that he's describing us scoring a lot, but I do think Andrew Hawes has improved a lot as a commentator.

Vale equalise against Exeter.

Doughty runs thro into the box but his shot is saved by Gerkins legs!

Have DJ and Ronaldo ever been seen in the same room together?

Sounds like Gherkin is having an absolute blinder.

Vale winning

How long left!!!

With Doyle and the way we are playing we are going to destroy some teams.

Could do with a second.

Norris looks like he's carrying some extra luggage.

He's going to score, isn't he?

Their left back is rapido

I would get Rose on for Lyden, I think he is knackered

Woolery has been poor this evening, he is so fucking frustrating to watch.

Woolery has been poor this evening, he is so fucking frustrating to watch.

Woolery has been poor this evening, he is so fucking frustrating to watch.

A flattering scoreline for them.

We'd have won this if we had a striker on the pitch.

A flattering scoreline for them.

We'd have won this if we had a striker on the pitch.

I blame Audrey.

Gerken MOM. Says a fair bit.

Just got to learn to take our chances when we're on top, had we done so we would have walked this game.
To be fair,  overall they looked by far the stronger side

Really? Stronger physically, presumably...? In the game I saw we were the better team, but fucked up with poor defending in the last 10 minutes.

Forget and move on.

There is every chance we could win every home game left this season.

Indeed.  Of all the games I have seen, this Colchester team (with the big lads up top) and Newport are the only ones who've bullied us.  The rest can try and have big players but are less competent.

We've still, to play Cheltnumb.

There is every chance we could win every home game left this season.

Starting with Exeter. I would have taken 2 points from Colchester and Exeter, but we could still take 3.

We're likely to win a fair few away from home as well. After Saturday, our run in is relatively easy. I've not had a proper look but I think those around us have a few games against each other.

And we're likely to have a striker or 2 on the pitch come Saturday.

Muff have scored - condenses the top a bit more.

Probably the favourites for the league now to a neutral I’d imagine.

Why did Plymouth k.o late? Crowd congestion? 😊

Why did Plymouth k.o late? Crowd congestion? 😊

Not defending set  pieces, sure but also giving away too many free kicks in dangerous positions.  Nouble and Norris joining Robinson just overpowered us on a pudding of a pitch. Wellens missing the chance to bring on Broadbent and perhaps Rose to shore up midfield in place of Woolery (who had worked hard in the first half but flagged and turned to shit)

All credit to Colchester with their bold substitutions at a time the match threatened to slip away from them.  They've destroyed us twice late on at their's now and had a clinical win at ours to make a hattrick of 3s.  Fair play.

Don’t really know Wellens doesn’t like making substitutions in these circumstances but guess he knows best.

How many teams top after 30 games don;t go up Reg?

Wellens:

Yates - will ring them tomorrow..

Doyle - wait and see tomorrow (didn't say it was done)

Also Wellens

Muskwe - big strong and quick feet, watched few times scored against league oppo in trophy

Thought players were over confident, too many flicks/tricks at 0-1

Worst 20 mins for last 13-14 games

Isgrove injured in warm up

Keeper pulled off 3-4 wonderful saves; shouldn’t have let him have the chance to save wit better finishing.

With Hope, Muskwe and potentially Yates and Doyle signing today, I can imagine we'll be shipping at least one out this week.

Yeah after all that I said yesterday, he pretty much summed up exactly what drives us up the wall about him last night.

Sent from my CLT-L09

Interesting Flashheart - I think it'll pan out as us, Plymouth and Exeter as the top 3, with the title going to the last day.

I did some numbers.

These are the average league positions of who the top 4 have yet to play

Swindon   15.06
Exeter      13.52
Crewe      13.00
Plymouth  12.83

I don't know what you can make of that, other than we have the easiest run in on paper.

I also went through and guessed the points haul of each team in their remaining games. It was quite rudimentary - going by nothing more than the opposition's league position and whether the game is home or away. The final point tallies were:

Swindon   96
Exeter      95
Plymouth  95
Crewe      90

This assumes a draw on Saturday - big game.

I might get around to adding a couple more teams because there's others still in the mix, but I need to get some work done.

I’ve always thought it better to be playing teams in mid table nothingness toward seasons end, rather than teams scrapping it out at the bottom. Not sure there’s any science to back that up mind, just the assumption that an average team on the beach in April will be easier to play than a shit team fighting for their lives

ColU and Newport did the double on us so I don't put it down to the pitches.

Colchester & Newport remind me of Millwall & Preston in the Play Off season, in terms of how we match-up against them.  Millwall & Preston both just looked to have our number that season.  Once they got one tonight, and we hadn't stretched the lead, the writing was on the wall.  Those are the only two teams I've seen this season who I get that feeling with.  Lincoln were the previous owners of said title in the past couple of seasons.

I’ve always thought it better to be playing teams in mid table nothingness toward seasons end, rather than teams scrapping it out at the bottom. Not sure there’s any science to back that up mind, just the assumption that an average team on the beach in April will be easier to play than a shit team fighting for their lives

Did he say much?

What about Northampton?

I'm more worried about that game than Saturday's match. Get these two games out of the way and onwards

I would go along with all of that. Would just add, if Woolery does leave before the end of the window I will not be crying myself to sleep...

Luckily for us, we're at our lowest, squad wise, and just about to come through the toughest run of the season, and we're still top.

3 more additions this week, players returning from injury, weather improving, favourable run in.... we won't get a better chance to get out of L2 than this.

As things stand, it looks like there isn't a really outstanding team this season

If you read the forums of other teams fans then you would realise that WE are the outstanding team in their opinions, pretty much every team we have beaten have said that.

Even outstanding teams lose at times, Barcelona/Real Madrid/Man City etc never go a season without losing.

I would say there at least 8 sides who would reckon top 3 isn't out of the question, of which we're one.

Highlights show that their No. 2 plays DJ marginally onside after Doughty's visionary assist. Also show Grant uncharacteristically weak for two of their goals. I think we just have to put that defeat down to the lack of squad depth.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4N_JhSAPBPU

It was definitely a 7/10 Grant and not a 9/10 Grant yesterday.

If you read the forums of other teams fans then you would realise that WE are the outstanding team in their opinions, pretty much every team we have beaten have said that.

Even outstanding teams lose at times, Barcelona/Real Madrid/Man City etc never go a season without losing.

I don't much go by what is posted on other fora, I prefer to look at the numbers.  

Outstanding teams by definition stand out, like Lpool this season.  We certainly had a good spell, but if you look at the latest 5 game form guide, it's only FGR and Bradford of the top ten who have fewer points.  I don't think anyone is much surprised we're in damage limitation mode.

I prefer to go by what opposition fans/management are saying than just "numbers" and this season far more than half of the teams we have played and also their managers have been praising us almost to a man this season, all saying we are easily the best football side and the best yeam in the league, I like to go by what the professionals say.

The host of the Football League show on Quest, Colin Murray, is always saying how we are easily the best footballing side and the outstanding team in this league as are all of his guest, all ex footballers like Sammy Parkin, Ian Holloway etc.

They all say we are the best team in the league by a long way, also we are top by 2 clear points and IF we can beat Exeter on Saturday that will be 5 clear points if Crewe don't win.

We are 11 points clear of 8th place too, surely thats top on numbers too?

Oh another random note, Michael Doughtys agent ended up sitting next to us last night.. or so he claimed.

I don't much go by what is posted on other fora, I prefer to look at the numbers. 

Are you sure it wasn't Football Phil?   ;)

Me too and we're top! Win Saturday and the gap gets bigger...

You do realise that managers often say stuff about a side by way of tactics... nothing to do with what they really think.

Pundits got to say something and are often well wide of the mark.... there are one or two, who are worth a listen but mostly not.

Lot of these managers praising us have been managers from L1 and the Championship that they have had on as guests.

Almost most pundits on there, other than the presenter, have been football league players themselves so surely they must have some insight?

I am guessign that you don't watch it and listen to the comments then?
 
Or is that  just down to fans to have an opinion now so we can safely ignore ex players and managers?

Exactly...... nothing to do with what punters on other fora say or media pundits, but hard evidence, you show you're better than others by beating them.

EXACTLY! as we are! so you have disagreed with yourself. We are top therefore we have been the best so far. The outstanding team so far.

But we have a fragile lead which at this point of the season, just puts us in the mix. Nowt wrong with that makes it interesting.

But we have a fragile lead which at this point of the season, just puts us in the mix. Nowt wrong with that makes it interesting.

We are the best team in this league. FACT! I've known it since we ripped Orient a new one in September. It's not up for debate as far as I'm concerned.

Agreed....I went to the first home game of the season and said then that we would win the league. I've seen nothing since to dispel my optimism.

Last night Town were a class above Colchester and on almost any other day would have buried them. Some defensive sloppiness did for us but that hasn't happened often this season and if 2 or 3 of the chances created had been put away I doubt Colchester would have scored. They must have gone away from the game not believing their luck.....

I was trying to remember after which game it was that I compared us to 95-96, Reg will no doubt tell me.

I haven't changed my mind on that - when we play to our best, we are head and shoulders above the league.  Very few teams attain that every week, so some teams will have had the better of us on the day, and then there are two teams that (when they play a certain way, under certain conditions and with the right players out on the pitch) have our number based on physical attributes, not technical.  There are other teams that play that way but they don't have the right blend to be better than us when we are on form.

Just to be clear - that still needs us to be playing well, we can still slip up and look poor, so some fans of other teams may not see it from us.  Across a season though, this type of team rarely avoids being in the mix at the top.

We won't win every game left from here, but we will win many more than we lose, and that will see us up I believe.

What a strange game. Swindon's old boys have well and truly haunted their old team.

Deano saves again. Must be man of the match.

He won this game for us really, we'd have been dead and buried if not for him

Well that was a bit of a turn around, from absolutely dire to totally on fire.

We were abysmal for an 65 mins

Forgot to give Deano credit, that save in the second half down low from the header was top class. Swindon would have been out of sight without him.

I thought we were pretty poor tonight, we had a spell for the first 25-30 mins where we pushed them back and did get a few opportunities but could not take them but everytime they did get the ball down they were able to walk through us. I don#t think the pitch helps, it seems to really slow the game down and the likes of Harriott and Bramhall who have blistering pace are almost nullified by it.

I didn't enjoy the first 65 minutes much.

And Swindon did give us a hand by largely sitting back and time wasting after we equalised. If they had still gone for it it could have been a different game.

Gerken pretty well played Swindon on his own for 65 minutes. Slight exaggeration but it was certainly his best game since returning

So weird that we have now played Swindon three times and the script has been similar each time. They dominate with good football which we struggle to contain but they can't finish, or meet a keeper in great form. Then we win it with three late goals.

On another note - what a difference a good set piece delivery makes.

all three goals came from set pieces. It certainly looked to me like everyone had put themselves into specific positions to work those goals, not sure that would have happened if the shape wasn't pre-defined in training.

What a brilliant win. As has been previously said, Gerken was magnificent and kept us in the game. I couldn't help thinking if we'd have had Gilmartin in goal, we would have been dead and buried by half-time.

Swindon were a good side, the number 10 Doughty was bossing midfield and they looked dangerous going forwards. I always thought they had a mistake in them at the back, but we played poorly in the first half so were not able to take advantage.

It was lovely to see Swindon's time wasting tactics backfire. I was surprised that even at 1-1 they continued to slow things down to run down the clock. They had been on top for most of the game and have Exeter breathing down their necks in 2nd place, you would have thought they would have wanted to make more effort to win rather than be satisfied with a draw.

I was trying to remember after which game it was that I compared us to 95-96, Reg will no doubt tell me.

I haven't changed my mind on that - when we play to our best, we are head and shoulders above the league.  Very few teams attain that every week, so some teams will have had the better of us on the day, and then there are two teams that (when they play a certain way, under certain conditions and with the right players out on the pitch) have our number based on physical attributes, not technical.  There are other teams that play that way but they don't have the right blend to be better than us when we are on form.

Just to be clear - that still needs us to be playing well, we can still slip up and look poor, so some fans of other teams may not see it from us.  Across a season though, this type of team rarely avoids being in the mix at the top.

We won't win every game left from here, but we will win many more than we lose, and that will see us up I believe.

I would agree with you Rob, that season under Muckmahon we totally outplayed most teams that season with ease, we were head and shoulders above the average dross that year.

Hull and Swansea that season we absolutely tore apart at a canter, as we have done to several teams this season.

There is a feel that we are far better than most teams in this league and rightly so.

Back in the 80s there was no transfer window and a lot less dependancy on the loan market.

Modern football dictates that seasons are more of a roller coaster affair for most sides.

Back in the day it was injuries that got you!

85-86 we did start badly but even then there was a feeling around the club that we would easily win the league, which we did.

Not sure about that. I remember the first few games were pretty poor quality and the fans that I mixed with at the time were all moaning. Once we started winning, though, I agree that confidence was high and there was a general feeling of invincibility.

Not sure about that. I remember the first few games were pretty poor quality and the fans that I mixed with at the time were all moaning. Once we started winning, though, I agree that confidence was high and there was a general feeling of invincibility.

Back in 85/86 we had the run about this time of year of 6 away games in a row, won the lot and got 13 points ahead of the next auto competitor with the postponed home games in hand, that's the sort of thing that tells you're better than the rest. 

There was a feeling pre season that we would get promotion after we finished the end of the season before with just 1 defeat in 10 games following the reinstatement of Macari as manager at Easter. There was a real upturn in feeling at the club.

Yes we started badly and a few fans were on the edge of turning on Macari but nobody gave in and Macari got in younger players rather than the early season useless fuckers Jake Findlay, Tony Evand and the old fave Dave Moss, none of those worked so we replaced them with players who were raw and it took a few weeks to gel but they did and we never looked back.

Although being top of the table can also be a hint that you might be the best team so far.....

:D Tony Evans....ran around a lot but was generally pretty useless. I was disappointed with Dave Moss as I was looking forward to seeing him play, having missed out on him first time around.

I have a vague memory of Allen saving one back into his own goal after it hit the bar in his Testimonial style game against Chelsea?  Or have I just been dreaming?

I have a vague memory of Allen saving one back into his own goal after it hit the bar in his Testimonial style game against Chelsea?  Or have I just been dreaming?

Jimmy Allan?

Haha definitely not, although I did see him there! (heard him first, obviously)

Me too. Made sure not to make eye contact, as always!

Never ever make eye contact with football Phil!

That is indeed how I have seen him at games!

Probably dreaming, there is a certain detachment from reality with your stuff atm.    You may be confusing Kenny with Jimmy Allan who had a benefit for long service in 86.... Kenny may have played mind.

Back in 85/86 we had the run about this time of year of 6 away games in a row, won the lot and got 13 points ahead of the next auto competitor with the postponed home games in hand, that's the sort of thing that tells you're better than the rest. 

Were any of those opponents in that run in the top 3/6/10