Barnet v Swindon Town Matchday Thread

[Peter Venkman]

I think Norris had a better game defensively yesterday, getting his head to numerous set pieces delivered in to our box.

Funny you should say that, I thought he looked better against Notts County when he was defnding, hes a big lump that can get in the way of things but his control at times is some of the worst I have ever seen.

Maybe you have hit onto something, Andy Rowland did it successfully, Warhurst, Dublin and Sutton have all done it at a good level too.

[Abrahammer]

He is what he is, an average league 2 striker.

Nothing wrong with that

[FreddySTFC!]

Funny you should say that, I thought he looked better against Notts County when he was defnding, hes a big lump that can get in the way of things but his control at times is some of the worst I have ever seen.

Maybe you have hit onto something, Andy Rowland did it successfully, Warhurst, Dublin and Sutton have all done it at a good level too.

Matt Elliott was also handy in both boxes.

[Panda Paws]

Norris is quite useful in our own box - he made a number of decent clearances in the final moments yesterday.

In general, we weren't great but good enough to beat a poor Barnet side. Never really looked under any pressure seeing the game out, and actually had some really decent openings to put the game further beyond them.

Individuals wise, Iandolo struggled defensively first half against JCR, mostly because he was fairly isolated, but one v one he was really good second half, and Preston seemed to back him up and bit more too. Also, his set pieces were a real threat.

Back 3 were fine - perfectly suited to this type of game. Robertson on the ball is hilariously bad though. Knoyle did ok but wasteful in the final third.

Was probably Dunne's best game for us (that I've seen), but again he's suited to that type of game. Linganzi.... meh.

Front 3 were busy, but just lacked a little bit of quality/composure/decision making. They had plenty of opportunities to work something together to give one of them a good chance but just weren't good enough.

All in all, a par performance, which was enough.

[ferret]

I agree that he's more effective defensively. Peacock ended up that way for us.

I think his confidence in front of goal is totally shot, and he's therefore happier at the other end.

If there's potential for that to work, great. But, regardless of whether he's viewed as a decent forward, it's hard to dispute that some cover is needed for him.

Unfortunately when Power spoke last week he seemed more intent on getting cover in defence, which I don't think is necessary at all.

[Bogus Dave]

Luke Norris isn’t very good

[Reg Smeeton]

Luke Norris isn’t very good

Luke is a decent enough Div 4 player.  As last season showed Div 3 is probably a step too far for him.  However we're in Div 4 so he'll do just fine.

[Riddick]

Luke Norris is awful!

His Notts County goal only went in because of a deflection. He scores penalties (which we have had a large amount for some reason), but in open play the guy is terrible. He can barely win a header, his anticipation and movement are severely lacking.

Our entire game under kick and rush Flitcroft is going back to front as quick as possible, we need a forward who can allow us to do that properly.

We need at least one forward, probably two given Smith has gone.

[Don Rogers Sock]

Akinde would be ideal

[RobertT]

Akinde would be ideal

Agreed.  A lump in the role would be better.  Norris just isn't up to it I don't think.  I'd actually say he isn't even a Div 4 player - the issue I suppose would be can anyone else put a penalty away?  In our team, set piece specialists are probably worth a position.

[Reg Smeeton]

Our entire game under kick and rush Flitcroft is going back to front as quick as possible, we need a forward who can allow us to do that properly.

You do realise that this is largely how football is played in England... and to get a top end operator is hugely expensive, look at the fees paid out for a Lukaku, or Diego Costa.

Andy Carroll was for a while the record British transfer fee when the Scousers bought him from Newcastle.

 It's axiomatic that in Div 4, you're not likely to get a top end operator, but rather a limited player, which is what Luke is. The key is that he works hard for the team, which Luke does.

[ronnie21]

I agree that he's more effective defensively. Peacock ended up that way for us.

I think his confidence in front of goal is totally shot, and he's therefore happier at the other end.

If there's potential for that to work, great. But, regardless of whether he's viewed as a decent forward, it's hard to dispute that some cover is needed for him.

Unfortunately when Power spoke last week he seemed more intent on getting cover in defence, which I don't think is necessary at all.

How many genuine centre backs have we actually got?  Not incluuuding Conroy!

[Panda Paws]

You do realise that this is largely how football is played in England... and to get a top end operator is hugely expensive, look at the fees paid out for a Lukaku, or Diego Costa.

Andy Carroll was for a while the record British transfer fee when the Scousers bought him from Newcastle.

 It's axiomatic that in Div 4, you're not likely to get a top end operator, but rather a limited player, which is what Luke is. The key is that he works hard for the team, which Luke does.

And we saw with Harry Smith that while someone might look right on paper, on grass there's a good chance they won't improve us at all.

We'd be likely getting someone in from the level below, and there's really not much quality down there when it comes to big target men.

Akinde is constantly linked with a move away from Barnet but really didn't look up to much at all yesterday, goal aside. didn't look anywhere near fit enough. If we're going to have a real go this year, and there is money there (or we can raise it through sales) then maybe Ikpeazu, or Reuben Reid, or worth a bid.

[Reg Smeeton]

And we saw with Harry Smith that while someone might look right on paper, on grass there's a good chance they won't improve us at all.

We'd be likely getting someone in from the level below, and there's really not much quality down there when it comes to big target men.

Akinde is constantly linked with a move away from Barnet but really didn't look up to much at all yesterday, goal aside. didn't look anywhere near fit enough. If we're going to have a real go this year, and there is money there (or we can raise it through sales) then maybe Ikpeazu, or Reuben Reid, or worth a bid.

For me Luke is OK in Div 4. atm we're doing OK for goals from around the team, but could do with Keshi, Kaiyne or Paul Mullin, getting a few more than current rate.  Keshi is the one I wonder most about, I wouldn't be surprised to see him go back this month, but get a feeling that if he was signed, got some games and that sense of not being on loan he could develop.  Woolery shows signs of improving and Mullin is steady Div 4, with some potential.

[ronnie21]

And we saw with Harry Smith that while someone might look right on paper, on grass there's a good chance they won't improve us at all.

We'd be likely getting someone in from the level below, and there's really not much quality down there when it comes to big target men.

Akinde is constantly linked with a move away from Barnet but really didn't look up to much at all yesterday, goal aside. didn't look anywhere near fit enough. If we're going to have a real go this year, and there is money there (or we can raise it through sales) then maybe Ikpeazu, or Reuben Reid, or worth a bid.

Akinde has only scored four this season but has spent a long time out with injury so I guess his fitness levels are not where they should be.