Thetownend.com

Vale will come at us, McKirdy to get a hat-trick and red card.

Vale 1-3 att: 7,221 (865 away)

Swindon to suffer a single goal defeat in front of 6,145 fans with 785 Town fans there.

Been fearing this one for a while and after last night my fears have increased. At the CG they were the first team to really teach us a lesson on how to play against us with a high press. If they play a similar style on Saturday on a heavy pitch then we will have big problems especially if we continue to stubbornly stick to ‘Garnerball’ regardless of the conditions and opposition set up.

If we've learned nothing from that first game then we're in serious trouble.

Spot on. They will press us high- very disappointed that Garner has no answer really to this now 23 games in

I know we really do make it hard for ourselves and the style of play is frustrating but if you went just by comments here and on social media you would think we were in the bottom 3

3-1 defeat  :D

Table is interesting actually, five points from second but also six from 12th. It's basically Forest Green and then a chasing pack of about ten teams.

We will need to deal with their long throw tactic - almost any throw in our half they threw into our penalty area - we have struggled against the long throw this season a few times.

I think they are just one of those teams that have a set of players/style we'll struggle with

2-1 Vale

I’m still concerned about points deductions if I’m honest, that’s the black cloud hovering over us. There’s not much room to manoeuvre if we get slapped with a deduction and have a run of poor form so we can’t just let things drift, we need to be getting results.

Over the past 6 matches I think we are 17th and conceded the most.  Happy to help.

I assume there is ample parking at this venue? Just checked their web page so no worries there.

There is little parking at the ground but loads of on street free parking in Bur slums.

Never had a problem parking at Vale.

Going up there with zero confidence with a depleted first team selection.

As it stands I cant genuinely see past a defeat there.

So Garner says he took Crichlow out of the team as he had an inkling he would be moving

He also said the pitch was 60% of the reason we didn't play well the other day. As others have alluded to, pitches in league 2 at this time of the year are not good. That much has been obvious all season and every season...

Fuuny isn't it. After Northampton everyone was buzzing. Since then we've put in a decent showing against one of the best sides in the world, suffered a single goal defeat away to a team near the top of the form table, and lost a RB with one goal contribution all season, and now the general mood is doom and gloom.

There's every chance we'll struggle against Vale but we're equally capable of taking the points if we can mix our attacking play with balls into the channels like we began to in the second half against City.

Cue a 4-0 win

I see McKirdy never won many friends after his spell at Vale last season!

We are just so hit and miss, at times we do look world beaters at other times we cant defend a simple through ball, its a real pick and mix pot luck in every game.

Also Ward does concern me, again at FGR he looked like the best keeper in the league, and then in the next match or 3 he has looked like barely better than Kovar at times.

Reverse Psychology it might work!

TBF they have a point, he's a good player at this level but seems to have a very peculiar character a sort of extroverted introvert? Like the attention and playing Bobby Bog Bollocks but cannot handle any criticism.


How long have you supported Swindon  ;), been like that as long as I can remember...  ::)


If nothing else we need to stop playing to his weaknesses, he is not a comfortable ball playing keeper so stop playing like he is, even when Garner had specifically told the defence not to play like that at City they still did!

In 24 hrs my nailed on trip is now in severe doubt. Originally is was me and the DNA. Then a long lost cousin who lives 30 mins from PV contacted me, so naturally a post match visit was on. The DNA then I suppose reasonably declined because he didn’t want to listen to us two gassing about the time before dinosaurs. She has now tested + so that trip is not happening and unless my DNA relents and comes with his old man I won’t go up on my own, fuck, fuckity, fuck fuck. Hey ho, watch this space.

yes but calling him a pleb seems a bit pathetic TBH how the hell did he upset them? did he piss in the vinegar bottles in Vale Park?
47 years too long it seems at times, this could be the biggest gap between good and bad (in the same game) that I can remember though, usually its game to game but this season its often 2 or 3 times in the same game.

Is that us not playing to his strengths or does he put himself into those situations with his indecisiveness? if he cant kick long then play the short kick to a teammate rather than just hoofing it long into touch or to McKirdy who wont win many header TBF, same applies to Simpson, yes our defenders at times play him into trouble but he almost always chooses exactly the wrong option for his kick, that could be something Mildy can work on in training but some keepers never master kicking so dont use it as part of their arsenal, TBF his throwing is way better than his kicking though, like Vigs.

I did wonder whether that was the reason we signed O'Brien. I don't know how long these loan deals take but I wonder if during December Huddersfield wanted to try Crichlow higher up and had agreed this in principle with Plymouth, hence why Crichlow was getting little game time?

ugh - I hate when managers use pitches or officials as an excuse for defeats/poor performances. I guess it takes the shine off the players but always seems like sour grapes in my eyes.

McKirdy v Covolan (the PV keeper) could be interesting this weekend. During the Mansfield game when McKirdy was getting riled he pointlessly barged into the Mansfield keeper Bishop, who made absolutely nothing of it and got on with it. If he does that on Saturday their keeper will milk that for all it's worth! Harry definitely needs to keep a lid on it Saturday, he's not going to get a good reception at all, which he will thrive on.

Harry will either play a blinder and score a couple and probably get booked for celebrating or he will go a bit mad and get sent off, could go either way!

Poor sod tried that against City and was given it straight back in a much worse position!

I think (hope) that only teams of City quality will punish him that badly, but many teams do press us/him into making mistakes so who knows!

Didn’t realise Flitcroft is their director of football soapy tit wank.

We better play O'Brien then, he'll be heading a lot today.

With our current form and flimsy squad, you wouldn't give us a hope today. But then I thought the same before we put 5 past Northampton!

This reminds me very much of the Forest Green game, going in to it with a weakened side against a team close to us in the league.

port vale have played one game since December 11th.

I hope their rustiness surpasses our squad fragility

Pre match bring your own oatcakes party in The Reginald Mitchell.
There are the 5 boroughs of New York, the 7 hills of Rome & today it's the 6 towns of Stoke. Yeah.

Visit no 12 to the Wembley of the North coming up as it moves into second place of away venues frequented.
A reflection of the number of times we've played them over the years. That includes Div 3 South as well, which must have been good fun for them.

It's uncanny that both clubs seem to get promoted or relegated at the same time or within a year or two. Not always in the same direction though.
They have the bigger ground but we've probably had the better crowds.
Overall expectations are probably similar as well.

Defeat is not a foregone conclusion today.
Five of our starting 11 from the first game will be different and our wildcard option will be in play.

Would have been off to see Peter Hook in London today, but that's off so Boslem it is then. Yet again.
I think we'll do ok assuming no atrocity exhibitions on the pitch today.

And unusually for a football chant, "...you're just a small town in Stoke...", would be technically correct.

Fancying a high scoring draw a la Rory Fallon comeback game. Gonna have a pound on 3-3

Thats a pound.

(https://thumbs.gfycat.com/LonelyApprehensiveCaecilian.webp)

Love that🙂!

Fancy building the Wembley of the North in the smallest place to have a football league club (for Reg). Off to BPV in a minute.

Repeat of Tuesday. 3-1 defeat.

3-2 Tuesday!

Let’s hope Vale lose control. A win would bring ‘Unknown Pleasures’.

Indeed. The beers are going down well but don't think it will be a case of I remember nothing tomorrow. There will be an atmosphere in the away end that's for sure.

Are we fully prepared to wait decades for a return to the 2nd tier?

Shit you are right! Ha. Colander memory.

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FJJeYQdXwAET3Z0?format=jpg&name=medium)

Lyden must be injured he was easily our best player on Tuesday.

I guess Lyden was the player who a doubt today. Don't let us down Gladwin.

Grant dropped from the bench again against one of his old clubs.

Grant not even on the bench today. Wonder if he’s off somewhere soon.
Hadn’t realised Aguilar was back from loan either.

I suspect that honour might go to Tranmere.....

Injured or in "the red zone". Played a lot of minutes recently after not playing much all season. No point continuously risking a player who's so injury prone.

On the plus side (hopefully), PV have 3 players making their first starts of the season.

Shame as he has been our best player in the last 3 games, he could well be borderline fitness though as you suggest.

When asked about Grant, Garner’s reply was Lyden is playing well.

So with Lyden injured (or rested) a perfect opportunity to drop Grant from the bench?

It's a good point you make. The Grant argument is kind of pointless now, he's not going to pick him - there's been plenty of opportunity to pick him and he hasn't so Grant's done for us now for whatever reason that is

Caddis talking about Grant too, hes one of the best players at reading a game he has ever played with and hes surpised that Garner hasnt used him, especially recently with injuries etc.

Newport 4-0 Harrogate

Newport were one of the best sides we have played so far IMO, hopefully Harrogate losing a couple of their important loan players means that they will fall down the table now.

When was the last time Gladwin had a good game, I genuinely can’t remember? He has been a passenger every game he’s played recently yet still seems to start every other game. It’s just bizarre.

No defender of any sort on the bench, not even Minturn?

Minturn is on loan at 'Nam.

So was Aguilar as far as we knew!

I think the plan was always to recall Aguiar at the end of this spell on loan, the same as Parsons and then after the window reassess him if we wanted to keep him as an option or send him out on loan again.

I don’t understand dropping Lyden and bringing in Gladwin in the slightest. Bizarre

Just seems a bit odd to recall a seventh attacking midfielder and loan out a player who is one injury form being in the team at CB. Maybe they rate Winchombe higher?

No way Lyden can play 3 games in a week

Fair point, I forgot about how injury prone he is

East over Gladwin surely though especially on a heavy pitch in a match that is almost certainly going to be a battle. The team lacked a leader on the pitch on Tuesday and on paper it looks an even bigger problem today.

Our bench is somewhere between lacking inspiration and about right for a Hellenic League side.

Was just talking about our bench to NMH and saying we have nothing at all on the bench that can change a game if we are losing or need a goal, or if anyone gets injured.

Why are we starting with 10 men?

Shame lyden not starting, but he's made of glass - got to protect him

Looks like Gladwin is scapegoat-in-chief today, with Conroy a distant second.

There’ll be no love lost out there today. Let’s hope we have some leaders of men who put their heart and soul into it and make sure Vale don’t tear us apart. It’s all a means to an end.

Radio sound quality a bit shit today?

First time round I liked Gladwin, but following injuries he’d another that is just a distant shadow of what he was. Genuine question, when did he last play well when he started? Rochdale at home first half in October is the last positive contribution I remember.

It is mate, really crackly and poor quality.

McKirdy and Simpson sprint into centre circle as everyone else takes the knee! 😂

Simpson headed one!

Defending in our area

It was noted!

Gladwin nearly finds McKirdy in the box.

McKirdy shot but its too weak and easily saved, great chance.

Another header from Simpson to play in McKirdy who has a weak shot.

I think Squirrel is going to enjoy the attention. Until and unless he gets frustrated.

Great shot by star man Gladders

Gladwin steals the ball and shoots from 20 yards its tipped over the bar.

Gladwin shot tipped over

Gladwin has started very well.

Good corner from Reed onto Gladwins head but his header is saved.

The cocaine squirrel will be crazy today.  

Gladwin the best player on the pitch.

Good deep cross from Gladwin that hits a head and goes out for a corner.

Simpson is looking extremely lively on and off the ball.  Hope he continues this!

This is very good football for L2.

He is, who would have though tit!

Gladwin contributed more in this 10 mins than in last 5 games!4

Short corner to Conroy who shoots but its easily cleared.

No disrespect to Hunt but we do miss KKH's attacking impetus.

Mention for O’Brien too who’s shown some very nice touches.

Not sure both teams can keep up this pace but it is spunky and fun to watch

He has looked far more comfortable so far than he did 1st half at Mansfield.

I wish Gladwin had a shot there instead of passing to Reed which finds Simpson and his shot is poor.

Odimayo looking the player he was last season so far too.

Hunt megs Hussey! nice!

GOOOOOOOALLLLLL Williams

Great goal. 1-0 Town

1-0 Williams!

Get in!

Brilliant goal and deserved!

Great interplay

Town looking very bright for the first 15. Lovely stuff. Gladwin looking vastly improved on late.

OH MY!!!  That was just nasty!!!  

We’re playing a blinder. Loving this so far.

I've noticed Williams and McKirdy seem to have a really good understanding. It's normally Williams playing McKirdy into space, but the favour was returned this time.

Well that was superb!

Town pressing the well.

My stream clearly a couple of minutes behind. What a goal. Stupid sexy Swindon.

Mckirdy movement off the ball today is brilliant.   Simpson is doing a good job as well

I think O’Brien is going to be a stud.  After he plays a month and settles in

Gladwin's getting lots of space, which helps his game. It's when we're being pressed that he struggles.

Playing more direct and higher up the pitch - not sure if that's because of our quality today or Port Vale aren't as good at pressing as Mansfield. Either way, great start!

Stupid sexy he says  :clap: :Ride On Fatbury's Lovestick:

Every one of our players has started brightly. All looking sharp, energetic and incisive. Surprised how fast we’re moving it forward, and how high Hunt is playing.

I think Port Vale thought we would be an easy touch and have taken us lightly, we are controlling the game so far.

Simpson fuck up 1-1

1-1

That was a nice shot but that player looks like a fuck

They havent deserved an equalizer and Ward nowhere near the shot from distance.

fuck up? hardly.

I cursed them. Sorry.

The fuck is Ward doing there. No where near it. Hurry back Jojo.

Ok, easily robbed.

Totally against the run of play.

Think Ward wasn't in optimal position and might have slipped as he dived. But, great strike from the PV player, who was given too much time and space.

Ward perfect there.

Keepers got to save that. Terrible goal

Ward in good position then rushing out to dive on the ball at the edge of the area. Thought they were going to get a second!

It's actually just a very good interception by the defender.

I’m with Gnasher. Think Simmo had to win that one.

McKirdy turns and beats 2 men then dribbles and has a shot from 20 yards thats high and wide.

Simpson should've done better imo.

Gladwin no longer seems to want to shoot around the box despite him being such a good striker of the ball.

Conroy long range shot saved and pushed round the post.

Conroy great strike. People doing all sorts of surprising things today.

FFS Gladwin shoot!

It's as if he's been told not to

Conroy blasts wildly high and wide.

Or his confidence isnt as it should be, hes a great striker of the ball too.

The bad bit of Ben Gladwin

Shocking defender by Vale, Gladwins cross sliced out for another corner to Town.

Thats why Gladwin doesnt shoot with his left foot.

We’re controlling most of the game really well, but surprised we’re trying to sling so many high balls into the box.

On this showing Port Vale arent actually very good.

I think Vales defending of these balls has been weak, but so has our finishing!

McKirdy goes in hard on the keeper but the keeper making a meal about it.

I think McKirdy was stupid there.

Looked like McKirdy was fouled first.

Red card for the Vale keeper!

Hahahaha lovely

Wow.

Thought Macca was off for a sec, but no it's the keeper. Pen to us

Penalty!

Wow! 😲

You never see the keeper get carded for dangerous play, never. But you absolutely should, and I'm very happy with now being the starting point

Well that’s sounded like that completely swung from McKirdy being a dead cert for being sent off to their keeper being sent off

Definite Red, definite Pen - not sure why that took so long

Sorry. I don’t think that was right. Keeper was only protecting himself from Squirrel’s run.

You can't surely be talking about the one where the keeper sticks his leg into McKirdy's midriff??

He’s also gonna draw stud marks on his chest for every game now

Kung Fu keeper

Striker gone off for the sub keeper.

 :Ride On Fatbury's Lovestick:

Need to score this then.

1-2

Really? Look where his leg is - that's not necessary.

I've always liked Gladders

2-1 Gladwin!

Protecting himself by putting his studs into another players midrift?  You think that is protecting himself?

Great penalty that.

The fact that it's on McKirdy in front of the vale fans as well is absolutely delicious.

HT 2-1!

Bizarre. It was always going to be about McKirdy today.

Brilliant penalty.

That was one of the most blatant red cards you’ll ever see. Crazy from the ‘keeper.

Keeper could have gone up with his knee and protected himself, the thrusting of the leg was not at all necessary

In all honesty I was in my football app when it suddenly stated there was a red card. I immediately thought FFS McKirdy  :D
Sorry Harry, glad I was wrong.  :)

I'd noticed that McKirdy was either winding the Vale players up, or they didn't like him in the first place. Lots of nggly pushes or shoves on him. Think that he drew the foul then, by deliberately running on to the raised foot

Good half of football there! Enjoyed it!

Just seen the clip - the keeper has jumped for the ball fine but has extended his leg in a side kick into McKirdy - looks like he knows what he's doing there as well. Any other player on the pitch and there's no doubt that's a red.

The keeper knew it as well - stayed down faining injury hoping the ref would buy it…

Agree.  He would be in the game and mckirdy would have a yellow.  

Earlier in the half the GK definitely went out of his way to hit mckirdy in the head so it was a matter of time

Well that was fun! Hopefully the pen will spur Gladwin on a bit

That is some psychedelic keeping from the Vale GK  :pint: Can only guess someone got in his ear and has told him to get a sly one in on McKirdy at some point, but instead of doing it within the mayhem of a crowded box, he’s gone full Bruce Lee whilst gathering up a long ball in full view of everyone. Excellent stuff.

We’ve been good value for our lead. Unlucky to get pegged back by their one shot. Bit sloppy from Simpson to lose the ball there, not all that much wrong with JOBs defending, maybe could’ve got a bit closer to enable a block, but sometimes you’ve just got to put your hands up and say fairplay, great strike.

May see more cards, then if this escalates and the ref doesn’t crack down on it.

Amongst the chaos that was an excellent half of football. Made the biggest pitch in England, well big, and moved it around well! They weren't near us that half

I hope he keeps talking and getting in their heads.  He hopefully knows he is winning this contest of hate.  If he keeps it up and town keeps controlling there will be more cards rolled out

Vale fans on their forum seem to mostly be blaming the keeper.
My favourite quote being...

"Someone get Lucas a red stick on nose and some face paint".

 ;D

We just have to be careful that the referee doesn't try to even it up.

Well a strangely dominant performance, all the space on the world for us unlike the reverse fixture at our place. Have Vale changed manager or something as seem like a completely different team? The pitch here is massive so maybe that’s helping.

Couldn’t see the penalty as at the other end but looking at the replays on Twitter it looked a bit premeditated, they’d seemed more concerned about leaving one on McKirdall game than playing football.
Was just saying everything depended on us staying on the front foot as if the ball does get turned over they were straight on our defence just like for their goal.

Gladwin is a different player so credit where it’s due. He’s being allowed to play all his football in their half so no defensive responsibilities which is a big help.

Shitty gone fro 2-1 up to 5-2 down before half-time - the day just gets better

Mckirdy with his second assist for that pen.

His intended challenge risked a yellow but in fact drew a panicked high boot from their keeper.

Everyone has played well.  A heavy touch from Simpson for their belting equaliser was surely forgivable. The pitch is so much more helpful compared to Mansfield's slagheap.

2nd half will be the test.

Pox 1 down at Wycombe, too

Bit like the first game, looks like one team playing to a plan to limit any threat from the other.

Great performance & good game so far, just need to play properly in 2nd half now.

Enjoying the battle down our right between Hunt and Hussey. Hunt giving Hussey a tough time on balance. Plenty of niggle left in that battle. Going to be a miracle if both of them remain card free at full time.

What a difference a few days makes.  I have no idea what Vale were doing but they essentially waved the white flag in central  midfield.

Gladwin has all the time and space in the world, and he is still pretty good on the ball.  Hasn't needed his legs.

Still very passive defending for their goal but other than that we have dominated.

Keeper was nuts, utter stupidity.  Thank you very much and we'll done to the officials for not being sucked into his pretend injury.

Spot on. Make Gladwin run and he's not effective

I hope McKirdy keeps his cool as I think they will try and wind him up this half even more.

Will have to go with the consensus on this - I initially thought McKirdy was going to be in trouble for going in too hard, but you're right that the keeper left a sneaky boot in.

Someone on Twitter this morning was mentioning that McKirdy vs Covolan was going to be worth watching, so I wonder if there's some history there?

Second half you can see PV trying to nobble McKirdy - think Beauchamp's return to the CG. Will take strong refereeing if he isn't to be crippled.

To be clear, I think McKirdy is absolutely in trouble if the keeper doesn't kick out. But you can't get your retaliation in first!

It was mentioned on here too and yes I understand there is no love lost.

Or second TBF.

McKirdy wins a corner.

A third header for Simpson!

Conroy 25 yard shot easily saved.

looked to be a standard take by the keeper up until the point he
kicked out right at the end

McKirdy has his boot kicked off in a challenge but the ref doesnt give him the foul.

First thumping challenge of the 1/2 on McKirdy

This is going to get spicy.

Commentators don't think so, but I thought that was a bad challenge on Williams

Spot on BO!

What does BO know?

FFS Iandolo what are you doing?

BO knows, the old so and so.

Town is not playing with same intensity.  

Mayo needs to be careful with these rash challenges. We’re giving them the initiative here.

We are sitting back and letting them chase the ball with 10 men trying to tire them out.

Hope we don't try and ride this 2-1 lead until the end  :suicide:

The natives are getting restless.

don't get sucked into this game town.

stay cool... stay cool

Vale getting a grip on the game this half.

Poor game management this. Not enough urgency.

Yes.  The team with 10 is controlling this half

Agreed

Agreed.

Please Town dont try and sit on the lead, push them for another goal.

Vegans beating Northampton. Suddenly we find ourselves in the auto places.

McKirdy tries a half volley after a mistake from 22 yards but its well over the bar.

KKH on bench for Villa

McKirdy wins another corner.

GOAAAAAAAAALLLLLLLLLLLL 3-1

3-1

McKirdy deflected shot!

Not sure winding up McKirdy has worked well for them.

Get in McKirdy

they all count!

What a run by McKirdy!

Nice! 😂

What a goal. It’s national squirrel day.

Woohoo. Off to get some beers in. :pint:

I'd like to see us save Williams now. Give Aguilar or JML a run out

I would prefer Mckirdy to come off now that he has his goal - every challenge either has the chance of an injury or a red card - need to take that risk out of the game

Whatever the Vale fans are singing and the players are saying and doing to McKirdy...please keep doing it!

Agree with that

Definately!

Although I think McKirdy is relishing this!

Not sure how, cannot really see where their paths will have passed to fall out in the past?

Second red for the keeper this season though.

Lyden for Williams

Lyden on for Williams.

So close from Simpson!

Great chance from Simpson to make it 4-1. Close.

Third red apparently.

Unlucky Simpson - difficult chance

oooooooh.

probably should have scored but not a terrible effort from Simpson

My app has given that goal as Smith OG?

Good sub i think - now get JML on for Mckirdy

Great break by Gladwin but his pass to Hunt is way short, great chance.

I think that's the correct decision.

McKirdy was trying to cross and I don't think it's going in without the touch from the defender

I would agree with that.

Ah mis read wiki, second in league, managed to get one preseason as well.

Another Brazilian who came into English game via whitehawk, assume they have some sort of link?,

Agreed.

I think East for Gladwin makes sense as well - 3 defensive minded midfielders to kill the game

I just want to see Mckirdy milk a walk off

East and JML on for Simpson and Reed.

He would love that.

Wrong ones off for me, but what do I know

Well McKirdy won't be going off now.

att: 6,064 (703 Town fans)

Nathan Thompson scores an own goal, maybe past Benda?

Think gladwin is spent.  Should have been him

Looks like there is a fire drill at Vale park

Unless he gets a red 😉

Negative

Benda is on the bench

Silly foul by Iandolo there, needless.

True!

Crichlow's debut at Muff not going well, 4-2 down against Sheff Weds

Back in top 3 as it stands.

Ah, fair enough - couldn't be bothered to look :D

Pretty close :)

Poor crowd from Vale, nothing new eh?

Hes only on the bench.

Their 3rd highest league attendance of the season so far TBF.

Oh, I thought somebody said earlier he was starting - my bad

No I was speaking to my cousin pre game and shes at the game(muff fan), she says they have been awful.

Vale are a horrible group of cunts aren't they, niggly tackles and then lots of abuse afterwards

If you cant beat them....kick them.

Flitcrofts influence looms large there as he is DOF.

kkh on villa bench

4 mins added time.

Northampton get a last minute equaliser and we drop to 4th

Keep up ;)

Wouldnt know who to call MotM today, for me its between Odimayo who I thought was pretty much faultless all game or McKirdy for his handling of the abuse from Vale fans and players, Gladwin played well 1st half but faded 2nd half as did Williams. JOB also played really well all game.

Sutton get a last minute equaliser and draw level with us.

FT 3-1 well that was quite unexpected but very welcomed, good performance against a quite poor Vale.

Good game.   Mckirdy is off to the pub to cause trouble  :pint: :Ride On Fatbury's Lovestick:

Akin, Hunt or Iandolo for me

Bugger! Fell asleep not long after East and JML came on!!

2-1 up at HT followed by a boring 2nd half.  Slightly wasteful but otherwise doesn't get better than that.  :pint:

Terrific stuff. Well done Town.

I have been critical at times this season and recently too but today was top notch, great result and a good all round performance again one of the favourites for promotion.

Very happy.

Fantastic result.

Nice to have a week to prep for Rovers - hopefully we manage to freshen the squad up a bit.

bring on the gas

Garner:
- Everything better than Tuesday
- We moved ball fantastic in first half
- Brilliant in first half
- Could have been better in second half
- Killed it sooner
- Gladwin fantastic today
- First goal brilliant. More patience around the box, probed and brilliant goal
- Ref should take their time. Linesman did great. Nice to get one. They came to the right decision
- Looked the right decision and a bad challenge on McKirdy
- 11 vs 10 said 'more of the same'
- Disappointed to concede the goal as we had been in control
- Didn't play with the same purpose in the second half
- Defended pretty well. Always danger when someone sent off for ref to level it up
- Changed our shape as they changed theirs
- Northampton at home, Mansfield away and PV away. Six points is a good return
- Need more and to push on
- Gladwin is a fantastic player and great guy who has had a bad time with injury. An important person in changing room.
- Aguiar came back because Chippenham didnt have a game today
- Prob look to get him and Parsons back out to get games. But will assess over the next week
- It would slow development for Aguiar if he was just sat on bench and not playing
- Huge benefits and improvements in Aguilar and Parsons since loan
- Great for KKH to be on bench for Villa today.

alongside Coutinho :)

Expected a defeat so I've been up in the loft all afternoon wiring in a light. I'm pleasantly surprised to find we've won and it seems like it was a good performance to boot.

Plus I wired the light in without electrocuting myself.

Win, win.

Twenty one pages and no mention of Burslem? 😢

We only beat ten men, but yes I’m happy sir  :pint:

Donkey tried to get a rise but got quickly closed down.

I got one in on the prediction League

BPVFC 1 STFC 3
that's all we need to know
I have a lot of respect for Carol Shanahan, along with Clem Morfuni it could be the rise of decent owners.

I had my doubts that we could play Gladwin and Williams in the same midfield. Maybe I was wrong. Is Gladwin any more mobile?

They were the biggest bunch of cunts at home as well. The difference was that officiating team was the most naive bunch of morons to ever take charge of a game. Every trick in the book and they just totally oblivious. Didn't have the first clue on gamesmanship/rule bending.

Ref and linesman today weren't, thankfully and they got found out.

After watching Tuesday and today can't see PV anywhere near it. Mansfield are fast on the rise and seem unstoppable. I'd expect top 3 at the end of the season to be: FGR, Tranmere and Mansfield. Still, if we make 3/4 good signings in the right areas, we've got every sniff.

pv have had one match since December 11th (fa cup 3rd round).

agree if as today's performance they'll be nowhere near it. But a bit cautious it's not rustyness

Interesting perspective on the officiating. Agree with the home tie and the poor officials. I couldn’t make today for a perfect storm of reasons so didn’t get a first hand take on the ref and Lino’s. I think although when you’re at a game watching the clusterfuck unfold all rational thinking goes south. I was talking to the Supermarine physio earlier and they had a penalty shout which the opposition agreed after should have been given turned down because it was in the refs own words ‘too early @ 3 mins’ into the game and a red card, again the opposition said was yellow at the worst. So, you we have accept at our level we’re going to get inconsistent decisions both for and against us. I hate it as much as any of you do but at my age you learn to accept these life’s inconsistencies. After all, if all the top games ran like clockwork there wouldn’t be VAR. But there is and even that has had it’s fair share of controversy. BG can sit comfortably on the coach home knowing today cancels out the home game.

Strange tactics from Vale today. Happy to let us have the ball, especially strange considering the success they had pressing us at the start of the season. At times in the first half we'd be knocking it around our back three and their 2 forwards were practically walking. Any team that lets us run the game like we did today is going to be in for a hard time. I didn't understand it personally. Lack of fitness from them due to lack of games?

That is mental for a ref to actually admit that. You can't base your decision on the timing of the incident.

 :toocool:

I was at the game and it looked a penalty and a lot of people said the sending off wasn't even a yellow as he won the ball. The player was protesting innocence well after the game. Saying that it was a 4-0 dicking from a very good side and 2 cracking goals from them. The officiating gets worse the lower the league. 

I agree, however it is not the first time a ref has said that.

Great result Town! Wasn't expecting that, tbh, after the home game. Agree with Ron; lot of respect for Carol Shanahan after how she dealt with the Covid season and decision on promotion. The big question, of course, remains unanswered. What did BO know about beef between McKirdy and the Vale keeper???

Well I can only report what was said to me. At the end of the season it will show 0-4 and the match details consigned to memory of those that were there and the match reports from those who put pen to paper or fingers to keyboard.

Incredible solid performance, totally dominated.
Great to have a chat with Jonny Williams after the game, his Dad a real gentleman and met a fair few players after and all were full of confidence and so pleased with the performance.

O’Brien on that showing looks a decent prospect.
Great understanding with Dion Conroy and great communication all game. Kept it tight and once the 3rd went in game over.
Just incredible this football, expected nothing today and the lads go and pull our an unexpected class performance away from home against one of the fancied sides.

Was getting a little concerned at the penalty incident. Thinking is Harry in trouble. Total amazement in the away end after Ref consulted the Lino and penalty and red card.
Absolute unstoppable penalty from Glidewin (yes).
Loved that on the road today. Take a bow to us Supporters as well never stopped backing the lads from start to finish.
Garner must be feeling good tonight.

Not read back.

Great win when it mattered and wasn't expecting anything more than a draw. A key win in respect of those important ones around other teams challenging for POs/Autos.

Most of the wrongs righted from Tuesday, although I'd have preferred these fixtures reversed (Mansfield Today instead of Tues) and could have maybe bagged 6pts from 2 or at least 4pts from 2. Alas, I think the quality of Mansfield was too soon, directly after the FA Cup match.

Special mention to Andrew Hawes today, who did a sublime job as not only Lead Commentator and post-match Interviewer but also as match day anchor (behave you lot). To do all that in live broadcast is testament to what a great broadcast professional BBC Wilts has and that many of us get to listen to. He has his critics but today was no easy task. I would give Hawes an honorary MoM award but agree with Paul Caddis that Ben Gladwin did some of his best stuff today; would be nice if he could do that a little more often!

Let's see Town chase down that auto spot now. Town are better than Northampton but of course only the table will dictate the true state of that come early May.

COYR!

That first goal was delicious.  A thing of beauty.

The McKirdy/Williams axis is so important for us.

Does love his social media, does Harry

What does he mean about Halloween? Is he saying everyone looked ugly?

Just watched the highlights and wondering about the "own goal".It might be the camera angle but I think I've seen far more "dubious" goals given to the striker

Needs to be careful. Harry is so infectious, plays the game as he mentioned the other week like a fan.
Going to be targeted to try and get him wound up.
After the game noted a couple of Vale fans outside the players entrance giving him some unnecessary insults, one pathetic Father and no doubt his Son.
Harry’s Dad ushered him away quite rightly so.
Let his football do the talking and at present the lad is on fire and doing superb.

Harry’s Dad, what a character and laugh. Millwall Supporter and we were having a great crack after the game.

I agree he does need to reign it in a little by the sound of it on social media but I also want him to keep that fiesty edge.

It cant go down well that his old man is a 'Wall supporter and he is a Chelsea fan? :)

Making Plans for ... Harry

Echoes of XTC from a former manager, Chris Beech:

Harry wasn’t happy. He lives in Harry’s world. Harry needs to find a place where he is happy for those skill sets to be more consistent

Dominance in the first half, let them play in the second but always in control.

Had to chuckle at the "is that all you take away" effort from their lot.
I believe nearly twice as many as the number of oatcake munchers that came to the CG.
Wasn't expecting 700 though and the support was outstanding and good that the interest hasn't tailed off.

Harry's choice.... nothing if not confrontational  :)

We are so lucky indeed to have Andrew.  A true fan but always measured and informed.

A complete contrast to many of our oppo comms - and indeed to the puerile commentators higher up the tree.

Just looked back quickly at the last five seasons final placings. Take away our promotion year it is either 79 x 2 or 84 x 2 for third place. Automatic promotion is certainly within our grasp.

https://www.skysports.com/watch/video/sports/football/teams/swindon-town/12517033/port-vale-1-3-swindon-league-two-highlights

It's telling that their goal was their only inclusion in the highlights.
Looked saveable at the time and just confirmed.

Idiotic by their keeper but certainly not complaining!

A rare occasion when an opposing manager agrees thats its a sending off

"I think it’s…..he caught the ball and he has kicked out. It is a stupid decision, it is a ****house decision to be honest with you"

McKirdy reminds me of Frank Worthington & Stan Bowles and so lucky he didn't have a serious injury with studs going into his stomach.

He reminds me of Robin Friday. Complete maverick who didn't care who he upset

Interesting to see that Port Vale fans seem to think teams are finding them out. Read that somewhere else

Good shout that Robin Friday.
Cracking player with a colourful reputation.

"The Greatest Footballer You Never Saw", Robin Friday biography, is a great read

I saw him play at Elm Park

Just been on the onevalefan forum and it is unbelievably fair. 34 pages as well. Credit to them.

Their manager was fair on the sending off but no mention on how good the opposition played.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=lBA-jdISch8

Good result. Haven't yet seen the highlights.  

I was 'fortunate' to win family tickets to watch Exeter v Scunthorpe.  Without any vested interest, league 2 football is a pretty dire affair. Scunthorpe were poor to say the least.

"Damp squid"   :Ride On Fatbury's Lovestick:

 He didn't hold back there on the keeper did he. So c'mon BO, what's the story?

No chance of him being put in a pedal stool amongst PV supporters now

At least he's not going to 'hang it out to dry'!

did he play for Hayes (Middx not Kunt)? I think I remember watching him play - could be a flase memory though

Started at Hayes, Enfield, Reading where I saw him play against Town then moved to Cardiff.

I think McKirdy looks like Styles, also of the Harry persuasion. It's the long hair and big grin.

I'm sure McKirdy would not be averse to wearing a pair of waist high peach flares either tbh.

Superb read.
Remember him playing when they beat us 4-1 at Elm Park.

Bizarre I know but I always enjoy my trips to Vale.
I know the place can be edgy but I in the main found them to be a grounded bunch over the years.

100% agree.  Always love going to the Wembley of the North.

The vast majority on there have been absolutely fair in calling it what is was, a clear red card. The one comment that did make me laugh though was: ‘Mckirdy was a man he would have just got back up not lay there making the situation look 100 times worse than it was’.

Never mind the fact that McKirdy was up 100 times quicker than the guy who had just kicked him square in the chest, eh? There are some right donuts out there.

Well that was fun on Saturday wasn't it? And hugely surprising given how Mansfield played against us on the Tuesday, I assumed that Vale would adapt a similar way of playing and get in our faces from the outset. It just didn't happen. From minute 1 to minute 90 we dictated play and Williams capped off a great move to put us 1 up. We carried on dictating the play but the first time Vale pressed and won the ball they went up the pitch and scored. To be fair it was a good hit by their on loan striker rather than them doing anything fancy but it was a bolt out of the blue and should have given Vale the kick up the arse. However it didn't really change anything at all. I'm sure it's been said multiple times already, but what on earth was Covolan thinking? Just an insane thing to do and a deserved red and a penalty dispatched expertly by Gladwin.

Second half you would think Vale would be fired up but again they were so so passive and in the end the second half was like a training exercise. Our third was a fluke and I was a bit disappointed we didn't really make our obvious superiority count more. Simpson was unlucky with a finish that went wide and McKirdy and Lyden had shots that went well over. To a man we were excellent, I thought Reed was the star, dictating the play and it was good to see Gladwin and Williams playing so well, although I think the former was guilty at times of holding onto the ball a little too much. The back 3 were very comfortable, O'Brien seems to have slotted in nicely.

Fantastic win which was much needed. I was watching on IPTV which means I get the home comms, which I think was Radio Stoke and they were excellent. Non-Biased, knew all our players names (some of the comms on Ifollow are so amateurish) and gave us the credit we deserved. Rovers at home next is a huge opportunity for another 3 points at home.

You still need to explain this Nostrodamus moment.

haha - A magician never reveals his secrets ;)

A lovely unexpected result!

Heard the first go in on the car wireless....i reckon the people following must of thought i had a fit!