Thetownend.com

Wimbledon 1 Swindon 1 Att 7,959 (1140 Town fans)

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=WYCWzWJaM7I

Did we sell out? Looking forward to this one.

Jaiyesimi to score

And Davison

Yes we did, I think it was 1,150.

Heading into town for this one. First time at Plough Lane for me. Davison will get one round of applause from me. Could have done with him this seaon

Thanks, lays hope we can celebrate at 5.

Davison hasn't played for them since 11/03/23. A 2-1 loss to Doncaster, he scored too!

Possibly injured? or a fall out?  :hmmm:

No game time in over a month, a last 2 minute cameo and a goal to top it.

Any idea where Ton fans will be congregating for a pre match tipple?

The fat ones?

The Three Tuns maybe?

Wimbledon 2-1 Swindon
Khan to score
7,155 (1,150 Town)

I know the area well. Lots of good pubs in and around Tooting. JJ moons is the spoons. The Sultan and the Charles Holden near Colliers Wood are not far away with the former being an ale pub. Wobbly Bob and I will sink a few in all of those I expect.

Topple, surely?

Can anything top the Sir Robert Peel in Kingston?

I remember when they played at the Kingsmeadow ground. Must have been as far from a pub as it is possible to be in London! There was a particularly wretched 0-0 there I think...

That may have been the game I was at. I was sat behind the dugout and at the final whistle there were a handful of boos from our fans. Ross Embleton was far from impressed after hearing the displeasure!

I borrowed a mate’s Wimbledon season ticket for that one. I stood still as a statue when they were awarded a pen while everyone around me cheered. We saved the pen too. That was a crap game.

Some of you guys on here may remember Sutton Red who sadly lost his battle with Covid around a year ago. He's sadly missed and the London Reds will, on 59 minutes (as per the scoreboard clock) be chanting 'One Paul Arnold' in his honour. His wife and daughter will be there tomorrow and it would be great if as many as possible could join in.

Thank you.

Pre much early morning pick me up in The Willow Walk.
Always best to be suitably fortified before heading saaf of the river.

A visit to a new ground is always of interest.
Pity that the 1200 or so travellers won't be there under happier circumstances on the 11th anniversary of a promotion out of this league.

Taking the original Wimbledon & the offshoot clubs into account this is the 5th ground that I will have seen the different flavours of Dons play at.

Good test today to see if the recent improvement can be maintained against another side with nothing to play for.
It would be an encouraging sign if it is.
Effort & commitment is not a tap that should be turned on and off as & when players feel like it.
Any that switch off today are probably best moved on to pastures new for next season.

Sadly no time today to visit the birthplace of Wimbedon's most famous son & once Britain's thirstiest thespian, the late great Oliver Reed.

Don't think that we'll lose today, but defeat would come as no surprise.

Have you read 'Hellraisers'? It is a book about Reed, O'Toole, Burton and Richard Harris. Some heroic antics.

I have. Good read!

Will do. Good man was Paul

I'm sorry to miss the tribute chant. RIP KR

I've shared your post on Twitter Bob so that it makes sense to those that are it and are there

Just a thought, but, since some of you know the fella on the microphone, could you get him to mention it beforehand? Or could he announce Sutton's name on the 59th minute to cue the crowd? 

Thanks Adje


Thanks Batch, that's much appreciated. I personally won't be there but will be joining in at home. I only met him a few times at Swindon games but he was a brilliant guy with a cracking sense of humour. Raised a glass of red last night in his memory.

Just one thing. I'll be disappointed if Jephcott doesn't start. And I hope we sign him on a permanent. There's a good player in there I reckon

That was readily apparent from his contributions on here.
Sadly missed.

I think there is a player in there but hes just not been consistant enough for me to warrant him being offered a contract.

That said, he has 4 games to claim a contract with us, he contributed more on Tuesday than Austin does recently, but when put in the same goalscoring positions my money would always be on Austin to score, Jephcott had 3 great chances in Tuesday and fluffed them all, the best being the "only the keeper to beat" from 12 yards which the keeper made a good save on.  For me Austin would have buried that.

Also he has to chances early in the game which in the same position Austin would have probably hit the target with, but its debatable if Austin would actually have been quick enough to get into the same position.

if only Austin had Jephcotts legs and Jephcott had Austins finishing.

Phil smith on comms today

Ah, that's who was in the pic chatting to Charlie A. Couldn't work out who it was!

Where was the picture🤔

Totally agree with all of that.

Think I would only be looking at Austin next year as a player/coach to sit on the bench and see out games (if he was on incredibly low wages and working on his coaching badges).

I've written Jephcott off. But if he runs around like last week in the last 4 games and shows last week's poor finishing was just rustiness then I would think about him as part of the squad next year. Although, I think we have one development striker in Wakeling (that we are committed to keep - or sell!)

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FuUdHw2WcAEpJou?format=jpg&name=4096x4096)

Hepburn-Murphy, Blake-Tracy and Kadji are replaced by McEachran, Lavinier and Cain.

Saidou Khan captains the side while Academy youngster Jaxon Brown is named amongst the substitutions

No FBT, Austin or RHM.

Who’s Brown?

FBT & RHM injured, Brown is an accademy player

How tf we lining up with that.

We seem to have a keeper, two full backs, two centre backs, two strikers and four central midfielders.
Diamond would make most sense I guess

4-4-2

FBT and RHM both injured, Brown is a youth team fullback who has captained them.

https://youtu.be/yzMZWq0ZUa4

Good enough line up to win!

Like the idea of Wakeling and Jephcott working together as a proper forward partnership again. Last time I remember seeing that was the (almost mythical now) win at Mansfield? I’ve erased 90% of the matches since then in my memory, I should point out.

 khan captain? doesn't strike me as a good choice

I would still happily take DJ back if he was available in the Summer, he is a bag of tricks, not all work but he is a livewire.

He is something akin to McKirdy, they make things happen out of nothing even if his final ball can be poor at times.

I never fully bought in to DJ. I'm not convinced he knew what he was trying to do half the time

I'd have him back, but not breaking the bank for him

I wouldnt break the bank for anyone but if he is freed in the Summer I would have him back 100%.

And the not knowing what he was trying to do....that is very McKirdy, often what lower league wingers are all about, sometimes it doesnt work but when it does ita great to watch. With the skill he possesses if it works every time he wouldnt be playing in L1/L2.

I would have him back if he was cheap but would prefer Tyreece Simpson if he was every available

I actually think McKirdy did know what he was trying to do. And had the kind of season where it almost always came off

Either played or been on the bench for every game for Huddersfield in the Championship since Christmas, and they only fairly recently paid £500k+ for him, I think we wont see him back here any time soon.

DJ was good a few years ago, but he has never hit the heights since, lets move on from the ex player from years ago

It goes to show how good the Wellens squad was compared to what we have now!

 I was thinking the other day that I hadn t  seen anyone talk about Simpson for a couple of weeks.  We do seem to hold on to hopes of getting old players back into the team

I'm only reminiscing not expecting a player of that quality here for the foreseeable future

Lavinier done for pace there.

Here we go.   Feeling 2 wins in a row!!

Not good hearing FBT could be done for the season, good job we don't need him in the last few games as such.

Hutton close from 6 yards after a good cross from Lavinier.

Think we mused about this a few weeks back but the more injuries we get the more I worry Morris is training L2 players on a field in Calne like he’d train 18 year old in a state of the art facilities.

Set piece again

Basic stuff

0-1

Aaron Pierre almost unmarked at the back post, easy header looped over Brynn from the corner.

Well ‘almost’ unmarked is an improvement I suppose

Hawes & Smith describe it as a very soft goal!

Well the tallest player on the pitch marked by midgets.

Game over

Jody Morris’ Red ‘n White Midgets

imagine my surprise at being utterly fucking useless at defending a cross.. Again

Penalty to Town

Pen to Town.

Jephcott scores

We have a collection of those this season

1-1 Jephcott

I’m sure Brewitt pulled Pierre down in the area then.

Both teams defenses incapable of passing to a player it seems

Not fully deserved so far.

calm pen

Soft pen - happy with that

2-1 Wakeling

Get in :pint:

Super manager

2-1 Wakeling

Another assist from that full back we want rid of

How shit must you be we're winning away🤣

good cross from huts. good head from wakeling

not all of us

All Town now, good chance for Jephcott.

Town fans sounding great

I'd love to know who this collective "we" is

Shocked!

Am about 5 mins behind

Brewitt should have hit the target

Based on most of his performances between January and March he was at very best a squad player who didn't look like his head was in the game.

Lately though that has changed back to what it was pre January and he has had a hand in a high percentage of our goals. He is definately a confidence player.

Hutton just wide on his 2nd effort.

Hutton booked, deservedly.

Nice move between McEachran and Jephcott but the ball just goes out of play.

We are playing bloody well now

Shhh, you can't say that, it would suggest improvement..

Jephcott :pint:

3-1

…we might hold on to this

3-1 Jephcott

 i did not expect this

Lovely finish by Jephcott there after a good break by Cain.

His performances dipped no more or less than anyone else’s
Fans just ran with rumour he wanted out as a reason to berate him just because…

Dodgy keeper. Dodgy keeper

Jephcott touched the ball twice and Wakeling the same. How have we scored 3?

He is a New Zealand international!

This lot are terrible, if there were a few more games left they’d be staring at relegation. Their form since Christmas makes ours look like a promotion chasing team.

Can only beat what is put in front of you though.

Williams with a very poor ball back to Hutton there, almost cost us.

Without FBT we have very little down the left wing, Wakeling needs to make himself a bit more available downt he wing rather than drifting inside.

Their keeper is fucking shocking with his kicking.

It's almost like, if we play to his strengths instead of shoehorning him in to a formation which doesn't suit him, he isn't a bad player. Who would have thunk it.

Lavinier with a long shot, defected straight at the keeper for an easy save.

Indeed, Tomlinson and FBT too. Play them in their proper position and you have a decent player.

Part of the problem was that Lindsey but all of his eggs in the 3 at the back basket, and left us with little signs of a plan B

4 mins added time.

Lindsey did sign a side to play a certain way and then 3 games into the season realised they couldnt play that system, thats very true.

Willo in acres of space makes a bad choice in not shooting.

Bad header to Brynn from Brewitt, luckily Brynn just got to it first.

So far Williams is not having one of his better games.

HT 3-1

a good comeback from an early setback. Think 3-1 is slightly generous but thanks womble keeper.

our frailties at the back to crosses look to be getting exposed a bit too often

can't really complain though

he really isn't. not lack of effort, just not coming off

big half for Hartlepool who currently looked fucked

Not the half time score I was expecting, but very welcome.

Indeed, hes all over the pitch but his touch has been poor on the ball and sold a lot of short passes too so far.

After an iffy start we are well worth the lead.
Hutton and Jephcott outstanding for me so far

Surprised to see that they have had the same number of shots on target (4) as we have and that we have had 8 shots so far (Wombles have had 7).

Hutton red is a risk. Getting a bit involved for me

Wombles have made a sub at half time.

If we can get another goal might be worth bringing on the youth fullback who is on the bench.

Pox out of the relegation zone on goal difference. Come on Cambridge  :)

Lavinier booked.

Dive by the Dons player in the box. Never a pen.

Aye, without a goal for the monkey hangers it's looking like mission accomplished for Lindsey.

Wimbledon player Pierre having a kick at Brynn while holding the ball. he is a dirty fucker.

Dons have become really niggly this half.

Great save by Brynn. Got away with that, should have been a goal.

The kind of player we are missing

great play Byrnn

What I liked about that is that Clayton obviously said something to him as Pierre then pushed him with 2 hands to the chest

Brilliant goalkeeping!

He is the type of defender we should be looking at in the Summer.

Hutton good long ball to Jephcott who tries a chip but its well over the bar.

Handbags on Khan on their bench.

Dons number 11 pushing khan, trying to wind him up deserves a sending off but was only a yellow.

what did Khan do there?

The Wimbledon player should have been sent off

Khans reputation going ahead of him, they know he has a short fuse, he did well to keep his head there.

Nothing.

why the fuck has khan been booked there. bollocks

100%

Tom Clayton ?!?!!

oooh, fiesty..I love it

4-1

Clayton towering header in the top corner.

What is wrong with Khan

gooooooooal!

Clayton

Att: 8,421 (1190 Town)

Another assist for the fullback that "we" fans want rid off

He did absolutely nothing wrong this time, it was all the Dons player, he did well to control his temper TBH. Never a booking for Khan that.

He kicked the ball into the Wimbledon bench so deserved a yellow I think.

I do think Khan knew what he was doing by leathering the ball at J Jackson when it was well off the pitch

If you watch the replay Jackson moved deliberately into Khan as he came off the pitch.

I think Khan was lucky not to be sent off for that.

Anyway, time to give Brown a debut?

Kadji time!

Feisty game this considering bugger all rests on it

Hmmm, a little bit of straw clutching there, Khan was overly agressive when not needed - i think the yellow was fair enough, whether others should have got more I don't know.

Kadji and Shade on for Williams and Khan.

Both probably correct offs.

I would be surprised if this finishes 11 v 11

So has 442 worked or are the dons so shit it’s impossible to tell?

I'm quite liking Cain's performance so far.

I understand mate but I do think Khan is very hot headed but I didnt see too much wrong with that, he was definately targetted by the Dons player who knew how to light his touch paper.

His best game for us for sure so far.

I cant see Wombles scoring another 10 goals to grab a draw! :D

I'd be getting Hutton off as well. Possibly give it 5 and get some kids on.

I don't think it has been a strict 442, a bit of a mixture of 433 and 442 depending on what is going on.  Wakeling certainly hasn't played as a 2nd striker.  We have looked decent, but some of that is that Dons look devoid of any sort of confidence.

Definately better than pre Bradford though

What a superb ball from Jephcott to Shade…..Who then had no fucking idea of what to do with it!

The Dons player attempting an overhead kick and falling flat on his arse sums their performance up today!

Jephcott has led the line well today

He has and did on Tuesday too. He is definately a hold up striker.

Darcy and Austin coming on.

Darcy and Austin on for Jephcott and McEachran.

Why does Shade always turn back and kill attacks?

Didnt want to see either come on if I’m honest!

He seems very good at it, cutting inside and passing backwards, grab a fucking chance and go for it.

Austin will score today ;)

Dons players not even bothering going for the ball now.

For a game with so little riding on it this is a fiesty encounter.

DJ with a good long range effort just over the bar.

I dont think I have seen so many awful shots in 1 game than Wimbledon have had today.

Minturn on for Hutton.

We have really got this group of Dons players rattled - it's great to finally see

What Phil Smith is saying, Brynn not made a save today? how could they have 5 shots on target and Brynn not save one of them!

I think his memory has gone.

It is, they are losing their shit all over the pitch!

5 mins added.

pen to Town

Pierre sent off.

5-1 Darcy..

Im feeling quite confident we can see this out.

he be. better save then the keeper

What a mad afternoon

I'm surprised that Austin didn't want the pen

Why do that at 4-1 down in the last few minutes?

Unless he wants to start his summer holidays early

Well I never did what an afternoon, we actually didn't play THAT well but Wombledon were utterly shite.

Ditto. Or my Austin scoring prediction would have come true!

Credit where it's due great result

Phew, we hung on at the end.

FT 5-1

Great result.

This aged well  ;)

Fuck off Swindon Town FC. Weird as fuck football club. What’s the point of performing at this point of the season?

I think that tells you how much he cares at this point.

That was my contribution to the 80% bollocks quota!

Before the game I couldn’t see where a single goal would come from. To be honest, we were gifted all bar one.

Harsh. Thought it was selfless to let the guy who won the penalty take it. At 4-1 it didn't matter

Nice to see the scum got beat 2-0 at Barnsley leaving them in 20th place on goal difference but with a game in hand over Morecambe who are on the same points.

All we can do is hope😀

So glad I missed this one...  :doh:

Agreed.

Darcy earned that pen.  So good to see the senior pro letting a very hard working, fringe player get the reward.

Morris:
- Scored during some difficult spells
- Didnt start well.
- Poor goal to concede
- Good work from Lavinier got us back into the game
- Scored some good goals, but should have scored more
- We were in better control in previous games
- Looked a threat today
- Huge shout to Brynn in goal
- Second half start was worse than first
- At 3-1 up the next goal was pivotal. If it wasnt for Brynn, who made 2 outstanding saves, it could have been different
- When we had a poor spell, Brynn stood up tall
- We attacked from all over the pitch which Morris likes. He also likes them all to defend too
- Like to get both full backs attacking
- Williams played on the right in a different position as Morris thought he would offer a threat there
- Jephcott: Always judged on goals. If you carry on working hard then luck changes. Pleased for him. He has unlucky not to have that many minutes
- Have to mention the start to the second half as we can't play like that and win
- We are a young group. Had to make subs for players on yellows to make sure we didnt put ourselves in a difficult position
- If we keep making the same mistakes we won't get any better. So have to pick them up on stuff
- Later in the second half we dealt with the threat on our goal better
- When you shown signs of getting better (not just results) by creating chances then its nice
- RHM: Tonsillitis
- FBT: Thigh injury from last game. Will struggle to be available for the rest of the season
- Jaxon Brown: If there hadnt been players on yellows Morris would have looked to bring him on.

Clayton:
- A buzz to score infront of the Swindon fans
- Ball took ages to come to him. Expected to get smashed from behind. Ball took ages to go into the net
- Hutton has got into the same areas. When he gets space there he puts it into the same area
- We have definitely played better. Started both halves badly
- Brynn did his job. Clayton's goal knocked the stuffing out of them
- Last 25 mins was important to not give them a sniff.
- 5-1 'is even more better' than 4-1
- Gets on well with Brewitt on and off the pitch. Communicate well
- Been disappointed with terrible run of games
- Finishing the season is important. There is a large chunk of players and the manager who are going to be here next year.
- There isn't a set way to play. Its all about variety and thinking about what you are doing. All good players and all capable of making decisions

Hawes:
- Not what we were expecting
- Found goals when opportunities were presented to them
- As Clayton said, if Wimbledon had scored at the beginning of the second half
- Brewitt/Clayton partnership for next year: Hawes thinks Clayton and a more experienced CB. But Brewitt may get better
- Cain and Khan didnt dominate midfield. They go through. McEachran could be feisty and tidy. Cain just played it simple
- Jephcott: Took penalty well and was very calm for the other goal. Can't criticise his effort in any games. He has just had very little service. Good on him ending the season with a flourish
- Stevenage: They put pressure on teams. Dont want to see Evans celebrating promotion at the County Ground
- Biggest away win since 1968.

....and if we hadn't what would people have said then?

Great win. About as comprehensive as it gets. Good on Jephcott scoring a few. Fuck it might aswell go for him in summer. More than one poster claimed Austin had signed a new deal, I’m not so sure, and if he hasn’t no need to play him again this season. Hutton 12 assists at this level is a joke, most assists in all 4 leagues from a defender. Shame he’s only started to turn up and give it his all again recently. Gonna be near on impossible to replace that attacking outlet getting 12 assists  from the back imo.
Wakeling 8 goals also in his first full season as a pro - should be a big asset next season.

Fans deserved that after this pathetic season. Dead rubber and no pressure on players, Limited opposition in a rancid run of form, but you can only beat what’s infront of you end of day. Now start planning for next season.

.
https://www.skysports.com/watch/video/sports/football/12863675/afc-wimbledon-1-5-swindon-town-league-two-highlights

Talented squad. No doubt. Leadership and maybe 2 good additions and we're good to go next season in my opinion.

Shut up.




Does it? I thought it showed great maturity from a senior player. Austin could quite easily have claimed a goal there but won't really make much difference to his career. But actually he showed unselfishness in recognising that for Darcy, it would be great for him to get the opportunity to score. Way more important for his confidence - as Austin will score for fun  when getting the service.

I just think it was a nice touch as Darcy seemed keen when he came on and probably deserved a goal shortly before. Kudos - classy from Charlie Austin

==============


Great win today with credit to Morris and Brand. Seems they have appeared to have turned the corner and if Town continue to get positive results in the final few fixtures then that is only a good thing in my book - on the pitch particularly.

One draw
Two wins
Two clean sheets
Three games unbeaten
6 goals scored, only one conceded
Seven points from nine

Nae too shabby like ye ken

NB:
Hutton - Whether 'we' want him gone or not and whilst he did what he is capable of doing regularly today, his discipline was poor and could have easily seen a red. I or anyone doesn't have to like a player for them to be good but if he does regularly what he can do and let's his football do the talking then there will be no need for antagonising tweets or Insta posts. Time to grow up and put the social media wind ups to bed.

It's all moot though as he won't be a Town player next season

He looked like he cared at the end when he came over and hugged johnny and Darcy

On the train on the way home.

Wasn’t going to bother today, glad I did :)

For a comprehensive win our keeper was quite busy and made some good saves, however they were shocking at the back

Had Morris & this squad hit the ground running together at the end of January, would we now be in a play off spot?

I reckon so.

It's massively frustrating.

I mean, we've on average been quite bad under Morris. This was a good game, so was the last game. The nine before that, not so good. Definitely let's hope this is the start of something, but I'm a way from getting that excited. Let's hope we do though!

.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=aGlj9XgAy4k

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=VeJBr9-p2vQ

Taking Mansfield as ground zero under Morris & if we don't lose again this season then definitely some hope for next season under his stewardship.

All will boil down to degree of astute recruitment over the summer & that's where any confidence has drained away unfortunately.

It's all about what Morris shows.

the players and momentum, how many of them will be here next year?

Gives a bit of hope for the fans despite this

Watching the highlights on tv the commentator said our 1-5 away win was the biggest in our history… I’m sure that’s not right.

It's not, although it's close for league games only.

Our biggest away league win was 7-1 at Watford in 1951   (thanks to Swindon-town-fc.co.uk)

Biggest in the post Div 3 South era I believe?
http://www.swindon-town-fc.co.uk/StatAttack/TeamResults.asp?Type=Wins

I heard that too, they need better researchers.

League results only
1930 5-1 win at Norwich
1946 5-1 win at Norwich
1947 5-1 win at Torquay
1951 7-1 win at Watford
1951 5-1 win at Ipswich
1966 5-1 win at Mansfield
1968 6-2 win at Northampton

biggest in the fixture?

both teams have 4-1 wins against each other until yesterday

Nope definately stated biggest ever away league win.

Without checking back it's possible that this is the first season where we've scored 5 away* in the league twice since Div 3 North & South were scrapped.
A pity that it's happened in a nothing season.

*Not including 1968-69 where there was a 5 and a 6 registered away.

Looking back at yesterday game.

I do feel sorry for Wimbledon fans, their team were up there with the worst we have probably ever played in my lifetime (going by the away wins stats) their players just didnt seem up for it yesterday and we know how that feels after half a season under Sheridactyl. Its must be utterly demoralizing watching that shit week in week out.

We beat them with barely breaking out of 2nd gear, which frustrates me so much as we have at times promised so much this season yet rarely delivered it other than yesterday and Mansfield away.

It was great to watch but why can't we do it on a more regular basis? but then I guess it comes down to all the stars being aligned for once.

Hutton can fuck all the way off with his 🏖️👀 tweets.

Wasn’t my imagination then.

Definately not, poor by the ITV team that, if facts are stated they need to be checked, more so when there is an audience of millions.

I thought they (commentators) claimed it was our biggest away win in x amount of years because they then talked about the last bigger away win involved Don Rogers scoring…

Town ace Remeao Hutton now has the most assists of any defender in the EFL and Europe's top five leagues

He’s had a good season stats wise and that can’t be argued with. I think a lot of the ‘grief’ he has got from fans is more to do with his attitude, his tweets trying to bait his own fans is hardly going to endear himself to people. He forced his way out of Barrow to come here I seem to remember so has a bit of form on this.

If we can get a bit of money for him that we can use on the team I’m not fussed whether he goes just because he seems a bit of a mercenary with a chip on his shoulder.

I just rewatched it and he said exactly this...."The biggest away win in Swindons league history"

Hes wrong, it isn't.

Fair enough. I’m sure they mentioned something about ‘last time blah blah blah Don Rogers did something blah’ but was only half listening

Interesting opposition view:

https://sammymac.substack.com/p/afc-wimbledon-1-5-swindon-town

"The difference between Swindon and Wimbledon on Saturday afternoon is that they had a gameplan and we didn’t."

"Swindon knew where their teammates were going to be before they made a pass, because they had been coached how to play in their formation and had clearly practised passages of play."

"Their two wingers tormented us all afternoon, and were well supported with lots of passing options once they received the ball."

"Fair play to The Robins, they have nothing to play for this season and still sold out the away end and sang for 90 minutes. They put Salford and Crawley fans to shame."

"Much like earlier in the game when Ali had a small altercation with a Swindon defender and quickly found himself surrounded by opposition players, none of Jack’s teammates had his back."

D'Arcy confirmed on Instagram that Charlie gave him the penalty kick.

…not sure it needed confirming. We all saw Charlie do it.

Was a touch of class from Austin [Charlie] though <3

Nice ground and good away day but has to be the worst catering ever, no food ready and no choice.

Did you arrive early or late?

We got there before two o’clock & there was plenty of food, however they were incredibly slow serving, hence quite big queues.

I wonder if they just underestimated how much they were going to need

This reminded me actually. I found this quite an odd chant (and yes, I know we have been absolutely bobbins both home and away recently) as over the course of the season haven't actually been that bad away from home. In fact our record is W7 D7 L8 which is the 10th best in the division. It's a chant that I do like, but it's usually reserved for those terrible sides that haven't won away in a very long time.

What's funny about that chant on Saturday is we've won more games away than Stevenage who we play tomorrow😀

PS Tight at the top of the prediction league Bob adje breathing down your neck!

Just gotta hope that wasn’t his last chance to score in front of the Town fans.
Massive assumption on my part but think if Austin knows he’s only got two games left in a Town shirt (if he gets picked) he selfishly (well not that selfish he is our penalty taker) takes it in front of the Town faithful.

If it was PPG Adje would be miles ahead, he's predicted 5 less than me! I reckon I'll bottle it in the home straight! :)

He's certainly very good with his predictions!

Only my second away day of the season, 6th overall game I think. I've actually had quite a good run this season, including...

- a 5-0 win
- a 5-1 away win
- a 3-0 win
- a good point at the league leaders

If I had to judge the season on just the games I'd seen there's no way you could tell me we weren't top 7. Funny old game.

Brilliant away day though. Arrived just as we scored our second due to completely misjudging the tube times. I wasn't expecting much from the game at all so came away very happy and very drunk. Good times. Big pre-season ahead so we can have more games like this in what is looking like a very tough League Two next year.

Thanks. I wouldn't say "good". Maybe less bad🙂
Though I did predict a Town win and Dons to score 1!

😀

There's been no talk of Crewe considering it's the last away game and traditionally we normally take good numbers.

That pisses me off...... doesnt take a rocket scientist to ask how many thickets have been sold!

Same at the Muff a few years back.



Anyway.

Listened to first half in the garden.....watched the last half hour.

Wheres this team been? Although,poor old Dons were very bad indeed but it looks like Rochdale and the Monkey Hangers are going anyway.

felt for the Dons fans, we have been there.

Grimsby (who also took 1k+) fans also mentioned they had issues with catering. Seems to be standard when numbers are high.

Difficult to say how good we were on Saturday as Wimbledon were absolutely abject. I did think we looked much more dangerous with the 2 at the back and some of the football we played at times was really very good.

I do think that given a proper summer recruitment job, building a balanced squad of players that fit what JM is looking to do, we can have a proper tilt at promotion next season.

I thought we played "OK" and still scored 5. A bit of luck helped.

Not a lot more the team could do TBH when you are so much in control of a game in a very busy football period and another game on Tuesday. Very satisfyting.

Hope we can poop Stevengaes party tomorrow - so it feels like we've achieved something :)

I want to see a red faced Evans  :)

Yeah I get your thinking. It's a funny one with Austin as his stock could be quite low in someways and if he wants to stay local, I'd say at best it's probably Rovers or Reading if he were to entertain elsewhere. He's still a player who can do it in a league above, possibly even in the Champ as a luxury player to bring on for twenty mins and with the right players around him as he will most certainly always score goals.

Part of me thinks though, because he'll be somewhat limited in choices - partly due to his own preferred circumstances that he may end up staying at Town for another season but integrating a coaching/mentor based role too. Only other option might be Portsmouth if they can afford to have a luxury squad player who scores goals and are now out of the race in League One to get promoted.

Give or take a few words that’s exactly the conversation I had with a friend yesterday. Even mentioned the same clubs.

Worth noting that the other week pregame on the radio they had an interview with the new Women’s team manager - asked him how the job came about and he said he was already at the club doing some consultancy type work (as in he wasn’t full time employed) and was helping Gunning & Austin with their coaching badges.

Now - how much of that is club funded vs Austin personally funding his own - and whether he needs the club to continue / pass his course or not is anyone’s guess.

Probably in the minority but if it's a choice between Austin and signing Jephcott I'd go for the latter

Weird how we all see things slightly different as the main bulk of your post points out.

I think League Two will be a smidge and only a smidge weaker next season. Yep, Wrexham coming up will pose a challenge and maybe Notts County or Chesterfield I would also be wary of if they do but any others that could Town shouldn't fear. I'd say three of the four teams coming down [I'm assuming FGR, Accrington and Morecambe at present] are not as good as Leyton Orient or Northampton; other than Stevenage, imo any one of the remaining 6 teams that can go up are better than those coming down. It would only really be Oxford who you might say are stronger or Franchise if they somehow manage to fuck it up.

For me you have maybe one coming up stronger and three coming down weaker. Negate the stronger/weaker balance and that gives a lean towards there being two more weaker teams in net seasons League Two, maybe only one weaker at a stretch. As I said, only a smidge weaker  :)

Got a horrible,horrible feeling that Gillingham will be a major threat😡

Daddy - is that you?  :D

Yeah it'd be interesting to see if the badges element ties him a little bit. Not necessarily contractually but maybe via honouring getting his badges finished. Although I imagine he can complete some in June surely?

As you mentioned, it's anyone's guess. I think he may ''just'' stay.



Contrary to my last sentence to DV, and based off Jepcott's last few games I would keep him in terms of longevity of personnel. That probably goes without saying as age/fitness levels of our youth bequeaths us all. I think the conundrum is that these two players can't really play in the same team at the same time. A system will work for one but not the other. Obviously on measure, it seems like Jephcott can play in the current system and if given the service/right set up then he too will get goals. I think we can still apply this to Austin too of course.

If we're talking contracts, I think Town should probably offer both something and see who seems most keen/blinks first. Jephcott might want to get out of dodge but he might also see value in what Morris is trying to build squad wise for next season. Austin might want to explore the idea of one last pay day higher up as he might not get chance again, a two year contract in a low end Champ or any League One club would be very attractive for him and he could probably command that. He might also see value in what Morris is trying to achieve/build squad wise, as well as take on a role that lays down his future in football off the pitch and that would be attractive to him.

In conclusion, it could be that Town end up keeping both? If you have a system that suits Jephcott, coupled with Wakeling as a front two then Jephcott will probably continue his recent form and Wakeling will definitely develop and get better by being second striker. Austin effectively would then come off the bench most games to help see out a match and start the occasional game/injury cover. Giving him chance to focus on completing his badges whilst still aiding Town as a very good/luxury squad player.

The last remaining question really, despite maybe being slightly torn on which player we as fans would like to keep or not, is would either of them actually want to stay?

Like so many of the decisions to be made, with Austin its a tricky one.

Do we want to be spunking a fair chunk of the wages budget on a player who will undoubtedly be scoring goals (if, god forbid, we play to his strengths), but on the flip side seems to struggle to last a game and is unable to play two games in a week. Albeit with that I would caveat it (as I have with Tomlinson and Brewitt) that I wonder what difference a proper pre-season would do, plus I assume with a better midfield he would be doing less wandering about to try and get the ball.

On the other hand does he actually get on with Morris?

Anyway, hasn't he already signed, there was plenty of ITK suggestions the other week that it was a done deal.

In an ideal world - if we are planning to play two upfront then choosing two from Austin/Jephcott/Wakeling/RHM would be very decent and they just about cover all bases apart from big lump target man.

If we are going to play 3 upfront then we need to invest in some wide forwards but I think all our current forwards play better down the middle.

The main thing we need to go 4-4-2 would be a ball winning midfielder, which the likes of Ben Garner and Scott Lindsey seemed to think all had leprosy they were so fearful of having.

I really like the idea of having 2 up front, 3-5-2 has been a disaster this season. 4-4-2 with those strikers I really like the idea of, and we have plenty of players I'd be happy with in CM on the more attacking side of things, but not any who can put themselves about.

Apart from Clayton who I'd like to see tried there.

On the basis that I'm pretty happy with Clayton as our left sided CB next year I'd like to see Brewitt given an outing there. Has played it apparently.

Forgot about that. We should be trying both of them there in the next two games really.

I think if we hadn't had the rotten run we'd probably be able to but I suspect Morris won't upset a backline that looks vaguely functioning as another couple of wins changes the complexion of his short spell and sells those all important season tickets...

Spot on, we will be hard pushed to find a better striker willing to sign at this level, and the same could be said for Jephcott to a lesser degree, but lots of time to improve with him.

It is the shape, style of play and formation that make or break both Charlie and Jephcott, and the recruitment in those areas.  Get that bit right and of course you would want those 2 in your strikers camp in League 2 next season, there won’t be many better in the league.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1esf5lfex7o&t=508s

Please check out my vlog from Saturday, should be interesting from a neutrals perspective. I apologise in advance for getting the Swindon players names wrong as I'm not familiar with them & I AM 61!!!