Vale of tiers: Port Vale (A), Division Three, Sat 30 Sep @ 3pm

[The_Gun]

We’ve played really well and deservedly lead.

Dan Nlundulu is having a great game, and dare I say it, may actually look a better partner for Dion than Vic.

One thing I have noticed is how much less comfortable Toal looks starting play from the back than Santos. I think Eoin (that autocorrected to Elon ffs) is an excellent defender, but much prefer him at RCB alongside big Rico.

[jmjhb]

Dan Ndlundlu, great first half. Holding it up so well and bringing the midfield into it.
Charles, goal made up for that miss.
Baxter with an outstanding save with his leg.

Have we finally found a use for him?

[DJBlu]

We’ve played really well and deservedly lead.

Dan Nlundulu is having a great game, and dare I say it, may actually look a better partner for Dion than Vic.

One thing I have noticed is how much less comfortable Toal looks starting play from the back than Santos. I think Elon is an excellent defender, but much prefer him at RCB alongside big Rico.

Reminds me of Gudni when he runs.

[HMX]

Dan Ndlundlu, great first half. Holding it up so well and bringing the midfield into it.
Charles, goal made up for that miss.
Baxter with an outstanding save with his leg.

Agree with all this. Sheehan being combative and pressing well too.

[Dave Sutton's barnet]

One thing I have noticed is how much less comfortable Toal looks starting play from the back than Santos. I think Eoin (that autocorrected to Elon ffs) is an excellent defender, but much prefer him at RCB alongside big Rico.

Tell me, friend: is Eoin in the middle or Forrester? Technically either can do either, but the positions have slightly different roles...

[The_Gun]

Looked like Toal middle and Forrester right to me.

[truewhite15]

One thing I have noticed is how much less comfortable Toal looks starting play from the back than Santos. I think Eoin (that autocorrected to Elon ffs) is an excellent defender, but much prefer him at RCB alongside big Rico.

Tell me, friend: is Eoin in the middle or Forrester? Technically either can do either, but the positions have slightly different roles...

Assuming, given that it's the same back 3 as started vs Utd u21s, it'll be Toal in the middle and Forrester right...

[Dave Sutton's barnet]

Thanks both.

So Toal takes the Rico role of being the last man in defence, while also the first target for Baxter to roll out to and start attacks, perhaps (indeed, hopefully) triggering their press to bypass - although Vale aren't keen pressers.

Meanwhile, Forrester gets to overlap, underlap ("...wandering free...") and join in up the field. But also scarper back when need be.

if Toal's struggling to start attacks, we could/should encourage Sheehan or Morley to drop back and help out. Particularly if Vale aren't pressing. Ping balls in behind their wingbacks.

[jmjhb]

Oxford lead at Stevenage, a clear top two is now beginning to develop.

[DJBlu]

All PV at the minute.

Needs a steady head at the mo.

[The_Gun]

Vale have started this half much more positively.

[Dave Sutton's barnet]

Oxford ahead at Stevenage.

Screenshot 2023-09-30 at 16.18.39.png (73.45 KiB) Viewed 9589 times

[jmjhb]

Oxford ahead at Stevenage.
Screenshot 2023-09-30 at 16.18.39.png

They do feel like the teams to beat right now. Then there's a bunch from 3rd to about 14th (I include us in that) who are much of a muchness.

[Dave Sutton's barnet]

Oxford lead at Stevenage, a clear top two is now beginning to develop.

Oxford scoring with their only two efforts on target...

(agreed on your assessment of fledgling Top Two vs Rest - for now I'll accept winning these three games to keep in touch)

[sonicthewhite]

I need a brew

[HMX]

I need a brew

You waiting for Jerome to come on?

[Dave Sutton's barnet]

I need a brew

You waiting for Jerome to come on?

Who among us can say he isn't?

[The_Gun]

Iredale booked, and it had been coming.

Dad Bod on for Dan.

[DJBlu]

JDB on for Dan.

He's had a good game today.

[sonicthewhite]

I need a brew

You waiting for Jerome to come on?

Dad Bod