Alas poor Yor(i)k, I knew it well. Home v Barnsley, Sat Feb 3rd, 3-0' clock.

[nicholaldo]

I suspect CamJem will be back to being the “defensive forward” sub.

What’s more fascinating to me is Evatt’s use of CMG. He can play as a second forward but presumably that’s now Collins’ domain. He could be an attacking 8 but perhaps only when we’re either chasing the game or totally dominant - not, I’d suggest, for a day like today. Could also play as an attacking WB but now we have options there, too. Maybe as a pacy forward if that’s what’s needed?

I'd only like to see him tried in the latter.

That and the No. 10 are the only two positions we have where he could reasonably accommodated in my opinion.

[Mar]

Oxford now drawing, if we don't finish above them we won't be in the top six.

They're playing their way out of contention. Middling form since mid November.

They could still get promoted, but they'd need a turn around to really kick start any promotion push. I suspect the wake up call they'll need is when they drop out of the play off spots.



As for our squad its good to see make-shift captain Toal fit and raring to go. Not sure about the ultra attacking bench especially with the physical approach Barnsley usually are associated with. The defensive capabilities of Jerome must've won out over the safety of a backup goalkeeper. Guess it makes sense when we're shy of big bulky players on the bench.

[DJBlu]

The couch is out, right window curtains are closed but I'll open them shortly for those that care about the view that way

[Dave Sutton's barnet]

I think we are all gonna have to get (back) used to a goalieless bench.

Oh and FWIW I think it’s currently a four-way battle for the top two with the rest squabbling over playoffs. Could change but only with ling strings of results, positive or negative.

I think that's likeliest, just that I wouldn't write a top 6 side out, just yet, on the "never give a mug a chance" principle.

It's a principle that's stood you well, sir. I'd certainly be annoyed and worried if we lost a game to a top-sixer.

[Dave Sutton's barnet]

I suspect CamJem will be back to being the “defensive forward” sub.

What’s more fascinating to me is Evatt’s use of CMG. He can play as a second forward but presumably that’s now Collins’ domain. He could be an attacking 8 but perhaps only when we’re either chasing the game or totally dominant - not, I’d suggest, for a day like today. Could also play as an attacking WB but now we have options there, too. Maybe as a pacy forward if that’s what’s needed?

I'd only like to see him tried in the latter.

That and the No. 10 are the only two positions we have where he could reasonably accommodated in my opinion.

I think it depends on the opposition and the game state. If we're chasing the game against a low block he could be an 8. Against transitional high-scorers like Barnsley, it'd be very risky.

[Dave Sutton's barnet]

Not sure about the ultra attacking bench especially with the physical approach Barnsley usually are associated with. The defensive capabilities of Jerome must've won out over the safety of a backup goalkeeper. Guess it makes sense when we're shy of big bulky players on the bench.

Are they as physical this season, though? They lost their manager and entire defence over summer.

[Mar]

Not sure about the ultra attacking bench especially with the physical approach Barnsley usually are associated with. The defensive capabilities of Jerome must've won out over the safety of a backup goalkeeper. Guess it makes sense when we're shy of big bulky players on the bench.

Are they as physical this season, though? They lost their manager and entire defence over summer.

No, they're not. But that's not to say they're not going to look back on last season's game and think we won this through our physical approach. It's incentive for a repeat for them surely, despite them being overly physical in most games.

Little bit of animosity between Connell and Evatt in the past, so i'd imagine that's likely to be a seed in the mind of some (Connell / Evatt / fans).

[Mar]

Bodes well that Earl has started for them, not yet had chance for him to get up to speed. Although, we can say the same with Taylor.


As for the, are they as physical comment, would certainly look like they are given the number of physical challenges Dion's had in the opening 3 mins.

[The_Gun]

feck, Toaly should’ve buried that.

[DJBlu]

Oh feck off, get the fecking head on it you daft twots.

[Worthy4England]

Freedom of the City.

[Mar]

feck, Toaly should’ve buried that.

Taylor, and others were all queuing up behind him. Missed opportunity.

At the other end... fk. Sloppy defending.



Queue Barnsley timewasting. Silly pirouette's from their keeper.

[The_Gun]

Plenty of time left.

[nicholaldo]

That's piss poor. No way should we be conceding goals like that.

[Mar]

Pompey go 1-0 up over Northampton. Plenty of time.

Should've had two goals up top, both seemed like free headers. Some positive signs, despite us being behind

[The_Gun]

Terrible decision from Dion.

[DJBlu]

Maghoma and Vic both as annoyed as us fans with that shot Dion. Low cross ffs.

[DJBlu]

Our front two are a comedy act. Bumbling through and losing it.

FFS some cohesion please.

[jmjhb]

Taylor looks pretty dominant at the back, although often doesn't know what to do when in possession! Suppose that will come with familiarity

[nicholaldo]

Taylor looks pretty dominant at the back, although often doesn't know what to do when in possession! Suppose that will come with familiarity

And also when the players in front of him start showing for it.