West Brom up next.....

[Bigalreigned]

I thought it was a fantastically entertaining game.Yes,for the first goal Wolfie should have taken a yellow card for the team,like Morsy did.

As to starting with Hutchinson and Sarmiento I think the Maidstone game showed they are less effective from the start when teams are fresh and they have a far bigger impact attacking tiring players later in the game,ideally at the 60 minute mark or slightly earlier.

RB continues to be a problem and it is that area where most of our conceded goals come from.

Having said all that I agree the Season has been immensely enjoyable and we have given a good account of ourselves in the vast majority of games.

 

[Nuggets]

Mixed bag yesterday, but an entertaining game and taking a real reflection we absolutely battered WBA at the end. If you'd have told me we'd have been the dominating team against a 5th placed WBA even last season I'd have have been so impressed with how we'd done.

I think on the whole this season our CBs have been outstanding despite the number of goals we concede, today particularly Woolfenden made a real bad one. Though again sorry to keep picking on Clarke but his positioning for that was awful, Woolfenden constantly has to get him out of trouble unfortunately this time he dealt with it very poorly. I thought on the ball particularly first half Clarke was poor also.

The second goal I'm not sure really why Edmunson was trying a pass like that but also Harness seems to always lose the ball anytime his back is to goal. I'm not sure what it is because I think Edmundson has been pretty good since coming in for Burgess but we look far more open as a team with him in it, not sure if it's because Edmundson is faster than Burgess so we play a higher line or also because he's right footed so plays more balls into the centre which if we lose it we are more exposed. Whatever it is teams are starting to realise the game we play and when they get the ball back break in numbers.

I thought quite a few of our key players were slightly under par many have been for a while, not bad but just lacking the levels we saw earlier in the season Luongo wasn't his industrious self, Chaplin has missed quite a few chances which last season he would've buried, Burns wasn't direct enough (although he did have 3 men alot of the time on him). I thought again Broadhead looked short of confidence, although he improved after scoring, hopefully that will do him the world of good.

However saying all this we were up against probably the best defensive side in the league and we caused them problems. I thought with Moore in the team we looked far better with the ball than we have since we lost Hirst. They are slightly different players, I think Moore holds the ball up better and potentially also better in and around the penalty box but Hirst is more dynamic, mobile and better on the turn. What they both do though is occupy defenders and offer us an outball which creates more space for others, gives us more options and prevents us from overpassing.

The biggest positive from today is what I saw the last 15/20 minutes, we have some real firepower now. We were so dominant and relentless at the end I can't see many teams being able to deal with an onslaught like how WBA did, they were out on their feet. As long as players stay fit we've got some great options up top and it's good to see what that means Mckenna looks like he's happy to just go for it. We had 2 strikers on the pitch and only 1 defensive pivot in midfield. That is really encouraging.

Southampton and Leeds have gained about 15 points on us over what has been a difficult couple of months. We've had those more challenging fixtures now and getting the team up to strength so really need to kick on now over the next month and a half if we want to make a fist out of the autos.

Spot on ptc!

For me, the recurring issue is we start games so poorly and the reasons for encouragement are how we end games strongly.

We are conceding too many goals for a promotion contender. It doesn’t help that we tend to go a goal down within the first ten minutes. To me, this seems like a lack of preparation or perhaps issues with concentration in defence. Both the Baggies’ goals were fairly avoidable. Woolfenden will want to take back his defensive “effort” for their first - far too complacent and accommodating. I’d lay the blame more on Hdlaky, who should be saving those sorts of efforts from that range. The ball wasn’t hit with much speed.

As for our strengths, it’s the number of late goals we score - the highest in the division. McKenna is a fast in-game learner who usually reacts well to how games unfold. Yesterday, we kept our shape and notched a last minute equaliser and then nearly won it right at the end. It’s a brilliant mentality from our team, that never say die spirit. He also showed a bit more flexibility with his formation, so hopefully a clearer Plan B is being worked on.

We can’t dress it up though - our recent form has been poor. But we had been playing a lot of top sides in this division. We’ve got six odd games coming up against easier teams - on paper - that aren’t competing in the play offs. Hopefully that helps. Burgess coming back in central defence will be a big plus. Moore will adapt to how we play. Our impact subs - Hutchinson and Sarmiento - know what they need to do when they come on.

We’re a well coached team that provides brilliant value when watching us - no wonder Sky are televising half our games lately! We just need stronger defensive stability and to start games better. The wins will come back. Regardless of where we finish, this has been a memorable season so far and I didn’t think we’d ever be this competitive in our first season back.

 

[Southcoastoldgaffer]

Too much of the same play today. Opposition managers have figured out that if you play a good defensive line against us, we'll struggle to score. Earlier in the season, teams would come out and push forward and we'd play through them. Now, they sit back a bit and hit us on the break, with many of our goals against recently coming from counter attacks.

Kieran used to make 3 subs on the 60 minute mark pretty consistently last season and in the early part of this one. It gave us more energy for a longer period of time and late goals were common. The subs were made too late today and although we scored from the subs, it was towards the end of the match and we didn't have enough time to get another.

Overall it was a frustrating game to watch. Too many aimless balls ended up going out, gifting possession back to WBA and it felt like there wasn't enough urgency in our drive and desire to attack quickly until late on. We need to start faster, put more effort in earlier in the game and hopefully get a lead so that we can back off a touch.

Woolfy should've took a yellow card but just doesn't tackle!

I'm getting to the point where I'd like to see Walton brought back in, he commands the box far better than Hladky. So far it seems like Walton suited League One and Vas has done well in the Championship, being comfortable playing out from the back, but he just lacks the presence of Christian when it comes to dominating the area.

Personally, I think the subs today should've been Broadhead for Al-Hamadi and Omari for Burns. Harness isn't good enough and Ali has said that he used to play the 10 role before being moved to striker. It's just not going right for us at the moment and it kind of feels like McK is overthinking things a bit. Let's get back to making subs on the hour, our mantra before was for the front four to run themselves into the ground for 60 minutes and then get swapped out. Lately we haven't been doing that and we just haven't had enough energy on the pitch for the last half hour to really tire teams out and force mistakes.

Burgess has to come back in, he never misses a defensive header and Woolfy needs to tackle when he has to but also step up and bring the ball into midfield like he did in League One. I've noticed that he isn't carrying the ball and creating an extra body on attack the way he did last season. RB is still a problem area, Clarke is decent going forward but clueless on defense positioning and teams are having success against us down that side.

All told though, it's been a fantastic season so far but it feels like it could be a bit better with a few different decisions (from the refs and the manager)

Another excellent summary SD, we are spoilt for choice! Totally agree with the subs at 60, greater impact, more energy, pace and indeed skills, as well as shooting.
Equally, I would like one or two to now start a game, having learnt the style & system.

We then might be the 1st to score a goal!

 

[itfcptc]

I thought he did okay with the subs yesterday, although given our other options not sure Harness was the best to come in. Perhaps in the next transfer window a back up for that position needs looking at.

2nd half even before the subs I thought we had good momentum, at 1-1 there only really looked like 1 team who were going to win it but the opposition will always have a chance and they took their half chance.

It shows you how far we've come when you've got a 5th placed team in the Championship play defensively against us and trying the smash and grab.

Despite us scoring 2 goals I thought WBA were very good defensively, they didn't let Burns or Davis play their normal game but we have so many different types of players going forwards now as long as we've got a spearhead up top we will score goals. What I like about what weve got with Al-Hamadi and Moore is we now have players who are good at attacking the ball in the box...something even with Hirst I think we've lacked.

Unfortunately like the Burley days (and to an extent Royle) because we are an attacking team and ask our defenders to contribute going forwards our style of play means we are always going to be more at risk of conceding more goals than we would like.

If we perform like yesterday the rest of the season we've got a chance of autos.

 

[Southcoastoldgaffer]

I thought he did okay with the subs yesterday, although given our other options not sure Harness was the best to come in. Perhaps in the next transfer window a back up for that position needs looking at.

2nd half even before the subs I thought we had good momentum, at 1-1 there only really looked like 1 team who were going to win it but the opposition will always have a chance and they took their half chance.

It shows you how far we've come when you've got a 5th placed team in the Championship play defensively against us and trying the smash and grab.

Despite us scoring 2 goals I thought WBA were very good defensively, they didn't let Burns or Davis play their normal game but we have so many different types of players going forwards now as long as we've got a spearhead up top we will score goals. What I like about what weve got with Al-Hamadi and Moore is we now have players who are good at attacking the ball in the box...something even with Hirst I think we've lacked.

Unfortunately like the Burley days (and to an extent Royle) because we are an attacking team and ask our defenders to contribute going forwards our style of play means we are always going to be more at risk of conceding more goals than we would like.

If we perform like yesterday the rest of the season we've got a chance of autos.

Another good summary, guys you are in the wrong business!
Agree with all you say PTC but subs at 74 and 83 mins way too late!

And you are 2 in the box poster like me and others. Al-Hamadi & Moore up front will cause havoc in games to come.

We are unfinished business and still so much to admire about this season. Take note that Leicester & Saints wobbled yesterday, Saints 2-0 down at one stage to lowly Uddersfield.

 

[Spanish]

If you continue to move forward at the rate of your last 10 games you'll find yourselves moving forward in league 4.

As in from mid table league 1 to promotion from league 1, then at least playoffs in championship. That is called progression and moving forward, deary me, these Leeds fans aren't very intelligent!!

 

[Nuggets]

Southampton have two away trips in four days from Tuesday - an admittedly inconsistent Bristol City side and West Brom on the Friday. It’s quite possible they drop some points, although both they and Leeds are in hot form.

Unfortunately with the massive divide between the Premier League and the Championship - Leicester, Leeds, and Southampton (who all spent a few years or more in the top flight) have the strongest hands and should be finishing in the top six. They’ve still got to play one another again, with Southampton visiting Leeds on the last day of the season.

We’ve just got to keep in the conversation and hopefully make up some ground over the next six games. In April, we’ve got Southampton at home and Norwich away in the same week. All games are important, obviously, but I think those two matches will be absolutely crucial “six pointers”.

 

[Farked19]

That is the reason I don't especially want to go back up. Maybe if we can sneak into the top six we can get an Old Farm play off final with you winning on pens.

 

[lifecheshirewhite]

As in from mid table league 1 to promotion from league 1, then at least playoffs in championship. That is called progression and moving forward, deary me, these Leeds fans aren't very intelligent!!

And what do you call 10/12 points clear of 3rd place to 4th place and one of the worst form teams in the league. I hope you keep progressing like this .

 

[YorkieLancsHampyLondoner]

And what do you call 10/12 points clear of 3rd place to 4th place and one of the worst form teams in the league. I hope you keep progressing like this .

I can see why Spanish gives you so much stick on your board. Tragic.

 

[Gessa]

I can see why Spanish gives you so much stick on your board. Tragic.

It was him constantly coming on to our board giving it the we're 11 points clear of the 'Leeds scum,' so we'd have to lose 4 and you win 4 to catch us, which isn't going to happen bollocks, that started this nonsense in the first place. As you say, tragic, as the rest of you seem a decent bunch.

 

[lifecheshirewhite]

I can see why Spanish gives you so much stick on your board. Tragic.

It was an Ipswich muppet that started this,just replying in kind,if you can't take it back,maybe don't give it out.

 

[YorkieLancsHampyLondoner]

It was him constantly coming on to our board giving it the we're 11 points clear of the 'Leeds scum,' so we'd have to lose 4 and you win 4 to catch us, which isn't going to happen bollocks, that started this nonsense in the first place. As you say, tragic, as the rest of you seem a decent bunch.

If we were 11 points clear, Leeds are three points ahead now and we've a game in hand, we've not lost four and you've not made up the 12 points to overtake us have you? Doesn't sound like bollocks to me. On the other hand, Southampton have come from further back and leap frogged both of us. Full respect to them.

 

[Gessa]

If we were 11 points clear, Leeds are three points ahead now and we've a game in hand, we've not lost four and you've not made up the 12 points to overtake us have you? Doesn't sound like bollocks to me. On the other hand, Southampton have come from further back and leap frogged both of us. Full respect to them.

Well you were 11 points clear, and you're not now, his posts were basically you're not going to catch us , yet we have. That is part of the banter, I think it was his incessant use of 'Leeds scum' that riled folk. Perhaps you can understand that ffs

 

[Southcoastoldgaffer]

Good evening all Leeds posters. Can I respectfully ask as the senior Tractor boy on here, to leave us alone.

We are enjoying the ride and amazed at how we are performing well above our weight.

We wait to see who is where at end of the season. And perhaps meet you in the play-offs.

 

[Gessa]

Good evening all Leeds posters. Can I respectfully ask as the senior Tractor boy on here, to leave us alone.

We are enjoying the ride and amazed at how we are performing well above our weight.

We wait to see who is where at end of the season. And perhaps meet you in the play-offs.

Perhaps have a word with the instigator and I'm sure it will go away.

 

[Gessa]

Good evening all Leeds posters. Can I respectfully ask as the senior Tractor boy on here, to leave us alone.

We are enjoying the ride and amazed at how we are performing well above our weight.

We wait to see who is where at end of the season. And perhaps meet you in the play-offs.

Ironically it was one of our posters commending your season in a debate about league positions, with another stating, which he did before the season started, that he had you down as making the play off's, as he liked your style of play and thought it would suit the Championship , a few stating we'd not catch you and the top 2 looked sorted,then one of ours said he expected you to drop off with it being a long season and you having a small squad, injuries kicking in could catch up with you. Then your fella started the bollocks he did, ignoring the complimentary posts and having a go at the one he took offence to but itbturned out to be correct. It's obvious he has an hatred of us but don't give it Billy big bollocks and expect nothing in return.

 

[Bigalreigned]

The ignore button is your friend,Gaffer!

 

[Spanish]

It was him constantly coming on to our board giving it the we're 11 points clear of the 'Leeds scum,' so we'd have to lose 4 and you win 4 to catch us, which isn't going to happen bollocks, that started this nonsense in the first place. As you say, tragic, as the rest of you seem a decent bunch.

excuse you, I came on spouting we are 11 points clear of Leeds scum. I originally came on and was polite, just pointed out that you lot putting us down when we were loads of points ahead...was a tad rude and arrogant!! Which you didn't like very much, which....shows what you lot are like. Then one of your lot calls my wife and daughters slags and you expect me to be nice, **** off you moron!!

 

[Spanish]

Ironically it was one of our posters commending your season in a debate about league positions, with another stating, which he did before the season started, that he had you down as making the play off's, as he liked your style of play and thought it would suit the Championship , a few stating we'd not catch you and the top 2 looked sorted,then one of ours said he expected you to drop off with it being a long season and you having a small squad, injuries kicking in could catch up with you. Then your fella started the bollocks he did, ignoring the complimentary posts and having a go at the one he took offence to but itbturned out to be correct. It's obvious he has an hatred of us but don't give it Billy big bollocks and expect nothing in return.

Let's be honest....you are scum aren't you, I would say vermin but that's cruel to vermin!! A little bit of banter and then you lot show your true colours by calling someone's family slags....class!!