How anybody can say pope was not at fault for either goal is a fool. He just isn't very good, and the people that say he is a good shot stopper, all goalies are, hence why that is there job.
Which ones? The 3rd was perfectly in the far corner, the free kick went over a wall by about 3 inches... a wall that didn't jump and who's job it is so stop the ball getting to that side of the goal. The 2nd goal he punched it out and Bergdich just sat there did bugger all to close the fella down who had enough time to pick his shot and more.
I meant the first two goals. Granted the wall didn't do its job, but his positioning is poor and the ball went in nowhere near the corner. Also he was never going to get a solid punch on it, with that massive crowd of players.
The free kick wasn't in the corner IMO. The wall was pathetic, but pope will be disappointed with his positioning and movement I imagine. I wonder if there might be an issue with his sight somewhere. I think Hamer had the same issue.
I am a fan of Pope (or at least a less severe critic), but he should have saved their first one on Tues night and he part contributed to their second. He has probably cost us 6 goals this season, which is too many.
I've watched the goals again. No, the ball wasn't right in the corner,he might have saved it, it would have been a very good save, but if we'd scored it we'd be saying what a great free-kick it was. The defense was far more culpable for giving away such a stupid free-kick in that position. Compare that to the way their defense coped with Watt when he ran at them. For the second OK the punch wasn't great but the defending after that was woeful, as it was for the 3rd, and for the header which hit the bar.
Absolutely right regarding the defending Billy, but look at popes positioning, he should be reaching that every single time! Excellent height and a nice distance from the corner to get a hand to.
I don't blame pope for any of Prestons goals the defence was culpable eve solely was poor Tuesday night
Nonsense Mike! The goalie is the last line of defence, so poor defending shouldn't automatically result in a goal. If he can't line up a wall/get him self position correctly and know when and when not to come for a cross he will never be anything about a league one goalie! That's without mentioning his ability to deal with low shots.
He didn't make any howlers against Preston, as he has done in the past. The sarcastic cheers when he gets the ball are bang out of order. I don't think it can be coincidence that all his gaffes have been at home. I suppose they're the same fans who booed Harriott on to the pitch last game, and look how well he's doing now. Apart from Watt the rest of them look scared of their own shadow, always passing back to avoid the flak.
They weren't howlers, but he should do far better. I agree the fans don't help, but he doesn't seem to learn from his mistakes! With harriott, again the crown didn't help. But he is playing in league one, a very very weak league one at that! Much less pressure playing in front of small crowds. Also it's a two way street, our fans don't expect world class fotball, but we do expect fight, something which is lacking. Give us something to cheer and we will.
The fans have got every right to express their anger at an awful performance, which tuesday was, but the whole team was shocking.
If it's easier to play in front of small crowds bring Harriot back as ours are shrinking by he week agree with FHB
