Nothing much to say about the match itself, apart from the superb shot from Man of the Match Ben Davies that was tipped over the bar by the visiting keeper. BUT, did anyone else at the game witness the strange goings on in the second half, when the Mansfield number 7 - Adam Chapman - who came to the sidelines by the bench on the pretext of getting a drink only to receive some instructions from the manager/coach, plus a piece of paper which he then took onto the pitch, passing instructions written on it to three or four team mates, and then carefully tucking the paper into his right sock, before taking a free kick ! Isn't what he did illegal ? Neither the referee, the linesman, or the fourth official, appeared to notice his actions, or attempted to challenge him. Most odd !!
An interesting point Woopert. I am unsure of the rules. Did he go off for the drink after the free kick was awarded? A more charitable possibility is that, with so many overseas players now days, a touch line interpreter writing notes ( or diagrams ) may be the only way to convey a message sometimes. I read a response to an article in the News pointing out that there have been slightly more away wins than home wins in L2 in the season todate. It is a pity if this means more defensive tactics are proving more efficient and home sides are vulnerable to compromise between trying to win in front of home fans and playing in their most effective manner. This may indicate that Mr Cooks tactics are closer to the mark - efficiency wise - than his critics like to admit. His results to date are, of course, are the primary indication. Playing in the more defensive manner I believe is a good way to get a middle of the table finish or, with luck a play off position. Automatic promotion may require a little more daring and imagination. We must be getting near the point where we can be fairly sure of a mid table position which will allow more risks to be taken in the second half of the season chasing the a top three position. I suppose when a Manager attracts players to a club he must offer opportunities and meet his promise. The promises to resident players are probably less concrete. It concerns me that this may be part of the reason Boco & Lavery were given starts on Saturday while Tubbs and Chaplin were on the bench. Similar influences may have put Murphy ahead of Jones in goal at the beginning of the season. The lack of a reserve team where new comers can reasonably be asked to prove their case is regrettable in this context.
yep, but they were a bit odd those northerners, what did you make of their corner routine in the first half when about 5 of them stood in a circle then all ran off in different directions all missing the ball by miles? As for their tactics they only had 3 shots all game none on target and it was the 48th minute before they blazed their first shot about 20 yards over the bar! Highlight of the game, was my Balti Chicken pie and lager at half time
Frustrating to say the least. Look forward to the away games folks. Hopefully a good night to come for my team (in Spain) Athletic Bilbao tonight!!
