We started well and played some really good stuff first half. I thought it was the best we have played all season - then they scored. Like Cottager I'd have to see the incident again but foul looked harsh. As soon as they scored the game changed. At 3 - 1 up at half time my mate even said, whoever scores next wins. McCormack had a really good game and Parker too. I read before the game the thought that Parker would be rested. He ran his socks off first half and controlled the midfield, not sure why he did come off but we could have done with him on the pitch for a bit longer. We somehow hung on. It was torture,but we have the three points.
Thanks to all the above for filling things in for the rest of us. Some encouragement, at least, to go with three valuable points.
Whilst I dont really disagree with the analysis, I feel I should say that Stafylidis only turned 21 last month.
It truly was a game of two halves. Glad we got 3 points. Ironicaloy i thought we didnt deserve getting bwat at Forest and i dont think they deserved it last night.
21 and I don't think he lack pace. Probably worn out playing week in week out without a rest! The first half had what we asked for... strong midfield and width. Second half we went narrow again. Hugo couldn't help and allowed pressure to build. Good win but Hugo needs to be dropped now. He had two assists but we need more from him up front. COYW
Here's the two minute highlight reel. http://www.fulhamfc.com/first-team/...ottingham-forest/nottingham-forest-highlights
I actually quite like Stafylidis. He gives 100% and I think is getting better. The guy that frustrates me is Forfana which I note others seem to like. Still exhausted after watching last night, and loved it.
One point on the ref... Was he one of the most unfit refs you have seen or what? The guy was simply awful!!!
Nowhere near as bad or as unfit as 'lumbering Jack' in the Reading game. He had to stop the game every 10 minutes to lecture a player and catch his breath!
Following-up on the comments about Fofana and Stafylidis. Fofana As mentioned earlier, when we were on the front foot last night he was terrific; finding space, accurate forward passing and good link up play generally. In the second when our backs were to the wall, quite the opposite. He didn’t seem to know which opposition player to pick up and spent most of that half chasing the ball or getting caught in possession. Kit’s played him on the wing a couple of times and that’s a waste of space. He’s a midfielder. However to become effective in that position, he need to brush up on his defensive work. And two things in particular - 1. Tackling (Well, he doesn’t at the moment) 2. Support play (An example from last night was when he was chasing one of theirs down our right side. When he saw Grimmer coming across he stopped running. Instead he should have kept going and ‘ganged-up’ on their lad. As it happens they ended up with a corner that we eventually cleared.) Stafylidis He’s been inconsistent across and within games. However, like a lot of our full backs in recent times there’s often little cover in front of him or indeed covering behind if he makes a run forward. And there’s no doubt that his best games have been with Kavanagh in front of him. He’s a determined little ‘bugger’ but prone to some awful mistakes. A prime example was in the first half last night when he attempted a weak header back to Bettinelli inside a crowded penalty box and only a good smothering save by the keeper prevented a goal. I don’t know whether this sort of thing is lack of concentration or arrogance (he does strut about the pitch when the ball‘s not around!) I think he’s generally solid and although his crossing is hit and miss at times he can be threatening. But, again there has to be a worry about the defensive side of things. The main problem I have with him is that he drifts inside if the ball is over on the right or falls back in a line with the other three when the opposition have the ball in their half. Consequently their right sided player has acres of space to receive the ball and he’s left playing catch up. They’re both young and have little experience even at this level, so (for now) I’d rather see the plusses and hope that the rest can be sorted on the training ground.
