R16 v Brisbane Roar (H)

[LFCMariners]

Positives:

- Brisbane were undefeated in 4 (now 5) games and look to be a side finding consistency at last after the shambles they were earlier in the season. Yet for much of the game CCM all over were asking real questions of them and looked the better, more coherent side

- Clisby put in a great sliding tackle in the first half that saved what could quite likely have been a goal, and was solid in defence most of the afternoon

- Briggers was sound in goal, saved our arses a few times

- In the last 15 minutes CCM had players going straight through the Roar midfield, and at the back they were continually stealing the ball away 1 on 1 as the Roar players tried to get into position for a shot and defused their chance

- The home support was great- made plenty of noise and hearing the enthusiasm for the 'Mariners' chant and the 'Who do we sing for?' call and response was well supported, at least from my vantage point in the Western Grandstand

Negatives:

- The rain no doubt scared a few people off, I was thinking there'd be a crowd of around 7k for this one so it's a pity the iffy weather kept our crowd down

- So many wasted passes through the midfield, especially in the first half. Balls to nobody, or a CCM player getting the ball and rather than hang onto it, wait for other players to get in position and work the ball upfield, instead hoofing it long and losing possession to the Roar in the process.

- Silvera was the wrong substitution. Too physically small to be defending with the game on the line, slipped over twice in short succession while trying to mark advancing Roar players with the ball, then his meek attempt to defend late in the game instead of shutting down the passage of play kept the ball alive for Brisbane and ultimately cost CCM the game

- Yet again, this game highlighted how in need the squad is of reinforcements when it comes to the forwards. Need to bring in at least one player with a proven record of converting the chances we created into goals.

I would've been interested to see how the response had been if Brisbane scored early in the second half, how CCM would've responded and whether they would keep taking the match to the Roar or closed up, tried to minimise damage and grab a goal on the counter. As long as Stajic keeps morale up in the squad, they could well get the 3 points against WSW next weekend who have been in more patchy form of late than the Roar.

 

[FFC Mariner]

I thought we were undone tonight by our glaring weakness - we have no strikers of AL quality. Yet again, chances were created and yet again we cant finish any of them.

We had 18 shots (yes 18) of which only 2 were on target. Last week we had 19 shots of which 4 were on target.

So in 2 games there have been 37 shots, 6 on target and no goals.

We have done nothing to address this and I'm hearing the Roy thing is unlikely and they have realised Jair is a complete dud (no shit)

Staj has young strikers everywhere and wont play them - he wont know if any are good enough if he wont play any of them

I also thought Staj got his subs horribly wrong - agree Oar needed to be dragged, he cant cross. End of. Silvera was terrible eventually being too lazy to tackle and setting them up for their eventual goal. Get a tackle in there and it doesnt happen. Simon didnt seem to know where he was supposed to be playing

Roar werent much better TBH, I completely forgot that McDonald was even playing they were so toothless.

The one error was by Birra and he gifted them their goal

Stupid game

 

[Capn Gus Bloodbeard]

The one error was by Birra and he gifted them their goal

Several players made a big error in that goal and Birra wasn't one of them. SS losing the ball, Ziggy clearing it straight down the middle of the field (come on, that's defending basics), Miller losing his man then deflecting the ball into the goal. Not sure what the criteria for an OG is, but I'm not even sure that the shot was quite on target before he touched it.

Watch it again - it got a deflection off Miller. Ball was going to Birra's left, he was moving left, the deflection sent it to Birra's right. He had absolutely no chance of changing his footing and balance in time.

At first I thought the same until I saw the deflection.

 

[Wombat]

I thought we were undone tonight by our glaring weakness - we have no strikers of AL quality. Yet again, chances were created and yet again we cant finish any of them.

We had 18 shots (yes 18) of which only 2 were on target. Last week we had 19 shots of which 4 were on target.

So in 2 games there have been 37 shots, 6 on target and no goals.

We have done nothing to address this and I'm hearing the Roy thing is unlikely and they have realised Jair is a complete dud (no shit)

Staj has young strikers everywhere and wont play them - he wont know if any are good enough if he wont play any of them

I also thought Staj got his subs horribly wrong - agree Oar needed to be dragged, he cant cross. End of. Silvera was terrible eventually being too lazy to tackle and setting them up for their eventual goal. Get a tackle in there and it doesnt happen. Simon didnt seem to know where he was supposed to be playing

Roar werent much better TBH, I completely forgot that McDonald was even playing they were so toothless.

The one error was by Birra and he gifted them their goal

Stupid game

Agree.

I'm a massive Silvera fan but he did nothing. Simon was poor although their 2 CB's were monsters would could have snapped him. GG was poor also.

To be fair to Birra, he kept us in the game in the 1st half.

I'm starting to doubt Ziggy although that one covering tackle was sumptious.

Nizzy is a good Footballer.

Muzz is a dud.

 

[FFC Mariner]

Agree.

I'm a massive Silvera fan but he did nothing. Simon was poor although their 2 CB's were monsters would could have snapped him. GG was poor also.

To be fair to Birra, he kept us in the game in the 1st half.

I'm starting to doubt Ziggy although that one covering tackle was sumptious.

Nizzy is a good Footballer.

Muzz is a dud.

Agree - Muzz need to go back to NPL1 - Nizzy needs a run in the side to grow into it. He has a great engine and may just be too good for the dross around him

 

[Ancient Mariner]

Overall I was quite disappointed with that performance. The team showed an amazing amount of heart to keep going for 90 mins in what were difficult conditions. For anyone not there, it was like breathing underwater. What was lacking was skill, speed and cohesion.

Birraz: His normal competent performance, kept us in the game early. I was not happy with him assuming an offside call. Just stupid.
Clisby: A much better performance. Will probably see the season out.
Miller: Probably my MOM. Owned his side of the field. Never stopped working.
Ziggy: Saved us with last ditch tackles a couple of times. Professional performance.
Rowles: Close to MOM. Getting better all the time. In a couple of years he will be our next Socceroo rep. Love the gadget legs.
Nizzy: Excellent starting debut. Tentative early. But did a heap of directing in defence. Made a couple of mistakes. In the second half he showed why he should be given a 3 year contract immediately. Played with intelligence ( a rare commodity) and vision. Great motor.
Stens: Looked as though he was carrying an injury before he was injured. Suspect he could be out for a while.
DDS: Have to love his work rate and heart. Unfortunately he does not have the end product for an AM. He tried early to pass and move so obviously the problem is being addressed but when he gets the ball the attack slows. Probably should be a winger but we do not play them anymore. Maybe a fullback.
Milan: A real professional performance. A couple of poor touches, but probably the only player on the park who looked to have real quality. If you are able watch the three shot scramble when we nearly scored. He kept his head and tried to set things up rather than just blazing away.
Tommy: Thank goodness Staj has him back forward. Looked dangerous and had the skills to take advantage of our long balls. Cannot cross. Amazing for an ex international winger. Good luck at Macarthur.
Muzz: Fed well on the long balls. Good runs. Probably his best run for a long time. I think he will get there but needs a better partner or a quality#10.
Subs.
Gallifuco: Good box to box performance. Worked his butt off. Looked like he worked out he is playing for his spot. Ran like a sub should.
Matty: He played his starring role two weeks ago. Really he should come on when we are in front. Great commitment but like me he is too old.
SS: Probably the less said the better. Someone on LA may be reading. He has come too far too soon and may have listened to Robbie Slater a bit too much. He needs to go a few training session one on one with Matty. Far too timid and has shown little work ethic. Has a tonne of ability on the ball, but more is needed. Staj needs to re-evaluate.

I have more to say about the performance as a team, style of play and structure. But enough for now.
To be continued.....

 

[Big Al]

So Kim dropped for no reason. No injury or fatigue confirmed by him post match. That’s one way of f**k’n off one of our best not to come back next year.

On tv they said the word was Staj wasn’t entirely happy with his performance last week

Nizzy was excellent. Well done to the lad. He needs the physical partner like Stensness or GG. They all worked well together

 

[Wombat]

Are they willing to forgive, forget and move forward? Because the actions from that lot tonight and the last home game have made it very clear that they’re not.

Justin,
Your words are confrontational at times
I know you love the Mariners with a passion.
You and your little crew are very important to the matchday experience.
Be willing and big enough to show respect where it is due and you might find the respect comes back to you.
I'm sure Pete, Jimmy, Eggy etc would love to have your added voices.

Were all Mariners aren't we.

 

[Big Al]

Much better shape and Tommy Oar was more effective if still unproductive.

I laughed because the first couple of crosses were with his right foot on the right side and last week someone said the only good cross he hit was with his right. Thought we played to his strength

 

[Ads]

* For mine it was good to see some slightly more diagonal balls towards muzz to the front right.
(Better forward penetration)

* I thought the defence was more structured and resolute throughout.

However!

* Big gap in the middle of the park!
More disconnection than usual, front four almost running along their backline and then the lone ball over.
Rowles and Duric stuck some long passes through the middle but too rarely and always someone hot on the arse of the recipient player.

* Still an overwhelming sense of nervousness in the players movements and lack of confidence on the ball and what to do with the ball.

* At some stage the playing group need to band together and give each other confidence with better communication supported by a the best structure.

* Brisbane still had more possession 54% despite the feeling we had more of the ball.
Very worrying that our possession that we do have is still very ineffective, however we did have some more direct chances tonight or open play chances which was pleasing.

* I’ll say it again as well, I think coaches go with varied or modern formations and I think Staj still has it wrong.
We have a low grade and low quality team that needs to work on the basics!
Build confidence from doing the basics well.
Keep it simple with a 4-4-2 / 4-4-1-1 and simply focus on dominating your area and your opposing player.

 

[radar]

there was a very good example tonight of why sending players to the other side of the planet for a week is not necessarily a good thing

 

[Insertnamehere]

there was a very good example tonight of why sending players to the other side of the planet for a week is not necessarily a good thing

Our LA based reporter said he was likely back Wednesday. I think it's form more than jet lag.
I really dunno what happened. He was friggin electric in pre season and that first game. It's just disappeared completely.

 

[neverwozza]

If we are going to play that 4-3-3 again I would like the 6,8 & 10 to be Kim, Nizz & Duric. All smart on the ball and able to spot and play the easy pass. I've always been a huge fan of De Silva and thought he was a bit harshly treated last time he played with us (given we were such a mess as a side and club) but he has been freaking awful since game one this season. Tries really hard but honestly just not up to a-league level anymore. The league has progressed a lot since he made his debut as a 16 year old and unfortunately I feel as though he hasn't. Hope he proves me wrong because he was such a great talent.

I think it says a lot about our squad that a fair bit of our attacking penetration came from a young centre back playing out of position at right back and a young five foot nothing screener starting his 2nd game ever. They both showed a lot better composure and decision making than their more experienced team mates.

 

[true believer]

Agree.

I'm a massive Silvera fan but he did nothing. Simon was poor although their 2 CB's were monsters would could have snapped him. GG was poor also.

To be fair to Birra, he kept us in the game in the 1st half.

I'm starting to doubt Ziggy although that one covering tackle was sumptious.

Nizzy is a good Footballer.

Muzz is a dud.

ss cost us the game ,we were on top at that stage and his lack of effort
was like a cancer through the whole side .
nizzy , as middy said was 12 out of 10
muzz was better but still not good enough

 

[Wombat]

Overall I was quite disappointed with that performance. The team showed an amazing amount of heart to keep going for 90 mins in what were difficult conditions. For anyone not there, it was like breathing underwater. What was lacking was skill, speed and cohesion.

Birraz: His normal competent performance, kept us in the game early. I was not happy with him assuming an offside call. Just stupid. BEST KEEPER SINCE REDDY. Not great on the Goal.
Clisby: A much better performance. Will probably see the season out. DECENT GAME. Crossing average.
Miller: Probably my MOM. Owned his side of the field. Never stopped working. Very Good. My MOM
Ziggy: Saved us with last ditch tackles a couple of times. Professional performance. Once superb covering tackle. Still not 100% convincing.
Rowles: Close to MOM. Getting better all the time. In a couple of years he will be our next Socceroo rep. Love the gadget legs. Pretty solid
Nizzy: Excellent starting debut. Tentative early. But did a heap of directing in defence. Made a couple of mistakes. In the second half he showed why he should be given a 3 year contract immediately. Played with intelligence ( a rare commodity) and vision. Great motor. Superb engine. One howler but looks at ease at this level.
Stens: Looked as though he was carrying an injury before he was injured. Suspect he could be out for a while. Needed a spell and got one.
DDS: Have to love his work rate and heart. Unfortunately he does not have the end product for an AM. He tried early to pass and move so obviously the problem is being addressed but when he gets the ball the attack slows. Probably should be a winger but we do not play them anymore. Maybe a fullback. Actually looked pretty good. Second half he was looking very clever, unlucky with the header.
Milan: A real professional performance. A couple of poor touches, but probably the only player on the park who looked to have real quality. If you are able watch the three shot scramble when we nearly scored. He kept his head and tried to set things up rather than just blazing away. A bit more intelligent than some but still not great. Looks to be slowly returning to form.
Tommy: Thank goodness Staj has him back forward. Looked dangerous and had the skills to take advantage of our long balls. Cannot cross. Amazing for an ex international winger. Good luck at Macarthur. Not Good.
Muzz: Fed well on the long balls. Good runs. Probably his best run for a long time. I think he will get there but needs a better partner or a quality#10. Works hard. Pretty toothless in the box and a poor header of the ball for mine. Might make a decent winger.
Gallifuco: Good box to box performance. Worked his butt off. Looked like he worked out he is playing for his spot. Ran like a sub should. A couple of good solid tackles but his passing in the final third was very poor. Disappointing. In hindsight Kim should have been the sub for Stens. TBH, most people would start kim in front of Stens!
Matty: He played his starring role two weeks ago. Really he should come on when we are in front. Great commitment but like me he is too old. His worst game of the season.
SS: Probably the less said the better. Someone on LA may be reading. He has come too far too soon and may have listened to Robbie Slater a bit too much. He needs to go a few training session one on one with Matty. Far too timid and has shown little work ethic. Has a tonne of ability on the ball, but more is needed. Staj needs to re-evaluate. His worst game of the season.

I have more to say about the performance as a team, style of play and structure. But enough for now.
To be continued.....

 

[Wombat]

ss cost us the game ,we were on top at that stage and his lack of effort
was like a cancer through the whole .
nizzy , as middy said was 12 out of 10
muzz was better but still not good enough

Nah,
Looking for a scapegoat TB?
Poor challenge for sure but we should have defended from there.
Our finishing was woeful again.....thats the cancer.

 

[Wombat]

Can you guys f**k off with the petty bay beef? Can we focus on the game? That’s what we’re all here to discuss

Your opinions of the game No Diggity?

Dont be nice (you always are) be truthful.

 

[radar]

Our LA based reporter said he was likely back Wednesday. I think it's form more than jet lag.
I really dunno what happened. He was friggin electric in pre season and that first game. It's just disappeared completely.

he lost his feet from under him and I think that was the catalyst to the goal - brain fog? Wrong boots? Who knows. Hope he bounces back chop-chop

 

[Insertnamehere]

If we are going to play that 4-3-3 again I would like the 6,8 & 10 to be Kim, Nizz & Duric. All smart on the ball and able to spot and play the easy pass. I've always been a huge fan of De Silva and thought he was a bit harshly treated last time he played with us (given we were such a mess as a side and club) but he has been freaking awful since game one this season. Tries really hard but honestly just not up to a-league level anymore. The league has progressed a lot since he made his debut as a 16 year old and unfortunately I feel as though he hasn't. Hope he proves me wrong because he was such a great talent.

I think it says a lot about our squad that a fair bit of our attacking penetration came from a young centre back playing out of position at right back and a young five foot nothing screener starting his 2nd game ever. They both showed a lot better composure and decision making than their more experienced team mates.

DDS is a better version of Hoole. He wants to dribble and take the man on every time. EVERY f**kING TIME. Niz is his replacement.

 

[Capn Gus Bloodbeard]

I wonder if 3 own goals in 2 games is a HAL record....