R5: Perth V Mariners

[Forum Phoenix]

Perth managed to foul and slow the second half down and kill off momentum, but I thought it was our best performance this season, with plenty of positives to take away.

Neill was very promising.
I thought Posco had a great game and clearly deserves his spot. Terrific speed and some clearly great moments in defence. As suspected he's easily the best ball paying centreback we've had since Dutchy.
I like Zac, so it' a pity for him, and I've heard rumours he's taking it hard and wants out, but there were numerous times today under similar pressure with the ball that with Zac on, at the very least we would have booted the ball long and lost possession. Poscolieri gives us a real chance of playing out under pressure which we've sorely needed.

For mine, our issue is that we are clearly lacking a high quality 10. I like Trifiro, I really do, he's a solid, skilful hard worker, he defends well, good feet, he's consistent, and he did some good work again today. But he lacks the acceleration to open up a side and today showed himself wanting on being able to play the killer ball at least 4 times and clearly ran out of ideas aswell. It's a very hard skill. But it's critical. Perez could do it. Musti could do it. Rogic could do it. Flores could do it. Weemac, Bozanic and also at times McBreen could even do it... but SOMEONE has to be doing it - it's critical - or like today, you just can't get that final vital slice open. I honestly think if we have Perez, Musti, Rogic, Wemac or Flores in at 10 today... we win that game.

I don't blame Moss for this, (unless it was to keep Flores) Kim has ability, but he lacks heart, so he was rightly dropped last week, but can anyone imagine any of the other players I just listed being dropped for Trifiro? Instead he was replaced by our former left back Sim...

What's the answer? Caceres? (Thought he had a great game today also)
They seem pretty reluctant with Caceres at 10... Giving Sim the nod as Trifiro's replacement.

Having Caceres at 10 would solve the Monty issue - but like others I'm hearing there are now dressing room issues with Monty at the losing end and that his absence is not a case of being rested for mid week games. Which seems a real blow. I think Posco has earned his place. But I think Monty has earned his well and truly also.

My biggest gripe today bar Monty's absence, was keeping mane on the bench till the 78th, when Trifiro had long since run out of ideas and we were a goal down... But maybe Mane had a niggle...so Mossy only intended to use him if he really had no choice but to chase it. These are the kind of things, our arm chair expertise can't know.

Whatever the case, for mine, there has ben a lot of improvement across the league, and unfortunately without a class 10 and one more striker (who definitely is well beyond youth league) we're not going to get too much joy. But I love my football, love my club, and have never understood the desire to so readily trash your players, or coach or club. Like Dibo and others, I've railed against it many times over the years. It's the great downfall of English football as far as I'm concerned. And f**ked if I want to see it become acceptable under the false premise of tough love or eyes bravely wide open. Give me a f**king break.

 

[Roy Law]

Move Right Along, Nothing to See Here​

Phil Moss dipped into the show bag and pulled out a string of changes for this game, in part because of a heavy upcoming schedule, but perhaps also responding to the claims of younger squad players for a starting place. Popular claimants Trifiro, Caceres, Fitzgerald and Duke were joined by Isaka Cernak while youngster Michael Neill surprisingly replaced the veteran Josh Rose to make his A League debut. Montgomery, Kim Seung-yong, and Anderson were all relegated to watching from the stands, along with the now returned Matt Simon. Rose was joined on the bench by the Hungarian import, Richard Vernes, making a belated A League appearance.
The Mariners, fielding what surely must have been one of their youngest ever line-ups, looked good for most of the first half. There was a calmness and confidence about their play; the ball was moved easily, mainly on the ground, from player to player. The passing geometry was efficient and precise; they dominated possession. Caceres and Trifiro both demanded the ball and used it well; Roux and McNeill got forward with enthusiasm; Poscoliero did most of the tidying up in defence and pushed the ball quickly upfield; and the ever-willing Duke ran around like a happy Energizer Bunny.
But it is one thing to look good; it is quite another to be effective. The Mariners had very little cutting edge and Vukovic was largely untroubled.
Duke brilliantly beat Risdon down the left but could not find the telling cross; Cernak shot wide from distance after excellent build up; Neill bombed forward at the end of another flowing move but again it came to nothing. Duke fired a shot from the edge of the area but it was comfortably straight at Vukovic. Keogh then reminded us of his threat but Poscoliero cleverly snuffed out the danger. Duke changed his boots like a tennis player changing his racquet; perhaps they were his shooting boots?
Approaching the half hour Fitzgerald brilliantly made his way into the penalty area and crossed but Cernak had to lunge a bit too far and could not control the shot; it was a great chance but he scooped it wide. Perth responded with Griffiths wasting a wonderful chance from a free kick, somehow putting the ball across goal instead of into the net. More flowing football, at pace, from the Mariners but Fitzgerald’s effort was blocked.
And then Vukovic reminded us of his old Mariner glories: a wicked long range shot from Caceres, saved, but too hot to hold; Duke pounced on the rebound but Vukovic, always the master of the double save, blocked the shot. It was great goalkeeping from the former Coastie hero.
Perth then brought down the Mariners’ pretty playing patterns with a stunning strike from distance by Marinkovic. A free kick conceded after sloppy play by Hutchinson, struck brilliantly past Liam Reddy’s flying fingers; a top drawer strike to the top corner. It was Perth’s first meaningful shot of the game; the young Mariners didn’t deserve to be behind, but Perth are surfing the wave of momentum whereas the Mariners are still trying to catch a ride.
Perth almost doubled their advantage at the start of the second half when Fitzgerald lost possession but Reddy stood tall to Keogh and blocked the effort. Hutch was booked for a late challenge but this time Marinkovic’s free kick was easily taken by Reddy. McLaren, under pressure from Poscoliero, volleyed at goal but again the keeper took it comfortably. Sim came on for Cernak on the hour; Cernak had all but disappeared, but Sim was to do no better, giving up possession on each of his first three touches. Reddy stood up again to deny Keogh; John Crawley’s coaching methods paying dividends wonderfully.
The Mariners had now lost their enthusiasm, the football was predictable and one paced. Perth easily picked off the forward passes. Neill made a strong run but Duke’s touch was poor and Vukovic scooped up the ball. Vukovic is a great shot stopper but wasn’t getting a work out from the Mariners and then Trifiro, finally, made a run into the penalty area and found Duke but his well hit first time shot was too close to Vukovic; it was another good chance that Duke could add to his list of missed chances this season. Mané came on and briefly gave the fans hope as he repeatedly took on, and beat, Perth’s defenders but the final touch wasn’t there; Vernes made his A League debut with ten minutes to go but had no time for a positive impact.
The Mariners had started this game well but only had a couple of decent shots on goal; there seemed to be a lot going on but in truth there was little end product. The geometric passing patterns had no sharp edge. The small crowd could have moved right along; there was nothing to see here today. Even the Brass Band seemed subdued. Perth strolled to their first win in ten seasons of trying at Fortress Mariners.
It wasn’t all doom and gloom; there was a lot to like with the skills on display from Poscoliero, Roux, Neill, Caceres, Trifiro and Duke. But the sum of the parts was well short of the desired whole, there is a lack of a dominant match changing personality in this team; somehow Moss has to find that missing component.
Michael Neill made a very confident debut and for that I make him my MoM from a field where nobody really stood out.

 

[MagpieMariner]

What's this about "their first win in ten seasons of trying at Fortress Mariners"? They've beaten us in a knock-out semi-final the year before we won the Championship and they beat us in a pre-season cup match in year 3. Only 2 wins I know, but this one's not the first.

 

[VicMariner]

We played well for the entire first half, the longest period of good play so far this season. Each round the team is improving and I think we will hit our straps any round now.
Plenty of chances created, just need them to go in. I'd be worried if we were NOT creating chances.
All this while juggling selections with the FFA Cup in mind. I think we will perform well in the next Cup game.
All in all I think we're not doing too bad.

 

[greenlig]

I enjoyed watching us play. We were a bit slow going forward, and are missing some confidence and creativity at #10, but we controlled large portions of the game and actually looked really good at times. Having a forward that lacks confidence is making everyone behind him hesitant too. Duke is great, but he gets spooked too easily. Matty Simon coming back will be good. He might not be a grand #9, but he will put some fear into defenders and put some confidence in the players behind him.

Caceres was everywhere in the first half, and looked really good in patches. Just needs some more in front of him. Hutch was very positive with his passing, constantly looking to go forward. Cernak was surprisingly good for the first 40 odd, then went quiet. Trifiro is a bit too slow, but he has good ball skills. Thought Fitzy was energetic, but his skills aren't as good as his ideas atm.

The subs were a bit late. Vernes looked up for it when he came on. At one stage, he ran the length of the field to defend on the edge of our box, then started an attack and ran all the way forward again. It was fantastic to watch, and looks like he really wants a spot. Sim's touch was poor, he didn't really give much.

We were industrious, played some nice football, but toothless up front. We're getting better each game, and we will hit out straps when our forwards start scoring.

 

[shelleybeach]

How much of a concern is the low crowd?

 

[pjennings]

To me we seem to be getting a bit of consensus as to what our best team is

Reddy at keeper
Rose at LB but most would be happy with Neill as well
Posco as 1 CB
Bosnar/Zac - this seems to be a bone of contention
Roux at RB
HM - any two of Monty/Hutch/Caceres

It was, however, the front where we had problems last year, and again it seems to be the case. Before the season on 'pedigree' not on seeing most of them my front four would have been

Fitzy-----------------Vernes----------------Mane

----------------------Simon-----------------------

We have not seen this yet.

With these as their cover.

Cernak--------------Tricky----------------Sim

----------------------Duke-----------------------

To my mind none of these players have played to their potential yet. From all reports Mane was unfit when he got here. Simon missed the pre-season and Vernes has been ill and had niggles since he has been here.

It is with these 8 players that our season lies. We are not conceding too many - and some of the ones we have conceded have been all class including yesterday and the Antonis strike. We just have to find the back of the net.

 

[Capt. Awesome]

How much of a concern is the low crowd?

Bit of a concern however it was only Perth and also Sunday arvo doesn't pull much or a crowd. We start winning again that will pick back up again.

 

[shelleybeach]

Bit of a concern however it was only Perth and also Sunday arvo doesn't pull much or a crowd. We start winning again that will pick back up again.

Can I assume tv scheduling was the reason for putting it on at that time? I suppose it's only one game, but the worry is if the side are not winning what could happen. The Mariners have punched above their weight since the start of the a-league and I doubt would have survived this long if they hadn't had so much success. I think it's harder for us to get through lean times than most of the rest but I'm sure all avenues to build a bigger base are being looked at, apart from winning every game which would pack em in!

 

[sydmariner]

How much of a concern is the low crowd?

Phoenix got a bigger crowd than we did

 

[pjennings]

The western concourse looked pretty full. What was the western stand like? Wearing my tin foil hat is this a case of understating a poor crowd so that they can overstate a better crowd at NSO

 

[BrisRecky]

How good was Micky Neill...a outstanding knock...
Why is Dukey doing so much defending...he should be down the other end annoying the opposing keeper...right?
Poscoliero is getting better, still think his too small for a defender
I do have one question about Mossys purchases for this season....did the owner blow the cap money on bulldozers and architects, thus leaving him with only enough to go shopping in the NSWPL?......
fingers crossed for the FFA cup on Wednesday...then the Reckys are off to the MCFC game...home the boys bring their teeth with 'em

 

[Atomic]

Snip…

Whatever the case, for mine, there has ben a lot of improvement across the league, and unfortunately without a class 10 and one more striker (who definitely is well beyond youth league) we're not going to get too much joy. But I love my football, love my club, and have never understood the desire to so readily trash your players, or coach or club. Like Dibo and others, I've railed against it many times over the years. It's the great downfall of English football as far as I'm concerned. And f**ked if I want to see it become acceptable under the false premise of tough love or eyes bravely wide open. Give me a f**king break.

I alway enjoy reading your post-game comments FP, but the comments above kind of confirm something that I've been thinking about all the negative comments of late.

In my opinion, there remains a bit of a cultural cringe around Australian football. Some people (who tend to be the most vocal on this subject) won't be satisfied until we mimic what's happening in the big o/seas leagues. Particularly with the way we support the team. The "Mariners, clap, clap, clap" chant isn't good enough for them because you won't catch Arsenal, Chelsea etc doing it.

I won't bore you with other examples, but this business of calling for Moss's head after a mediocre start the the season a prime example of the desire to act in a manner of a big European club. It's bullshit… plain and simple. We can't afford to be sacking coaches, especially ones that are competent.

Sacking Moss is the (seemingly) easy way out, but more often than not, it proves to be a false dawn. Like FP says "Give me a f**king break".

 

[radar]

I was really entertained the way we played in the first half. The passing was good, the tempo was high and the younger blood seemed to really bring some enthusiasm to their jobs. It went to pot in the second when Perth decided to start all-guns-blazing but if that's the way we are heading with Posco, Roux, Neill and Caceres then I reckon it's only a matter of time before we start turning these results around.

 

[dibo]

Michael Neill was good. Great debut, huge prospect. Pascoliero moved the ball well and did a great 1v1 job on Keogh (and I'd been entirely unconvinced by his defensive work until then!). Hutch was very positive, opening the field up wherever possible. A few passes went astray late as we were pushing the game on. Caceres also had a good game, more aggressive with his positioning and getting more involved further up the park, providing the link to Trifiro but also tying together the right flank with Cernak and Roux.

We're missing something at 10 - Trifiro wasn't *bad* as such, but we didn't quite open them up there. Part of the problem was Rostyn Griffiths was a monster for them, for a little man like Trifiro it would've been a pretty unpleasant place to be.

Duke looked fired up for a goal and unlucky not to get at least one, Cernak was very positive, I'm finally seeing what Wombat sees in Vernes because he looked good when he came on too. Sim had a shocker, everything seemed to go wrong in his first 10 minutes or so on the park. Mane was positive but I wish he could cross the ball.

And the short options from corners and free kicks were a waste of time. If you're going to do it, use variations, not the same thing every time (which allowed Perth to catch Trifiro offside at a corner FFS) and make sure you beat the first man with the cross when it comes or you'll look like an idiot.

I get the frustration with selections, but I think there's a lot to the notion that a) Moss doesn't yet know who makes up his first XI and b) there are competing priorities so we're not really going to see the first XI all playing together all the time. After this fortnight I think he'll have a much better idea of our best team and so will we.

 

[radar]

yeah the short corners were garbage and handed the ball over before we even gave ourselves a chance. Also, plus one on Rostyn He should come back as he was smashing everybody and I think he'd be very useful indeed.

 

[midfielder]

FP & Roy Law

Thanks for your posts as always well written and informative.

My reading of the game... two huge pats on the back for Pascoliero & Neil... IMO Pascoliero in particular his defence and passing was the best I have seen since Trent ...

Issues that dove me mad ... well annoyed me anyway.. Bonsar's passing was woeful and yet he was screaming at everyone and not doing a great job himself... Replacements were on way to late ... Trifiro, Sim and Cernak are not first choice players all are good squad players ...

We need a 10, Vernes to me seems our best bet with Kim to his right and Mane to his left with Duke up front ... after-all these are our replacement players for weeMac, Berine and Flores ....

Mane, Vernes and Kim can also shot, but we don't have a back to goal striker unless we count Matty S in that role...

I hope the posts on this forum I am reading about Monty are not true he is our best DM IMO and works well with Caceres ...

The other smokey is Pascoliero playing along side Caceres as a DM with Anderson back as a CD...

We lost to a lovely goal ... my concern is going forward we seem to lack hhhmmmm that cutting edge in front of goals... and given the midfield we don't have a striker like Macka who could also play back to goals and hold things up for the mids ...

 

[midfielder]

Just read on the sms site a little bit about us being in all sorts of trouble ... started with words like the stories coming out of the coast...

Gotta side with Dibo who posted a little while back somewhere that posting a lot of rumours and then saying they are for true and real for sure... is being treated as actually true... is now starting to be picked up by the msm I am not one for holding back on information but I can recall some posters on here a few months back posting for sure and for real we were going to fall over the COE would not get build ... all that happened was the COE has been finished and the next phase started ... everyone's been paid... memberships are almost the same as last year ... crowds to are in line with previous seasons... so before posting .. its real and true and a dead set cert ... just be careful of your source ...

 

[style_cafe]

The team showed more heart than the fans I thought. 5 to go, one goal deficit and we start "let's pretend we've scored a goal" and hacking on Bosnar? FFS.

Worse than pointless; it's hard to be taken seriously with that shit going on. And FFS, we've lost three matches against three sides who are frankly in pretty good form. Badly beaten in any of them? Nope. Are we not getting shots away? Nope. Are we close to the finished product? Nope, but looking better this week.

In the meantime, I'm much more frustrated by the mindless negativity and bullshit. I was far angrier at my fellow "fans" than by the performance today.

The side made some mistakes, sure, and the decision making in attack is still off, but if you listened to some in the crowd you'd think we're getting done by cricket scores. Complete rubbish. "Our season's over" at 1-0 down? Grow a f**king heart.

We've had two seasons missing the finals, this year *might* be a third. Count your f**king blessings.

I dread to think what would happen if we were ever properly shit. Imagine we were Perth, with years after year of actual crap.

I wonder how many of our fans would have stuck it out, based on the attitude I see around me around the ground and on here.

Don`t hold back

 

[style_cafe]

I moved from bay 16 back up to 46 & difference was like chalk & cheese for me.
I much prefer to watch from a higher position.

In saying that, I actually enjoyed the game & even though we lost I thought we played far better that Perth.
Our movement, energy & passing was generally much better than previous weeks & overally we seemed to be more determined.

I think leaving Monty out is really getting up the nose of most supporters, as he is a player that lifts the team with his non stop work rate & 100% efforts
I saw our major problem as being the transition from the midfield to strikers.
We didn`t attack the space behind their defenders & failed to come forward with numbers in the second half.

Reddy 6: made some go saves,but clearances were a bit shaky
Neil 8: I thought he had a great debut. He looked sharp & confident,showed some good skills & made a few good runs down the line.
Bosnar 4: His worse game for mine. Everything about his game was just below standard. Reminded me of Herman Munster
Posco 7: A much improvedeffort. Once he gets used to the speed he could be a handy pick-up.
Stormy 7: Strong game but needs a settled RM to build some combinations with. Got a bit of the "Bojics" in the 2nd half
Fitz 7: Lively & energetic. He gave us some spark going forward.
Hutcho 6 : Yeah he played.
Caceres 6: I`d prefer to see him play as a 10 But he did his job & looked good.
Trifiro 6: A steady game.Not brilliant but not shabby.
Cernack 6: Probably his best knock for us. Was lively but just not quite up to it.
Duke 8: Worked his butt off , created a few chances & unlucky not to score.

Sim : not a great cameo at all.
Mane : Did some good things. Looked more comfortable on the left but needs to work on his crosses.
Vernes : I`m still out on him. He needs a bit more game time to really show what he has to offer.

Mossy : Needs to share the vision with his players. A few discussions with senior , long term players wouldn`t go astray either

Overall, a much improved effort. I`m not into squad rotations, you`re either in the top 11 or your not.
Gifting a player a starting spot just weakens the morale & belittle`s what the club stands for.