RD 2: Roar vs Mariners

[Forum Phoenix]

Should be 2 apiece, but there's not much denying Roar still deserved their 3 points. They're a good side. Again.

Lustica, Fox's new fappy time player of the year and M'MCkay dominated Fitzy and Cac, though Monty held his own. Fitzy a lot of effort for little gain and too many turn overs. Caceres just not enough endeavour. High pass completion rates are great, but for the team to succeed we need strong attacking intent and for him to take consistent responsibility for running the show.

The back is still much too loose, (and a few tired errant balls to the opposition that can cost you games) but otherwise they're young fast and recovered/scrambled well several times, so plenty of promise there.

Very hard for Roy against Bowles and North - a common problem with strikers in the HAL. Lot's of very good CB's imo so unless your midfield is firing and you're getting lots of numbers forward, always going to be very hard.

IMO we are not switching the ball across field quick enough. The couple of times Monty hit the necessary raking balls, really starts to open the space that we need. But in summary, some good football. William's is still a douche. Pleased overall.

 

[midfielder]

Like wow ... that was a great game we should have got the penalty .. can't take a trick will Williams ...

 

[dibo]

I'm not unhappy with that. Gutsy, attacking, ludicrously unlucky to not get a penalty.

 

[MagpieMariner]

Just saw a "highlight" of the Victory-City match - seems Stebre is the only ref who knows the penalty rule.

 

[midfielder]

Of this I am sure ... we have arguably the youngest team ever... the back four today teenagers or close to it..

This side with a years experience of playing like we have in the opening two rounds will be unstoppable next year and the year after...

 

[scoober]

Anyone go to the away game venues?

 

[true believer]

Williams really took the edge off a very good game . 6 fouls on austin by hinget and nothing .
caceres legs will be the color of his shorts .

16 fouls to 15 , 0 yellow cards to 4 , says it all

 

[Ancient Mariner]

Not too worried, after 20 mins I thought it could be 5-0.

A few positives.
When Monty went off we did not become directionless.
Heff looked good.
Rose looked good.
We finished well.

I like the look of our back four individually, but they have a long, long way to go before they are an effective defence. I guess that is the problem with up and coming promising players. Up front or in midfield they can mix moments of brilliance with mistakes and come out looking good, if you are a defender the mistakes can be fatal.
Would like to see an experienced centre half there to organise. Someone like patrick or perhaps even Wilko. An organiser is definitely required

However if this team can be kept together for the next couple of seasons I see a very enjoyable ride. Hopefully, as many of them are so young they will not be poached too soon

 

[FFC Mariner]

Not too disappointed. Everyone put in a shift except Fitzy but that's standard for him.

Away from home. , I'd be playing Liam Rose alongside Monty in a 4231.

Roy got no service from either wing or through the middle.

Hey. At least Bosnar didn't play. That's a plus.

Good effort, some of our football today shit on anything Moss came up with.

Like this team a lot

 

[bikinigirl]

Anyone go to the away game venues?

. there was about a hundred out at sidelines Erina ... good atmosphere, lucky door prize, raffle etc. Good effort by the OSC, Club and the venue

. Skype from TW pre-match, Shaun dropped by, Rosie, Patty Z, Posco & Kalik made an appearance

 

[BrisRecky]

Aloisi found some of Anges old tactics notebooks didn't he

 

[dibo]

Anyone go to the away game venues?

It's a bit of a hike from Stanmore! But there were 5 of us at the Public House Petersham.

 

[Luca Brasi]

Call me old fashioned but the defence wasnt the main problem, it was the open space in the midfield that allows opposition attack to run at the back four, they are always going to be under the pump. As expected, this is going to happen if we are playing 3 up front, cant compress as much across the back and this leaves gaps to exploit. Fitzy, Caceras and Fab were not as tight with the ball as last week but Roar are a better team than PG. I wish we had a plan for set pieces, especially corners. Plenty of crosses from Austin but nobody there to take advantage. At least TW has a game plan and at half time he identified the problems and what should have been occurring, second half I thought was better. As well as a dominant 6 we need a dominant 10, didnt happen today. But really positive stuff overall, better than playing 5 at the back and losing 6 - 1. COYY.

 

[Big Al]

Neil has left Borello twice when not necessary - two goals.

What the hell was he thinking on the 2nd goal. McGing had cut off McClaren and had him under control and the angle he used to come in was hopeless and gave Borello the open run. I was very disappointed with Neill. I think his effort is horrible his defensive position ordinary. Storm can be bad defensively but at least offers something in attack. I've seen nothing from Neill to suggest he is any good. Unfortunately looks like we are stuck with him for a while.

As for storm he might be better suited as a right winger as also has little aptitude for defending.

Our left and right backs are terrible defenders which is there primary role.

Tony's philosophy on defence.
1. We can't afford it. Refer to item 2
2. We have a good keeper so why not use him

 

[Big Al]

Haven't seen a lot from the Paddy, maybe time for Heff2?

Interesting sub but Heff looked like he was lumbering a bit as was asked to be an outlet further into our own half and Roy was left right up front. If we do that again I think I'd prefer Roy coming back and Heff stay up front

 

[Wombat]

Neil has left Borello twice when not necessary - two goals.

Is Neil on drugs???

 

[Big Al]

Of this I am sure ... we have arguably the youngest team ever... the back four today teenagers or close to it..

This side with a years experience of playing like we have in the opening two rounds will be unstoppable next year and the year after...

I think this why we were dominated. A slick team who have been playing together for years. Every pass hit the mark and our press was disillusioned because of how easy they were getting out. See 2nd goal coast to coast for an example.

I see MV and Roar giving us a very hard time.

We did well to only conceed 2 in the end

 

[shipwreck]

Interesting sub but Heff looked like he was lumbering a bit as was asked to be an outlet further into our own half and Roy was left right up front. If we do that again I think I'd prefer Roy coming back and Heff stay up front

I noticed this also, I was impressed with Heffs hold up play, more skill thank I ever saw from Simon.

 

[Big Al]

Not too worried, after 20 mins I thought it could be 5-0.

A few positives.
When Monty went off we did not become directionless.
Heff looked good.
Rose looked good.
We finished well.

Agreed thought we would get smacked after 1st 20 but we had a little period where we stopped and slowed the game down and put a few meaningless passes together to settle us down and we realised we would be out gunned if we kept up the helter skelter.

I thought we'd given up when taking off Casearas and Monty but Rose played admirably.

 

[Wombat]

I noticed this also, I was impressed with Heffs hold up play, more skill thank I ever saw from Simon.

Agreed. The ball sticks.....he looks very useful. When 100% fit he is probably going to be better than Roy.