Round 21: Auckland Away

[Big Al]

Doka closer to his preferred position was finally back on.

Theo has been decent for a few weeks but that touch to get the goal going was sublime. Shame he isn’t consistent but he has been trying.

We’ve been crossing to the wrong players. Finally it’s us scoring on a backstick ball watcher and of all people it was fat man Joe. Unbelievable. At least he didn’t use his feet.

 

[Ancient Mariner]

Forget about the goal, Feijao's main contribution today was combining with Doka. It allowed Doka's skill to shine. They were the only one's playing quick one touch football which gave us some penetration and threat in attack, and is probably something Jacko has seen in training which is why he has persisted with him.

I agree with Wombat he has to work on his defence and stop running at players. He also needs to get rid of the ball quickly. He has limitations and is definitely not a player to hold the ball or beat someone, but I do admire his commitment and courage.

 

[booney]

I preferred Norman Hunter tbh.

Ah yes Norman"Bites your legs" Hunter was a hard man but Nobby was a terrier who had no fear and was invaluable for MU and England and Chopper was an out and out thug.

 

[greenlig]

Shaky in bits but by far our best this year. We monstered them the second half and last 10 of the first. Steele not in mids was good, Sains was at times almost imperious, doka looks MUCH better running from deep. This team had zero confidence, came into this and as Sains said post-match, played with more belief. Would be nice if we were seeing this 6 games in, not six left.

 

[sydmariner]

 

[MrCelery]

Loved the much more attacking combination. A big part of that was having a more attack-minded midfield. The defence was good at clearing the lines (mostly), but the two goals against us were very soft yet again.

I enjoy watching Eames' vision and passing ability, but after passing he sometimes goes missing and doesn't support the play or defend. Lack of concentration? Fitness? Lazy? Not sure.

Loved Paull's 2nd half attacking run. Sadly the shot was tame.

I agree that Sains had a Captain's game and led the team well.

I was expecting a hammering, but Auckland were well below their usual form, and we were well above ours. A fair result.

 

[Michael]

I only caught the final 15mins unfortunately, will watch it all back today. But I thought Duarte’s play for the 2nd goal, no matter how simple, was f**king beautiful and what we’ve severely lacked from our strikers this season. Good touch taking it in stride, holding off defender, timing a nice little ball for the overlap and showing hunger and determination for a scrappy finish. Love it. Start him for the last 6 games.

 

[Big Al]

I only caught the final 15mins unfortunately, will watch it all back today. But I thought Duarte’s play for the 2nd goal, no matter how simple, was f**king beautiful and what we’ve severely lacked from our strikers this season. Good touch taking it in stride, holding off defender, timing a nice little ball for the overlap and showing hunger and determination for a scrappy finish. Love it. Start him for the last 6 games.

He has had desire that a few haven’t shown. Happy he got his 1st goal has been trying really hard

 

[Tevor]

No more Steele starting for me. Good effort, I had thought the team had given up so good to see they still have some fight. Finish the season strong and I’ll be happy.

 

[shipwreck]

Agreed that we looked more mobile with Alfie and Haine. But we did score when Steele came on.... So I dont know what Jacko* will do against Perth

 

[Big Al]

Eames wasn’t great yesterday. But still provides a better balance

 

[Corsair]

Eames wasn’t great yesterday. But still provides a better balance

Can't be on great form all the time, especially as a young player. He's had a lot of minutes recently for a youth player, I hope his fatigue is being managed properly.

 

[FFC Mariner]

Can't be on great form all the time, especially as a young player. He's had a lot of minutes recently for a youth player, I hope his fatigue is being managed properly.

A Teams call every so often most likely