BFTG - Derby

[Platypuss]

Just got in

First half 4231, Baird and Guthrie sitting, had some nice possession football again. Second half switched to 433 and we took them apart. Adkins clearly knows what he is doing. Can really see improvements in the way we are trying to play. Blackman`s reaction to the goal annoyed me, the criticism he has received so far has been justified IMO, scuffed finish aswell.

Booing or jeering a Reading player on the pitch is never "justified".

[Libertine]

Had a rare game day off from work, and as an added bonus got to see the game on a live stream.

A few thoughts. I am not going to do player ratings for the entire team since I basically agree with what others have already posted. Baird looked very solid, for someone who has not seen first team football for a while. I thought Obita had a very good game. In fact, if I am not mistaken, it was his free kick that led to our first goal. I would have rated him 7 out of 10. I was very impressed with what I saw today, anytime you can get 3 points on the road against a top half team there isn't much to complain about...

[Millsy]

The trouble with Blackmans response is that if you don't turn the corner and continue performing you're setting yourself up for more booing as suddenly then the booing WILL be justified, in the eyes of the boo-mongs.

It was fine with Kebe because he went on to be deity after the ear cupping. I hope Blackman does too.

[Ouroboros]

Played football with the friends of a workmate today at 10. Had a drink or two last night and only had 5 hours sleep, and it was pretty humid so it was hard going. Plus I've played a fair bit recently and, well, to be honest it seems like constantly carrying knocks and I'm feeling a bit old and creaky. Anyway I don't really know these guys and there was quite a lot of gruff Yorkshire 'bants' going on, mainly involving mild misogyny or homophobia. So I feel a bit out of place and the fact is i'm not quite up to their level. Maybe I would be if I was playing my best, not hungover, more confident. The worst thing is that for some reason they put me up front on my own, and the responsibility is quite crushing. I manage to play passably when bringing others into play, but my finishing is lame. The centre-back I'm up against is strong, smart and much, much better than me. I just can't get into the game, and I start to get patronised by my teammates. I get a goal when their keeper spills one, but by that point I'm just feeling a bit embarrassed.

Anyway, what I'm trying to say is that I know how Jordan Obita feels.

[Ouroboros]

In other news, I particularly liked the way Blackman fluffed his first touch for the goal, as if to goad the haters before putting it away.

Guthrie is rather good, isn't he? Great control in tight spaces. McCleary was exciting and HRK looked accomplished towards the end. Baird perhaps a bit rusty, but he looked composed and I feel optimistic that he will improve our midfield.

Pog was alright but i don't understand the gameplan really. There's never anyone close enough to him. He's decent at bringing others into play but it usually has to go 10 yards back because his options are so limited.

We looked quite sprightly overall I thought.

[stealthpapes]

Rather lovely day out. Brunswick is a nice pub, walk along the river and while a new build spackerdome, it's a nice little stadium.

Right wing, first half, was all over their defence but I think they edged it.

Second half was away team 101. Very good.

Standout, imo, was Baird. Solid, composed and constantly communicating and organising. Pog took his goals well, Pearce's dancing was mild LOL.

Other note, 6 minutes of extra time was for 6 subs and the guy punched in the head. Which the Derby fans booed. Didn't boo when the 6 came up. Idiots.

[SydenhamRoyal]

Fair play to Blackman - when will you lot learn, eh?

I remember Jimmy Kebe giving the East Stand a well deserved ear cup as well, and you all went on to worship him.

Wasn't that after he scored after 7 seconds in the cup?

[Ian Royal]

Had a rare game day off from work, and as an added bonus got to see the game on a live stream.

A few thoughts. I am not going to do player ratings for the entire team since I basically agree with what others have already posted. Baird looked very solid, for someone who has not seen first team football for a while. I thought Obita had a very good game. In fact, if I am not mistaken, it was his free kick that led to our first goal. I would have rated him 7 out of 10. I was very impressed with what I saw today, anytime you can get 3 points on the road against a top half team there isn't much to complain about...

Forgot about that freekick, bump him up 1 for me for that.

[Maguire]

Fair play to Blackman - when will you lot learn, eh?

I remember Jimmy Kebe giving the East Stand a well deserved ear cup as well, and you all went on to worship him.

Wasn't that after he scored after 7 seconds in the cup?

Yeah I think it was

[Westwood52]

Still not particularly fluid today against a very poor Derby team (apart from Hughes). We might have let them back in at 2-1-however a win is a win is a win, and our overall record this season is very good.The definitive performance and a very strong series of performances is not that far away.

McCarthy 8: Some very good saves.
Gunter 7: Very solid-continues to get forward, but still prone to the odd error.
Morrison 7: Did his job
Pierce 7 : Ditto
Kelly 6: Just not a LB little going forward; but solid defensively.
Baird 7: Given his limited time at the Club-impressive-looks a useful acquisition-need to sign him up for the rest of the season.
Guthrie 7: Probably his worst performance this season, but still played very well.
Obita 7: Did alright given his limited experience.
Kanu 7: Just about our best player-but he was blowing a bit at the end-why ?
Pog 7: Two goals U cant argue with that.
McCleery 7: Very good-missed a reasonable chance 2nd half-but kept at them.

Cummings 7: Did his job.
Blackman 6: At least he was in the right place for his goal.
Akpan 6: Still looks naive but still did OK.

[BenReadingFC]

Not a bad little souvenir from todays victory...and on his debut too

[Ian Royal]

Nice!

[ZacNaloen]

Anyway, what I'm trying to say is that I know how Jordan Obita feels.

Actually in his post match interview he said this

"The manager asked me what position I preferred, I said central midfield, I played there when younger and would like to play there more now."

So perhaps you don't know how he feels?

And tbf he did alright by my book.

[One8Seven1]

Not a bad little souvenir from todays victory...and on his debut too

His wife tweeted earlier asking who got it.

[ZacNaloen]

Our away shirt really is nice

[BenReadingFC]

Credit must go to my old man. He caught it and gave it to me.
Cheers Dad

[One8Seven1]

Our away shirt really is nice

Get your other half in it with a red thong, looks even better.

[AthleticoSpizz]

oh dear 1871


you obviously didn't know...Zac is in a same sex"civil partnership"

[ZacNaloen]

I am???

[AthleticoSpizz]

With a shirt like that in your pocession...you probably will be soon!

ssshhh...play along[

They never need know our secret