Oxford were certainly the most physical side I've seen us play this season. They weren't a real 'dirty side' but they made life hard for our lads out there. Their Kolo Toure lookalike at centre-half had a great game; getting first to almost every header and really making things tough for Terry Gornell. I thought Oxford were much the same as Macclesfield last Friday in that their only game plan was stopping us play our way, and as with that Macc game, it worked. They'll be delighted with the draw from our place. We ought to be really disappointed however as we did have a good few chances that were missed. Had we taken those we could've been two-up at half-time and had an easy second-half as they really didn't threaten us much at all going forward.
On the subject of subs/rotation, I'm much in agreement with football19. I don't think we could've put out a stronger eleven to start yesterday's game and I think Coley did all he could during the game to improve our luck in front of goal. Had Rory Boulding taken just one of his chances yesterday, we'd all be applauding Coley's stroke of genius in bringing him on.
I'd be happy if the same eleven took the field against Bradford, save for the inclusion of Long (presuming Hess is suspended). I'd rather have a team out there that at times look a little tired (though to be honest I don't see it often, we have a really fit side this year) than players taking the field who are totally lacking in match practice.
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Originally Posted by Revived Red
Are you now suggesting that somehow the players suddenly up their game when "playing for new contracts"?
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Does the pope poo in the woods? It's the John Miles phenomenon. Certainly effects a lot of players at this level, but not all.