[choirboy]

Lots of interesting discussion going on! Isn't it great to be talking serious tactics with a real chance of taking part in the play offs! Who'd 'ave thowt it at start of t'season ehh? I agree that both Macc and Oxford seemed to have a plan to close us down and Macc did so particularly effectively. However, in both games we still had enough chances to win both games fairly comfortably. At this stage of the seaason the weather becomes a factor too. It could be that some players are looking a bit tired and we have played lots of matches since the New Year, probably more than any team in our division. If you played football at a half decent standard you might remember how temperatures even of around 15 deg C can radically effect how you play... Certainly our high tempo...covering the ground... running into spaces...high passing rate style of play can be affected. I agree with some observations that using subs could/should be an option at this time of the year. Clearly when one or two players appear to be suffering a bit after 10 to 15 minutes in the 2nd half then we should make some changes. Players like Putterill, Boluding, Turner etc must be champing at the bit to get on and have a crack at showing the managers and fans what they have to offer. Putterill in particular could have provided an explosive change of pace and in my opinion would have seriously challenged the defences of both Macc and Oxford. I too would keep starting with same eleven but would welcome some earlier use of the subs to maintain the pressure on opponents. Let's all keep positive and get right behind the boys!! Come on you REDS!!