Bury game

[Whalley Red]

No thread on the game yet, so here's my thoughts...

The match turned on Webber's sending-off. Reckless and he now owes the rest of the team more than an apology. Up to that point, we had been the better team and even though we were 1-0 down, I was confident that we would score at least one. Even when we were 2-0 down, we were the better team for 15 minutes at the start of the second half and could/should have scored, but it is a long time to be down to ten men even against a poor Bury side.

Defence: there have been lots of great individual performances from the back line, but they have never looked like a unit this season. Hunt has been very good, but he has been vulnerable against pace and it has been the same with Liddle - players have been able to get around the outside of our full-backs too easily this season and it has cost us a lot of goals.

Midfield: Naismith and Wilson put in a good shift with plenty of effort and no little skill, and Murph completely overshadowed Dr Procter in central midfield. As for Joyce, back to his former self yesterday as Bury knew that if they didn't give him any time he would either give the ball away or put the defence under pressure when passing back.

Attack: Webber looked lively but is he getting frustrated with being a lone striker? He certainly looked like it when he went charging around for 30 seconds or so before that lunge. He certainly isn't at his best in that role and I was hoping that Marcus Carver would play the 'big striker' role yesterday so that Webber could play off him. Is Carver injured? Hatfield is a good player, but he is too similar to Webber and runs with the ball with his head down. The one player who really did stand out for me in attack was Shay McCarten. Well played that lad! He really troubled their defence even though we were a man short. I can see him getting a starting place with Webber suspended.

A frustrating day, but it had looked very promising for 30 minutes despite the score.

[Redraine]

I wasn't able to be there but was following the action on the Live text thingy on the fishy site. I tried to post a question on there but I think Dan sees me as some sort of subversive influence as he rarely shows my views, unlike Cashy and co. who get plenty of "airtime". After Dan had mentioned our "2 terrible defensive errors" I merely asked if we have a defence coach, which we seem to be in need of. Perhaps someone else can enlighten me?

[football19]

I sort of agree with Redraine,with the ball we have done ok,without it we are all over the place.In pre-season I mentioned about trying to work out the structure which we would adopt and I struggled !.
It may have something to do with players we had lined up and not on board,I don't know,but normally you have this sorted early doors.
In my opinion it's not about how good players are,but how they play/combine with each other.
For example,a attacking fullback needs a defensive minded wide man ,an attacking centre mid needs a anchor along side him,a quick forward needs a centre forward to act as a foil.
Nine goals conceded in our first three games isn't good enough,and for me we set up/defend too deep so we are making tackles/headers and the second balls are going to hurt you.
I just feel our defence are hesitant about playing a high line as they like to be goal side all the time,good players will pin you back and chances will come.
Lets be fair,Bury were poor yesterday,but we made the young centre forward from blackburn look a world beater ( MOM),as time and time again we let him receive the ball and turn in dangerous areas.
Lot of work IMHO to do on the training ground to sort the defensive shape out

[smudgie]

Well I missed yesterday, but I agree conceding another 3 is a little worrying.
I wont be panicking unless we are bottom after 20 games, but we must pull together and get through it. We have had a massively tough start........

Newport away, Pompey, (Ok Bury away on paper not that tough.) Cheltenham & Burton ALL Top 6 sides. No excuses BUT its a very tough start.

[cashman]

I always reckon about 10/12 games gives a fair indication.

[DAV007]

Joyce was poor, I t would be nice if we had more options for the manager to choose from

[football19]

The positive thing to come out the first three games is that we have had no luck,and that evens out over the season.If we would have scored first (when we hit the post),I believe Bury would have folded(they were under massive pressure from there own supporters).
I was on the fence about JB at first,but now believe its a massive plus having him.
He's a top bloke and wears his heart on his sleeve,it's upto the players and coaching staff to follow his example.
The players are good enough we just need a bit of tweaking and a slice of luck we haven't had

[Wynonie Harris]

BBC News - Life at the bottom of league football

[simon]

Thank You for that Wynonie...

[smudgie]

Brilliant piece by the BBC that.