Swindon Town v Bradford City

I managed to get back for kick off Saturday, a couple of serious accidents on the A30 meant we were held up time wise with diversions etc. thought Bradford looked sharp in the first 10/15 minutes without really looking like scoring. Agree with the red card as he was late and off his feet from behind. It should of helped us but we failed to stretch them enough and to be fair they defended really well. Someone said we should ran the ball into the box more often and I totally agree. We did have a fair amount of crosses but without quality. Let's be honest, last season we would probably of conceded against the run of play in the last few minutes so although small there still is positives to come from the clean sheet and a point. Enjoyed catching up on some of the old memories and was supprised to see so many posts.Cornwall was great and we had a really nice break. I even saw Noah building another ark last Monday !!

Red,

We do have decent strikers that all have good strike ratio's for us this season. The problem on Saturday was not their doing, the service provided to them was very poor.

IMO we needed to get in behind the fullback occassionally and cut the ball back. Too many times the ball was crossed and cleared by the two big fellas at the back. Da Vita had a poor game by his standards which meant that our only real threat was down the left. When Montano came on we did strart to cause them problems down the right as well and he was probably closest the breaking the deadlock right at the death with a shot that was only just wide. I also believe that had Connell gambled on the Montano shot, like a Hernandez or Linekar would, he may have got the touch to guide it in.

Frustrating Afternoon but full credit to Bradford though, they defended well and got what they came for.

Maybe in future when playing this sort of team we need a Gabilondo/Esayas type player to provide that something a little bit different if we are failing to break them down.

COYR

Oxon,
Service or not. I don't think that we have anyone who can instinctively stick the ball in the net. What happened to Billy Paynter? I'd have him back in this side now, penalty taking conundrum solved!

I asked some mates I was with on Saturday about penalty takers as I thought if Caddis, Ritchie or even Montano had attacked into the box we would of forced a possible spot kick because that's where Bradford looked vulnerable. Was hoping Connell was going to replace De Vita earlier than he did as he was having a
poor game. I too would have Paynter or someone similar back into the team, we brought Clarke to the club so now he is no longer with us I still think we need that type of player, we obviously can't just go on his recent goal scoring record but a big centre forward who really puts himself about is what I think we are missing. Back to the penalty taker, who would of taken it on Saturday ? Probably De Vita or Kerouche.

Red,

Paynter has gone to Brighton on loan.

Magera is a similar build to Paynter and could be the player you are searching for. It took Paynter three seasons to really hit top form and he was criticised by many before THAT season.

Penalty taker ??? I was surprised by Kennedy taking them but now who knows ! It probably won't matter anyway because we never get them .

COYR

Oxon,
Only my opinion. But I think that we need one dependable net hitter, who plays every week. Not necessarily a hat-trick hero, but someone who can be relied on to do the simple things. That would forge a bond with the midfield. If we play 2 up front, then change his partner if need be. But, we need consistancy.
I reckon that Connell should be given an extended run.
Magera might do the same job, but pick one of them & keep him in for a few games.

Red,

I don't disagree and I think PDC sees Jervis as that player at the moment. Unlike last season we actually have options as to who plays alongside him. I would definitely have Connell and Kerrouche in the squad, the one that plays alongside Jervis is not an easy decision.

I would like to see a bit more variety in the subs, he has not been helped by the reduction to 5 but he has tended to play safe i.e. Goalkeeper, defender, midfielder and usually two strikers. IMO Risser could cover both defence and midfield, this would then allow a player to be named that could change a game. Having only seen him play in the Oxford match I would love that player to be Gabi. He scared their defence to death and so nearly turned the game around for us.

Just a thought.

COYR

Oxon,
Thinking keeps me going!
For me, I'd pick Connell & then choose who can play with him. We have to have a solid base.

Nearly every town fan I know would also have Connell starting most games but it seems Paolo has a different opinion. Most Grimsby fans were gutted when he left them but also understood he deserved to be playing at a bigger club. With a good scoring record at our level it really surprises me that he hasn't been given more starts or even more game time. I would liken him more to a Charlie Austin than a Billy Paynter type player but either way I would like to see him playing rather than being sat on the bench. I think Birmingham are not allowing us to play Jervis in the FA cup so Connell will be hoping he gets a start v Huddersfield .

Notts,
I may be cynical, but I think that if you take a player on loan, you have to play him to justify that decision. Clubs lend players out to give them match practice & save on their wages. They wouln't want those players just to be used as a backup.
Jervis has got an extended loan deal because he has played. I doubt that would have been the case if Connell had been first choice.
Unfair on Connell IMO. And one has to wonder how much team selection is governed by other factors than ability to do the job.