gabba 0 Posted September 23, 2014 Even if we''re using the game to give the non-first teamers a run out, we ought to be doing better against a side that we would expect to beat in a friendly. Tonight in particular highlighted the fact that we have a weak squad. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ron obvious 1,473 Posted September 23, 2014 Don''t think it shows our squad is weak, just highlights the importance of time spent playing together against motivated opposition. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
lake district canary 4,520 Posted September 23, 2014 [quote user="Boss Drum"]Even if we''re using the game to give the non-first teamers a run out, we ought to be doing better against a side that we would expect to beat in a friendly. Tonight in particular highlighted the fact that we have a weak squad.[/quote]Not so. A super-motivated and settled and confident in form side, against a team never played together in a competitive match. The opposition were too strong for that reason. We have good players and they will prove it as the season progresses. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JF 694 Posted September 23, 2014 Have to laugh at the knocking of this competition on here. You people do realise that this ''tin pot'' competition is the only competition of any note that we have ever won? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
lake district canary 4,520 Posted September 23, 2014 Great minds....eh, Ron. You beat me to it! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
gabba 0 Posted September 23, 2014 [quote user="lake district canary"][quote user="Boss Drum"]Even if we''re using the game to give the non-first teamers a run out, we ought to be doing better against a side that we would expect to beat in a friendly. Tonight in particular highlighted the fact that we have a weak squad.[/quote]Not so. A super-motivated and settled and confident in form side, against a team never played together in a competitive match. The opposition were too strong for that reason. We have good players and they will prove it as the season progresses. [/quote]But what''s the value of playing all the reserves together and include so many new faces if they play poorly and get beat? They''re not going to fit in the first team if the team they''re playing in is nothing like the first team. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
lake district canary 4,520 Posted September 23, 2014 [quote user="Boss Drum"][quote user="lake district canary"][quote user="Boss Drum"]Even if we''re using the game to give the non-first teamers a run out, we ought to be doing better against a side that we would expect to beat in a friendly. Tonight in particular highlighted the fact that we have a weak squad.[/quote]Not so. A super-motivated and settled and confident in form side, against a team never played together in a competitive match. The opposition were too strong for that reason. We have good players and they will prove it as the season progresses. [/quote]But what''s the value of playing all the reserves together and include so many new faces if they play poorly and get beat? They''re not going to fit in the first team if the team they''re playing in is nothing like the first team.[/quote]I don''t like it any more than you, but competitive game time is valuable to fringe players and it increases their match fitness and readiness to play in more important matches when needed. It also saves first team regulars from the risk of injury and/or over playing them. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
andy cousins 9 Posted September 24, 2014 just got back home from watching the game at the Shrewsbury end and have to say some stupid comments here, we had a team that has never played before, new players, players coming back from injury and most not match fit in the side, they did not get going until the last 10 minutes, subs made a difference but way to late, to many passes went astray showing unfamiliarity between the players, Howson and Hooper way off the pace of the game and seemingly making sure of avoiding more injuries, Bennet was poor, mind was little support for him, the only player to show any passion was Lafferty who got a fair kicking at times and was lucky to be there to be subbed, back 4 never played together and it showed, Murphy came on and was lively Loza had little service though put in much effort and not any better for King, but at the end of the day we came up against a well organised Shrewsbury side that fought for every ball and wanted it far more Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jdawg32 0 Posted September 24, 2014 Of course the team looked completely impotent in attack, that''s what happens when garbage like Gary Hooper is on the field, doesn''t matter if it''s a League 2 team or a 9th division team, we weren''t going to score with Hooper playing... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
CJ 0 Posted September 24, 2014 Having travelled a long way to watch this utter pathetic performance makes me realise we have little chance of maintaining our push for promotion if we have to rely on these reserves.I have to say pray that Olsen does not get injured as Garrido would struggle to get a game in Div 2 let alone our team.The entire lack of effort by the team also deserves mention no one seemed to be bothered to run offf the ball looked more like atraing or friendly match than a Cup match .And to be honest disappointed at Adams comments afterwards as did not reflect how pathetic the team performed and show respect to all those fans who travelled a long way. They put far more effort than the players did!Looks like a long season and mid table at best if we have to rely on these reserves to maintain our form! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Paul101 91 Posted September 24, 2014 so then CJ that sounds just like one of Lamberts cup games while here Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
whoareyou? 0 Posted September 24, 2014 Was a poor performance. Why managers insist on changing a team completely for a cup game, i have no idea.Adams should have kept a nucleus of first team players to start and taken them off if/when we were in front. They played like a team of strangers unsurprisingly.Few players came out with any credit though i thought Miguel showed promise, Rudd did all that was asked of him and Bennett put in loads of effort. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
GenerationA47 737 Posted September 24, 2014 So ShrewsFunny how it seemsAlways in time, but never in line for dreamsI have to say in addition that, if cup games are our reserves'' sole opportunity to practise, here''s a thought. If they could be inspired to beat highly motivated lower league opposition, then they would stay in the competition longer. And get more practice. And become better players. And support the 1st team better. Without having to organise a reserves league. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites