theimps.tk - Reaction to the Wycombe game

I rest my case about Wycombe and although they werent as bad as I made them out to be, I’d still be surprised if they finished in the playoffs but we’ll get back to them later because the second half performance from the Imps was simply fantastic with two quality, but very different strikes from Mark Stallard.

First half and we weren’t convincing to say the least and we deserved to be behind, not because Wycombe were good but because certain players weren’t bothering to chase the ball down, however, if was a fantastic striker from Mooney that saw that Imps behind but to be fair, Wycombe never looked like scoring again, other than that chance that had right before half time and although there was a covering defender on the line, the shot should have at least been on target but it gave a good laugh to all of those in the away end.

A few minutes earlier and Frecklington continued his great form of the early season with another well taken goal. It was however a good team goal with several players all getting a touch and yet again, it turned out to be a case of when we started playing our football, Wycombe were no match for us and Mooney and Easter eventually became the chasers of lost causes because of the defence constantly pumped the balls high into the air.

Now we get onto Stallard and Forrester and the partnership produced 2 good goals and that second one was one of the best strikes you’ll see in a long time, the technique was fantastic and to beat Batista (the 7^th he’s conceded against us in 2 games might I add) with such a striker showed how vital he is to the first team.

As for Forrester, everyone’s been saying that is would be bad if we lost Frecklington but to lose Forrester would be catastrophic and all that’s missing from his game now are the goals but that’s unimportant as he’s giving everyone else the chances and he is now arguably the best all-round striker in the division. Our season could very well depend on if he stays injury and suspension free.

Now, I know some of you are going to say that you were expecting this but unfortunately there is a negative that I’m going to focus on and that is the lack of player’s closing the Wycombe players down and just like last week, on occasions, Wycombe had all the time in the world to direct headers and their long ball forwards and there wasn’t a City player within 10 yards of them. Obviously we won so the lack of closing down isn’t exactly a major talking point but it could cost us vital points soon enough.

So, that’s 7 straight league away wins but just as the winning run started at Wycombe, could the win today at Wycombe be the last one because last season, how many runs ended at Boston when they beat us. However, no matter what happens, City are guaranteed to enter Wednesday’s game still in the automatic promotion places due to Wycombe playing Swindon on Tuesday and if that ends at a draw, City will go 3 points clear of 4^th place if we win in Carrot Land.

Marriott - 7 - Didn’t have a lot to do and also didn’t have a chance with the goal, if he had a solid defence in front of him then he’d keep a lot of clean sheets these days.

Beevers - 7 - Played well and put some great balls in the box, really tried hard on occasions but was one of those guilty of back off too much.

Hughes - 8 - My only complaint really is that he doesn’t seem to be able to pass at the correct time and is often ball greedy, other than that and he was fine.

Morgan - 7 - Mixed from Morgan, didn’t close down enough but did make some vital clearances in the area.

Moses - 7 - A bit quiet but did make 1 or 2 good tackles.

Mayo - 8 - Solid performance from the defender, didn’t do anything wrong and hoofed that ball at the right time.

Eaden - 5 - The player who was most guilty about not closing down. I haven’t been impressed with him during his loan spell and the only reason I could see for keeping him is that we’ve won all but one of the games since he came here.

Kerr - 7 - Unlucky not to score but it would help if he didn’t hit the defender each time but overall, good passing and a few good tackles.

Frecklington - 8 - A typical performance from the midfielder and a really well taken goal.

Forrester - 9 - He is the most vital player in our team, if we lost him then we’d struggle to create chances. Unlucky not to score himself but set up both of Stallard’s goals.

Stallard - 8 - 2 very well taken goals and as I say, that second goal is one of the best you’ll see in a long time. However, he didn’t do a lot before his first goal and he only seemed to join in after he’d scored that.

Amoo and Gritton - 6 - 6 by default as neither had a chance to make an impact.

"Make no mistake, this was a quality second half performance, in fact as good as it gets. What is more you would never have guessed it from the Imps first half efforts. Stallards inclusion was greated with cheers and a certain relief. Whilst City probably edged the possession there were precious few efforts at goal, only two, I think during the first half. Wycombe were more direct and City were trying to play to feet but it was too complicated and too many passes were going astray. Easter and Mooney were given too much space and sure enough Mooney powered home after Easter had hit the bar. This woke up the fans but still we were not incisive. Then just before the break Freck puts the only shooting chance we had in the back of the net. Cue the noise. Even then Betsy gets through, goes round Marriot, and slices from 1 yard. Did we laugh, you bet.
Second half under pressure for 10 minutes you might have thought Schoey would change the intricate passing football. No way, the team stepped up a gear and Forrester MOM by a country mile began to run the show. His understanding with Stallard was brilliant and he just ran and ran. The whole team jelled on occassion putting 7/8 passes together, all to feet. It was only a matter of time before we scored Stallard took it so well picking his spot and avoiding two tackles. His second was a glorious volley smacked into the top right hand corner." impnut

"but im sorry play offs are not an option this season. I really really do belive that we can get automatic, if not win the league. People can say that its very early and things may get harder but we've played top teams and won, drawn and were extremly unlucky to lose against the plastics.
Our away form is second to none and our gates are some of the biggest in the league. I think its time to truly believe that we our a top team and we our a real force in this league. I think teams are actually scared of us now. Up the leagues we go, where we belong." Branston Imp

"You were very good today, none of the scrappy stuff you have played last year, your passing was great and finishing was good too. Stallard looked very good, your manager has done well to get him motivated and back to his best. I also thought Scott Kerr was quite good, looked a bit of a handful." CheeryChairBoy

"I think give the opposition some credit, I fancy them to be a top three side. Whether we were knackered or not their movement and passing second half was top notch. " Jimbo

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