Match Day Midweek Jolly Japes 3rd/4th April 2017

[FGRJC]

I wouldn't swap Rhead for Stockton, never mind Cook.
If you go on to win the league, congratulations, but I'd STILL not swap your side or manager with ours.

Same I'd rather have an honest footballer like Christian doidge here.

 

[FGR Stroud]

Nope and neither is he the fat c***, goading us after scoring along with three of your other players.
QUOTE]
Did the same to us when Lincoln equalised.
One player getting stick from away fans and celebrating in their face is one thing but to have the entire team come over to goad those travelling supporters says precious little for the team.
Lincoln lose a lot of respect with their cheap and unsavoury celebrations.

 

[Silkman72]

We'll win tonight , purely because we're away from home , at the Moss we couldn't beat a one legged man in an arse kicking competition, as someone has posted on our forum I hope we get the away dressing room at Wembley

 

[DarkSithLord]

We're going to look back at the end of the season and regret not sacking Brabin sooner aren't we, especially if it's as tight at the top as it is now. I'm sure they'll be a few more twists in the last 7 games, hopefully they're in our favour.

Think Tranmere are going to rue failing to beat Southport earlier in the season. Those extra two points would have really increased the pressure on Lincoln.

 

[JaredSUFC]

Enjoy your 3 points tonight Tranmere. Try not to totally wreck our goal difference, ta

 

[Boz]

We're going to look back at the end of the season and regret not sacking Brabin sooner aren't we, especially if it's as tight at the top as it is now. I'm sure they'll be a few more twists in the last 7 games, hopefully they're in our favour.

Brabin is a convenient scapegoat, if we'd played his typical stifling game, rather than our good start going to his head, we might have got something at Aldershot and if our best striker had started at Sutton the result might have been better. However, while he's a much better manager, Micky's love affair with Wallace, freezing out players better equiped to do a job at this level and fitter, to keep him in the side could prove pivotal in the wrong way, as could sending out our second string forwards at Torquay in order to rest the main pair for the FA Trophy game...which we lost.

We'll win tonight , purely because we're away from home , at the Moss we couldn't beat a one legged man in an arse kicking competion , as someone has posted on our forum I hope we get the away dressing room at Wembley

Shows how bad Rovers were on New Years Day then...

 

[Silkman72]

Brabin is a convenient scapegoat, if we'd played his typical stifling game, rather than our good start going to his head, we might have got something at Aldershot and if our best striker had started at Sutton the result might have been better. However, while he's a much better manager, Micky's love affair with Wallace, freezing out players better equiped to do a job at this level and fitter, to keep him in the side could prove pivotal in the wrong way, as could sending out our second string forwards at Torquay in order to rest the main pair for the FA Trophy game...which we lost.


Shows how bad Rovers were on New Years Day then...

That was when we could win at home Boz

 

[localhero]

Brabin is a convenient scapegoat, if we'd played his typical stifling game, rather than our good start going to his head, we might have got something at Aldershot and if our best striker had started at Sutton the result might have been better. However, while he's a much better manager, Micky's love affair with Wallace, freezing out players better equiped to do a job at this level and fitter, to keep him in the side could prove pivotal in the wrong way, as could sending out our second string forwards at Torquay in order to rest the main pair for the FA Trophy game...which we lost.


Shows how bad Rovers were on New Years Day then...

Brabin averaged 1.82 points per game which left us in 5th place when he was sacked. Since Mellon came in we're averaging 2.17 points per game, 0.17 more than Lincoln have over the whole season. There's hundreds of pivotal results/injuries/decisions you could pinpoint which have cost us, but the stats show that Mellon's form has been Championship winning whereas Brabin's would have struggled to get us in the playoffs.

 

[Nat Brown's Foil Coat]

another lovely last minute Roarie Deacon goal, please.

 

[Davidimp]

Brabin averaged 1.82 points per game which left us in 5th place when he was sacked. Since Mellon came in we're averaging 2.17 points per game, 0.17 more than Lincoln have over the whole season. There's hundreds of pivotal results/injuries/decisions you could pinpoint which have cost us, but the stats show that Mellon's form has been Championship winning whereas Brabin's would have struggled to get us in the playoffs.

We've taken 82 points from 39 games which is 2.1 points per game, nowt in it matey.
Weren't you top the day we beat you in September?
Still a long way to go, our goal difference could be a factor too.

 

[Sparrow]

Sutton are awful. Even we beat them. Tranmere will have no problems.

 

[Leewilson]

Our fortunes depend on who is fit, and by that I mean match fit.

When we have everyone available and match fit, we're a top3 side (maybe even better).

Unfortunately last night, we were missing Williams, Robinson, Féjiri, Guttridge and mostly Hawkins. Howell was half fit, Benson can't do 2 games in 3 days any more, we had a young inexperienced CB at RB and a CB in DM. Our striker alongside Benson was playing his 4th ever game at this level.

Not trying to make excuses but obviously it's a factor. If we go into the play offs like that, any of the other sides will beat us.

If we go in with more like the side that got 4pts from FGR, 4pts from Tranmere and who beat Lincoln at home, we're a match for anyone. We'll see what our line up looks like in 3 weeks and that will tell all.

 

[localhero]

Sutton are awful. Even we beat them. Tranmere will have no problems.

We've already lost to them once this season!

 

[localhero]

We've taken 82 points from 39 games which is 2.1 points per game, nowt in it matey.
Weren't you top the day we beat you in September?
Still a long way to go, our goal difference could be a factor too.

Think we were second. That defeat was part of the run that cost Brabin his job so was probably a blessing in disguise looking back.

The goal difference is worth a point on it's own so we need you to slip up twice. And that's providing we don't slip up ourselves, (which we most likely will at some point).

 

[1884 Belmont]

All we can do is focus on our own games and see where it takes us. Lincoln can do their thing, we'll do ours and the one who gets the most points will win the league. I know I shouldn't have the audacity to spread pro-Tranmere propaganda but I genuinely believe it will be us.

 

[CrazyImp]

All we can do is focus on our own games and see where it takes us. Lincoln can do their thing, we'll do ours and the one who gets the most points will win the league. I know I shouldn't have the audacity to spread pro-Tranmere propaganda but I genuinely believe it will be us.

No problems with having confidence, but I'm just wondering how many fans of other teams would genuinely take Cole Stockton over Matt Rhead. Think you're kidding yourself a little bit, but no worries.

 

[localhero]

All we can do is focus on our own games and see where it takes us. Lincoln can do their thing, we'll do ours and the one who gets the most points will win the league. I know I shouldn't have the audacity to spread pro-Tranmere propaganda but I genuinely believe it will be us.

So was I until last night. I think we're all borderline schizophrenic at the moment, one day I'm certain we'll do it, the next I'm dreading getting battered by Aldershot in the playoff semi finals.

 

[Forza Imps]

Of course Rhead is going to give some back if you've spent the whole game calling him a fat bastard.

If you can't take it, don't give it out.

 

[The Jovial Forester]

Of course Rhead is going to give some back if you've spent the whole game calling him a fat bastard.

If you can't take it, don't give it out.

That's unfair, I called him a cheating shithouse.

 

[Chris FGR]

Of course Rhead is going to give some back if you've spent the whole game calling him a fat bastard.

If you can't take it, don't give it out.

Fair enough. Parkin did the same plenty of times for us.

What irks me about Rhead is his cheating and gamesmanship, not his banter. On that subject, why do Lincoln feel the need to constantly fall over in the box, and then time waste as soon as they're in front. They are easily good enough to win without all that.

They are clearly the star attraction of this league, all the media attention is on them and so they are representing it to the nation in many respects. Some of their antics last night were a bit unneccessary imo.

They have clearly been the best club though, on and off the pitch, their Cup exploits have done everyone down here proud, and they are the rightful champions. Them not winning the league would be a travesty of justice in all honesty.

 

[GTFCfish]

All we can do is focus on our own games and see where it takes us. Lincoln can do their thing, we'll do ours and the one who gets the most points will win the league. I know I shouldn't have the audacity to spread pro-Tranmere propaganda but I genuinely believe it will be us.

The thing is though you need Lincoln to slip up twice whilst you win all 7 of your remaining games.
And should you not win all 7 which is most likely,then you need Lincoln to slip up 3 times in 7 games which seems very unlikely.
Had you had 10+ games left then I would have said there was a decent chance of you overturning it but with only 7 games left each then it feels like a very slim chance.
I feel you are setting yourself up for a big disappointment.

 

[John Still]

Of course Rhead is going to give some back if you've spent the whole game calling him a fat bastard.

If you can't take it, don't give it out.

Did not hear one of our fans mention him whole game up until he goaded us. Infact I heard many compliments when he was bossing the first half. There was no need to celebrate like that, had someone got to him he could have had no complaints.

Sure we will see him again next season when he is found not good enough for league two.

 

[Chris FGR]

Did not hear one of our fans mention him whole game up until he goaded us.

What? Why not. He's a great target. Shame on you, banterless bastards.

 

[1884 Belmont]

No problems with having confidence, but I'm just wondering how many fans of other teams would genuinely take Cole Stockton over Matt Rhead. Think you're kidding yourself a little bit, but no worries.

Cole Stockton
Age: 23
Goals this season: 16
Total FL appearances: 97 / Total FL goals: 14 (1 in 7)
Total League 2 appearances: 44 / Total League 2 goals = 11 (1 in 4)
Total League 1 appearances: 53 / Total League 1 goals = 5 (1 in 10.5)
Total National League appearances: 25 / Total National League goals = 4 (roughly 1 in 5)

Matt Rhead
Age: 32
Goals this season: 14
Total FL appearances: 72 / Total FL Goals: 9 (1 in 8)
Total League 2 appearances: 72 / Total League 2 goals = 9 (1 in 8)
Total League 1 appearances: 0 (None).
Total National League appearances: 93 / Total National League goals 38 (1 in 2.5)

Basically, Stockton has played 50+ games in League 1, a division Rhead has never played in. When in League 2, Stockton has averaged 1 in 4 whilst Rhead has averaged 1 in 8. Ok, Rhead has 38 National League goals but it's pretty telling that the only division in which he has any success is the the league where the referees allow assault. Add in the fact that Stockton is almost 10 years younger and is improving, whilst Rhead is coming to the end of his career, and I'd take Stockton every day.

I will fully accept that at this level his style is effective and fair play, it works for Lincoln. But I'd be ashamed if a Tranmere striker ever started playing like him - sly kicks and elbows, rolling around when someone breathes on him and basically being a cheat.

 

[Reginald Fodstain]

Nervous for tonight, probably be 1-0 Sutton off the ref's arse or something.

Rhead is a cheating prick, but the one Lincoln player I wish the worst upon should they go up is Luke fucking Waterfall. Gave the away end the finger when they scored the opener against us, the c***. Was utterly shite when he played for us too!

 

[1884 Belmont]

The thing is though you need Lincoln to slip up twice whilst you win all 7 of your remaining games.
And should you not win all 7 which is most likely,then you need Lincoln to slip up 3 times in 7 games which seems very unlikely.
Had you had 10+ games left then I would have said there was a decent chance of you overturning it but with only 7 games left each then it feels like a very slim chance.
I feel you are setting yourself up for a big disappointment.

Of course, they are the favourites, no doubt about it. It's a 3 point lead with 21 to play for. That's a much better chance than slim. We just have to see where it falls in the end, but 7 games is 15% of the entire season, it's a long way to go yet.

 

[JaredSUFC]

We've already lost to them once this season!

So have Woking, 4-1. On aggregate this season Surrey is ours

 

[JaredSUFC]

another lovely last minute Roarie Deacon goal, please.

As long as it's not a consolation goal

 

[Murphy]

We didn't particularly turn up last night but we were outclassed by Lincoln in any respect anyway. They're the best side in this league without a doubt, as evidenced by the table. I've not seen too many games this season due to other commitments and such, but they seem to meld together the elements that make the likes of Barrow (the physical capability and nous to bully opponents, which isn't a bad thing), and ourselves/Tranmere/FGR (that footballing quality and ability to beat opponents on raw technique) to become one very good team that will go up from this league. We were disappointing but take nothing away from them, as I'm sure no one will.

As for ourselves, it's going to be tough to make the play-offs now. I know that we have points on the board and a bit of an advantage over Aldershot and the like, but with Hawkins out now for the remainder of the season you'd assume, and our defence still looking weak at times, it could be difficult.

 

[Imp in Branston]

Cole Stockton
Age: 23
Goals this season: 16
Total FL appearances: 97 / Total FL goals: 14 (1 in 7)
Total League 2 appearances: 44 / Total League 2 goals = 11 (1 in 4)
Total League 1 appearances: 53 / Total League 1 goals = 5 (1 in 10.5)
Total National League appearances: 25 / Total National League goals = 4 (roughly 1 in 5)

Matt Rhead
Age: 32
Goals this season: 14
Total FL appearances: 72 / Total FL Goals: 9 (1 in 8)
Total League 2 appearances: 72 / Total League 2 goals = 9 (1 in 8)
Total League 1 appearances: 0 (None).
Total National League appearances: 93 / Total National League goals 38 (1 in 2.5)

Basically, Stockton has played 50+ games in League 1, a division Rhead has never played in. When in League 2, Stockton has averaged 1 in 4 whilst Rhead has averaged 1 in 8. Ok, Rhead has 38 National League goals but it's pretty telling that the only division in which he has any success is the the league where the referees allow assault. Add in the fact that Stockton is almost 10 years younger and is improving, whilst Rhead is coming to the end of his career, and I'd take Stockton every day.

I will fully accept that at this level his style is effective and fair play, it works for Lincoln. But I'd be ashamed if a Tranmere striker ever started playing like him - sly kicks and elbows, rolling around when someone breathes on him and basically being a cheat.

Quite ironic calling Rhead a cheat after what Mangan did at SB and what Norwood has done on numerous occasions.