Saturday 17th September 2022

[Floreat Salopia]

Pyke was one during the dark days. I seem to remember he didn't have the physical attributes for professional football but he was only young. He didn't really bust a gut either.

We've got to target this game as 3 points really with tough games coming up on paper (although Posh and Derby are up and down). As others have said, we have our better players coming back into full fitness so I'm hoping for less containment and a bit more of a bold and positive approach. Seems like we've sold out the usual stands and Shrewsbury will have 1000, so we should be on for an 8k or so crowd.

It seems that Shrewsbury haven't played all that well this season but have picked up points. 8th is not to be sniffed at. I'm hoping for the start to a settled side now, ahead of a tough run.

That’s not true.

1st game Morecambe - Battered them and had nearly 20 goal attempts but was just one of those days where nothing would go in. Drew 0-0.

2nd game Accrington - We were again the better team until the referee sent off one of our players in the 57th minute through a ‘mistaken identity’ which got overturned later on. Seemed like only one winner until the ref dropped a bollock. Lost 0-1.

3rd game Wycombe - This was the first game where we deserved to lose yet we didn’t (football, aye). Wycombe had 17 shots to our 7 and dominate in possession also. Won 2-1.

4th game Derby - Similar amount of goal attempts for both but Derby were dominant in possession with a massive 75% to our 25% yet even if we were playing now, they still wouldn’t have scored. Drew 0-0.

5th game Ipswich - I’ll give you this one. Probably one of if not the best teams I’ve seen in this division since that 2015 Wolves team. They were completely dominate. I think if anybody finishes above them this season they’ll be champions. Very good side Ipswich. Lost 0-3

6th game Bristol Rovers - Yes Bristol Rovers fans on here were complaining that we were a bit OTT with the ‘dark arts’. That aside, we still had 19 attempts at goal to their 9. We should have won as we were the better team but again like Morecambe, just one of those days and we lost Udoh for the season. Drew 1-1.

7th game Forest Green - We deservedly went 2-0 ahead and then like a lot of teams, sat back and invited pressure. Thankfully with how toothless FGR were, the 2-0 never seemed in doubt and if they did pull one back I think we would have found another gear. Won 2-0.

8th game Exeter - Now I didn’t watch this one as I had problems with my Amazon stick. But from reports Exeter were one of the best teams we’ve had down the Meadow in recent in terms of attack, yet one of the worst in terms of defence. They dominate the first half, Salop were the better team second half. Draw would have been a fairer result apparently. Won 3-2.

Yes the footballs not been the best to watch as we’re crying out for a goal scorer yet don’t have one now Udoh’s out for the season but we definitely create enough to win most games. The main issue our fans have is we let the opposition dominate possession yet we rarely concede as to Cotterill’s credit, the game plan has been executed perfectly every game minus the referee mistake against Accrington and Ipswich just being too good and nothing would have stopped them that day in all honesty. So to summarise we’re probably about right in the table if not maybe should be 2/3 points better off.

 

[leedsvaliant]

That’s not true.

1st game Morecambe - Battered them and had nearly 20 goal attempts but was just one of those days where nothing would go in. Drew 0-0.

2nd game Accrington - We were again the better team until the referee sent off one of our players in the 57th minute through a ‘mistaken identity’ which got overturned later on. Seemed like only one winner until the ref dropped a bollock. Lost 0-1.

3rd game Wycombe - This was the first game where we deserved to lose yet we didn’t (football, aye). Wycombe had 17 shots to our 7 and dominate in possession also. Won 2-1.

4th game Derby - Similar amount of goal attempts for both but Derby were dominant in possession with a massive 75% to our 25% yet even if we were playing now, they still wouldn’t have scored. Drew 0-0.

5th game Ipswich - I’ll give you this one. Probably one of if not the best teams I’ve seen in this division since that 2015 Wolves team. They were completely dominate. I think if anybody finishes above them this season they’ll be champions. Very good side Ipswich. Lost 0-3

6th game Bristol Rovers - Yes Bristol Rovers fans on here were complaining that we were a bit OTT with the ‘dark arts’. That aside, we still had 19 attempts at goal to their 9. We should have won as we were the better team but again like Morecambe, just one of those days and we lost Udoh for the season. Drew 1-1.

7th game Forest Green - We deservedly went 2-0 ahead and then like a lot of teams, sat back and invited pressure. Thankfully with how toothless FGR were, the 2-0 never seemed in doubt and if they did pull one back I think we would have found another gear. Won 2-0.

8th game Exeter - Now I didn’t watch this one as I had problems with my Amazon stick. But from reports Exeter were one of the best teams we’ve had down the Meadow in recent in terms of attack, yet one of the worst in terms of defence. They dominate the first half, Salop were the better team second half. Draw would have been a fairer result apparently. Won 3-2.

Yes the footballs not been the best to watch as we’re crying out for a goal scorer yet don’t have one now Udoh’s out for the season but we definitely create enough to win most games. The main issue our fans have is we let the opposition dominate possession yet we rarely concede as to Cotterill’s credit, the game plan has been executed perfectly every game minus the referee mistake against Accrington and Ipswich just being too good and nothing would have stopped them that day in all honesty. So to summarise we’re probably about right in the table if not maybe should be 2/3 points better off.

Fair enough. I was just going off your forum really, where the general consensus is that the football isn't the best but you're picking up consistent points.

Seems like you create a lot and have a lot of shots and you're not one of those teams that aimlessly knocks it about with no purpose (I always think possession stats mean nothing), but much like many teams at this level, you're lacking a goal scorer to finish.

 

[PlymouthCasual]

Not a banker, but we're a better side than last time you played us. Difference in the home game last season was we made 2 mistakes at the back and your lad Hardie took them both. Marquis missed some chances, but never gave in and deserved the draw. We've now got players who are making and finishing and midfield is streets ahead of what it was last season. We were a top 10 at best last season. This season we're alot better than that. Whatever the result its gonna be a hell of an atmosphere at FP. Almost 19k with a very good away following

I think both squads are much stronger on paper than last season which is good to see. I would definitely take a point tomorrow and as you say, it should be a hell of an atmosphere with the whole ground sold out.

 

[BarrieOwl]

Plymouth bounced back well after the disappointment of the end of last season, the opposite of MK Dons, Schumacher must take credit.

Cowley has taken his time in some eyes but he's got Pompey looking the real deal, will be a good test for both and worth a watch, not a clue how it will end result wise.

 

[BarrieOwl]

Can't see us being as attacking in our line up tomorrow at Morecambe and Mighten will probably drop out for Marvin Johnson with James going in the back 3 and Palmer at RWB. I wouldn't make changes for the sake of it in the defensive positions mind.

Could perhaps see Gregory not start with Windass up top alongside Smith, FDB, Bakinson or Vaulks to step in.

This is an acid test against, one of if not the biggest, challengers for the title and promotion.

McKenna has done a very good job since taking over and they press high up the pitch, lack of goals cost em in the run in but they've remedied that and are still solid at the back.

A win would bring them within a point of us.

 

[SVH]

Well that’s what Derby thought.

The same Derby in 13th place?

 

[UppaTowen_ITFC]

En route Sheffield. Big away day. Feels like a huge game even just going off the vibes on the train here.

Would suggest it’s the biggest game we’d had since we went down four seasons back. Would take a point against an excellent squad on paper. If Moore gets them going, they’ll be top 2 I still think.

 

[kieran_vale]

Aggressive looking lineup for us. Am glad DC has done this. Nothing guaranteed of course but should ask some questions of Shrews.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1571121800859324421

 

[valefan16]

Very attacking line up, some big players back or starting finally after fitness issues.

Defence looks a bit of a worry with no Hall but he’s been off form lately.

Great to see Wilson finally start for the first time since Wembley. That partnership with Harrison could work well.

If the defence stands up to it be that attack should cause problems… queue another Portsmouth performance!

 

[BRFC_Gas]

One day ill be able to discuss a Rovers game without stating how bad the ref was. doesnt look like that day is today...

 

[Tea Towel]

Would take a point against an excellent squad on paper. If Moore gets them going, they’ll be top 2 I still think.

That’s the big question. Will he get us going? Myself and most others don’t seem to think so

 

[stevowanderer]

Can’t believe how dirty this posh team are. Kicking lumps out of us at every opportunity. Not seen anything like this for years. Ref is losing control of it. Didn’t have them down as that type of team. They don’t look a bad side on the ball but can see a red card coming in this game if it carries on like this

 

[Chris FGR]

Taken a while to get going here, but after Wickham’s cracker we’re on top now. Marques, Casey & Peart-Harris in particular are stars in the making. Team looks so much better since these young lads have come in.

 

[leedsvaliant]

Think we've been poor. Shrewsbury have been even worse. We need to be pushing these back as it's the sort of game we need to win.

 

[kieran_vale]

Not a bad game to be honest. Shrews look quite a powerful unit, especially Saydee. Can see their plan is to let Smith have all the time he wants on the ball. With that said we’ve done some good stuff in patches, lovely break for our goal and I think Dan Jones at LCB has had possibly his best game for us.

 

[stevowanderer]

Most engrossed I’ve been in a game for ages this, it’s an absolute war. We are getting really stuck in … in retaliation. Defo a red coming. We should have taken the lead towards the end of the half. Missed a 1 on 1 and hit the post. Posh have had some good moments too. Great game.

 

[valefan16]

Dominant performance and played well, kept the ball moving and created chances.

Frustrating to be 1-1 as they’ve scored their only real incursion into our box.

Harrison took his goal well and we missed a great chance just before but that final ball is missing. Really need to be winning games like this if we want to stay out of any trouble at the bottom.

 

[leedsvaliant]

Shrewsbury tactic seems to be to boot it up to the big man. They look poor to be honest...they've had one shot and scored. We started well but our moves are breaking down through Garrity....he shouldn't be playing there.

We need to show a bit more urgency. It's all been a bit one paced. Up the tempo and I think these will crumble.

 

[K-Win]

Cracking first half Vs Argyle. We've been the better team IMO but Argyle look dangerous when they go forward and could easily have scored. End to end stuff.

Great goal from Koroma on his first start to separate the teams. Anything could happen second half.

 

[PuB]

Cracking first half Vs Argyle. We've been the better team IMO but Argyle look dangerous when they go forward and could easily have scored. End to end stuff.

Great goal from Koroma on his first start to separate the teams. Anything could happen second half.

Do you lot have a re-call on Mnoga?

If so can you use it please. Sent off after nine minutes on his debut, today he’s given away a pen and been taken off at half time on his second appearance.

Truly awful.

 

[Laker]

Barnsley’s keeper Collins has a hasty injury, big stoppage.

 

[YEO YEO YEO]

Sorry Bristol Rovers fans, seems you were right about having no defence. Running riot!

 

[The Jovial Forester]

Burton score is a bit of a surprise.

 

[YEO YEO YEO]

Burton score is a bit of a surprise.

Especially considering Exeter are going up......

 

[BRFC_Gas]

Sorry Bristol Rovers fans, seems you were right about having no defence. Running riot!

Dunno what Barton was playing at. We have 1 recognised CB who started on the bench and still hasnt even come on.
Could be level, strangely, as we have missed a lot of chances and you have scored all yours... most gift wrapped

 

[kieran_vale]

Harrison you fucking beauty!! We deserved that.

 

[YEO YEO YEO]

Dunno what Barton was playing at. We have 1 recognised CB who started on the bench and still hasnt even come on.
Could be level, strangely, as we have missed a lot of chances and you have scored all yours... most gift wrapped

What a ridiculously open game. Cannot remember another game like it. Are there any defenders on the pitch? We are having a mare at the back, important that we have scored with every attack!

 

[valefan16]

Fully deserved! Get in!!!

 

[The Jovial Forester]

Done at the death by an old boy. Argh.

 

[ExeterDan]

Especially considering Exeter are going up......

The way things are shaping up we might well be going the other way.