Tractor-Boys.com

Bolton Wanderers v Ipswich Town


Tuesday 8th March 2016 – 20:00
The Macron Stadium






Opening Thought – Jamma

In the week that Ipswich Town announced they would be increasing season ticket prices for the third consecutive season – and against the backdrop of growing discontent surrounding our style of play – the club needed a performance to go with the result against Nottingham Forest. And that is exactly what they got. As much as I count myself amongst the majority of football fans in prioritising the win over all else, I was particularly keen to see the 3 points secured by means of some attractive football. So when I came away from the ground at 5.00pm on Saturday, I was doubly pleased with what I had just witnessed. Whether or not Daryl Murphy’s enforced absence was the determining factor, Town set out to play the ball out from the back. We were assured in possession, looked for the simple ball as opposed to going for the more direct route and, most noticeably of all, there was barely a ‘hoof’ in sight! Yes, we rode our luck again at times – Bartosz Bialkowski producing his now customary couple of matchwinning saves and Forest also hitting the bar – but the Blues bossed possession and did enough to see out a second successive 1-0 victory. In a strong all-round team performance, there was a number of impressive displays. Luke Hyam and Kevin Foley had good games in the middle of the park and Freddie Sears clearly thrived on being given a more central role, but Ben Pringle takes the honours for me. Scoring the winner for the second time in as many games capped off a fine showing, with the midfielder always looking to get on the ball and providing a threat with his set-piece deliveries. Saturday’s 1-0 had a very different feel about it from the previous weekend’s and, as Pringle himself put it, it bodes well for the run-in that we have shown ourselves to be capable of winning in more ways than one.

Along with this ability to mix things up, we will also need to show some patience in games if we are to achieve our objectives over the remainder of the campaign. This applies to supporters as much as players. One recent talking point on here has been the edgy, tense atmosphere at Portman Road at times this season, and this was again in evidence on Saturday. While the support was for the most part very positive, there were some moans and groans during some of our more ‘measured’ build-up play. I understand fans thinking that we should be on the front foot as the home side, and getting frustrated when we play the ball back to the goalkeeper instead of looking for a forward pass. I just don’t think you can have it both ways, and suspect those same people are the first ones to get on the players’ backs when we resort to lumping the ball forward. What I saw on Saturday was a team that knocked the ball around patiently whilst waiting for the right opportunity to play the final pass. I’m not saying by any means that it was perfect, and indeed Forest cut through us with alarming ease on one or two occasions when we lost possession in dangerous areas. In the last two matches the opposition have created more chances than us, but the difference with respect to the previous three is that Town have been able to make it count at both ends of the pitch. With back-to-back clean sheets after going seven league outings without one, we are starting to get back to being the defensively sound unit of Mick McCarthy’s early days. I was reminiscing before the match on Saturday about the 4-3s and the 6-4s of Joe Royle’s era, and how different things are at Portman Road these days. Of course, we don’t expect those kind of scorelines from a Mick McCarthy team, and the current side bring different qualities to the table. I for one won’t be complaining if we’re singing ‘1-0 to the Tractor Boys!’ a few more times before the season is out!



The Opposition – Bolton Wanderers





The club was founded by the Reverend Thomas Ogden, the schoolmaster at Christ Church in 1874, as Christ Church F.C. It was initially run from the church of the same name on Deane Road, Bolton, on the site where the Innovation factory of the University of Bolton now stands. The club left the location following a dispute with the vicar, and changed its name to Bolton Wanderers in 1877. The name was chosen as the club initially had a lot of difficulty finding a permanent ground to play on, having used three venues in its first four years of existence.

Bolton were one of the 12 founder members of the Football League, which formed in 1888. Having remained in the Football League since its formation, Bolton have spent more time in the top flight (Premier League/old First Division) than out of it.

The period before and after the First World War was Bolton's most consistent period of top-flight success as measured by league finishes, with the club finishing outside the top 8 of the First Division on only two occasions, between 1911–12 and 1927–28. In this period, Bolton equalled their record finish of third twice, in 1920–21 and 1924–25.

On 28 April 1923, Bolton won their first major trophy in their third FA Cup final, beating West Ham United in the first ever Wembley FA Cup final. They followed this up with two further FA Cup Final victories in 1926 & 1929.

From 1935 to 1964, Bolton enjoyed an uninterrupted stay in the top flight.

The years of the Second World War saw most of the Wanderers' playing staff see action on the front, a rare occurrence within elite football, as top sportsmen were generally assigned to physical training assignments, away from enemy fire. However, 15 Bolton professionals, led by their captain Harry Goslin, volunteered for active service in 1939, and were enlisted in the 53rd Bolton Artillery regiment. Only Goslin would not return from the war.

On 9 March 1946, the club's home was the scene of the Burnden Park disaster, which at the time was the worst tragedy in British football history. 33 Bolton Wanderers fans were crushed to death, and another 400 injured, in an FA Cup quarter-final.

Bolton Wanderers have not won a major trophy since 1958, when they overcame Manchester United in the FA Cup final at Wembley Stadium.

While Bolton finished 4th the following season, the next 20 years would prove to be a fallow period. The club suffered relegation to the Second Division in 1963–64, and were then relegated again to the Third Division for the first time in their history in 1970–71. This stay in the Third Division lasted just two years before the club were promoted as champions in 1972–73. Hopes were high at Burnden Park in May 1978 when Bolton sealed the Second Division title and gained promotion to the First Division. However, they only remained there for two seasons before being relegated, and then slipped back into the 3rd Division at the end of the 1982/83 season.

Bolton failed to win promotion in the 1983–84 season, and would remain in the Third Division for another three seasons. In 1986, Nat Lofthouse was appointed President of the football club, a position he would hold until his death on 15 January 2011. At the end of the 1986–87 season, Bolton Wanderers suffered relegation to the Fourth Division for the first time in their history, but won promotion back to the Third Division at the first attempt.

Bolton reached the Premiership in 1995, winning the Division One play-off final. The same year, Bolton progressed to the League Cup Final, but were defeated by Liverpool. Bolton were bottom for virtually all of the 1995–96 Premiership campaign and were relegated.

The club won promotion back to the Premiership at the first attempt thanks to a season in which they achieved 98 league points and 100 goals in the process of securing the Division One championship. Unfortunately, yet again, Bolton were relegated after only one season in the top flight. This season also marked the club's departure from Burnden Park to the Reebok Stadium.

In 2000–01, Bolton were promoted back to the Premiership after winning the play-off final. Bolton struggled in the following two seasons, but survived in the Premiership.

Bolton reached the League Cup final in 2004, but lost to Middlesbrough. Nevertheless, the club finished eighth in the league, at the time the highest finish in their Premiership history.

In 2005, Bolton finished sixth in the league, thus earning qualification for the UEFA Cup for the first time in their history. Between 2003–04 and 2006–07, Bolton recorded consecutive top-eight finishes. Bolton survived in the 2009–10 season as they finished 14th with 39 points. This secured a tenth successive top flight campaign for Bolton.

On 13 May 2012, Bolton Wanderers were relegated to the Championship by one point on the last day of the season.

The Championship season started badly for Bolton, with only three wins in ten league matches, and, after a second round exit from the League Cup following a loss at Crawley Town, Bolton sacked manager Owen Coyle on 9 October 2012. Fourteen days later, Dougie Freedman joined the club as manager, guiding them to a 7th place finish at the conclusion of the season.

Although Freedman made a number of signings for the 2013/14 campaign, Bolton ended the season firmly mid-table, with the expectations of another promotion push not met.

The 14/15 season started similarly, as they failed to win any of their first 6 games and only one of the first ten. Freedman left the club on 3 October 2014 by mutual consent, with Neil Lennon taking the helm.

Under Lennon, Bolton finished the season in 18th place on the table with 51 points.



One To Watch – Darren Pratley



It has been important to keep a cool head in amongst all the turmoil at the Macron Stadium this season, especially with the youth of Josh Vela, Max Clayton and Zach Clough in the side. Together with the experience of Emile Heskey, that calming presence has more often than not been provided by club captain Darren Pratley.

Pratley swapped South Wales for Greater Manchester ahead of the 2011/12 season, bowing out with Swansea City following their play-off final success over Reading. He had played a big role in the Swans’ rise through the divisions, scoring 31 goals in close on 200 appearances. It was therefore something of a surprise when his contract was allowed to run down, paving the way for him to join Premier League rivals Bolton. The all-action midfielder issued his former team a reminder of his ability when scoring against them in the FA Cup later that campaign. But the two clubs have experienced contrasting fortunes in the intervening four years. 2013/14 was particularly difficult for Pratley, whose season was curtailed by a shoulder injury sustained in February. He bounced back last term, with his box-to-box displays helping Wanderers stave off the threat of relegation. With the captaincy and a new contract under his belt, the 30-year-old former Fulham and Brentford youngster has carried on in the same vein in 2015/16. The speculation linking him with a move in the transfer window – including to Ipswich – backs up his value to the team, and he will again have to be at his best if Bolton are to have any chance of preserving their Championship status for another year.



The Gaffer – Neil Lennon





Lennon was born in Lurgan, County Armagh, and as a youngster he played gaelic football for the school and was also selected for the Armagh minor team.

Lennon joined Glenavon, after reaching the final of the Milk Cup. He then joined Manchester City as a trainee in 1987. He made one first team appearance during his time in Manchester before signing for Crewe Alexandra on a free transfer in August 1990, becoming an established member of the side.

Lennon's form saw him make his debut for Northern Ireland in 1994, and thus become the first Crewe Alexandra player in 60 years to win a full international cap. In 5 and a half years at Crewe, Lennon made 187 appearances for the club and scored 18 goals.

In February 1996, Lennon signed for Leicester City for a fee of £750,000.

After Martin O'Neill became the new manager of Celtic in June 2000, he made several attempts to sign Lennon. Finally, after months of protracted negotiations with Leicester City, on 6 December 2000 Lennon joined the club he supported as boy for a fee of £5.75 million. That season saw Lennon pick up three winner's medals as Celtic swept to a domestic treble, winning the Scottish Premier League, Scottish Cup and Scottish League Cup. The next four seasons at Celtic saw Lennon win a further two league championships and two Scottish Cups. He was also an integral part of the Celtic side that reached the UEFA Cup Final in 2003.

When Gordon Strachan took over from Martin O'Neill as Celtic manager in the summer of 2005, he made Lennon Celtic captain, and he picked up his fourth League Championship medal that season on 5 April 2006 when Celtic defeated Hearts.

Although he was also linked with a move to Crystal Palace in a player-manager role in the summer of 2006, he signed a new one-year contract with Celtic.

On 25 April 2007, Lennon announced he would be leaving Celtic and, in his last game for the club on 26 May 2007, he captained the team to victory in the Scottish Cup Final against Dunfermline Athletic. Celtic's 1–0 win clinched the League and Cup double.

Lennon joined Nottingham Forest on a one-year contract with an option for a second year on 12 June 2007. However, he lost his place in the team and joined Wycombe Wanderers on 31 January 2008, leaving on 3 April to take up a coaching role with Celtic.

Lennon was capped 40 times by Northern Ireland, scoring two goals. He also captained the team on several occasions.

Lennon's first coaching appointment was as first team coach with Celtic in 2008. After the appointment of Tony Mowbray as Celtic manager, Lennon took charge of the Celtic reserve team. Following Mowbray's departure from Celtic on 25 March 2010, Lennon was appointed caretaker manager for the remainder of the 2009–10 season.

Lennon was appointed manager of Celtic on a full-time basis on 9 June 2010. In the 2010–11 season, Lennon was given a six-match touchline ban for excessive misconduct, which was later reduced to four matches after appeal. He was given another four-match touchline ban by the SFA following an altercation after a Scottish Cup match in March 2011. Lennon led Celtic to the final of the League Cup in March 2011, but they lost to Rangers after extra time, as well as finishing a point behind their rivals in the League title race. He won his first silverware as a manager when Celtic beat Motherwell in the Scottish Cup final a week later.

After rallying from a poor start to the 2011-12 season, Lennon won the SPL Manager of the Month award for November 2011 and the club went on to win the 2011–12 Scottish Premier League. Lennon was named SFWA Manager of the Year.

On 21 April 2013, Celtic retained the Premier League title. Lennon finished the season by leading Celtic to a League and Cup double with a win over Hibernian in the Scottish Cup Final.

Celtic qualified for the group stages of the Champions League again the following season, but had a dismal campaign. They fared little better in the domestic cup competitions, being knocked out of the Scottish League Cup and Scottish Cup in the early rounds. The league campaign was much more impressive, though, as they went undefeated until February and lost only twice in all over the course of a season in which they scored 102 goals on the way to their third successive league title.

On 22 May 2014, Lennon announced that he was leaving Celtic after four years as manager. "I have parted company with Celtic," he said in a brief statement, adding "The club are in a very strong position and I wish the fans and the club all the very best for the future."

Lennon was announced as the new manager of Bolton Wanderers on 12 October 2014, signing a four-year contract.






Past Match - Video Highlights - Trev

Town got their season back up and running with a comfortable home win in the return fixture:





Trev's Trivia

Player to play for both teams

Ivan Campo ITFC 2008–2009 Bolton 2003–2008

Media Watch - K L Blue

Ben Pringle gives his thoughts fresh from being the matchwinner for the second week in a row:
http://www.sudburymercury.co.uk/sport/y ... _1_4445439

Kevin Foley is enjoying his football again:
http://www.irishexaminer.com/sport/socc ... 85979.html

3 things that we learnt from the Forest game:
http://footballleagueworld.co.uk/3-thin ... am-forest/



Stat Time


Head To Head


Bolton Wins.........................13 (32.50%)
Ipswich Town Wins................18 (45.00%)
Draws.................................9 (22.50%)


Bolton Goals........................56 (Ave. 1.40 Per Match)
Ipswich Town Goals................54 (Ave. 1.35 Per Match)


Head To Head at Bolton


Bolton Wins..........................6 (31.58%)
Ipswich Town Wins.................6 (31.58%)
Draws.................................7 (36.84%)


Bolton Goals.........................28 (Ave. 1.47 Per Match)
Ipswich Town Goals................20 (Ave. 1.05 Per Match)



The Predicted Teams


Bolton Wanderers

In spite of the Trotters’ well-publicised financial issues this season, they are still able to field a team which is more than capable of holding its own at this level. Having said that, their line-up will look rather different from the one which travelled to Suffolk in November. Having already scored against Town this season while on loan at Forest, another Trotter, Liam, is in contention after recovering from a recent hamstring injury.

13 Paul Rachubka
6 Josh Vela
45 Robert Holding
15 Derik Osede
3 Dean Moxey
8 Jay Spearing
17 Liam Trotter
21 Darren Pratley
10 Zach Clough
7 Liam Feeney
14 Gary Madine



Ipswich Town

I jinxed things on Saturday when prematurely ruling out any new injuries, so will be careful what I say this time! Cole Skuse and Jonathan Douglas should both be available, although neither is guaranteed to start after Luke Hyam and Kevin Foley struck up a decent partnership on Saturday. Fellow midfielder Kevin Bru was withdrawn at half time against Forest with illness but should be OK, while Daryl Murphy faces a race against time to recover from a calf strain.

33 Bartosz Bialkowski
4 Luke Chambers
5 Tommy Smith
6 Christophe Berra
3 Jonas Knudsen
17 Kevin Bru
19 Luke Hyam
44 Kevin Foley
15 Ben Pringle
20 Freddie Sears
11 Brett Pitman



Match Referee – Mark Haywood





Final Thought - Frosty


Nice win on Saturday.

The Stats were fairly even when you look at it as an outsider, with Pringle’s goal the difference. Speaking of Pringle, let’s hope he keeps popping them in – looks like a useful addition to the playing roster.

Turning to Bolton, regardless of it being at the Macron, it’s a must win … pure and simple.

The Trotters are bloody awful this season, only averaging a point each outing, leaving them propping up the table.

Recent form doesn’t suggest that Lennon’s outfit are about to ‘turn any corners’. Losses against Leeds, Burnley, Birmingham, Brighton and a draw against QPR means the last 5 fixtures have delivered a single point in their quest for survival.

Tuesday also gives us a great chance of progress as our nearest competitors don’t have perhaps quite such easy opponents. The Brum head up the road to Blackburn, Cardiff welcome Leeds to Wales and finally an ‘Avian Clash’ as the Seagulls are at home to the Owls …. A toughie to pick in my opinion, with a draw most likely.

Have safe travels if you are making the small midweek 500-mile round trip to Bolton. Maybe take the ‘Proclaimers’ with you.

COYB!



BOLTON WANDERERS 0 IPSWICH TOWN 1

Another super preview, thanks guys. I had stated a while back that 7 points from the Three up coming games was what was required so to have Six already is a bonus and with a trip to the Leagues whipping boys to come you would like to think we can better that target, of course it is never easy but this game must offer up a great chance for us to secure another Three precious points and a Ninth away win to boot.

With Skuse, Douglas and Maybe Murphy returning we have far more options but I would stick with the same starting Eleven that did the business against Forest, it worked well and they deserve another crack. If we reach anything approaching our best it could well be good enough to get the job done, Zach Clough is the one I feel we need to watch, a decent young player who can cause problems while Darren Pratley and god forbid Liam Trotter have caused us issues in the past.

I read the opening piece with interest and completely agree with the following comments :-

One recent talking point on here has been the edgy, tense atmosphere at Portman Road at times this season, and this was again in evidence on Saturday. While the support was for the most part very positive, there were some moans and groans during some of our more ‘measured’ build-up play. I understand fans thinking that we should be on the front foot as the home side, and getting frustrated when we play the ball back to the goalkeeper instead of looking for a forward pass. I just don’t think you can have it both ways, and suspect those same people are the first ones to get on the players’ backs when we resort to lumping the ball forward.

I made reference to this at the game Saturday and had a bit of a sarcastic dig at a few around me when they were moaning at us actually passing the ball around without really getting anywhere, I suggested to them that maybe we should "Hoof the bloody thing" to which they kinda shut up.

A third win on the bounce will have us right back in the mix, especially if results elsewhere go our way and while I expect Bolton to fight for their lives I think we may just do it. This will be another new ground for me and one we may not get to visit for a good few years to come so I am happy to make the 500 mile round trip, lets hope the points come back with us !!!

Bolton 1-2 Town

We can't afford not to come away without a point If we win it will be great but I won't complain if we get a tie. A loss is not acceptable

bluemike wrote: A third win on the bounce will have us right back in the mix, especially if results elsewhere go our way and while I expect Bolton to fight for their lives I think we may just do it. This will be another new ground for me and one we may not get to visit for a good few years to come so I am happy to make the 500 mile round trip, lets hope the points come back with us !!!

Bolton 1-2 Town

I can remember going there 3 times in the past .
1win 1 draw and 1 loss
Went to the pub near the carpark and had to take off my shirt they said no colours allowed in the pub walked in and all the Bolton fans had their shirts on I guess white is not a colour up north .

I think Bolton will get some thing from this game. Thier home form is good, 21 points in all, only six points off towns home tally, its boltons away form of only 4 points which places the at the foot of the league. I think town will do well to get a draw but im going 2-1 bolton.

Ive gone for a Town win , because we need to win...... but Bolton are deep in the do do, and often in troubled times teams, clubs , fans can galvanise. I hope they dont start tues night! COYBSSSSSSSSSSSS

BLUEBLOOD wrote:

bluemike wrote: A third win on the bounce will have us right back in the mix, especially if results elsewhere go our way and while I expect Bolton to fight for their lives I think we may just do it. This will be another new ground for me and one we may not get to visit for a good few years to come so I am happy to make the 500 mile round trip, lets hope the points come back with us !!!

Bolton 1-2 Town

I can remember going there 3 times in the past .
1win 1 draw and 1 loss
Went to the pub near the carpark and had to take off my shirt they said no colours allowed in the pub walked in and all the Bolton fans had their shirts on I guess white is not a colour up north .

Three times to The Reebok for me too BB but only twice to watch Town, first in the 1999 play off semi final which we lost 1-0 to a late Bolton goal, and the second time for the 2000 play off semi final which we drew 2-2 after being 2-0 down, both goals scored by Marcus Stewart.

My third visit is so memorable but there was no match being played in the stadium. I was staying in the stadium hotel then called Whites on the night Liverpool were playing AC Milan in the 2005 Champions League Final. They were 3-0 down at half time getting played off the pitch and drew 3-3 with all three goals coming in a mad 6 minutes early in the second half. Liverpool eventually won on penalties and the atmosphere in the bar where the match was being shown live on large screen tv was amazing.

Next morning when I pulled the curtains in my bedroom I was further amazed to see the football pitch, my room doubled up as an executive box with the bed being concealed in the wall on match days.

Back to tomorrow nights match, on paper probably the easiest of our last three fixtures but in reality may prove to be the most difficult with Bolton fighting for their lives.

I'll be happy with a draw and delighted with anything more.

My money will be on 1-1.

This is an opposition that finds itself in last position and will be fighting for league status. Either they'll have given up and realize salvation in beyond them regards a survival or really rise to the occasion and give us a game. Voted on a point each as don't believe three successive victories will come our way in this fixture.

Incidentally there should be a minutes silence before play as Wednesday marks 70 years since the Burnden Park disaster where some 30 + people lost their lives at their old venue due to crowd asphyxiation. Sure Bolton will want to put on a show to honor those lives lost, so expect a determined effort from the opposition.

Bolton 1 Ipswich 1

While I'm worth........ my room on this earth
I will be with you
While the Chief, PUTS SUNSHINE, ON LEITH
I'll thank Him for His work
And your birth and my birth.

Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah


Oh, you meant that 500 miles song, sorry.

Another decent midweek preview. I think maybe Alex Neil would've brought Bolton out of the do do, Hallam. Never really rated Neil Lennon. Nasty piece of work on the park as a player as well. Hoping for the away win tomorrow night...., thinking draw, but a nice 2-1 win would be great.

Ref Caption:

Player: Its ok ref, we believe you were the elephant man, put that arm trunk down.
Ref: (not amused face)
Player: Ffs, ref...., only joking man.

bluemike wrote:Another super preview, thanks guys. I had stated a while back that 7 points from the Three up coming games was what was required so to have Six already is a bonus and with a trip to the Leagues whipping boys to come you would like to think we can better that target, of course it is never easy but this game must offer up a great chance for us to secure another Three precious points and a Ninth away win to boot.

With Skuse, Douglas and Maybe Murphy returning we have far more options but I would stick with the same starting Eleven that did the business against Forest, it worked well and they deserve another crack. If we reach anything approaching our best it could well be good enough to get the job done, Zach Clough is the one I feel we need to watch, a decent young player who can cause problems while Darren Pratley and god forbid Liam Trotter have caused us issues in the past.

I read the opening piece with interest and completely agree with the following comments :-

One recent talking point on here has been the edgy, tense atmosphere at Portman Road at times this season, and this was again in evidence on Saturday. While the support was for the most part very positive, there were some moans and groans during some of our more ‘measured’ build-up play. I understand fans thinking that we should be on the front foot as the home side, and getting frustrated when we play the ball back to the goalkeeper instead of looking for a forward pass. I just don’t think you can have it both ways, and suspect those same people are the first ones to get on the players’ backs when we resort to lumping the ball forward.

I made reference to this at the game Saturday and had a bit of a sarcastic dig at a few around me when they were moaning at us actually passing the ball around without really getting anywhere, I suggested to them that maybe we should "Hoof the bloody thing" to which they kinda shut up.

A third win on the bounce will have us right back in the mix, especially if results elsewhere go our way and while I expect Bolton to fight for their lives I think we may just do it. This will be another new ground for me and one we may not get to visit for a good few years to come so I am happy to make the 500 mile round trip, lets hope the points come back with us !!!

Bolton 1-2 Town

Experienced some good and bad times there. It was the first ground I took my daughter to a game, we drew 1-1, it was bloody freezing and I thought oh well that's put her off football for life. Like hell it did!

Remember going there and watching one of the most gutless performances that I ever seen from an Ipswich side in probably one of our most important games in our history (the 4-1 defeat in our last season in the Premiership). We were 4-0 down at half-time and some Town fans left there and then, although I stayed to watch us win the 2nd half 1-0. On a brighter note went for the playoff semi-final when we drew 2-2 and will never forget the scenes when Stewart scored his 2nd goal.

Mike, hopefully the long journey will be worthwhile and you will see us collect another 3 points.

Cheers Shed, looking forward to a long long day but hopefully it will be worth it, the points are all that matters but if we play like we did at times on Saturday I will be happy. Leaving about 12.30ish to allow for any delays/weather /stops etc. COYB'S

Safe travels, Mike....., bring back the points and a feckin decent match report for once!

marko69 wrote:Safe travels, Mike....., bring back the points and a feckin decent match report for once!

LOl no more match reports from me then haha.

Bolton 0 - ITFC 2

Going to be cold, rainy evening up here. Perhaps last visit at their place as they might be out of the Championship for years.

Just a win. No matter how. Ugly 1-0 would perfectly do.

Well with Murphy Skuse and Douglas all fit, for me it all hinges on the starting line-up.

MM should start off with the same line-up as Saturday, or possibly replacing Pitman with Murphy - and if he does I can see us getting a narrow win.

But I would not be at all surprised to see him bring back Skuse or Douglas, and maybe (God forbid) both of them. In this case I think we would lose.

well mick sometimes doesnt change a losing side ,so hope he doesnt change a winning side.bart to keep his good form going and the defense having confidence in the man behind them,i'm going for 2 nil to the town

jaykay wrote:well mick sometimes doesnt change a losing side ,so hope he doesnt change a winning side.

Nicely put, JK.

jaykay wrote:well mick sometimes doesnt change a losing side ,so hope he doesnt change a winning side.bart to keep his good form going and the defense having confidence in the man behind them,i'm going for 2 nil to the town

Mick loves Skuse so it's unlikely he'll keep Saturdays team.

Mach_Polish_Blue wrote:Going to be cold, rainy evening up here. Perhaps last visit at their place as they might be out of the Championship for years.

Just a win. No matter how. Ugly 1-0 would perfectly do.

Almost a home game for you Mach.

Hope you enjoy and see a good outcome.

1 change from Saturday - Douglas in for Hyam

lucy wrote:1 change from Saturday - Douglas in for Hyam

grrrrrrr

Birmingham losing that's good for us

Derby and Cardiff losing, all in our favour we just need to win

Bruuuuuu 0-1

Flippin superb!

If results go our way and we win, then it's back to top 6

Just got the score, and winning again ? Tide seems to have turned after the recent run of poor scores before the two wins but bear in mind the caliber of opposition we have played. 9 points from 3 games will be a fine achievement however and will put the club back on course for another play-off opportunity.

Are the players keeping the ball on the ground again ? Something seems to have been said in recent weeks that has made the players realize there's still everything to play for and have learned from the lessons of previous fixtures.

Just helped myself to a can of Irn Bru from the fridge.

BRUUUUUUUUUUUUUU