Ipswich Town v Aston Villa preview and matchday thread

[Bluemike]

As goalless games go that was pretty entertaining stuff, especially the final third of the game when we were so lucky not to claim the win. I was quite surprised to see Freddie Sears back in the starting line up while pleased to be able to get a first glimpse of Tom Lawrence.

I felt Villa started slightly the better, moving the ball around well without getting anywhere near our goal, in fact it was pitman who had a shot easily saved by the Villa keeper. The visiotors had a couple of half chances which were comfortably blocked by Town defenders before midway through the half we started to get on top and take the game a bit more to them. Sears & Lawrence were lookinmg quite lively and creating a few problems for the Villa defence, Sears was running the channels well and but for better decision making we could well have capitalised on some good approach play. Pitman too had looked lively throughout the opening 45 minutes. We may have just about edged the half but in truth honours even was about right, Bart had been a virtual spectator.

For me Villa had the better of the forst 25 minutes of the second period but again absolutely nothing to show for it in terms of goal threat, the only real scare was when Chambers, who it has to be said was woeful today played a weak back pass to bart and the Villa striker was so close to getting onto it, thankfully the very impressive Webster timed his excellent interception to a tee and averted the danger. What followed was a spell of excellent defending by Town, I wasn't at derby but it sounds like it was similar stuff, blocks being made, bodies thorwn in front of shots and players getting in tackles but thankfully it was only a short passage of play as Town started to get the upper hand.

The introduction of Varney & Best so nearly paid dividends again as Town totally pummelled Villa over the final 10 minutes of normal time and the 8 minutes that was added on, quite how we did not score beggars belief but how pleasing it was to see us going for the win rather than shutting up shop for the point. Best instantly caused problems for Villa, it was he that won the freekick from which sears curled the ball just wide of the post, from the corner Best saw his bullet header cleared off the line by a defender, In the dying minutes we incredibly almost scored Three more times, first another Sears freekick was clawed away by the keeper before Skuse saw his effort again hacked off the line, the final chance again fell to the luckless sears, his shot coming back off the foot of the post with the keeper stranded.

For much of the game I felt a draw was about right but the last 15 or so minutes certainly merited the win as we took the game to the so called bigger side and gave it a right good go. On another day we could have scored Four in 10 minutes but it was not to be. Most pleasing for me was a distinct lack of hoofing from us and the fact we tried to win the game as opposed to not losing. There were some really good performances today, in the first half Tom Lawrence, Brett Pitman & Freddie Sears all looked very sharp and lively and caused them problems, what you won't see on any highlights shows or radio reports is the shed load of work that Skusey & Douglas got through today, they played really well and broke up and blocked so much of what Villa tried to do, at the back Adam Webster had a super game and but for two superb last ditch tackles in the box we may well have been in trouble, had he not got his timing spot on it would have been Red all day long. A couple of negatives, Grant Ward for me was well off the pace today and looked bang average all game, and what can I say about our captain ? I am usually the first to defend chambo but OMG he was worse than woeful today he really was. The final negative for me was that if we had maybe got varney & Best on a bit earlier we may well have won it without the last minute near misses but that is ifs and buts. It was only a cameo from Leon Best but I really liked what I saw in the few minutes he was on.

Bart (6) Chambers (4) Berra (7) Webster (8) Knudsen (6) Lawrence (7) Skuse (7) Douglas(7) Ward (5) Sears (7) Pitman (7)

SUBS :- Bishop (6) Varney (6) Best (7)

Another tough game out of the way a very hard earned point, yes we failed to score but don't be blinkered by that because today we could so easily have had a few in that last period of the game. At the other end that is now Four clean sheets in the last Six games and Reading only scored with dubious penalties so things are certainly coming together at the back although Chambers needs to up his game on today's showing. On to Leeds, Three points please.

[marko69]

Excellent match review. Sounds like the classic "big team" game. None of this "wee team" park the bus tactics. Mick definitely fairs better against the bigger and better clubs. Great to read that Sears was better, Best looked good......, but Webster playing well is the best news. Hopefully he makes that position his own for the remainder of the season. Sounded like an entertaining afternoon.

Lucy, must ask, 1/ were you there? And if so, 2/ did you fall asleep or leave early?

[herforder]

Another excellent and totally accurate post-match report by Bluemike.

No doubt that AV have some technically good players, who pass, move, close down and use the ball well - qualities we still need to work on. However, our qualities of hard graft, high individual work rates and collective defence mentality - eg Sears tracking back and doing his bit deep in our half - largely reduced AV to some eye pleasing, but ultimately non-threatening, football.

Not sure whether Chambers is suffering from a crisis of confidence; but MM can't simply ignore what we all witnessed today. It's not just a question of being played out of position, and needs to be addressed for the sake of the team. Not questioning his commitment or leadership qualities, but recent performances have been less than impressive. Webster, on the other hand, is improving all the time, and is going to prove an inspired signing by MM. But well done to all who played their parts today - both on and off the pitch.

[barmy billy]

Thanks for the report Mike, it sounds like a thoroughly entertaining match not reflected by the scoreline. Very pleasing to read that we tried to win rather than not loose: a welcome change. Poor old Sears goal drought goes on, but it sounds as if he put in really good shift and was extremely unlucky not to score.

A pretty good week all round against two fancied sides.

[Steve and Jo]

Was quite proud today. Our defense was fantastic. I really don't think Bart had one save. 0-0 says the scoreline but truthfully Ipswich had far better of the chances and yes could easily of won on another day.

Not sure whether Lucy went asleep but sometimes give the players credit. They tried playing and for me, what total commitment. They actually care

[Charnwood]

Thanks for the report Mike it's always a good read for those of us really interested who can't make it to Portman Road. It pretty much matches the trend of what I was following which suggested Town were the more likely of the two teams to nick it in the final stages.

I still think goals are going to be hard to come by this season and having watched the Cardiff v Leeds United game at lunchtime today I can't see us scoring next Saturday either which suggests another potential 0 - 0 draw to look forward to.

[goldandblack]

Who once said, its a funny ol game.. plus who would really ever want to leave this League of highs and lows.

[Charnwood]

Who once said, its a funny ol game.. plus who would really ever want to leave this League of highs and lows.

I'd be more than happy to leave this league so long as it's promotion and not relegation.

[arana peligrosa]

Maybe the post-game response was better than the game itself. Either TWTD has the most fickle fans in the league or nobody was unable to truly determine what occurred today.

Some insist it was a performance of some merit, with a number of positives to take away, while others were insistent it were some 80 + minutes of uninspiring play and we only really threatened in the closing stages. (The opposition, while one of the leading pre-season promotion contenders, seemed devoid of ideas and were a poor team and had we showed that extra determination sooner, the victory could well have been ours)

Put it another way : if the game had been assessed on the final five minutes alone it would have a been a result of some pride, but what about the 85 that preceded it ? Haven't seen such a split reaction from fans for some time, and even from some that were there, displeasure with certain elements such as formation, tactics, and lack of motivation or interest.

(We) could argue this all day long, but I see it as an adequate score against what will be a team that should finish above us by end of season and we kept them out for the entire duration. Good number of fan reaction outside of these pages where they were evidently not pleased about today's game for whatever reason, and the manager once again was in the line of fire : but while a minority were in agreement, the majority went on the offensive and personal abuse ensued..

On a more serious note, there was apparently some hostilities amongst our support near, or after the game, with punches thrown and people put in harms way by a select few. Fair enough it may have been something of a poor game once again and frustrations evident, but that level of behavior is unnecessary.

[charlton837]

Whilst I want to be positive overall that a point against villa isn't too bad. I personally found it very frustrating, they were there for the taking. I felt it was two uninspiring teams who never tried to win it until the last 10 mins. When we did put pressure on in the end we had them on the ropes, we could and perhaps should have won it in the end. Douglas and skuse played ok, but we didn't need both, be brave and play Bishop in CM and offer some attacking guile. Although when the team was named it sounded like sears and pitman upfront it was actually just pitman stranded up there on his own again.

If we had of come out and taken the game to villa like we did against Norwich I think we would have won. Villa were poor with the exception of Grealish who was their playmaker. The had very little threat in general play, lots of build up with no final pass. I have to give praise to Webster, an impressive performance. Chambers as has been said was shocking, I think its frustrating to still have him at RB when we have had numerous chances to resolve tha issue.

I saw some positives (sears, Webster, last 10 mins, best) but also have feeling of same old same old MM is too worried about he opposition rather than imposing ourselves on them. Don't get me wrong I often argue with others that MM has done a good job with both hands tied behind his back, but there seems to be an air of apathy around at PR at the moment. People are bored and it runs deeper than a couple of drab displays. I can see big changes end of this season in many ways, however lets see where we end up this season, I think top 10 but missing out on top 6

[bluejacko]

[quote="saint jude"]Maybe the post-game response was better than the game itself. Either TWTD has the most fickle fans in the league or nobody was unable to truly determine what occurred today.

Some insist it was a performance of some merit, with a number of positives to take away, while others were insistent it were some 80 + minutes of uninspiring play and we only really threatened in the closing stages. (The opposition, while one of the leading pre-season promotion contenders, seemed devoid of ideas and were a poor team and had we showed that extra determination sooner, the victory could well have been ours)

Put it another way : if the game had been assessed on the final five minutes alone it would have a been a result of some pride, but what about the 85 that preceded it ? Haven't seen such a split reaction from fans for some time, and even from some that were there, displeasure with certain elements such as formation, tactics, and lack of motivation or interest.

(We) could argue this all day long, but I see it as an adequate score against what will be a team that should finish above us by end of season and we kept them out for the entire duration. Good number of fan reaction outside of these pages where they were evidently not pleased about today's game for whatever reason, and the manager once again was in the line of fire : but while a minority were in agreement, the majority went on the offensive and personal abuse ensued..

On a more serious note, there was apparently some hostilities amongst our support near, or after the game, with punches thrown and people put in harms way by a select few. Fair enough it may have been something of a poor game once again and frustrations evident, but that level of behavior is unnecessary.[/quo
Here we go again!
A very good performance against a 'superior' team to us and all some people can do is moan about how bad it was!
Well i for one enjoyed it and saw some good football from the likes of Lawrence and dare i say it Douglas but i might be easily pleased but there are signs there of a good TEAM beginning to emerge.

[Shed on tour]

Whilst I want to be positive overall that a point against villa isn't too bad. I personally found it very frustrating, they were there for the taking. I felt it was two uninspiring teams who never tried to win it until the last 10 mins. When we did put pressure on in the end we had them on the ropes, we could and perhaps should have won it in the end. Douglas and skuse played ok, but we didn't need both, be brave and play Bishop in CM and offer some attacking guile. Although when the team was named it sounded like sears and pitman upfront it was actually just pitman stranded up there on his own again.

If we had of come out and taken the game to villa like we did against Norwich I think we would have won. Villa were poor with the exception of Grealish who was their playmaker. The had very little threat in general play, lots of build up with no final pass. I have to give praise to Webster, an impressive performance. Chambers as has been said was shocking, I think its frustrating to still have him at RB when we have had numerous chances to resolve tha issue.

I saw some positives (sears, Webster, last 10 mins, best) but also have feeling of same old same old MM is too worried about he opposition rather than imposing ourselves on them. Don't get me wrong I often argue with others that MM has done a good job with both hands tied behind his back, but there seems to be an air of apathy around at PR at the moment. People are bored and it runs deeper than a couple of drab displays. I can see big changes end of this season in many ways, however lets see where we end up this season, I think top 10 but missing out on top 6

For me this summary is absolutely spot on.

Yet again for 80 minutes you would have thought we were the away side, content to get as many players behind the ball to try and contain the opposition. As for playing Pitman up front on his own, it just doesn't work and surely MM can see this. Without doubt Webster was our outstanding player on the day and if he continues in that vein of form then could have a big future in front of him although probably not at ITFC.

[Bluemike]

Maybe the post-game response was better than the game itself. Either TWTD has the most fickle fans in the league or nobody was unable to truly determine what occurred today.

Some insist it was a performance of some merit, with a number of positives to take away, while others were insistent it were some 80 + minutes of uninspiring play and we only really threatened in the closing stages. (The opposition, while one of the leading pre-season promotion contenders, seemed devoid of ideas and were a poor team and had we showed that extra determination sooner, the victory could well have been ours)

Put it another way : if the game had been assessed on the final five minutes alone it would have a been a result of some pride, but what about the 85 that preceded it ? Haven't seen such a split reaction from fans for some time, and even from some that were there, displeasure with certain elements such as formation, tactics, and lack of motivation or interest.

(We) could argue this all day long, but I see it as an adequate score against what will be a team that should finish above us by end of season and we kept them out for the entire duration. Good number of fan reaction outside of these pages where they were evidently not pleased about today's game for whatever reason, and the manager once again was in the line of fire : but while a minority were in agreement, the majority went on the offensive and personal abuse ensued..

On a more serious note, there was apparently some hostilities amongst our support near, or after the game, with punches thrown and people put in harms way by a select few. Fair enough it may have been something of a poor game once again and frustrations evident, but that level of behavior is unnecessary.[/quo
Here we go again!
A very good performance against a 'superior' team to us and all some people can do is moan about how bad it was!
Well i for one enjoyed it and saw some good football from the likes of Lawrence and dare i say it Douglas but i might be easily pleased but there are signs there of a good TEAM beginning to emerge.

As you say bluejacko, here we go again, no you are not easily pleased, just realistic and spot on in your assessment of things, unfortunately you will be flogging a dead horse in trying to convince many that we do have the makings of a good team so I wouldn't bother especially on the asylum that is TWTD because every single thread on there is ridiculed by the same idiots every single time, even when a thread is started on something like the U21's winning the first post on that thread will be something like "MM is a boring t**t and he needs to p*** off" or something of that ilk and the rest follow like sad little rats.

[charlton837]

Bit harsh on the many that can form their own opinion. I never look on twtd forums so no idea what its like. But I only ever base my thoughts on what I see.

Having been to all home, a couple of away plus the reading game on sky my thoughts are formed from that (plus the 16 years I've had my ST). Agreed some people go OTT but this feeling of frustration has been building for years. There is a basis of a good team but the formation and set up is the bit that is boring people to death.

One of my bug bears is the academy. What is the point in it? Should we just scrap it? No player from our own set up yesterday in the first 11. We are always told how good our youngsters are but they never get a chance. I would play bish, not seen enough of dozzell to make am informed decision. I would play either Emmanuel or Kenlock at full back. We buy in some average players like Knudsen and he then plays ahead of our own prospects. We all agreed last season Knudsen was fairly average, slightly improved this year. Why couldn't we have tried to develop Kenlock instead? Our club plan was to have half the team made of homegrown players, I don't see any proof of that.

People aren't fed up of MM only, they are disillusioned of what we trying to do, no clear plan, from the magilton days to the Roy Keane disaster spell to the Jewell fiasco. We then had a glimmer of light with MM who got some pride back then we have gone backwards a bit again (or just not moved on with the rest). Over these years the club has lost its connection to fans, that feeling of belonging (as I said on the top of the north stand) is not there at the moment for a lot of fans.

I don't like seeing a half empty stadium, I hope we rediscover the connection again as the enjoyment isn't there among many. From the people that sit near me I have seen any enthusiasm just drained out of them, but like me I guess they turn up as we all live in hope that we will have our day again. I always enjoy reading this forum as in the main its fairly balanced, but recently I think you only have to read some of the comments to see how divided people are. Not in terms of MM but in terms of how they have lost that connection to their club. We as supporters get groomed every end of season then strung along a faulty rollercoaster year after year.

[Bluemike]

Charlton, good to see you posting, keep it up. My frustrations are not in any way aimed at balanced posters (like yourself) but the ones that no matter what we do or how we play will find reasons to moan about it. I totally get the feelings of frustration borne out of many seasons of treading water, unfortunately that is where we are and I think a lot of it is the fall out of Administration followed by the disasters that were Keane & Jewell, Evans then decided enough was enough and would take a different approach and to be fair MM seems to support his ethos.

I have to be honest and say I do not think our current team or run of form is anywhere nearly as bad as a lot make out, I do think when you get into a situation where you believe it to be dull and boring you will see it that way even when it is not that bad, I think the resignation sets in but you are right in your summing up of how things feel at PR these days. Like you i love reading this forum because with the odd exception it is sensible stuff, other places are bordering on unacceptable with its criticism but that is just my thoughts.

I personally see the green shoots of a decent team here, Webster, Ward, Grant & Lawrence are very astute signings who bring something to the table, Leon Best only had a few minutes but I liked what I saw in that short space of time, I think we have one of if not the best keeper in the division where before I was unsure of him, 4 clean sheets in the last 6 games tells me we are doing something right even if it is not the always the most exciting we do have to play to our strengths. I firmly believe there is much more to come this campaign, we have had some tough fixtures in the first two months and are holding our own.

[The Odious Mr Rossi]

As I did not go to this game I have held off commenting until seeing some reports from people actually at the game.
I listened to the game on Ipswich Player, but that is never the same as seeing it live.

When the team was announced, I have to say I groaned as I realised that the formation would be the 2 holding midfielders and one up front that Mike had predicted.

Ok, it did not sound like the worst game in the world, but neither did it sound particularly exciting.
That was for the first 80 minutes. Then suddenly we start to have a go at the opposition and the game is completely different.
Why, oh why, can MM not start a game with this mentality, rather than bore everybody to death with his negative tactics for the majority of the game. I suspect that had we not have attacked so much in the final 10 minutes then many who are saying that it was a good game and we played well would be thinking entirely differently.

As Mike says, there is the beginning of green shoots coming through with some of the players we have acquired. But I cannot see that they will prosper much with this club if the same negative tactics are played week in, week out.

It was hard for me yesterday - it's the first game I have ever deliberately not gone to, and at 2pm yesterday I was feeling awful. However, listening to the game I am convinced that had we have attacked Villa from the start then we would have won easily. So I am happy with my decision not to attend and will have no problem with this in future weeks. At the end of the day, playing 2 holding midfielders and just one up front - at home - is entirely unacceptable to me.

[Charnwood]

Mike, the only way we're going to achieve more this campaign is when we start playing more attacking football over a period longer than the final 10 minutes and subsequently score more goals.

After the 4 scored on the opening day of the season v Barnsley we've only scored 4 more in the following eight games, and having sold Murphy without a replacement we appear to have shot ourselves in the foot.

There's only Derby, Preston and Cardiff scored fewer goals than us in the Championship so far and we all know which region of the table they're all sitting at the moment, furthermore we can't rely on our defence to carry on getting three clean sheets very four games and hope we mug someone 1-0 every now and again.

As I've read on a few threads Villa were there for the taking yesterday yet we only managed four shots on target throughout the whole game following just two on target at Derby. Our last home game v Preston we had two on target, quite simply we need to get forward more if we want to be successful, excite the crowd and bring the fans back.

I honestly believe this team is capable of much more than we're seeing if only Mick would let them off the leash a bit.

[Bluemike]

Of course the goals for column is not helped when you have perfectly good goals chalked off, not to mention the points tally. It's very early days, we have only scored a couple less than some teams up near the top. Us changing the way we play will not change overnight it's as simple as that, we've lost Murphy and his obvious replacement Best is not fully fit yet so he needs to be eased back in, clearly shots on target are what get you goals but it can be misleading in relation to approach play and openings etc.

[ashfordblue]

Who once said, its a funny ol game.. plus who would really ever want to leave this League of highs and lows.

Jimmy Greaves GB

[ashfordblue]

Charlton, good to see you posting, keep it up. My frustrations are not in any way aimed at balanced posters (like yourself) but the ones that no matter what we do or how we play will find reasons to moan about it. I totally get the feelings of frustration borne out of many seasons of treading water, unfortunately that is where we are and I think a lot of it is the fall out of Administration followed by the disasters that were Keane & Jewell, Evans then decided enough was enough and would take a different approach and to be fair MM seems to support his ethos.

I have to be honest and say I do not think our current team or run of form is anywhere nearly as bad as a lot make out, I do think when you get into a situation where you believe it to be dull and boring you will see it that way even when it is not that bad, I think the resignation sets in but you are right in your summing up of how things feel at PR these days. Like you i love reading this forum because with the odd exception it is sensible stuff, other places are bordering on unacceptable with its criticism but that is just my thoughts.

I personally see the green shoots of a decent team here, Webster, Ward, Grant & Lawrence are very astute signings who bring something to the table, Leon Best only had a few minutes but I liked what I saw in that short space of time, I think we have one of if not the best keeper in the division where before I was unsure of him, 4 clean sheets in the last 6 games tells me we are doing something right even if it is not the always the most exciting we do have to play to our strengths. I firmly believe there is much more to come this campaign, we have had some tough fixtures in the first two months and are holding our own.

like Jeremy Rushia ???? Mike, I think that's his name, only comes on when we lose,

[The Odious Mr Rossi]

Of course the goals for column is not helped when you have perfectly good goals chalked off, not to mention the points tally. It's very early days, we have only scored a couple less than some teams up near the top. Us changing the way we play will not change overnight it's as simple as that, we've lost Murphy and his obvious replacement Best is not fully fit yet so he needs to be eased back in, clearly shots on target are what get you goals but it can be misleading in relation to approach play and openings etc.

actually, Mike, we're joint lowest scorers of the top 18 clubs in the league. It's all very well saying we have been robbed of goals (and points), but the fact is that we have scored what we have scored and are where we are. It could also be said that we have been lucky in that we faced a Villa side without McCormack and Gestede. As I see it it's very simple - we do not score many goals because the tactics used do not encourage it.

[ashfordblue]

Well just back from boiling hot Sunny Costa Brava, to a miserable wet English Saturday, just read the report on the match, so we woke up the last 8 minuets, and played to get a draw at home ??? something wrong with this type of game, surely better to go for it at home, Ah forgot Mick game tactics of whatever you do don't lose and sod the entertainment, I watched Barcelona midweek and absolutely demolish a p*ss poor Celtic in the European Cup, footie was excellent, then come back to Micks pish, ah well at least we didn't lose

[marko69]

Sorry, Ash......, you just cannot use Barca as an example here. Reason being, that same p*ss poor Celtic team would roll Ipswich Town, I have no doubt whatsoever about that. Barcelona are aliens from another world, playing what looks like football, but it's clearly a different version!

[bluejacko]

Well just back from boiling hot Sunny Costa Brava, to a miserable wet English Saturday, just read the report on the match, so we woke up the last 8 minuets, and played to get a draw at home ??? something wrong with this type of game, surely better to go for it at home, Ah forgot Mick game tactics of whatever you do don't lose and sod the entertainment, I watched Barcelona midweek and absolutely demolish a p*ss poor Celtic in the European Cup, footie was excellent, then come back to Micks pish, ah well at least we didn't lose

So you didn't see the game,read what frankly is becoming a load of tosh!and then form an opinion.
If you have Grant,Lawrence and Sears attacking the opposition every chance they got and call that just sitting back then quite frankly I just don't know what people want!!
Ok at the end I as well as most of the ground was screaming for Varney and Best but that does not take away from effort put in by the rest of the team.

[marko69]

Got to be 100% honest, Saint Jude talking about punch ups led me to go get more info on the TWTD forum. Hand on heart, my first time ever on it. Couldn't believe the diversity of the opinions. Was apparently summed up by one poster (can't remember name) who basically said that "some of these opinions are clearly from people who weren't there". How accurate is he? That's a question, not a statement.

Does seem a very thick skinned site. Anyone on here who gets easily offended, (you know who you are! ) ......, ffs, don't go on that site!

[goldandblack]

Who once said, its a funny ol game.. plus who would really ever want to leave this League of highs and lows.

Jimmy Greaves GB

your right ashfordblue, thank you. he's not in the best of health at the moment,

[Bluemike]

Well just back from boiling hot Sunny Costa Brava, to a miserable wet English Saturday, just read the report on the match, so we woke up the last 8 minuets, and played to get a draw at home ??? something wrong with this type of game, surely better to go for it at home, Ah forgot Mick game tactics of whatever you do don't lose and sod the entertainment, I watched Barcelona midweek and absolutely demolish a p*ss poor Celtic in the European Cup, footie was excellent, then come back to Micks pish, ah well at least we didn't lose

So you didn't see the game,read what frankly is becoming a load of tosh!and then form an opinion.
If you have Grant,Lawrence and Sears attacking the opposition every chance they got and call that just sitting back then quite frankly I just don't know what people want!!
Ok at the end I as well as most of the ground was screaming for Varney and Best but that does not take away from effort put in by the rest of the team.

Isn't that how it works ??? LOL.

[barmy billy]

Well just back from boiling hot Sunny Costa Brava, to a miserable wet English Saturday, just read the report on the match, so we woke up the last 8 minuets, and played to get a draw at home ??? something wrong with this type of game, surely better to go for it at home, Ah forgot Mick game tactics of whatever you do don't lose and sod the entertainment, I watched Barcelona midweek and absolutely demolish a p*ss poor Celtic in the European Cup, footie was excellent, then come back to Micks pish, ah well at least we didn't lose

So you didn't see the game,read what frankly is becoming a load of tosh!and then form an opinion.
If you have Grant,Lawrence and Sears attacking the opposition every chance they got and call that just sitting back then quite frankly I just don't know what people want!!
Ok at the end I as well as most of the ground was screaming for Varney and Best but that does not take away from effort put in by the rest of the team.

Isn't that how it works ??? LOL.

That is unfair. Your implication is that people who do not go to games have no right to comment, or if they have the temerity to offer an opinion they do not know what they are talking about.

I really despair at the way some holier than thou posters put down and ridicule others they do not agree with. It is wrong and needs to be eradicated for the good of the forum.

[Bluemike]

Jesus christ Billy lighten up, I was actually trying to have a laugh hence the LoL and lighten the mood !! You know what really pisses me off is that I seem to be the only one that ever gets bloody stick despite several posters agreeing with how I saw/ see things and yet nothing is said, it really is starting to get to me so its best I shut the f*ck up.

I edited my original reply for the "good of the forum"

[marko69]

Before anyone reads this, this is neutral as I'm not an attending supporter.

But I firmly believe that anyone who posts for the sake of posting with big opinions regarding the performance of the team, they need to be big enough to hear a response. Calling someone out for talking f**king bollocks on any forum is NOT wrong in my book. It's also not bad for the forum, it's only bad for the person who's talking Shyte.

Yes, there is the dilemma of "who's opinion is right"........, but the wind & pish is usually obvious amongst readers of attending fans. (My experience of what Hibs fans write)

Reading match reports from attending fans is invaluable to the forum. It'd be a sad day if that were to stop.