We've got attacking squad depth for the first time in ... er.. um.... ever?
Express Football Special Calling At
Fratton Park - Champion Hill - Kiwitea St
And all away grounds inbetween.
To be honest, that first half had me thinking 'same old Nix'. So happy we managed to turn it around, but if we start like that v Victory, we'll get pillared.
100% this. It simply was a harder game for us than say that against WSW because you could play without Mandi or Rufer, but not without Mandi and Rufer. I had no idea where the positive result would come from against CCM, after the first 30 minutes, but luckily CCM did it all for us by themselves, pretty much. Taking Nicholls off for Sheridan helped also.
Don't forget our own play got us 1-1 with the keeper and earned the red.
And then we did it again with them down to 10 and I'd suggest we deliberately kept pushing forward and creating pressure under fatigue - which was partly why they were able to counter well with 10 a few times.
We played for the win which created the opportunities for us, as well as allowed them to test us on the counter, and we managed that risk fairly well.
imo CCM's errors helped, but we made them crumble.
To be honest, that first half had me thinking 'same old Nix'. So happy we managed to turn it around, but if we start like that v Victory, we'll get pillared.
100% this. It simply was a harder game for us than say that against WSW because you could play without Mandi or Rufer, but not without Mandi and Rufer. I had no idea where the positive result would come from against CCM, after the first 30 minutes, but luckily CCM did it all for us by themselves, pretty much. Taking Nicholls off for Sheridan helped also.
Don't forget our own play got us 1-1 with the keeper and earned the red.
And then we did it again with them down to 10 and I'd suggest we deliberately kept pushing forward and creating pressure under fatigue - which was partly why they were able to counter well with 10 a few times.
We played for the win which created the opportunities for us, as well as allowed them to test us on the counter, and we managed that risk fairly well.
imo CCM's errors helped, but we made them crumble.
The fatigue was a big factor - we played another game (WSW) midweek and CCM did not have to.
Actually, getting outplayed quite a bit these days
Cillian said in an interview that our system is challenging and it will take time to get fully up to speed with it. Probably on the bench next game too.
To be honest, that first half had me thinking 'same old Nix'. So happy we managed to turn it around, but if we start like that v Victory, we'll get pillared.
100% this. It simply was a harder game for us than say that against WSW because you could play without Mandi or Rufer, but not without Mandi and Rufer. I had no idea where the positive result would come from against CCM, after the first 30 minutes, but luckily CCM did it all for us by themselves, pretty much. Taking Nicholls off for Sheridan helped also.
And as a result of the change, Singh player deeper and was immediately on the ball; and things started happening. This was the game changer for me.
Kotahitanga. We are one.
Cillian said in an interview that our system is challenging and it will take time to get fully up to speed with it. Probably on the bench next game too.
Which is great for us because we can be solid and put someone as excellent as him on with fresh legs late in the game. Whoever sits on the bench is because of lack of quality and that'd just awesome for us right now.
I wouldn't be too surprised to see a game where Singh is dropped for Cillian and Cillian is up front with Williams and Krishna playing off him. Going to be some interesting decisions for Rudan coming up
sorry what now? you'd drop our best creative midfielder for our new striker? Cillian will end up playing up front with Roy. If Rudan decides to play 3 up front with Williams and Krishna then you'd have to drop Mandi or Rufer to accommodate that. I dont see Rudan changing his 3-5-2 setup just to bring in Cillian. He's likely to drop Burns all together and play Williams from the bench.
I just feel bad for Williams, his goals are great.
Give Nicholls a bit of a break as well. He seems to be getting nailed through social media, but he is clearly underdone through lack of matches and has not been given much opportunity in his best position, just behind the strike force. I don’t think he’s worthy of a starting position but a lot of the criticism is very unfair.
Cillian said in an interview that our system is challenging and it will take time to get fully up to speed with it. Probably on the bench next game too.
Which is great for us because we can be solid and put someone as excellent as him on with fresh legs late in the game. Whoever sits on the bench is because of lack of quality and that'd just awesome for us right now.
And we've got alot of games still coming up 5 games between now and 7 Feb, plus players on 4 yellow cards. Having fresh options is important right now.
I wouldn't be too surprised to see a game where Singh is dropped for Cillian and Cillian is up front with Williams and Krishna playing off him. Going to be some interesting decisions for Rudan coming up
I would be surprised, but Singh's on four yellows so I'm betting this will become a reality very soon. Still an incredible attack even without Singh
it's a great problem to have 4 players for 3 spots.
If Sherman was to start Williams or Singh would have to both feel a little hard done by... that been said the big lad has earnt a start??
it's a great problem to have 4 players for 3 spots.
If Sherman was to start Williams or Singh would have to both feel a little hard done by... that been said the big lad has earnt a start??
Please tell me we're all still joking with Sheridan's name, right?
it's a great problem to have 4 players for 3 spots.
If Sherman was to start Williams or Singh would have to both feel a little hard done by... that been said the big lad has earnt a start??
Please tell me we're all still joking with Sheridan's name, right?
shertainly
Actually, getting outplayed quite a bit these days
To be honest, that first half had me thinking 'same old Nix'. So happy we managed to turn it around, but if we start like that v Victory, we'll get pillared.
Though in saying that, I thought we started similarly poorly against Adelaide.
For me the difference is having Kopa at LCB instead of Doyle.
a.haak
100% agree with this. Our best performances have been with Kopy in the backline with Taylor, and Durante. Doyle just doesn't offer as much as Kopy in that position.
100% agree with this. Our best performances have been with Kopy in the backline with Taylor, and Durante. Doyle just doesn't offer as much as Kopy in that position.
What it does seem to offer is two dangerous players down the left side capable of creating goals with delivery
100% agree with this. Our best performances have been with Kopy in the backline with Taylor, and Durante. Doyle just doesn't offer as much as Kopy in that position.
What it does seem to offer is two dangerous players down the left side capable of creating goals with delivery
I think Doyle has been playing great. He really gives it 110%. It was his long raking pass to Krishna that sent him away into the box for the second penalty offence. Kopa is good in that position too. Gives a bit more short pass accuracy. Isn't it great having options.
It's on.
I vote Totori
Gaskerin.
George
(or Gao or Johnny Chen)
Guy from work going along, will be the first ever football match he's gone to (he's a top club grade rugby player).
He loved it, him and his lady are planning to go along to the next couple of matches as well (or maybe a lads night for the Wednesday match).
He remarked how impressive the atmosphere is compared to rugby with the chanting etc (as well all know). He was on the far side of the stadium, asked him how the smoke looked from there and he said it looked good.
I didn't realise they actually get into a bit of chanting etc at club rugby. Apparently supporters at his club do a bit, but then their fans failed in the Jubilee Cup Final due to drinking from far too early in the morning. (softies)
Anyway, cool to see a dedicated Wellington rugby lad who isn't really into soccer before not only coming along, but also enjoying it so much he's already planning the next games.
100% agree with this. Our best performances have been with Kopy in the backline with Taylor, and Durante. Doyle just doesn't offer as much as Kopy in that position.
Food for thought - defensive trios obviously aren't the sole factor with regard to the number of goals conceded and these are small samples.
Doyle, Durante, Taylor - v NEW 1-0, @ BRI 0-0, v WSW 0-3 ... v BRI 4-1, @ MVC 1-1, @ ADL 0-0, @ WSW 3-2, V CCM 3-2
Fox, Durante, Taylor - @ MCY 0-2
Durante, Kopczynski, Taylor - v ADL 1-3
Kopczynski, Durante, Taylor - v PER 1-1, @ SYD 3-1, v CCM 2-0
Doyle replaced Kopczynski at halftime v CCM the first time so...
Doyle, Durante, Taylor - 9 goals conceded in 8.5 matches, six in 5.5 since they came back together v Brisbane at home
Fox, Durante, Taylor - 2 goals conceded in one match
Durante, Kopczynski, Taylor - 3 goals conceded in one match
Kopczynski, Durante, Taylor - 2 goals conceded in 2.5 matches
Four defensive combinations (it's the same number if you add the wingbacks into the mix - the two matches where it wasn't Fenton/Cacace were the two where it was a one-off back three) in 13 games compared to nine in 13 last season (and 18 in 27!).
I seen there was a pitch invader, was he from YF?.
Mr Positive
Nope, but he showed a decent turn at pace and think Rudan might be tempted to sign him up as he avoided Red badge.
Nope, but he showed a decent turn at pace and think Rudan might be tempted to sign him up as he avoided Red badge.
I seen there was a pitch invader, was he from YF?.
The YF Zone was generally annoyed at them for stopping the match.
worst streaker ever, get your kit off if you are going to streak or stay in your seat.
First streaker the nix have ever had? Guessing they’re not exactly a regular attendee of nix games.
Remember that lady that wanted us to throw in some dosh to pay her fine when she ran out in a G String??
First streaker the nix have ever had? Guessing they’re not exactly a regular attendee of nix games.
Missed a golden attempt at a total open goal. What a clown.
Taking your shirt off isn't special at the Phoenix this season mate!