WPM R2 vs Central Coast Mariners | Sat 27th November | 7:05pm | SS7

Royz

Waine needs to be dropped, his selfish act cost us a goal and overall he was pants same with Laws costing us a goal like that was just stupid.

To me, Piscopo came off worse in that situation... but I guess it depends on who has taken them in preseason. It seems like something Ufuk should of communicated to the players before the match even? They clearly both thought they were the designated pen taker. An outfield captain could of also helped...

siac

Royz

Waine needs to be dropped, his selfish act cost us a goal and overall he was pants same with Laws costing us a goal like that was just stupid.

To me, Piscopo came off worse in that situation... but I guess it depends on who has taken them in preseason. It seems like something Ufuk should of communicated to the players before the match even? They clearly both thought they were the designated pen taker. An outfield captain could of also helped...

If you had a player snatch the ball away from you selfishly to take a pen he was never gonna score from i reckon %100 u would act like Piscopo too.

siac

Royz

Waine needs to be dropped, his selfish act cost us a goal and overall he was pants same with Laws costing us a goal like that was just stupid.

To me, Piscopo came off worse in that situation... but I guess it depends on who has taken them in preseason. It seems like something Ufuk should of communicated to the players before the match even? They clearly both thought they were the designated pen taker. An outfield captain could of also helped...

Balll said the there's a pen heirachy and he's well down on it. I also read elsewhere that Waine was on pens in preseason. Could be the fact that Piscipoo missed most of preseason he wasn't quite on the same wave length of what the pen order is. 

Super happy about the win.
It was not always the best looking football, we had some good patches but I prefer a lucky win over laste year where we looked more exciting but got not points.

Over all I think we didn't play that well, but we won. That's the sign of a good team. Very disappointed with Reno's attitude at the pen and when being subbed off. Hooper did well. Three strange goals... their keeper falling over for Hoops to score, Laws having a nightmare touch (did well to recover from it), Sotirio's shot looked like oh well I will just hit it and see if anything happens (of course, maybe it was a brilliantly purposely directed shot to nestle inside the far post).

I'd just like to say that I thought the referee was pretty good. he let a couple of things slide but it was towards both sides, therefore consistent. There's a couple of new refs that so far actually have been a big improvement on previous seasons. This is encouraging.

I thought Boza was good off the bench

Feverish

Perhaps the pen argument demonstrates the fact you need an outfield captain on the pitch 

totally! which is one of the many reasons Rufer should not be captaining the side, he needs to be on the pitch for the full 90 which I dont see happening often.

Magnificentman

I thought Boza was good off the bench

 Perhaps even worth a start next time

Did Pennington do anything of note? How was he?

martinb

Did Pennington do anything of note? How was he?

He wasn't on long, but I remember he made a good tackle and some nice passes.

nufc_nz

martinb

Did Pennington do anything of note? How was he?

He wasn't on long, but I remember he made a good tackle and some nice passes.

I thought he was quite poor. He seems to get into the right positions defensively and break up play well. But on the ball I thought he was very bad. Also a couple of instances where the ball seemed to go right by him.
It's as if you put an out and out CB into midfield.

I hope it's just first game nerves ala Devlin.

billyspleen75

nufc_nz

martinb

Did Pennington do anything of note? How was he?

He wasn't on long, but I remember he made a good tackle and some nice passes.

I thought he was quite poor. He seems to get into the right positions defensively and break up play well. But on the ball I thought he was very bad. Also a couple of instances where the ball seemed to go right by him.
It's as if you put an out and out CB into midfield.

I hope it's just first game nerves ala Devlin.

Didn’t think much of Stamenic’s first few touches we saw for the AWs either, but a bit of training and familiarity and he got into it. 
So hard to tell too much yet by the sounds…We thought Hudson-Wihongi was going to be bossing it after some valiant defending in a few cameos. 

Overall, I thought it was a good even game with both sides having periods of clear dominance.  I think we were a bit lucky that we won in the end, and CCM was a bit unlucky to lose in the end.  It could have ended up as a draw, or it could have just as easily ended up 3:0 to us, and CCM were not pants, just "more unlucky".

Positives: Very pleased to see Hooper running freely and not being too sore, despite not lasting 90 minutes as yet.  Also, despite my early concerns, our midfield seems to have performed OK; perhaps Lewis a bit inconsistent with some wayward passes.  Rufer played well and was solid.  I would not make too much of Laws' error gifting CCM the equaliser;  it can happen to even more experienced players; the only question being if he learns from that.

Minor negatives: Our defence is a bit less solid without Taylor and this was showing, but I reckon Payne commanded the backline well. However, a more seasoned team would have exploited our left, with McGarry surging ahead and not always returning early enough to defend.  While he got outplayed now and then, Eliot was showing promise and is a good asset. Hopefully the headknock was not too serious.

As I said earlier, we have a decent squad, but it is relatively thin.  However, both Bozanovski and Pennington were OK and could be a good long term option.  Pennington had a couple of weaving runs that ended up with him losing the ball.... possibly he just wanted to impress the gaffer and gain a spot next time.

Looking forward to next weekend! 

I've followed Pennington since he came out as an Australian. If we say that the A-League is roughly equivalent to top serie C or lower Serie B then I think Pennington is a value for money import. He was named in the top 11 Serie C side last Christmas. He is pretty cunning with tackling, good at passing, good ball control and good decision making.
I think he needs some time to settle, his last football season ended last April and he's been sitting at home in Italy since.
Even Brillante, who I watched play with Barella in Serie B with Como would have ended up in Serie C. 
As I suggested before, I believe that Pennington will end up as great value for money at the NIX.

kungfu panda

I've followed Pennington since he came out as an Australian. If we say that the A-League is roughly equivalent to top serie C or lower Serie B then I think Pennington is a value for money import. He was named in the top 11 Serie C side last Christmas. He is pretty cunning with tackling, good at passing, good ball control and good decision making.
I think he needs some time to settle, his last football season ended last April and he's been sitting at home in Italy since.
Even Brillante, who I watched play with Barella in Serie B with Como would have ended up in Serie C. 
As I suggested before, I believe that Pennington will end up as great value for money at the NIX.

I thought he looked promising, was surprised to read a negative comment. Serie C is the same league Kirwan is in I think, near the top - who from what I've seen is A league level so seems like a good comparison. 

Mainland FC

Overall, I thought it was a good even game with both sides having periods of clear dominance.  I think we were a bit lucky that we won in the end, and CCM was a bit unlucky to lose in the end.  It could have ended up as a draw, or it could have just as easily ended up 3:0 to us, and CCM were not pants, just "more unlucky".

Positives: Very pleased to see Hooper running freely and not being too sore, despite not lasting 90 minutes as yet.  Also, despite my early concerns, our midfield seems to have performed OK; perhaps Lewis a bit inconsistent with some wayward passes.  Rufer played well and was solid.  I would not make too much of Laws' error gifting CCM the equaliser;  it can happen to even more experienced players; the only question being if he learns from that.

Minor negatives: Our defence is a bit less solid without Taylor and this was showing, but I reckon Payne commanded the backline well. However, a more seasoned team would have exploited our left, with McGarry surging ahead and not always returning early enough to defend.  While he got outplayed now and then, Eliot was showing promise and is a good asset. Hopefully the headknock was not too serious.

As I said earlier, we have a decent squad, but it is relatively thin.  However, both Bozanovski and Pennington were OK and could be a good long term option.  Pennington had a couple of weaving runs that ended up with him losing the ball.... possibly he just wanted to impress the gaffer and gain a spot next time.

Looking forward to next weekend! 

Pretty much echoes my thoughts. I do think McGarry is clearly the weak link defensively again - for a guy who seems relatively stocky he gets muscled off the ball and bypassed so easily. It was telling that CCM just set up camp on his flank. 

I don't think he's learned at all from his defensive failings last season and the sooner we get Sutton back the better imo. 

I think a big part of CCM's targeting of our left side was due to Reno's allergy to defensive duties. I agree McGarry isn't the strongest defensively, but he doesn't exactly get a lot of help and Sutton isn't exactly Maldini either. Both are definitely attacking wingbacks

Reno not willing to defend infuriated me, especially in the first half, I’m sure I’m not alone in this

Jazzy Jeff

I think a big part of CCM's targeting of our left side was due to Reno's allergy to defensive duties. I agree McGarry isn't the strongest defensively, but he doesn't exactly get a lot of help and Sutton isn't exactly Maldini either. Both are definitely attacking wingbacks

That could well be an instruction, especially if he is meant to be our attacking outlet at the moment. 

2ndBest

That could well be an instruction, especially if he is meant to be our attacking outlet at the moment. 

Maybe it is an instruction, especially as we don't have the double pronged creative attack of him and Uli this season.

On the other hand I think back to how much defensive work Uli did, maybe not tackling so much but going all out to get goalside of the attacker and force him to pass. David Ball too. These kind of players get a big tick from me. Piscopo has fantastic skills but his attitude to defending is pretty evident. Also Uffy doesn't strike me as the kind of coach that says nah mate, have a rest and let someone else chase back. 

2ndBest

That could well be an instruction, especially if he is meant to be our attacking outlet at the moment. 

 Regardless of whether it's an instruction or not, it's not good for us to have a weak fullback defensively on the same side as a winger that doesn't defend. Especially as we don't play with a traditional DM that can drop into the 4 (i.e. when McGarry goes forward, there's not cover on that side). 

Outpost

2ndBest

That could well be an instruction, especially if he is meant to be our attacking outlet at the moment. 

Maybe it is an instruction, especially as we don't have the double pronged creative attack of him and Uli this season.

On the other hand I think back to how much defensive work Uli did, maybe not tackling so much but going all out to get goalside of the attacker and force him to pass. David Ball too. These kind of players get a big tick from me. Piscopo has fantastic skills but his attitude to defending is pretty evident. Also Uffy doesn't strike me as the kind of coach that says nah mate, have a rest and let someone else chase back. 

I've only seen match highlights so can't comment on the little spat between Piscopo & Waine. But didn't sound great. 

As someone suggested hopefully father figure Ball (or captain Rufer), quickly sorts it out. Uffie was downplaying it.

But Piscopo's future onfield energy will be one to watch. He has a royal chance this season to run the show aka Davila, and get himself noticed. This is the last season of his Nix contract, and he won't be staying on. If he can't get that overseas move, he'll be off to one of the Victorian clubs, close to Mama's low carb pasta dinners. Good ole Melbs Italian family boy that he is.

With Covid he's hardly lived in Welly apart from first half of season 2019/2020, and not sure he's really made himself 'one of the boys'. Having similar Italia/Aussie Pennington in the squad likely a good thing for him, but he's already got one eye firmly on his next club move. 

I'm sure Talay will handle it well, but the last thing the team needs shacked up together in Aussie again for a long stretch, is someone a bit visibly petulant and who gives off vibes of not being completely team first. No matter how talented/important they are. Luckily some old heads are around to sort it out anything in need.

Is this actually a thing? has this been an issue last year at all? or is this now all based on the run in over the penalty this week?

coochiee

Outpost

2ndBest

That could well be an instruction, especially if he is meant to be our attacking outlet at the moment. 

Maybe it is an instruction, especially as we don't have the double pronged creative attack of him and Uli this season.

On the other hand I think back to how much defensive work Uli did, maybe not tackling so much but going all out to get goalside of the attacker and force him to pass. David Ball too. These kind of players get a big tick from me. Piscopo has fantastic skills but his attitude to defending is pretty evident. Also Uffy doesn't strike me as the kind of coach that says nah mate, have a rest and let someone else chase back. 

I've only seen match highlights so can't comment on the little spat between Piscopo & Waine. But didn't sound great. 

As someone suggested hopefully father figure Ball (or captain Rufer), quickly sorts it out. Uffie was downplaying it.

But Piscopo's future onfield energy will be one to watch. He has a royal chance this season to run the show aka Davila, and get himself noticed. This is the last season of his Nix contract, and he won't be staying on. If he can't get that overseas move, he'll be off to one of the Victorian clubs, close to Mama's low carb pasta dinners. Good ole Melbs Italian family boy that he is.

With Covid he's hardly lived in Welly apart from first half of season 2019/2020, and not sure he's really made himself 'one of the boys'. Having similar Italia/Aussie Pennington in the squad likely a good thing for him, but he's already got one eye firmly on his next club move. 

I'm sure Talay will handle it well, but the last thing the team needs shacked up together in Aussie again for a long stretch, is someone a bit visibly petulant and who gives off vibes of not being completely team first. No matter how talented/important they are. Luckily some old heads are around to sort it out anything in need.

Napier Phoenix

Is this actually a thing? has this been an issue last year at all? or is this now all based on the run in over the penalty this week?

coochiee

Outpost

2ndBest

That could well be an instruction, especially if he is meant to be our attacking outlet at the moment. 

Maybe it is an instruction, especially as we don't have the double pronged creative attack of him and Uli this season.

On the other hand I think back to how much defensive work Uli did, maybe not tackling so much but going all out to get goalside of the attacker and force him to pass. David Ball too. These kind of players get a big tick from me. Piscopo has fantastic skills but his attitude to defending is pretty evident. Also Uffy doesn't strike me as the kind of coach that says nah mate, have a rest and let someone else chase back. 

I've only seen match highlights so can't comment on the little spat between Piscopo & Waine. But didn't sound great. 

As someone suggested hopefully father figure Ball (or captain Rufer), quickly sorts it out. Uffie was downplaying it.

But Piscopo's future onfield energy will be one to watch. He has a royal chance this season to run the show aka Davila, and get himself noticed. This is the last season of his Nix contract, and he won't be staying on. If he can't get that overseas move, he'll be off to one of the Victorian clubs, close to Mama's low carb pasta dinners. Good ole Melbs Italian family boy that he is.

With Covid he's hardly lived in Welly apart from first half of season 2019/2020, and not sure he's really made himself 'one of the boys'. Having similar Italia/Aussie Pennington in the squad likely a good thing for him, but he's already got one eye firmly on his next club move. 

I'm sure Talay will handle it well, but the last thing the team needs shacked up together in Aussie again for a long stretch, is someone a bit visibly petulant and who gives off vibes of not being completely team first. No matter how talented/important they are. Luckily some old heads are around to sort it out anything in need.

I'm probably adding 1 + 2 and getting 4. And I didn't even see the game in full. 

I just suspect that Piscopo's attitude through the season, may need to be managed. But plenty of experience in the club to do that. Talay is skilled with managing young players for sure.

And if he wants that big overseas move, bringing himself closer to the Socceroos etc, Piscopo needs a big season at the Nix (so needing the Nix as much as they need him) to make it all happen.

Are we all looking at it the wrong light... 

Piscopo was angry because he wanted to shoulder the responsibility for the team, to lead them to the win. His continued frustration after been subbed, was less about Waine, and more about the fact the game had not yet been put to bed and he felt he could have done that.

His frustration, was out of wanting the team to win full heartedly, not him sulking about not getting a chance for an 'easy goal'.

In fairness I think he sulked!

Jazzy Jeff

I think a big part of CCM's targeting of our left side was due to Reno's allergy to defensive duties. I agree McGarry isn't the strongest defensively, but he doesn't exactly get a lot of help and Sutton isn't exactly Maldini either. Both are definitely attacking wingbacks

Heat map for Ball:

ball.jpg 94.56 KB

Heat map for Piscopo:

piscopo.jpg 94.7 KB

Piscopo may not be the most effective defender but he was definately tracking back. You'd think that being our attacking outlet/creator he'd be more effective not defending so much and being closer to goal. 

I'd like to see a left hand side of Sutton and McGarry with Jimmy in the advanced role, could be trialled in an FFA cup game? Even though he's been touted as Uli's successor I'm still not convinced with Piscopo, he occasionally makes some really nice passes but 4 goals and 6 assists over 39 games isn't really the output you need from a player we paid $160k for.

Friar Tuck

I'd like to see a left hand side of Sutton and McGarry with Jimmy in the advanced role, could be trialled in an FFA cup game? Even though he's been touted as Uli's successor I'm still not convinced with Piscopo, he occasionally makes some really nice passes but 4 goals and 6 assists over 39 games isn't really the output you need from a player we paid $160k for.

At $160K he is a good value for money. However. he is barely three years older than Ben Waine so still very much an understudy to Hooper and Ball and should continue to develop.  He had good players to learn from (Ball, Davila and Hemed) till now, and Uffie is an excellent player manager so barring injuries Piscopo should be seizing this chance to be our playmaker this season. It would also improve his marketability as others have commented.

Mainland FC

Friar Tuck

I'd like to see a left hand side of Sutton and McGarry with Jimmy in the advanced role, could be trialled in an FFA cup game? Even though he's been touted as Uli's successor I'm still not convinced with Piscopo, he occasionally makes some really nice passes but 4 goals and 6 assists over 39 games isn't really the output you need from a player we paid $160k for.

At $160K he is a good value for money. However. he is barely three years older than Ben Waine so still very much an understudy to Hooper and Ball and should continue to develop.  He had good players to learn from (Ball, Davila and Hemed) till now, and Uffie is an excellent player manager so barring injuries Piscopo should be seizing this chance to be our playmaker this season. It would also improve his marketability as others have commented.

$160k would be a steal if we can sell him on, but I fear he's not ready to make the step up to a club that'll pay a transfer fee yet and might just end up at another A-League team once his contract expires at the end of this season. If he was locked in for another two years I'd be a lot more confident.

Mainland FC

Friar Tuck

I'd like to see a left hand side of Sutton and McGarry with Jimmy in the advanced role, could be trialled in an FFA cup game? Even though he's been touted as Uli's successor I'm still not convinced with Piscopo, he occasionally makes some really nice passes but 4 goals and 6 assists over 39 games isn't really the output you need from a player we paid $160k for.

At $160K he is a good value for money. However. he is barely three years older than Ben Waine so still very much an understudy to Hooper and Ball and should continue to develop.  He had good players to learn from (Ball, Davila and Hemed) till now, and Uffie is an excellent player manager so barring injuries Piscopo should be seizing this chance to be our playmaker this season. It would also improve his marketability as others have commented.

I don't think he'll miss his chance; he understands the importance of that chance himself. Soon I expect his price to increase by 3 times!

Then he goes this year on a transfer? Otherwise he stays and leaves for free at the end of the year.

JackRussel

Mainland FC

Friar Tuck

I'd like to see a left hand side of Sutton and McGarry with Jimmy in the advanced role, could be trialled in an FFA cup game? Even though he's been touted as Uli's successor I'm still not convinced with Piscopo, he occasionally makes some really nice passes but 4 goals and 6 assists over 39 games isn't really the output you need from a player we paid $160k for.

At $160K he is a good value for money. However. he is barely three years older than Ben Waine so still very much an understudy to Hooper and Ball and should continue to develop.  He had good players to learn from (Ball, Davila and Hemed) till now, and Uffie is an excellent player manager so barring injuries Piscopo should be seizing this chance to be our playmaker this season. It would also improve his marketability as others have commented.

I don't think he'll miss his chance; he understands the importance of that chance himself. Soon I expect his price to increase by 3 times!

If we offer a contract, and he turns it down to sign on a free for another club, a fee must be given (to stop young players running down their contracts to join bigger clubs.)

An independent panel decides on the fee.

This use to happen, don't know if it still does.

There is no compensation if you sign with another A-League club at the end of your deal. If he was still u23 (which he isn't), there would be compensation to be agreed on if he signed with a team overseas.