Well at least we didn't lose. Injuries are going to plague us again this season. What are we doing wrong???
Not sure i get why we have to be doing something wrong. Just bloody unfortunate we are having a bad run. Cant do much about injuries picked up during games.
Arms all over piper then a shoulder charge to avoid the quick through while the balls out of play and nothing. Danaskos has had a sharkter today
For years the product on the pitch has been decent. The referee standard holds us back.
Referee remuneration needs to be so much better. Make it an attractive career to pursue and you'll get more quality referees, and more referees full stop which the grassroots game needs.
It's a joke that not every A-League ref is professional.
As a ref myself its so hard to watch them bottle easy card after easy card every week - not just for us, the leniency is across the league this year.
I think referees have learned (whether conscious or subconsciously), that there's no real benefit to them to give out yellow and red cards.
It can create controversy for their careers if it's a bad call, so they have all become so lenient that nothing ever happens and players can get away with anything these days.
Nah, they're actively getting instructions from on high to "let the game flow".
all the stoppages from injuries and then the game getting testy from the accumulation of niggle and fouls doesn't really help with the flow of the game.
Family commitments, so only saw about 15 mins to end the 1st half. In that short spell, Loke looked very tidy.
What about Roux? With Payne out of this AWs window, and World Cup spots on the line, he should have been super motivated to perform. I did see him desperately lunge to partially block Eze's shot on the turn, that might otherwise have gone in.
Edit - see now some views offered on Roux today, in the AWs v Colombia game thread.
1-1 away, and undefeated 3 rounds in, not a bad way to head into next Saturdays derby. Some positives for sure, Loke looks a really good replacement for Payne, both long term for the nix and the AW's. Our defence looked solid, and will be much better with Hughes and James in the centre. Sheridan does ok as CB but he made several errors throughout the game which left us exposed. Eze continues to impress, he has pace, he has poise on the ball and he is scoring. Midfield looked good too, decent enough ball movement and good connection from back to front. Injuries are a concern though, Ishige, Roa Conchie added to the existing list. Josh O. looked solid in goal, sweeping well coming for the crosses very well, could say he dominated his area really well.
The high line seems to be working, and Italiano seems to have allowed the long ball back into the game plan and it almost paid off with a decent Eze chance from route one.
Still early days, but the path to redemption for Italiano has begun
A League refs are a health and safety hazard. The club should be formally making complaints.
If there is an explicit league policy to minimize yellow cards, contrary to FIFA guidance on the laws of the game, in an attempt to improve flow of the game but at the obvious detriment of player safety, we should be making a formal complaint about that policy and considering legal action.
At the very least Chief should be making noise about it in interviews and to the 4th referee and the referees during the game. Even to the point of being carded if necessary. We should be making it a news item. And, presuming they still exist, giving strong feedback in coaches match reports to the league.
Some thoughts below: - Really enjoyable game to watch - especially in that first half. Chalk and cheese to watching us play last year. We created an abundance of chances but weren't clinical enough in front of goal. This may cost us against stronger opposition who we may create less chances against. - Thought it was a decent debut for Cassidy when called upon. Seems tidy on the ball and comfortable in tight spaces. - Steele should have racked up at least 3 yellows and 1 red in this game. The style of refereeing does nothing to protect skillful or creative players since you can just boot them out of the game without repercussion, which makes 'letting the game flow' advice counterintuitive. - Injuries is a massive worry, no Payne, Ishige, and potentially no James and Conchie for the derby is unlucky. We had a lot of injury troubles last year too, we have some of the best facilities in the league, what's going wrong!? - I've been pretty critical of Oluwayemi, but credit where due, he had a strong game and unlucky not to get an assist. Only one time I can remember he looked nervous under the high ball but quickly made up for it. - Loke looks promising and is more than capable for Payney to begin handing over the reigns over the next few years. - This was one of Rufer's better games since coming back from glandular fever. - Although a win would be nice, to go into the derby undefeated is a nice spot to be in. I just hope we try and play similar and not give them too much respect by switching to a more defensive mindset. - Armiento and Eze were pretty busy in the first half but lost a bit of steam in the second, hopefully their fitness picks up throughout the season so they can become 90 minute men. Auckland FC were said to have Premier League level fitness levels last season so hopefully can match them for the full 90.
Dont get this perception that injuries are happening because something is going wrong in training or they are doing something wrong. Two of those last nite where because of physical challenges and pretty sure there are others that have been picked up in games.
Some thoughts below: - Really enjoyable game to watch - especially in that first half. Chalk and cheese to watching us play last year. We created an abundance of chances but weren't clinical enough in front of goal. This may cost us against stronger opposition who we may create less chances against. - Thought it was a decent debut for Cassidy when called upon. Seems tidy on the ball and comfortable in tight spaces. - Steele should have racked up at least 3 yellows and 1 red in this game. The style of refereeing does nothing to protect skillful or creative players since you can just boot them out of the game without repercussion, which makes 'letting the game flow' advice counterintuitive. - Injuries is a massive worry, no Payne, Ishige, and potentially no James and Conchie for the derby is unlucky. We had a lot of injury troubles last year too, we have some of the best facilities in the league, what's going wrong!? - I've been pretty critical of Oluwayemi, but credit where due, he had a strong game and unlucky not to get an assist. Only one time I can remember he looked nervous under the high ball but quickly made up for it. - Loke looks promising and is more than capable for Payney to begin handing over the reigns over the next few years. - This was one of Rufer's better games since coming back from glandular fever. - Although a win would be nice, to go into the derby undefeated is a nice spot to be in. I just hope we try and play similar and not give them too much respect by switching to a more defensive mindset. - Armiento and Eze were pretty busy in the first half but lost a bit of steam in the second, hopefully their fitness picks up throughout the season so they can become 90 minute men. Auckland FC were said to have Premier League level fitness levels last season so hopefully can match them for the full 90.
Think this pretty much sums up my thoughts on the game too. A bit more confidence / luck in front of goal and we're bringing 3 points back home. Certainly did enough but Redmayne was pretty formidable in goal, not much you can do about that when he's on fire like that. You can definitely see that LBS is not ready for a start on this though. But that's really a minor criticism, think everyone put in an awesome shift and some of the play was a great watch.
Their subs seem to make a bit more of a difference than ours did, but a lot of ours were injury related. I'd really be interested to understand what the hell is going on as it's not the first time we've been crippled by them. The facilities are world class, so?
Some thoughts below: - Really enjoyable game to watch - especially in that first half. Chalk and cheese to watching us play last year. We created an abundance of chances but weren't clinical enough in front of goal. This may cost us against stronger opposition who we may create less chances against. - Thought it was a decent debut for Cassidy when called upon. Seems tidy on the ball and comfortable in tight spaces. - Steele should have racked up at least 3 yellows and 1 red in this game. The style of refereeing does nothing to protect skillful or creative players since you can just boot them out of the game without repercussion, which makes 'letting the game flow' advice counterintuitive. - Injuries is a massive worry, no Payne, Ishige, and potentially no James and Conchie for the derby is unlucky. We had a lot of injury troubles last year too, we have some of the best facilities in the league, what's going wrong!? - I've been pretty critical of Oluwayemi, but credit where due, he had a strong game and unlucky not to get an assist. Only one time I can remember he looked nervous under the high ball but quickly made up for it. - Loke looks promising and is more than capable for Payney to begin handing over the reigns over the next few years. - This was one of Rufer's better games since coming back from glandular fever. - Although a win would be nice, to go into the derby undefeated is a nice spot to be in. I just hope we try and play similar and not give them too much respect by switching to a more defensive mindset. - Armiento and Eze were pretty busy in the first half but lost a bit of steam in the second, hopefully their fitness picks up throughout the season so they can become 90 minute men. Auckland FC were said to have Premier League level fitness levels last season so hopefully can match them for the full 90.
Think this pretty much sums up my thoughts on the game too. A bit more confidence / luck in front of goal and we're bringing 3 points back home. Certainly did enough but Redmayne was pretty formidable in goal, not much you can do about that when he's on fire like that. You can definitely see that LBS is not ready for a start on this though. But that's really a minor criticism, think everyone put in an awesome shift and some of the play was a great watch.
Their subs seem to make a bit more of a difference than ours did, but a lot of ours were injury related. I'd really be interested to understand what the hell is going on as it's not the first time we've been crippled by them. The facilities are world class, so?
Ishige, Payne and Conchie were all injured in tackles - no facilities in the world are going to help with that.
Adding to Since2007's thoughts - which I agree with all of: The first half was one of Roa Conchie's best games for us. You could tell the difference he was making by how things flowed after he went off at HT. Good to see him actually showing some of the promise from his U20 days.
Some thoughts below: - Really enjoyable game to watch - especially in that first half. Chalk and cheese to watching us play last year. We created an abundance of chances but weren't clinical enough in front of goal. This may cost us against stronger opposition who we may create less chances against. - Thought it was a decent debut for Cassidy when called upon. Seems tidy on the ball and comfortable in tight spaces. - Steele should have racked up at least 3 yellows and 1 red in this game. The style of refereeing does nothing to protect skillful or creative players since you can just boot them out of the game without repercussion, which makes 'letting the game flow' advice counterintuitive. - Injuries is a massive worry, no Payne, Ishige, and potentially no James and Conchie for the derby is unlucky. We had a lot of injury troubles last year too, we have some of the best facilities in the league, what's going wrong!? - I've been pretty critical of Oluwayemi, but credit where due, he had a strong game and unlucky not to get an assist. Only one time I can remember he looked nervous under the high ball but quickly made up for it. - Loke looks promising and is more than capable for Payney to begin handing over the reigns over the next few years. - This was one of Rufer's better games since coming back from glandular fever. - Although a win would be nice, to go into the derby undefeated is a nice spot to be in. I just hope we try and play similar and not give them too much respect by switching to a more defensive mindset. - Armiento and Eze were pretty busy in the first half but lost a bit of steam in the second, hopefully their fitness picks up throughout the season so they can become 90 minute men. Auckland FC were said to have Premier League level fitness levels last season so hopefully can match them for the full 90.
Think this pretty much sums up my thoughts on the game too. A bit more confidence / luck in front of goal and we're bringing 3 points back home. Certainly did enough but Redmayne was pretty formidable in goal, not much you can do about that when he's on fire like that. You can definitely see that LBS is not ready for a start on this though. But that's really a minor criticism, think everyone put in an awesome shift and some of the play was a great watch.
Their subs seem to make a bit more of a difference than ours did, but a lot of ours were injury related. I'd really be interested to understand what the hell is going on as it's not the first time we've been crippled by them. The facilities are world class, so?
Ishige, Payne and Conchie were all injured in tackles - no facilities in the world are going to help with that.
Adding to Since2007's thoughts - which I agree with all of: The second half was one of Roa Conchie's best games for us. You could tell the difference he was making by how things flowed after he went off at HT. Good to see him actually showing some of the promise from his U20 days.
Yeah I was wondering if he'd put in a better performance than that for the first team. I really want it to work out and it's just been a case of getting used the pro environment and confidence etc.
Have we got the youngest backline ever in football? They do a bloody great job. I know the goal we conceded was pretty messy, but otherwise they were very good. Good variety of playing out from the back, either through the midfield or wide, and playing down the lines, either short or long, or just the direct longball. It must keep the opponents guessing. Much better than last year when the opponents always knew what we'd do. Happy!
Unfortunately, Redmayne decided to have a blinder in this game. Armiento had another left wing rocket shot that would have easily beaten others through shear power. WTF is up with Steel, does he have a get out of Jail Free card or something? At least 4 yellows and a red. That our guys didn't go out for retaliation in a rough match speaks well. I noticed that threy didn't try their luck with Piper nor Rufer. Just appeared to pick on our more lightweight players. Cowards.
Yes, we should've or could've been up by 5 at halftime and not to win was a disappointment. But the intent was there. CCM saved by the Ref.
Proud to have attended the first 175 Consecutive "Home" Wellington Phoenix "A League" Games !!
Have we got the youngest backline ever in football? They do a bloody great job. I know the goal we conceded was pretty messy, but otherwise they were very good. Good variety of playing out from the back, either through the midfield or wide, and playing down the lines, either short or long, or just the direct longball. It must keep the opponents guessing. Much better than last year when the opponents always knew what we'd do. Happy!
Some thoughts below: - Really enjoyable game to watch - especially in that first half. Chalk and cheese to watching us play last year. We created an abundance of chances but weren't clinical enough in front of goal. This may cost us against stronger opposition who we may create less chances against. - Thought it was a decent debut for Cassidy when called upon. Seems tidy on the ball and comfortable in tight spaces. - Steele should have racked up at least 3 yellows and 1 red in this game. The style of refereeing does nothing to protect skillful or creative players since you can just boot them out of the game without repercussion, which makes 'letting the game flow' advice counterintuitive. - Injuries is a massive worry, no Payne, Ishige, and potentially no James and Conchie for the derby is unlucky. We had a lot of injury troubles last year too, we have some of the best facilities in the league, what's going wrong!? - I've been pretty critical of Oluwayemi, but credit where due, he had a strong game and unlucky not to get an assist. Only one time I can remember he looked nervous under the high ball but quickly made up for it. - Loke looks promising and is more than capable for Payney to begin handing over the reigns over the next few years. - This was one of Rufer's better games since coming back from glandular fever. - Although a win would be nice, to go into the derby undefeated is a nice spot to be in. I just hope we try and play similar and not give them too much respect by switching to a more defensive mindset. - Armiento and Eze were pretty busy in the first half but lost a bit of steam in the second, hopefully their fitness picks up throughout the season so they can become 90 minute men. Auckland FC were said to have Premier League level fitness levels last season so hopefully can match them for the full 90.
Think this pretty much sums up my thoughts on the game too. A bit more confidence / luck in front of goal and we're bringing 3 points back home. Certainly did enough but Redmayne was pretty formidable in goal, not much you can do about that when he's on fire like that. You can definitely see that LBS is not ready for a start on this though. But that's really a minor criticism, think everyone put in an awesome shift and some of the play was a great watch.
Their subs seem to make a bit more of a difference than ours did, but a lot of ours were injury related. I'd really be interested to understand what the hell is going on as it's not the first time we've been crippled by them. The facilities are world class, so?
Ishige, Payne and Conchie were all injured in tackles - no facilities in the world are going to help with that.
Adding to Since2007's thoughts - which I agree with all of: The first half was one of Roa Conchie's best games for us. You could tell the difference he was making by how things flowed after he went off at HT. Good to see him actually showing some of the promise from his U20 days.
Chiefy in the post match press conference did say the Roa Conchie had a groin strain and played through not to use a sub window (only 3 windows outside of half time, and one had already been used for Ishige). Not sure if the groin strain was a result of the challenges, but the stops in play from challenges to treat him appeared more to do with lower limb.
Have we got the youngest backline ever in football? They do a bloody great job. I know the goal we conceded was pretty messy, but otherwise they were very good. Good variety of playing out from the back, either through the midfield or wide, and playing down the lines, either short or long, or just the direct longball. It must keep the opponents guessing. Much better than last year when the opponents always knew what we'd do. Happy!
Most likely the youngest starting back four.
Loke - 20 Hughes - 21 LKH - 20 Sheridan - 21
That’s mental. You wouldn’t call any of those players inexperienced either! Loke potentially, but even he has been around the team for two seasons.
If they continue to do as well as they are doing so far this season then I hope the club would keep the four longer and not sell them off as soon as possible. There is a nucleus of a good experienced backline that could go on together for at least another season if not three.
Actually, getting outplayed quite a bit these days
I don’t want to be negative, but I’m nervous that we’re losing goal scorers and creative players. We were great early on. But when Eze isn’t quite on target and Redmayne is watching Armiento’s strikes all the way, we need Ishige or Payne or Conchie or Nagasawa or Hughes…in fact anyone, to come up with that moment.
And Piper had two assists last game, but only once or twice got the ball at his feet with anyone else in cooee.
TLDR: we dropped off at the start of the second half, and picked up a bit with Luke coming on, but we were still short on energy, pressing and creating chances in that second half.
We had depth, but now we’re immediately back on the ropes again missing a creative import, Aussie and now Conchie. Hughes is back, but James is out. And an all rounder in Payne. Attacking and defending.
It felt like we were slowing the game and playing for a draw because we were short of resources.
1-1 away, and undefeated 3 rounds in, not a bad way to head into next Saturdays derby. Some positives for sure, Loke looks a really good replacement for Payne, both long term for the nix and the AW's. Our defence looked solid, and will be much better with Hughes and James in the centre. Sheridan does ok as CB but he made several errors throughout the game which left us exposed. Eze continues to impress, he has pace, he has poise on the ball and he is scoring. Midfield looked good too, decent enough ball movement and good connection from back to front. Injuries are a concern though, Ishige, Roa Conchie added to the existing list. Josh O. looked solid in goal, sweeping well coming for the crosses very well, could say he dominated his area really well.
The high line seems to be working, and Italiano seems to have allowed the long ball back into the game plan and it almost paid off with a decent Eze chance from route one.
Still early days, but the path to redemption for Italiano has begun
Agreed. Eze may need some gentle coaching to focus on his accuracy, but otherwise he is a great addition to the team. And also, after last season's disappointments, I am actually impressed with the improvement in the performance of our two Japanese imports, but especially Nagasawa. It does not overcome the issue of their physical limitations against burly opponents, but Nagasawa played full 9o minutes despite some crunching tackles and did not seem that terribly fazed (or just was fortunate he did not end up injured like Ishige). As a side issue, one of the commentators (the female one) said that she understands why "the Nix were not protesting too much about Steele fouling Ishige, in light of Eze not getting a red last week". I just thought, jeez, what a lot of crap.
Actually, getting outplayed quite a bit these days
If they continue to do as well as they this season then I hope the club would keep the four longer and not sell them off as soon as possible. There is a nucleus of a good experienced backline that could go on together for at least another season if not three.
Thing is we are a selling club whats the point in developing talent if your not looking to get a return. If your a young player no way are you going to want to stick around in the A League. You should be rightly looking to move overseas.
1-1 away, and undefeated 3 rounds in, not a bad way to head into next Saturdays derby. Some positives for sure, Loke looks a really good replacement for Payne, both long term for the nix and the AW's. Our defence looked solid, and will be much better with Hughes and James in the centre. Sheridan does ok as CB but he made several errors throughout the game which left us exposed. Eze continues to impress, he has pace, he has poise on the ball and he is scoring. Midfield looked good too, decent enough ball movement and good connection from back to front. Injuries are a concern though, Ishige, Roa Conchie added to the existing list. Josh O. looked solid in goal, sweeping well coming for the crosses very well, could say he dominated his area really well.
The high line seems to be working, and Italiano seems to have allowed the long ball back into the game plan and it almost paid off with a decent Eze chance from route one.
Still early days, but the path to redemption for Italiano has begun
Agreed. Eze may need some gentle coaching to focus on his accuracy, but otherwise he is a great addition to the team. And also, after last season's disappointments, I am actually impressed with the improvement in the performance of our two Japanese imports, but especially Nagasawa. It does not overcome the issue of their physical limitations against burly opponents, but Nagasawa played full 9o minutes despite some crunching tackles and did not seem that terribly fazed (or just was fortunate he did not end up injured like Ishige). As a side issue, one of the commentators (the female one) said that she understands why "the Nix were not protesting too much about Steele fouling Ishige, in light of Eze not getting a red last week". I just thought, jeez, what a lot of crap.
The commentators have no idea what's going on, wish there was a way to just have the ref mic or crowd noise instead.
100% - that comment regarding the Eze incident last week is ridiculous, since when has what occurred the week before influenced a decision now? It's almost as if she was promoting retribution style tactics.
I don’t want to be negative, but I’m nervous that we’re losing goal scorers and creative players. We were great early on. But when Eze isn’t quite on target and Redmayne is watching Armiento’s strikes all the way, we need Ishige or Payne or Conchie or Nagasawa or Hughes…in fact anyone, to come up with that moment.
And Piper had two assists last game, but only once or twice got the ball at his feet with anyone else in cooee.
TLDR: we dropped off at the start of the second half, and picked up a bit with Luke coming on, but we were still short on energy, pressing and creating chances in that second half.
We had depth, but now we’re immediately back on the ropes again missing a creative import, Aussie and now Conchie. Hughes is back, but James is out. And an all rounder in Payne. Attacking and defending.
It felt like we were slowing the game and playing for a draw because we were short of resources.
How screwed are we going into the derby?
I think Ishige will definitely be out for the derby and James and Conchie may be touch and go. If James is back and Conchie is out we'd probs line up like this which isn't too bad of a lineup, Cassidy looked solid and LBS will want to show he can start games. The bench will be looking pretty bare though.Screenshot 2025-11-03 at 2.31.51 PM.png400.74 KB
I don’t want to be negative, but I’m nervous that we’re losing goal scorers and creative players. We were great early on. But when Eze isn’t quite on target and Redmayne is watching Armiento’s strikes all the way, we need Ishige or Payne or Conchie or Nagasawa or Hughes…in fact anyone, to come up with that moment.
And Piper had two assists last game, but only once or twice got the ball at his feet with anyone else in cooee.
TLDR: we dropped off at the start of the second half, and picked up a bit with Luke coming on, but we were still short on energy, pressing and creating chances in that second half.
We had depth, but now we’re immediately back on the ropes again missing a creative import, Aussie and now Conchie. Hughes is back, but James is out. And an all rounder in Payne. Attacking and defending.
It felt like we were slowing the game and playing for a draw because we were short of resources.
How screwed are we going into the derby?
I think Ishige will definitely be out for the derby and James and Conchie may be touch and go. If James is back and Conchie is out we'd probs line up like this which isn't too bad of a lineup, Cassidy looked solid and LBS will want to show he can start games. The bench will be looking pretty bare though.Screenshot 2025-11-03 at 2.31.51 PM.png400.74 KB
Think we're more likely to see LKH or Sheridan push up beside Rufs and Cassidy in the other #10 role if all player injuries and restricted minutes stays the same as now. LBS has promise but isn't ready to start. Another bench with LBS and Piper is pretty decent.
I don’t want to be negative, but I’m nervous that we’re losing goal scorers and creative players. We were great early on. But when Eze isn’t quite on target and Redmayne is watching Armiento’s strikes all the way, we need Ishige or Payne or Conchie or Nagasawa or Hughes…in fact anyone, to come up with that moment.
And Piper had two assists last game, but only once or twice got the ball at his feet with anyone else in cooee.
TLDR: we dropped off at the start of the second half, and picked up a bit with Luke coming on, but we were still short on energy, pressing and creating chances in that second half.
We had depth, but now we’re immediately back on the ropes again missing a creative import, Aussie and now Conchie. Hughes is back, but James is out. And an all rounder in Payne. Attacking and defending.
It felt like we were slowing the game and playing for a draw because we were short of resources.
How screwed are we going into the derby?
I think Ishige will definitely be out for the derby and James and Conchie may be touch and go. If James is back and Conchie is out we'd probs line up like this which isn't too bad of a lineup, Cassidy looked solid and LBS will want to show he can start games. The bench will be looking pretty bare though.Screenshot 2025-11-03 at 2.31.51 PM.png400.74 KB
Think we're more likely to see LKH or Sheridan push up beside Rufs and Cassidy in the other #10 role if all player injuries and restricted minutes stays the same as now. LBS has promise but isn't ready to start. Another bench with LBS and Piper is pretty decent.
Thats true I forgot Sheridan can play in the 8 role. He'd probably move there and I think LBS would start in the 10 over Cassidy since when he came on he played the 8 role and Nagasawa moved forward.
Given a couple of the guys were close to being ready last week wouldnt be surprised to see Chief announce a couple of surprise starters. Given his comments about liking Piper and LBS coming off the bench wouldnt expect LBS to be starter just yet.
So impact subs likely to be Piper and Cassidy/Sheridan.
I guess one or two players have a great game- possibly from Eze, Rufer, Nagasawa, Lukey, Loke or Armiento we beat them without relying on our subs. That would be very nice.
Or Sheridan lands a long shot. Or some other rare but brilliant occurrence.
Previous week Piper & LBS came on together. Drip-feeding LBS early in the second half and then Piper at the 70th minute didn't work so well this week.martinb
Hughes and Kelly-Heald played well I thought. Conchie must have been doing something because we were worst just after he went off.
Should have put the game away. Eze looked industrious, perhaps didn’t have his best game and still scored and got in place to score.
Still a point with players injured and out.
Only thing I thought is that we wasted Piper. Maybe I’m going to have to join the start Piper crew, because he was ready to make a difference but didn’t get the ball.
Our dead ball was a bit average, but also their two big blokes at the back were fairly decent.
Previous week Piper & LBS came on together. Drip-feeding LBS early in the second half and then Piper at the 70th minute didn't work so well this week.martinb
Hughes and Kelly-Heald played well I thought. Conchie must have been doing something because we were worst just after he went off.
Should have put the game away. Eze looked industrious, perhaps didn’t have his best game and still scored and got in place to score.
Still a point with players injured and out.
Only thing I thought is that we wasted Piper. Maybe I’m going to have to join the start Piper crew, because he was ready to make a difference but didn’t get the ball.
Our dead ball was a bit average, but also their two big blokes at the back were fairly decent.
The injuries probably screwed up Chiefs plans so dont think much can be taken out of the CCM game as far as subs go.
If James comes back into the line up next week, Sheridan is a shout to play as the RWB. Potentially his preferred position, he didn't get a run there last season because Payne was injury free.
Loke has been good, but I think the above is still an option.
A League refs are a health and safety hazard. The club should be formally making complaints.
If there is an explicit league policy to minimize yellow cards, contrary to FIFA guidance on the laws of the game, in an attempt to improve flow of the game but at the obvious detriment of player safety, we should be making a formal complaint about that policy and considering legal action.
At the very least Chief should be making noise about it in interviews and to the 4th referee and the referees during the game. Even to the point of being carded if necessary. We should be making it a news item. And, presuming they still exist, giving strong feedback in coaches match reports to the league.
100% - that comment regarding the Eze incident last week is ridiculous, since when has what occurred the week before influenced a decision now? It's almost as if she was promoting retribution style tactics.
Didnt hear it. Id long since muted her. commentators are all woeful and talk too much.
