Great 3 points! Odd game as I don’t think it’s really a fair reflection of how it went but who cares, we’ve been on the receiving end of those before. Could tell waine isn’t match sharp, could have tested the keeper more on his two best chances. But great to see him get a proper run out. Fantastic to see two of the new boys get on the score sheet. The third goal was brilliant though, great team play and the finish was of the quality that move deserved. All in all, happy as fudge!
Bloody good Wednesday nights work that one. Good performance lad. Sydney on the weekend to cap a very successful run of games and then we get a bit of a breather back to weekly games.
You'd imagine a few of the boys wouldn't mind these back to back games based on our past 5 games. Well done lads.
Slightly off on this prediction Royz. The crystal ball needs a polishRoyz
We always lose to Roar when it matters, and there coming off smashing the Bulls 3-1 while we are coming off a dire draw with Adelaide. Don't put money on this match unless its on Brisbane. 5-1 Roar.
Slightly off on this prediction Royz. The crystal ball needs a polishRoyz
We always lose to Roar when it matters, and there coming off smashing the Bulls 3-1 while we are coming off a dire draw with Adelaide. Don't put money on this match unless its on Brisbane. 5-1 Roar.
What a great result. Both teams seemed to be conserving energy in the heat at times, but our commitment was outstanding - the blocks and body on the line. Oli Sail terrific game. Both our fullbacks are very useful outlets. Midfield excellent. Three good goals. That header was hard to do with Woots going backwards to get it. Well done boys. Now, can they please come and play at home?!!
Oli Sail really hasn't missed a beat since coming back from injury. Does seem as though he hasn't quite fully recovered. Hopefully that's being monitored and managed well. Another really great allround performance where everyone on the field chipped in where it counted. They are really playing with fluidity and cohesion that if you'd asked me a month ago I'd have doubted they could ever find. Some decent recruitment combined with a solid FFA Cup run has done wonders for the confidence in our boys. Also want to give a special mention to Josh Laws. He really kept a steady head in those first 20 minutes of the game when it was still a bit up in the air. Was clinical in his role when required. And chipped in well despite tired legs towards the end. I didnt have a lot of faith in him at the start of the season but now I'm really loving watching him grow as a player week in, week out
I don't remember the last time we were in a position where I could sit back and enjoy the last 20 of a nix game
Rufer is genuinely a different player to the guy who was wearing his shirt in the first few rounds
Agreed. You could say the same about Sotirio.
Do teams still give our awards for most improved? Has to go to Sotirio hands down. A lot of that is down to coaching for sure, but credit where its due Jaushy has managed to turn himself into a very well-rounded player. His hold up play in particular has been exemplary.
Special mention to Rufer who has been immense recently, but I always felt he had it in him as opposed to Sotirio who for two whole seasons seemed very one dimensional.
I don't remember the last time we were in a position where I could sit back and enjoy the last 20 of a nix game
Rufer is genuinely a different player to the guy who was wearing his shirt in the first few rounds
Agreed. You could say the same about Sotirio.
Laws, Sotirio, Sutton, Rufer. All of them have improved pretty significantly.
I don’t know what Uffies been feeding these guys, but all their performances have lifted massively in the last couple weeks. You love to see it.
Add that to Gael and Wooton slotting in seamlessly (looking like Talay has nailed the import spots once again), plus Reno finding form and it’s happy days for the Nix. Brilliant win!
Note a current 13 day gap between Roar & Glory games where you would think Nix will likely have to play a catchup game. So based on this current schedule, any Nix players who Talay consents to being released for the full OFC tourney would miss 3 (likely 4) Nix games.
So enjoy this form & consistent team selection run for now. The young kids will be getting their opportunities for sure 2nd half of March.
The Alex Rufer critics have been very quiet recently.
Because most of the critics where on point, he got his business together after he got called by us and the coach. He is now playing as we should expect from him. Sotirio is in impressive form, Sutton kicked in another gear and is a joy to watch. Imports are worth their money. We look like real good team hope and we can keep up that momentum.
The Alex Rufer critics have been very quiet recently.
Because most of the critics where on point, he got his business together after he got called by us and the coach. He is now playing as we should expect from him. Sotirio is in impressive form, Sutton kicked in another gear and is a joy to watch. Imports are worth their money. We look like real good team hope and we can keep up that momentum.
Much of the criticism was well over the top though - I saw people saying he's only in the team because of who his uncle is, that he's stealing a living, that he should never wear a Nix shirt again - albeit maybe more on facebook than here. I also felt at times he was being held to higher standards than the players around him and was heavily criticised for acceptable performances that wouldn't be even mentioned for other players (aka the Vinnie Lia treatment).
There's a difference between admitting that he's improved after some below average performances, and having initially completely written him off as any sort of A-League player and now trying to walk it back. I think the second lot are more likely to be the haters referred to than the people who thought he was just underperforming and had it in him all along (no personal accusations, just what I'd observed being thrown his way generally).
Note a current 13 day gap between Roar & Glory games where you would think Nix will likely have to play a catchup game. So based on this current schedule, any Nix players who Talay consents to being released for the full OFC tourney would miss 3 (likely 4) Nix games.
So enjoy this form & consistent team selection run for now. The young kids will be getting their opportunities for sure 2nd half of March.
Edit - great result Nix. A team really in form.
If Hay and NZF pick all 5 you mention. (Half the Nix starting team). To be away for the whole tournament and miss 4 or maybe 5 Nix games. I then wouldn't be surprised if Talay walked at the end of the season.
Surely Hay already had a plan before the last NT games. I suspect Payne, Lewis and Sail will get picked (as indicated by previous selections). With Payne and Lewis returning once the international window opens and the cavalry arrive. Sail (maybe also Payne) probably deserve to stay on there as they are the only one's that might make a full intercontinental playoff squad.
The Alex Rufer critics have been very quiet recently.
Because most of the critics where on point, he got his business together after he got called by us and the coach. He is now playing as we should expect from him. Sotirio is in impressive form, Sutton kicked in another gear and is a joy to watch. Imports are worth their money. We look like real good team hope and we can keep up that momentum.
Much of the criticism was well over the top though - I saw people saying he's only in the team because of who his uncle is, that he's stealing a living, that he should never wear a Nix shirt again - albeit maybe more on facebook than here. I also felt at times he was being held to higher standards than the players around him and was heavily criticised for acceptable performances that wouldn't be even mentioned for other players (aka the Vinnie Lia treatment).
There's a difference between admitting that he's improved after some below average performances, and having initially completely written him off as any sort of A-League player and now trying to walk it back. I think the second lot are more likely to be the haters referred to than the people who thought he was just underperforming and had it in him all along (no personal accusations, just what I'd observed being thrown his way generally).
Yes exactly. Well said. The criticism levelled against him, especially but not exclusively, on Facebook went way beyond having a go at him because of a few less than satisfactory performances.
Anyway, he’s risen up above all of that crap, and I take my hat off to how he is playing AND LEADING this team.
Note a current 13 day gap between Roar & Glory games where you would think Nix will likely have to play a catchup game. So based on this current schedule, any Nix players who Talay consents to being released for the full OFC tourney would miss 3 (likely 4) Nix games.
So enjoy this form & consistent team selection run for now. The young kids will be getting their opportunities for sure 2nd half of March.
Edit - great result Nix. A team really in form.
If Hay and NZF pick all 5 you mention. (Half the Nix starting team). To be away for the whole tournament and miss 4 or maybe 5 Nix games. I then wouldn't be surprised if Talay walked at the end of the season.
Surely Hay already had a plan before the last NT games. I suspect Payne, Lewis and Sail will get picked (as indicated by previous selections). With Payne and Lewis returning once the international window opens and the cavalry arrive. Sail (maybe also Payne) probably deserve to stay on there as they are the only one's that might make a full intercontinental playoff squad.
AWs midfield will likely be bit thin for 2 pool games outside window, so I think Rufer deserves a call up. He’s playing well. Sutton also well in the mix to be 2nd LB behind Libby.
Would be rough for Talay to stand in their way in a WC year. I’m sure him and Hay have been chatting. Maybe the 5 Nix guys I mention all have to return after the first 2 OFC pool games, in which case they only miss 2 Nix games?? All will soon be revealed
If all those 5 guys go away the squad will be looking very thin especially on the bench. But i'd have faith this 11 could win games. Would be interesting to see if Ball could play CM.lineup (14).png134.04 KB
If all those 5 guys go away the squad will be looking very thin especially on the bench. But i'd have faith this 11 could win games. Would be interesting to see if Ball could play CM.lineup (14).png134.04 KB
If the rules state you can postpone a game for five Covid cases in a team, then surely having at least five, good chance of more, players on international duty will allow you postponement as well
loving watching the replay of the goals from this game, Gael clearly has linked up well with Sotirio, and knows how to make a decent pass for the speedster to get onto. This is gonna be a beautiful thing for next few months.
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