Home Match Day Thread +++ 2/3/19 OUFC v Scunthorpe United Matchday Thread +++

[Foley]

Why would you play Graham on the right? as soon as he switched sides we started creating chances.
Robinson's later substitutions put us under pressure.
Without Sinclair to hold the ball up we conceded and looked shaky for the remaining three minutes.
Sinclair did well all game. Couple of great pieces of skill.

Graham is right footed and played on the right when he was here under MAPP?
I agree that we looked far better when Whyte came on and Graham moved to the left.
I don't think that KT can be blamed for much over the past 2 games though.

 

[jambon46]

Really good result. Thought Sinclair would have gained some real confidence that performance. The Scunny no 16 got in acres of space on the left, yet his team mates seem to ignore him yet when he did get the ball he played some fantastic balls bit odd

 

[Teddydee1980]

First half today was a complete turd, as bad as I've seen us since the dire run at the start of the season when Mitchell was kicking it into touch and Obika got cheered when he was subbed. Second half, thank goodness, we started to play.

I thought Sykes and Henry in particular in the first half were dire. Sykes looking out of his depth and Henry giving away possession with almost every kick. Garbutt was ineffective, his sole purpose seeming to be to cut in from the wing, before passing back to the CBs.

Easty struggled kicking into the wind and it all looked a bit rubbish. Mousinho is infuriating, insisting on taking more time than needed and adding uncertainty when his role is all about reassurance.

As soon as Gav Whyte came on, things changed. He is our best attacking player hands down and consistently delivers. Pay him whatever to keep him at the club for as long as poss on current form.

Graham was switched and came to life, both Henry and Sykes remembered what a football was and started doing stuff with it and the rest is history.

Sinclair was excellent second half in particular and gave probably the best striker performance we've seen here all season (for us!!) . Sounds a bit much that, but then he hasn't got much to compare to.

Both our fullbacks were great all game and Long in particular was total commitment throughout. This was exemplified in one moment where he went down in a tackle and continued playing on, on the deck, with his head!! Fair play.

Finally a word for the boss, called it perfectly in his post match. Had to put out the same side after the battle last week, but also knew that first half wasn't right and changed it. The result came. I want him to sort it out and get it right. Here's hoping 2 turns to 3 at Gillingham.

 

[werthersoriginal]

First half today was a complete turd, as bad as I've seen us since the dire run at the start of the season when Mitchell was kicking it into touch and Obika got cheered when he was subbed. Second half, thank goodness, we started to play.

I thought Sykes and Henry in particular in the first half were dire. Sykes looking out of his depth and Henry giving away possession with almost every kick. Garbutt was ineffective, his sole purpose seeming to be to cut in from the wing, before passing back to the CBs.

Easty struggled kicking into the wind and it all looked a bit rubbish. Mousinho is infuriating, insisting on taking more time than needed and adding uncertainty when his role is all about reassurance.

As soon as Gav Whyte came on, things changed. He is our best attacking player hands down and consistently delivers. Pay him whatever to keep him at the club for as long as poss on current form.

Graham was switched and came to life, both Henry and Sykes remembered what a football was and started doing stuff with it and the rest is history.

Sinclair was excellent second half in particular and gave probably the best striker performance we've seen here all season (for us!!) . Sounds a bit much that, but then he hasn't got much to compare to.

Both our fullbacks were great all game and Long in particular was total commitment throughout. This was exemplified in one moment where he went down in a tackle and continued playing on, on the deck, with his head!! Fair play.

Finally a word for the boss, called it perfectly in his post match. Had to put out the same side after the battle last week, but also knew that first half wasn't right and changed it. The result came. I want him to sort it out and get it right. Here's hoping 2 turns to 3 at Gillingham.

I don’t think Robinson is the greatest manager but he had generally done quite well to spot problems and address them. What he’s not yet done is to set us up for a consistent good run, home and away

 

[Barbadosyellow]

Given our next few opponents, it's now or never for that consistent good run, otherwise April could be interesting.

 

[ZeroTheHero]

Graham is right footed and played on the right when he was here under MAPP?
I agree that we looked far better when Whyte came on and Graham moved to the left.
I don't think that KT can be blamed for much over the past 2 games though.

Graham has said quite a few times that he prefers playing on the left (even though he is right footed) as he likes to be able to cut in. That showed today.

 

[Shaun Rice]

Sykes definitely has some shithouse potential in him - there were a couple of occasions today where I could see a little Maguire in him. I still can't quite believe why so many clubs didn't take risks on Whyte and Sykes, but it's our gain.

He looked excellent today, well second half.

 

[Shaun Rice]

I’ve been critical of both all of our full backs this season but credit where it’s due I thought both were excellent today. Especially Long.
Dickie looked like he found a bit of confidence too.
Whyte changed the game and Sykes was class second half.
Let’s not forget we managed to create just one. Proper chance in the first 45 not pretty for most of the game but another 3 points

 

[uptheus]

First half today was a complete turd, as bad as I've seen us since the dire run at the start of the season when Mitchell was kicking it into touch and Obika got cheered when he was subbed. Second half, thank goodness, we started to play.

I thought Sykes and Henry in particular in the first half were dire. Sykes looking out of his depth and Henry giving away possession with almost every kick. Garbutt was ineffective, his sole purpose seeming to be to cut in from the wing, before passing back to the CBs.

Easty struggled kicking into the wind and it all looked a bit rubbish. Mousinho is infuriating, insisting on taking more time than needed and adding uncertainty when his role is all about reassurance.

As soon as Gav Whyte came on, things changed. He is our best attacking player hands down and consistently delivers. Pay him whatever to keep him at the club for as long as poss on current form.

Graham was switched and came to life, both Henry and Sykes remembered what a football was and started doing stuff with it and the rest is history.

Sinclair was excellent second half in particular and gave probably the best striker performance we've seen here all season (for us!!) . Sounds a bit much that, but then he hasn't got much to compare to.

Both our fullbacks were great all game and Long in particular was total commitment throughout. This was exemplified in one moment where he went down in a tackle and continued playing on, on the deck, with his head!! Fair play.

Finally a word for the boss, called it perfectly in his post match. Had to put out the same side after the battle last week, but also knew that first half wasn't right and changed it. The result came. I want him to sort it out and get it right. Here's hoping 2 turns to 3 at Gillingham.

Thought Sykes was good throughout, but was better in the 2nd half.

Re; first half, I think our plan was more about not conceding and staying in the game, whereas, in the second half we raised the tempo and started to really control and influence the game.

 

[AbbeyOx]

great win and previous comments just about sum up my feelings of the game. what a difference it makes having a strong bench now.
there’s definitely at least four worse teams so we’re staying up

 

[uptheus]

great win and previous comments just about sum up my feelings of the game. what a difference it makes having a strong bench now.
there’s definitely at least four worse teams so we’re staying up

Problem is, any team in the bottom 15! is capable of beating any other team on it’s day, so until we’re mathematically safe I’m not going to say we’re definitely going to stay up, but having said that you do wonder with the quality of players we have we should stay up. Too good to go down? Not going there either!

Quick question, should we rest Henry and either swop him for Sykes or Brannagan in that role? Just feel he’s (Henry) been a bit of a weak link lately e.g. too slow.

 

[chuckbert]

I was pleased when I saw the score this morning. Went out for dinner for my wife’s birthday and when we got in I started watching (kick-off’s 11 pm in Perth). I passed out after 10 mins, but in those 10 minutes mins S****horpe looked sharp and threatening and we looked ponderous. Woke up in the morning to a surprisingly good result. Annoyed that I missed Sinclair’s first goals.

 

[Shaun Rice]

Exactly this. Gives 100% whenever he's on the pitch. I was amazed with his commitment around the 85th minute he got tackled and went to ground and because Scunthorpe won the ball back he decided to leap of his stomach head first towards the ball. I must admit I thought he was about to take a boot to the head.

He's better then Hanson because he doesn't over complicate things and does the simple things really well.

I agree he’s better than Hanson. All round really. Defensively he was sound, not that he was tested massively by Scunthorpe. It would be good to see the data from @Shosho
But I think we stopped much getting at us down the channels, which takes the pressure off of Dickie and Nelson.
His energy was world class today! Up and down the pitch for 90 minutes. But most importantly it was at the right times!!!!! Not leaving us exposed or chasing back. He read the game very well.
He looked like he wanted to keep the shirt and KR should reward him likewise.

Impressive by long but where does that leave the big money (for us) signing of Hanson?

 

[Shaun Rice]

Schoolboy error today. Looked at sky sports app scores and table during the game. Then afterwards walking home thought blimey we’re on 42 points. If 50 is safety we’re definitely staying up.... Doh sky sports live table!

 

[Foley]

Long is very good defensively.
He plays at CB in the U23s and started there but can play at either full back.
I think that he is not as good as Hanson going forwards.
But at the moment it is important that we keep solid and it is right that Ling keeps his place.

 

[Mezgg]

I think the first half was very poor and boring. Thought the second half was much better don't want to single anyone out as I thought the whole team were good. Another 3 points and another step up the table, albeit small.

 

[Foley]

With 39 points, 11 from 11 games should be enough. 3 wins 2 draws and 6 defeats.
13 points will almost certainly guarantee L1 football next season.
We really need to make the most of the next few matches.

 

[BigCrompy]

With 39 points, 11 from 11 games should be enough. 3 wins 2 draws and 6 defeats.
13 points will almost certainly guarantee L1 football next season.
We really need to make the most of the next few matches.

Bit disappointing to only win 3 of our remaining games (although being Oxford, they’ll be sure to make it as tough as possible on ourselves).

Wimbledon, Bradford, Wycombe, Gillingham, Walsall, Rochdale and Shrewsbury from the top of my head should be there for the taking, and there’s no reason to fear Doncaster / Coventry etc.

We’re due a little form and Sinclair may now fill his boots...I’d hope for five further wins from eleven, minimum.

 

[MC Yellow]

Great result !!

Didn’t see that coming after the 1st 60 minutes but once Whyte came on it was clear the players had a lift and showed more energy and determination.

After the 1st goal the confidence started flowing.

But true to form we had to make it a squeaky bum finish ?.

Now on to next Saturday to make it 3 league wins in a row!!

COYYs

 

[Shaun Rice]

Quick question, should we rest Henry and either swop him for Sykes or Brannagan in that role? Just feel he’s (Henry) been a bit of a weak link lately e.g. too slow.

He’s not himself and has had a few off games. I think somehow Sykes and Brannigan based on performance should be on the pitch.