Away Match Day Thread 09/02/21 L1 - Bristol Rovers v OUFC

[Followtheox1]

Ha, I’ve steered clear of that thread! No need to seek out aggro and annoyance.

We played better on Saturday and were dodgy at the back each time. The difference was that Bristol couldn’t finish, otherwise you’re looking at another 3-2 loss. But no team gets it right every week and that was a massive win.

Our defence is definitely still a work in progess in many ways but Atkinson and Moore will definitely develop more.

 

[Manorlounger]

What is he? A minute ago you said he was a pundit and not a commentator but now you are saying he is a commentator but talks for too long.

Good grief!

I might as well post in a foreign language for some on here.

 

[Manorlounger]

And half this thread is moaning about whether a former player is a commentator or bloody pundit!!!!

I might nip over to the thread on BLM for some light relief!!!

God forbid that anyone might have an opinion.

 

[Oxfordus]

First things first a great result, a double over the old Irene wheat munchers and we are edging our way back into the mix again.

The game was sewn up at 1-0 but we then made hard work of it...it happens and by lunchtime tomorrow nobody will really care too much about the slightly wretched performance other than KR and the coaching staff and in true Chippy Wilder style...we move on lol.

Thought Winnall when he came on played his part well as did Sykes aided and abetted with two decent strikes by the new boys icing the Memorial ground even further than it probably is now, now that the lights have gone out further. Goodnight Irene.

As an aside even with my National health specs having one lens completely blanked out with fabric elastoplast did anyone over a certain age think that Mr Barker has a similar stance and take off akin to Paulo Moody?

Perhaps it is the glasses?

COYY'S.

Yes the ability to go on a long mazy run beating players time and again.....oh that goal at Cardiff who could forget. That is Paulo Moodio. Could barker be that good???

 

[Wandering Yellow]

The only team Ive seen worse than the muckspreaders are Swindon who we somehow managed to lose to. Wouldnt be surprised to see both relegated

 

[Marked Ox]

And Stevie Kinniburgh!

Kinniburgh is excellent imo.

 

[uptheus]

Kinniburgh is excellent imo.

Good for you.

For me he rambles on too much, but means well.

 

[SSU1965]

Who's the lad from Oxford who plays for them?

Josh Barrett.....out injured

 

[Marked Ox]

No, Steve Kinniburgh is who I am on about. He's forgotten that he is on the radio. Anyone listening without a screen to watch wouldn't have a clue what was happening in the game.

Isn't that Nathan's job though with Steve Kinniburgh providing the technical viewpoint. Kinniburgh's analysis of the full back positions for example or the defender's not opening up their body position when covering a player (ie. Ruffs getting caught out because of it). And he most definitely is a fan!

 

[IsleofWightYellow]

I think it’s pretty clear that Kinniburgh is good if you’re watching the game on iFollow (and therefore can actually see what is happening) but frustrating if you’re listening and actually need to know what’s going on! I personally quite like him as I always watch the games, but he does take a while to make his point, and at one stage I was thinking um Stevie about ten things have happened since you started this sentence!

 

[Manorlounger]

Isn't that Nathan's job though with Steve Kinniburgh providing the technical viewpoint. Kinniburgh's analysis of the full back positions for example or the defender's not opening up their body position when covering a player (ie. Ruffs getting caught out because of it). And he most definitely is a fan!

Absolutely! Spot on. The trouble is, and it's only because of the medium in question, is that Steve tends to go a bit longer than is optimal for a radio broadcast. His post match analysis was always good and he had no qualms with criticising those who had not met his standards. During the match this evening he tended towards in depth analysis despite the game moving on. Now, whilst there are those who are maybe happy with this, I tend towards the commentary being more important and the input from Steve being relevant when action on the pitch is paused.
Some on here cannot understand that and feel that I am critical of Steve perse, not the case. I just happen to believe that the commentary is more relevant during the course of the match and the input of the pundit less so. That's not to belittle his input, it is to define the context for his input. Tell us why something happened after it has and when the opportunity is there to do so.

 

[Manorlounger]

I think it’s pretty clear that Kinniburgh is good if you’re watching the game on iFollow (and therefore can actually see what is happening) but frustrating if you’re listening and actually need to know what’s going on! I personally quite like him as I always watch the games, but he does take a while to make his point, and at one stage I was thinking um Stevie about ten things have happened since you started this sentence!

Spot on!

 

[Marked Ox]

A really good solid win - fair play to us for bouncing back. A few observations....

I think defensively we look a little complacent. I think we are so used to having the lions share of the ball that when its time to do the basics, we forget to flick the switch. I want to see us with more bite and aggression when picking up the second balls - more urgency! More primal instinct defending. Its interesting that we have signed Mcnally who is supposed to be very good at that.

We must do better stopping crosses coming in. Ruffels and Long have many qualities, but its too easy to get a yard or two on these two and deliver something dangerous. It doesn't help when the likes of Shodipo doesn't bust a gut to help out. We need to keep working with Shodipo because he has attacking talent but poor awareness regarding other duties.

Elliot Lee looks superb and a fantastic first touch and finish for his goal. Lovely balance, technique and energy. Looks a great signing.

Brandon Barker - a game changer. Pace, power, skill and a good goal tonight after good work from Forde. When he takes people on, it looks as if he's playing with his kids in the garden. Obviously a level above where we are. Insane work to get hold of him. Really important to have him available as a lot of our work is narrow and intricate. He gives us a little something else.

Really excited for Saturday. I would like to see Stevens, Forde (if Long injured), Ruffels, Moore, Atkinson, Gorrin, Sykes, Brannigan, Winnall, Lee and Barker start.

At the moment I'd stick with Barker coming on off the bench as after Saturday he clearly isn't fully match fit.

 

[Pontification]

As others have said, not the prettiest or most convincing win - but we'll take it!

Our midfield was very pedestrian. I think we are missing McGuane in midfield, especially his ability to run with the ball and beat a man.

The defence looked all over the place at times tonight. Keeping a clean sheet really flattered us.

Lee has added some quality to the team, and Barker is the perfect option off the bench (at least until he gets up to full fitness).

Sykes did well when he came on. I for one am glad to see him back in the match day squad.

The playoffs are now a very real possibility. Let's keep it going. COYY

Completely agree especially about the midfield and sykes. I wouldn't mind seeing how sykes would get on it midfield alongside brannagan as he can offer what McGuane has, as you alluded to but also sykes has bundles of energy and can get up and down the pitch. I think we looked a bit isolated up top at times today. But completely agree Lee reminds me of Maguire a few years ago, where it looks like he's thinking two/three steps ahead of everyone.

 

[QR]

Shsky

I think it’s pretty clear that Kinniburgh is good if you’re watching the game on iFollow (and therefore can actually see what is happening) but frustrating if you’re listening and actually need to know what’s going on! I personally quite like him as I always watch the games, but he does take a while to make his point, and at one stage I was thinking um Stevie about ten things have happened since you started this sentence!

But who only listens? I thought Jerome led the radio commentary.

 

[Marked Ox]

A scrappy win but a win nonetheless. Excellent goals mind.

Plenty to work on for the Wigan game. Definitely one not to assume we only need to turn up to win but I don't expect KR et al to allow that to happen anyway.

 

[Oxford84]

I think it’s pretty clear that Kinniburgh is good if you’re watching the game on iFollow (and therefore can actually see what is happening) but frustrating if you’re listening and actually need to know what’s going on! I personally quite like him as I always watch the games, but he does take a while to make his point, and at one stage I was thinking um Stevie about ten things have happened since you started this sentence!

Isnt Kinniburgh only on I Follow anyway?

 

[Carpy]

Can we just agree to disagree on Kinniburgh, after all, he’s not going anywhere anytime soon!

As for the game, fantastic win from a uninspiring performance, now we need to be able to show we can win ugly like that against some of the teams chasing the playoffs, I think Robinsons teams can sometimes be a bit guilty of not always knowing how to do that, if we manage it, I think we stand a chance of sliding into those playoffs

Word for Sykes too, got to start for me if Henry is out, offers more than Kelly at this moment in time and has shown enough in his latest cameos to suggest he deserves it

 

[Oxford1996]

We won, the end.

On to Wigan. Must win

 

[Fourthstand]

We won, the end.

On to Wigan. Must win

Should win.