Home Match Day Thread +++ 17/11/2018 OUFC v Gillingham FC +++

[brokeandobscure]

Thought today was a gritty performance, and restricted them to a couple of chances. There is no doubt the defence has improved dramatically, but I think that’s due to the fact Mous is better in front of the centre half’s, and a decent shout out to Ruffels!

Nelson and Dickie starting to play like they did towards the end of last season. I think we need to wave the money to CN and get him to sign a new contract urgently.

Another solid three points at home. Bradford next week away looking forward to it.

I may be in the minority, but I thought Nelson wasn't at his best today. Defended ok, but distribution poor to say the least.

 

[Ox4Eva]

Scrappy game with neither side looking too convincing!

I can only base my opinion on the first half as I had to leave at HT as I had arranged to meet some pals in West Kensington at 5:30.


Was the 2nd half any better?

 

[bazzer9461]

I felt today’s game was poor and lacklustre. Dickie was good as wash Josh Browne used his pace well, Harvey Bradbury is one for the future worknin progress but will certainly be an asset for us, Sam Smith can go back wanted so much for the young man but he hasn’t done anything of more yet. Certainly missed Whyte’s pace. I think Gillingham were in our faces quite a bit and we didn’t get in theirs. But 3 points is what we wanted and what we got, definitely a penalty, but o would really like to see one from open play which we almost got through James Henry. Roll on Bradford 3 more points COYY. No I haven’t forgotten about the FA cup not to bothered about that this season but if we can win a bit more money.

 

[WALLY OX]

Scrappy game with neither side looking too convincing!

I can only base my opinion on the first half as I had to leave at HT as I had arranged to meet some pals in West Kensington at 5:30.


Was the 2nd half any better?

Yes...much better.

 

[Mellowyellow]

Unbelievable ....
Talk about rubbish.

Absolute classic. Give me your assessment of the first half then, if you were there.
Excuse me, but at half time that was a fair reflection. It was the same old, same old.
Second half, different story, great result, and we overwhelmed them.
It's taken so long to post, because that's the drive I have to do. Some of us have longer journeys than other. Well those of us that went anyway.

 

[ttg17]

I really enjoyed today. That was proper, attritional, gritty football, a real battle. Some general takes:

On them first, thought Eaves exemplified what a mediocre player can do when playing with confidence, especially in the first half. It just seemed like every touch he made came off for him, with one little first touch dink off a goal kick in the first half of particular note. Our defence did a brilliant job of just containing him, and in the end just nullified any threat he had. Thought their 33 looked useful and their two black attacking players (sorry if that’s not PC, don’t remember their names or numbers) looked like on their day could dismantle a side. Today wasn’t their day though ?

We looked seriously off for most of the match. Little touches werent being read, passes being played into the wrong spaces, final ball lacking etc. On the few occasions we ‘clicked’, though, we looked great. And my goodness we looked solid at the back. That final half hour Nelson and Dickie we’re heading absolutely everything away, a superb backs to the wall performance. The whole back line deserves immense credit. Long is better both in the air and on the ball (magic feet on that right touchline in the second half at times, and that beautiful shifting lanes moment in the first) then I had given him credit for, and Ruffels is becoming undroppable imo. He’s just so good at left back! So many little nicking the ball away from the attackers, setting up sensible attacks, athletic, I am so so impressed. Nelsons distribution was poor at times but as I say, him and Dickie we’re aerial rocks.

From an attacking perspective, we don’t QUITE click, do we? Everyone is crowing about Bradbury coming on and changing the game, but to be honest I felt it was taking Holmes off (a decision that baffled me at the time) was the game changing moment. Both he and Browne are unbelievable individuals, and regularly beat their respective men, but I felt like we were more of a unit with Holmes off and Browne as a solitary pacy outlet. I wasn’t impressed with Bradbury. I feel people want to love him because he’s not obika or Smith, but he really didn’t do that much when he cane on. Beaten in the air frequently and made a few poor first touches. Those are forgivable - but what I really didn’t like was how he seemed like he came on with the intention of ‘getting in the defenders faces’ and was outsmarted by two more experienced pros. Nearly got pulled into an unnecessary scuffle that could have seen him sent off. Browne too was a bit hotheaded. I thought it showed brilliant maturity from Nelson to haul him away from one ruckus, as Browne looked almost certain to get too involved.

Also, Brannagan is turning into a brilliant little midfield player. Torreira (of Arsenal)-esque. That one little run he had in the second half where he powered through two big gills fuckers and won the foul was monumental. Decision making needs improving but an important player for us.

Thought the ref was very good. A group of the usual idiots sitting near me swearing blind at the ref and Lino at every decision that didn't go oxfords way. The peno was soft, but he let a few fair but robust challenges from Gillingham go, which I like to see. We all complain that the ‘games gone soft’, but then go nuts when a strong tackle goes in on one of our players! I say, love it, let the game go - so long as you’re consistent. Which I felt he was.

Overall, a wonderfully gritty three points against a team who could have been a hiccup. I’m not sure whether the Robinson out comments are tongue in cheek or not, but come on - were unbeaten in bloody ages and slowly but surely rising up the table. Unfit players at the start of the season are hitting form, we’re becoming a solid defensive unit, and we’re scoring with regularity. We’ve had a generous run of fixtures, so I’m not going to get carried away, but we’re winning the fixtures we should be winning and we’re picking up points way from home. I’m excited for the next few months.

 

[Mellowyellow]

Bradbury good enough to show we dont need Ranger???

Still work in progress. He put himself about and ruffled the feathers of the centre backs. We still need 2 strikers, assuming Smith has blown his chance, with Mackie.
We need to spend money on quality. Bradbury's time will come in the medium term. If we are to make something of this season, then a more immediate impact is needed.

 

[Mellowyellow]

I really enjoyed today. That was proper, attritional, gritty football, a real battle. Some general takes:

On them first, thought Eaves exemplified what a mediocre player can do when playing with confidence, especially in the first half. It just seemed like every touch he made came off for him, with one little first touch dink off a goal kick in the first half of particular note. Our defence did a brilliant job of just containing him, and in the end just nullified any threat he had. Thought their 33 looked useful and their two black attacking players (sorry if that’s not PC, don’t remember their names or numbers) looked like on their day could dismantle a side. Today wasn’t their day though ?

We looked seriously off for most of the match. Little touches werent being read, passes being played into the wrong spaces, final ball lacking etc. On the few occasions we ‘clicked’, though, we looked great. And my goodness we looked solid at the back. That final half hour Nelson and Dickie we’re heading absolutely everything away, a superb backs to the wall performance. The whole back line deserves immense credit. Long is better both in the air and on the ball (magic feet on that right touchline in the second half at times, and that beautiful shifting lanes moment in the first) then I had given him credit for, and Ruffels is becoming undroppable imo. He’s just so good at left back! So many little nicking the ball away from the attackers, setting up sensible attacks, athletic, I am so so impressed. Nelsons distribution was poor at times but as I say, him and Dickie rocks.

From an attacking perspective, we don’t QUITE click, do we? Everyone is crowing about Bradbury coming on and changing the game, but to be honest I felt it was taking Holmes off (a decision that baffled me at the time) was the game changing moment. Both he and Browne are unbelievable individuals, and regularly beat their respective men, but I felt like we were more of a unit with Holmes off and Browne as a solitary pacy outlet. I wasn’t impressed with Bradbury. I feel people want to love him because he’s not obika or Smith, but he really didn’t do that much when he cane on. Beaten in the air frequently and made a few poor first touches. Those are forgivable - but what I really didn’t like was how he seemed like he came on with the intention of ‘getting in the defenders faces’ and was outsmarted by two more experienced pros. Nearly got pulled into an unnecessary scuffle that could have seen him sent off. Browne too was a bit hotheaded. I thought it showed brilliant maturity from Nelson to haul him away from one ruckus, as Browne looked almost certain to get too involved.

Also, Brannagan is turning into a brilliant little midfield player. Torreira (of Arsenal)-esque. That one little run he had in the second half where he powered through two big gills fuckers and won the foul was monumental. Decision making needs improving but an important player for us.

Thought the ref was very good. A group of the usual idiots sitting near me swearing blind at the ref and Lino at every decision that didn't go oxfords way. The peno was soft, but he let a few fair but robust challenges from Gillingham go, which I like to see. We all complain that the ‘games gone soft’, but then go nuts when a strong tackle goes in on one of our players! I say, love it, let the game go - so long as you’re consistent. Which I felt he was.

Overall, a wonderfully gritty three points against a team who could have been a hiccup. I’m not sure whether the Robinson out comments are tongue in cheek or not, but come on - were unbeaten in bloody ages and slowly but surely rising up the table. Unfit players at the start of the season are hitting form, we’re becoming a solid defensive unit, and we’re scoring with regularity. We’ve had a generous run of fixtures, so I’m not going to get carried away, but we’re winning the fixtures we should be winning and we’re picking up points way from home. I’m excited for the next few months.

I wasn’t impressed with Bradbury. I feel people want to love him because he’s not obika or Smith, but he really didn’t do that much when he cane on. Beaten in the air frequently and made a few poor first touches. Those are forgivable - but what I really didn’t like was how he seemed like he came on with the intention of ‘getting in the defenders faces’ and was outsmarted by two more experienced pros. Nearly got pulled into an unnecessary scuffle that could have seen him sent off.

A really good brief of Bradbury's game.

 

[Common Villager]

Thought that was a really poor game. A serious lack of quality on display from both sides. Nonetheless I'd have taken a scrappy 1-0 win before the game, so mustn't grumble too much I suppose.

Standout performers for me were Dickie and Mousinho. The former handled their 9 very well, and the latter did yet another brilliant job of shielding the back four whilst also offering a calming influence when we were in possession (not that it rubbed off on the others).

Honourable mentions go to Sam Long (who once again came in and didn't let anyone down. Setting aside the threat McMahon offers from set pieces, I actually think Long is a better player. Hopefully he can prove so over the course of the next few matches), and Brannagan (who I think is slowly starting to prove the type of player he can be).

On the whole though I thought our attacking play was woeful. There was no flow whatsoever. Once again it was a case of give it to Holmes or Browne and hope they can produce a moment of magic. I can't recall one occasion where we successfully got in behind their defence with a neat passing move.

Also, everything just felt so flat today. The atmosphere was even more subdued than it has been recently, and there didn't seem to be much of a celebration in the stands at full time. I think the uncertainty off of the pitch it contributing massively to this. The Kassam feels less of a home than it ever has, and it's really not clear who's actually in charge of the club. It would be really nice to know the direction things are going in so that we as a fan base have something to get behind.

I said I wasn't going to grumble but I suppose I have. Don't mean to bring the mood down after a win. It's just how I see things at the moment.

 

[werthersoriginal]

I really enjoyed today. That was proper, attritional, gritty football, a real battle. Some general takes:

On them first, thought Eaves exemplified what a mediocre player can do when playing with confidence, especially in the first half. It just seemed like every touch he made came off for him, with one little first touch dink off a goal kick in the first half of particular note. Our defence did a brilliant job of just containing him, and in the end just nullified any threat he had. Thought their 33 looked useful and their two black attacking players (sorry if that’s not PC, don’t remember their names or numbers) looked like on their day could dismantle a side. Today wasn’t their day though ?

We looked seriously off for most of the match. Little touches werent being read, passes being played into the wrong spaces, final ball lacking etc. On the few occasions we ‘clicked’, though, we looked great. And my goodness we looked solid at the back. That final half hour Nelson and Dickie we’re heading absolutely everything away, a superb backs to the wall performance. The whole back line deserves immense credit. Long is better both in the air and on the ball (magic feet on that right touchline in the second half at times, and that beautiful shifting lanes moment in the first) then I had given him credit for, and Ruffels is becoming undroppable imo. He’s just so good at left back! So many little nicking the ball away from the attackers, setting up sensible attacks, athletic, I am so so impressed. Nelsons distribution was poor at times but as I say, him and Dickie we’re aerial rocks.

From an attacking perspective, we don’t QUITE click, do we? Everyone is crowing about Bradbury coming on and changing the game, but to be honest I felt it was taking Holmes off (a decision that baffled me at the time) was the game changing moment. Both he and Browne are unbelievable individuals, and regularly beat their respective men, but I felt like we were more of a unit with Holmes off and Browne as a solitary pacy outlet. I wasn’t impressed with Bradbury. I feel people want to love him because he’s not obika or Smith, but he really didn’t do that much when he cane on. Beaten in the air frequently and made a few poor first touches. Those are forgivable - but what I really didn’t like was how he seemed like he came on with the intention of ‘getting in the defenders faces’ and was outsmarted by two more experienced pros. Nearly got pulled into an unnecessary scuffle that could have seen him sent off. Browne too was a bit hotheaded. I thought it showed brilliant maturity from Nelson to haul him away from one ruckus, as Browne looked almost certain to get too involved.

Also, Brannagan is turning into a brilliant little midfield player. Torreira (of Arsenal)-esque. That one little run he had in the second half where he powered through two big gills fuckers and won the foul was monumental. Decision making needs improving but an important player for us.

Thought the ref was very good. A group of the usual idiots sitting near me swearing blind at the ref and Lino at every decision that didn't go oxfords way. The peno was soft, but he let a few fair but robust challenges from Gillingham go, which I like to see. We all complain that the ‘games gone soft’, but then go nuts when a strong tackle goes in on one of our players! I say, love it, let the game go - so long as you’re consistent. Which I felt he was.

Overall, a wonderfully gritty three points against a team who could have been a hiccup. I’m not sure whether the Robinson out comments are tongue in cheek or not, but come on - were unbeaten in bloody ages and slowly but surely rising up the table. Unfit players at the start of the season are hitting form, we’re becoming a solid defensive unit, and we’re scoring with regularity. We’ve had a generous run of fixtures, so I’m not going to get carried away, but we’re winning the fixtures we should be winning and we’re picking up points way from home. I’m excited for the next few months.

It’s fine to refer to their attackers as black to identify them! I’m not sure if the names but the left winger in particular was good. We’d so easily have lost that a few weeks ago.

 

[derek]

I liked the way we battled, won second balls and passed the ball around, particularly in midfield, keeping possession is a good thing, whatever anyone else says. Was worried that the defence would be upset by the change but no problems except a couple of mistakes by Curtis - one led to their disallowed goal - lucky let off. Thought Sam Long was very good, pleased for him.

Obviously there's a problem with the final ball. Harvey didn't do anything wrong but the change up top made no difference whatsoever so for me it's the decision making at the front. Too many overhit passes, poor crosses, not passing.

That apart I enjoyed today, wasn't a penalty but it's about time we got a decision.

Not a great crowd but meant we were on the a34 before Bazza was on the radio - unheard of! A win is a win and we're above the line - COYY!

 

[holdsteady]

Seen people say it was a soft penalty, there goalie makes blatant and clear contact with Brownes leg when the ball has gone past him, doesn’t matter how much and doesn’t matter that Browne isn’t going to get the ball, that’s a stone wall penalty. It was a stupid one to give away but it was a spot kick.

 

[DreamInYellow]

Robinson - 'we throw Sam Long in todaybecause different circumstances dont allow you to play the team you want'. Why does he keep coming out with this stuff? Sam must have been delighted with his start today and in one thoughtless comment he's deflated his tyres. That's not how you get the most out of people or your squad. Mapp would have said somthing kike 'He's been training hard and deserved his opportunity today. Glad results are on the turn but it is a bugbear of mjne the way KR keeps running players down in interviews.

 

[Deleted member 222]

Just got back to Chester. I dull game that only came to life after 70 minutes.

Both teams in the first half were dreadful. I thought over all Long, Dickie, Mous and Brannagan were good today. Holmes was awful, shellfish and clumsy. Henry was also poor and before the penalty you wouldn’t of realised he was on the pitch. I think we can safely say Smith will be returned as he offered nothing.

On the penalty it was a stone wall one from where I was stood.

It’s a big positive that we managed to grind out a win as a few months back we would of lost that.

 

[Foley]

Absolute classic. Give me your assessment of the first half then, if you were there.
Excuse me, but at half time that was a fair reflection. It was the same old, same old.
Second half, different story, great result, and we overwhelmed them.
It's taken so long to post, because that's the drive I have to do. Some of us have longer journeys than other. Well those of us that went anyway.

Yes I went as I do most weeks.
I think your summary was nonsense. Well done for your longer journey.

 

[Foley]

I wasn’t impressed with Bradbury. I feel people want to love him because he’s not obika or Smith, but he really didn’t do that much when he cane on. Beaten in the air frequently and made a few poor first touches. Those are forgivable - but what I really didn’t like was how he seemed like he came on with the intention of ‘getting in the defenders faces’ and was outsmarted by two more experienced pros. Nearly got pulled into an unnecessary scuffle that could have seen him sent off.

A really good brief of Bradbury's game.

I don't agree with much of what you say but mind of agree with that.
Bradbury was fine but looked nowhere near ready ( although more ready than Smith does,)

 

[ttg17]

Thought that was a really poor game. A serious lack of quality on display from both sides. Nonetheless I'd have taken a scrappy 1-0 win before the game, so mustn't grumble too much I suppose.

Standout performers for me were Dickie and Mousinho. The former handled their 9 very well, and the latter did yet another brilliant job of shielding the back four whilst also offering a calming influence when we were in possession (not that it rubbed off on the others).

Honourable mentions go to Sam Long (who once again came in and didn't let anyone down. Setting aside the threat McMahon offers from set pieces, I actually think Long is a better player. Hopefully he can prove so over the course of the next few matches), and Brannagan (who I think is slowly starting to prove the type of player he can be).

On the whole though I thought our attacking play was woeful. There was no flow whatsoever. Once again it was a case of give it to Holmes or Browne and hope they can produce a moment of magic. I can't recall one occasion where we successfully got in behind their defence with a neat passing move.

Also, everything just felt so flat today. The atmosphere was even more subdued than it has been recently, and there didn't seem to be much of a celebration in the stands at full time. I think the uncertainty off of the pitch it contributing massively to this. The Kassam feels less of a home than it ever has, and it's really not clear who's actually in charge of the club. It would be really nice to know the direction things are going in so that we as a fan base have something to get behind.

I said I wasn't going to grumble but I suppose I have. Don't mean to bring the mood down after a win. It's just how I see things at the moment.

I wonder if this is maybe the wrong way round. I get the sense that both Holmes and Browne WANT to go it themselves, so once they get the ball they just go for it, rather than the team expecting it of them. And to be fair to them, they both had a few moments of individual brilliance today (that Browne Ronaldo chip on his defender second half was filthy). But as I say, I think we actually looked better when Holmes came off and Henry and Brannagan were part of the attacking three.

I know it’s perhaps a stupid comparison to draw, but my mind is drawn to the Manchester City game this year. Each one of their attacking players could probably have beaten us on their own consistently, but the consistent team dynamic, the way they played as one cohesive unit, was what made them unbelievable.

 

[MJB]

technically he's not ours, as he's only arrived this season, but I totally agree with the sentiment

I believe the point is that he is ours i.e. he's not a loan.

 

[PQ]

DSW said "Holmes was awful, shellfish and clumsy."... I heard he had very sore mussels and simply clammed up.

 

[Oufc28]

Hi Bob. Yep, a decent result today. No complaints from me.

Defence solid. Blunt as anything up front.

Just out of interest if you thought we were blunt upfront today what did you make of gills?