Home Match Day Thread +++ 19/04/2019 OUFC v Charlton Athletic Match Day Thread +++

[Oldman159]

Just watched the highlights. (Yes, Oi woz at the game today, Jerome) and am watching Norwich Sheffield Wednesday. In both games the goalies took the ball outside the area. Eastwood was backtracking and the other one was coming forward....

1 red, and 1 yellow.

Don't you just love the consistency of. Officials? Perhaps Dermott Gallagher will comment on Ref Watch. I'm not holding my breath though.

 

[The Curragh Of Kildare]

What a match and what a great atmosphere. Always more satisfying to come from behind and silence a vocal away following!

We looked to be totally outclassed for the first 15 minutes but a great bit of skill by the hugely promising Sykes, a wonder finish by Nelson and top quality free kick by the 'born again' Garbutt. Sat with my son and, just before he took it, I reminded him of a free kick Garbutt took in his first pre season match for us in Ireland which went twenty yards over the bar and out of the ground. Predicted this one would fly in the top corner and it duly did!

World class double save by Stevens (the block with his left hand was exceptional), the two centre backs were immense (we have to push out the financial boat to re-sign Curtis) and the full backs are both heroes - great to see both Josh and Sam get standing ovations from the entire ground when making their long distance runs in injury time.

Sinclair ran himself into the ground as did Brannagan, and James Henry worked his socks off too. Only player arguably not at his best was Kashi. Brave decision to take him off and replace him with Mackie when we were down a man at that point but it worked a treat.

Whilst the ref made Mike Dean look like a shrinking violet, thought he got the major decisions right - clearly a penalty for them and a red card for Eastwood (the lack of protests by our players for both decisions tells the tale). If anything their straight red was harsh but he dived in at pace right in front of the ref which is never a good idea.

Best player for Charlton by far was their no 17 Aribo. Although, as someone near me put it, he dives more than Tom Daley, he was excellent for them - won the penalty, set up their chance which led to the great save in the second half and did a real number on Kashi, winning the ball off him on several occasions. Even chased back to make a goal saving tackle near the end. Quick feet, tricky and a real threat. Would have him over Lyle Taylor any day of the week.

 

[ZeroTheHero]

I agree about their no 17. Everything they did well went through him. I thought he faded badly as an actual goal threat though as the match went on.

 

[brassmonkey]

Loved the rugby tackle mackie did on their player while he was holding the ball up in the corner flag. Brilliant.

 

[Gary Baldi]

Yes, but does he have his own room?

Yes, he has a shrine to Dean where he worships at the altar each night.

 

[Gary Baldi]

The penalty was harsh - certainly considering the last home game where Whyte was on the end of a massive shove in the box and it wasn't given. I'm not sure why such an officious Ref was so lenient on Charlton players diving. He warned 17 twice to stop it, but proved to be all bark and no bite.

The reason we struggled early on was their formation and what we were playing. Once we went back to the norm, we suddenly got a grip of the game and the players looked comfortable.

 

[Scotchegg]

Charlton are clearly a decent team, and in the first 10 minutes we looked like it was going to be a typical end of season game when only one team has anything to play for. But like with recent weeks, we started doing the ugly things better. Kashi hassled, and despite not being to the same standard as recently, he disrupted Charlton. Brannaghan and Henry were also busy if not outstanding, and Garbutt and Sykes also pulled in a little to regain control of the midfield. Once we started getting that control, we seemed able to burst forward in all directions to support Sinclair who ran himself into the ground. Henry got forward and was sometimes guilty of taking the space Sinclair had, Sykes ran time and time again against their fullback and Garbutt also pushed their winger back.

As someone else mentioned, Nelson could have cleared the carpark 9 times out of 10 but absolutely buried it. Then Garbutt seemed to be offered half the goal to aim at but hit it with pace to give the keeper no chance. It was great to hear the could sing "Robbo, Robbo, what's the score" in reply to Charlton's earlier attempt, and it felt like a bit of a turning point with many fans seeming to recognise the changes in Robinson. On that note, he spoke with my daughter for ages before the game and really cares about the club and the fans. He might not be everyone's cup of splosh, but we could do a hell of a lot worse!

After taking the lead, I can't remember a point when I thought we'd concede. Dickie's distribution wasn't great, but alongside Nelson they cleaned up pretty much everything that came into the box. Long and Ruffels were again excellent at the back and with two long busting runs in the last couple of minutes.

As good as Sykes was, he was a luxury we could afford to be without so I guessed he'd be the one to make way for Eastwood's sloppiness (still not sure if it deserved a red!). Then Mackie came on to do what he does best.

All in all, a great game and gave plenty of reasons to look forward to next season. A few weeks ago we would have been expected to bring in two new full backs and a back up keeper (amongst others) in the summer. Long and Ruffels should hold their places and Jack Stevens has proved himself ready to back up Eastwood. I've heard that a couple of clubs expected to pick up Nelson are holding back (Sunderland?) so maybe there is a chance of keeping him after all? A 3 year deal, club captain and a big wedge of cash might sweeten any deal. We could be looking at £300k+ to get a like for like replacement or playing the waiting game for anyone out of contract so it might be worth chucking a big chunk of that his way to keep a settled back 4.

Garbutt, Kashi, Sinclair, Graham and Browne could all be available next year, and all appear very happy here. You would think that we would be at the front of the queue for any loan extensions or permanent deals if the asking prices were reasonable. Anyone should look at our form over the last couple of months and do everything possible to keep this going for next season. Either way, hats off to everyone who has put together this run and given us something to cheer this season. It's been a tough 18 months at the club but maybe we are finally on the way up.

 

[Mellowyellow]

From what I've seen he's not ready

When have you managed to see him play?

 

[Shaun Rice]

Great performance yet again! Playing with some real confidence and defending so well.
If only we could keep this team together and add to it in the summer and hit the ground running the next!
One gripe, Sinclair should’ve put the game to bed. Three 1 vs 1 chances and he didn’t get a single shot away! But perhaps should’ve had a pen.
But front to back great game.

 

[Common Villager]

Brilliant match today, thoroughly enjoyable. Every player battled incredibly hard and I think we deserved the win.

I've really not been a fan of Garbutt (never referred to him as Garbage, mind), but today he had by far his best game for the club.

Robinson really has done a fantastic job in turning the ship around. I'm much happier going into next season with him as manager now. I just hope he gets the recruitment right over the summer.

Looking forward to Shrewsbury away now!

COYY

 

[Foley]

When have you managed to see him play?

U23 games,?
I saw him.play v Hull.
He wasnt particularly good when I saw him play.

 

[werthersoriginal]

Robinson had some foul abuse earlier in the season, some of it from people still posting. Some have handsomely recanted, others need to have a look at themselves. I still don’t think he’s the man to get us into the championship, but we haven’t got the money anyway. He’s a pretty decent and professional league 1 manager and that will do fine for now

 

[Barbadosyellow]

As above. And his heart seems to be with the club. He deserves another season to show what he can deliver in a settled environment.

 

[BigCrompy]

He probably (and I state again, probably) went for the interpretation of:

"DENYING A GOAL OR AN OBVIOUS GOAL-SCORING OPPORTUNITY.

Agree 100% on both counts.

Drysdale has gotten himself excited about an opportunity to utilise an obscure rule, failed to count to 10 and use his loaf.

I’d need to see it again but would anticipate that Taylor had pretty much abandoned the contest when Eastwood beat him to it.

Drysdale has further let himself down by then failing to adequately punish a more obvious example of “denying a goal-scoring opportunity” 15 minutes later...based on the irrelevant occurrence that the ball then broke to Garbutt who (actually pulled up a bit before he) fluffed his lines. If you’re not going to punish cynical fouls Mr Drysdale, then they become a legitimate tactic in certain circumstances. Not what the game wants.

 

[West Oxon U’s]

 

[horseman]

Agree 100% on both counts.

Drysdale has gotten himself excited about an opportunity to utilise an obscure rule, failed to count to 10 and use his loaf.

I’d need to see it again but would anticipate that Taylor had pretty much abandoned the contest when Eastwood beat him to it.

Drysdale has further let himself down by then failing to adequately punish a more obvious example of “denying a goal-scoring opportunity” 15 minutes later...based on the irrelevant occurrence that the ball then broke to Garbutt who (actually pulled up a bit before he) fluffed his lines. If you’re not going to punish cynical fouls Mr Drysdale, then they become a legitimate tactic in certain circumstances. Not what the game wants.

Is that not the point though?, the officials have 1 look in real time to make a split second decision. Officials make the decision (no need for that stupid var system) and everyone get's on with the game.

 

[Winchesterox]

Is that not the point though?, the officials have 1 look in real time to make a split second decision. Officials make the decision (no need for that stupid var system) and everyone get's on with the game.

Apart from Eastwood...

 

[LondonRoader]

I think the Eastwood sending off helped us, first half charlton were a very good side, moving the ball quickly around the park.
After the sending off and the introduction of Stevens, the players upped their game the crowd got more involved, we are good at defending and don't concede many goals, charlton didn't help themselves by slowing their tempo down and trying to unpick our two banks of four, this played into our hands, yes they did have a chance or two until the ref evened the player count up and we became more offensive again, great game to watch.

 

[Oxford84]

I think the Eastwood sending off helped us, first half charlton were a very good side, moving the ball quickly around the park.
After the sending off and the introduction of Stevens, the players upped their game the crowd got more involved, we are good at defending and don't concede many goals, charlton didn't help themselves by slowing their tempo down and trying to unpick our two banks of four, this played into our hands, yes they did have a chance or two until the ref evened the player count up and we became more offensive again, great game to watch.

The change they made at half time when they put 2 up front seemed to make them worse.Williams.Taylor and Aribo had a really good first half but second half hardly got into the game at all.

 

[yellowbow]

The change they made at half time when they put 2 up front seemed to make them worse.Williams.Taylor and Aribo had a really good first half but second half hardly got into the game at all.

I was really impressed with Aribo in the first half,he was making them tick. But when they brought the second striker on at half time ( did he really play for us..?!) they moved Aribo out to the wing which pretty much ended his influence. Poor management decision in hindsight

 

[Marked Ox]

I would like to add that Nelson really stood up as a leader yesterday. Taking control, talking to players when things went wrong and encouraging them. Fantastic from him on top of his excellent personal performance.

 

[BigCrompy]

Is that not the point though?, the officials have 1 look in real time to make a split second decision. Officials make the decision (no need for that stupid var system) and everyone get's on with the game.

It kinda IS the point, you’re right.

Given only one chance and no VAR at this level should ideally encourage referees to take a deep breath, count to 10...perhaps consult their linos...and not hastily have their red cards ready on a hair-trigger.

Looking at the replay shows that Lyle Taylor had ABSOLUTELY abandoned his chase on that particular ball forward and had taken a step back towards midfield, ready for Eastwood’s punt.

Not, then, a goal-scoring chance and therefore an unnecessary and narcissistic decision.

 

[holdsteady]

Cracking game yesterday, most exciting of the season for me. Dickie and Nelson were immense, Ruffles last minute run showed that he is one of the fittest players in the division (shame he didn’t add to his late goal collection), I thought Henry had his best game in ages as well.

It’s a shame we didn’t start the season with this team as I think we would be going into the last few games looking for wins to get into the playoffs, we have turned a relegation battle last month into a good chance to come top half by the end of April, it’s a bit annoying but it really shows how important the start of the season is, we have been handicapped by not turning up until mid October.

 

[Marked Ox]

Anybody complaining about KR's interviews needs to listen to Lee Bowyer! He'd send you to sleep it is that dull sounding.

Bowyer reckoned they could have been 5 or 6 up, I'm not sure what game he was watching!

Also, Bowyer said he was shouting for handball when the red card challenge for them happened, although he did say he didn't know if it hit the hand. Not a handball imo, to use the parlance from VAR, the arm was in a natural position by his side.

 

[West Oxon U’s]

Worth watching for the Oxford goals , the Stevens double save and Ruffels’ little lollipop at the death.

 

[AbbeyOx]

think the debate on Long and Ruffels not being good enough to be first choice full backs should be over now. I was waiting to see how they would get on against an in form team and watching them yesterday convinced me they're both easily good enough and the more they play the better they're getting. as 'long' as Long can stay free from injury he's looking like a good rb

 

[Marked Ox]

Worth watching for the Oxford goals , the Stevens double save and Ruffels’ little lollipop at the death.

His summing up at the end was fantastically one eyed. We didn't have any shots/chances in the 2nd half apparently, I must have dreamed Garbutt having a shot saved and Jerome Sinclair going through on goal.

He also overplayed their shots on goal/attacking play in the 2nd half, with the only saves of note being the double save and save from Lyle Taylor by Jack Stevens. They had a lot of ball but created very little due to an excellent defensive performance.

I agree with his summary of the 1st half mind.

Nice angle to see Nelse's and Garbutt's goals.

 

[gingerox]

Eastwood - 6. Slightly harsh I guess but can only remember him making one or two saves.
Long - 7. Couple of minor mistakes but otherwise solid. Contributed a few times offensively as well.
Nelson - 10. Wow, what a performance. Put the penalty behind him, brilliant finish and defensive masterclass. Lost count of number of blocks he made.
Dickie - 8. Complete contrast to the reverse fixture, looks so composed bringing the ball out now as well.
Ruffels - 8. Can't remember him putting a foot wrong. What a run late on.
Kashi - 6. Seemed slightly off it, but still had an effective game.
Sykes - 9. Always looking to make something happen, won the corner and free kick for the goals. Had their defense worried throughout.
Brannagan - 8. My player of the season. Always looking to press and get on the ball.
Garbutt - 9. Fantastic assist, even better goal. Works so hard defensively as well.
Sinclair - 6. Frustrating. Must have been tiring playing the isolated role but should have scored at least one.

Stevens - 9. Pulled off a contender for save(s) of the season, looked commanding and confident. Looking forward to him getting more time.
Mackie - 7. Played his part to perfection, wish we could have had him 5 years younger. Special mention for his patting their captain on the a**e after nearly getting him sent off.
Hanson - 6. Can't recall him doing much, but didn't get much chance. Hope he gets some time before season end.

Robinson - 10. Obviously had an advantage knowing Charlton better than most, but we restricted them to barely any chances and he deserves all the credit. Was questioning his subs, Mackie for Kashi especially, but definitely paid off.

Ref - 7. Pen was 50:50, can see why it was given. Think Eastwood should have been sent off, unlike their man, which I think was the only big decision he got wrong. As KR said, the advantage late on prevented another red. Could have booked one of them for diving.

 

[gingerox]

Stevens - 9. Pulled off a contender for save(s) of the season, looked commanding and confident. Looking forward to him getting more time.

 

[Marked Ox]

Jack Stevens deservedly looking chuffed.

Also, I'm guessing maths isn't the strong point of the genius Charlton fan with his comment below it.