suewhistle

I should add something more intellectual so, leaving aside the dribbling how cleanly he strikes a ball!

**** me!

You're very kind! Just watched the highlights: some cracking goals and a fair few Saints fans from the sound of it.

So did I. Perhaps somebody is blue, white and yellow colour blind? Or wasn't there? Or drunk?

I suspect keeping Long on was slightly caused by the loss of Livramento and a forced use of a sub. I suspect it was always planned that Tella would be substituted since as we saw he is not fully match fit after his injury. Stuart may not have started as we've all seen that he hasn't been 100% recently. Salisu will make it I reckon, but yesterday showed that there will be some blips along the way: I just wish he had a stronger CB partner to play with. Perhaps he can ask the Imam for dispensation on match days so he can eat and drink properly, as his concentration seems to be lacking at the moment.

Thanks..

This is probably the most interesting group, although I don't recall having seen Small play. All of them do have potential. I like the way Diallo and Smallbone move, surprisingly quick over the short distances that are so important in midfield. The former is still adapting to the Premier and the latter coming back from a very long injury so I haven't given up hope. Armstrong maybe just a confidence thing like Adams when he came to us and Tella has the pace, and I feel a bit more to him than Obafemi. We undoubtedly need fresh blood but I try to maintain a degree of positivity, and I'd hate to be as drip, drip, drip negative as some on here.

Perhaps he means he can't be openly racist, sexist, homophobic and gratuitously offensive?

I'd agree. A neutral in the pub I watched the game in made the comment that Hassenhutl seems OK when we are doing well but doesn't seem to be so able when we are not, and was suggesting that he was probably too nice with the team. I said maybe he said more in the privacy of the changing rooms, but it was interesting that he had that perspective. As to team selection I really don't know. S. Armstrong needs a rest as he just doesn't look sharp, and trying things that would have succeeded earlier in the season but now half a yard too slow. Maybe Salisu has been afflicted with the issue that led to his delayed introduction to the team? Up front neither the departing Broja or Long are starters, but the alternatives are meh too, so maybe give Tella a chance? With both Stuart and more so Ely there's a lack of pace, and it's a more useful attribute when the flow has gone. Although a bit lightweight I think it's the one thing Smallbone has going for him. I'm just glad I'm not picking the team...

Well enough! Only one poster though, and he's posted on this thread a number of times! Saveloy Mush probably knows who I mean. 🙂

Both of Iceland's games at the Manchester City Academy ground have sold out, but that's the FA for you. The FA banned women from playing at FA affiliated grounds within my lifetime up to the 1970s..

I'm sure there's a degree of good natured rivalry. I'm involved with a team the other side of Portsmouth where there are no other Saints supporters but quite a few go to Portsmouth games and I get a bit of ribbing, but it's all good natured. I'll probably turn up to our next training session with a Saints shirt on and a big grin, just to get them going. 🙂

Although Pompey hit the outside of the post and had a shot tipped over towards the end as they applied a bit of pressure there was never any real danger. Saints were guilty of a few tired passes later on but were still working hard. Some good players in Saint's team who will be fine at a higher level. I particularly like Millie Mott. Pompey had a few players who'd be fine at a lower level, like their no 23. The keeper and 13 stood out for them.

2 Rendall

A record for the women, unsurprisingly! Beating Pompey's 1450, as I forecast.

5145 attendance

Saints all over them. Pharaoh the goal but we really should have more. Their keeper has been sharp but they have a few weak links and Saints have the pace and sharpness.

Outside looks like a decent crowd for this level. Even some Pompey fans in the Chapel Arms, but fortunately, they tell, no Westwood. Thank goodness, _they_ said!

Yep, generating a good atmosphere..

More than there were at Fratton (1450), judging from when I bought my ticket yesterday..

Thanks for reminding me, I've just booked. They'd better win otherwise I'll get grief from all the Pompey supporters I know!

Hmm.. I'd better go and see how many recharges my car might need to get there!

Can we buy on the gate on Wednesday? I've just offered a lift on my team group chat: apologies but I thought a few Pompey fans should see us get promoted. 😉

Woo hoo! Keep us posted. I might try and make the Wednesday game. We played a friendly the other day and had a Portsmouth squad member play for us: a different level to the rest of our low level Hampshire League side but an interesting indicator as to how the game is developing.

Yep, I noted those and thought that may be why he's a bit mad, going around mildly concussed all the time.. I know it's not a joking matter and I did slightly wince at some of the headers.. It's good to see the team can play to a different and disciplined plan. I'm a Saints supporter so was expecting an equaliser any moment, but I was gradually getting more relaxed as the game went on, not more tense. Valery seems to have recovered his form, and has a bit of pace, so it's good to have him as an option again, although I would prefer him further forward. FF actually left his goal line well, as well as those blocking saves he makes so well. Goodness knows what we'll do for goalkeeping next year..