suewhistle

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..

https://www.theguardian.com/football/2022/apr/08/thomas-tuchel-angry-chelsea-players-real-madrid Let's just hope we're not the bounce back victims..

Why not have two accounts like some other posters. Then you could support yourself or disagree with yourself depending which side of bed you got out of that morning, or even how Dom played in his last game?

Ha. I've been so traumatised by him I got his surname wrong. At least you knew who I meant! 🙂

Mike Read involved in some way?

What are the golf courses like around Hampshire? Let's face it, we aren't going to compete on money terms. As for quality, I watched the last Wales game.. I know he was motivated, but if that is unfit then he still has a fair bit to offer. Unlikely but an interesting discussion point over a drink..

Woo hoo! I was playing yesterday and forgot to check when I got back. The more I look at it it really does seem a shame that only one team go up since the top clubs in both divisions seem so worthy both on and off the pitch.

Talking of media coverage, the easiest way to follow the U-23s is via Master Bates' posts on this forum, so I think they need to up their game all round! I quite like your idea of an earlier mid-week kick-off, but the occasional game before the main event on a Saturday would get a good crowd and sell more beer and pies. I've added a local link to the Euros, let's hope it does stimulate more interest. But compared when I was young it's like chalk and cheese. It would be good to have more qualified coaches, as some of the girls trying out football for the first time at the lower levels really don't have much experience with the kickabout stuff the lads have probably engaged in. These days team creches would also be welcomed, as our young mums find it a struggle, and retaining their experience would be really useful! https://visitsouthampton.co.uk/womenseuro?utm_ID=&utm_medium=email&utm_name=&utm_source=govdelivery

I think that you post some good points. It should be pointed out that Ipswich have some paid players under contract. But making the jump to a higher level is not possible without a bit of investment. The commitment of these players is much higher than at the grass roots level I play where we are sometimes short because, for example, someone has been called to do overtime and aren't financially in the position to refuse it. We didn't play one of the Isle of Wight teams and conceded three points because we couldn't raise a team due to both cost of getting there and the time commitment. Incidentally, most (all?) women's football plays on a Sunday which means many of the potential crowd aren't able to make it as they are playing themselves. Obviously Lord Duckhunter is really interested in women's football as he comes on here a fair bit... But his 19th C attitudes are a sad indication of what the women's game has to put up with. I can't be the only poster who thinks his attitudes generally are a bit sad really, but I find ignoring him the best option as he rarely makes a useful contribution to any debate in which he is involved. I'm looking forward to Euro 2022 and hope there's a good buzz in the city when the three games are played here. Women's football in Southampton goes back a hundred years and the SeaCity museum is going to host an exhibition on the history of women's football in Southampton.