saintstowin

Along with the great individual goals which are the type to usually win, we've scored some great team goals where we've moved the ball all the way from the gk or defence culminating in a goal. I wish my memory wasn't completely failing me for more examples, the Larin goal v Ipswich was of that type.

I can't decide about team selection so I'm leaving it to Tonda this week. My feelings include the usual....worried about tiredness/injuries, wanting to finish 4th if we can, rather end with a win etc etc. I haven't counted but estimate we've got around 20 players who can do a very good job, maybe 16/17 of those we can totally rely on and they play regularly. Of course that includes ones we really need for the Play Offs. I would consider having a few more of the more regular starters on the bench (Bree, Scienza, Charles, THB, Azaz, Larin) for varying reasons. But I don't want to see anyone left home unless injured, or too much change that makes a result hard to achieve.

Frustrating not to be in the mix for 2nd but we all know how far we've come. Just run out of season. I thought we were a little indecisive at the back today, particularly THB wanting too long on the ball. Charles getting 90 was strange based on his effectiveness. However Ipswich were good and it was a cracking game. Some immense efforts out there, Jander stands out. Great save at the end too. Manning is odd at times but his contributions tonight led to two goals. And Larin is looking bang in form. Azaz just kept going and going. We're tired and Tonda will manage the squad for Preston and then the fun starts!

On the way home. Sick as a few parrots but what a great performance. I haven't read back to get the consensus but I thought Jander was superb. And everyone was so committed, and under that kind of pressure too, brilliant. Wood stood out too. But they were all Saints today. When we could we tried to use the ball intelligently which is so hard against them. So unlucky with their equaliser. Need to keep this team together.

From pitch body language Wood starting. He seemed to be wanting time alone to get in the zone! Or maybe just prefers his own company.

I admit I didn't have football fans concerned about the shade of their shirt and it being a bit bright on my bingo card, but we're a discerning bunch after all. 😄

Yeah I picked up on that. I really hope we go with the most obvious replacement for Manning (Welington). And please don't muck around with different formations at the back - that must be unlikely. I hope. I'd also be surprised if Wood didn't play (if Stephens is unfit which looks likely). Quarshie's pace might be tempting but he's had so few minutes. If Tonda keeps us guessing that is good news because they won't know either. If they even care!

I wonder if he'll go with a similar line up/formation to Cov away and sacrifice some width/attacking. I can see the temptation given the opposition. However we went the usual way against both Fulham and Arsenal and played really well and we're much more used to this, so I hope it's that direction he goes. Should be fun.

Didn't play well but a draw like this at any earlier stage of the season is an 'oh well not our day'. I saw tired players and unfortunately the starting team didn't set the tempo and we couldn't catch up. The slipping was ridiculous, not sure what went on there. And the passing and control of the ball was well off our high standards. But we came from behind twice. An amazing run and still unbeaten. Need to be more on it on Saturday.

Bad half but we can win. Charles having a very bad game. Looks tired. Should come off especially now booked. Need width. No urgency. I appreciate tiredness but I worry if there's a bit of an eye on Saturday too.

Is Wood a late replacement?

Me and my boy are definitely wearing ours!

It's not overly helpful that the club website page about semi final tickets still refers to a sell out and doesn't mention these additional tickets.

Crikey it's close. The draw today can't be sniffed at. Ipswich and Millwall 4 points from the last 9 available. Middlesbrough 3 points. We know what we've got in that same set of games. We're gaining. We're in with a shout.

I'd go for Duncan's brother Charlie in case it goes to extra time and we need his stamina.