Saints 0-0 Skates - Match Thread

[trousers]

A manager that seems well suited to the club he manages... #portsmyths

 

 

[Jack]

Just watching it back, my god the first half was awful. With that front 4, what the fuck are we doing just pumping it long into the channels? I thought once Will got the creative players he wanted, we’d look to play through the lines? They’ve really let us down here and we didn’t deserve any more than a point.
 

Referee was absolutely atrocious, again. But that’s every week in this league and can’t blame him for the result. We need to improve very quickly 

[Football Special]

2 minutes ago, trousers said:

A manager that seems well suited to the club he manages... #portsmyths

 

 

Clearly Fellows was trying to win the ball that he was entitled to go for! 

[tdmickey3]

9 minutes ago, trousers said:

A manager that seems well suited to the club he manages... #portsmyths

 

 

He is just playing up to the the inbreds

Edited 9 hours ago by tdmickey3

[SouSaint]

1 minute ago, Football Special said:

Clearly Fellows was trying to win the ball that he was entitled to go for! 

It wasn't even a foul, the Pompey left back dived. 

[OldNick]

13 minutes ago, trousers said:

A manager that seems well suited to the club he manages... #portsmyths

 

 

He left the player who was laid out, on the pitch until half time then said he had badly damaged neck. It is a badly worded interview and can only ramp things up next time, perhaps thats what he wants. Not blaming for his keeper going totally AWOL who would have smashed the defender anyway. 

[AlexLaw76]

At least Dawson had a good time

 

[OldNick]

They know the art of falling over and screaming, the one where Flynn was booked . jumpped in the air and screamed. Time and again they under the slightest of touches went down, and the ref fell for it. All part of the plan to disrupt any flow of the game and of course their 2nd keeper went down and got the trainer on after wehad a bit of momentum 

[OldNick]

1 minute ago, AlexLaw76 said:

At least Dawson had a good time

 

the sooner he gets banned the better IMO. I know some like him but he is out for publicity. I like him less than Westwood FFS

[AlexLaw76]

1 minute ago, OldNick said:

They know the art of falling over and screaming, the one where Flynn was booked . jumpped in the air and screamed. Time and again they under the slightest of touches went down, and the ref fell for it. All part of the plan to disrupt any flow of the game and of course their 2nd keeper went down and got the trainer on after wehad a bit of momentum 

Kinda of like Scienza when he came on 

[OldNick]

Just now, AlexLaw76 said:

Kinda of like Scienza when he came on 

It wasnt in our interests to slow the play down, and so no it wasnt

[AlexLaw76]

2 minutes ago, OldNick said:

It wasnt in our interests to slow the play down, and so no it wasnt

Ah right, they wanted to win also.

as for Fellows… I am sure we would be having a similar view to them if say Murphy was potentially involved with injuring 2 of our players

they were better than us. Swap the managers round, we win that game

it was pathetic from saints (and Still)

Edited 9 hours ago by AlexLaw76

[saintant]

23 minutes ago, trousers said:

A manager that seems well suited to the club he manages... #portsmyths

 

 

Complete and utter over the top bullshit - it wasn't even a foul.

[Lighthouse]

10 minutes ago, AlexLaw76 said:

At least Dawson had a good time

 

The idiot isn’t even a talented dancer of any sort. It’s like some guy setting up a YouTube channel called, “Mr Soccer Skills,” then unironically uploading a video of himself doing five keepie uppies and sending it to everyone he knows.

[tdmickey3]

25 minutes ago, OldNick said:

the sooner he gets banned the better IMO. I know some like him but he is out for publicity. I like him less than Westwood FFS

He has learning difficulties, you tosser

[SotonianWill]

44 minutes ago, AlexLaw76 said:

At least Dawson had a good time

 

P*sses me off how embarrassing he is. Chicken feed for the Skates. The walk out was embarrassing and long enough, but having to watch that whilst waiting was excruciating. 

 

Should be banned for dancing like a muppet (or something like that). 

[Kenilworthy59]

Was I the only one embarrassed by the special Portsmouth themed video shown just before kick-off and the Beattie flag? Its the sort of tin-pot behaviour that we might expect from the Skates and not unlike what happened at Brighton in 2011. The club should be above this sort of thing, especially as the most likely outcome is to wind up the away fans even more.

[Saint_clark]

1 hour ago, trousers said:

A manager that seems well suited to the club he manages... #portsmyths

 

 

Wasn't even a foul, what a tosser. 

[Wurzel]

3 hours ago, franniesTache said:

It was the worst skate away end i think i've ever seen, so many replica shirts and very few lads, also the collective age looked about 13.

Almost no needle from them and they seemed properly meek and wilted really quickly. Also what they did sing was pretty much the league two song book.

Thought the bit of the chapel next to them was decent, not exactly loads of songs but did it''s job and was a good mixture of older and younger lads.

I'm not normally a fan of them but thought the Beattie flag was actually pretty decent, but for the most part you simply don't hear the northam from the other end of the ground so there's nothing for the away fans to bounce off and i assume the same the other way round

I was in Chapel in the block closest to them. First time I've been that end since the creation of the "Northam Wall". On at least 2 occasions you could see literally the whole end - which is what? 8000? -  had hands above their heads clapping in unison which looked impressive, yet from the other end I had no idea what they were singing. Not a criticism of the fans, but we're never going to create an intimdating atmosphere if the layout/architecture of the stadium acoustically stops noise from reaching the other end.

[franniesTache]

30 minutes ago, Wurzel said:

I was in Chapel in the block closest to them. First time I've been that end since the creation of the "Northam Wall". On at least 2 occasions you could see literally the whole end - which is what? 8000? -  had hands above their heads clapping in unison which looked impressive, yet from the other end I had no idea what they were singing. Not a criticism of the fans, but we're never going to create an intimdating atmosphere if the layout/architecture of the stadium acoustically stops noise from reaching the other end.

Yup that's exactly my point, in fact i think most away fans are going to walk away from st mary's saying it's a shit atmosphere because of that fact. I personally think moving the away fans is probably the single worst mistake the club have done.

[Turkish]

2 hours ago, saintant said:

Complete and utter over the top bullshit - it wasn't even a foul.

Just watched the highlight again with a clear head. The ref was bloody awful gave Pompey free kicks every time one of their players went down, the booking of Jander was ridiculous, didn't even touch him plus 4-5 other blatant dives which he gave every time.  It didn't cost us the win as we werent good enough but it certainly didn't help the game as spectacle. 

[EssEffCee]

36 minutes ago, Wurzel said:

I was in Chapel in the block closest to them. First time I've been that end since the creation of the "Northam Wall". On at least 2 occasions you could see literally the whole end - which is what? 8000? -  had hands above their heads clapping in unison which looked impressive, yet from the other end I had no idea what they were singing. Not a criticism of the fans, but we're never going to create an intimdating atmosphere if the layout/architecture of the stadium acoustically stops noise from reaching the other end.

Yeah this is a massive issue. You simply can't hear the northam from the other end of the ground (and similarly can't hear the away fans from the northam).

So this move of away fans to apparently 'improve the atmosphere' (anyone sane knows that wasn't the real reason) has in actuality made it far worse.

Agreed yesterday there were a few times you could see the northam singing in unison but on the whole it still looks like multiple pockets rather than one big end.

Which is how it felt being in there last season.

[Francis1947]

Enough beens said on this thread about the match and the tactics of the Saints side yesterday. 

But may I ask other fans opinions about some things that happened in the second half please?

We improved a little in the second half, I think we all agree.

Manning got further forward and along with the wee Man and Fellows, I think put about half a dozen crosses into their box. Most had a good dip and missed the first man and were of a good height.

Stewart who had come on for the last 20 called to get on the end of a single one !

Now isn't that one of his strengths and one of the reasons he was bought.

Ive been watching Saints since 1960. The days first of George Kirby and then the magnificent Ron Davies.

I'm pretty sure both those blokes would have attacked those crosses and got on the end of at least some of them

So my question is, do you think it's down to one of 3 reasons to my mind.

1. The crosses weren't good enough ? 

2. Central defenders are more savvy now regards their positioning when crosses come in ?

3. Stewart just hasn't got the nous to position himself in the box and get on the end of these crosses ?

Interested to know other peoples views.

[malcolm waldron]

Plenty of people have expressed concerns over the manager, so I'll not add much to that one - other than to say in all 5 league games so far it's not clear (to me at least) what it is that he's trying to do.  With the previous incumbent (RM I mean) you could clearly see the intent whether you liked it or not.   But what really bothers me is that there was a long injury delay (15 mins in??) where Still could have used the opportunity to reset having got through the opening 10 minutes in a derby, got everyone calmed down and sorted out the space between players - and yet that time appeared to be wasted.  He needs to get better - and quickly.

[Francis1947]

20 minutes ago, malcolm waldron said:

Plenty of people have expressed concerns over the manager, so I'll not add much to that one - other than to say in all 5 league games so far it's not clear (to me at least) what it is that he's trying to do.  With the previous incumbent (RM I mean) you could clearly see the intent whether you liked it or not.   But what really bothers me is that there was a long injury delay (15 mins in??) where Still could have used the opportunity to reset having got through the opening 10 minutes in a derby, got everyone calmed down and sorted out the space between players - and yet that time appeared to be wasted.  He needs to get better - and quickly.

That's a very good point you make Malcolm.

He did nothing did he. Not just then when he could have reorganised the troops but throughout the entire match.

Just pure lethargy. Now I'm no fan of the look at me Managers  racing up and down the touchline,gesticulating and mouthing off but Stills demeanor yesterday mirrored the way the side played for certainly the first half.

Lethargic, slow and ponderous. 

Now it's too early for me yet to dismiss this bloke as another failed Managerial appointment. Bu the signs do not look good at the moment.

As many have said, give him mabe 5 more matches but I'm unimpressed at the moment

[CSA96]

27 minutes ago, malcolm waldron said:

Plenty of people have expressed concerns over the manager, so I'll not add much to that one - other than to say in all 5 league games so far it's not clear (to me at least) what it is that he's trying to do.  With the previous incumbent (RM I mean) you could clearly see the intent whether you liked it or not.   But what really bothers me is that there was a long injury delay (15 mins in??) where Still could have used the opportunity to reset having got through the opening 10 minutes in a derby, got everyone calmed down and sorted out the space between players - and yet that time appeared to be wasted.  He needs to get better - and quickly.

I don't really agree with the 'can't see what he's trying to do' narrative that is building - it's pretty obvious: get the ball forward quickly, use the flanks and cross the ball in the final third. It's what we've done since preseason and it's been the same in all of the competitive fixtures

We put 27 crosses in yesterday and other games have followed the same pattern. In my opinion, it's far more of a case of: I can see what he's trying to do, but they aren't doing it very well. He needs to find a way to get them to do it in a much better way, or look for alternatives

Edited 6 hours ago by CSA96

[SotonianWill]

2 hours ago, Kenilworthy59 said:

Was I the only one embarrassed by the special Portsmouth themed video shown just before kick-off and the Beattie flag? Its the sort of tin-pot behaviour that we might expect from the Skates and not unlike what happened at Brighton in 2011. The club should be above this sort of thing, especially as the most likely outcome is to wind up the away fans even more.

Felt very American

[Turkish]

11 minutes ago, CSA96 said:

I don't really agree with the 'can't see what he's trying to do' narrative that is building - it's pretty obvious: get the ball forward quickly, use the flanks and cross the ball in the final third. It's what we've done since preseason and it's been the same in all of the competitive fixtures

We put 27 crosses in yesterday and other games have followed the same pattern. In my opinion, it's far more of a case of: I can see what he's trying to do, but they aren't doing it very well. He needs to find a way to get them to do it in a much better way, or look for alternatives

That's kind of what he said he did preseason, however no point getting crosses into a tiny striker against 6 foot plus defenders

[CSA96]

6 minutes ago, Turkish said:

That's kind of what he said he did preseason, however no point getting crosses into a tiny striker against 6 foot plus defenders

Not if you're going to whack them in the air from miles away or put those irritating floating crosses in that make life far too easy for the goalkeeper. Need to be whipping the ball low across the posts or between the six yard box and the spot, with the forward actually making an angled run, rather than what we're doing now

[Wurzel]

29 minutes ago, EssEffCee said:

Yeah this is a massive issue. You simply can't hear the northam from the other end of the ground (and similarly can't hear the away fans from the northam).

So this move of away fans to apparently 'improve the atmosphere' (anyone sane knows that wasn't the real reason) has in actuality made it far worse.

Agreed yesterday there were a few times you could see the northam singing in unison but on the whole it still looks like multiple pockets rather than one big end.

Which is how it felt being in there last season.

I don't see what the location of the away fans has to do with it. I love a bit of back and forth banter with them as much as the next fan, but primarily we should be causing an atmosphere to encourage our own players and make the opposition players feel intimidated but it's hard to do that unless the sound is able to spread round the whole ground.  

If anything singing "at" the away fans only encourages them to sing louder. Best way of shutting them up is to go 2 or 3-nil up. 

 

 

 

[DT]

20 minutes ago, CSA96 said:

I don't really agree with the 'can't see what he's trying to do' narrative that is building - it's pretty obvious: get the ball forward quickly, use the flanks and cross the ball in the final third. It's what we've done since preseason and it's been the same in all of the competitive fixtures

We put 27 crosses in yesterday and other games have followed the same pattern. In my opinion, it's far more of a case of: I can see what he's trying to do, but they aren't doing it very well. He needs to find a way to get them to do it in a much better way, or look for alternatives

If a team like Portsmouth can come to us and defend our one 'tactic' with such ease and Still doesn't have the ability to see it and change it then we are in for a very poor season indeed. But don't worry, bringing on the towering figure of Adam Armstrong is always the great answer to such tactical genius.

[OVER THE HILL]

Are the two seriously injured Pompey players in hospital now or have they suddenly recovered ?

[saintant]

42 minutes ago, CSA96 said:

I don't really agree with the 'can't see what he's trying to do' narrative that is building - it's pretty obvious: get the ball forward quickly, use the flanks and cross the ball in the final third. It's what we've done since preseason and it's been the same in all of the competitive fixtures

We put 27 crosses in yesterday and other games have followed the same pattern. In my opinion, it's far more of a case of: I can see what he's trying to do, but they aren't doing it very well. He needs to find a way to get them to do it in a much better way, or look for alternatives

But why put 27 crosses in when you don't play a big man up front and have mainly players who can't head the ball? It makes no sense.

[die Mannyschaft]

1 hour ago, Francis1947 said:

Enough beens said on this thread about the match and the tactics of the Saints side yesterday. 

But may I ask other fans opinions about some things that happened in the second half please?

We improved a little in the second half, I think we all agree.

Manning got further forward and along with the wee Man and Fellows, I think put about half a dozen crosses into their box. Most had a good dip and missed the first man and were of a good height.

Stewart who had come on for the last 20 called to get on the end of a single one !

Now isn't that one of his strengths and one of the reasons he was bought.

Ive been watching Saints since 1960. The days first of George Kirby and then the magnificent Ron Davies.

I'm pretty sure both those blokes would have attacked those crosses and got on the end of at least some of them

So my question is, do you think it's down to one of 3 reasons to my mind.

1. The crosses weren't good enough ? 

2. Central defenders are more savvy now regards their positioning when crosses come in ?

3. Stewart just hasn't got the nous to position himself in the box and get on the end of these crosses ?

Interested to know other peoples views.

Some crosses were either too deep or one player with box full of defenders.

We either got down wings into great positions then no one in box or took too long and defenders back in numbers

On the high fast crosses our players were either static so no correct contact or didn't run in yo meet the ball

Could have done with one running at back post while one attacking the line the ball is coming in at 

Same for low drills in. Either not enough Saints in box or in wrong position.

It was better 2nd half, at least we could of had a deflected goal or hand ball.

 

[Dr Who?]

4 hours ago, AlexLaw76 said:

At least Dawson had a good time

 

I have no idea what is happening here, is he always in full kit? Does he ‘dance’ all the way through, or does he take requests? What is happening everyone, I’m so confused! 

[die Mannyschaft]

1 minute ago, saintant said:

But why put 27 crosses in when you don't play a big man up front and have mainly players who can't head the ball? It makes no sense.

You would think the stats would highlight that from last games. You can get all that information in EA25 why can't the manager and coaches work that out. Or do they not have a PS5

[OnceaSaintalwaysaSaint]

19 minutes ago, die Mannyschaft said:

It was better 2nd half, at least we could of had a deflected goal or hand ball.

They could have played for 2 days and the score would still have been 0-0. The only way we were going to score was through a error preferably by the keeper but we hardly tested him.

[Chez]

1 hour ago, Francis1947 said:

Enough beens said on this thread about the match and the tactics of the Saints side yesterday. 

But may I ask other fans opinions about some things that happened in the second half please?

We improved a little in the second half, I think we all agree.

Manning got further forward and along with the wee Man and Fellows, I think put about half a dozen crosses into their box. Most had a good dip and missed the first man and were of a good height.

Stewart who had come on for the last 20 called to get on the end of a single one !

Now isn't that one of his strengths and one of the reasons he was bought.

Ive been watching Saints since 1960. The days first of George Kirby and then the magnificent Ron Davies.

I'm pretty sure both those blokes would have attacked those crosses and got on the end of at least some of them

So my question is, do you think it's down to one of 3 reasons to my mind.

1. The crosses weren't good enough ? 

2. Central defenders are more savvy now regards their positioning when crosses come in ?

3. Stewart just hasn't got the nous to position himself in the box and get on the end of these crosses ?

Interested to know other peoples views.

I don't recall there being too many crosses after he came on, but I recall that there was one where he went near post and the ball went far post. It happens. I don't blame Stewart for that. Possibly the crossers fault on that occasion. 

[Turkish]

1 hour ago, Francis1947 said:

Enough beens said on this thread about the match and the tactics of the Saints side yesterday. 

But may I ask other fans opinions about some things that happened in the second half please?

We improved a little in the second half, I think we all agree.

Manning got further forward and along with the wee Man and Fellows, I think put about half a dozen crosses into their box. Most had a good dip and missed the first man and were of a good height.

Stewart who had come on for the last 20 called to get on the end of a single one !

Now isn't that one of his strengths and one of the reasons he was bought.

Ive been watching Saints since 1960. The days first of George Kirby and then the magnificent Ron Davies.

I'm pretty sure both those blokes would have attacked those crosses and got on the end of at least some of them

So my question is, do you think it's down to one of 3 reasons to my mind.

1. The crosses weren't good enough ? 

2. Central defenders are more savvy now regards their positioning when crosses come in ?

3. Stewart just hasn't got the nous to position himself in the box and get on the end of these crosses ?

Interested to know other peoples views.

The crosses were decent enough, Mannings in particular, but they spent most of the second half with 10 men behind the ball and to be fair to them defended them very well. It was all a bit predictable and they were easily able to mop them up

[Chez]

1 hour ago, malcolm waldron said:

Plenty of people have expressed concerns over the manager, so I'll not add much to that one - other than to say in all 5 league games so far it's not clear (to me at least) what it is that he's trying to do.  With the previous incumbent (RM I mean) you could clearly see the intent whether you liked it or not.   But what really bothers me is that there was a long injury delay (15 mins in??) where Still could have used the opportunity to reset having got through the opening 10 minutes in a derby, got everyone calmed down and sorted out the space between players - and yet that time appeared to be wasted.  He needs to get better - and quickly.

His tactic seems to be to not have a specific tactic. He seems happy for us to pass it short and try and get between the lines, but if that is not on and we are under pressure then the keeper smashing it long to relative safety is perfectly fine. Note that is different from him instructing us to play it long. He's not doing that, but he isn't asking players to play there way out of trouble. Reduced risk, basically. I think oru main route of attack is get the ball to the wingers and ask them to make something happen. He then seems happy for the wingers to get to the byeline and cross, or to dribble inside and shoot. That said, he doesn't seem to mind us hitting some longer balls down the channel for Archer to chase, but mostly its working it across the pitch to the wingers. 

[Chez]

What I want to see in the games going forward is us working harder to take charge of a game in the first half. We have started games poorly in a lot of games.

If we are passing it out from the back, which any decent side will do, then the midfield 3 or 5 have to be more fluid and make more effort to lose their markers so we can get between the lines. These players need to be on the half turn far more otherwise we will have the same problem as Sunday...the ball goes nowhere.

If the press against us is good, especially in the first half, then going long is absolutely fine, but what are we doing to hold up the ball and play off a forward? In the second half, the space tends to open up as the press fades, so getting between the lines is far easier. But what are we are doing with it once we do?

I'd like to understand why our own press is so shit. Are we not actually bothering? I saw Archer and Aziz trying to cover four players on Sunday. Not sure where the wingers went. In contrast the skates press was regimented. Perhaps the change of formation meant we had not perfected our own press, but the truth is our press has not been great for a long time. Maybe we just don't want to tire ourselves out, but all successful sides seem to do it well, so why wouldn't we?

Edited 4 hours ago by Chez

[saintant]

1 hour ago, Chez said:

What I want to see in the games going forward is us working harder to take charge of a game in the first half. We have started games poorly in a lot of games.

If we are passing it out from the back, which any decent side will do, then the midfield 3 or 5 have to be more fluid and make more effort to lose their markers so we can get between the lines. These players need to be on the half turn far more otherwise we will have the same problem as Sunday...the ball goes nowhere.

If the press against us is good, especially in the first half, then going long is absolutely fine, but what are we doing to hold up the ball and play off a forward? In the second half, the space tends to open up as the press fades, so getting between the lines is far easier. But what are we are doing with it once we do?

I'd like to understand why our own press is so shit. Are we not actually bothering? I saw Archer and Aziz trying to cover four players on Sunday. Not sure where the wingers went. In contrast the skates press was regimented. Perhaps the change of formation meant we had not perfected our own press, but the truth is our press has not been great for a long time. Maybe we just don't want to tire ourselves out, but all successful sides seem to do it well, so why wouldn't we?

Impossible to press if your midfield is too far from your forwards plus the further gap between the midfield and defenders. It's basic stuff. Just leaves us unable to press and easy to play through.

[Saintsfan1976]

I am at a loss with how the manager set us up against skates. I am also at a loss as to why the skates were the better team all round. We have again spent millions and yet no striker who can hold the ball head the ball and bring others into play. I think we could have got Josh Murphy for 5 million, best player in the park yesterday. 

Why have we not purchased a decent striker, every time it went forward it came back. Spent some much money on attacking players but no end product. Jury out on Still as we wasted the transfer opportunity 

[Teamsaint1]

4 hours ago, malcolm waldron said:

Plenty of people have expressed concerns over the manager, so I'll not add much to that one - other than to say in all 5 league games so far it's not clear (to me at least) what it is that he's trying to do.  With the previous incumbent (RM I mean) you could clearly see the intent whether you liked it or not.   But what really bothers me is that there was a long injury delay (15 mins in??) where Still could have used the opportunity to reset having got through the opening 10 minutes in a derby, got everyone calmed down and sorted out the space between players - and yet that time appeared to be wasted.  He needs to get better - and quickly.

Even before  that injury I was saying that one of ours could usefully get an “injury” because we really needed to sort a few things out. Not that I approve of such tactics of course

 

 

[benjii]

39 minutes ago, saintant said:

Impossible to press if your midfield is too far from your forwards plus the further gap between the midfield and defenders. It's basic stuff. Just leaves us unable to press and easy to play through.

Yeah, it's not just the unsophisticated crap when we've got the ball, it's the tepid and cowardly way we set up defensively yesterday that pissed me off.

Backline far too deep, and midfields and forwards unable/unwilling to press as a result. We allowed their keeper to stroll about 30 yards up the pitch every time he got the ball and pump it to the edge of our box. Awful.

[AlexLaw76]

Mr Dawson threw down the gauntlet 

 

[OnceaSaintalwaysaSaint]

5 hours ago, Wurzel said:

I was in Chapel in the block closest to them. First time I've been that end since the creation of the "Northam Wall". On at least 2 occasions you could see literally the whole end - which is what? 8000? -  had hands above their heads clapping in unison which looked impressive, yet from the other end I had no idea what they were singing. Not a criticism of the fans, but we're never going to create an intimdating atmosphere if the layout/architecture of the stadium acoustically stops noise from reaching the other end.

When you sit in the Chapel in the block closest to the away fans, I find their noise almost deafening. When you're in the Northam, you can't hear them and your atmosphere sounds great. Yesterday, from the Kingsland, the Northam sounded great but could hardly hear the Pompey fans. Don't know the answer. Personally, I liked the away fans where they were before. Then the two sets of noisier fans are together which creates a better atmosphere in general and there was that banter between the Northam and Itchen going across the away support which was quite special.

As someone who likes going to away games, I also find it disrespectful tucking away fans in a corner. And Newcastle are a disgrace.

[Totton Saint]

8 hours ago, Jack said:

Just watching it back, my god the first half was awful. With that front 4, what the fuck are we doing just pumping it long into the channels? I thought once Will got the creative players he wanted, we’d look to play through the lines? They’ve really let us down here and we didn’t deserve any more than a point.
 

Referee was absolutely atrocious, again. But that’s every week in this league and can’t blame him for the result. We need to improve very quickly 

I agree the long balls were just gobbled up by Pompey. Also the long punts were made after several crab passes during  which Pompey could mark our men. why not hoof it up straight away if we had to resort to such tactics. I thought 1st half was the worst I had seen from Sts. forget about promotion.

 

 

[sfc4prem]

5 hours ago, EssEffCee said:

Yeah this is a massive issue. You simply can't hear the northam from the other end of the ground (and similarly can't hear the away fans from the northam).

So this move of away fans to apparently 'improve the atmosphere' (anyone sane knows that wasn't the real reason) has in actuality made it far worse.

Agreed yesterday there were a few times you could see the northam singing in unison but on the whole it still looks like multiple pockets rather than one big end.

Which is how it felt being in there last season.

It hasn't made it worse. When the away fans were behind the goal in the Northam they:

- Regularly drowned out the Northam and Itchen North. The only 'noise' heard from the Kingsland/Chapel corner would be the away fans.

- Every goal scored would be with wild away fans celebrating in the background on every highlight video around

I think it works. The safe standing is great. Its a nice change.

We haven't had a good Saints team performing regularly in this newly configured St Mary's. Give it time. It'll be a positive change when we look back after some good home seasons.

[Totton Saint]

On 14/09/2025 at 19:57, the colonel said:

I don't think today was ever going to be a classic, but that 1st 45 minutes produced was as bad as a performance of any of the last 6 managers. But, so many new additions so late in the transfer window is costing us points, presuming Still will get them to blend well. A run of difficult games coming up to get them playing. Need to pick up max points, Liverpool game is nothing to lose, so might as well get the practice in and go for it.

Home atmosphere pretty good most of the time. I have been at every derby since Moran's winner at Fractured Park, 1984 and I think that skates were as quiet as I've ever heard them. It seemed too easy to nullify 'play up pompey'. 

 

I bet Robinson felt sick not  starting. Being dropped for an untried newcomer must be demoralising Too many newbies picked so soon.