Saints 2-2 Bristol City - Match Thread

[Saint Pete]

13 minutes ago, macca155 said:

No team whoever they are wins every game. The run they have been on has been incredible, and I've enjoyed every minute. 

A draw feels like a defeat but City played well and rode their luck. Good old Woy did us again.

Saints were caught off guard by the press, and they were chasing the game from then on. Sure they looked tired but City were gassed (see what I did there) after 70 minutes, and Saints nearly took advantage of it.

Couple of observations. Whoever decided to water the pitch like that, needs to be put on litter duty for a week, ridiculous.

Charles should have been subbed, he wasn't making tackles or tracking back. Both THB and Peretz had a right go at him on a couple of occasions. With Azaz anonymous today, there were too many holes in midfield.

On the positive side how good was Larin. Find of the season imo. He battled constantly for the ball and made a right nuisance of himself. Archer also had a good game and set up several chances.

Just need to get Saturday out of the way now. My 6th FA cup semi final. I just hope we get through it unscathed.

 

Agree with almost all of that about the game today. Agree that Charles seemed off today and was also surprised he didn't go off rather than Downes, although think he switched more to RB when we went more direct with Larin and Stewart up top? Weirdly, I quite enjoyed us going a bit more direct towards the end! I actually was crying out for us to find a way to get it out to Fellows on the right wing to try to get more crosses in like for Stewart's goal. But I guess I can see why we were funneling it more often to Scienza on the left. 

Edited Tuesday at 22:37 by Saint Pete

[Patrick Bateman]

28 minutes ago, Jack said:

It was pretty brief and not very loud. Home atmosphere has been really poor in recent times in the league and was especially disappointing tonight bearing in mind what was riding on it. 
Other than a bit of noise around the equalisers, it was shit. 

It has been poor, just don't know why. 

[the boy from saints]

1 hour ago, Oh no Mick Mills said:

Don't agree with this.

When both the Bristol City goals went in the Northam and the Itchen North where I sit , quickly got a loud OWTS going .

 

I agree! I wonder where these people are sat in the stadium as I thought the Northam support was good as ever! Especially as we didn't play that well and we had to keep coming back from behind!

 

[dsrdorset]

1 hour ago, Jack said:

As I feared. Absolute garbage from our fans tonight, expecting to turn up and stroll it. I’m sure the awful start didn’t help but such a shame that the fans can’t push the players on when they’ve given everything to put us in with a shout of top 2 

well clearly you weren't at the game tonight mush. Our fans were great, BC brought very few. It was a hard fought game, either side could have won. 

What's your beef? Why slag off our home support you moron??

 

With your attitude, please don't bother coming to Wembley on Saturday, we don't need your negativity. 

[dsrdorset]

26 minutes ago, Patrick Bateman said:

It has been poor, just don't know why. 

But it really hasn't!!!!!! 🙈 Go to a game. 

[Teamsaint1]

5 minutes ago, dsrdorset said:

well clearly you weren't at the game tonight mush. Our fans were great, BC brought very few. It was a hard fought game, either side could have won. 

What's your beef? Why slag off our home support you moron??

 

With your attitude, please don't bother coming to Wembley on Saturday, we don't need your negativity. 

Support was decent tonight. 

[davefizzy14]

To fight back twice once again shows how we always keep going. We've had a lot of games over the past month or so. It's a tough schedule. A point is a point and we are still in the mix for autos in my opinion. Another goal each for Larin and Stewart 😊 twenty unbeaten now 😊 onto Saturday now 😊 COYR 😊

Edited Tuesday at 23:21 by davefizzy14

[die Mannyschaft]

Ran out of steam and ideas today. Team looked slow and tired. Too much sideways and gave ball way far too often. But another huge bit of luck and a draw. If we grind out w decent results in 1st and 2nd leg play offs then its anyones game in final. 20 unbeaten still very good achievement considering we wasted half the season.

City will be a tough task as we won't get away with 400 passes while trying to draw City out of position.  Larin and Stewart look good as pair up front. 

Good support today considering Bristol City looked the better team each time they ran at us.

 

[die Mannyschaft]

Waited till 10pm to 11.10pm and my son got autograph on Scienza shirt, Peretz glove he got at Swansea and most players photos and chat. At least tge players had plenty time to take time with fans.

[SNSUN]

Meh, without 2nd to worry about too much maybe we can put in a performance on Saturday. We're still unbeaten. 120 minutes more of unbeaten and we can hope we've been practising pens. 😁

[SouthWalesSaints]

Just back from the game. I’m still backing us for automatics.  Let me explain my theory.  
 

Ipswich - can’t see them beating West Brom. Feel good factor at WBA and last home games always have a carnival feel to it.  
 

Milwall - The pressure isn’t on them at the moment but it will be at Leicester on Friday, eyes of the world on them. It’ll be to much and Leicester will come out and try and show a bit of fight and character as they’re all being questioned.  
 

So by that reckoning we’ll have a chance on the final day if we beat Ipswich ourselves. 
 

I’ve got faith. Blind faith. Maybe call it optimism. All is not lost yet.  

[BarberSaint]

We just weren't up to it. 

They were organised but nothing special.

Much as people have praised Wood, I think he needs to be moved on. He just isn't good enough on the ball and does seem to let the pressure get to him easily. 

Beautiful drag back and turn by Manning 2nd half. Now if only he could practise using that right foot of his.

 

[Mboto Gorge]

So by my reckoning, regardless of what happens in any other game with anyone else, if we beat Ipswich it WILL go to the final game, with a worse case scenario that we will be 3 points behind both Millwall and Ipswich, and that’s if they both win all their other games. 

[CB Fry]

2 hours ago, Mboto Gorge said:

So by my reckoning, regardless of what happens in any other game with anyone else, if we beat Ipswich it WILL go to the final game, with a worse case scenario that we will be 3 points behind both Millwall and Ipswich, and that’s if they both win all their other games. 

A final day where we win and would you believe it Ipswich and Millwall both lose? Not going to happen.

[Mboto Gorge]

24 minutes ago, CB Fry said:

A final day where we win and would you believe it Ipswich and Millwall both lose? Not going to happen.

I agree, I didn’t say we would  overhaul those 3 points. It’ll be play offs but taking to the final day will still be a great effort if we do beat Ipswich 

[JohnnyShearer2.0]

26 minutes ago, CB Fry said:

A final day where we win and would you believe it Ipswich and Millwall both lose? Not going to happen.

Need Turkish to commit a sacrifice to make it happen.

 

[Jack]

6 hours ago, dsrdorset said:

well clearly you weren't at the game tonight mush. Our fans were great, BC brought very few. It was a hard fought game, either side could have won. 

What's your beef? Why slag off our home support you moron??

 

With your attitude, please don't bother coming to Wembley on Saturday, we don't need your negativity. 

Middle of the Northam as usual, mush. Numbers wise for a midweek it was ok, it was just really flat again. Blackburn was the same. Is it hurting anyone pointing that out? Our fans were far from great for such a big game. Considering it was a huge chance to push on for 2nd, I was surprised how quiet it was. Opposition fans singing football in a library for no reason I suppose? 
 

I’ll be at Wembley mush, getting right behind them like I was last night, and on Saturday, and the game before. I just hope a few more don’t want to stand in silence 

[TheAlehouseBrawlers]

It's now a battle for 3rd/4th place which ensures a play-off second leg at home.

[lambtiss]

Two team selection thoughts for me from last night

1) Downes and Charles seems to be our worst midfield combo. 

I thought we looked better as soon as Jander came into the middle.

2) Our defence looks so more vulnerable when Woods is in the team.

Fair play to Bristol City, I thought was probably the best away team performance this season at St Marys. They were up for it from the first whistle whilst we looked tired and leggy.

Onwards to Wembley and then the objective has to be to get the team sharp for three playoff games.

[AlexLaw76]

It is all about finishing 3rd or 4th now.

 

given how slow and lethargic we looked for well over an hour, just hope we have not shot our boot for the season

[OnceaSaintalwaysaSaint]

7 hours ago, Teamsaint1 said:

Support was decent tonight. 

Ever since they moved the away end, the atmosphere and not the support seems to have changed. If you're in the Kingsland, you used to have the combined noise of the Northam and Itchen singing at you. Nowadays, if you're there or down the other end in the Chapel, it can seem quite quiet. 

If you'd have offered a FA Cup semi and a play off place at the beginning of the season, most of us would have bitten your arm off. Taking the positives, we came back twice from behind and our full strength team was all over them. Archer tried hard but was cack and I'm not a fan of Wood either. Hopefully Jack S will be ready for Wembley and hopefully Azaz will bring his A game because he was all over the place yesterday. 

[Sheaf Saint]

34 minutes ago, AlexLaw76 said:

given how slow and lethargic we looked for well over an hour, just hope we have not shot our boot for the season

It was reminiscent of the away game at WBA for me. A really lacklustre team performance that we were lucky to take a point from in the end.

We bounced back from that pretty well though - 3 days later we put in an outstanding effort to win at Coventry.

[Saint86]

8 hours ago, SW11_Saint said:

Eh? Our GD +24, Wrexham +6, Hull +4. 
 

 

I know people get apprehensive, but I don't think I've ever seen someone fearing a 21goal swing in 2 games before 😂😅.

People can relax! From this stand point, we're in the playoffs and almost certainly playing Boro imo... Which I would take over Wrexham away in a 2 legged playoff semi, with all the associated buzz.

Win our 2 legs and we have to have the advantage over whoever we face in the final - we have players who've won the playoffs before, plus we've already had 1 trip to Wembley this season 🤷

Edited 17 hours ago by Saint86

[BARCELONASAINT]

It is really hard to be too negative about last nights result given the incredible run and performances the team have put in to get us into the playoff party.

I've seen the comments both praising the noise the fans made and those saying the fans were very quiet. Me and my mate were sat in the kingsland and all i can say is what i witnessed. I thought the home support in general for such an important game was dreadful, the atmosphere was as flat as a pancake. I could hear the Northam trying their best to get everyone singing but not with much success.

I'm not going to slag off any individual player as so many had a complete off night.

We move on to Saturday and go again. C'mon Saints.

[tdmickey3]

Lack lustre is how I would describe last night but we have done incredibly well to get this close.

Not over for 2nd but highly unlikely..

[Football Special]

1 hour ago, Jack said:

Middle of the Northam as usual, mush. Numbers wise for a midweek it was ok, it was just really flat again. Blackburn was the same. Is it hurting anyone pointing that out? Our fans were far from great for such a big game. Considering it was a huge chance to push on for 2nd, I was surprised how quiet it was. Opposition fans singing football in a library for no reason I suppose? 
 

I’ll be at Wembley mush, getting right behind them like I was last night, and on Saturday, and the game before. I just hope a few more don’t want to stand in silence 

I ended up in Itchen Central yesterday, lots of moaning and groaning , mind blowing when what the team needed is positive support. 

Few of the players looked pretty despondent coming off the pitch, they'll know thats the end of automatics. 

Noticed couple of young Saints fans with an Israel flag for Peretz that Bristol City midfielder Morsy seemed to have an issue with at the end by the tunnel. 

[benjii]

1 hour ago, lambtiss said:

Two team selection thoughts for me from last night

1) Downes and Charles seems to be our worst midfield combo. 

I thought we looked better as soon as Jander came into the middle.

2) Our defence looks so more vulnerable when Woods is in the team.

Fair play to Bristol City, I thought was probably the best away team performance this season at St Marys. They were up for it from the first whistle whilst we looked tired and leggy.

Onwards to Wembley and then the objective has to be to get the team sharp for three playoff games.

Yes, I think Charles likes to sit and view the game and time his runs forwards. The problem with that is that we lack pressing bite. 

I think Charles is an excellent player, but the Downes / Jander combo is more effective, with Charles coming on if we need a goal.

Wood is a funny one. Solid enough Champ defender but passing isn’t precise enough, really, and often takes a touch too many. That said, he's done pretty well this season. Stephens brings more assurance and leadership, and is more accomplished with the ball.

[dsrdorset]

2 hours ago, Jack said:

Middle of the Northam as usual, mush. Numbers wise for a midweek it was ok, it was just really flat again. Blackburn was the same. Is it hurting anyone pointing that out? Our fans were far from great for such a big game. Considering it was a huge chance to push on for 2nd, I was surprised how quiet it was. Opposition fans singing football in a library for no reason I suppose? 
 

I’ll be at Wembley mush, getting right behind them like I was last night, and on Saturday, and the game before. I just hope a few more don’t want to stand in silence 

Fair enough. Blackburn was crap, I'll give you that, but it was a rushed rescheduled fixture. The away support for both Blackburn & Bristol City was embarrassing. I thought our support was decent enough, obviously no where near the levels of Arsenal, but still decent, do you not remember the Premier league season atmosphere lol it's so so much better now. 

Saturday will be immense. Enjoy it and safe travels. COYS

[Patrick Bateman]

8 hours ago, dsrdorset said:

But it really hasn't!!!!!! 🙈 Go to a game. 

In my opinion it has. I have season tickets, but thanks for the advice.

[Stripey McStripe Shirt]

1 hour ago, Saint86 said:

I know people get apprehensive, but I don't think I've ever seen someone fearing a 21goal swing in 2 games before 😂😅.

 

You clearly weren't around the last day of the season v Oldham a few years ago when a similar loss/swing of goal difference would have denied us promotion. I remember being nervous of an 18-0 loss the entire week leading up to that game.

[Hodds37]

Always chasing the game last night and new recovered from a terrible first 5 mins.

Seemed like we started with 3 at the back with Charles deep?

Did Stephens get injured in the warm up? Was originally down to start.

[Fabrice29]

Enjoyed hearing people getting annoyed about tactics and selections they’ve blissfully ignored for quite a few weeks now. You lose some 2nd balls and miss a late chance rather than score it and suddenly things are strange.

[Kingsland Codger]

Initially I was disappointed our passing wasn't as crisp as it could have been but that was because we were often going for the difficult defence-splitting pass that, had it come off, may very well have led to a goal-scoring chance. We made these risky passes because we had to as we were never in the lead.

As regards our support, at the first corner of the second-half (after Archer's shot was saved) there was Peretz at the halfway-line geeing up the crowd and acting as conductor.

[East Kent Saint]

1 hour ago, Hodds37 said:

Always chasing the game last night and new recovered from a terrible first 5 mins.

Seemed like we started with 3 at the back with Charles deep?

Did Stephens get injured in the warm up? Was originally down to start.

Yes so Wood replaced him 

[Charlie Wayman]

11 hours ago, Patrick Bateman said:

It has been poor, just don't know why. 

Quite a high proportion of our fanbase on matchdays is elderly, not always in the best of health and probably not given to singing and chanting and certainly won't be using up their energy to stand up for loving the Saints. It's not that they don't care enough, of course they do but there are good and obvious reasons why young people fight wars, have tribal instincts and shout and sing on the terraces while older people do not. 

I managed to stand and sit a few times when we helped oust Lowe but that has been about it for me over the last 25 years!

[saintant]

4 hours ago, lambtiss said:

Two team selection thoughts for me from last night

1) Downes and Charles seems to be our worst midfield combo. 

I thought we looked better as soon as Jander came into the middle.

2) Our defence looks so more vulnerable when Woods is in the team.

Fair play to Bristol City, I thought was probably the best away team performance this season at St Marys. They were up for it from the first whistle whilst we looked tired and leggy.

Onwards to Wembley and then the objective has to be to get the team sharp for three playoff games.

On team selection would add that we played without recognised wingers. Norwich stretched Brizzle with wing play and scored 4 goals. We looked very disjointed. Archer for some reason tucked inside rather than going wide as he did against Blackburn which left Manning to push on and provide the width which, at times, left our left flank exposed. Matsuki struggles out wide and doesn't have the pace. This lack of wingers meant Azaz couldn't play his normal game so he looked poor but he didn't have his normal options. Without Jander in midfield nobody was picking up second balls. Bad day at the office but at least we maintained the unbeaten run and Charles should have scored to extend the winning streak.

[Baird of the land]

4 hours ago, AlexLaw76 said:

It is all about finishing 3rd or 4th now.

 

given how slow and lethargic we looked for well over an hour, just hope we have not shot our boot for the season

Honestly I think it’s more about making sure we’re fresh for the play offs.

[iansums]

6 hours ago, CB Fry said:

A final day where we win and would you believe it Ipswich and Millwall both lose? Not going to happen.

Highly unlikely, I agree, but they will both need to go for it and pressure can do strange things.

[Lord Duckhunter]

A few looked like they’d run out of road and needed a rest, understandable really with the run we’ve been on. We were due a so so performance and sometimes you get lucky or the opponent is so disinterested you can get away with it. Unfortunately, we couldn’t and the draw was a fair result. With the autos pretty much gone, we can give it a real go Saturday, as the last 2 aren’t as important now. 
 

Bree certainly seems a bit leggy, so I’d probably rest him after Saturday (if autos are gone). Wood is just about good enough if his role is heading it & kicking it, anything else, he’s just not up to it. Azaz was poor, but he has days like that. They all seemed a bit off, with all the will in the world, they wouldn’t be human without having an eye on Sat. 
 

As for the debate about support. Leaving early, WTF. I presume most are standing in the concourse watching the screens, but still WTF. Fucking  noddy behaviour . 

[Big M]

They looked out of sorts, I think Tonda played it too safe really, especially with 2nd up for grabs, Wembley trip is a lovely distraction but surely going up automatically should have been No 1 priority, playoffs will be a lottery, and if we play like we did last night we've no chance.My biggest worry is if we don't go up how do we keep our best players for another slog in the championship. 

[LeBizzier69]

Looked like tired legs and tired minds - but they've come a long way this season. Play offs are an unbearable watch...

[AlexLaw76]

How many days after the Preston game do the playoffs start?

 

[Turkish]

If we have to go up id rather is was via the play offs anyway, being runners up is dull as fuck

[Saint In Cornwall]

18 minutes ago, AlexLaw76 said:

How many days after the Preston game do the playoffs start?

 

Play-off semi-final first legs

6th vs 3rd - Friday May 8, kick-off 8pm

5th vs 4th - Saturday May 9, kick-off 12.30pm

Play-off semi-final second legs

3rd vs 6th - Monday May 11, 8pm

4th vs 5th - Tuesday May 12, 8pm

Play-off final

Saturday May 23, Wembley Stadium

 

HTH

[OldNick]

8 hours ago, AlexLaw76 said:

It is all about finishing 3rd or 4th now.

 

given how slow and lethargic we looked for well over an hour, just hope we have not shot our boot for the season

It is understandable that players were wary of getting injured, no doubt Jack getting injured in the warm up may have made them think

[Saint_clark]

6 hours ago, Saint In Cornwall said:

Play-off semi-final first legs

6th vs 3rd - Friday May 8, kick-off 8pm

5th vs 4th - Saturday May 9, kick-off 12.30pm

Play-off semi-final second legs

3rd vs 6th - Monday May 11, 8pm

4th vs 5th - Tuesday May 12, 8pm

Play-off final

Saturday May 23, Wembley Stadium

 

HTH

Christ, so if we do get to the FA cup final we play that between the semis and final of the playoffs 😂 what a mad schedule. 

[die Mannyschaft]

21 hours ago, Saint Pete said:

Agree with almost all of that about the game today. Agree that Charles seemed off today and was also surprised he didn't go off rather than Downes, although think he switched more to RB when we went more direct with Larin and Stewart up top? Weirdly, I quite enjoyed us going a bit more direct towards the end! I actually was crying out for us to find a way to get it out to Fellows on the right wing to try to get more crosses in like for Stewart's goal. But I guess I can see why we were funneling it more often to Scienza on the left. 

Much better mixing up with direct ball. We are to easy to defend against as we only have Scienza who can dribble past anyone. Rest of team can run past 5 6 7 players all day but opposition don't care as its a sideways run and give ball away.

[LGTL]

11 minutes ago, Saint_clark said:

Christ, so if we do get to the FA cup final we play that between the semis and final of the playoffs 😂 what a mad schedule. 

I think the poor ticket office would go into absolute meltdown!

[VectisSaint]

13 minutes ago, Saint_clark said:

Christ, so if we do get to the FA cup final we play that between the semis and final of the playoffs 😂 what a mad schedule. 

Only if we get to the play-off final of course 😉

[Charlie Wayman]

9 hours ago, Lord Duckhunter said:

A few looked like they’d run out of road and needed a rest, understandable really with the run we’ve been on. We were due a so so performance and sometimes you get lucky or the opponent is so disinterested you can get away with it. Unfortunately, we couldn’t and the draw was a fair result. With the autos pretty much gone, we can give it a real go Saturday, as the last 2 aren’t as important now. 
 

Bree certainly seems a bit leggy, so I’d probably rest him after Saturday (if autos are gone). Wood is just about good enough if his role is heading it & kicking it, anything else, he’s just not up to it. Azaz was poor, but he has days like that. They all seemed a bit off, with all the will in the world, they wouldn’t be human without having an eye on Sat. 
 

As for the debate about support. Leaving early, WTF. I presume most are standing in the concourse watching the screens, but still WTF. Fucking  noddy behaviour . 

Good assessment of Tuesday's performance