Saints vs Boro: Playoff 2nd Leg (12th May - 8pm KO)

[SNSUN]

1 hour ago, Dman said:

reckon there is very little chance of them selling anyone to us in the near future 😃

All that secret scouting down the drain! Well we could bring Targett home, he's not theirs.

[SNSUN]

6 hours ago, Mathamite said:

I'm hoping for a change in formation for this one as we've become too predictable.  Bristol, Ipswich & Boro all stopped us playing out from the back and in particular made it difficult for our 2 wide players to get in the game.  Hence we had to play a lot more long balls usually to an isolated central striker.

I'd sacrifice one of the wide players either for an extra midfield player, like we did for Coventry away, or else play Archer along side a central striker.  Either way we need to get someone much closer to Stewart/Larin so that if we do have to hit long balls we have a chance of winning the ball back further up the field, which will in turn push their press back.

In Tonda we trust.

 

I think we stay the same formation for this one 4231 with only Matsuki if he's fully fit in for Fellows.

I'd be tempted to start Welington over Manning as I'd rather have Manning on later in the game for if we are heading towards penalties and it is because if potential penalties that I'd also rather start Cyle over Ross as I think I'd trust Ross on pens over Cyle.

Though I hope it doesn't go to pens, I'd like to get home before the crack of dawn.

[Willo of Whiteley]

How are we all feeling ahead of this?

Confident? 

[Toadhall Saint]

7 minutes ago, Willo of Whiteley said:

How are we all feeling ahead of this?

Confident? 

Yep

[Football Special]

7 minutes ago, Willo of Whiteley said:

How are we all feeling ahead of this?

Confident? 

Very much a 50/50 game in my opinion, hard to call how it will go , we can't afford to be as bad as we were first half again 

[Sheaf Saint]

11 minutes ago, Willo of Whiteley said:

How are we all feeling ahead of this?

Confident? 

I think we should be. Boro popped their cork in the first half on Saturday. They threw everything they had at us but couldn't score, and despite all their dominance the only real time they carved us open was when Conway hit the post. 

Just gotta do the business within 120 mins ideally, and I'm pretty positive we can with our home advantage.

[sfc4prem]

Not sure how to call this. They roasted us first half. Second we showed they are beatable.

I'm hoping we can put in a solid midfield performance. Reckon Flynn could be back to his best, which is important to us. Thinking that Matsuki could do the business.

[Dr. Kucho]

1 hour ago, Willo of Whiteley said:

How are we all feeling ahead of this?

Confident? 

To be honest not at all confident. I think this spygate has caused all sorts of problems including on the pitch. Even against Arsenal and City we had more shots on target than last Saturday against them.

Really hope I am wrong but just have this bad feeling about tomorrow.

[AlexLaw76]

1 minute ago, Dr. Kucho said:

To be honest not at all confident. I think this spygate has caused all sorts of problems including on the pitch. Even against Arsenal and City we had more shots on target than last Saturday against them.

Really hope I am wrong but just have this bad feeling about tomorrow.

We struggle to keep clean sheets these days. I know we did on Sat but that was nothing to do with design.

[bpsaint]

1 hour ago, Willo of Whiteley said:

How are we all feeling ahead of this?

Confident? 

I’ll feel a lot more confident if Cap’n Jack is back, and if Matsuki starts ahead of Fellows.

[saintstowin]

It's a tough game. When we played well on Saturday, albeit briefly, we caused them difficulties. My hope of victory is based on us having lots more moments like we did and our quality winning it for us. But I fully expect them to play well and the typical football outcome will be they'll score with far fewer chances than the first leg. But we can score more.

[Saint NL]

If Scienza turns up then we have every chance. He was well off it on Saturday.

 

[Osvaldorama]

They’re a good side but I’m confident. 
 

They couldn’t beat us when we were playing the worst we’ve played in months. 
So I think we’ll have too much for them at home, if we play anywhere near our best. 

[Zorba]

Edited 18 hours ago by Zorba

[LGTL]

Nice to actually think about the game…

They’re a good side, with limited bollocks, as proven by their fifth place finish in a two horse race. We can’t afford to not show up again, but an early Saints goal really would set us on our way and calm everyone down. 

Need a big performance from Scienza. He could literally win the tie for us if he wants to. We also need to find a way to stop Boro getting between our lines so easily and feeding their two wide forwards. I’d be tempted to play Charles, Downes and Jander. 

Fully expecting it to be a bit more nervy than the WBA game a few years ago. 

[Football Special]

6 hours ago, EssEffCee said:

You know it'll happen though. And there'll be a bunch who run straight to the away end.

Im actually not sure it will, we've already been to wembley a couple of weeks ago so novelty for that has gone plus as Middlesbrough keep reminding us even a win we can't really celebrate until we've had the verdict on the punishment, they seem very keen to let everyone know they'll keep squad preparation even if we knock them out (inference being we'll be kicked out and they'll take our place) 

Edited 19 hours ago by Football Special

[Pancake]

10 minutes ago, Saint NL said:

If Scienza turns up then we have every chance. He was well off it on Saturday.

 

Harsh IMHO, he was double marked which kept his impact limited until Stewart came on and freed him up

[HarvSFC]

Dear Kim Hellberg, a friendly reminder that Tonda Eckert took us from 21st to 4th, while you were taking Middlesbrough from 2nd to 5th. 

More spying needed.

[BarberSaint]

On 10/05/2026 at 18:48, whelk said:

We just put old mouldy food and warm beer for refreshments, close most of the toilets as out of order and only have one turnstile open. Give the cunts something to moan about

You mean make it a home game  for them?

[Saint NL]

37 minutes ago, Pancake said:

Harsh IMHO, he was double marked which kept his impact limited until Stewart came on and freed him up

I don't know, he was only interested in cutting inside and trying to curl it into the far corner. 

Hoping he can have a good game tomorrow though 

[madge]

I think Boro blew their opportunity at the weekend. I think we will have the momentum and over the last 5 months we’ve been playing really well. I may be the only one to think we’ll win comfortably 3-0

[Willo of Whiteley]

I feel we should win.

Boro are absolute rattled from board to fans to media to manager.

The fallout and head loss would be phenomenal if they lost.

If we pump them comfortably it’ll be deflection tactics. If it’s a narrow game it’ll be deflection tactics.

Very nervous.

[Toadhall Saint]

One thing I’m sure of is that we need to stop giving Ayling the freedom he had on Sat. 

[SNSUN]

24 minutes ago, Toadhall Saint said:

One thing I’m sure of is that we need to stop giving Ayling the freedom he had on Sat. 

It's OK, my sources tell me he picked up a knock in training and is probably out for the game.  😁

[sandwichsaint]

55 minutes ago, Toadhall Saint said:

One thing I’m sure of is that we need to stop giving Ayling the freedom he had on Sat. 

Penalties, Ayling v Wood, general knowledge. Has a shootout ever ended 0-0?

[die Mannyschaft]

We are massive underdogs with Boro the new Wrexham of the media. That may actually help Saints and I think we will start really well and get an early goal.

Just need to pass sharper and get down the wings with as many crosses as possible.  A few direct long balls to mix it up. We have players from last playoffs so they have experience to get the team 100% .

Just imagine the noise on final whistle with a Saints win.

[Simo is back]

Couldn't face watching it on tv at the weekend probably wont be able to tomorrow 😂. 

[gallaghert366@yahoo.com]

3 hours ago, saintstowin said:

When we played well on Saturday,

🤣🤣

[saintant]

3 hours ago, bpsaint said:

I’ll feel a lot more confident if Cap’n Jack is back, and if Matsuki starts ahead of Fellows.

Stephens won't start even if fit. He hasn't played for weeks and it would be crazy to risk throwing him in because he may be physically fit but he won't be match fit. Stick him on the bench maybe.

[Saint NL]

Hopefully someone reminds the groundsmen that the pitch doesn't need to resemble an ice rink

[Willo of Whiteley]

36 minutes ago, saintant said:

Stephens won't start even if fit. He hasn't played for weeks and it would be crazy to risk throwing him in because he may be physically fit but he won't be match fit. Stick him on the bench maybe.

I think his season is done now

[SNSUN]

1 hour ago, Simo is back said:

Couldn't face watching it on tv at the weekend probably wont be able to tomorrow 😂. 

Ah come on, it'll be a right party when we win. If we win. We might win. It's possible we won't win. Actually we probably won't  win. We definitely won't win. To be honest I'm not even sure why I'm going to SMS to watch us lose. Loser bastards. Anyone want my ticket? 🤪

Seriously though I am nervous because of what the stake is. Not the final or even the Prem really, but to keep our best players, and Tonda,  and get the chance to see what they can do in the Prem with some more Spors additions. Lose tomorrow (or at Wembley) and it'll be sad seeing our better players move on over the summer and go back to rebuilding. 

I'd hate to see Martin get us promoted via the play-offs and Tonda fail. That just feels dirty. We can only trust in @Turkish that we will in fact remain unbeaten. But whatever the result I will be enjoying it and getting behind the lads. 

[Saint Fan CaM]

We seem to be starting games slowly and feeling our way in. This was challenged by a high press from Boro in 1st leg, aided by Saints being fixated on trying to play out from the back which didn’t work well and when it was launched long, Larin was left isolated. Get these things right and we’ll be ok.

[Saint Pete]

27 minutes ago, Saint Fan CaM said:

We seem to be starting games slowly and feeling our way in. This was challenged by a high press from Boro in 1st leg, aided by Saints being fixated on trying to play out from the back which didn’t work well and when it was launched long, Larin was left isolated. Get these things right and we’ll be ok.

I think we need to be at it from the start in this one, the crowd should be bang up for this and the team needs to use that and set the tone early on. Get Scienza and Azaz on the ball as much as we can in advanced areas and get at them. If anything, my slight worry is we get too hyped up and someone (probably Downes) does something silly! I have a feeling this game may need strong but sensible refereeing, so let's hope that's what we get... 

[Willo of Whiteley]

I think Boro will look to counter more on this occasion

[St. Ciervo]

Not really confident at all. We have been battered by them, and last weekend was no different. Our ties have looked iffy at best.

It will take a lot to win tomorrow. But won't it be fun to watch Boro go into meltdown when we do snatch it. 

[OnceaSaintalwaysaSaint]

Hull beating Millwall was the best result for us not just because I fancy our chances more against Hull but that really match really was a warning to not underestimate any opposition just because we're now playing the home leg.

[Pilchards]

The game will be won on Mannings set pieces.

I totally understand why Blackmore gave his vote as player of the season.

What a turnaround for someone who used to get a grumble from fans when he played.

Massive game tonight and us being the 12th man need to give it our very best. Can’t wait for this game and let’s hope every supporter stays behind to give this brilliant team deserved round of applause on their lap of honour.

3-1 Stewart, Larin & Wood

[EssEffCee]

Hope everyone's looking forward to our last EFL game before we're booted into the national league

[coalman]

Given we don't have to play in such a way as to prove we haven't gained an advantage from any training observed I think we're going to see a very different side tonight.

We won't be as passive. They'll have emotionally exhausted themselves with all the drama they've created and their inability to take advantage of us not showing up for 45 minutes.

4-0 to Saints.

[Pilchards]

Just now, EssEffCee said:

Hope everyone's looking forward to our last EFL game before we're booted into the national league

The rumour I heard was they are planning to put us in the Hampshire league with Blackfield and Hythe & Dibden.

[Football Special]

15 minutes ago, EssEffCee said:

Hope everyone's looking forward to our last EFL game before we're booted into the national league

Eastleigh away ole ole 

Great thing about the National League is their training grounds will be more accessible 

[die Mannyschaft]

24 minutes ago, Pilchards said:

The game will be won on Mannings set pieces.

I totally understand why Blackmore gave his vote as player of the season.

What a turnaround for someone who used to get a grumble from fans when he played.

Massive game tonight and us being the 12th man need to give it our very best. Can’t wait for this game and let’s hope every supporter stays behind to give this brilliant team deserved round of applause on their lap of honour.

3-1 Stewart, Larin & Wood 

I think Larin and Stewart will be on form tonight. They need correct delivery and both give us option for tap in or header.

[die Mannyschaft]

1 minute ago, Football Special said:

Eastleigh away ole ole 

Great thing about the National League is their training grounds will be more accessible 

My son plays on training pitch with Academy talent ID so reconnaissance no problem. 

[suewhistle]

If we go a few goals up I presume the chant will be 'Second, and you ****ed it up, second and you ****ed it up"?

Which would also underline that where they are is not the result of one game and us drawing 0-0 against them..

[sfc4prem]

3 hours ago, St. Ciervo said:

Not really confident at all.

It will take a lot to win tomorrow.

It will take an unprecedented shift in the laws of spacetime for us to win tomorrow.

[Morse]

I genuinely can't see anything other than a Saints win. And a big one at that. They had their chance and fluffed their lines. If SMS is rocking, 4-0. 

 

[Football Special]

To be honest,  for me the last few days Middlesbrough have very much become the aggressors in all this and have well over-stepped the line , im sure our fans know the assignment, recreate the Arsenal/ WBA atmosphere , no matter where you are in the ground 

[sfc4prem]

38 minutes ago, Morse said:

I genuinely can't see anything other than a Saints win. And a big one at that. They had their chance and fluffed their lines. If SMS is rocking, 4-0. 

 

How fucking good would that be

[bender]

What time are the team arriving today ?  Did I see 6pm or 6.30 ?

Also, I'm going on my own tonight and would like to know the best place to get chatting to Saints fans.  Northam fans zone ?   Does it cost anything to get in ?