Any tea news?

PG tips starting in goal apparently with tetleys in the centre  ;)

Quoted from 1739

PG tips starting in goal apparently with tetleys in the centre  ;)

Stirring it up now

8 changes I think I just heard.

Doig
Mcdonald
Thanoj
Walker
Mclaughlin
Hannah
Tounkara
Fyfield.

They all start

10 changes. bench very youthful.

I'm in the fish shop now.

Didn't catch the team but seems a lot of changes.

Before KO, I want to say I agree with PH's decision to play a changed team.

It's a logical case of getting over the line and the games coming up need to have the preferred starters rested and rearing to go.

If we lose at least I can say I agreed with PH's logic beforehand.

Also it's the game in hand so anything a bonus and save players for the next games.

If we only get draws against Halifax, Alfreton (hopefully more) probably better and worthwhile saving them rather than three points tonight!

I've started early on the vino, so don't kick me if this gut feeling is mathematically flawed.

UTM

McKeown, Walker,Doig,McDonald,Fyfield,Colbeck,Thanoj,McLaughlin, Hannah, Tounkara. Didn't hear who the other CM was.

3 points tonight will do nicely!

Quoted from Anal Fin

McKeown, Walker,Doig,McDonald,Fyfield,Colbeck,Thanoj,McLaughlin, Hannah, Tounkara. Didn't hear who the other CM was.

Cook...looks like 4-3-3

I'm hearing 10 changes. I don't think i can remember a time when we've done that. If we win, and the gamble pays off, hats off to PH. Let's hope it does!! UTM

Wholesale changes essential. There's always the concern that they will look very disjointed but then again we might be very pleasantly surprised. Shows we have a strong squad for this division too.

Come on Town

A midfield three of McLaughlin, Thanoj and Colbeck?!

dont agree with so many changes , could backfife badley on us.. but lets support whoever is out there for us  :)

Well we'll find out whether it's better to fresh or settled tonight.

Quoted from 1739

PG tips starting in goal apparently with tetleys in the centre  ;)

Lol ok ;)

At least it's not a cup match

Quoted from MeanwoodMariner

Wholesale changes essential. There's always the concern that they will look very disjointed but then again we might be very pleasantly surprised. Shows we have a strong squad for this division too.

I agree.

I would have said the changes are a good idea its just the thought of the 4 3 3, colbeck in cm?

The other slight controversy is that there could well be some outstanding performances from one or two individuals tonight, but you can bet your boots that, in the vast majority of cases, they'll still be out the team come Saturday.

Quoted from chaos33

A midfield three of McLaughlin, Thanoj and Colbeck?!

Reckon he'll stick Hannah wide left.

How is Bignot not in that side?!!

Quoted from chaos33

The other slight controversy is that there could well be some outstanding performances from one or two individuals tonight, but you can bet your boots that, in the vast majority of cases, they'll still be out the team come Saturday.

We could beat dartford 65-0 tonight and none of them will be starting saturday.

But its a squad game and if the lads win tonight each will have played their part.

I just wish hurst would use paddy instead of kerr alot more.

Bignot is injured I think.

We've only got 3 players on the bench (Hedge, Southwell, Winfarrah). What's that all about? I understand the starting 11, but to only have two outfield players on the bench is stupid.

edit: i've been misled by the BBC live text page which originally suggested the above was the case. Humble and Charlesworth are also on the bench. I don't understand why we haven't involved anyone apart from McKeown who played on Tuesday though.

Sounds more like 4-2-3-1 to me

  Walker      McDonald   Doig   Fyfield
  
                  Thanoj       Paddy


       Colbeck        Tounkara    Hannah

                           Cook

We played this formation in preseason and I thought it looked a decent formation.

Quoted from Alfie

Reckon he'll stick Hannah wide left.

How is Bignot not in that side?!!

Think Bignot is still injured...

Doesn't Tounkara also play wide?

BBC only has 3 subs, I thought there were when they announced line up earlier but it was during rugby chat and they sped through, can anyone clarify?

Humble and Charlesworth also on the bench.

Cummon Town !!!!(clap)

He obviously didn't even want them to travel. Would be a lot of time on a coach. We'll see I guess!

Who the hell is this commentating?

Quoted from itsnotcoditshaddock

Humble and Charlesworth also on the bench.

Cheers!

Quoted from Neilo83

Who the hell is this commentating?

It's the Radio Kent guy. JT hasn't gone tonight. Big Chris is co-commentating though.

Cook misses when he should have scored. He's flipping useless. Should have played LJL. ;)

Quoted from Neilo83

Who the hell is this commentating?

he's from BBC radio Kent. and our BigChris

Got to admire Hurst trying such a different team. Be interested to see how this pans out and sounds like after his spell on Tuesday, Tounkara earned a start tonight.

Quoted from Les Brechin

It's the Radio Kent guy. JT hasn't gone tonight. Big Chris is co-commentating though.

I Think he is doing ok at the minute.

Brave decision by PH, come on Town do yourselves justice and give the gaffer something to think about,

UTM

Yeh respect for hurst for trying something new in the tight schedule, I think we did it last year with success actually? Whatever the result i'll support this team choice.

Sounds an open game at the minute, end to end!

This commentator will have a heart attack by half time if he continues like this!

UTM

Quoted from Cumbrian Mariner

This commentator will have a heart attack by half time if he continues like this!

UTM

Me too!  ;D

Quoted from Les Brechin

It's the Radio Kent guy. JT hasn't gone tonight. Big Chris is co-commentating though.

Cheers les.

If we win everyone will be praising Paul Hursts decision to change virtually the whole side.  If we lose everyone will be moaning like hell and cursing Hurst, for his decision to change the whole side.

Fickle!  :P

Cambridge 1 -0 up

Quoted from Nelly GTFC

If we win everyone will be praising Paul Hursts decision to change virtually the whole side.  If we lose everyone will be moaning like hell as to the decision to change the whole side.

Fickle!  :P

Quite!

Town fans in good voice.

Cook smashes the crossbar from 25 yards. Shame we don't play him more.

Quoted from Cumbrian Mariner

Brave decision by PH, come on Town do yourselves justice and give the gaffer something to think about,

UTM

Agree - it's still a good team, most are fresh and there's experience through the team. Thanoj booked though.

UTM

Ooooooooooooooooooooooooooooh Cookie hits the underside of the bar with screamer but it doesn't go in.

Come on Town

UTM

Quoted from Nelly GTFC

If we win everyone will be praising Paul Hursts decision to change virtually the whole side.  If we lose everyone will be moaning like hell as to the decision to change the whole side.

Fickle!  :P

Im not so sure, one or two obviously will, but the side has seemed a bit stale, as bad as it is to say, we're not DESPERATE for every single point, and these players SHOULD be perfectly capable or they shouldn't be at the club.

One player I hope has the game of his life is Paul walker, hattons not been doing it for me lately, still, it usually takes something exceptional for paul hurst to take notice

Woking 2-0 down...poor Gary Hill :) :)

Quoted from WHYWONTYOULETMESIGNUP

Im not so sure, one or two obviously will, but the side has seemed a bit stale, as bad as it is to say, we're not DESPERATE for every single point, and these players SHOULD be perfectly capable or they shouldn't be at the club.

One player I hope has the game of his life is Paul walker, hattons not been doing it for me lately, still, it usually takes something exceptional for paul hurst to take notice

Agree with this, it gives the team selected tonight to show what they are capable of.  

UTM

Woking hardly made any changes by the looks of it..

Has he lost his bottle ?

Very good selection.  A tired first team might have meant lost points today, Saturday and next week.  He is gambling on today but playing safe for the next few games while giving the chance for someone to shine.

I think PH is taking a massive gamble. If we were comfortably going to make the play offs, then yeah, have a look at other players/formations, but if we lose and then don't make the play offs, he should have his head on a pole outside BP.

Nothing is certain yet and the best side should have turned out 'til we are certain of he play offs, then have a rest. Modern footballers are Nancy's.

if we lose tonight the sides in the bottom 4 might be complaining a bit  ;)

Wholesale team changes but the same old rubbish corners :-/

Quoted from grimps

if we lsoe tonight the sides in the bottom 4 might be complaining a bit  ;)

The bottom 2 won't.

Town fans sound great

Quoted from grimps

if we lsoe tonight the sides in the bottom 4 might be complaining a bit  ;)

I think that's part of the reason he chose this side, as a protest to the league. He's a stubborn sod. Hope it doesn't backfire.

Quoted from ginnywings

I think PH is taking a massive gamble. If we were comfortably going to make the play offs, then yeah, have a look at other players/formations, but if we lose and then don't make the play offs, he should have his head on a pole outside BP.

Nothing is certain yet and the best side should have turned out 'til we are certain of he play offs, then have a rest. Modern footballers are Nancy's.

I don't know where I  on this selection , on the one hand it excites me , but given the scenario above ( unlikely ) it's scary :(
Come on town
Sounds like we're doing ok

UTM

Quoted from Les Brechin

The bottom 2 won't.

Doubt 3rd bottom would either.

Quoted from LondonMariner43

Very good selection.  A tired first team might have meant lost points today, Saturday and next week.  He is gambling on today but playing safe for the next few games while giving the chance for someone to shine.

Agree totally, lets hope it's a gamble that pays off & everyone will hail PH as a tactical genius, I think a point from this game amid such a busy schedule will be acceptable.

Quoted from itsnotcoditshaddock

Doubt 3rd bottom would either.

;D  ;D

Quoted from ginnywings

I think PH is taking a massive gamble. If we were comfortably going to make the play offs, then yeah, have a look at other players/formations, but if we lose and then don't make the play offs, he should have his head on a pole outside BP.

Nothing is certain yet and the best side should have turned out 'til we are certain of he play offs, then have a rest. Modern footballers are Nancy's.

This isn't just looking at other players like a preseason friendly. The "best" team is not a set 11 players. Disley is a better player than Paddy IMO, but a fresh Paddy is a better player than a knackered Disley.

I wonder who the underdogs are between the mighty Woking and Cambridge?

The back 4 all coming if from layoffs is my only concern, given the lack of experienced cover on the bench.

Quoted from ginnywings

I think PH is taking a massive gamble. If we were comfortably going to make the play offs, then yeah, have a look at other players/formations, but if we lose and then don't make the play offs, he should have his head on a pole outside BP.

Nothing is certain yet and the best side should have turned out 'til we are certain of he play offs, then have a rest. Modern footballers are Nancy's.

agree mate

i understand 4 games in a week means we have to rotate the team a bit but 10 changes is taking liberties imo. Its not like we have sown up a play off spot yet- we still need points. 4 or 5 changes maybe. Once we have enough points then players can have their rest.

if its not going well there's nothing on the bench either who are going to change it- thought we could have put a couple of the rested experienced players on the bench.

if we lose this there will be some backlash- if PH wasnt happy about fans reactions in recent weeks he better grow some thicker skin cos it will nothing compared to what will follow.

Ten changes?..... Blimey! This has surprised me. I could understand if we'd already secured a play off place but I would've preferred to have seen the side that's been getting us decent results tonight. Rest a couple maybe, but TEN? Make sure we get in the play offs then give a few fringe players a game for the last couple of games then revert back to playing a full strength side when it matters, surely?

Anyway.... Come on Town!!!

Quoted from MeanwoodMariner

This isn't just looking at other players like a preseason friendly. The "best" team is not a set 11 players. Disley is a better player than Paddy IMO, but a fresh Paddy is a better player than a knackered Disley.

Totally disagree. This is nowhere near our best 11, which is a massive gamble at this stage of the season.

Quoted from BottesfordMariner

agree mate

i understand 4 games in a week means we have to rotate the team a bit but 10 changes is taking liberties imo. Its not like we have sown up a play off spot yet- we still need points. 4 or 5 changes maybe. Once we have enough points then players can have their rest.

if its not going well there's nothing on the bench either who are going to change it- thought we could have put a couple of the rested experienced players on the bench.

if we lose this there will be some backlash- if PH wasnt happy about fans reactions in recent weeks he better grow some thicker skin cos it will nothing compared to what will follow.

Agreed.   I just want us to win but feel the worst if we dont.  Making changes like tonight is asking for trouble are all those that played really that tired.  I give up........MAAAAAAARINEEEERS

Quoted from tonyfordsmicrofro

Ten changes?..... Blimey! This has surprised me. I could understand if we'd already secured a play off place but I would've preferred to have seen the side that's been getting us decent results tonight. Rest a couple maybe, but TEN? Make sure we get in the play offs then give a few fringe players a game for the last couple of games then revert back to playing a full strength side when it matters, surely?

Anyway.... Come on Town!!!

No the last couple of games we want our strongest team getting into a good rythm for the playoffs, although having said that it didn't do Newport any harm playing a weakened team at the end of last season

Well done Hurst. Makes his point to the league but more importantly gives the squad players a run out and players fresh for Saturday. Will happily take a point tonight then five points clear with people around only having 4 to play. UTM Ps bet the Shop will be blamed by some here tonight for not scoring......

Tonight is a good time to play these we need atleast to wins and only have a game in hand over some in fact after tonight we wont have any games in hand...I tjink anyway....cmon town.

Quoted from Fcukthescunts

Well done Hurst. Makes his point to the league but more importantly gives the squad players a run out and players fresh for Saturday. Will happily take a point tonight then five points clear with people around only having 4 to play. UTM Ps bet the Shop will be blamed by some here tonight for not scoring......

I dont think it makes any sort of point to the league.  Do you really tjink they give a rats behind on what team we pick not a bloody chance.  It may do us more harm than good I just hope it doesnt.

Quoted from RoboCod

Woking 2-0 down...poor Gary Hill :) :)

;D ;D ;D

(yahoo)(thumbup2)(clap)(clap2)

Well most are experienced players, and should be raring to go and try to prove themselves.  It's not as if it's a team full of kids.  Some might be a bit rusty and / or coming back from injury, but hopefully if they've been pulling their weight in training, they'll be able to cope with 90 minutes.  I'd like to see a goal from Joe or, (if  we get into trouble and go behind), from McKeown.

According to BBC Football text commentary - Andy Cook has had 4 attempts on goal. Even though he hasn't actually scored, to me this represents big improvement on the last 4 away games (which we ironically have won with a bare minimum of attempts on goal). 'It's a fanny old game ain't it Saint'

According to Big Chris our back four could tire as the second half progresses, so we had better get a couple of goals before 70 mins or we could be over run in the final twenty, all very risky and either a show of defiance or inexperience, I hope it works out OK

Game online tonight on RH?

I'm amazed that the team selection is seen as controversial in any way. It's unusual to change 10 players, no arguments there, but we have 3 games in 5 days, and we have decent alternatives in every position. It would be crazy not to use the squad. And if he's going to make changes in every position over the course of 3 games it makes the most sense to do it all in one game like this.

Quoted from Freemoash88

Game online tonight on RH?

Yep

I just think 10 is too many 5-6 is ample for me but thats just me. A defeat can change a lot of things the fans will be annoyed the players morale dented.  I just hope we dont lose and the changes justified.

Have we ever made ten changes in a league match before?

BigChris, please put your foot in the commentators gob. Giggling like a schoolkid.

Was that a swallow dive  ;D

He's most probably done it on purpose to give the fans something else to talk about instead of LJL

Tbh I'm sick of hearing about LJL this season on here

Come on cookie  ;)

We need a bloody goal!!!  sounds quite dire this half.

@officialgtfcHT: #Dartford 0 #GTFC 0
- Hosts have had plenty of the ball without threatening, Town have played well & were unlucky to see Cook hit bar8:29 PM

Grimsby Town FC@officialgtfc
45: Suarez gets up above Doig but there's no power in his header & it drifts wide #gtfc#dartford8:28 PM

Grimsby Town FC@officialgtfc
44: Tounkara fires in an effort after the ball ricochets into his path but he is wide of the target#gtfc8:27 PM

Grimsby Town FC@officialgtfc
44: Cornhill rises highest at the near post to meet Noble's corner but can't get his effort on target#gtfc8:23 PM

Grimsby Town FC@officialgtfc
39: Hannah with great persistence to dig out a cross but Cook's header is straight at Julian #gtfc08:18 PM

Grimsby Town FC@officialgtfc
35: Cook fires wide with a first time effort from another Tounkara knockdown #gtfc8:18 PM

Grimsby Town FC@officialgtfc
34: Disappointing corner that's too deep for anyone in a #GTFCshirtReplyRetweetFavorite  8:17 PM

Grimsby Town FC@officialgtfc
34: Doig with a great run & pass for Cook, who tries to play a one-two with Colbeck but it's cleared for a corner #gtfc8:16 PM

Grimsby Town FC@officialgtfc
32: #gtfc corner drilled in low but evades everyone & #Dartfordbreak but Suarez gets his angles all wrong8:09 PM

Grimsby Town FC@officialgtfc
25: Hannah has the ball taken off his toe as he looks to shoot following Tounkara's excellent flick on #gtfc8:03 PM

Grimsby Town FC@officialgtfc
20: OFF THE BAR! Cook with something out of nothing, wonderful shot that crashes off the underside of the bar & away#gtfc7:56 PM

Grimsby Town FC@officialgtfc
11: Pinball in the Town area from a #Dartford free kick but neither Harris or Suarez can capitalise #gtfc7:52 PM

Grimsby Town FC@officialgtfc
7: Harris breaks into the area for the hosts but is marshalled well by Walker who forces the#Dartford man into losing the ball #gtfc7:51 PM

Grimsby Town FC@officialgtfc
6: Hannah tries his luck again from distance but this time it's well off target7:48 PM

Grimsby Town FC@officialgtfc
4: Hannah with a cracking shot that Julian does well to save, Cook can't force home the rebound #gtfc7:47 PM

Grimsby Town FC@officialgtfc
3: Suarez penalised for a push on McLaughlin at the far post as#Dartford look to build early on#gtfc

Cook hits woodwork again  :B

Southwell 4 Tonk

Go on, Dayle.  Would like to see him get something.

Quoted from cmackenzie4

We need a bloody goal!!!  sounds quite dire this half.

We have enough experience up front against this poor defence to get a couple, we are third in the league for Christ sake, just need to settle and play football, lets see what Southwell can do

Keep going Cookie, third time lucky.

UTM

Quoted from marinette

Go on, Dayle.  Would like to see him get something.

This

Christ that was close, good save by Macca

UTM

Mckeweon saves us!  :o

Quoted from ackomariner

This

Ditto.

Macca makes his customary great save.

Thank god for Macca

Weird to be listening to such a chirpy commentator.  Can't get used to it.

Fyfield off.

Byfield sent off! 2 bookings

FFS

Quoted from marinette

Weird to be listening to such a chirpy commentator.  Can't get used to it.

Makes a refreshing change. ;)

His excrement

intercourse!

feck

Dartford 1 Town 0  :B

Sh1t

Cheers Fyfield girl private

FFS well done Town you morons

Fyfield, Let the honk keep walkin, he's excrement anyway,

Let the protests begin...

Sh*te 0-1 and Macca booked!

Come on Town

Its just unlucky though isn't it, hit the post, dodgey ref, sending off

Boom there we go again pahahaha fuckin blowing it absolute dire!!!!

FFS - This commentator is asking for a smack

Not over yet

Hannah off Winfaffarh on for town

The team might be fresh on legs but hardly played in recent weeks.  

When other teams go down to ten men they often seem to get stronger and more cohesive.  Sounds like we've just crumpled.   :'(

Looks like we have found yet another way to fail to score in a game against excrement opposition.

Quoted from WHYWONTYOULETMESIGNUP

Its just unlucky though isn't it, hit the post, dodgey ref, sending off

Very much so. BC not sure either yellow was warranted for Fyfield. Still fancy us to get something here, but need some more energy.

Get ready for the threads!

[IMG]http://i59.tinypic.com/24zc76v.jpg[/IMG]

Town don't even seem intrested at all, do they not realise out games in had are all but caught up leaving it harder for is

wont have a go at the players,, its down to Hurst changing too many players ,, how stupid can you get,, we still need points and he changes 10 players,  he should go by 10 pm  and walk home

Towns fans loud and proud

Totally baffled tonight

Really thought this was going to be an easy 3 points for us tonight. Just goes to show you can never count your chickens!

Credit to the town fans for singing so loud though despite the dire situation on the pitch.

Change the team by all means but at least put some quality on the bench - puts the pressure on for Saturday!

wish he would commentate and not waffle on about other things ??)

Quoted from bobbyturtle

wish he would commentate and not waffle on about other things ??)

This

Wonder what the players sitting at home are thinking, all their hard work in the one nil aways seemingly thrown away

Quoted from Garth

Wonder what the players sitting at home are thinking, all their hard work in the one nil aways seemingly thrown away

So true, because the points gained from the previous 4 away wins in a row are deducted.

Big Chris is being remarkably fair and even handed, (and restrained in his responses to the other fella).

Ha

Hurst seems to have changed the team too much, you would think this team would be well capable of beating dartford but obvs not. It was a very good chance to get 3 points and we've have blown it am a bit peed of puts us under a bit of pressure now to win on sat.

4 minutes injury time, now for one last push ......... please!

Frustrating listening to this tonight and totally baffled, but onwards to Saturday we go and we need them 3 points now!

UTM

Boo, hiss Hurst out. Let Ginnywings, Meza and Denni pick the team
Its rubbish being third in the league, we're giants and we should be 50 points clear now

It's a tough ask - travelling to possibly the furthest destination for the 3rd game in 5 days (including Kidderminster away). I have no criticism of PH over this. Not surprisingly, Woking have found it difficult as well, Cambridge United must have been ringing their hands.

We could really do with someone who has a bit of bottle and a never say die attitude now...

What a smug little southern shite that commentator is.

UTM

punch him chris lol  ;D

Quoted from buckstown

Boo, hiss Hurst out. Let Ginnywings, Meza and Denni pick the team
Its rubbish being third in the league, we're giants and we should be 50 points clear now

Totally agree ;)

Too late.  Gone.

Quoted from bobbyturtle

punch him chris lol  ;D

ha ha ha

SH1T

I don't see a whole lot of difference between tonight and 2 or 3 of the last few away wins. We've played worse than this in a couple of those but got the 3 points somehow. Had Cooks 2 efforts gone in there's be no problem.

Don't let that stop the angry mob though, pitchforks at the ready....

Quoted from ackomariner

Not over yet

It is now  :o

Big game Saturday now..

I know we rested alot of players but I expected alot more than that.

Hurst wont be arsed though so I hope we take 3 points on saturday or he will get the criticism he might well deserve.

Quoted from buckstown

Boo, hiss Hurst out. Let Ginnywings, Meza and Denni pick the team
Its rubbish being third in the league, we're giants and we should be 50 points clear now

Haha, Knobhead

Its a bloody joke thats what it is the only clubs ive seen make enormous changes is the prem teams in the early rounds of the fa cup. PH is certainly being nieve here.  This makes JF statement total nonsense back the team then he does this.   Whats next the youth team crazy just crazy.

Very frustrating, but it's 12 points from the last 5 away games. Hopefully a fresh "first XI" will do the business on Saturday.

Quoted from cmackenzie4

Big game Saturday now..

indeed, as all now

Who will play left back on sat?  Hatton maybe if Walker keeps his place

Sounds like we were unlucky, I've no complaints about the team selection it makes sense aslong as the rested players perform & get us 3 points on saturday .The only disapointing thing is 4 more strikers on the pitch tonight & still none of them can score.

I don't remember many Sat Tues Thurs Sat Tues sequences in the past.  Football is probably played at a quicker pace than it once was?  If we'd run our normal team into the ground, can't imagine we'd have been much better off, and would probably have risked a few injuries too.  At least they might be slightly fresher for Sat now.

Complete and utter wasted opportunity to virtually secure our play off place. Baffled, bothered and bewildered. :/

This season has been one big joke.  The shittiest promotion in town history if we go up and I very much doubt that now.

Where are we in the league now?

Quoted from buckstown

Boo, hiss Hurst out. Let Ginnywings, Meza and Denni pick the team
Its rubbish being third in the league, we're giants and we should be 50 points clear now

What a complete and utter twathead post.

Why when someone else offers an opinion cant it be just as valid as the one you want to make hey?

Im ecstatic we lost at dartford, is that better for you?

Same position only us and Cambridge played tonight.

Surely it would have made sense to play a strong team tonight given our recent away record, and rest players on Saturday and play for a draw. If we don't win on Saturday where does it leave us with Halifax and Alfreton the next two games after that?

I know were in a good postion but I expected more from some of the players tonight to try and stake a claim to try be in the 1st team, and I hate losing especially to someone in the relegation zone, looks bad on us losing to them as well, yes I am a bit peed of but hopefully it Dosent back fire on hurst because if we somehow miss the playoffs by 1 point or 2 or gd people will look at this game.

1 point in the last 6,   10 changes was always going to be a gamble, will be interesting to see why Paul did this, It's not as if we didnt need 3 points tonight was it?  :-/

We should of gone all out for the 3 points tonight to take the pressure off, now we will be looking over our shoulders.

I am baffled by some of the decisions Paul makes!

You certainly wont want me to pick the team lol

The striker thing is so frustrating, though Cooky's given it a good go to be fair. Ironically most fans would probably have wanted to see Shop play tonight after his endearing bit of swagger with the late penalty on Tues night, but Hannah hasn't done much and Southall still isn't the late game changing sub we all wanted. Rather than change all 10 outfield players I'd have preferred a more experimental middle, and see if we can bring Jennings into the play in a similar way to his Macc period.

Quoted from buckstown

Boo, hiss Hurst out. Let Ginnywings, Meza and Denni pick the team
Its rubbish being third in the league, we're giants and we should be 50 points clear now

Some convincing performances going into the play offs would be nice! Our current performances hardly fill me with confidence!

I've defended Hurst in the past but tonight, I just think he's a clown. His interview better be good. We could've been more or less confirmed as in the playoffs tonight and he plays ten different players. buffoon!

Wonder if Hurst will even do an interview tonight?

Quoted from marinette

I don't remember many Sat Tues Thurs Sat Tues sequences in the past.  Football is probably played at a quicker pace than it once was?  If we'd run our normal team into the ground, can't imagine we'd have been much better off, and would probably have risked a few injuries too.  At least they might be slightly fresher for Sat now.

Spot on. Cook was a gnats splidgeon from a happier outcome.

Onwards and upwards

UTM

Quoted from Meza

Same position only us and Cambridge played tonight.

OK, thanks.  

A big chance to put us 7  points in front of alfreton with a game in hand and he plays that shite team

Quoted from cmackenzie4

1 point in the last 6,   10 changes was always going to be a gamble, will be interesting to see why Paul did this, It's not as if we didnt need 3 points tonight was it?  :-/

We should of gone all out for the 3 points tonight to take the pressure off, now we will be looking over our shoulders.

I am baffled by some of the decisions Paul makes!

But he did go for the 3 points!! He has quite obviously looked at the run of 3 games in 5 days and decided the best chance of getting the most points would be to rest all those who played on Tuesday night. The fact that we lost does not mean he was wrong - defeats happen and there's no guarantee that keeping the same team out would have yielded 3 points tonight.  

There's two ways at looking at it,If we had played the same players as Tuesday night and we had lost,due to tiredness and then expect the same 11 to play on Saturday,I think that would be expecting to much, some will say he shouldn't have changed so many tonight, but then the knives would still be out if we had still lost. No guarantees in football,as we all know.Lets just accept tonights defeat and get behind the team,who ever is picked on Saturday.

Bear in mind his interview Tuesday, Fentys statement Wednesday and his team selection tonight, it's hardly been a glorious 48 hours has it?

Quoted from chicaneuk

Wonder if Hurst will even do an interview tonight?

Probably not he'll probably blame the fans into forcing him to make the changes.   I wonder what JF tjinks after his rallying statement.

Quoted from tonyfordsmicrofro

I've defended Hurst in the past but tonight, I just think he's a clown. His interview better be good. We could've been more or less confirmed as in the playoffs tonight and he plays ten different players. buffoon!

He will say the same old excrement.

Pleased with the players..

Always going to be difficult,  repeat repeat.

Basically everything but the truth.

Quoted from Sigone

Who will play left back on sat?  Hatton maybe if Walker keeps his place

Any one of the 10 that were left back ( at home ) tonight. UTM

Quoted from jonnyboy82

What a complete and utter twathead post.

Why when someone else offers an opinion cant it be just as valid as the one you want to make hey?

Im ecstatic we lost at dartford, is that better for you?

Some people just want to be unhappy. PH has taken us to our best position in five years and we have to have faith in him. Instead all he gets is grief from people who think they know better.
I'm not a knobhead, Im mildly intelligent, held reasonable jobs etc. but do believe we should be positive and supportive. Of course we're all entitled to our opinions but please be positive

First half we looked ok and for a bit of luck cook would've had 2 before they scored but he didn't so all this game can be remembered for is hurst tryin to be too clever . 3 or 4 changes ok but 10ffs ?! When we've got a playoff spot secured fair enough . At least have a strong bench ffs hurst .

Quoted from MeanwoodMariner

But he did go for the 3 points!! He has quite obviously looked at the run of 3 games in 5 days and decided the best chance of getting the most points would be to rest all those who played on Tuesday night. The fact that we lost does not mean he was wrong - defeats happen and there's no guarantee that keeping the same team out would have yielded 3 points tonight.  

They are 3rd from bottom for felicitations sake and we have won our last 4 away. We should have gone there with our best 11 and won the game,virtually guaranteeing the play offs and then take the foot off the gas.

I still think we will make the play offs but if we don't, then decisions like tonight's will go down as sheer stupidity.

Quoted from ginnywings

They are 3rd from bottom for felicitations sake and we have won our last 4 away. We should have gone there with our best 11 and won the game,virtually guaranteeing the play offs and then take the foot off the gas.

I still think we will make the play offs but if we don't, then decisions like tonight's will go down as sheer stupidity.

Agreed.

Tinker man strikes again!

Well at least dartford were favourites...

Quoted from ginnywings

They are 3rd from bottom for felicitations sake and we have won our last 4 away. We should have gone there with our best 11 and won the game,virtually guaranteeing the play offs and then take the foot off the gas.

I still think we will make the play offs but if we don't, then decisions like tonight's will go down as sheer stupidity.

But he did go with his best 11 given the circumstances, that's the point!!! You can by all means disagree with what the best XI is, but it's not fair to imply he took the foot off the gas or deliberately played a weakened team.

Would the same 11 from Tuesday night have won tonight? We'll never know but I'm guessing the phrase "they look leggy" would have been used a lot. And then what? Play them all again on Saturday?

I think all of us can accept the need to rest players, but its a matter of
scale and i feel he has gone way OTT tonight, even prem teams with
fantastic squads rarely change 10 players AND have a  no strength in
depth on the bench (as previous poster have  stated) doing what we
have done tonight has given other clubs around us a squeak of the play
offs and added extra pressure for the forthcoming home games and lets be
honest,our recent  home performances have been  fairly poor in the main.
Like others, i just feel  baffled and disappointed.

From the commentary it seems as though it was fairly even in a game that lacked much quality. Cook was unlucky with his chances (I wonder whether the same adjective would be applied by some to L J-L?!), and Fyfield's bookings sounded harsh.

But despite the disappointing result, I think some perspective is called for. I'm sure some will criticise PH for his team changes - but he's always said it's got to be a squad effort given the congested fixtures; and those rested should be much fresher on Saturday from missing 8+ hours of travelling  and 94 minutes of competitive football. There were several in tonight's team that had points to prove, so arguably they should have been well 'up for it', and it was far from a weak or inexperienced team.

As for those who think we've blown our play-off chances, our position is still very good - it's in our own hands. There's a bit more pressure on the remaining games - but over recent weeks this squad has shown its resilience, and everyone involved knows what job they have to do. A play-off place is the objective - we're still well on course for that.

Perhaps the biggest risk is upsetting the focus - negative reactions could exacerbate the situation shown after Tuesday's game, when tempers were frayed and divisions began to show. Cool, calm determination and focus is what's required now to get the job done: whilst of course everyone has a right to express their views and show their disappointment, I just hope it's measured otherwise it could be a very costly distraction.

What you got to ask is why have things gone slightly sour after xmas.  Was there changes galore before then npe just the odd one or 2 to replace suspensions and injuries.   PH also won manager of the month not so long ago.

I think given the RS situation PH has done very well on his todd but his team selections, tactics at times are confusing to say the least.  Trying to keep everyone happy I dont have all the answers but changing the team ecery 5 mins even when players have come back into the side played v well then dropped.  Great opportunity missed.

Quoted from buckstown

Some people just want to be unhappy. PH has taken us to our best position in five years and we have to have faith in him. Instead all he gets is grief from people who think they know better.
I'm not a knobhead, Im mildly intelligent, held reasonable jobs etc. but do believe we should be positive and supportive. Of course we're all entitled to our opinions but please be positive

As stated before, i have opinions i voice on here. I go to every game and never boo or jeer the players or manager.

If you don't agree with my comments, then quote me and put your counter argument. I called you a knobhead because you chose to make a veiled dig at me and others.

Don't know what your intelligence level and job history have to do with anything.

Quoted from petethemariner

I think all of us can accept the need to rest players, but its a matter of
scale and i feel he has gone way OTT tonight, even prem teams with
fantastic squads rarely change 10 players AND have a  no strength in
depth on the bench (as previous poster have  stated) doing what we
have done tonight has given other clubs around us a squeak of the play
offs and added extra pressure for the forthcoming home games and lets be
honest,our recent  home performances have been  fairly poor in the main.
Like others, i just feel  baffled and disappointed.

Me too Pete.

Quoted from cmackenzie4

1 point in the last 6,   10 changes was always going to be a gamble, will be interesting to see why Paul did this, It's not as if we didnt need 3 points tonight was it?  :-/

[/b]We should of gone all out for the 3 points tonight to take the pressure off[b], now we will be looking over our shoulders.

I am baffled by some of the decisions Paul makes!

I would imagine PH  had faith in the players he put out tonight to go out there and do the job,but they have let themselves down. I for one thought the team chosen should have been capable of beating a team in the relegation zone,Obviously not.

Quoted from DavidB

From the commentary it seems as though it was fairly even in a game that lacked much quality. Cook was unlucky with his chances (I wonder whether the same adjective would be applied by some to L J-L?!), and Fyfield's bookings sounded harsh.

But despite the disappointing result, I think some perspective is called for. I'm sure some will criticise PH for his team changes - but he's always said it's got to be a squad effort given the congested fixtures; and those rested should be much fresher on Saturday from missing 8+ hours of travelling  and 94 minutes of competitive football. There were several in tonight's team that had points to prove, so arguably they should have been well 'up for it', and it was far from a weak or inexperienced team.

As for those who think we've blown our play-off chances, our position is still very good - it's in our own hands. There's a bit more pressure on the remaining games - but over recent weeks this squad has shown its resilience, and everyone involved knows what job they have to do. A play-off place is the objective - we're still well on course for that.

Perhaps the biggest risk is upsetting the focus - negative reactions could exacerbate the situation shown after Tuesday's game, when tempers were frayed and divisions began to show. Cool, calm determination and focus is what's required now to get the job done: whilst of course everyone has a right to express their views and show their disappointment, I just hope it's measured otherwise it could be a very costly distraction.

Great post.  Long time no see!

I half see why Hurst did what he did, however he's lumped pressure on himself to justify tonight's total surrender.

A win Saturday and no 'resting' players from here on in to get us on a run of form for the play-offs = good choice tonight.

No win Saturday, makes stupid changes to the squad for the rest of the season so we go in with no confidence. Meaning we dribble into (and subsequently out of) the play-offs like an old mans spunk (AGAIN) = totally idiotic.

It's things like this that rile fans about him. You need to look back at the two odd stunts he's pulled in the last 2 days to see why.

I'm really annoyed, maybe I shouldn't be posting when I'm in this mood but if we do reach the playoffs, I can't see him taking us up. Absolutely ridiculous decision to play a reserve side tonight. We should've got the three points, one at best, played a weaker side at home against a struggling Chester on Saturday keeping fresher legs for the more difficult game against Halifax the following Tuesday.

Am I mad or does this make sense? I just don't get him!!

I'm amazed that people think PH should have made his previously selected outfield players for the Kidderminster and Woking games travel to play at Dartford. I think that he had a duty to protect these players under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, in terms of likely injuries that these players could sustain with such a concentrated programme of games. Blame the Conference League organisers for a ridiculous timescale of games i.m.o.

Quoted from tonyfordsmicrofro

I'm really annoyed, maybe I shouldn't be posting when I'm in this mood but if we do reach the playoffs, I can't see him taking us up. Absolutely ridiculous decision to play a reserve side tonight. We should've got the three points, one at best, played a weaker side at home against a struggling Chester on Saturday keeping fresher legs for the more difficult game against Halifax the following Tuesday.

Am I mad or does this make sense? I just don't get him!!

Makes total sense to me TFM.

Quoted from MeanwoodMariner

But he did go with his best 11 given the circumstances, that's the point!!! You can by all means disagree with what the best XI is, but it's not fair to imply he took the foot off the gas or deliberately played a weakened team.

Would the same 11 from Tuesday night have won tonight? We'll never know but I'm guessing the phrase "they look leggy" would have been used a lot. And then what? Play them all again on Saturday?

Fair enough. I can see your viewpoint and if we win our next 2 games, then all will be forgotten. I just feel we sent out the wrong message tonight and have given other teams a bit of a lift seeing us lose at Dartford.

Strangely, tonight's result could focus the team more on getting the job done in the next 2 games.

Quoted from buckstown

Some people just want to be unhappy. PH has taken us to our best position in five years and we have to have faith in him. Instead all he gets is grief from people who think they know better.
I'm not a knobhead, Im mildly intelligent, held reasonable jobs etc. but do believe we should be positive and supportive. Of course we're all entitled to our opinions but please be positive

I think its not people being unhappy its people seeing bizarre decisions like tonight and have the right to voice their opinion that 10 changes is too much..

He has a history of doing silly things when it comes to team selection..

The fans wether to accept losing away at dartford or the ones not happy have an equal right to say what they think but one things for sure I wont ever accept being happy to lose at dartford, why because we are grimsby town

We should never be happy losing at places like that,  some might say thats arrogance but I dont see it that way I see it as not being happy as a fan of a club with a big budget in this league and the players we have.

As for being positive its the decisions hurst makes which sucks it all out of you after you just regain a little bit of positivity..

He has this knack of alienating fans and doing his best to really make you wonder why some people like myself still wonder what is he thinking sometimes.

Quoted from tonyfordsmicrofro

I'm really annoyed, maybe I shouldn't be posting when I'm in this mood but if we do reach the playoffs, I can't see him taking us up. Absolutely ridiculous decision to play a reserve side tonight. We should've got the three points, one at best, played a weaker side at home against a struggling Chester on Saturday keeping fresher legs for the more difficult game against Halifax the following Tuesday.

Am I mad or does this make sense? I just don't get him!!

Neither do I sometimes.   I so want him to succeed and has done so well until the past few months.   Im trying not to make any more ill judged angry posts so I apologise if any of my posts are totally b0llocks lol.

A big clue is Woking - 0-3 - top team until the last 2 games in the last 3 days. They did not have the resource to change their team.

My main gripe wasn't the starting XI but the inexperienced bench.

Quoted from jonnyboy82

I think its not people being unhappy its people seeing bizarre decisions like tonight and have the right to voice their opinion that 10 changes is too much..

He has a history of doing silly things when it comes to team selection..

The fans wether to accept losing away at dartford or the ones not happy have an equal right to say what they think but one things for sure I wont ever accept being happy to lose at dartford, why because we are grimsby town

We should never be happy losing at places like that,  some might say thats arrogance but I dont see it that way I see it as not being happy as a fan of a club with a big budget in this league and the players we have.

As for being positive its the decisions hurst makes which sucks it all out of you after you just regain a little bit of positivity..

He has this knack of alienating fans and doing his best to really make you wonder why some people like myself still wonder what is he thinking sometimes.

Top post Jonnyboy.  

Quoted from Les Brechin

My main gripe wasn't the starting XI but the inexperienced bench.

Just as I was posting that, there was a bloke on RH making exactly the same point.

He could at least have had 3 or 4 of the players he "rested" on the bench.

Quoted from Teestogreen

A big clue is Woking - 0-3 - top team until the last 2 games in the last 3 days. They did not have the resource to change their team.

Or Woking aren't as good as Hurst made them out to be.

Quoted from Teestogreen

I'm amazed that people think PH should have made his previously selected outfield players for the Kidderminster and Woking games travel to play at Dartford. I think that he had a duty to protect these players under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, in terms of likely injuries that these players could sustain with such a concentrated programme of games. Blame the Conference League organisers for a ridiculous timescale of games i.m.o.

Is this post real life or am I on acid? Health and safety at work act?! What?!

Quoted from Teestogreen

A big clue is Woking - 0-3 - top team until the last 2 games in the last 3 days. They did not have the resource to change their team.

Prehaps the clue in that is that we should've been beating Woking at home and it could show that Cambridge are miles ahead of us going into the PO.

Quoted from Les Brechin

Just as I was posting that, there was a bloke on RH making exactly the same point.

He could at least have had 3 or 4 of the players he "rested" on the bench.

They may get home at 1 in the morning. Players that are playing on Saturday may have training on Friday- and a lot have to commute in. Taking them down to sit on the bench isn't exactly great preparation for Chester.

;D

Quoted from tonyfordsmicrofro

I'm really annoyed, maybe I shouldn't be posting when I'm in this mood but if we do reach the playoffs, I can't see him taking us up. Absolutely ridiculous decision to play a[/b] reserve side [b]tonight. We should've got the three points, one at best, played a weaker side at home against a struggling Chester on Saturday keeping fresher legs for the more difficult game against Halifax the following Tuesday.

Am I mad or does this make sense? I just don't get him!!

I wouldn't call it a reserve side,apart from Walker, All the others in the starting 11 tonight are in the 1st team squad.

The training will only be v light I would suspect.

Quoted from Teestogreen

A big clue is Woking - 0-3 - top team until the last 2 games in the last 3 days. They did not have the resource to change their team.

Great, they lost at home tonight,with the same team as tuesday. Admittedly, they were playing Cambridge and not Dartford.
I'm really pleased for that tosser Garry Hill.(taz).

Quoted from Grimal

I wouldn't call it a reserve side,apart from Walker, All the others in the starting 11 tonight are in the 1st team squad.

Like a boy in an orthopaedic shoe, I stand corrected. Maybe I should've said our strongest side...... Unfortunately, I'm not sure that Hurst knows what our strongest side is.

Quoted from 3610

They may get home at 1 in the morning. Players that are playing on Saturday may have training on Friday- and a lot have to commute in. Taking them down to sit on the bench isn't exactly great preparation for Chester.

Very good point Salford Mariner - I totally agree - PH i.m.o. has not overlooked this. The last time I saw Grimsby play Chester at home, we lost 2-3, Matt Haywood had a stinker and Alan Buckley was relieved of his duties. Hopefully, I will witness a much happier scenario on Saturday.

Quoted from pontoonlew

Is this post real life or am I on acid? Health and safety at work act?! What?!

A joke Lew.

Quoted from Meza

The training will only be v light I would suspect.

I would bloody hope so!

I think another point worth making is that with important games against play-off rivals Halifax and Alfreton coming up, we couldn't rest the players for those games and thus they need to be fresh for those games. Tonight is possibly the best game to rest 10 players, because losing it means we haven't lost when others are possibly winning as we would on Saturday, and losing the games against Alfreton/Halifax would mean they have gained 3 points on us.

Basically, although PH can't really admit it, perhaps he's being a bit cute here and deciding which game to change all the players and therefore decide which game he wants to lose. (I appreciate it doesn't guarantee winning the other games, but it would probably give us a fresher team against the better teams, which we will definitely need I think.)

Quoted from Grimal

A joke Lew.

Well, he might be on acid too...

Quoted from jonnyboy82

I think its not people being unhappy its people seeing bizarre decisions like tonight and have the right to voice their opinion that 10 changes is too much..

He has a history of doing silly things when it comes to team selection..

The fans wether to accept losing away at dartford or the ones not happy have an equal right to say what they think but one things for sure I wont ever accept being happy to lose at dartford, why because we are grimsby town

We should never be happy losing at places like that,  some might say thats arrogance but I dont see it that way I see it as not being happy as a fan of a club with a big budget in this league and the players we have.

As for being positive its the decisions hurst makes which sucks it all out of you after you just regain a little bit of positivity..

He has this knack of alienating fans and doing his best to really make you wonder why some people like myself still wonder what is he thinking sometimes.

The way I see it is that at some point PH was going to have to take a risk given the sheer number of games facing Town. I think everyone would agree that Halifax isn't the game to do it in which leaves tonight or Saturday. Whilst Saturday looks a very good option, the great unknown is what effect Tuesday's game had on those who played and what effect travelling down to Dartford would have had on those players. Had Tuesday's players with maybe one or two changes gone out there tonight and not performed (there was absolutely no guarantee that they would have done so) we could have been looking at playing Saturday with our first team players even more knackered and the same need to win-with Halifax waiting on Tuesday. At least resting tonight gives those players a fighting chance of being able to do their bit-again-not only on Saturday but next Tuesday as well. I wouldn't want to have been the manager having to think his way through that one. A final point-many on here have sung the praises (and rightly so) of most the players who played tonight with several of the more vociferous stating that their particular favourite should be in the best starting XI. If this is the case then exactly how much of a weakened team was it? Obviously I wasn't there but it doesn't sound as though many who listened on the radio thought much of the performance-.....
This whole ridiculous situation has been created by the intransigence of the management of this league and the unwillingness of Dartford (unsurprisingly given their position) to play the game at a time more beneficial to us.

Quoted from Teestogreen

Very good point Salford Mariner - I totally agree - PH i.m.o. has not overlooked this. The last time I saw Grimsby play Chester at home, we lost 2-3, Matt Haywood had a stinker and Alan Buckley was relieved of his duties. Hopefully, I will witness a much happier scenario on Saturday.

That was the game where Ellison scored a brilliant hat trick for them wasn't it? 3 quality finishes that were ultimately responsible for Buckley's sacking. (Wasn't it 3-1 btw?)

It would've been 3-2 if that useless twat Boshell hadn't put a penalty wide in injury time ;)

Quoted from Tom13

I think another point worth making is that with important games against play-off rivals Halifax and Alfreton coming up, we couldn't rest the players for those games and thus they need to be fresh for those games. Tonight is possibly the best game to rest 10 players, because losing it means we haven't lost when others are possibly winning as we would on Saturday, and losing the games against Alfreton/Halifax would mean they have gained 3 points on us.

Basically, although PH can't really admit it, perhaps he's being a bit cute here and deciding which game to change all the players and therefore decide which game he wants to lose. (I appreciate it doesn't guarantee winning the other games, but it would probably give us a fresher team against the better teams, which we will definitely need I think.)

Now why couldn't I have written that succinctly..Great post

Quoted from barralad

The way I see it is that at some point PH was going to have to take a risk given the sheer number of games facing Town. I think everyone would agree that Halifax isn't the game to do it in which leaves tonight or Saturday. Whilst Saturday looks a very good option, the great unknown is what effect Tuesday's game had on those who played and what effect travelling down to Dartford would have had on those players. Had Tuesday's players with maybe one or two changes gone out there tonight and not performed (there was absolutely no guarantee that they would have done so) we could have been looking at playing Saturday with our first team players even more knackered and the same need to win-with Halifax waiting on Tuesday. At least resting tonight gives those players a fighting chance of being able to do their bit-again-not only on Saturday but next Tuesday as well. I wouldn't want to have been the manager having to think his way through that one. A final point-many on here have sung the praises (and rightly so) of most the players who played tonight with several of the more vociferous stating that their particular favourite should be in the best starting XI. If this is the case then exactly how much of a weakened team was it? Obviously I wasn't there but it doesn't sound as though many who listened on the radio thought much of the performance-.....
This whole ridiculous situation has been created by the intransigence of the management of this league and the unwillingness of Dartford (unsurprisingly given their position) to play the game at a time more beneficial to us.

Very good points.

Quoted from Tom13

I think another point worth making is that with important games against play-off rivals Halifax and Alfreton coming up, we couldn't rest the players for those games and thus they need to be fresh for those games. Tonight is possibly the best game to rest 10 players, because losing it means we haven't lost when others are possibly winning as we would on Saturday, and losing the games against Alfreton/Halifax would mean they have gained 3 points on us.

Basically, although PH can't really admit it, perhaps he's being a bit cute here and deciding which game to change all the players and therefore decide which game he wants to lose. (I appreciate it doesn't guarantee winning the other games, but it would probably give us a fresher team against the better teams, which we will definitely need I think.)

Now why couldn't I have written that succinctly..Great post

Quoted from Abdul19

It would've been 3-2 if that useless twat Boshell hadn't put a penalty wide in injury time ;)

Completely wiped that penalty from my mind, did that definitely happen?!  ;D

Quoted from Tom13

That was the game where Ellison scored a brilliant hat trick for them wasn't it? 3 quality finishes that were ultimately responsible for Buckley's sacking. (Wasn't it 3-1 btw?)

Without looking. I thought Ellison scored 2 and it was 2-3 but Ellison' s goals were stunning - but I always remember Haywood stuffed by him

Looking on the Dartfords Forum last night the general feeling was they would get something out of tonights game,saying they expect our players to have tired legs after tuesday nights game.They thought Suarez would cause problems against our defence late on in the game with his pace. Don't think they were expecting the 11 we put out.

The FA Trophy cost us that game. Had it been played on the original date (I think it was postponed because of the Trophy) we'd probably have got three points a) because of playing our normal team, b) Dartford were worse then before they got their loan players.

Quoted from Tom13

That was the game where Ellison scored a brilliant hat trick for them wasn't it? 3 quality finishes that were ultimately responsible for Buckley's sacking. (Wasn't it 3-1 btw?)

Ellison won't be playing on Saturday,will he ?. ;)

Well - according to BBC Football - we've had 9 shots, they've had 5: 2 were on target for them and 5 were on target for us. This is far better than the previous 4 away games. So if Rodman had played in this team??!!

Quoted from Teestogreen

Very good point Salford Mariner - I totally agree - PH i.m.o. has not overlooked this. The last time I saw Grimsby play Chester at home, we lost 2-3, Matt Haywood had a stinker and Alan Buckley was relieved of his duties. Hopefully, I will witness a much happier scenario on Saturday.

It was a 3-1 defeat actually and if my memory serves me correctly we had about 85% possession but had no cutting edge and a dodgy defender or two

I just hope that we make a good start on Saturday because if Chester come with a game plan to frustrate the team, they won't be the only ones who become frustrated and terrace tensions could mean we send a negative atmosphere out to our players and we end up with another Welling, Southport or Hereford scenario :-/

Simple fact is its time for shorty to deliver a playoff place and from what's gone on this week so far the pressure is telling on him.

Nothing less than a convincing victory is really good enough especially with tricky games v Halifax and Alfreton and not to forget our annual humbling by Braintree last match.

I really don't see this ending well. It feels very lutonesque.

Quoted from jonnyboy82

We should never be happy losing at places like that,  some might say thats arrogance but I dont see it that way I see it as not being happy as a fan of a club with a big budget in this league

Please. No one is happy we lost, so stop acting like that's the case. Some folks just don't view this particular loss as the end of the world, especially if there is a benefit to having more fit players for the next few games (including against teams who are close to us in the playoff hunt).

And, just to prep you in advance... Town will lose "at places like that" next year, and the year after that, and the year after that. We've lost at such places virtually every year in our history, and will so again. And no Town fan will be happy about that. But, how about a little faith and perspective? Please?

Quoted from Teestogreen

Well - according to BBC Football - we've had 9 shots, they've had 5: 2 were on target for them and 5 were on target for us. This is far better than the previous 4 away games. So if Rodman had played in this team??!!

If's and but's , onward and upward ,bring on Chester,we will be ready for them with a refreshed 1st team. UTM.  

Quoted from Grimal

Ellison won't be playing on Saturday,will he ?. ;)

Thankfully for us no haha!

Quoted from Teestogreen

Without looking. I thought Ellison scored 2 and it was 2-3 but Ellison' s goals were stunning - but I always remember Haywood stuffed by him

Just checked, it was 3-1 with an Ellison hat trick and North got our goal. Turns out Abdul was right about the penalty as well!

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_3/7602068.stm

Completely understand the team selection. I expect Saturday to be the 'Woking team' and next Tuesday
to be (more or less) the same Dartford team.

PH believes 2 wins will see us into the play-offs (I reckon so too) and we've home games against Chester
and Hyde to come. So no big risk playing the side we did tonight, and it makes sense to rest the other X.

Think PH has got more balls/sense/patience than a few on here.
We could easily have got a good point or a great three, but it wasn't for us tonight. That's football...?...

That line up! Just awful!

Quoted from pontoonlew

Prehaps the clue in that is that we should've been beating Woking at home and it could show that Cambridge are miles ahead of us going into the PO.

Is this the same Woking who beat Luton?

Quoted from tonyfordsmicrofro

I'm really annoyed, maybe I shouldn't be posting when I'm in this mood but if we do reach the playoffs, I can't see him taking us up. Absolutely ridiculous decision to play a reserve side tonight. We should've got the three points, one at best, played a weaker side at home against a struggling Chester on Saturday keeping fresher legs for the more difficult game against Halifax the following Tuesday.

Am I mad or does this make sense? I just don't get him!!

The struggling Chester who are above Dartford in the table, and have won two out of their last three games, with Dartford only winning one out of their last three (yes, tonights game).

A couple of inches difference for Cook twice and it might have been a different story.

Personally I think it was good to blood the second-string in a game against a team fighting for their lives,, but knowing it is one of a game or two in hand on the other contenders, with a four point cushion on that last playoff place. Better to know know how they handle it than have to rely on a relative unknown quantity if we need to put them in in the playoffs/ later games this season.

I also liked seeing Cook and Tounkara actually talk and gee each other up as a strike pair, especially when Tounkara came close in the first half.

Quoted from barralad

The way I see it is that at some point PH was going to have to take a risk given the sheer number of games facing Town. I think everyone would agree that Halifax isn't the game to do it in which leaves tonight or Saturday. Whilst Saturday looks a very good option, the great unknown is what effect Tuesday's game had on those who played and what effect travelling down to Dartford would have had on those players. Had Tuesday's players with maybe one or two changes gone out there tonight and not performed (there was absolutely no guarantee that they would have done so) we could have been looking at playing Saturday with our first team players even more knackered and the same need to win-with Halifax waiting on Tuesday. At least resting tonight gives those players a fighting chance of being able to do their bit-again-not only on Saturday but next Tuesday as well. I wouldn't want to have been the manager having to think his way through that one. A final point-many on here have sung the praises (and rightly so) of most the players who played tonight with several of the more vociferous stating that their particular favourite should be in the best starting XI. If this is the case then exactly how much of a weakened team was it? Obviously I wasn't there but it doesn't sound as though many who listened on the radio thought much of the performance-.....
This whole ridiculous situation has been created by the intransigence of the management of this league and the unwillingness of Dartford (unsurprisingly given their position) to play the game at a time more beneficial to us.

This is also my considered view of events. PH looked at the bigger picture and whilst 10 changes is a bit extreme that team should have been capable of getting points and sounds like they were unlucky not to do so. There can be few excuses for a bad result on Sat now though.

Quoted from mike_d

[b]The struggling Chester who are above Dartford in the table, and have won two out of their last three games, with Dartford only winning one out of their last three (yes, tonights game).

Chester who have beaten Hyde and Tamworth at home in the last 3. The two teams that are 23rd and 24th in the league.

So, against teams who have something to play for? My point is that they wanted a full strength team against Dartford, who are BELOW them, and play a weakened team against a team that are confident having beaten the teams around them.
Dartford managed a win against a reserve side who hadn't played together; not that that should make any difference at all. We can choose things to suit the argument. Personally, I think Chester are the stronger team, so PH did the right thing.

Not winning last night has now made Saturday a must win game imo.

Quoted from mike_d

So, against teams who have something to play for? My point is that they wanted a full strength team against Dartford, who are BELOW them, and play a weakened team against a team that are confident having beaten the teams around them.
Dartford managed a win against a reserve side who hadn't played together; not that that should make any difference at all. We can choose things to suit the argument. Personally, I think Chester are the stronger team, so PH did the right thing.

I don't disagree that Hurst did the right thing last night. But Hyde have had nothing to play for since about October time, and Tamworth would have needed a miracle to stay up. For what its worth they are currently 12 points away from getting out of the relegation zone with 12 points available.

How some people aren't viewing this as a missed opportunity is beyond me. We could have gone 7 points clear in the play-off's with a result last night :(

If I had to choose between a bunch of players who were used to playing together in matches but who had had several games in quick succession and were likely to be physically and mentally drained (well I was mentally drained after Tues, anyway!) or another bunch of players who presumably are used to playing together in training and who are physically quite fresh, raring to go and desperate to prove their ability, I would go for the second bunch of players every time, and give the first lot a rest.  No arguments at all with last night's team selection.  In fact I think our normal 'first team' would probably have lost by a bigger margin, as I expect they were already fairly kna*kered, even before that long journey.

Quoted from Mariners_15

How some people aren't viewing this as a missed opportunity is beyond me. We could have gone 7 points clear in the play-off's with a result last night :(

I'm pretty sure 100% of fans, players and management see it as a missed opportunity.

I was very disappointed when I saw the score,

BUT

Having seen the team that played, I thought Hurst did the right thing in resting most of the players,

If I was Hedge, I would be banging on his door saying " what about me, why aren't I playing " ?

Different team will play tomorrow and we will have a nice little win to sooth our nerves. ;)

Quoted from MeanwoodMariner

I'm pretty sure 100% of fans, players and management see it as a missed opportunity.

The issue is the cowboy getting paid to make these choices didn't see it beforehand.

Quoted from pontoonlew

The issue is the cowboy getting paid to make these choices didn't see it beforehand.

Is this the same cowboy who managed us in beating two teams from a higher division in the FA Cup, took us to the semi-finals of the FA Trophy, had one Manager Of The Month award this season and currently has got us 3rd in the league with a more than realistic chance of a place in the play-offs. Some cowboy!