Norwich City vs Middlesboro (Home) Sunday 27th October.

[morty]

Didn't catch the presser, been travelling today, but I think Gunn and Nunez are both still a few weeks away yet?

I have a vested interest in winning this as about 80% of the guys I work offshore with are Boro fans!

 

[gerryinromania]

Well that was entertaining, both sets of fans certainly got good value for their time and outlay. Wish I could have been there, I would have been a very happy old fella on leaving the ground.
Was pretty p 'ed off with Long on their first goal, but he rallied well. Thought Doyle was pretty crap. Not impressed with Slimane, Sarge was not the real Sarge . Sainz, well, it's super Sainz for me Really going to miss Kenny, especially if Nunez is still crocked.
After watching and enjoying that display from both teams, I now have the sad experience of watching the top Bucharest derby on the telly box. Consider yourselves lucky that they don't show that crap on UK tv

 

[morty]

Just back from the pub (#standard)

Crivvens, what a game.

Started great, Borja scored a worldy, this should be easy. Then it all went very badly wrong, and I am not entirely blaming Long, maybe a bit for the first goal, but it feels very much like without Nunez, we really lack a bit of control in midfield.

But then, for goodness sake, Long saves a pen, and suddenly we look like we want it, which is pleasing, as at 3-1 down we were absolutely dead and buried. And before you know it, an even better better goal by Borja, then what must surely be an OG by their keeper and we are level, and looking like we could win the game. Slightly marred by the Mclean sending off (which I haven't watched back yet, but I feel we will really miss him for the next 3 games) and some great subs by the manager meant we saw it out.

Haven't had that much of an emotional rollercoaster since that time we drew 4-4 with Boro!

 

[morty]

 

[GJP]

Boro were good.

Doak caused us a lot of problems and this is where Doyle's horrendous lack of pace is going to hold him back - even if he wants to play CB. He is a quality player though.

But it's clearly an area the opposition are getting increasingly wise to.

Their first goal was the third goal in succession we don't concede if Gunn is in goal.

McLean sending off was pretty poor from your captain and highly experienced campaigner, especially given the situation in the game and the wider picture (Nunez being out). No need for it.

Did feel the game also highlighted the need for another striker. Sargent didn't trouble them too much. Note - Boro could afford to leave Latte on the bench and still cause us plenty of problems.

But another game we would have lost plenty of times in years gone by and yet this time managed to come away with a decent result.

 

[morty]

Long getting beaten at his near post was a shocker, but then the whole game turns when he saves the pen. Yes, he isn't Gunn, but I think some people are going a bit OTT when it comes to how bad he is.

I thought the Mclean tackle was a yellow. It was clumsy and mistimed but not malicious. I don't think the ref had a very good game, the pen was pretty soft too.

Yeah Doak was excellent!

I think I would rather see Doyle at CB.

 

[GJP]

I thought the Mclean tackle was a yellow. It was clumsy and mistimed but not malicious. I don't think the ref had a very good game, the pen was pretty soft too.

I thought the sending off kind of summed up McLean's weakness as a player - gets involved where he shouldn't.

He just didn't need to do it and, whether it was a sending off or not, he gives the ref that chance.

And you could tell by what else had happened in the game that the ref had it in his locker to dish out that red. The penalty was an example, yes it was justifiable to give it but he couldn't wait to give it.

But McLean's wish to get involved and "lead by example" causes him to get into places and things he shouldn't. In that moment he lacked that cool, calm, discipline to stay on his feet and stay in the game.

That said, I don't hate him for it because it only comes from his desire to do the best he can for his team.

 

[morty]

If you look at stats Kenny brings a lot to the team, I don't get the hate from some.

But more importantly, for now, is that we don't really have another player that can play the role.