Just now, Valiiant said:

We're desperate for a John McCombe/Leon Legge type. It's a travesty we're starting Lowe, a player that couldn't get in Salford's defence in the league below.

A good, dominant centre back and an alternative to Ikpeazu would make a huge difference, despite of Crosby.

Whilst not for a moment would he be a League one CH . We have not properly had an upgrade on Martin. 

There was a bizarre post at halftime and how awful Gavin Massey was. He wasn't as good going forward first half but did well defensively against a very good winger. If Gavin Massey played like he did today every match he'd still be a Championship player. Grant also probably had his best game in a Vale shirt. 

Really pleased for Uche won everything in the air ! If he could pass I suppose he would not be here. The defending for there second goal was shocking the lads want flogging for that one alone. A well deserved point but should have been three with a bit more luck. A good attitude from the lads to keep going and never say die. Sort this defence out and we could be in for some exciting times.

4 minutes ago, For Us All said:

Happy clapper here,without Ollie,Funso and Gazza,I think that was a good point.Oh,and well done Gav.👍

 

So you're ignoring the fact that they're shocking away, were one place above us in the table and were also missing key players? I genuinely don't understand how anyone can think that is a good point at home. It's not a disaster but it's two points dropped. They were dreadful other than having pace up front. But our defence will make any side look quick and athletic. 

3 minutes ago, Valiiant said:

We're desperate for a John McCombe/Leon Legge type. It's a travesty we're starting Lowe, a player that couldn't get in Salford's defence in the league below.

A good, dominant centre back and an alternative to Ikpeazu would make a huge difference, despite of Crosby.

You’re right I know it was a lower league but look how well Smiith played with Legge

1 minute ago, JohnJames said:

You’re right I know it was a lower league but look how well Smiith played with Legge

 

I just don't think Smith should be starting every week ideally. You can get away with a lack of pace and mobility to a large extent in League Two but in this one you're often up against quick and mobile forwards. Smith is neither physically dominant (not through a lack of trying) or quick across the grass.

6 minutes ago, MBE said:

 

 

5.6k home fans. That should be alarming to the club.

I thought for a pretty big club Charlton would bring more. 

4 minutes ago, valiant_593 said:

Should have won by a mile today. Their keeper was fantastic as well

Yes we played really well.From start to finish the better team. So many good performances today, Uche unplayable and his partnership with Willo looks really balanced.Good energy down the right with Massey and Sang and real football quality and linking of play on the left with Chis and Grant who's crossing was always inviting and on the money , something to work on .

Alfie for his age is impressive and he dictated the play all game irrespective of his mistake for Charltons 2nd goal.way 

We should have won but on this occasion the way we played was more important. Crosby clearly has every player fighting for the shirt even in the face of a crippling injury crises

Only real disappointment was the crowd size.

For those unable to attend due to the cost of xmas etc I sympathise 

For those who chose not to attend due to being fare weather fans and not wanting to back the team rain hail or snow then I'm glad you missed one of if not our best games of the season 

UTV see you at Reading 

 

 

5 minutes ago, MBE said:

 

 

5.6k home fans. That should be alarming to the club.

You should be embarrassed by your post, pal. 

Also, if I didn't have a season ticket, I couldn't have afforded today. I'd imagine it's the same for many. A bit of common sense, eh?

We hammered Blackpool 3 last home game. Do you really think people saw that and went, "nah, I'm not going next time."

1 minute ago, Valiiant said:

 

I just don't think Smith should be starting every week ideally. You can get away with a lack of pace and mobility to a large extent in League Two but in this one you're often up against quick and mobile forwards. Smith is neither physically dominant (not through a lack of trying) or quick across the grass.

Smith would be ok if played in the middle. He’s a CB but can’t play right or left of the three. Either him or Lowe for me 

29 minutes ago, Valiiant said:

We're desperate for a John McCombe/Leon Legge type. It's a travesty we're starting Lowe, a player that couldn't get in Salford's defence in the league below.

A good, dominant centre back and an alternative to Ikpeazu would make a huge difference, despite of Crosby.

While I don't deny we need at least 1 solid central defender & 2 (dedicated wingbacks not shoe-ins) I thought Lowe did well today against Charltons pacey front 3. Our problem is the lack of pace. Smith looked like he was towing a cannon against their 22. Debrah has some pace but he was struggling due to injury. Overall today was a very good performance and we should have won by 4 or 5. The referee was either blind or bought and the linesman in front of the railway missed numerous charlton offsides but strangely not any by Vale. 

Edited January 6, 20242 yr by Hot Rat
Spelling

There’s not a single player with above average pace at the club, save for perhaps Plant. All our centre halves are fit, apart from Jones who probably wouldn’t start anyway; of those 6/7 we only have maybe 2 who have played half the games at a L1 standard so far. Why play wingbacks when we have no players with pace? Why play 3 centre halves when we’re struggling to find 2 adequate ones? I don’t understand what the logic is. 

7 minutes ago, Valiiant said:

 

I just don't think Smith should be starting every week ideally. You can get away with a lack of pace and mobility to a large extent in League Two but in this one you're often up against quick and mobile forwards. Smith is neither physically dominant (not through a lack of trying) or quick across the grass.

Jesse Debrah is genuinely good on the ball. When Lacovitti came on, after needing time to warm up, he passed well with Grant. Can't recall Smith except giving the ball away. But the defence and defensive midfield got played through the whole game. Alarmingly so. We were stupendously lucky not to concede more. Needs urgent attention.

Edited January 6, 20242 yr by Warren

Having said that I do like Debrah, I think he’s a diamond in the rough and will cement his place in the starting line up as long as he’s not now been injured!

Balmer, just send him back Croz if you’d prefer to play a player who can’t stand up through injury.

Yes we played really well.From start to finish the better team. So many good performances today, Uche unplayable and his partnership with Willo looks really balanced.Good energy down the right with Massey and Sang and real football quality and linking of play on the left with Chis and Grant who's crossing was always inviting and on the money , something to work on .
Alfie for his age is impressive and he dictated the play all game irrespective of his mistake for Charltons 2nd goal.way 
We should have won but on this occasion the way we played was more important. Crosby clearly has every player fighting for the shirt even in the face of a crippling injury crises
Only real disappointment was the crowd size.
For those unable to attend due to the cost of xmas etc I sympathise 
For those who chose not to attend due to being fare weather fans and not wanting to back the team rain hail or snow then I'm glad you missed one of if not our best games of the season 
UTV see you at Reading 
 
 

Nice one Ian [emoji108] UTV