Irish involvement in the Football League playoffs

**Stuttgart88** · 16/05/2016, 8:39 PM

Originally Posted by geysir

Sounds like all the good stuff happened in the first half, the 2nd half is just hectic, hardly a decent effort on goal.
Based on the 2nd half, Wednesday are fully deserved to hold on to their advantage.

based on the first half you'd say it was a travesty of a result, but Wednesday were comfortable in the second.

**Stuttgart88** · 16/05/2016, 8:42 PM

Originally Posted by SkStu

BBC - picture of Westwood and the words "Is there any way past this man?"

Good save just there alright, after your post!

**geysir** · 16/05/2016, 8:44 PM

That was a good save.

**TrapAPony** · 16/05/2016, 8:55 PM

Originally Posted by SkStu

BBC - picture of Westwood and the words "Is there any way past this man?"

Not that it matters as it will only be for the 3rd choice goalkeeping position but it is pity that when it comes to the Euro selection that O'Neill will go for a League 1 bench warmer ahead of him.

**geysir** · 16/05/2016, 9:05 PM

They showed the first half highlights there and Westwood was excellent, a goalie at his peak. thriving like a pig in muck.

**DannyInvincible** · 16/05/2016, 9:37 PM

Originally Posted by TrapAPony

Not that it matters as it will only be for the 3rd choice goalkeeping position but it is pity that when it comes to the Euro selection that O'Neill will go for a League 1 bench warmer ahead of him.

It's frustrating enough that Westwood is unlikely to be first-choice, but it would be a travesty if he didn't even make the squad ahead of Forde.

**BonnieShels** · 16/05/2016, 10:19 PM

If they get to the EPL there's every chance that he will become a real headache for Monkeano.

Did Richie get his game in the end?

**DeLorean** · 16/05/2016, 10:23 PM

Richie didn't leave the bench. Yeah, hopefully SW get promoted and he's our only PL goalkeeper playing regularly, that should force the issue nicely.

**Fixer82** · 16/05/2016, 10:42 PM

Was McGeady injured? Felt for Towell, thought he would get his chance tonight.

**BonnieShels** · 16/05/2016, 11:08 PM

I as driving and OTB reported in the 65min about how the game had gone Richie was still on the bench. I honestly thought he would get on then. I mean at that stage it was all or nothing.

What is it about Hughton that he goes numb when things are against him? That being said I hope Wednesday get promoted, always had a wee grá for them. And I hope Brighton, finally get up next year. you almost felt that whoever finished third in the Championship would be gassed come the playoffs.

**SwanVsDalton** · 17/05/2016, 1:44 AM

Originally Posted by DannyInvincible

It's frustrating enough that Westwood is unlikely to be first-choice, but it would be a travesty if he didn't even make the squad ahead of Forde.

When it comes to being a third choice, other factors come into play other than simple ability.

The travesty (if that's the right word) is Westwood not going as one or two. Third doesn't come into it for me. And I can't see a proven guy like Westwood travelling happily to help keep two others sharp (nor should he be).

**Charlie Darwin** · 17/05/2016, 1:49 AM

Originally Posted by SwanVsDalton

When it comes to being a third choice, other factors come into play other than simple ability.

The travesty (if that's the right word) is Westwood not going as one or two. Third doesn't come into it for me. And I can't see a proven guy like Westwood travelling happily to help keep two others sharp (nor should he be).

Why not?

**SkStu** · 17/05/2016, 1:57 AM

Originally Posted by Charlie Darwin

Why not?

Who in their right mind is happy to miss 3 to 4 weeks of Sunday mass to be third choice keeper at the Euros?

**Charlie Darwin** · 17/05/2016, 2:20 AM

Originally Posted by SkStu

Who in their right mind is happy to miss 3 to 4 weeks of Sunday mass to be third choice keeper at the Euros?

Not a good Catholic boy, that's for sure. Colour me badd, Stu, you've convinced me!

**Stuttgart88** · 17/05/2016, 7:34 AM

Originally Posted by geysir

They showed the first half highlights there and Westwood was excellent, a goalie at his peak. thriving like a pig in muck.

I'm not putting him down, he had a good game for sure. But he only made two saves of note in the first half, one a weak finish from Wilson (who has a sweet first touch) and another tipped over the bar which was hit at a lovely height for him. I thought he dealt well with some tough in-swingers, showing strength to get something on the ball when he needed to. The 6 yard box was his and he let you know it. Lest we forget, he had one seriously fluffed kick

There is just no comparison between him and Shay in terms of sharpness and agility, and Randolph too. He just looks as if he sees things quicker. But Randolph does look good for us.

EDIT: RTE website headline "Westwood heroics...". Am I being too parsimonious in my praise?

**geysir** · 17/05/2016, 9:20 AM

The last (point blank) save he made diving to his right, is the enduring image, so yeah, Westwood was a heroic catholic boy last night.
There isn't much to choose between him and Randolph but my choice would be for the goalie who plays week in week out.

**OwlsFan** · 17/05/2016, 9:34 AM

Just recovering from the Alamo (the first half anyway). Reminded me of Ireland in Moscow a few years ago. Fingernail stuff and the saves Westwood was asked to make, he did. That's all you can ask of a keeper. Compare that to Stockdale in both games where he should have done better in two of the goals. His kick-outs weren't up to his usual standard and in a crowded box, he isn't too dominant but which keeper is?

As for McGeady, not injured as far as I am aware. The coach picked a defensive set of subs Rather than name McGeady on the bench, he opted for more defensive cover with Jeremy Helan plus the returning Sam Hutchinson. Whether, he'll do that for the Final, where he might need to change things, who knows. His usual option is to bring on man mountain Nuhiu who is Tony Cascarino gone wrong.

**paul_oshea** · 17/05/2016, 9:42 AM

Originally Posted by Stuttgart88

Westwood didn't have much to do but looked the part nonetheless. It's just a body language thing (which Stockdale lacked) and he and Randolph both have it.

They both have body language but one can make agile saves. Body language and looking composed speaks nothing for actually having to do something when its needed.

Given looked composed and assured when stepping up to penalties, he rarely saved one..

Reminded me of Ireland in Moscow a few years ago. Fingernail stuff and the saves Westwood was asked to make, he did. That's all you can ask of a keeper. Compare that to Stockdale in both games where he should have done better in two of the goals. His kick-outs weren't up to his usual standard and in a crowded box, he isn't too dominant but which keeper is?

And thats the only statement that matters, he made the saves he was asked and expected to make, I can't say the same about any of our other keepers, and we have proof of this in the past. We can't afford to have a keeper that doesn't (like stockdale) as we won't have the ability to recover to score the goals required - just like Brighton didn't.