Merview at home

[Bosco]

One thing which the interviewer pointed out was how the lads dropped their heads after the second goal and how she hadn't seen that happen all season. Whatever about the quality of football we've played this season one thing which we seemed to have in abundance was team spirit which is evident considering the amount of late goals we've scored in the first two series of games.

When that second mervue goal went in, the lads just seemed to give up, they knew we weren't going to get the 3 points we needed so they weren't bothered. Even when we were 3-0 down to harps a few months ago the lads never stopped pelting balls into the box in the hope of cathcing something and we were so close in the end from snatching a point.

As bad as Saturday night was and as much as I agree with the majority of what people are saying, a bit of positivity wouldn't go astray. Some people are going a bit over the top with their criticism, saying we won't even make the playoffs when we're joint top with just over one series of games to go.

[outspoken]

One thing which the interviewer pointed out was how the lads dropped their heads after the second goal and how she hadn't seen that happen all season. Whatever about the quality of football we've played this season one thing which we seemed to have in abundance was team spirit which is evident considering the amount of late goals we've scored in the first two series of games.

When that second mervue goal went in, the lads just seemed to give up, they knew we weren't going to get the 3 points we needed so they weren't bothered. Even when we were 3-0 down to harps a few months ago the lads never stopped pelting balls into the box in the hope of cathcing something and we were so close in the end from snatching a point.



I agree with you there I was shocked when the goal went in that all their heads dropped straight away, like you said they knew they need 3 points and the most they could hope for was 1 so they gave up, very disappointing but surely thats where the manager should get up and say to his lads cmon lads heads up keep going we have 15 minutes to get 1 back at least. Instead he just slumps back into his seat and sucks out of his water bottle, its not what you want to see in my opinion.

[ltfc_2004]

So if everyone on here has been screaming for weeks, that we needed some experienced pro's and not under 19's. They should of been in from the start of July. I know the club should not over spend but we could of all but won the league in the last few weeks if we had some quality in the side. What is the ****ing point of waiting till the last 2 days of the transfer window and suddenly going we need a better standard of player.

[outspoken]

So if everyone on here has been screaming for weeks, that we needed some experienced pro's and not under 19's. They should of been in from the start of July. I know the club should not over spend but we could of all but won the league in the last few weeks if we had some quality in the side. What is the ****ing point of waiting till the last 2 days of the transfer window and suddenly going we need a better standard of player.

It's complete and utter panic buying in my opinion. After we signed O'Connor and Gorman we were told no more signings, O'Brien was understandable considering Nkololos injury. Theres no danger of the club throwing silly money at players though I know that for a fact so Cousins better find someone worthwhile or its just a waste of funds.

[Bosco]

I agree with you there I was shocked when the goal went in that all their heads dropped straight away, like you said they knew they need 3 points and the most they could hope for was 1 so they gave up, very disappointing but surely thats where the manager should get up and say to his lads cmon lads heads up keep going we have 15 minutes to get 1 back at least. Instead he just slumps back into his seat and sucks out of his water bottle, its not what you want to see in my opinion.



That is true to be fair. I'm just trying to point out that it not as bad as it could be. The first half performance the other night wasn't that bad, thats the third game in a row we've played relatively well in the first half and just had a complete collapse in the second. Not sure whether this is down to motivation or fitness or what.

Anyway I think the pending outcome of today's case was also a big part in all the despair from the weekend. That's over now leaving us in a good position to kick on from Friday onwards.

[Macy]

That is true to be fair. I'm just trying to point out that it not as bad as it could be. The first half performance the other night wasn't that bad, thats the third game in a row we've played relatively well in the first half and just had a complete collapse in the second. Not sure whether this is down to motivation or fitness or what.
We're also not getting that great a rub of the green with decisions. I know there was plenty of awful defending for their first goal, but it was never a corner in the first place. After Cobh, must have some effect on morale.

[Darklordsbane]

I agreed the midfield weren't great for the first hour Gorman (who I think is only 19) only got 3 passes from his own team that I saw, he has a bit to learn but has good vision when they give him the ball, Gorman might not have got stuck in but at least he hassled them enough to pass sideways or back,
Gillespie got stuck in for 20 mins each half and went missing for the rest, Quinn looked lively when he came on but that was because his team mates gave him the ball as much as possible, the 3rd merv goal came straight through the middle ,
the main problem as I see it is the ball is hoofed away almost all the time by Bennion mind you he was better this weekend he rolled it out maybe 10 times (he should be made watch Pepe Reina's distribution of the ball) the wingers and backs seem happy to stop running and accept a throw in,
I think the only player who can hold his head up high after that debacle is Davy (20 goals) O Sullivan fair play to him he runs himself into the ground and give his all every match
Very mixed bag

[L.T.F.C.]

O'Sullivan has scored 20 goals this season? Wow...

[Longfordian]

O'Sullivan has scored 20 goals this season? Wow...

Yeah and it's not just his goals that impress me every time I see him, he's just an all round excellent footballer and so bloody fast with it. Wonderful signing, can't believe he never got a proper crack at LOI until now.

[outspoken]

You really have to wonder though what we can do in the market in just 2 days unless these are players hes been in contact with before now?

[Martinho II]

this was my first game in six weeks.. fair enough i wasnt there in the first half but in the second half there were some shockin decisions made by the ref... I couldnt believe the lack of fighting spirit.. I thought that Gillespie was poor in the second half, as for that wasterer Ebbe what on earth is he doing here?
I also think Cousins was wrong to let Philip Coffey and to have Chris Deans as backroom staff along with Gary Cronin is a shocking decision to say the least!
At least Waterford are saved so it is all in our own hands.. but Cousins better get his act 2gether or else..

[rossi_eire]

It was an extremely disappointing night. We have decent players and it was a pity to see players like Purdy, Quinn and Doyle on the bench. Shaw should not be playing. He has become an outlet for our long ball game and seems to be deployed on the touchline preventing these balls drifting over the sideline.
The withdrawal of McDonagh (injured?) led to a reshuffle at the back with the inexperienced Gorman deployed at RB. This proved disastrous as Mervue's second goal demonstrated. Haverty is such an important player for us.

I agree with Bosco and Outspoken on the lack of positivity. The loss of Salmon (who was at the match) has had a serious impact on our results. We lack leadership and increasingly discipline.

I thoroughly enjoyed our goal.It was sublime. Tracey's cross and Sullivan's headed finish were quality. It's such a pity we never press on and look for a second when we're in the ascendancy. Roddy, who left at 1-1, would have enjoyed the match updates on his way home.

[outspoken]

I agree with you on the back roomstaff Martinho that goal we conceded from the corner would have never happened under Coffey! Is Deans officially on the backroom staff? All I see him doing is running around the pitch before that game! Bit harsh on Ebbe he's got serious pace as he showed against Celtic but he never got 1 ball into his patch against Mervue, everything was lumped over his head because they are so use to Shaw saving the ball from going over the line! Lets see players play in their proper positions from now on I say then we can judge them!

[Macy]

I also think that's a bit harsh on Ebbe - didn't really make sense to me looking at him (haven't seen him play) wide right. He looked a bit lost, and he didn't get a decent ball either. He did nothing, but can't really put the blame on him - all reports have him playing in the centre, either midfield or up front.

[Longfordian]

What is he, 19? It was only his second or third appearance for us too. Much too early to be labelling him a waster.

[Bosco]

Agree on the points about Ebbe as well, he's young and has had very little game time for us so far, certainly not enough to give a proper opinion on him. Also considering he's been coming on for Shaw who as far as im concerned has done next to nothing this season I think its a bit harsh.

[fitzpatrick10]

But without shaw whos going to head down the long balls ...

[Bosco]

Nearly every hoof upfield seems to be directed towards Sully these days who to his credit is very good at winning balls in the air but im not sure what they expect of him.

[Martinho II]

fair enough I was extremely harsh on Ebbe. If I go to more matches maybe my opinion will change of him.. I was told that Deans is part of the backroom staff from someone in the club...

[Longfordian]

Yeah Deans was sitting beside TC and Gary Cronin and walked out discussing things with them after half time too. In fairness none of us really know what any of them do. You'd imagine two very experienced defenders would have an idea how to sort out the defence though. 3 clean sheets in the league all season is terrible. 7 let in in our last two games.