Prague 2 : City 0

**Fair_play_boy** · 16/09/2005, 11:34 PM

Even though Slavia are bigger and rougher than us, we showed that we could create scoring chances, and that was when we were playing well below our potential, missing our manager, and on a larger pitch.
With the home venue, the capacity crowd, Rico hopefully on the sideline, and the tighter pitch, I think we are well able to score against them. If we are first to score, it is anybody's game after that.
City will probably be at very generous odds with the bookies. I have a hunch that this is one game where a gamble on city is worthwhile.
As for selection, I would put Behan up front instead of Flynnie. He is a big lad who will take no sh1t from the Czech heavies. I don't know if Roy was really to blame for not covering back. The Czech counter attacks were so fast, all he had to do was be on the wrong foot, and they had a three yard advantage to begin with. Much as I admired Georgie's fancy moves, Colin might be the better man for that position, as I can't see him allowing their midfield to come through like the Lee in flood. With that position more secure, Hoggie will not be under so much pressure.
Overall, I am encouraged by City's performance. This was not a moral victory or anything like that. Slavia deserved to win. But with a bit of luck on September 29th we could witness something historic at the cross.
Right now, my biggest concern is the danger of a post-Slavia slump in form against Longford at the weekend.

**�anna** · 19/09/2005, 8:58 PM

Originally Posted by superfrank

It was Roy O'Donovan not tracking back. It got really dangerous when Neale Horgan went forward too.

spot on. didn't help that joe gamble had a very ppor game by his own very high standards.

**�anna** · 19/09/2005, 8:59 PM

Originally Posted by Shelsman

Can't agree with you. I agree with wws on this, Kearney dived and was looking for a free kick - there may have been some contact but the fact that he had cried wolf before by looking for free kicks ( like Duffer ) meant the ref wasn't going to give it, especially as Kearney made the most of it.

I don't think he dived. Having been there and seen it on video after, I think he actually tripped over.

**�anna** · 19/09/2005, 9:00 PM

IMO 3-1 would have been about right, and it would have been a better scoreline for us too. We didn't play anywhere near as well as we can play, and too many people had a bad day at the office. That said, we're still in it. If we go into half time 1-0 up at the cross, we've a great chance.